The next morning, Kenshin finds himself tied up, Sakabatou taken away. Shura's ship soon docks on the pirates' island. There, a brief meeting is held, in which a few of the pirates suggest raiding a nearby island. Shura disagrees with their plans and reminds them of the rules they live by. The Senbonya was only raided because Senbonya himself had ties to the black market. It's been a while since they've been home, so Shura tells her men to rest. One of the bigger men, Ginjo, first wants to see some bloodshed from their newly acquired prisoner. Gekki, one of the other pirates, tries to stab Kenshin with his sword, but Shura prevents him from doing so. The leader of the pirates claims to kill their prisoner herself later. With the dispute somewhat settled, everyone heads off on their own way.

"Can't do it, huh?"

Kenshin is left behind with Shura and a rather young and quiet pirate named Sarujiro. Shura sets Kenshin free from his binds and hands him his sword, demanding that they have a another bout. Kenshin wishes not to fight Shura because he cannot harm the person who saved Kaoru, so would rather accept the punishment of death. Although Shura tries, she can't seem to kill the prisoner. Kenshin's sword is once again taken away and he is left to watch by Sarujiro high up on a mountain cliff for the remainder of the day, as Shura claims that she will carry out his execution the following day.

Later that night, Gekki alerts Ginjo of what he found in the Senbonya's cargo - opium. Now that they have discovered his secret, Ginjo takes a ship out with a few other pirates to Senbonya's place, where they practically force the dealer to come along and give them money and firearms or else. From there on, Ginjo proclaims himself to be the new leader of the Kairyu, since many others agree that Shura is just no fun to have as leader. It just so happens that Kaoru, Yahiko, and Sanosuke were staying nearby Senbonya's. Yahiko had spotted the pirates, leading up to himself and the other two to sneak aboard their ship, catching a free ride to Kenshin. Unfortunately, their presence is eventually discovered, but not recognized until later.

Kenshin saves Shura

Back on the island, Shura decides to pay Kenshin a visit. She asks him what kind of person Kaoru is, since he's willing to die for her. Kenshin answers that Kaoru is a strong-willed person, and a little lonely, almost like Shura herself. Before the conversation gets any deeper, an explosion is heard at the docks. Once the pirates who returned from visiting Senbonya unloaded the cargo, they left a little present for the "rats" that had snuck aboard. Shura goes to investigate the situation and Kenshin follows after managing to escape from his bindings with ease. A little down the mountain path, the two are blocked by a group of pirates bearing weapons. Shura's own men have no hesitation in attacking their own leader, since their minds have been brainwashed by Ginjo. Kenshin manages to fend them off without his Sakabatou, but Gekki appears out of no where and tries to snipe Shura. His accuracy is thrown off a bit thanks to Kenshin, yet, he still manages to wound Shura's leg. Immediately, Kenshin picks up Shura and darts off, leaping off a ledge and into the seas, the only haven from the rebellious pirates.