Fresh from battle, young Bennosuke has fulfilled his potential and has become the warrior his father wanted him to be. He has killed his enemy, Hayato, at Sekigahara and now can take the name Mushashi Miyamoto. But he has insulted the Lord Ukita and is now pursued by a swordsman intent on taking his life. Kazuteru has also survived Sekigahara, though at the expense of his Lord Shinmen's life. For this failure he should kill himself, but though he attempts seppuku he finds he lacks the courage. With nowhere to go and dishonour following him everywhere, he falls in with a group of bandits whose survival depends on their loyalty. And as war comes again and chaos thrives, it will take everything these men have to survive - and to do honour to the legend of the samurai.