Hiroaki Samura's titanic tale hits its midpoint, and Rin begins to discover her skills as a warrior and strategist, as she makes new allies and resolves to find the missing Manji. Her immortal swordsman is imprisoned and being tortured in an underground stronghold beneath Edo Castle, however, and cruel doctors hope to find the secret behind his mystical powers. Collects volumes 16, 17, 18, and 19.