Hakuhei Sabi challenges Shichika to a duel for possession of the Hari Sword and the rest of Shikizaki Kiki's Blades. Meanwhile, the Maniwa Ninja's Insect Squad attempt to kidnap Nanami and use her as a hostage against her brother. However, the Insect Squad soon discover that although Shichika is the head of the No Sword School, Nanami is far superior to her brother in combat and it doesn't take her long to kill all three of the Ninja sent after her.

Shichika and Togame are now five months into their quest and have just arrived in Satsuma where they hope to retrieve the Yoroi Sword. However, both the sword (which takes the form of a Western-style suit of armour) and its owner, legendary pirate Kanara Azekura (an expert in defensive combat) will pose a difficult problem for Shichika. Things then become even more complicated than usual when Azekura declares his love for Togame and the fight quickly becomes about much more than simply collecting another Deviant Sword.

Shichika and Togame find themselves in the harsh Ezo region in search of the enigmatic Itezora clan. Unfortunately they soon discover that the Itezora's village has been destroyed and the only survivor is an incredibly lonely and immensely powerful 11 year old girl who now possesses the Kanazuchi sword they are seeking. Things then take a dangerous turn when Kyouken Maniwa arrives to claim the Kanazuchi sword and get revenge for her fallen comrades' forcing an already injured Shichika to engage in his most dangerous battle yet.

Having become annoyed with her brother's slow progress Nanami has decided to leave the island and collect the 'Deviant Swords' herself. However, her methods are far more ruthless than those of Shichika and Togame, and it isn't long before she acquires the Bita sword bringing the two sides into direct competition. As such the siblings are pitted against each other in combat but can the current head of the No Sword School really hope to defeat his vicious and gifted little sister; the 'true' heir to the title.

Having returned to Owari, Togame's home, Togame and Shichika meet with Princess Hitei who tells them about the location of Shikizaki Kiki's workshop and the possible sword hidden there. Following the lead, although distrusting of it, the two go to the location, Lake Fuyou accompanied by Emonzaemon. Upon their arrival, Emonzaemon departs and leaves Togame and Shichika to deal with Bito Kanzashi. While away, Emonzaemon tracks down Umigame Maniwa and reveals that he is the sole remaining heir of the Aioi Corps, a village of ninjas that were wiped out by the Maniwa Corps 170 years ago. Having told him this, he engages Umigame in battle and defeats him completely and effortlessly using Aioi Kenpo.