"Higurashi When They Cry: Eye Opening Arc" is a manga adaptation of the visual novel series "Higurashi no Naku Koro ni," focusing on the events of the "Tatarigoroshi-hen" arc. The story is set in the fictional rural village of Hinamizawa in 1983, where a series of mysterious deaths and disappearances occur, intertwined with local folklore and paranoia. The narrative centers on Keiichi Maebara, a newcomer to the village, who becomes close friends with a group of girls: Rena Ryugu, Mion Sonozaki, Satoko Hojo, and Rika Furude. Despite the idyllic surface of village life, an undercurrent of unease pervades the community, linked to the annual Watanagashi Festival and the curse of Oyashiro-sama, the village's deity.

Keiichi grows suspicious of the villagers' behavior, particularly after learning about the recent murders and disappearances tied to the festival. His paranoia intensifies when he discovers that Satoko's abusive uncle, Teppei Hojo, has returned to the village. Determined to protect Satoko, Keiichi devises a plan to eliminate Teppei, believing it to be the only way to ensure her safety. However, his actions spiral into a series of tragic consequences, as the line between reality and delusion blurs. Keiichi's mental state deteriorates, and he begins to question the trustworthiness of his friends and the true nature of the curse.

The arc explores themes of trust, paranoia, and the cyclical nature of violence, as Keiichi's attempts to break free from the curse only deepen his entanglement in the village's dark secrets. The story is marked by its nonlinear structure, with events unfolding in a way that challenges the reader's perception of truth and reality. The characters' relationships and motivations are central to the narrative, with Rena, Mion, Satoko, and Rika each playing pivotal roles in the unfolding mystery. The arc culminates in a shocking revelation that ties Keiichi's actions to the broader curse of Hinamizawa, leaving the reader to grapple with the moral and psychological implications of the story.