Plot Summary

A foot soldier from Tottori domain named Shirai Gonpachi showcased exceptional swordsmanship that even surpassed the domain's champion Honjo Sukehichi during a ceremonial match. Though Gonpachi was promised a promotion to samurai status due to his skills, Sukehichi's father Sukezaemon's intervention out of jealousy prevented this. In anger, Gonpachi killed Sukezaemon and, without realizing it, also mistakenly killed Tomoe, his lover's brother Tsushimo Uemon. Following this, he fled to Kyoto, seeking shelter at the "Murasa" inn operated by Uemon's aunt.