In the mid-19th century, Japan remained isolated from the outside world. Only the earliest signs of reform were emerging within the long-standing regime of Shogun Tokugawa. In the remote countryside of Shikoku island, a young boy named Ryoma is growing up in a lower-class samurai family. A decade later, he is destined to become one of the leading figures who will overthrow the Shogun's rule and open Japan to the Western world. The story begins with Ryoma, a seven-year-old dreamer. He is an honest and tender-hearted boy who detests any form of violence or brutality. He is so sensitive and somewhat naive that he often cries out of pity when witnessing even the simplest acts of violence, such as another child trampling a tiny insect. Both the other children and his family call him a "cry baby." However, he is not a coward—not a "chicken" at all. His distress stems from a desire to prevent unreasonable acts and wrongdoings in life. His older sister is the only person who understands his depth. She recognizes that her brother possesses a special talent and does her best to protect him and cheer him up.