The group travels to Metal City, the home of the mysterious Guardians (moribito). Katsushiro was injured by one of Ukyo's men, and the group rests with Honoka’s, a girl who works for the guardians. But, when the Nobuseri arrive to do business with the Guardians, the samurai decide not to interfere because the Guardians' business is protected by treaty. Rikichi and Kikuchiyo refuse to stand idly by.