Kojiro of the Fuma - Assassination of Yagyu

Kojiro of the Fuma, known in Japan as Fuma no Kojiro, originated as a manga series written and illustrated by Masami Kurumada. Serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump starting in 1982, the work emerged during a peak period for the artist, who had previously gained recognition for Ring ni Kakero. The narrative blends historical fiction with fantasy elements, focusing on the clandestine conflict between ninja clans and the legendary hero Kojiro, who wields a mystical sword known as the Furinkazan.

Kurumada utilized the series to further refine the high-stakes, action-oriented aesthetic that would become his trademark, particularly in the later Saint Seiya series. The character designs emphasize sharp, dramatic silhouettes and intense combat choreography, which defined the visual language of the manga. While it has seen various iterations and adaptations over the decades, the original volumes remain a significant chapter in 1980s shonen manga history, noted for its influence on the supernatural ninja subgenre.