it is the time of world war II. japanese soldiers are stealing the females from their neighbouring countries to use as comfort women. among their human possessions are ainu women, aboriginees living in northern japan. tsukiko -- child of the moon -- is 10. she is sent to a vicious naval front where a wise and eccentric general refuses to allow these comfort women to serve their intended purpose. instead, he has them perform ancient kabuki dramas. out of fear and respect, the men do not question his decision. but his son, kai, spreads amongst them seeds of discontent. he has seen how his father watches this tsukiko. she becomes the object of his hatred, for she is not true japanese and does not deserve to wear the imperial flag the general has her dress in. kai is reprimanded, but he is not repentant.

the general's power and reputation increases even after the war. as does his love for tsukiko. on the eve o f their wedding, kai ret urns. tsukiko is praying. kai interrupts. the general finds tsukiko almost dead. her eyes are gone and the word "kabuki" has been carved into her back. she is pregnant. she dies in childbirth.

the general raises the child, ukiko -- child of the rain -- , as his own, but her true father learns of her existence and comes to put her in her place. she is not his family. she is kabuki. he writes it all over her face. the general finds ukiko almost dead. she is taken to the finest hospital. she flatlines for nine minutes, but she returns along with her mother's ghost.

her scars prevent her from leading a normal life so instead, the general begins to groom her for his newly formed agency, the noh. she becomes a living weapon with a new face.

she is

kabuki.