In pursuit of his magnum opus, the legendary Phoenix, Akanemaru, a talented sculptor, embarks on a quest for inspiration. His journey takes an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with Gaou, a hardened bandit with a dark past. Despite Akanemaru's goodwill, Gaou, fueled by bitterness and aggression, resorts to violence and theft. As time passes, their encounter fades from memory. Years later, Akanemaru is compelled to forsake his artistic dreams, while Gaou faces a sudden reversal of fortune, setting the stage for a fateful reunion. Unbeknownst to them, their paths will intertwine again, this time as rivals, shaping their destinies in ways they never imagined. Against the backdrop of Japan's Nara era, Hi no Tori: Houou-hen delves into the complex interplay of choices and consequences, portraying the transformative journeys of two men grappling with the repercussions of their actions.