The Hidden Blade

In the 1860s in Japan, two samurai, Munezo Katagiri and Samon Shimada, say goodbye to their companion Yaichiro Hazama. Yaichiro is set to serve in Edo under the shogunate, a prestigious role that Katagiri perceives with concern due to Yaichiro's character.

During a dinner gathering, Katagiri’s mother reflects on their financial hardships following the tragic death of her husband. The family is still reeling from the financial scandals that led to his ritual suicide, revealing the pressures of their circumstances.

Katagiri’s mother hopes to arrange a match between Samon and her daughter Shino, Katagiri's sister. Simultaneously, Katagiri grapples with his growing feelings for Kie, the household’s literate housekeeper, suggesting the complex web of emotions within the family.

As time progresses, Katagiri reflects on the events surrounding Shino's wedding to Samon, while Kie marries a merchant family member. This leaves Katagiri feeling melancholy as he watches Kie leave their lives, hinting at his unspoken love for her.

Katagiri faces the profound personal grief of losing his mother. While wandering the streets, he unexpectedly encounters Kie, who informs him about her struggles and health under the burdens imposed by her new family.

After hearing about Kie's dire situation from Shino, Katagiri feels compelled to intervene. He confronts Kie’s husband and requests a divorce to bring her to safety, aiming to nurse her back to health.

As Japan evolves, Katagiri and his fellow samurai must adapt to new Western fighting techniques, which are often met with disdain by the clan's elders. This tension illustrates the clash between tradition and modernity during this pivotal time.

News arrives of Yaichiro's involvement in a failed rebellion against the shogunate. He is later returned to the village in chains, stripped of the honorable option of ritual suicide, marking a significant fall from grace.

When Hori, the clan's chief retainer, demands Katagiri to identify Yaichiro's supporters, Katagiri refuses, standing firm in his samurai honor. This act of defiance leads to his dismissal from the clan, revealing the intense loyalty bond among samurai.

Kie regains her strength and resumes her duties in Katagiri's household. However, societal constraints force them to maintain a distance, despite the growing bond between them, adding complexity to their situation.

In a dramatic turn of events, Yaichiro escapes from captivity. This leads to the kidnapping of hostages, prompting Hori to insist on Katagiri eliminating Yaichiro, which puts Katagiri in a moral dilemma.

Katagiri seeks guidance from their former mentor for advice on how to confront Yaichiro. When he attempts to persuade Yaichiro to surrender, their conversation leads to an intense duel that ultimately ends with Yaichiro’s tragic death.

Following Yaichiro's death, Katagiri learns from Yaichiro's wife about the deceitful tactics used by Hori. Grieved by the dishonor it brings, she takes her own life out of despair, further compounding Katagiri’s turmoil.

Consumed by his sense of justice, Katagiri confronts Hori, who brutally reveals the injustice faced by the Hazama family. In a moment of vengeance, Katagiri kills Hori with a hidden blade, embodying the code of the samurai and leaving no trace behind.

After burying the hidden blade at the Hazama family grave as a symbol of his regrets, Katagiri renounces his status as a samurai. He sets off toward Ezo seeking a new life and finalizes his feelings for Kie by proposing to her, ultimately deciding to forge a future together.