Kaze Hikaru volume 18 features story and art by Taeko Watanabe.

Japan is approaching a tipping point, with increasing pressure from the West to open its borders. The Shinsengumi are being trained to use firearms, but Okita refuses, insisting on the way of the sword. He represents many in the group who cling to old samurai values. But it is clear that the times are changing and the Shinsengumi embodies the "old guard." Will they survive the coming upheavals?