#iwatooshi

At Honmaru, Kogitsunemaru performs for the Saniwa. He retells the legend of his forging: with the guidance of a divine fox, Sanjo Munechika forges a divine sword. Munechika's name is engraved on the front, while the little fox leaves its name on the back.

The Saniwa thanks Kogitsunemaru for his performance and asks if he has seen Mikazuki Munechika lately. Kogitsunemaru admits that he hasn't and asks if anything is bothering the Saniwa, since he usually asks for a performance when something is weighing on his mind. The Saniwa reveals that two new Touken Danshi, Higekiri and Hizamaru, joined their Honmaru. Kogitsunemaru has heard about them and wonders if they are the cause of the Saniwa's concern. The Saniwa says it's because of Imanotsurugi, and Kogitsunemaru understands it's because of their links to the Genji clan. He agrees to the Saniwa's request to keep an eye on Imanotsurugi.

Meanwhile, Iwatooshi and Imanotsurugi are rehearsing a play about their former masters. They reenact the story of their first meeting: Benkei, who collected 999 weapons, is looking for a warrior to take his blade as his 1000th. A feminine figure approaches him, but he quickly realizes it is a disguise: it's actually a boy named Ushiwakamaru! Benkei is impressed with his fighting skills and proclaims he will take his weapon. The two fight, but it is Ushiwakamaru who ends up victorious.

The two actors are happy with their performance. Imanotsurugi asks if it is time to show it to others, but Iwatooshi says they aren't done with Yoshitsune's story yet. Kogitsunemaru approaches them and compliments their play. Iwatooshi invites Kogitsunemaru to join them, but Kogitsunemaru declines because he has farming duties. He reveals that two newcomers appeared in the Honmaru; Imanotsurugi is eager to meet them, but Iwatooshi reminds him they aren't finished with their play. The next scene is "The Subscription List", a scene Imanotsurugi finds difficult. Iwatooshi encourages him; after all, they matured after their Atsukashiyama mission, so there is nothing they can't do now. Imanotsurugi agrees and, after he climbs on Iwatooshi's shoulders, the two leave.

Mikazuki joins Kogitsunemaru and wonders if the latter overthinks things. Kogitsunemaru worries about Imanotsurugi's reaction to meeting the Genji swords, but Mikazuki believes he copes well with his feelings towards Minamoto no Yoshitsune, even acting out plays based on his life. Their conversation is interrupted by Higekiri. The three swords introduce themselves; Mikazuki points out that this is the first time they have met, but Higekiri isn't entirely sure because of his faulty memory. To the bewilderment of Kogitsunemaru, the two quickly strike up a rapport over their similarities, and Mikazuki even offers Higekiri a sweet. While they are having a little break, Hizamaru catches up to his brother. He knows who Mikazuki and Kogitsunemaru are, but when Higekiri tries to introduce his brother, he fails to remember his name. Hizamaru explains that they are newcomers, and Mikazuki suggests that if they have any problems, they should ask Kogitsunemaru for help since Kogitsunemaru is attentive to others. Hizamaru tells Higekiri that the Saniwa is calling them and, after Higekiri makes sure he remembers the others' names, the two leave. Mikazuki notes that they seem to be easy to get along with and that if Kogitsunemaru keeps getting worried, his fur will lose its luster. Kogitsunemaru agrees, but becomes exasperated when he notices that Mikazuki quietly left, because the two of them are supposed to be on farming duties.

The Genji swords tell the Saniwa their legends: how their names have changed many times, how they got their current names, and how they even fought against supernatural threats. The Saniwa asks them about their impressions of Honmaru. They like it and assure the Saniwa that they are used to changing hands, so they don't have any trouble with adapting to the new environment. By now, Higekiri has forgotten Mikazuki's and Kogitsunemaru's names, but Hizamaru reminds him. Mikazuki left a good impression on Higekiri; he finds him dignified. The Saniwa apologizes because he needs to send them on a mission despite their recent arrival, but the Genjis are perfectly fine with that. He adds that there are two secret orders that he will tell them in private, one of which concerns Mikazuki. Kogitsunemaru notices their leave, but doesn't approach.

