Japan has become a wasteland devastated by the Rusty Wind which causes all things to rust away. A suspicious looking priest visits a checkpoint all alone, yet on his back rests a bow priests wouldn't use. Meanwhile, Milo, a doctor running a clinic in the town of Imihama, is researching new medicines in secret in order to save his older sister, Pawoo, who's being corroded by the Rust. But that day a stranger appears before him...

The wanted criminal, Akaboshi Bisco, causes havoc in the town of Imihama using his bow to cause giant mushrooms to bloom. Bisco searches for a doctor who can synthesize medicine to save his mentor, Jabi, who has become gravely ill. Bisco storms into the clinic and accosts Milo, but Governor Kurokawa hears the commotion and dispatches his elite forces.

Bisco and Jabi continue their journey through Touhoku in search of Sabikui, the Rust-Eater, a mushroom said to cleanse away any rust. Milo also realizes that if he could cure his sister, Pawoo, if he had this Rust-Eater. Meanwhile, the governor of Imihama, Kurokawa, burns with an unusual obsession with killing Bisco.

Milo and Bisco head toward Touhoku in search of the legendary mushroom, Rust-Eater. After reuniting with their friend, the giant crab Actagawa, Milo struggles with his training to ride the crab, but ends up communicating with it thanks to his kindness. That night the two of them try to rest at the Nikkou War Memorial only to reunite with a jellyfish girl they met in Imihama.

On their way to Akita, Bisco and Milo pass by the sea of Calbero and arrive at a desolate town under threat from the deadly creatures, Flying Blowfish. A town that's also full of children and devoid of adults. Meanwhile, Pawoo encounters a mysterious couple living in some ruins as she pursues the others.