The narrative follows a young man's challenging two-month experience as an assistant mathematics teacher in a provincial Japanese middle school during the 1890s. Struggling with the monotony of rural life and the antics of both students and faculty, he embodies impulsiveness and a strong sense of justice. His conflicts with the head teacher, "Red Shirt," lead to escalating tensions, culminating in a dramatic escape alongside his colleague "Porcupine." Ultimately, he returns to the comfort of his emotional anchor, Kiyo, the family retainer.
