A young boy named Gusukō lives in the countryside with his parents and little sister. A string of droughts and other natural disasters tear the family apart, and Gusukō is forced to leave home and seek his fortunes on his own. Driven by a desire to improve the quality of life of his poor countrymen, he eventually joins a group of scientists called the Ihatov Volcano Department; he takes part in scientific projects to fight the natural disasters that drove him from his home.
Kohei has been afraid of racing ever since his brother died in a motorcycle accident a few months ago. He has talent on the running track, but always starts late and never wins. Then he decides to repair his brother’s motorcycle, despite his father’s strong objections.