Zatoichi finds himself embroiled in a struggle between two gangland bosses when he arrives in the village of Kiyotaki. The peasants are starving to death but Tamizo, one of the bosses, forces them to continue to gamble their way out of destitution. Asagoro assumes the position as leader of the peasants and takes it upon himself to pay off their debts. Zatoichi decides to lend his skills to advance their cause.