"Great Pretender" is a manga series that revolves around the world of high-stakes cons and elaborate schemes, blending elements of crime, drama, and dark humor. The narrative centers on Makoto Edamura, a small-time con artist in Japan who aspires to greater success but often finds himself out of his depth. After a failed attempt to scam a French tourist, Edamura discovers that his target, Laurent Thierry, is a far more skilled and experienced conman. This encounter pulls Edamura into a series of increasingly complex and dangerous heists orchestrated by Laurent and his team of international swindlers.

The story unfolds across multiple arcs, each focusing on a distinct con targeting corrupt individuals and organizations. The first major arc, "Case 1: Los Angeles Connection," involves a scheme to take down a Hollywood producer with ties to the drug trade. Subsequent arcs, such as "Case 2: Singapore Sky" and "Case 3: Snow of London," expand the scope of the cons, targeting a wealthy art collector and a British aristocrat, respectively. Each arc introduces new characters and challenges, while gradually revealing the backstories and motivations of the main cast.

Laurent Thierry serves as the mastermind behind the cons, exuding charm and confidence while maintaining an air of mystery about his true intentions. His team includes Abigail Jones, a skilled forger and former actress, and Cynthia Moore, a seductive con artist with a sharp intellect. Edamura, initially an outsider, grows into his role within the group, though his moral compass and naivety often clash with the darker aspects of their schemes. The dynamic between the characters is marked by shifting alliances, hidden agendas, and moments of genuine camaraderie.

The narrative delves into themes of trust, betrayal, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. As the cons grow more elaborate, the stakes escalate, forcing the characters to confront their pasts and the consequences of their actions. The series balances its intricate plotting with moments of levity, often highlighting the absurdity of the situations the characters find themselves in. By the final arc, "Case 4: Wizard of Far East," the story reaches a climax that ties together the overarching narrative threads, revealing the true nature of Laurent's ultimate con and its impact on Edamura and the rest of the team.