A story about samurai from a clan in the Tohoku Region in the Edo Period. Matazaemon was born as a second son to humble parents and rises to a head retainer of the clan. At the age of 53, he suddenly feels the sign of aging and starts to consider his retirement. He looks back on his life in which he lost his four friends, including one who was killed by Matazaemon. Despite his success, he feels that his fame is vanity and finally finds the importance of human trust.