There is little hope for individuals who want to live honest lives when mankind's brutality outweighs his fear of death. A little child sees the murder of the bandits who had enslaved him beneath a full moon and is subsequently baptized with a new name by the man who freed him. Shinta, now Kenshin Himura, is the name of this young guy who is destined to become a swordsman. His tender heart is unsuitable for the job, but his desire to defend the innocent is unwavering.