The hack and slash action takes place in the beginning of Meiji Japan in an inn town. The battle between three forces, the Meiji Government, the Kurofuke Yakuza family and the Akagyoku Group that oppose the authorities.
The player is a stray Samurai with the freedom to join any party, e.g. the yakuza, the Akagyoku group or remain a lone wolf.
Of course, with the freedom provided in the game, there are more than one route you can develop your story, betray your old employers and go under a new one, remove yourself from corruptive forces and join the battle for justice etc, just remember that the fate of the state rests within your hands.