Though it cost the lives of five of Takuan's disciples, Ofue and Ochie have escaped Aizu Domain. Meanwhile, Takuan makes his way into the enemy's lair in an attempt to outfox Ashina Dôhaku. But the nefarious mastermind of the Ashina clan has something up his sleeve that Takuan never could have imagined! What is the shocking truth Ochie and Ofue learn in Edo? What is the secret that Takuan Sôhô, the most celebrated priest in the world, saw with his own eyes? And what fate will befall Jyûbei as he's placed in a predicament beyond his wildest imagination?