The mere utterance of the name Zatoichi strikes morbid fear in his enemies and heroic awe in his fans. More of an unsuspecting hero, Zatoichi was kind of a roughneck gambler who adopts a life dedicated to peace, massage therapy, and superhuman swordsmanship. In a role that would become the stuff of legend, Shintaro Katsu is introduced as the blind masseur/swordsman. Zatoichi is practicing his trade in a small province, which is quickly overrun by rival warlords fighting for control. Knowing Zatoichi's ability, one of the warlords tries unsuccessfully to hire his services; but by no means will Ichi be able to simply stand by. The rival warlord hires his own warrior who ruthlessly seeks to challenge Masseur Ichi, which reminds us to be careful what we wish for.