Hunted by the Mings from China, young Kotaro and his dog meet a nameless samurai ("Nanashi") who is constantly being haunted by dreams of the... more>> past which lead him to seal his sword. Among the Mings is a fiercesome Western fighter named Rarou, who desires only to find a worthy opponent. When both groups clash with a Sengoku-era feudal lord, a proud general, and monks torn between faith and survival, the reason behind the Mings' pursuit tests the bond between Kotaro and Nanashi. (A popular movie of this manga has been produced by Bones). <<less

Three students are living fairly normal lives when, one day, they are overcome with intense stomach pain and a star symbol appears like a tattoo on their skin. With the symbol came supernatural powers, as well as enemies coming to kill them.... more>>

As more and more people develop similar supernatural powers, the story starts to turn into a Battle Royalesque bloody playground, only with an entire city as the setting and many innocents caught in the crossfire.

Among other themes, the story asks the question, "When is it alright to kill?" and delves deep into the darkness of the human psyche. <<less