Under the waning morning moon, Mikazuki meets with conflicted Imanotsurugi. Mikazuki recognizes that he has met Iwatooshi in this situation before, but back then Iwatooshi was anguished, while Imanotsurugi is more wistful. Mikazuki asks if Imanotsurugi wants to see Minamoto no Yoshitsune again, but Imanotsurugi isn't sure. After all, he caused a lot of problems last time, although Mikazuki reassures him that no one found it troublesome. Imanotsurugi wonders if there was anything he could have done differently; even if Yoshitsune's fate would still be tragic, perhaps he could have done more for him. Mikazuki suggests that he wanted Yoshitsune to find salvation, and Imanotsurugi agrees. However, Imanotsurugi decides that he doesn't want to meet his former master again, because that would mean that once more the course of history would be disrupted.

Iwatooshi comes to take Imanotsurugi to his room, and the two leave. In their stead, the Genji swords arrive to watch the moon. Mikazuki excuses himself and goes to bed, and Hizamaru notes that they are almost acting like spies. Higekiri instead thinks that they were entrusted with watching Mikazuki because they are new, so their perspective is more neutral. Hizamaru notes that, despite his relaxed demeanor, Mikazuki was on full alert. Higekiri isn't interested in discussing Mikazuki and instead admires the moon. He wonders if the parts of the moon he can't see are still there. Hizamaru says he doesn't believe in things he can't see, while Higekiri keeps wondering if there are things these invisible parts are illuminating or if it's true darkness. After the two leave, it's revealed that Kogitsunemaru overheard their conversation. He questions just what Mikazuki has done to have the Saniwa keep tabs on him.

Next day, Iwatooshi and Imanotsurugi continue to rehearse their play. In "The Subscription List" scene, Benkei is supposed to beat Yoshitsune to convince the border guard that he isn't his lord, but Iwatooshi can't bring himself to attack Imanotsurugi. The Genjis see their argument, and Hizamaru reminds Higekiri about their orders. The four swords introduce themselves and conflicted Iwatooshi leaves, followed by confused Imanotsurugi. The Genjis note that Iwatooshi probably realized his nature, but, before they can discuss it further, they are summoned by the Saniwa.

The Saniwa forms a new team: Imanotsurugi, Iwatooshi, Mikazuki, Kogitsunemaru, Higekiri and Hizamaru. Kogitsunemaru questions why the Genjis are sent on a mission so soon after manifesting, and Iwatooshi supports his concerns. The Saniwa reveals that their memories will be useful in the next mission: the team is going to the end of the Heian period and will stay in the past until the early Kamakura. The enemy will likely try to prevent the formation of the Kamakura shogunate, so there is a good chance they will run into Yoshitsune again. Imanotsurugi requests to be appointed the captain, and the Saniwa assures him it was his intention from the start.

8 September 1180, Izu, Hojo residence. Exiled Minamoto no Yoritomo receives an edict from Prince Mochihito to crush the Heike clan. It's been 20 years since his father was killed by the Heike, and now he can finally avenge him.

The Touken Danshi arrive to the past. Higekiri thinks this place is familiar, but he isn't sure. After all, he is 1000 years old, though Hizamaru points out that everyone on this team is this old and their memories aren't as messed up. Mikazuki thinks it is fine since no one can prove what happened 1000 years ago. Their conversation is cut short by the HRA. Imanotsurugi wants the team to protect the newbies, but the two choose to fight on the front lines because they are priceless treasures of the Genji clan. After the skirmish, Imanotsurugi is excited to learn that they used to belong to the same clan as him, though he doesn't fully understand what "priceless treasure" means. Mikazuki asks Kogitsunemaru what he thinks their next move should be. Kogitsunemaru explains that if the enemy wants to prevent the formation of the Kamakura shogunate, they will likely either kill Yoritomo or meddle with the story of Yoshitsune. If either of them dies, the first shogunate won't be established, and the age of warriors may never come to be. Imanotsurugi and Mikazuki decide to split the team: Mikazuki, Imanotsurugi and Hizamaru go to Yoshitsune's side; the rest go to Yoritomo's. Imanotsurugi is surprised to learn that Higekiri used to belong to Yoritomo and wonders if they have met in the past. Kogitsunemaru asks Mikazuki why they aren't on the same team, and Mikazuki says he simply wants to have a reliable person on the other side. Higekiri agrees that the current split is the best and demonstrates that, for example, the Higekiri-Kogitsunemaru-Mikazuki split wouldn't be as optimal. In the end, everyone agrees to their teams. The Yoshitsune team heads to Oshu, and Iwatooshi tells Imanotsurugi to be careful.

