When Keiichi Maebara relocated to Hinamizawa, he did not anticipate forming close friendships so rapidly. Currently, his days are filled with amusement and games with his new acquaintances, making his life quite pleasant. However, one day while strolling through the village, he encounters Mion Sonozaki working at a maid café. In an attempt to tease her about it, Keiichi's initial jest quickly escalates into astonishment when Mion reveals that she is actually Shion, her twin sister. To his surprise, both girls express a desire to spend the annual Cotton Drifting Festival with him. Unfortunately, their joy turns sour when Shion disregards the town's sacred rules and sneaks into a sealed shrine during the festival, dragging Keiichi along with her. Now, they are in peril of being spirited away due to their actions and must find a way to make amends before it is too late.
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni: Watanagashi-hen was published in English as Higurashi When They Cry: Cotton Drifting Arc by Yen Press on May 12, 2009 and September 15, 2009, respectively and also digitally on April 22, 2014. The series was also published in Polish as Gdy zapłaczą cykady: Księga dryfującej bawełny by Waneko in one-volume edition on January 29, 2016.