In the 1870s, during the turbulent aftermath of Japan's opening to the West, a wandering swordsman remains displeased with the changes in Japanese society as he tries to maintain its feudal and martial arts traditions. Formerly an assassin in the Japanese civil war, he is now trying to make up for his murderous past by helping those in trouble, using his reverse-blade sword and powerful technique. As he battles oppressors of freedom, he struggles with his own violent nature. His quest inspires others to join him, including a young orphan girl, a mercenary with incredibly powerful fists, a boy who was rescued from a band of thieves and a doctor who had been forced to make a lethal drug. Together, they seek their destiny while fighting injustice.