For ages, shrine maidens have been fighting off "aratama" - strange beings that pose a threat to humanity - with their swords. These maidens, known as "Toji," wear school uniforms and are an officially sanctioned branch of the police force, specifically trained as a "special religious service police squad." The government authorizes them to carry swords and perform governmental duties, and has even established five schools across the nation for their education. Each spring, the top Toji from each school participate in a competition, spurring them to intense training in order to hone their abilities and increase their strength.