Kaze Hikaru Vol 20

Hijikata decides to make use of Kamiya's feminine features and sends "him" out dressed as a woman on a spy mission. Her assignment: to ascertain the whereabouts of the notorious enemy leader Sakamoto Ryoma. Soji, left in the dark about the secret mission, sets off to find Kamiya. The two get more than they bargained for when they come face-to-face with the enemy himself! -- VIZ Media

"A historical romance set in the time of Rurouni Kenshin."--Cover.

"A historical romance set in the time of Rurouni Kenshin."--Cover.

The leaders of Japan panic when foreign forces deliver an ultimatum: open the borders and allow trade or face invasion. The politicians squabble, and finally the young Shogun Iemochi resigns in exasperation. Lord Matsudaira goes to consult with Iemochi, accompanied by Kondo, Soji and Kamiya. Kondo's heartfelt plea convinces Iemochi to return to Kyoto and lead the Bakufu through this time of chaos. -- VIZ Media

When Sei gets wounded, Soji takes her to Doctor Matsumoto, an old family friend who knows her secret. While in his care, Sei tells him of the resentment she feels toward her father, who neglected his family to pursue his medical practice. Matsumoto reveals the truth about her father and the sacrifice that affected his family's destiny. -- VIZ Media

Now that Sei has been transferred to the third troop under his command, Saito grows increasingly suspicious of Sei’s true identity. He is visited by dreams of his old friend, Sei’s brother, Yuma. The memories of Yuma’s words gradually grow more vivid, and Saito finally realizes Sei’s secret. Feeling he must protect her, Saito confronts Soji with an ultimatum: expose Sei to Hijitaka and have her dismissed from the troop, or allow Saito to take her as his bride. -- VIZ Media

Kondo, disillusioned by the weakened state of the shogunate, returns from Hiroshima in despair. Upon his return, he moves in with his mistress Mikyuki. Hijikata is on high alert, and he observes the couple very closely. What are Miyuki’s motives, and why is she staying with Kondo? -- VIZ Media

Sei devotes herself to becoming an ideal bushi, or warrior, and accompanies the Mibu-Roshi to Osaka. There, she finds the man responsible for killing her father and brother. Desperate to avenge her family, Sei uncovers his hideout with the help of a friend, but they are soon discovered and her companion is slain. Is Sei ready for the hardships of the Mibu-Roshi? Or should she return home to lead the life of a normal girl? -- VIZ Media