The story takes place in 1579-1580 when Hakutaka was training with his father Ōzaru, who was the leader of the Iga ninja dogs whilst the human Iga members controlled the dogs. Ōzaru has a rivalry with Ryōga, the ancestor of Kurojaki and the two have fought in many battles. At the time of Hakutaka growing older and becoming more skilled, he develops a rivalry with Izuna, the son of Ryōga. Over the series, the story reveals how Hakutaka became to be known as Akame as well as how the two warring clans developed over time.