Aoteru Misumi is a young man living in the countryside of Ehime, Yamato. Working as an agricultural officer, he lives a quiet life with his wife, Saki. One day, they are visited by a horseback procession fit for a king.

Having lost the love of his life, Aoteru is determined to fulfill the promise he made to her of creating a peaceful world. He travels to Osaka to take the exam given by Borderland General Mitsuhide Ryumon in the hopes of serving under him.

Aoteru and Yoshitsune Asama take the Toryumon, an employment exam required to work under Ryumon. The conditions for passing are simple: the examinees must bring him to his knees.

Three years after passing the Toryumon, Aoteru is working hard under Ryumon to perform his duties to their fullest. Meanwhile, Yamato sends a demand for unconditional surrender to the neighboring nation of Seii.

A new dictatorship comes to power in Seii when Ohga Wajima suggests subduing Yamato by force. Ohga quickly captures the hearts of her people with her political prowess, and within Seii, momentum grows to launch a campaign against Yamato.

Emperor Fuji III orders Tonotsugu Taira, Denki Taira's heir, to travel to Kanazawa with Right Lieutenant General Goh Sugoh of the Borderland General Corps. Tonotsugu sees this as an opportunity, but Sugoh suspects it's a trap by Seii.

Muuton's night raid on Kanazawa fails, but the Seii army's main forces advance on the Borderland General Corps. The decisive battle between Ohga and Ryumon nears.

Ryumon defeats Ohga using the "Empty Fort Stratagem," destroying Ohga's authority. With her prestige shattered, Ohga seeks counsel from her trusted strategist, Yayakichi Hei.

Thanks to Yayakichin's strategy, Ohga regains power. Yamato faces trouble while Ryumon and Kaku propose a bold plan to Aoteru.

Aoteru reunites with Denki after a long time. When he explains his withdrawal order, Denki resists, leaving the final decision to the emperor.

Aoteru persuades the emperor, and Yoshitsune delivers a decree to Ryumon as he prepares to face Seii forces. Seii plots to destroy Yamato with its "Winter General Strategy" as the conflict climaxes.