Earth faces destruction from a laser activated aboard the Altana Liberation Army's mother ship in orbit. Shinsuke Takasugi and the Kiheitai reach the vessel to prevent it from firing, opening a battle whose outcome matters far beyond Edo.
On the ground, the army's temporary withdrawal from the Kabuki District has offered only the appearance of relief. The Oniwaban, Shinsengumi, and local residents are still fighting its remaining forces when inventor Gengai Hiraga is abducted. His nanomachine virus disabled the enemy's weapons and prompted their retreat; now, his capture threatens to put that advantage at risk by allowing the virus to be shut down. With fighting continuing in Edo and aboard the mother ship, the Yorozuya and their allies need victories on both fronts to save the city and the rest of the world.
