Appare, Al, and Jing set off for the next stage but come upon a group of other competitors who have been attacked by men on horseback. The only survivor is Richard Reaseman, left alive by the men wearing snake tattoos to warn the others that everyone in the race will die. Surprisingly, Appare decides to go after them and Al and Jing agree. Hototo tracks the killers to an unfriendly small town, but after a short investigation, they find themselves surrounded by Gil's armed men. The group tries to fight their way out but are beaten and captured, except for Kosame who could not draw his sword and is left lying in the street...