Hidden in a fortified prison cell near Edo Castle, Manji endures rough inspections at the hands of Habaki Kagimura's medical examiners. Oddly enough, despite being imprisoned and tortured, Manji finds some comfort and friendship in a conversation with his cellmate-a simple man with a sad story. Giichi, Mugai-ryü assassin extraordinaire, is also missing, and Hyakurin and Rin consider their next move as they search for their friends. Politics, horror, and squabbling, demented surgeons! Hiroaki Samura is pulling our favorite immortal warrior down a very disturbing, bloody pathway ... and the twisted fun in this 'Shortcut' story arc is just getting started