Sword of the Stranger

Set in Japan’s Sengoku era, orphaned Kotarou survives by swindling villagers alongside his loyal dog, Tobimaru. His small-time schemes quickly become irrelevant when he’s suddenly targeted by assassins from China’s Ming Dynasty for reasons far beyond petty theft, forcing the boy into constant flight.

During an attack that leaves Tobimaru poisoned, Kotarou crosses paths with Nanashi, a wandering rōnin hiding out at a secluded temple. Nanashi intervenes and drives off their pursuers, but intends to walk away—until Kotarou offers a gem in exchange for protection. Agreeing only until Tobimaru recovers and they reach their destination, Nanashi escorts them into a journey shadowed by escalating threats, including a formidable swordsman dispatched to seize Kotarou and bring a prophecy to completion.