The Elusive Samurai

The Ashikaga forces keep a vigilant watch across the country, searching for remnants of the Hojo clan scattered throughout Japan. Sadamune, the governor of Shinano, has grown suspicious of "Chojumaru," a young warrior who has repeatedly distinguished himself in battle-first during the dog-shooting competition, and later on the battlefield.

Provincial official Kiyohara returns to Shinano after fleeing back to Kyo following the previous battle. Having grown even more ruthless, Kiyohara launches a large-scale invasion against pro-Hojo factions in northern Shinano. To oppose the combined forces of Kiyohara and Sadamune, the three great generals of the Suwa faith-Nezu, Mochizuki, and Unno, retainers directly serving Yorishige.

Tokiyuki and his companions race across the battlefield, sparing even the slightest moments of rest in order to relay information to their allies. However, when they arrive at the northern front where Mochizuki and Tokoiwa are fighting, what they witness is a fortress engulfed in flames, falliing into ruin... Ayako collapses in grief as she thinks of her father, Shigenobu Mochizuki.

The central battlefield descends into total chaos.

The battle ends in defeat for the Suwa Sect.

Tokiyuki's uncle, Yasuie Hojo, is still alive!

At the suggestion of Yorishige and Yasuie, Tokiyuki sets out for the capital.

Having grown closer over a game of dice, Mima invites Tokiyuki and his companions on a tour of Kyo. Even though they know she is the daughter of their enemy, the Elusive Warriors accept her kindness and spend a brief, youthful moment enjoying themselves as ordinary boys and girls. However, upon returning to the Saionji's residence, Tokiyuki and the others are informed of a plan for an uprising.

Through his dialogue with the warrior Masashige Kusunoki, known as a "god of war," Tokiyuki is moved by Kusunoki's unwavering convictions and develops an even deeper sense of confidence in the possibilities of "fleeing." Just as he is smiling over this fortunate encounter, everything suddenly changes when he hears news of his sworn enemy Takauji's movements.