When mankind's cruelty outweighs his fear of death, there is little hope for those who want to live honest lives. Under a full moon, a little kid sees the murder of the bandits who had enslaved him and is subsequently baptized with a new name by the man who saved him. Shinta, now known as Kenshin Himura, is destined to become a swordsman. His tenderness of heart is unsuitable for the job, yet his desire to defend the innocent is unwavering.