Takeo, the masterless samurai, and his unfortunate companions, are pursued unrelentingly by the most powerful and cruel of the Sisters of the Shadow, Furiko. But rather than fleeing, Takeo decided to face his enemy. Using tricks to cross a country infested with enemies, Takeo hopes thus to thwart the occult machinations of the thirteenth prophet and Akuma. But the latter is on his way to the imperial palace. At his side, an army that grows as it progresses threatens the Empire. Despite their courage and loyalty, the Emperor's forces are not great to fight against the countless enemy clans who desire the fall of the sovereign. Takeo and his entire country are more than ever faced with a chaotic and uncertain future.