In a mountainous region of Japan, Lord Arakawa kidnaps the men of nearby villages to use as slave labor, producing gunpowder from his sulfur pits. A band of young boys decide to rescue their enslaved fathers on their own. But with the roads guarded by Arakawa's forces, the only option is a cross-country route across the snowy peaks of Daimajin's mountain. Risking all, their efforts are observed by Daimajin's messenger, a great hawk. Their courage inspires the adults of their village to rise up against Arakawa's forces. And the boys find their greatest ally in Daimajin, who brings his ancient power to bear against a new weapon, the rifle.
