Imperial Japan invades the Topa Community as part of an ongoing colonial invasion against the Tayal people. Their leader, Watan Syat, has been at war with the Japanese for over eight years. His daughter, Loba Watan, agrees to be taken hostage in hopes that her people can return home. A sacrifice which nearly tears the community apart.

Chou, a sensitive teen craving independence, struggles as the 1996 Taiwan Strait crisis hits his family's finances and worsens tensions at home. He secretly works at a billiard hall, forming a bond with gang leader Button, but faces setbacks like Button's enlistment and peer conflicts. Caught by his father, their relationship worsens. At school, his crush Min leaves due to war fears, and pressure from a teacher deepens his uncertainty.