Arata: The Legend

Arata: The Legend (アラタカンガタリ 〜革神語〜, Arata Kangatari), a Japanese manga written by Yuu Watase that began serialization in the manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Sunday in 2008. The first volume of the series was released in Japan on January 16, 2009. The series has twenty-four volumes and is still serialized in Shōnen Sunday. The series is Watase's first shōnen series. It is licensed by Viz Media as part of their Shōnen Sunday imprint.

An anime TV series adaptation produced by Satelight and Korean studio JM Animation began airing on April 9, 2013.

Plot

In a mystical world called Amawakuni (天和国, Amawakuni), a ceremony marking the new governing princess is about to occur for the first time in 60 years. Only a girl from the Hime Clan may take this position, but a boy called Arata must pose for the role, due to the lack of females born to this family. During the ceremony, the Twelve Shinshō, the wielders of special swords called Hayagami (劍神, Hayagami), led by Kannagi, betray Princess Kikuri and attempt to assassinate her and Arata (an eyewitness) in a submission competition to become emperor. Kannagi frames Arata for the princess' murder, Arata manage to escape and runs into the Kando Forest.