It is 1862, and the Expulsion of Foreigners movement is started by the Choushuu clan. Kusaka Touma is a member of this clan, but is at odds with his clan, and supports the Open the Country movement instead, which movement endorses peace and open borders. While trying to stop other Choushuu from setting fire to the British Embassy, Kusaka is confronted by a Bakufu (Shogunate) samurai who helps him and a comrade, Aizawa, escape from authorities.

Years later, as he tries to find a school that will teach him English, Kusaka reunites with the samurai who saved his life, Akizuki Keiichirou, who recognises him and eventually offers to secretly teach Kusaka English. However, despite precautions, a Choushuu eventually sees them together and they must stop meeting.