Official Gold

Synopsis

In an era where the spirit of the samurai prevails, a profound moral dilemma takes center stage: does one become a samurai in service of their clan, or in service of the people? This quandary is epitomized in the contrasting philosophies of two samurai retainers.

Rokugo Taito, a feudal chief retainer, finds himself in the unenviable position of having to make heart-wrenching decisions for the survival of his clan. Guided by the maxim, "If killing a small insect can save a large insect, then we must kill the small insect," he faces the grim responsibility of sacrificing the welfare of the people within his domain for the greater good of the clan.

Contrasting sharply with Taito's stance is Magobe Wakisaka, another feudal retainer who champions the cause of the common folk. He contests Taito's view with the belief, "No, small bugs are big bugs. The more you kill small bugs, the more the country will weaken." Wakisaka stands firmly on the side of the people, advocating that the true strength of a nation lies in the well-being of its citizens.

Ironically, despite their opposing viewpoints, Taito and Wakisaka share a bond that transcends their ideological differences. Both were friends and comrades, who once stood shoulder to shoulder at the clan school, learning the ways of the samurai.