Terrorist activity in Japan has reached an all-time low, a stability maintained by the syndicate known as Direct Attack (DA). This organization trains orphaned girls as assassins through its "Lycoris" program. Takina Inoue is an outstanding Lycoris, defined by her strong sense of purpose and drive for perfection. However, a hostage crisis tests her patience, and her subsequent act of insubordination results in her transfer away from DA. Unhappy about losing the only place she felt she belonged, she reluctantly reports to her new base of operations: LycoReco, a cafe serving as a front. Takina's new partner proves to be quite different from her expectations. Although Chisato Nishikigi is a renowned Lycoris prodigy, she appears largely indifferent to her duties. She involves Takina in various odd jobs, simply explaining them as helping those in need. Takina is further bewildered when Chisato neutralizes a group of armed attackers without killing any of them. Feeling out of place, Takina is eager to return to DA, but Chisato is determined to show her that life offers more than just taking it.