Seeking an honorable end, poverty-stricken samurai Hanshiro requests to commit hara-kiri in the courtyard of feudal lord Kageyu's estate. Trying to dismiss Hanshiro's wish to save face, Kageyu recounts the tragic story of a similar plea years ago from young ronin Motome. But the arrogant lord is unaware of vengeful Hanshiro's bond to Motome...