Episode Title:
Hollow.
Episode Description:
Even though there are witnesses who have seen Okita slaughter a group of patrons early last night, Hijikata knew that Okita had spent time with him last night, saying that this serial killer is an impostor. Okita finds Hotaru in the streets to tell her about this impostor. The following night, Hijikata has a run in with Kichisaburo, and Saitō arrives to intervene. Kichisaburo falls back to Seiga no Chujo, who wishes have his body taken to set the Imperial Palace on fire. Hijikata, Okita and Saitō, upon striking a mystic cat spirit, are transported to the Gate of Obstruction, where the only way out is to locate the Gate of Life. Hotaru, trying to find them, starts to peel off incantation seals created by Furube, which destroys his demon warrior spirit that was summoned. When Seiga no Chujo randomly start shooting fire arrows at the three, Saitō reflects them back at Seiga no Chujo, who shields Kichisaburo from getting burned, thereby sacrificing himself. After the three thank Hotaru for peeling off the incantation seals, it is noted that all were aware that she was a spy sent by the Chōshū clan.
