[1][2][3] Young teacher Nobuko starts her new job in a girls' school in Tokyo, residing at the place of her aunt Okei, a geisha instructor.

Nobuko becomes the repeated target of pranks by rebellious pupil Eiko, and learns that neither the principals nor the teachers take measures against her, as her father is an important financier of the institute.

She eventually gains respect and popularity among the students, but Eiko retains her disrespectful attitude.

After repeated misbehavings, Nobuko exerts a collective punishment of the pupils, which leads to Eiko's social isolation and suicide attempt.

While watching over her at her sickbed, Nobuko learns from Eiko that her behaviour was only a means of getting attention and affection which she didn't find at home.