The conflict between the Shinsengumi and imperialist forces breaks out into the Boshin War. During the Battle of Toba–Fushimi, Inoue is brutally killed in front of Chizuru. Kazama appears and kills Inoue's murderers. Hijikata engages Kazama in battle, believing that he killed Inoue. During the fight, Hijikata drinks Ochimizu and becomes a Rasetsu to better his odds of victory. Yamazaki steps in knowing that Hijikata has no chance of winning and is grievously wounded when trying to stop Hijikata. The fierce battle ends abruptly when Amagiri comes to collect Kazama. In the aftermath, the Shinsengumi bury Inoue before departing by ship for Edo. En route, Yamazaki succumbs to his wounds and is buried at sea.