Hiraizumi, Kyara Residence. Fujiwara no Yasuhira brings to Yoshitsune the news that Yoritomo is raising an army. Yoshitsune has never met his brother, but he believes they share their sentiments towards the Heike. Yasuhira warns Yoshitsune that Prince Mochihito was killed (20 June 1180), and Yoritomo suffered a defeat in the battle of Ishibashiyama (14 September 1180) but managed to escape. Yoshitsune tells Benkei they need to join Yoritomo as soon as possible. Yasuhira offers to go with them since he considers Yoshitsune as close as his brother, but Yoshitsune declines. Yasuhira is an heir to his clan; if he joins the war on the side of the Genji and they lose, it will give the Heike an opportunity to invade his lands. Yasuhira agrees to stay behind, but asks Yoshitsune to come back to Hiraizumi after the war is over. After agreeing to Yasuhira's request, Yoshitsune and Benkei leave to prepare for their departure.

Imanotsurugi's team fights off HRA. Hizamaru notes that Hiraizumi feels nostalgic, but, after seeing Imanotsurugi's surprised reaction, he corrects that he missed the atmosphere of this time period in general. Hizamaru tries to ask Imanotsurugi about him and Yoshitsune, but decides against it. He then notices that Mikazuki is gone.

Yasuhira's worries about Yoshitsune are interrupted by Mikazuki, who sees right through his feelings. Mikazuki calls himself "a friend" even though Yasuhira has never met him. Mikazuki says it's alright to not remember him; after all, his Honmaru has a person like that as well. Yasuhira tries to attack Mikazuki, but instead of fighting back, Mikazuki tries to give him a lotus flower. While Mikazuki talks about lotus symbolism, Yasuhira leaves and the rest of the team catches up. Hizamaru asks Mikazuki what he has been up to, and Mikazuki answers that he was picking flowers. Imanotsurugi tells him that Yoshitsune left to join Yoritomo, and the three follow after him.

Suruga Province, Fuji River. Kogitsunemaru and Iwatooshi observe the forces of the Genji and the Heike clans that are at a stalemate. Iwatooshi is worried about Imanotsurugi, and Kogitsunemaru offers to hear him out. Iwatooshi asks if Kogitsunemaru has ever questioned his existence. He wonders why the Saniwa has sent them on this mission and why he let the Genji swords near Imanotsurugi. Kogitsunemaru can't answer his questions, but states that he believes in the Saniwa's judgement. Iwatooshi gets angry because he doesn't want to see Imanotsurugi hurt, but Kogitsunemaru tells him it is something he needs to accept. Iwatooshi excuses himself and leaves, while Kogitsunemaru muses about how at times like this he can't follow the way the Saniwa thinks and wonders what Mikazuki did to have the Genjis watch him.

Higekiri joins Kogitsunemaru and shares his impression that the enemies will attack tonight. While his memories are a little fuzzy, he is pretty sure that Yoritomo and Yoshitsune will meet tomorrow (10 November 1180), and the enemies might try to prevent their meeting. As Higekiri expects, they are attacked by the HRA. During the fight, Mikazuki joins their team since Yoshitsune is pretty close. Once they are finished, a flock of waterfowl flies away, leading to the Heike mistaking the sound of the wings for an attack and retreating.

Kise River. A man demands a meeting with Yoritomo. A servant wants to send him away, but Yoritomo wonders if it is his half-brother. Benkei forces their way through, and Yoshitsune and Yoritomo have a tearful first meeting. Hizamaru is glad to see the brothers getting along. Higekiri asks if he told Imanotsurugi about his nature, but Hizamaru couldn't bring himself to reveal something like that. Higekiri then asks about Mikazuki, and Hizamaru complains that they had to chase him the whole time. Hizamaru wonders what it is that bothers the Saniwa, and Higekiri guesses that perhaps he fears that Mikazuki has sliced more than he should.

