| In 1868, negotiations between the shogunate and the new government results in the decision to surrender Edo Castle. As the advance party to ensure that the surrender of the castle progresses without a hitch, Kakurai Hayato (Kamiji Yusuke), a timid, low-ranking warrior of Owari who is on the side of the government forces, enters to inspect the castle. However, there is just one problem. There is a retainer of the shogun who refuses to budge. His name is Matooya Rokubei (Kikkawa Koji). He was a member of the guards under the direct control of the shogun (Oshinari Shugo). Rokubei silently sits on his heels and moves only to relieve himself. Disputes within the castle are strictly forbidden because of an agreement between Saigo Takamori (Takeuchi Riki) and Katsu Kaishu (Terajima Susumu). So Rokubei cannot be evicted by force. Kakurai learns that this Rokubei is impersonating the real Rokubei and gets increasingly confused. However, Kakurai begins to feel a perplexing empathy for Rokubei who stands with traditional dignity, after spending some time with him. |