Kaze Hikaru Vol 21

After Hijikata grows suspicious of Soji's feelings about Sei, he reassigns Sei to the third troop under Saito's command. Soji, puzzled by his own recent irrational behavior toward Sei, attempts to distance himself from her. Sei, in turn, interprets this as Soji's realization of her feelings for him and decides that she can no longer serve as a bushi alongside him. She goes to visit Suigetsuni, a nun who knew Sei in her former life as a girl, to discuss renouncing the world and entering the convent! -- 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

"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

A new member arrives from Edo to join the Shinsengumi--the renowned Ito Kashitaro, an intellect and master swordsman. The positive reinforcement he brings to the group and his emphasis on strengthening the mind alongside the body make him popular among the men. But his romantic pursuit of Kamiya brings yet another crisis to those who know her true identity. -- VIZ Media

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

Yamanami learns that the path of righteousness and justice is not as straight and clear as he thought when he receives conflicting requests for allegiance. Ito asks Yamanami to show mercy for his friends in the Tenguto, who support the emperor, while Kondo insists that they be dealt with as enemies of the shogun. With lives at stake, will Yamanami be able to balance justice, loyalty and honor? -- VIZ Media