I’m writing this because I’ve been captivated by how Ninja vs. Gokudo fuses historical ninja lore with modern ultraviolence—and still manages to build strong emotional stakes. In this article, I’ll give you a thorough summary (yes, we’ll talk specific story arcs), highlight major deaths, and look at why fans are hyped for the manga’s recently announced anime adaptation.
SPOILER ALERT: This article reveals critical plot points, character arcs, and specific character deaths from Ninja vs. Gokudo (忍者と極道). Please read at your own discretion!
Story Overview: From Volume 1 Onward
At its core, Ninja vs. Gokudo depicts a centuries-old rivalry between two shadowy factions:
- Ninja—who once served as undercover agents in Japan’s past and now hide among ordinary citizens, bent on wiping out the evil that lurks in the underworld.
- Gokudo—modern-day yakuza who do not hesitate to commit unspeakable atrocities, from mass kidnappings to brazen acts of terror.
The manga begins in Volume 1 by introducing:
- Tanaka Shinoha (多仲忍者)—often shortened to just “Shinoha” or “Ninja.” Outwardly, he’s a reclusive high-school student with no friends. Secretly, he’s one of the “帝都八忍” (the Empire’s Eight Ninja) protecting Tokyo. He cannot smile due to childhood trauma—his family was murdered by yakuza right before his eyes.
- Kimura Kiwami (輝村極道)—a charismatic “elite salaryman” who works in product development by day, but is actually an underboss (裏組長) controlling a violent yakuza force by night. He’s known to his own organization as “Gokudo,” the pinnacle of ruthless cunning.
In the first several chapters (Volume 1 ~ Volume 2), the ninja side and yakuza side move closer to direct conflict, though neither Shinoha nor Kiwami initially realize they’re mortal enemies. Ironically, they bond over a shared love for the in-universe “Princess Series” anime. While Shinoha struggles to communicate and trust others, Kiwami has a fake but friendly persona that draws everyone in. Their “friendship” stands on a ticking time bomb.
Detailed Synopsis by Volume and Chapter
Below is a breakdown of major arcs (with approximate references to relevant volumes and chapters) and clarity on who dies in each arc. Note that the manga continues beyond Volume 11/12, but these key arcs show how the body count adds up.
Arc 1 (Volumes 1–2) — Seeds of Conflict
- Major Plot Points
- We learn that the yakuza have begun using a new, highly dangerous paper-drug called 地獄への回数券 (Hells Coupon) to match ninja-level physical abilities.
- Shinoha and Kiwami cross paths as regular people. They exchange phone numbers, hit it off through discussions about “Princess Series,” and become oddly good friends—unaware that each hunts the other’s faction at night.
- Key Deaths
- So far, no major main-character deaths here, but many unnamed yakuza foot soldiers die at the hands of Shinoha (Volume 1, Chapter 2).
- Some equally unfortunate criminals are introduced specifically to highlight the ninja’s efficiency.
Arc 2 (Volumes 3–4) — War Intensifies
- Attack on Red-Lantern District (Volume 3, Chapter 10 onward)
- Kiwami gathers dozens of yakuza groups at a luxurious Tokyo venue, revealing the existence of Hells Coupon.
- Rihaku Kaisa (璃刃壊左), Shinoha’s mentor and the famed “inventor” of the ninja’s core fighting technique (暗刃 / Anjin), storms the gathering alone. His goal: wipe out these criminals who openly mock the law.
- However, Kiwami and his top enforcers ingest Hells Coupon, unleashing monstrous strength and resilience. Kaisa fights bravely but is overwhelmed.
- Who Dies
- Rihaku Kaisa is killed in Volume 3 (some chapters refer to it as around Chapter 11–12). In a final attempt, he self-destructs via a powerful explosive, but Kiwami and his top “八極道 (Breaking Eight Gokudo)” survive. Kaisa’s remains are desecrated—turned into a gruesome “message” for the ninja.
- This death enrages the ninja corps, especially Shinoha.
Arc 3 (Volumes 4–5) — High-Rise Terror and Kabu-Chika
- Sunlit Sacrifice: Matsumoto Nodoka (祭下陽日)
- With Kaisa gone, the Empire’s Eight Ninja vow vengeance. We see each ninja’s unique abilities, such as Matsumoto Nodoka’s fire-based “灼華繚乱,” in Volume 4, Chapter 16.
- Nodoka infiltrates a yakuza hideout under Tokyo known as “カブチカ” (the “Kabukichō Underground Club”) to uncover how Hells Coupon is made. He battles waves of armed thugs who have also used the drug.
- Who Dies
- Matsumoto Nodoka: He manages to pass crucial intel (the secret behind Hells Coupon) to Shinoha but sustains fatal wounds. In Volume 4, Chapter 17 (or thereabouts), he’s killed after a savage encounter with the child assassin “Gum Tape” (ガムテ) and the gleeful criminals around him.
- This death pushes Shinoha into deeper despair—he’s now lost another cherished ally.
Arc 4 (Volumes 5–7) — Citywide Warfare and More Casualties
- New Threats: Breaking Eight Gokudo
- With the unstoppable power of Hells Coupon, leading yakuza generals unify under Kiwami. This group is the “破壊の八極道,” each wielding a personal “極道技巧.”
- Some top members:
- Yumezawa Kosei (夢澤恒星), known for unstoppable charges, eventually meets a tragic end.
- Kill-Island Hiroki (殺島飛露鬼), a former gang-biker “legend,” organizes a massive city highway assault.
- Bloody Battles on the Expressway
- In Volume 6–7 (spanning Chapters ~25–35), thousands of yakuza embark on a destructive run across Tokyo’s highways. The Empire’s Eight Ninja, lacking the destructive drug, rely on grit and unique ninjutsu.
