Flashback to earlier episodes, Chizuru Yukimura goes undercover as a geisha to spy on some rogue samurai. After barging into Chizuru's room, Heisuke dashes off to demand Kondo and Hijikata take Chizuru off this dangerous mission. In his absence, Kazama Chikage arrives and tries to kiss Chizuru, but is whacked by an abruptly entering Osen on the head. Chizuru flees. Kazama reveals to Osen his intentions for pursuing Chizuru -- to sustain a pure devil bloodline. Later, a group of devils gather in the forest, including Kaoru Nagumo, who declares to show no mercy should Kazama continue to pursue Chizuru. On New Years Day, Kazama runs into Chizuru at a crowded marketplace. Rather than harassing her, he volunteers to escort her back to her home at the Shinsengumi headquarters. He does, though, vow to take her with him when they meet again.