Sabu

Eiji, Sabu, and Nobuko grow up together at the Kobunecho orphanage during the Edo period. They share a bond formed by hardship and companionship that will influence their choices in adulthood. Osue appears within their circle as their lives diverge and intertwine. The close-knit trio's early friendship sets the stage for the revenge, love, and loyalty that drive the story.

Years later, Eiji is accused of stealing a 100-ryo gold cloth from Watabun Bank. He is sent to the Ishikawa Island workhouse, where he refuses to speak and is dubbed 'Bushu' by head guard Ryojiro Kojima.

Sabu is fired by Hokodo for visiting Eiji too often and is sent into the countryside. He eventually develops beriberi there and must make his way back toward the city.

Osue visits the workhouse; Eiji explains that he believes Watabun and others framed him, thinking he intended to marry Watabun's daughter. He insists he loves Osue but will devote his life to revenge until justice is served.

Nobuko, a geisha, is pressured to marry 37-year-old Toku and take over the house, but Nobuko wishes to run away with Sabu and Eiji. This longing sets up a future clash of loyalties.

Osue visits Nobuko, and Nobuko accuses Osue of stealing the gold cloth. The accusation heightens the tension and reveals the possibility of hidden schemes.

Sabu steals food from his employer and is fired again, forcing him to return to the city. The act adds to his mounting troubles and distance from Eiji.

While the frame of a building is being constructed, Eiji saves another prisoner and breaks his leg, leaving him with a permanent limp. The injury becomes a lasting reminder of the danger and sacrifice surrounding their imprisonment.

A strong rainstorm endangers the Okawa River and threatens to flood the island. Eiji convinces the inmates to work together to reinforce the workhouse and safeguard the prisoners.

The violent Giichi, nicknamed the Grass Snake, attacks Eiji, but Eiji defeats him and his knife-wielding ally Ryu with a cherrywood cane. The fight consolidates his leadership and earns the respect of the other prisoners.

The head guard avoids punishment and sends Giichi and Ryu to Denmacho. Sabu pays to reopen Eiji's case at Kitamachi court, and a petition signed by 100 inmates helps secure his release.

Sabu and Eiji return to Nobuko's house, only to find the mistress has married Toku. Nobuko asks Eiji to marry her, but he chooses to return to Osue.

Osue confesses that Sabu is protecting her and that she framed him to win his marriage. Eiji also finds a letter of apology written by Sabu, which deepens the emotional conflict between them.

Eiji forgives Osue and takes her as his wife, as she desired. Their union signals a shift away from vengeance and toward new beginnings.

Eiji visits Sabu; the two share a tense exchange as Sabu apologizes. Eiji punches him for past deception, then embraces him in a final reconciliation.