Iwatooshi approaches the Genjis to ask them for a favour: he doesn't want them to hurt Imanotsurugi. Iwatooshi reveals he understands that he and Imanotsurugi most likely didn't exist in history. Back during the Atsukashiyama mission, he noticed that Benkei wasn't wielding him, and now that the Genji swords are there, he has realized he has no memories of them. Hizamaru used to belong to Yoshitsune, yet Iwatooshi has never met him. He asks the Genjis not to tell Imanotsurugi about his nature, and the Genjis assure him that it's not their intention to hurt anyone. While the Saniwa did give them secret orders, it was merely to watch over Imanotsurugi because he is worried about him. With the misunderstanding cleared, Hizamaru asks Iwatooshi to tell him about his memories of their former masters, and the three agree to fight together from now on (even though Higekiri continues forgetting Hizamaru's name). Kogitsunemaru once again watches over the group but doesn't say anything.

After Yoritomo and Yoshitsune reunited, the tides of war turned in Genji's favour. On 20 March 1184, Yoshitsune won the Battle of Ichi-no-Tani by attacking from the mountain ridge. On 22 March 1185, the Battle of Yashima, with it's famous display of archery by Nasu no Yoichi, transpired. Finally, on 25 April 1185, the naval Battle of Dan-no-ura ended in decisive victory for the Genji.

The Touken Danshi discuss that while the war has ended, the conflict between the brothers is about to start. Iwatooshi is worried about Imanotsurugi, but Imanotsurugi assures him he is fine since he has already seen it. Suddenly, Hizamaru notices that Mikazuki isn't with them. After the rest of the team goes to look for him, Higekiri gets a strange vision. In it, Mikazuki calls himself "a friend", Yoritomo is about to attack him with his sword, and Mikazuki offers him to listen to a story. After the vision ends, Higekiri understands what's going on.

Kamakura. Under a crescent moon, Yoritomo receives the news that the Heike lost the Battle of Dan-no-ura. Now that his father is avenged, Yoritomo eagerly awaits his brother's return to celebrate. Mikazuki approaches alert Yoritomo and calls himself "a friend". Yoritomo doesn't know him and takes out his sword in self-defense. Mikazuki easily disarms him, and, even though he recognizes the sword, he proceeds with his goals. He isn't here to hurt Yoritomo, but rather to tell him a story about a talented brother and his jealous brother.

Kogitsunemaru thinks about the fulfillment of their mission and his loyalty to the Saniwa. Mikazuki joins him, and Kogitsunemaru asks where he has been. Mikazuki answers he was watching over Yoritomo since there is a chance of him getting attacked by HRA. Mikazuki notes that something is bothering Kogitsunemaru, and Kogitsunemaru asks him not to act by himself. Kogitsunemaru isn't in the mood for Mikazuki's elusive answers and warns him not to act against the Saniwa's orders. After Mikazuki leaves, Kogitsunemaru swears that if Mikazuki goes too far, he will kill him.

Koshigoe, Manpuki-ji Temple. Excited Yoshitsune fantasizes about how he will tell Yoritomo about his accomplishments. Amused Benkei interrupts his accounts of the Battle of Dan-no-ura, and the two talk about their future plans and upcoming trip to Kamakura. Their conversation is interrupted by a messenger. As Yoshitsune reads a letter from Yoritomo, his mood sours. He is shocked that Yoritomo doesn't want him to come to Kamakura and leaves in distress with concerned Benkei running after him.

The Genjis have been watching them. Hizamaru notes how hard it is to watch brothers fight with each other, but Higekiri points out it is a common occurrence in history. Higekiri recalls that Yoshitsune gave Hizamaru to Hakone Shrine as an offering to reconcile with Yoritomo and asks if Hizamaru wants to check it out. Hizamaru declines his offer; his talk with Iwatooshi made him think about his own existence and that, even though their existence is more certain, they aren't really much different from Imanotsurugi. Higekiri doesn't care if he has existed in the past; to him only his current existence is the truth. Hizamaru decides that this is the kind of answer that suits Higekiri and switches the topic. Iwatooshi is currently looking after Imanotsurugi, so their concern is Mikazuki. As Higekiri watches the crescent moon, he declares that everything will be alright. After all, even the dark part of the moon is a part of the whole, and it can still be illuminating even if you don't see it. As the moon hides in the clouds, the Genjis leave, and Imanotsurugi reveals he overheard their conversation about him not existing.

