Vash is in danger again now that ordinary townsfolk who have heard about the bounty are after him. As Vash tries to leave town, he runs into a family of heinous criminals who have broken out of prison and are now in a race to claim the bounty on his head.

Vash and Wolfwood board the massive Sandsteamer vessel to travel to their final destination, JuLai. Yet again, they are ambushed by a hail of gunfire, but this time, it's someone Wolfwood knows.

Meryl and Roberto are taken to JuLai, the Third City, by Zazie. There, they learn why and how the human race ended up on this planet, No Man's Land. They also see Conrad, the former leader of the Sinners research group, who explains his goals. Meanwhile, Vash and Wolfwood reach the top floor of the JuLai Tower, where Knives awaits.

Caught in Knives' trap, Vash is dropped into a giant pool. There, Knives attacks the precious memories that helped Vash maintain his love towards humanity. While Vash and Knives clash in this metaphysical realm, Meryl witnesses the astonishing physical manifestations.