- Fights occur at iconic cityscapes—bridges, tunnels, and near government buildings.
- Who Dies
- Kill-Island Hiroki (殺島): Decapitated by Shinoha after an intense gun-and-bullet-rain duel. This is Volume 7, Chapter 33. His death, ironically, feels like a “victory” for him—he dies chasing the thrill of his heyday.
- Several other Breaking Eight Gokudo also meet their doom in these volumes, though some are minor. (E.g., certain biker lieutenants are incinerated or electrocuted by other ninja like 左虎/右龍.)
Arc 5 (Volumes 7–9) — The Child Assassins & Government Siege
- Rise of “Gum Tape”
- Among the Breaking Eight Gokudo, a twisted teen stands out: ガムテ (Gum Tape). He leads a group of traumatized youth called “割れた子供達 (Glass Children),” who treat murder as a game.
- They target not only ninja but also the nation’s prime minister at a grand ceremony in Tokyo. This arc reveals Gum Tape’s secret connection to Kiwami (he is, in fact, Kiwami’s son, bent on killing the father who abandoned him).
- Prime Minister’s Office Under Siege (Volume 8 ~ 9)
- Shinoha, ironically, is invited to the prime minister’s building after winning a “school essay” prize, with an award ceremony presided over by the PM. Kiwami also attends for hush-hush political reasons.
- Gum Tape’s gang infiltrates, places bombs, and traps government officials in a deadly hostage scenario. Ninja from all corners converge to stop them.
- Shinoha and Kiwami, still not fully aware of each other’s secret roles, team up for a moment to fight these assassins.
- Who Dies
- Dozens of the child assassins do not survive, especially the main Glass Children enforcers:
- “Golden Ball” (黄金球) is beheaded by Shinoha and Kiwami’s joint attack in Volume 9, Chapter ~40.
- Additional members (“天使 / 毒” duo, “攻手 / 司令” pair) fall to the combined might of other ninja.
- Shocking Reveal: As Volume 9 closes, Gum Tape uses his last breath to tell Kiwami: “Your best friend Shinoha is actually the ninja you hate.” That single line signals the final break in their “friendship.”
- Dozens of the child assassins do not survive, especially the main Glass Children enforcers:
Arc 6 (Volumes 9–11) — Ninja vs. Gokudo, No Turning Back
- Emotional Fallout
- Learning each other’s true identity, Shinoha and Kiwami stand on opposite ends of the moral spectrum—yet both recall the genuine friendship they shared. Volume 10, Chapter ~45–47 highlights Shinoha’s heartbreak over betrayal, while Kiwami quietly questions if he can truly kill the only person who made him feel “human.”
- High-Profile Deaths
- By the close of Volume 11, more named characters die in brutal showdowns, including:
- Yamada Shiki (病田色)—the “sleeping perfume” ninja, ambushed by child assassins earlier on. She tries a suicidal last-ditch attack but fails.
- Some key yakuza figures succumb to ninja infiltration, or to internal strife among the Breaking Eight Gokudo.
- By the close of Volume 11, more named characters die in brutal showdowns, including:
- Next-Phase Setup
- Rumors swirl that an even bigger conspiracy ties back to Edo-period events. Meanwhile, the manga teases that both factions might be pawns of a larger “mastermind” still lurking behind the scenes.
Who Dies? A Quick Reference List
Below is a concise (though not exhaustive) rundown of major character deaths specifically mentioned in the story arcs:
- Rihaku Kaisa (Volume 3): Ninja mentor, self-detonates but is finished off by Kiwami’s faction.
- Matsumoto Nodoka (Volume 4): Dies during the infiltration of “Kabu-Chika,” passing intel on Hells Coupon.
- Kill-Island Hiroki (殺島飛露鬼) (Volume 7): Decapitated by Shinoha in the highway battle.
- Multiple Breaking Eight Gokudo sub-members (Volumes 6–8): Burned, electrocuted, or beheaded by various ninja.
- Yamada Shiki (Volume 9–10 range): Her final attempt to kill the assassins fails, leading to her death.
- Numerous “Glass Children” (Volumes 8–9): Wiped out by combined ninja forces or in mutual kill scenarios.
- Minor Ninja Allies: Some less-known ninja also die off-page, especially in the big city battles or when ambushed by Hells-Coupon-powered foes.
Deaths continue in further volumes (up to Volume 14), but the above are the most dramatic turning points up to around Volume 11.
Why Fans Can’t Wait for the Anime
Despite the intense gore and morally gray storyline, Ninja vs. Gokudo has a depth that resonates:
- Duality Theme: Shinoha and Kiwami’s unlikely friendship stands at the heart of the series. Readers are torn between their genuine bond and their duty to kill each other.
- Raw Emotions Beneath Brutality: Characters carry tragic pasts, making every fight more than just bloodshed.
- Unprecedented Violence: The manga’s visual style is extreme, leaving fans both curious and concerned about how far the anime can push broadcast limits.
Fans hope the anime adaptation—announced in February 2025—will maintain the original’s gritty atmosphere, thrilling action sequences, and surprising comedic touches (like the “Princess Series” references and unique rubi on kanji).
FINAL THOUGHT
Even with all the graphic scenes, I’ve found Ninja vs. Gokudo surprisingly moving. The characters’ motivations—both ninja and yakuza—have layers that go beyond a simple “good vs. evil.” Watching each side suffer real casualties adds a weight rarely seen in typical action manga. I’m eager to see whether the anime captures that same raw intensity.
Ninja vs. Gokudo stands out for its blend of historical ninja mystique, ultraviolent modern crime, and a dash of heartfelt humanity. We now know who dies in these arcs (and how!), while the manga speeds toward bigger conspiracies. The anime adaptation promises new dimensions to this already explosive story.
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