Shock! Sakabatou Broken...
Soujirou the Heavenly Sword versus Kenshin.

Soujirou plans to keep Kenshin "entertained". Misao and Eiji are brought out of their hiding place, thanks to an observant Saitou. Shishio doesn't comment on the two new onlookers, but instead prepares to leave via a secret passageway with Yumi. Shishio is leaving because he feels Kenshin won't be much of a challenge as a rurouni. The only way he'd be interested in fighting Kenshin is if he turns back into the Hitokiri Battousai. With that said, Shishio tosses his sword to Soujirou and departs.

Clash of the swords; their speed is the same! Kenshin and Soujirou stand face-to-face. Usually, Kenshin can read his opponent to predict their next move, but with Soujirou, it's near impossible. No feelings are built up inside; it's like Soujirou is empty. Having no other choice, Kenshin sheathes the Sakabatou and places his hand over the butt of his sword. Soujirou mimics the rurouni either out of mockery or flattery. With lightning speed, both Kenshin and Soujirou draw and strike. The speed of the two are equal, but it is Kenshin's Sakabatou that breaks. Kenshin cannot believe it, even though he did crack Soujirou's weapon as well, making it unable to be used.

Eiji looks on at Senkaku with thoughts of vengeance. Soujirou leaves, following Shishio's path, wishing to fight Kenshin again in a real battle next time when he obtains a new sword. Even if he had lost his prized sword, Kenshin had accomplished his goal, driving out Shishio's men from the Shingetsu Village. Eiji looks down at Senkaku, who's still alive. With anger in his mind, Eiji hoists his brother's katana in the air and strikes down, but it is Saitou who prevents him from killing Shishio's underling. Saitou wants to drag some secrets out of Senkaku himself. Eiji still wishes to kill the man who murdered his family, so it takes Kenshin to do some convincing. Kenshin explains that Eiji's brother's katana was not meant for killing, but for protecting. If it would kill Senkaku, Eiji would destroy the sword's purpose. He believes that Eiji's brother does not want revenge, but for Eiji to be happy. Eiji understands what Kenshin is saying and drops the cracked katana.

Will the hitokiri be revived? Shingetsu Village's peace has returned; no longer are they afraid of the "ruler" Senkaku. As for Shishio, he has plans to assemble his secret army, the Juppon Gatana. Saitou and Eiji depart from Kenshin and Misao's company. Saitou is taking Eiji to his wife so he can be watched over by her. The road to Kyoto must be walked on once again. Kenshin and Misao jump back on track; Kenshin with hopes of obtaining a new sword and Misao with hopes of returning back home. However, Kenshin is afraid that in Kyoto, with Shishio being a big threat, he might have to revive the Hitokiri living in him.