Preparation & Soujirou
In the 11th Year of Meiji, May 14th
Soujirou, acting on Shishio Makoto’s orders, pays a visit to Okubo Toshimichi, the man who asked Himura Kenshin to fight against Shishio. After delivering a short message, Soujirou kills him with a small blade.
When Kenshin sees the scene being investigated by the police, Soujirou gives him a small piece of advice and disappears before Kenshin could see him.
If you don’t yet wish to die… I would suggest not going against Shishio-san. [Soujirou, ch56]
Aoshi Shinomori
After Aoshi Shinomori’s visit to the Kamiya Dojo, Soujirou watches as Aoshi goes to visit the grave of his four comrades. There, Soujirou watches as Aoshi kills four of Shishio’s men. When Soujirou gives Aoshi a request for him to visit Shishio in Kyoto, Aoshi declines.
Aoshi: I have no need of allies. Especially a man cold enough to throw his men away to test another’s strength.
Soujirou: Still… How cold is the man who sliced them to pieces without hesitation even though he knew their purpose? [ch61]
Afterwards, Soujirou leaves Aoshi and returns to Shishio and Yumi who are waiting nearby.
Shishio comments that he likes Aoshi and answers positive to Soujirou’s question as to whether he is “enjoying this”.
At Shingetsu Village
Soujirou is later shown with Shishio at Shingetsu. After being told that Shishio’s men lost track of Kenshin and Saito’s whereabouts, Soujirou is given another report that the two swordsmen were approaching the compound.
Lucky you! But the next time you fail us, I will not forgive you. [Soujirou, ch67]
He is then told by Shishio to tell Senkaku to ready the battleground as well as to guide Kenshin and Saito inside. He does so weaponless and brings them in. He then proceeds to watch from the sidelines as Shishio and Kenshin exchange words, and Senkaku’s battle with Kenshin.
However, when Senkaku is defeated, Shishio refuses to battle Kenshin. Instead, Shishio lends Soujirou his sword and tells him to play with Kenshin in his place.
Yes. In return for the Ryu Sho Sen… Show them your Tenken. [Shishio, ch70]
Because of the lack of Soujirou’s ki, he and Kenshin have their match using battoujutsu. However, Kenshin’s blade is cut in half and Soujirou’s is damaged beyond repair. Since the match can no longer continue, Soujirou leaves to catch up with Shishio and Yumi but states that he would like to battle Kenshin again some day.
Upon reaching Shishio and Yumi, Soujirou returns the damaged sword and is then asked by Shishio to gather all members of the Juppongatana to Kyoto.
Reunion of the Strongest
Moments after Sagara Sanosuke leaves the company of Yukyuzan Anji, Soujirou appears and tells him that the Juppongatana are requested to go to Kyoto immediately.
Later on, Soujirou is seen with fellow Juppongatana members Anji, Iwanbo and Henya Kariwa in Kyoto. He crosses paths with Aoshi and once again relays the message that Shishio would like to talk to him. This time, the offer is accepted and Aoshi joins them to visit Shishio’s secret compound. There, Soujirou reports that he has gathered all ten of the Juppongatana.
Unsteady Alliance
After Shishio and Aoshi exchange words on how they could benefit each other, Aoshi moves to leave. However, Soujirou notes that should they attack the Aoiya and torture Okina, they should be able to find out where Kenshin is. This results in Aoshi’s alliance with Shishio.