Sentenced to death, ninja Gabimaru the Hollow finds himself apathetic. After leading a blood-soaked life, Gabimaru believes he deserves to die. However, every attempt to execute him inexplicably fails. Finally, Sagiri Yamada Asaemon, a fledgling member of a famed executioner clan, is asked to take Gabimaru's life; yet Sagiri makes no move to kill him as requested.Insisting that Gabimaru will not die because of his love for his wife, Sagiri instead offers him the chance to obtain a full pardon...
Gabimaru and Sagiri's group cross paths with another Yamada Asaemon, Genji, who takes a dim view of Sagiri's involvement in the present matter. Meanwhile, Yamada Asaemon Tenza tries to find a way off the island along with his charge, Nurugai.
