3. The Futility Dance

Sosuke becomes an assassin after being ordered by Kamezasa to kill Shino. The two warriors, however, soon realize the extent to which fate has connected them, and make a pledge of brotherhood. As for Hamaji, she learns that her hand in marriage has been promised to the jindai, Higami Kyuroku. Deeply in love with Shino and despondent over this news, Hamaji decides to kill herself, but is saved at the last minute by Samojiro Aboshi, who later reveals to her his true nature as an evil sorcerer and sets upon Hamaji himself. Hamaji's subsequent rescuer turns out to be her long lost brother, Dosetsu Inuyama, from whom she was separated at birth.