Once, the world was one.

One day, a mysterious phenomenon — later known as “Janken” — split the world and its people according to the “rock-paper-scissors” system.

Thus were born the three great nations: the Rock Nation, the Paper Nation, and the Scissor Nation.

Legend has it that in the year 500 after Janken, the dreaded “Great War” will erupt – and only the strongest Nation will survive.

—    Present Day. Paper Nation —

 

The night was very quiet.

The light was dim, and the boots of a mysterious figure walked slowly through the room, step by step, firm and calm.

As the steps advanced, they passed by a woman lying on the floor, lifeless, her platinum white hair spread out and her body covered in blood — but it wasn't ordinary blood, it was purple. It spread through the room like ink.

The steps continued. Unwavering.

The figure passed by another victim’s body, a child. With the same hair color, and also with purple blood, staining the floor.

The steps went on.

Farther ahead, a man was lying down. He was still breathing, with difficulty. He choked on his own blood, which dripped from his mouth. Eyes wide open, in shock. The same hair color. The same purple blood.

The steps stopped in front of the man.

With no strength left, the man took his final breath.

Then silence.

The figure walked past him. Unmoved. In the distance, a door was opened firmly... and then, BAM! —shut violently.

Silence.

 

***

 

Dawn broke!

In a quiet village, people walked about their daily chores. Some wore traditional robes and kimonos with a modern touch.

A few soldiers passed by on their regular patrols —some in ninja uniforms, others in samurai attire.

On one of the streets stood a small restaurant attached to a house. Inside, in the kitchen, stood Rino Amazo — an older man with platinum white hair, a serene demeanor that radiated life experience and wisdom —leaning quietly against the doorframe.

He observed with clear discontent.

In front of him was Gotan — a 15-year-old athletic boy. His dark, spiky hair was messy, and he wore earrings in both ears.

He had on a loose one-piece orange jumpsuit with a high collar and no sleeves — the torn edges made it obvious the sleeves had been ripped off by hand. The zipper was open from neck to navel, revealing his chest and abdomen wrapped in white bandages, along with a necklace around his neck with a small shuriken entwined.

Gotan was training in the center of the kitchen, surrounded by pots and dishes, executing punch and kick sequences with skill.

As he turned mid-move, he noticed Rino watching him. Startled, he stopped immediately.

“Agh! Dad!? H-How long have you been standing there?”

“What did I say about training, Gotan?” Rino asked, looking like he was tired of repeating the same warning.

“That I can't train… in the kitchen.”

“Just that?”

“In the kitchen, outside the kitchen, anywhere,” Gotan answered, exasperated.

“Exactly! You know you're forbidden from training at all. How many times do I have to tell you I don’t want to see you involved in this war?”

“But I need to train. I was born with elemental blood, very few are blessed with elemental blood, it’s our duty to help our nation win this war,” said Gotan indignantly.

“Elemental blood isn’t a blessing, son. It’s a curse. And this war is a curse too.”

“Doesn’t matter! Only three years left until the Great War, now’s the time to get stronger and finish off the enemies and …” he stopped mid-sentence with a serious expression on his face.

“Your mother died because of the system that breeds hatred, death, and war. Hating the enemies doesn’t make you better than them,” Rino countered wisely.

“I’ll never understand this cowardly attitude of yours since Mom died. You were the best ninja in the Paper Nation before you left the army. Now you’re a cowardly cook and want me to be one too. That’s not fair,” Gotan raised his voice, clearly upset.

“Well, I believe one day you’ll understand. But until that day comes... no training!” Rino said firmly.

“While other kids are training in academies to join the army, I’m wasting my time in this kitchen,” he crossed his arms and looked away. “Could you just leave me alone? I want to go back to my trai… I mean, my cooking,” he smiled awkwardly, having slipped up.

“Fine. I just came to let you know Mania stopped by and said she’ll be waiting in the usual spot.”

“Great! Let me serve her a bowl of food first,” Gotan replied, suddenly cheerful.

“Why do you two always meet at that spot? Mania’s like family now, she can eat here,” Rino asked curiously.

“Because… because… oh Dad, stop being nosy,” Gotan replied, clearly hiding something.

Rino stared suspiciously as Gotan tried to play it off.

“'Scuse me” Rino said and left.

Gotan remained, happily serving food into a bowl.

 

***

 

In an open field stood Mania Kawasaki — a 15-year-old girl, her messy red hair revealed her fiery personality.

