Enter Sanosuke, a man searching for worthy opponents.
Back at the dojo, Kaoru and Yahiko are at it again as Kenshin decides to prepare lunch. Suddenly Kaoru rushes into her house and searches frantically. When she returns, she has an ink painting from her grandfather. She decides to sell it for money and the group goes out to celebrate with Beef Hot Pots for lunch.
As they eat, they overhear three men talking about the lord of domestic affairs, Ohkubo, who charged the great Saigou head on. Apparently Dr. Itagaki is supposed to fight Ohkubo, and the men are worried that if he dies, freedom will die with him. Dr. Gensai explains that right now, a single group controls all operations of the government, but there is a movement for more people to be more involved. The men then throw a plate at Kenshin. Yahiko demands that they apologize. When the waitress comes over to stop the commotion, one of the drunken men slaps her. Sanosuke enters and asks if this is democracy - making a ruckus and blaming it on being drunk. They ask if he’s trying to pick a fight, and he says he hates people that abuse the weak for their own gain. He then takes the fight outside.
Sanosuke encourages the man to attack. He does with a hidden dagger and ends up breaking his arm. Unimpressed, Sanosuke decides to fight with one fighter and sends the drunkard flying backward with one flick. When his two friends offer to step in, Kenshin warns them to pay their bill and go home. After the fight, Sanosuke finds Kenshin interesting and challenges him. Kenshin declines, but Sanosuke tells him that if he changes his mind, he’ll be in the Ruffian Row House. He then walks away.
Gohei, who is still looking for revenge after Kenshin crushed his hand, decides to pay Sanosuke to fight. He agrees so long as he enjoys the fight. The man then explains Kenshin’s past. Sanosuke gladly accepts and heads off to the Kamiya school with his Zanbatou, the largest sword ever made to slay the enemy - leader, horse, and all.
A bit on Sanosuke: Zanza, short for Zanbatou wielder Sanosuke, (Sanosuke Sagara), fighter for hire, will fight your opponent well until the underworld. His fee is based on how much fun he has during the fight. He’s an arrogant lone wolf, but strong. Many who fight him are plagued by dreams of the character “wicked” written on his back.
Sanosuke comes looking for Kenshin at the Kamiya house. Kenshin feels a presence and investigates. Sanosuke explains that he’s here to pick a fight. He’s been paid already, and his opponent is Battousai the Manslayer, user of the ancient style, Hiten Mitsurugi, so he’s looking forward to it. He wants a simple duel with no strings attached.
Sanosuke attacks Kenshin with his Zanbatou, but Kenshin easily out maneuvers him. Kenshin gets ready to draw his weapon, but Dr. Gensai’s granddaughters, Ayame and Suzume, call for Kenshin and walk towards him. Sanosuke decides the fight shouldn’t be witnessed by women and children and walks away. Before he walks away, he warns Kenshin that he never lets his prey rest.