A young monk who peacefully carries home the sacred sword of his venerated master is challenged by a samourai. The monk asks for grace, promising the samourai that he will return once he’s accomplished his mission. Once back at the temple, the monk’s elderly master orders him to keep his promise and to return to confront the samourai – much to the monk’s astonishment. He’s desperate, heading for certain death, even though his master has taught him how to die.