Real-life figure Miyamoto Musashi was the most celebrated samurai of all time. The quintessential warrior philosopher, Musashi authored A Book of Five Rings, a theoretical guide to military strategy still used today. But the path to enlightenment is an endless journey, and to get there through violent means - by way of the sword - makes mere survival an even greater challenge.

Musashi sets out for Nara intent on challenging the warrior monks of legendary Hozoin Temple. But will Musashi's growing feelings for his childhood friend Otsu prove to be a fatal distraction in his match against In'ei, the austere master of Hozoin's deadly spear technique?