Yoshitsune and Benkei disguise themselves as mountain monks and try to sneak to Hiraizumi to fulfill their promise to Yasuhira. They are attacked by the HRA, but Imanotsurugi and Iwatooshi come to their rescue, and Imanotsurugi leads them to safety. The rest of the group catches up, and Mikazuki tells Iwatooshi to go after Imanotsurugi. Mikazuki comments that, between Yoritomo's rejection and the HRA's attack, Yoshitsune is very popular. Kogitsunemaru isn't happy with his observation, but Mikazuki says he is just joking.

Imanotsurugi shows Yoshitsune how to reach the Ataka-no-Seki checkpoint. Yoshitsune asks for his name, but Imanotsurugi can't give it to him. Yoshitsune doesn't mind since he and Benkei can't give him their names either, but he asks Imanotsurugi to introduce himself properly if they ever meet again. Benkei compliments Iwatooshi's fighting skills, and Iwatooshi is happy to declare he got them from his former master. After the four promise to meet again, the humans leave, and Imanotsurugi asks Iwatooshi if he really exists. Iwatooshi reassures him that he does; after all, if he didn't, he wouldn't be there right now.

After Imanotsurugi leaves, Iwatooshi is approached by Mikazuki. Mikazuki notes that it doesn't suit Iwatooshi to lie, but Iwatooshi doesn't want to hurt Imanotsurugi. Mikazuki laughs at his words and points out that Iwatooshi is acting in self-interest rather than truly taking Imanotsurugi's feelings into account. Mikazuki does recognize it as a form of kindness, but offers Iwatooshi to see other ways someone can express such a feeling.

Ataka-no-Seki checkpoint. The official in charge of the checkpoint stops Yoshitsune and Benkei. He received a notice from Kamakura that Yoshitsune disguised himself as a monk and seeks passage to Hiraizumi; therefore, no priest is allowed to pass. Benkei argues that they aren't the people they are looking for; instead, they are raising money to build a temple. The official points out that in that case they must have a subscription book and orders to read it out loud. Benkei (who was actually trained as a monk) takes out a blank scroll and starts "reading" it as if it actually contains information. This clears the official's suspicion, but before "the monks" can pass, he stops them again. He noticed that the other monk matches Yoshitsune's description, so Benkei beats his lord up for "resembling" Yoshitsune. Since no vassal would do such a thing to their lord, it "proves" that this monk is indeed not Yoshitsune, and the two are allowed to pass.

Mikazuki notes that Benkei helped Yoshitsune by beating him, Yoshitsune trusted Benkei and allowed Benkei to beat him, and the official was moved by their devotion and let them pass. All three of them expressed their kindness. Iwatooshi agrees that his kindness might have been selfish, and Mikazuki suggests it is up to Imanotsurugi whether he will get hurt by the truth, and Iwatooshi shouldn't always treat him like a kid. Mikazuki guesses that Imanotsurugi may even act more childlike for Iwatooshi's sake. Iwatooshi agrees with his sentiment and decides he still has a lot to learn, and Mikazuki states it's alright to make mistakes and take detours since this is how someone grows. After thanking Mikazuki, Iwatooshi reunites with Imanotsurugi and the two laugh, while Mikazuki muses about repeating things.

Hiraizumi. Yasuhira prepares his men for Kamakura's attack. He encourages them by bringing up that Yoshitsune is on their side. Hizamaru notes that it is strange that their morale is so high. As far as he knows, Yasuhira was a coward who was intimidated by Yoritomo into killing Yoshitsune. Higekiri agrees that the current Yasuhira looks like someone who would start a war in Yoshitsune's name. Imanotsurugi wonders what would happen if Yoshitsune and Yasuhira joined forces, but he understands that they can't allow them to defeat Yoritomo. Higekiri notices that Mikazuki is gone, and Hizamaru notes that Kogitsunemaru is absent as well. Hizamaru calls the Sanjos too-relaxed, and Imanotsurugi and Iwatooshi happily agree. Higekiri guesses that Kogitsunemaru went to Yoritomo, and he, along with Imanotsurugi and Iwatooshi, goes after him. Left alone, Hizamaru realizes that he is the only uptight person in the group, but disagrees with this thought and cartwheels off the stage to prove it.

