End of the Muromachi Period -- the late 16th century:
The power of the Ashikaga government is on the decline after the Onin/Bunmei civil war.
Civil unrest is on the rise and conflict rocks province after province.
Even Utakata, long peacefully ruled by the House of Ichijo,
is now threatened.
However, something in Utakata gives even the most power-hungry lord pause -- the prestigious Asuka Ninja Clan.

It was thought that the combined protection of the
House of Ichijo and the Asuka ninja would preserve the peace in Utakata.
But this time of peace came to an end when the Asuka Ninja clan was destroyed in a single night...
The provincial lords, who had been watching and waiting for an opportunity to strike at Utakata, wasted no time in making their moves.
And they were accompanied by rival ninja clans hoping to take the place of the Asuka Ninja.

Besieged by rival governments and ninja clans, Utakata stands on the
brink of war...