Mito Kōmon, inspired by the historical Tokugawa Mitsukuni, assumes the guise of a commoner during covert journeys across feudal Japan to investigate regional governance and combat oppression. Masking his identity as a high-ranking imperial emissary, he observes local dynamics firsthand, accompanied by his loyal retinue: Suke, a katana-wielding swordsman with unmatched precision, and Kaku-san, a powerhouse adept at subduing foes through brute strength. The group is occasionally joined by a spirited girl named Yuki, a loyal dog named Dombee, and his grandson Sutemaru in select narratives.

Their missions unfold with a familiar rhythm: infiltrating villages plagued by corrupt officials or criminal enterprises, gathering evidence discreetly, and confronting antagonists in clashes resolved by Suke and Kaku-san’s combat prowess. At each climax, Mito Kōmon dramatically unveils his authority by producing an inrō—a lacquered emblem of imperial mandate—to enact judgment, redistribute power, and impart lessons on integrity.

The narrative framework hinges on his dual identity, using anonymity to dismantle barriers between governance and the governed while championing ethical leadership. Though backstory remains minimal, his unwavering dedication to justice and the vulnerable defines his persona. The anime amplifies its stakes through stylized combat sequences featuring superhuman feats, contrasting the live-action iteration’s grounded tone, yet both center on a disguised arbiter dismantling corruption.

Structured as episodic vignettes, the 46-installment series sustains focus on self-contained missions, prioritizing moral resolve over character evolution. No expanded lore or supplementary media is referenced, maintaining narrative cohesion around his role as an itinerant enforcer of equilibrium.