Kamakura. Yoritomo is mad at his men for not cutting off Yoshitsune's head yet. He tells them to inform Yasuhira that if he doesn't kill Yoshitsune, he will destroy Hiraizumi. Yoritomo's servant notes that Yoritomo has changed since he used to get along with his brother but now wants him dead. Kogitsunemaru observes Yoritomo cursing Yoshitsune's name (while being bathed in blue light). Yoritomo notices him, and the two briefly cross swords, but Kogitsunemaru easily renders him unconscious. Yoritomo starts incoherently talking about how he doesn't want to kill Yoshitsune and asks Mikazuki why he makes him do so. As Yoritomo fully regains consciousness, his animosity for his brother (and the blue light) returns. He attacks Kogitsunemaru, but once again is easily defeated. Distraught, Kogitsunemaru wonders if Mikazuki really finds it acceptable.

Hiraizumi, Kyara Residence. Mikazuki has a nostalgic meeting with Yasuhira. Yasuhira can't fully believe his words about how things will transpire and that he needs to kill Yoshitsune. Mikazuki claims that if Yoshitsune, a genius strategist, lives, it will only cause more death and destruction. Even though Yoshitsune doesn't desire war, other people do; they will seek him for his skills, and that will start an endless war. Anguished, Yasuhira asks Mikazuki why he is supposed to be the one to kill Yoshitsune when Mikazuki can easily take down both of them. Mikazuki instead asks how many times Yasuhira thinks they have admired lotuses in the past. Mikazuki has gone to this time period countless times and watched these lotuses with Yasuhira during every visit. Of course, Yasuhira doesn't remember that. He apologizes, but Mikazuki just laughs it off. Yasuhira gets more relaxed and asks if fulfilling his duty will protect the country. After Mikazuki confirms, Yasuhira asks what will become of Hiraizumi in the future. Mikazuki reveals that it will be destroyed, but it will live on in people's memories. They will remember the warriors of the Gold Capital in this world and the one after that. Touched, Yasuhira agrees to kill Yoshitsune, as often as he needs to, and asks Mikazuki to fulfill his role as well. Yasuhira asks Mikazuki to offer lotus flowers to his grave after he is gone, and Mikazuki promises that he will. After Yasuhira bids him farewell, Mikazuki contemplates his own duties.

Under a crescent moon, Kogitsunemaru challenges Mikazuki. Mikazuki has gone too far in his meddling, and Kogitsunemaru can't allow him to continue. Mikazuki agrees that he isn't really that different from the HRA, but claims that Kogitsunemaru doesn't understand what's going on. While the two fight, Mikazuki muses that they make an odd pair. He admits that sometimes he envies Kogitsunemaru's loyalty to the Saniwa. Kogitsunemaru asks what he did to Yoritomo, but Mikazuki refuses to answer. Kogitsunemaru reminds him that their duty is to protect history, and Mikazuki agrees with that. Mikazuki says that Kogitsunemaru's heart is pure, but Kogitsunemaru doesn't want to listen. Mikazuki states that history is like flowing water and that it can change its course. Kogitsunemaru asks him what he thinks the history is like then, but Mikazuki only says that they are fighting in the first place because Kogitsunemaru doesn't understand it.

