In a flashback, the Kouga and Iga are shown pursuing their lives in the days of peace. The Second Hattori Hanzo wonders why Kouga Danjo and Iga Ogen chose young relatives, Gennosuke and Oboro, as their successors over other, more suitable candidates. Gennosuke and Oboro are shown when they met and played as children, then again later as young adults as Gennosuke dreams of eliminating the animosity between the two clans.