In the early twentieth century, Russo-Japanese War veteran Saichi Sugimoto searches the wilderness of Hokkaido for a hoard of hidden gold. With only a cryptic map and a native Ainu girl to help him, Saichi must also deal with every murderous cutthroat, bandit and rogue who knows about the treasure!

The enigmatic and beautiful Ainu soothsayer, Inkarmat, can see the paths to the past and the future--what fate has she seen for Sugimoto? Sugimoto and his friends continue their journey to the northernmost reaches of Hokkaido and the infamous Abashiri prison. Even if they can manage to meet with Noppera-bo, will he give them the answers they want? And what do rumors of an immortal bear have to do with the tattooed skin treasure map?