Plot[]
Amawakuni/Japan Arc[]
1 - 7
In a mystical world called Amawakuni (天和国, Amawakuni), a ceremony marking the new governing princess is about to occur for the first time in 60 years. Only a maiden from the Hime Clan may take this position, but a boy called Arata must pose for the role, due to the lack of females born to this family. During the ceremony, the Twelve Shinshō, wielders of special swords called Hayagami (劍神, Hayagami), led by Kannagi, betrayed Princess Kikuri and attempted to assassinate her and Arata (an eyewitness) in a competition to become emperor. Kannagi frames Arata for the princess' murder, yet Arata manages to escape and into the Kando Forest.
Meanwhile, in modern-day Japan, an athletic boy named Arata Hinohara is starting his new life in high school. He wants to put memories of his difficult past behind him, but things aren't going to be simple when Masato Kadowaki, the bully from his old school, emerges. Feeling the world is untrustworthy; Hinohara walks into an alley, and soon finds himself in Amawakuni, where the world mistakes him for "Arata." Having to run to Arata's house, Hinohara learns from Arata's grandmother that he and the other Arata have "switched lives" according to legend about Kando Forest. When Kannagi searches the house, Hinohara comes across a rusted sword, activates its power, and becomes a Shō (鞘, Shou). The sword is a Hayagami named Tsukuyo.
Gatoya Arc[]
8 - 19
Arata emerges from the forest and finds himself in Japan. He has a run-in with the police because he is shirtless but is saved by Nao, Hinohara's sister, and is taken into Hinohara's family mistaking him for their "Arata."
Kotoha, Arata's childhood friend, offers Hinohara the princess' charm (ミチヒノタマ, Michihi no Tama) before he is arrested. In a jail cell, Hinohara contacts Arata via the other charm Kotoha had given him, where he discovers the truth from Arata, and are forced to take each other's roles. At the Imperial Court, Hinohara is found guilty, and exiled to Gatoya Island. On the trip to the island, Kotoha tags along and gives him his Hayagami. Also because of the charm's power he is able to talk to Kikuri (who is just barely alive). She then asks him to govern the world as otherwise there will only be war. After escaping Gatoya Island, Hinohara and Kotoha with their new friend Kanate, a former bandit, they head to the mainland on a quest to restore order and save the princess.
Kannagi's Territory Arc[]
20 - 32
Traveling across the mainland, Kannagi reluctantly joins Hinohara's group when a vengeful Akachi stole his Hayagami.
Island of Children Arc[]
33 - 39
Arata adjusts to high school where he befriends a strange girl named Imina Oribe.
Kadowaki Arc[]
40 - 52
Upon realizing the situation, Kadowaki is also summoned in Amawakuni and becomes a Shō as he activates a Hayagami, a spear named Orochi. Kotoha apparently learns Hinohara's true identity as the duo becomes closer. Harunawa, an agent of the mysterious Six Shinshō, who switched with Kadowaki is ordered to eliminate any possible maidens whom can succeed Kikuri.
Suzukura Arc[]
53 - 57
Yorunami Arc[]
58 - 67
Kugura of the Wind Arc[]
68 - 87
Hinohara discovers his destiny as Emperor Of Hinowa – the origin of all Hayagami – he embarks with Mikusa and Rami, relatives from the Hime and Uneme Clan. Imina is revealed a maiden from the Hime Clan who winded up lost on Earth 15 years ago.
Yataka Arc[]
89 - 101
Hinohara confronts Yataka, a Shinshō who loved Kikuri. Yataka receives a change of heart, and accompanies Hinohara's quest to redeem himself. Hinohara comes to know Mikusa is a fake maiden hiding from the Shinshō.
Akachi Arc[]
102 - 124
Muroya Arc[]
125 - 137
After Kannagi retrieves his Hayagami from Akachi, Hinohara is lured into a conspiracy on Muroya Island by a fellow traveler Hiruha who has been manipulated by the Six Shinshō.
Amano Iwakura Training Arc[]
138 - 145
Kikutsune Arc[]
146 - 164
Oninaki Island[]
165 - 171
Isora Arc[]
172 - 187
Ikisu Arc[]
188 - 213
Nasuke a rogue Shō assists Hinohara instead of submitting to him.
Nasake and Ameeno Arc[]
214 - 231
??? Arc[]
232 -