In a world plagued by division, conflict, and worsening global warming, a young diplomat, Toshi, returns home after successfully brokering a peace negotiation. But his moment of relief is short-lived, as news of the negotiation’s collapse plunges him into despair. Exhausted and wandering the streets aimlessly, he is unexpectedly saved by an unremarkable, middle-aged man.

• Saori Hayami