One day, in the town of Gyotoku, in the province of Shimousa, an innkeeper named Kobungo Inuta rescues two men while fishing on the Tone river. The men turn out to be Shino and Genpachi, who had been adrift since falling into the river from Horyu Tower. Kobungo's brother-in-law Fusahachi, however, recognizes the two as fugitives, and alerts the authorities. During the heat of an intense battle, Fusahachi mistakenly kills his wife, Nui, and in his moment of shock, he is struck down by Kobungo. But all that remain are the carcasses of two dogs...

Leaving Gyotoku, the three warriors take Nui's infant son Daihachi and set off for Otsuka village. Back in Otsuka, Sosuke faces a death sentence after being charged with the murders of his step-mother and father. After getting wind of this, Shino and Genpachi go to his rescue. Under cover of night, the two sneak onto the killing ground and hide themselves. Then, just as Sosuke is about to have his punishment of crucifixion carried out, they pounce... Will they succeed in their quest to rescue Sosuke and escape to safety?