A sumo wrestler is impressed with the skills of the blind masseur Zatoichi. Not for his surprising swordsmanship but for his gambling skills. He begs Ichi to teach him to be a champion gambler, but Ichi tries to convince him to return home & not become part of the gamblers' world. As the lad has been depressed and cannot take care of himself, Ichi takes him on very reluctantly as an apprentice, & they adventure along the country roads together.
