Catholic missionary Valignano takes inspiration from the wise men of the Bible and recruits four Japanese boys, Mancio, Juliao, Maltino and Miguel to make a journey to meet the pope.

Valignano brings the boys to Lord Nobunaga Oda and asks for an embassy; the boys set sail for Rome.

The travellers battle through a harsh storm and make it to India, where they receive a message from Jesuit Society Headquarters that forces Valignano to stay behind as the boys continue to Rome.

An Italian missionary recruits acolytes on a journey across 16th-century Japan in the hope of bringing them to the Vatican for an audience with the pope.

King Philip speaks with Mancio alone for a revealing conversation; the boys leave Spain for Italy via the Mediterranean Sea.

Juliao comes down with a fever after their trip and is taken to an Italian hospital while the boys head to Florence, where they receive a grand welcome.