The Tokugawa government falls after about 300 years of rule.
Outsiders start spreading their influence, and politics, across the country.
Samurai's, once heralded for their honor and traditional skill with the blades are now not only reduced to being hired muscle, but it's forbidden to carry a sword in public, except police. Needless to say, he made a lot of enemies during that time, some of which actually became his friend after time settled tempers. To help him hold that promise he carries with him a sword that has the blade reversed so he can't kill, known as a sakabatsu. Like many with a haunted and troubled past, he tries his best to lead a simple, humble life with his friends Kaoru, Yahiko, Sanosuke and Megumi. But, such ghosts catch up with him eventually, and not only put his life at risk, but those he cares about at risk as well.