Ootori Kazuki (Hitoshi Ozawa), acting wakagashira of the Sakuragi-gumi, accepts his own expulsion to negotiate peace with the rival Sogo-gumi over territory rights. Backed by the nationwide Tenchi-kai, his goal is to protect his family. But it’s all in vain—Tenchi-kai’s ten elite members launch a full-scale attack, crushing the Sakuragi-gumi in his absence. Ootori arrives too late. The Sakuragi residence burns, and before the charred remains of his kin, a phoenix rises from the flames.