In the midst of a torrential downpour, talisman vendor, Mataichi saves young Yamaoka Momosuke's life. Attracted by Mataichi’s strange appearance, Momosuke searches after him in the dark rain.

Momosuke returns home to Ikomaya, but cannot forget the supernatural rescuer, Mataichi, and his otherworldly group.

Momosuke returns to Mataichi and is lured into a dark and mysterious mountain with the promise of uncovering a compilation of ghost stories for his new literary work.

While separated from Mataichi, Momosuke encounters an alluring temptress named Oyoshi. But Momosuke soon discovers Oyoshi's father, Matajuro, harbors an unnatural desire for her.

Momosuke stares death in the face, but manages to survive and find his way to Chojiro Shioya’s mansion. Chojiro's staff slowly nurses Momosuke back to health, but he soon realizes his memories of the previous days has magically disappeared.

On their travels, Momosuke and Mataichi randomly join a puppet theater troupe. Momosuke is forced to investigate when they realize a series of street killings seem to be following the troupe.