In the village of Hinamizawa, Keiichi Maebara and his friends live their everyday lives peacefully and without incident. Having just moved to the town, Keiichi finds himself with no shortage of new friends. One of the youngest of this group, Satoko Houjou, plays many pranks on her friends and is always cheerful. But behind her smile lies a dark past, filled with personal heartache. Despite all of the tragedy in her life, Satoko is still able to find happiness. Keiichi, who admires her resilient spirit, begins to think of himself as a brother figure and her protector. But when her uncle Teppei returns to town, Satoko begins showing signs of abuse. Keiichi longs to return his friend to her former happy self... so much so, that he starts to consider doing something drastic to keep her safe. The story of Higurashi no Naku Koro ni is divided into a total of eight chapters: four Question arcs and four Answer arcs. Each chapter keeps the same main characters, but ends in a different way. However, each chapter gives valuable answers, hints, and clues to the previous one, while at the same time bringing forth even more mysteries. The question arcs are: 1. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni - Onikakushi-hen 2. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni - Watanagashi-hen 3. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni - Tatarigoroshi-hen 4. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni - Himatsubushi-hen The answer arcs are: 5. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai - Meakashi-hen 6. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai - Tsumihoroboshi-hen 7. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai - Minagoroshi-hen 8. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai - Matsuribayashi-hen The side story arcs are: Higurashi no Naku Koro ni - Onisarashi-hen Higurashi no Naku Koro ni - Yoigoshi-hen Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai - Utsutsukowashi-hen Higurashi no Naku Koro ni - Hirukowashi-hen Higurashi no Naku Koro ni - Kokoroiyashi-hen Higurashi no Naku Koro ni - Kataribanashi-hen Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei - Saikoroshi-hen Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Jan