Takahashi, is the living embodiment of Atman (the energy of the Human Spirit) and he has been called upon to fight the forces of darkness single handedly. He is haunted by the murder of his father, and is thrown into a nightmare world when he is brought to the attention of the Kikuchi clan - descendants of the five original families of Japan. The clan want him to face off against the serpent - the God of Darkness - who was once a mighty god in heaven until he was banished to the underworld where he slew the eight-tailed serpent. Takahashi is destined to fight this battle as he bears the tattoo of the serpent.
