Takaya is sent to Kyoto to look into the resurgence of the Ikko sect and Araki Murashige, a former member who abandoned the group. With assistance from his vassal Haruie, Takaya manages to track down Araki, who is searching for a 400-year-old mandala—a Buddhist meditation object—fashioned from the hair of deceased Araki clan members. When they finally confront him, Haruie realizes Araki is actually Shintarou, her lover from a past life. Takaya orders her to eliminate Araki because he poses a threat, but she must decide if she can follow through. Meanwhile, Takaya at last encounters Naoe.