Based on Hiroyuki Itsuki's novel about the life of Rennyo, this drama film opens in Japan's Muromachi period with Hotei, the son of a poor temple priest. Being parted from his mother while still very young leaves him deeply hurt. As an adult he becomes a monk and takes the name Rennyo. Wanting to help ordinary people suffering through war, disease and hunger, he undergoes demanding training in the teachings of Shin Buddhism and sets out to carry them across the country.