Pinoko suddenly collapses and at the same time, Lady Yurie, head of the highly regarded Saionji family also collapses while rehearsing a traditional dance. Black Jack can find no cause for Pinoko's ailment, but is intrigued when called on to treat Lady Yurie from whom Jack removed a Teratoid Cystoma years ago. It is gradually revealed that the cyst was actually Lady Yurie's twin sister, growing within her body. Jack removed the small body parts which he later surgically reassembled to create Pinoko. Jack examines Lady Yurie and finds that she has had recurring malignant tumors, and her body is beginning to fail her. However, she insists on maintaining the family tradition of the head of the Saionji family performing the "Ascent of the White Heron" at the White Heron Temple every ten years. The temple's story tells of a heavenly maiden who took the form of a heron and descended to the land.
Kuroo Hazama, also known as "Black Jack," is a legend in the medical world. Famous for being one of the best, as well as not having a license, Hazama and his assistant Pinoko save countless lives that other doctors cannot... for a price; an exorbitant price, in fact, which causes many to view the genius as greedy and heartless. Despite these claims, however, none can deny his skill and the lengths that he will go to treat his patients. This dark medical drama tells the story of the ominous and mysterious world of underground medicine as Black Jack risks his life to cure some of the most bizarre diseases imaginable, even if it means breaking every law in the process.
