Following a series of accidents in town, a master of feng shui blames an imbalance in the Ki, a force which keeps all of nature's other forces in balance.

As Kenshin learns of a battle between the Wind and Water families for control of the Ki, efforts to build a railroad are exposed as a Water clan plot to control Japan.

The Water family's efforts to gain control of the Ki have left Kaoru seriously wounded.

With help from the Wind family's leader, Kenshin saves Kaoru's life. But the Water family's quest to redirect the Ki and gain control of Japan moves ahead as planned.

With Kenshin's help, the Wind family derails their rival's plan to redirect the flow of the Ki and ends their effort to dominate Japan.

This is the story of how Kenshin came under the wing of Soujiro Hiko the 13th, and how Kenshin became a manslayer.

Act two details Kenshin's role in the revolution, how he met Tomo, and how the rebellion was almost quelled.

Act 3 details how Kenshin lived with Tomoe and married her as a cover until his side replenished its forces to continue the rebellion.

Act 4 is about the betrayal against Kenshin, how he lived for the next few years as a manslayer, and the origin of his cross-shaped scar.