The Guardian, Kurama Tengu, is in pursuit of a mysterious group of assassins known as the Sangakuto and heads to the villa of a Buddha carver named Imamura. Here he witnesses the wealthy merchant proprietor of Mishimaya leaving the premises. Then suddenly Shiragiku is captured and held hostage by the Sangakuto, which sends a ransom note to the Kurama Tengu for the purpose of drawing him out. At the same time, another ransom note is sent to Kondo Isami, the head of the Shinsengumi. Having been brought together to the same place, the Kurama Tengu and Kondo are both attacked by the Sangakuto.