Nobuyuki Anzai

Using his ninja skills and his ability to control fire, Recca Hanabishi has no trouble protecting pretty classmate Yanagi. But now Recca comes face to face with his most troublesome foe yet--Mikagami, the water swordsman.

Yanagi can heal the wounded and perhaps stay inevitable death. Now it's up to Recca to protect his vulnerable charge from a deadly kidnapping plot. Further complicating matters, he's been told that his latest mission will result in his demise. It's a matter of life and death for Recca and his pals Domon and Fuko. If eternal life is a possibility, why must someone sacrifice his - or her - life to achieve it?

After winning such a difficult battle, Recca and team Hokage can now advance to the second round of the win-or-die tournament. However, before they can enjoy their victory they must defeat a group of assassins led by Recca's half-brother Kurei.