Edo, Japan Isamu, hailed as the veteran of 500 fires, has spent 17 years as a machibikeshi, protecting the delicate paper-walled homes of Edo during windy monsoon season. Ryo, the water dragon etched on his skin, has been a source of comfort throughout this time—and an object of longing. The chief of the brigade wants the aging Isamu to retire, but Isamu fears that if he does, the great dragon will no longer be interested in protecting him.