Shishio sends a dueling challenge directed at Kenshin, Hajime, and Sanosuke. The duel is to be held the next day on Mt. Hiei, northeast half way up the mountain in a small shrine with a six-storied torii. At Shishio's fortress, Hoji proposes a strategy to Shishio for an "absolute victory," when the Ten Swords assemble there.... And on the night before the duel, Kaoru ...