Raijuuta's Desire. Vision of a Forbidden Empire.

Will Kenshin be the instructor of Yutarou? The Kenshin Gumi accompanied by Ayame, Suzume, and Megumi arrive in Izu where they meet Doctor Genzai's sister to spend a relaxing vacation in the country. Along the way, Genzai's sister meets up with the group and shows them a magnificent mansion. The European like home belongs to a boy named Yutarou, whose parents had passed away when he was an infant, but now owns the mansion and the entire land. Genzai's sister brings them to Yutarou's palace and the first thing that is heard is Yutarou demanding that one of his servants find him an instructor who is as strong as his father to train him. When Yutarou spots the group, he welcomes them all, mainly because Doctor Genzai's sister makes such good food for him. Immediately, Genzai's sister introduces the boy to Kenshin. Although she does not know Kenshin's name yet, she is aware that he is a good swordsman. Yutarou seems pleased, but in demanding tone of voice, he asks that Kenshin prove his worthiness if he is to become his instructor.

Kaoru shows her strength. Everyone follows Yutarou to a room where the boy commands that Kenshin cut down the chandelier because at age fifteen, Yutarou's father could do such a task. Kenshin declines the challenge, admitting that he doesn't want to be an instructor of anyone. Yutarou bribes Kenshin, which enrages Yahiko so much as to tackle down the owner of the land. After Yahiko belittles Yutarou, saying he is not worthy to learn any Budo, Kaoru breaks up the conflict quickly. Kaoru apologizes for Yahiko's sake, but has to agree with the fiesty boy about the words he sad. In a mix of anger and sadness, Yutarou leaves when one of his servants calls him for horsemanship practice.

This stranger can kill. Yutarou rides his horse far ahead of his servant, but suddenly, his horse is tripped by a rope stretched out in the middle of the path. Yutarou takes a nasty spill and is surrounded by a group of thugs. Quickly, his servant turns around and rides back to the mansion to call for help. Yutarou is soon tied up. These thugs just want money and they plan to get it by putting a ransom on the boy. However, a mysterious, rather thick man appears and begins to completely obliterate the thugs. By time the Kenshin Gumi can arrive on the scene, this man has killed a couple of the thugs. Kenshin stops his killing spree by knocking the sword out of his hand with a rock. With Yutarou now safe, the only thing the boy says is that the strange savior resembles his father.

A little present from sensei. It is announced by Yutarou that the man, Isurugi Raijuuta, will be staying at his mansion and will train him in Budo. Raijuuta, however, doesn't train Yutarou much. He gives the boy a sword and tells him that he shall train to become a member of the Shinko Ryuu, along with his other four companions. As for the Kenshin Gumi, they enjoy their time at the hot springs of Izu. Genzai's sister catches the group up with the happenings of Yutarou, explaining the things that have happened since Raijuuta has moved in. When the name Shinko Ryuu is mentioned by the old woman, Kenshin reacts immediately, saying he must save Yutarou.

This is why you never hang out by cliffs over streams. That evening, Kenshin meets with Yutarou, who's training alone with the heavy sword Raijuuta gave him, near a cliff hanging over a raging stream. Before Kenshin tries to convince Yutarou to leave Raijuuta's side, Raijuuta and the Shinko Ryuu appears. Yutarou is ordered by Raijuuta to leave. The boy does so, but hides behind a few rocks and watches on. Finally, Raijuuta reveals the truth to Kenshin. He and the Shinko Ryuu wish to build their own empire, one where swordsmen are all welcomed, because the Meiji Government is trying to change the only way of life they know how to live. Already, Raijuuta knows of Kenshin's past, so he asks that Kenshin join the Shinko Ryuu as the Hitokiri Battousai. Without hesitation, Kenshin refuses Raijuuta's offer, explaining his new style of life. Obviously, the four men of the Shinko Ryuu don't take no for an answer; they attack Kenshin because he now knows too much. As the fight ensues, Kenshin manages to knock the sword out of a member of the Shinko Ryuu's hands. The sword goes flying towards Yutarou, knocking him off of the surface and into the stream. With Kenshin now pinned to the ground because of the distraction, there looks to be no hope for Yutarou.