She wore a tight yellow jumpsuit with black stripes on the sides and a belt tied around her waist. A ninja tool pouch was strapped to one of her legs.

She was lying on her back on the ground, hands behind her head, her beret covering her face.

Suddenly, she heard Gotan’s voice calling her. She sat up excitedly, placing the beret back on her head.

There was Gotan, holding a food bowl.

“My fooood!” Mania shouted, grinning from ear to ear.

“I thought you’d already be warming up for our training,” Gotan said, somewhat puzzled.

“We’re not training today. Besides, you're already the best fighter I know, so just relax.”

“If we’re not training, then why call me here? You could’ve eaten at home, my dad likes having you over.”

“I know. Since my parents died, he’s cared for me like I was his daughter. I don’t even want to think about him finding out I’ve been training with you and teaching you what I learn at the academy.”

“Relax, he won’t find out. So, what’s going on?” Gotan asked, sitting down curiously.

“Well, tomorrow is recruitment day! An army captain will come choose two top students from the academy to participate in the ‘Arena’. As you know, I’m the best at the academy, I’ll definitely be chosen.”

“So you’re going to the capital. That means today’s our last training day.”

“Not just for training, it’s a goodbye.”

“If it weren’t for my dad, I’d be participating too,” Gotan said bitterly.

“With our powers, we’d both pass for sure. That would’ve been awesome! Anyway, hand me my food, I’ll eat while you recap everything I taught you about the war, the nations, the enemies… everything!” Mania said as she grabbed her food with enthusiasm.

“Seriously?” Gotan asked, uninterested.

“You never care when it comes to learning stuff. You only care about physical training, you idiot. Knowledge is power too, and I won’t be here to remind you of things, so start talking,” said Mania, her mouth full, food crumbs flying out.

“Alright… uhm… In the three nations, the army has two divisions. There’s the ‘First Division’ for soldiers with elemental blood because they have powers, and the ‘Second Division’ for those without elemental blood, since they have no powers...

Mania, still devouring her food, looked bored.

“That’s general knowledge. You don’t need to be in the academy to know that. Every civilian knows it,” she said, mouth still full.

“Let me finish, you glutton! It’s elemental blood that allows us ninjas and samurai to use special powers, lets vikings wield giant and powerful weapons, and lets cowboys use firearms in a special way.”

“Right. But here in Paper Nation, besides First and Second Division, we also have the ‘Special Unit’. What do you remember about that?”

“That’s the unit in charge of the most dangerous missions. Only ninjas or samurai from that unit can become captains. And to join, besides having elemental blood, you have to fight and pass in the Arena.”

“That’s right! Glad you haven’t forgotten.”

“How could I, when you never shut up about it. Special Unit this, Special Unit that…”

“Seriously though! Did I ever tell you that unlike the other divisions, in the Special Unit you can wear any outfit you want? Hahaha! That’s where I’m going once I’m selected in the Arena,” Mania said excitedly.

“But for that, you have to fight against other candidates from across the nation and win. And you said only the most powerful elemental-blood candidates of the new generation get to participate,” Gotan said seriously.

“Don’t say it like that, you’re scaring me,” Mania replied with a frightened face.

Then the two looked at each other seriously and burst into laughter. Until Mania choked on her food and started coughing.

“Sorry, next time I’ll make a better scared face to be convincing,” she joked as she recovered.  “Now tell me, what’s the most important battle knowledge every ninja and samurai must have?”

“Well… elemental blood heats up when we use our powers, and after a while in battle, the blood boils. When that happens, we can’t use our powers for some time, until the blood cools down. And since we ninjas and samurai have special powers, our blood boils faster than vikings or cowboys.”

“Very good! That’s why when fighting a Viking or a cowboy, eliminate them quickly, before your blood boils,” Mania warned firmly.

“I know. Now changing the subject, do you think the captain who’s recruiting tomorrow is already here in the village?”

The two exchanged curious glances.

 

***

 

In a quiet and little-traveled street, someone was walking, a bit lazily.

It was Kubo Kaisen — a handsome and refined 25-year-old man, with light gray hair and a stylish hairstyle. He wore a semi-formal and elegant outfit.

He carried two ninja swords on his back and a ninja tool pouch strapped to his leg. He was always chewing something like gum and blowing bubbles.

They sent the best captain to a distant and poor village like this. Will I even find any good candidates here? He wondered, with a tone of boredom.