It is the Bunsei era (1818 – 1830). While the finances of samurai families were tight, people would entrust their household budget on a half-yearly basis to a roving steward who is the modern day accountant and management consultant. Karaki Ichibei (Mukai Osamu) takes care of the household budgets of families in desperate financial situations. He is not only adept at the abacus but also the sword. The selfless Ichibei goes over to all sorts of residences with his favourite abacus and helps people tormented by evil with a sword supple like the wind.