The storyline revolves around a former prisoner named Yotarou, who was granted early release for good behavior during Japan's Shouwa Genroku era (1960s to early 1970s). Yotarou is known as an "anti-hero" or a "simpleton" and decides to pursue a career in rakugo, a type of comedy storytelling, after his release. He aspires to become the student of Yakumo, a renowned rakugo performer referred to as a "distributor of death." The majority of the season focuses on Yakumo's experiences during World War II and the aftermath. Notably, the first episode runs for twice the standard length of 24 minutes.