A simple and humble Takezo abandons his life as a knight errant. He's sought as a teacher and vassal from Shogun. He's also challenged to struggle by the confident and skilful Sasaki Kojiro. Takezo agrees to fight Kojiro at a year's time but rejects Shogun's patronage, opting instead to go raising veggies. He's followed there by Otsu and by Akemi, both in love with him. As the villagers are assisted by Takezo against a group of brigands, the year ends. Otsu's bias is sought by him and accepts her love, then sets off across the water into Ganryu Island due to his contest.