Gokenin Zankuro Matsudaira's life is marked by poverty and lost love; he becomes involved in a mystery surrounding a missing son, leading to an ending with stolen lives.

Zankuro and Harutaro succeed at a new school; Tatsukichi loves Harutaro, while Zankuro meets Shinzaemon; Harutaro's past and skills tie to Shinzaemon's hidden son, Genbei.

Zankuro escorts Omachi; Yakuza conflicts follow; teaming up with Zoshu, tragedy strikes Omachi, forcing Zankuro to make a just but tough decision in a final battle.

Kobei's surprise marriage, Otama's resemblance to Zankuro's crush, robbers' scheme at Daikokuya, and Zankuro's poignant act shape a bittersweet tale.

Zankuro Matsudaira must recover a stolen sword to save a high-ranking samurai's honor and his own life, with the help of a pickpocket.

Zankuro's task to behead a criminal takes a twist, leading to a showdown with a corrupt magistrate's head.