Kokuho

Hanjiro visits the Tachibana yakuza for a New Year gathering. Kikuo performs an excerpt of Barrier Gate with Tokuji; after the performance, Hanjiro requests to speak with him. A rival yakuza attack erupts during the gathering, and Gongōro, Kikuo's father, is killed as Hanjiro and Kikuo watch.

Following Gongōro's death, Kikuo tattoos an eagle owl on his back, a symbol of gratitude and loyalty. He resolves to take revenge on the rival clan with Tokuji, but their attempt ends in failure and leaves him empty-handed.

One year after Gongōro's death, at age 15, Kikuo becomes Hanjiro's apprentice at the Tanba-ya house. Sachiko, Hanjiro's wife, is wary of his yakuza background and outsider status because bloodline is valued in Kabuki. He is given the stage name Toichiro and trains alongside Shunsuke (Hanya), forming a strong bond and rivalry.

Hanjiro takes them to see Mangiku in Heron Maiden; both are deeply inspired, especially Kikuo and Shunsuke. Mangiku warns Kikuo that his face's beauty could be a double-edged sword and potentially lead to his downfall.

In a teahouse, geisha Fujikoma expresses admiration for Kikuo and hopes to become his partner. She also hints at a potential romantic connection that could influence his life off the stage.

Sachiko and Hanjiro pair Kikuo and Shunsuke as the onnagata duo ToHan, debuting with Wisteria Maiden. The duo earns praise from Mitomo's Umeki, who offers them the chance to perform Ninin Dojoji at Osaka Shochikuza Theatre. Takeno from Mitomo doubts the plan because of kabuki's hereditary nature, and Kikuo lashes out by attacking him.

The ToHan duo's debut proves successful and they become immensely popular. Kikuo asks Harue to marry him, but she hesitates due to the upward trajectory of his career.

Hanjiro suffers a traffic accident; though he survives, he is unable to perform the lead Ohatsu in The Love Suicides at Sonezaki. He unexpectedly asks Kikuo to replace Shunsuke as his understudy, which strains relationships with Sachiko.

Kikuo delivers an outstanding performance as Ohatsu, but Shunsuke resents the choice and leaves the theatre, with Harue following him. The two depart the building together, marking a fracture in their relationships.

Eight years pass; Shunsuke hasn't returned. Hanjiro, now nearly blind from diabetes, wants Kikuo to inherit the title Hanai Hanjiro III. Sachiko disapproves, but Kikuo accepts the responsibility.

During a visit to Fujikoma, Kikuo meets Ayase, his daughter. He makes a shrine wish, promising to give the devil everything in exchange for becoming the best kabuki actor.

In 2014, Shunsuke is posthumously named Hanai Byakko V, and Kikuo is named a kokuho and is set to perform Heron Maiden in his honour. In an interview, Ayase—the photographer and Kikuo's daughter—asks what he seeks; he replies that he is chasing scenery. Ayase reveals her identity, noting how his absence as a father figures into their relationship. Kikuo then performs Heron Maiden to a full house, ending with him gazing at the lights and tears forming at the beauty of the scenery.