Karakuri Circus

Eleven-year-old Masaru Saiga inherits a vast fortune after his father dies and he becomes a target for kidnappers, who send fearsome puppets to abduct him. Masaru escapes with the help of circus employee Narumi Kato.

After the briefest of respites, Masaru, Narumi, and Shirogane are plunged into peril once more as assassin Eiryo Ashihana and evil clown-like marionette Pulcinella attack.

Narumi can't prevent the kidnapping of Masaru, orchestrated by his uncle, so he and Shirogane work to free the boy.

Deciding he must get stronger, Masaru confronts the murderous Ashihana again, this time to make a deal; Narumi and Shirogane try to rescue Masaru but end up in Zenji's clutches.

Masaru mourns after Narumi appears to perish in the explosion of Zenji's mansion, and vows to become stronger while returning to school for a more normal life.

Narumi wakes up in a hospital with many questions, including what happened to him after apparently perishing in an explosion; when his wounds heal mysteriously, he searches for answers.