The ferocious battle with Dosuke and Katsu has left Konosuke, Aki, and Bokutake severely injured. An ally whisks them away to a secluded mountain village that is home to many young ichiko and goze. While they recover, Bokutake reflects on his own tragic past and begins to carve a new mask for himself to hide his scars. The idyllic setting provides a refuge for lost souls, but the arrival of Konosuke and Tsuki means the village leader will be forced to make a fateful decision…

Volume 8 of the Steel of the Celestial Shadows manga series by Daruma Matsuura.