In a departure from the rest of the series, the plot of Tenchu Z does not involve fantasy elements. Instead, it is set in a fairly realistic depiction of Feudal Japan. The country of Goda, where the Azuma clan of ninja reside under the service of Lord Goda, is on the brink of war with the neighboring country of Ogawara. As a new recruit in the Azuma clan, the protagonist is sent to assassinate those who are assisting Ogawara, including army officials and spies who have infiltrated Goda, as well as recover stolen items and rescue prisoners. In between thwarting Ogawara's plans, the protagonist also receives missions in which he/she eliminates "evil" people such as abusive monks and greedy merchants.There is no connection between Tenchu Z's plot and those in the previous games, nor are there any returning characters with the exceptions of Rikimaru and Lord Goda.
