The novel is set in 12th century Japan around and during the Heiji rebellion and tells the story of Muna, a 14-year-old who searches for his long-absent father following his mother's death.

They eventually leave the boat and begin exploring 12th century[1] Kyoto together.

Takanobu takes care of Muna, including finding the boy cleaning stables.

Muna learns that his acquaintance Plum Face and Takanobu are dead and returns to the Red Dog to find it engulfed in flames.

Muna is found by Fukuji, a swordsmith, which allows the boy to stay with him and perform chores.