Ritsuka mourns the loss of his older brother Seimei, and endures the physical abuse of his mother, who has lost control of her emotions now that her eldest son is gone. Yuiko brings strawberry jam to school to give to Ritsuka, but has it taken away by the bullies in her class. Ritsuka confronts them, but is stopped by Shinonome. To Shinonome's consternation, Yuika blurts out that she is in love with Ritsuka. Shinonome goes to Ritsuka's house, where she runs into Soubi. Soubi harasses her, and she runs off tearfully. Former adversaries Midori and Ai visit Ritsuka to warn him about new assassins who are targeting him. Shortly thereafter he is confronted by Kin and Ginga. Soubi comes to his rescue, and together they defeat them. Ginga leaves behind an envelope containing a unfathomable code which may unlock the secret behind Seimei's death. Ritsuka is confused by Soubi's behavior, and by his fluctuating emotions. While attempting a second visit to Ritsuka's house, Shinonome is confronted by a new, more powerful duo of assassins, Natsuo and Yoji, codenamed Zero. Soubi arrives to rescue Shinonome, and squares off against Zero alone...