Their duel is interrupted by Higekiri. He says that there is no reason to fight since they are both after the same goal. Higekiri reveals he is aware that Mikazuki told Yoritomo all about their nature and mission, because Higekiri the sword was present during that conversation, so Higekiri the Touken Danshi got its memories as a result. Higekiri notes that Mikazuki was careless, but Mikazuki parries that Higekiri isn't always by Yoritomo's side during that meeting. Higekiri realizes that his existence isn't certain either, though not to the extent of Imanotsurugi and Iwatooshi. However, Mikazuki's existence is certain. He is the only one who always exists. Higekiri claims that Mikazuki told everything to Yoritomo because he believed he would understand, but this time he didn't. Because of that, Mikazuki threatened him. Higekiri asks why Mikazuki disclosed everything to Yoritomo, and Mikazuki answers it was because Yoritomo and Yasuhira are certain existences who had left proofs of their existences. Higekiri understands that this is the reason why Mikazuki empathizes with them. Kogitsunemaru asks if the Saniwa is aware of it, but Mikazuki doesn't answer. Instead, Higekiri offers to answer his questions since he is similar in character to Mikazuki and believes he can understand his mind. Higekiri asks Kogitsunemaru to pretend he is Mikazuki and direct his questions to him. Kogitsunemaru repeats his question about the Saniwa's awareness. Mikazuki(Higekiri) says that the Saniwa doesn't need to know about things like him pitting friends and brothers against each other. Kogitsunemaru asks him why he would do something like that alone and not talk to the Saniwa. Mikazuki(Higekiri) says he doesn't want to trouble him. Higekiri is about to tell Kogitsunemaru Mikazuki's feelings towards the Saniwa, but Mikazuki stops him. Higekiri tells him that the Saniwa is worried and discloses that he and Hizamaru were asked to look after him. Mikazuki says that not everyone gets to shine and that he himself is but a crescent moon, but even his weak light is better than no light at all. Higekiri agrees, but their conversation is interrupted by the sounds of battle.

Iwatooshi asks Imanotsurugi if he is alright. Imanotsurugi says he is, but he didn't expect to come to this place again. Iwatooshi doesn't want to run into their former masters again, but Imanotsurugi says it is something they need to face head-on. Iwatooshi offers Imanotsurugi to sit with him. The two start talking about their existence, but their conversation is interrupted by the sounds of battle (again).

Yoshitsune and Benkei valiantly fight against Yasuhira and his men, but they are overwhelmed. Yoshitsune orders Benkei to buy him some time, and Benkei promises to protect him with his life. Outside, the HRA join the fight, but Iwatooshi and Imanotsurugi intercept them. After Mikazuki and Kogitsunemaru catch up, Mikazuki tells Imanotsurugi and Iwatooshi to go to Yoshitsune. Higekiri and Hizamaru watch Mikazuki and Kogitsunemaru fight off an entire wave of attackers and later have a fight of their own. Once they are done, Higekiri calls Hizamaru to go after others and even remembers his name this time.

Yoshitsune is badly beaten, but he continues to fight. He is about to commit seppuku once he is alone, but Imanotsurugi stops him. Yoshitsune recognizes him and remembers how they promised to introduce themselves next time they have met. Yoshitsune says his name, though he guesses that Imanotsurugi is already aware of it. Imanotsurugi introduces himself, but this is the first time Yoshitsune hears a name like that. As Imanotsurugi starts crying, Yoshitsune promises to not forget his name even in the next world.

Benkei catches up to Yoshitsune, and they are joined by the Touken Danshi. Mikazuki tells Yoshitsune to flee. Even though historically he is supposed to die today, this is not the only version of his legend. Neither Yoritomo nor Yasuhira wants Yoshitsune to die, so Mikazuki wants him to run. Yoshitsune thanks the Touken Danshi, and Imanotsurugi asks where he is going to go. Yoshitsune says they will go north first, and they will keep running from the war, maybe even all the way to the continent.

Back at Honmaru, the Genjis tell the Saniwa about their first mission. They tell him that he doesn't need to worry about Mikazuki and that Imanotsurugi was a great captain. Higekiri notes that Imanotsurugi probably started realizing his nature, and the Saniwa reveals Imanotsurugi already discussed it with him. Meanwhile, Mikazuki watches Kogitsunemaru's training. Kogitsunemaru doesn't agree with his methods, but doesn't consider them wrong either. He thinks that it would be best to stick to what each of them knows best. Mikazuki offers him a sweet, and Kogitsunemaru takes it, but he notes it doesn't absolve Mikazuki from the farm duties. The Genjis and very emotional Iwatooshi join them. Iwatooshi might be sad, but he is looking forward to Imanotsurugi returning from his journey.