The enigmatic and inscrutable "Mushi," beings beyond the grasp of natural law, are known to only a select few and feared by many. These creatures are responsible for the puzzling happenings of life. Once upon a time, a Mushi of great power threatened to extinguish all existence. The Mushishi of the Minai clan emerged from those who stopped this malevolent force, bound by a duty to serve as retainers to the Karibusa family, who contain the Mushi. Tanyuu Karibusa hires the Mushishi Ginko to oversee the Minai clan's investigation of an abandoned village where lifeless wood and buildings flourish with thriving plants. The Minai clan's demeanor is uncommonly harsh among Mushishi, and their widespread lack of appreciation for beauty and sentiment is even more peculiar. Tanyuu believes there is more to their behavior than meets the eye. As Ginko joins Kumado on a journey into the dangerous and treacherous "Path of Thorns," he discovers rare and deadly Mushi and uncovers secrets about the clan's purpose.