In the fourth episode of "Meiji Gekken: 1874," the story begins with Kyoushirou pledging his service to Moriya, who promptly assigns him a task related to the Gekkenkai, a prestigious swordsmanship tournament.

The story progresses with preparations for the tournament, introducing various characters and their interactions, including a special performance by the swordswoman Nakazawa Koto, who captivates the audience. Meanwhile, Shizuma faces personal challenges: he must deal with a punishment for disobedience and continue his search for his fiancée, suspecting that a geisha named Koume is withholding information from him.

The plot intensifies as the police become involved in investigating a mysterious sword attack, hinting at deeper conspiracies and the dark side of the city. The episode also sheds light on the shady dealings of the Moriya clan, which is involved in the opium trade and pursues expansion plans that meet skepticism and intrigue within their own ranks.

As the Gekkenkai draws nearer, the narrative increasingly focuses on the participants—a mix of seasoned veterans, ambitious newcomers, and those seeking redemption or glory. The tournament becomes a melting pot of personal vendettas, ambitions, and the complicated power politics of the martial arts world.

The episode reaches its climax with the start of the tournament, where the skills and resolve of the fighters are put to the test. Amidst fierce competition, alliances form, rivalries intensify, and the characters' motives become clearer.

The episode concludes with the finale of the Gekkenkai.