Bleeding and left to die, Ryunosuke Ibuki is rescued and taken in by the Roshigumi - a band of warriors struggling to find a sponsor and make a name for themselves in Kyoto. Unfortunately, Ryunosuke can't easily pay off a life debt..
A mysterious skilled warrior joins the Roshigumi. Meanwhile, Ryunosuke is unable to even draw his sword. He learns more about the Roshigumi, including shocking information regarding his own benefactor, Commander Kamo Serizawa.
Spreading renown is no easy task with an unruly commander. The other Roshigumi commanders attempt to curb Serizawa with a strict set of rules, but he is not moved. Meanwhile, his bloodthirsty attributes rub off on a certain young warrior.
After Vice Commander Hijikata rebukes Souji Okita for his aggressiveness, Ryunosuke learns about the young warrior's past. Meanwhile, Serizawa provokes Souji into satisfying his desire for blood.
Ryunosuke stumbles into Kosuzu, a geisha apprentice he saved earlier. In order to further their attempts to obtain a sponsor, the Roshigumi organize duels to impress the lord of Aizu. Ryunosuke is asked if he wishes to learn how to fight.
A doctor of western medicine comes to stay with the Roshigumi and performs shocking experiments with deadly results. New recruits join, but the Roshigumi now have secrets they must protect.
The feuds with Serizawa continue; Commander Kondou and Vice Commander Hijikata reminisce about their past and contemplate their goals. Meanwhile, the experiments on the strange Water of Life proceed.
Hajime Saito recalls his early days at the dojo. He offers to teach Ryunosuke sword fighting. Meanwhile, the Roshigumi's reputation fails due to misinterpretations and debts.
Ryunosuke's past and future is discussed. The dog must watch his master, and Ryunosuke has to keep an eye on Serizawa's behavior. Meanwhile, another out-of-control experiment shakes Kyoto.
Commander Serizawa has no bonds. The research on the Water of Life advances. And the Mibu Roshigumi receive the chance of a lifetime to make a name for themselves.
Koudou Yukimura disappears after a fire, and Nimi soon joins him along with all of the research on the Water of Life. The Roshigumi put forth all their efforts in attempt to find him.
