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 Hôzôin Temple. But will Musashi´s growing feelings for his childhood friend Otsû prove to be a fatal distraction in his match against In´ei, the austere master of Hôzôin´s deadly spear technique?