The Negoro attack Prince Yorikata's palanquin on its way back to Wakayama Castle but find it empty. Prince Yorikata has been hidden by Shintarō and the palanquin was a decoy. They use Shinigami, the Deathless Ninja who attacks the party with the palanquin, blinding one Kishū ninja, Sakon. The three others go off after the Negoro while Shinigami pretends to be one of the Kishū and asks Sakon where Yorikata is hiding. Sakon gives him false information because he is suspicious and is killed. Shintarō, Yorikata and Tonbei are on the river and are surrounded by explosions. They make it to shore where they fight the Negoro there, drive them off and apparently kill Shinigami.
