Muna has never known his father -- a "samurai," a noble warrior. But Muna's mother has told Muna how he will know him one day: "by the sign of the chrysanthemum." When his mother dies, Muna travels to the capital of twelfth-century Japan, a bewildering city on the verge of revolution. He finds a haven there, as servant to the great swordsmith, Fukuji. But Muna cannot forget his dream: He must find his father. Only then will he have power and a name to be reckoned with. Only then will he become a man.