Arriving in the village of Kiyotaki, Zatoichi finds himself embroiled in a struggle between two Oyabun, or gangland, bosses. While the peasants starve, one of the Oyabun, Tomizo, forces them to continue to gamble their way into destitution. His opponent, Asagoro, assumes the position of champion of the peasants, and takes it upon himself to pay off their debts. Filled with admiration for Asagoro and compassion for the impoverished farmers, Zatoichi lends his bloody skills to advance their cause. Hovering in the background is the samurai without a sword, Ohara Shusui, the proclaimed boss of the peasants, who preaches virtue but who some say lives off the sweat of his followers. Before the true motives of these bosses are revealed, many lives have been lost and ruined, and the good earth has consume blood yet again.