After attaining enlightenment beneath the Pippla tree, Buddha faces the arduous task of disseminating his teachings while navigating the complex political and personal conflicts of his era. Siddhartha Gautama must now reconcile his newfound spiritual clarity with the harsh realities of human suffering, including the vengeful desires of his followers and the political machinations of the Kingdom of Kosala. He confronts the ruthless ambition of Devadatta and attempts to guide the stubborn monk Dhepa toward a path of compassion. The narrative, presented through Tezuka's signature visual style, explores the tension between the Buddha's message of universal peace and the violent history of his homeland.

Osamu Tezuka's work is widely regarded as a foundational achievement in the medium of manga, noted for its ability to humanize historical and religious figures. The series is frequently praised for its accessibility, as it translates complex theological concepts into a visual language that resonates with a broad audience. Readers often highlight the balance between the lighthearted, sometimes slapstick humor characteristic of Tezuka and the profound gravity of the subject matter. The narrative's focus on the imperfections of those surrounding the Buddha provides a grounded perspective that prevents the story from becoming purely hagiographic. This volume is seen as a pivotal transition point where the protagonist's internal philosophy is finally tested against the external pressures of a fractured society.