Karakuri Circus

Eleven-year-old Masaru Saiga inherited a vast fortune after his father died in an accident. These riches make Masaru a target for kidnappers, who send fearsome puppets to abduct him. Masaru escapes with the help of circus employee Narumi Kato, but the kidnappers soon catch up with them. All seems lost until a mysterious woman named Shirogane appears.

After the briefest of respites, Masaru, Narumi and Shirogane are plunged into peril once more. Assassin Eiryo Ashihana has tracked them down and attacks with the evil clown-like marionette Pulcinella.

Narumi cannot prevent the kidnapping of Masaru, so he and Shirogane want 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 returns to school for a more normal life while vowing to become stronger.

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