The classic, long ninja-saga. Many intertwined themes and many characters. It is a series that is as well a traditional samurai tale as an attempt of Shirato to uncover the role of revolting peasants in feudal Japan. It was made into a full feature film by Nagisa Ooshima in 1966.

Kagemura is a fictional samurai, the hero of the story, aiding the peasants in their struggle for life. Nobunaga Oda, the historical 16th century warlord is his opponent.