At age 12, he is ridiculed to tears as 'Sakamoto the bed-wetter.' Struggling to even learn his letters, he is given up on by his temple school teacher. However, coming to terms with his mother's death becomes a turning point for Ryoma, and he begins to transform into a strong man.
At age 17, the now-stronger Ryoma crosses paths with Takechi Hanpeita and Okada Izo—and then, he sets off for Edo.