Visitor From the Darkness... The Kurogasa Appears.

"This food sucks." A peaceful lunch made by Kaoru at the Kamiya Dojo with an unexpected guest, Sanosuke, is suddenly ruined when Sano tells the truth, saying Kaoru's food is terrible. Kaoru begins throwing food at the disrespectful leech. Luckily, Sanosuke uses Kenshin as his shield. After Kenshin is beamed in the head half a dozen times, another unexpected guest arrives, the police chief from a few days ago. The chief apologizes for the sudden intrusion, and for the other day, but he has a favor to ask Kenshin. A serial killer named the Kurogasa has been killing Ishin Government officials for the past ten years, and all that is needed to end his streak is the assistance of Kenshin. Kenshin is hesitant of the idea, but he agrees to help out this time.

The Kurogasa arrives on time. One of the government officials named Tani is the one chosen as the Kurogasa's next target. Tani has hired many swordsman to protect him, and in return, agreed to pay them a lot of money. Kenshin isn't working for money, however. The same goes for Sano, who followed Kenshin to the mansion, just for thrills. Midnight strikes, and the Kurogasa appears right on time. Before any police officer is able to fire at him, the serial killer kills them. Tani fears for his life as the bodyguards for him wait behind closed doors. Kenshin and Sano wait right behind the door, but to their surprise, the Kurogasa sneaks in through one of the room's windows.

Kenshin vs. Kurogasa, who'll win this one? Tani announces that he'll pay his hired guns double if they kill the Kurogasa. A few foolish men charge forth, but are killed mercilessly. Using a strange technique, the Kurogasa is able to paralyze everyone in the room. Sanosuke, using his incredible stamina begins to move first, so the Kurogasa chooses him to the be first to do. Kenshin won't allow such an action to take place, as he reveals that he was the only one not paralyzed. The technique the Kurogasa used is one that paralyzes people with their own fear. Already, Kenshin knows the identity of the Kurogasa; his real name is Udou Jin'e. The Kurogasa analyzes Kenshin, quickly identifying him as the legendary Hitokiri Battousai. The two begin their swordfight, and a few minutes into it, Kenshin's sleeve is cut. Jin'e is quite disappointed with Kenshin, so he makes a deal with the former Battousai. For now, the Kurogasa allows Tani to be spared, but he wishes to fight the Hitokiri Battousai. With that challenge issued, Jin'e disappears.

The Kurogasa's kidnapped Kaoru! The next morning, Sano tells Kaoru, who didn't sleep all night because she was worried about Kenshin, and Yahiko, that Kenshin has decided to go off, alone, to focus and try to revive the Hitokiri in him. Kaoru runs off to find him, explaining that she can't lose Kenshin just yet. Yahiko and Sano run after her, but Kaoru is way too fast for them. Under the bridge, by the stream is where Kaoru finds Kenshin. Kaoru insists that she'll stay with Kenshin, whatever the case. Kenshin fears for Kaoru's safety, but then, he is given Kaoru's favorite ribbon. Kaoru explains that if Kenshin loses her ribbon, she'll hate him forever. Having no choice, Kenshin accepts the item and agrees to give it back. Suddenly, the Kurogasa passes by on a boat, taking Kaoru in the process. Evil intentions are built up in Jin'e, who provokes Kenshin to become the Battousai once again in order to face him, or else his "girlfriend" suffers.