Makoto Hayashi is the leader of a clan of samurai feared for its brutality, the Ōuchi-naru-akū. Known and feared by everyone, Makoto's men made the children flee, frightened by them. However, this samurai does not prey on the innocent; he eliminates rivals who refuse to pledge allegiance to his clan.

On the other side is an enemy clan, liberalist and fiercely opposed to politics.

One day, while Makoto and his men are crossing a large river — their horses tied to their hands — they are ambushed. As they trudge through the water to cross the river boundary with their horses, they are suddenly attacked by their enemies, the Kami-no-hi, the sworn enemies of the Ōuchi-naru-akū clan.