In early 20th century Tokyo, an ancient curse threatens to consume the rapidly modernizing city. The malevolent spirit of Taira no Masakado, a powerful warlord executed over a thousand years ago, lies dormant but seething with hatred for the capital built upon his grave. If fully awakened, his vengeful energy will level the metropolis and revert it to desolate holy ground.

The antagonist, Yasunori Kato, is a dark onmyoji—a master of esoteric magic—who seeks to weaponize Masakado’s rage to destroy Tokyo. He believes doing so will appease the spirits of his own ancestors, the indigenous peoples subjugated by the imperial court that Masakado once opposed. Kato’s plan centers on the Tatsumiya family, who are direct descendants of the ancient warlord. He kidnaps the psychic Yukari Tatsumiya, intending to use her as a medium to channel Masakado’s spirit. When this direct approach fails, Kato performs a forbidden ritual to impregnate Yukari with a child possessing even greater spiritual power, believing this offspring will be the perfect vessel for Masakado’s rebirth.

Opposing Kato is the Tsuchimikado family, a lineage of benevolent onmyoji sworn to protect the spiritual balance of the capital. Their leader, Yasumasa Hirai, attempts to rescue Yukari but is mortally wounded by Kato’s dark magic. Years later, as the nation transitions from the Meiji to the Taisho era, the focus shifts to Yukari’s young daughter, Yukiko. Kato returns to claim her, triggering a series of supernatural battles that inadvertently contribute to the devastation of the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923.

By 1927, as Tokyo rebuilds, a new champion emerges. Keiko Mekata, a powerful shrine maiden summoned by Masakado’s own spirit to atone for the curse, becomes the city’s protector. She marries into the Tatsumiya family and wields her inherited spiritual authority to shield Yukiko from Kato’s grasp. As Kato attempts to harness the city’s underground dragon veins to trigger another catastrophic earthquake, Keiko pursues him in a final confrontation. She does not destroy him with force but channels the boundless compassion of the bodhisattva Kannon, dissolving the centuries-old hatred that fuels his power. The story concludes with Tokyo’s first subway opening, a symbol of fragile peace and progress, as the city’s spiritual defenders hope the curse has finally been laid to rest.