With Ukyo hot on their trail, Kambei and the others visit his "old wife", his friend and battle companion, Shichiroji, at an inn in the city of Kougakyo ("Respite"), a lawless sanctuary outside the Magistrate's power. When Ukyo and the hunters track Kikuchiyo there, Shichiroji tells them of a secret passage they can use to escape. He leaves his girlfriend to once again fight at Kambei's side.