 A humble and simple Takezo abandons his life as a knight errant. He s sought as a teacher and vassal by Shogun, Japan s most powerful clan leader. He s also challenged to fight by the supremely confident and skillful Sasaki Kojiro. Takezo agrees to fight Kojiro in a year s time but rejects Shogun s patronage, choosing instead to live on the edge of a village, raising vegetables. He s followed there by Otsu and later by Akemi, both in love with him. The year ends as Takezo assists the villagers against a band of brigands. He seeks Otsu s forgiveness and accepts her love, then sets off across the water to Ganryu Island for his final contest.