The superlative swordsman Musashi (Toshirô Mifune) ceases his wanderings and settles into a peaceful life of gardening in a small village. But when a group of bandits threatens to overrun the vulnerable village, Musashi employs his skills to defend his neighbors. Then his arch rival (Koji Tsurata) challenges him to a duel, and Musashi accepts. They meet on an island for their final confrontation, and by the time the sun has set only one will return.