There is a saying amongst the scrolls written by the servants of the Most High Amaterasu – send your young men to journey that they may acquire wisdom and knowledge. Thus Koziro, Anointed of Amaterasu, must journey to Kio, center of the universe, and home of the Emperor, to experience the hardships of pilgrimage and gain the loyalty of fellow travelers and those who choose to follow.
Carefully, he and his companion Tomoe Benkei, a warrior monk, thread their way through the roadblocks of the Toh. Moribei – the timber wolf – watches the byways. Caras – the white raven – ranges ahead, and Neouli – the spirit – whispers guidance in Koziro's ear. But only when the Anointed becomes one in love with those who follow and with those who are pledged to Amaterasu can he defeat, if only temporarily, the Unholy Bane.