"Kizumonogatari - Wound Tale" is a prequel to the larger "Monogatari" series, focusing on the origins of the protagonist Koyomi Araragi and his transformation into a vampire. The story begins with Araragi, a high school student, encountering a dying vampire named Kiss-shot Acerola-orion Heart-under-blade, also known as the "King of Apparitions." After offering his blood to save her, Araragi becomes a vampire himself, gaining supernatural abilities but losing his humanity in the process. Determined to reclaim his human life, he embarks on a quest to retrieve Kiss-shot's severed limbs, which were stolen by three powerful vampire hunters: Dramaturgy, Episode, and Guillotine Cutter.

Each of the hunters possesses one of Kiss-shot's limbs, and Araragi must confront them in a series of intense battles. Dramaturgy, a vampire executioner, wields her arm and represents brute strength. Episode, a half-vampire, holds her leg and employs cunning tactics. Guillotine Cutter, a human priest, possesses her heart and relies on religious artifacts to combat vampires. As Araragi defeats each hunter and retrieves the limbs, he grows stronger but also grapples with the moral and existential implications of his actions. His relationship with Kiss-shot becomes increasingly complex, as her true motives and the consequences of restoring her full power come into question.

The narrative explores themes of identity, sacrifice, and the blurred line between heroism and self-interest. Araragi's interactions with other characters, such as Tsubasa Hanekawa, his classmate and confidante, provide emotional depth and highlight his struggle to balance his humanity with his vampiric nature. The story culminates in a climactic confrontation with Kiss-shot, forcing Araragi to make a pivotal decision that will shape his future. "Kizumonogatari - Wound Tale" serves as a foundational piece in the "Monogatari" series, establishing the events and relationships that drive the overarching narrative.