The Guardian of the Camphor Tree opens with Reito Naoi, a young man in his early twenties, abruptly dismissed from his position without cause. Angered and driven by a thirst for vengeance, he attempts to pilfer an expensive gadget from his former workplace, yet the plan collapses and he is taken into custody.
While incarcerated, Reito receives an unforeseen visit from a lawyer who proposes to secure his release on the condition that he fulfills the wishes of the attorney"s client. With no other options, Reito agrees and soon learns that the client is his aunt. When he confesses to her that he has no direction, she issues a command: "Your task is to protect the camphor tree." Thus begins Reito"s stewardship of a sacred camphor tree located on shrine grounds, a tree wrapped in an enigmatic legend. Its ancient bark bears whispered promises of protection forever.
