The story centers around Ryōken, a young man who lamented his misfortune and despised temples and monks. He had placed all his hope on his unborn child, but an unfortunate incident took everything away from him. In his time of despair and suffering in the dark, Ryōken came across the preachings of the holy priest Rennyo. They tell the answer to "why we live," as revealed by the monk Shinran. Finding new meaning, Ryōken becomes Rennyo's apprentice. Angry at the increase of followers at Honnōdera, the other Buddhist sects chase Rennyo and Ryōken out of Kyoto. Seeking a new place of worship, the two arrive in Yoshizaki (Fukui) in the Hokuriku region. (Source: Anime News Network)