A dying mother leaves her child in Zatoichi's care. Some shady characters are also interested in this child. Meanwhile, there's conflict between a brother, a sister, and an old man.
When Zatoichi intervenes between a couple and a ronin, the ronin calls out a name. Months later, Zatoichi accidentally finds that person and learns that the couple have some secrets.
A young woman desires to marry a man far below her class in society. He believes the difference is too great. Can Zatoichi help them get together while he's being chased across the countryside by the authorities?
While on the road, Zatoichi meets a couple he knew when they were children. They are traveling the wrong path. Will they take the direction he gives them or must he take more drastic action?
Zatoichi escorts an old woman into a village overrun with bounty hunters seeking a fugitive hiding nearby . Despite Zatoichi's desire to leave immediately, the old woman insists on staying.
Zatoichi meets a young woman on the road and travels with her to the next town. When they arrive, she is ecstatic to find her true love lives there. However, his plan for her isn't what she's expecting.
Zatoichi visits one of the villages of his childhood. A man foolishly bets his wife gambling with Zatoichi and she decides she would prefer to be with him than her husband.
While passing through a small town in bad times Zatoichi meets an easy-going samurai and the sassy owner of the local restaurant who wants to rid the town of the rival gangs who are vying for her affections.
A man is crucified for standing up to abusive yakuza. Zatoichi is welcomed into an orphanage run by the man's daughter where a disruptive boy and the yakuza cause trouble.
A stubborn wandering indigent ronin (cast-off samurai), his infinitely patient wife, a former doctor, a yakuza boss, and Zatoichi meet with tragic consequences.
