"To Strip the Flesh" is a manga that explores themes of identity, family, and self-acceptance through the lens of its protagonist, Chiaki Ogawa. Chiaki is a young man who has grown up in a rural setting, deeply connected to his family's tradition of hunting and butchering wild boars. Despite his skill and passion for the craft, Chiaki harbors a profound internal conflict: he has always identified as a woman and dreams of undergoing gender-affirming surgery to align his body with his true self. This desire, however, is complicated by his fear of disappointing his father, who values traditional masculinity and expects Chiaki to carry on the family legacy.

The narrative delves into Chiaki's struggles as he navigates his relationship with his father, who is unaware of his child's gender identity. Chiaki's father, a stoic and traditional man, represents the societal expectations and pressures that weigh heavily on Chiaki. The story also introduces Chiaki's supportive younger brother, who becomes a crucial emotional anchor for him. As Chiaki grapples with his decision to come out and pursue surgery, the manga examines the emotional toll of living inauthentically and the courage required to embrace one's true self.

The plot takes a significant turn when Chiaki's father falls seriously ill, forcing Chiaki to confront the possibility of losing him before revealing his truth. This crisis becomes a catalyst for Chiaki's journey toward self-acceptance and honesty. The manga portrays the complexities of familial love, the pain of unspoken truths, and the transformative power of vulnerability. Through its exploration of Chiaki's internal and external conflicts, "To Strip the Flesh" offers a poignant and thought-provoking narrative about the intersection of personal identity and familial duty.