In 1701, Lord Takuminokami Asano's feud with Lord Kira ends in a failed assassination attempt at the Shogun's palace, leading to Asano's death by suicide and the loss of his clan's lands and titles. Despite this, Lord Kira faces no punishment. Asano's loyal samurai, now ronin, seek revenge against the injustice. Led by Kuranosuke Oishi, they wait for a year before exacting their revenge on Lord Kira.