In "Ransom," Usagi and Yukichi meet up with Kitsune, a street performer and thief, who has stolen a ledger recording bribes to local politicians. When Kitsune's prot g is kidnapped in return, Usagi decides that he must help and get her back. Then, in "Crossroads," Usagi and Yukichi come upon a group of pilgrims who have been left for dead by a band of cutthroat ronin. Deciding to go after them, Usagi must head back to the province, and the danger, from which he has just escaped! Collects #22-26.