Japan, 17 years ago. Leonardo Hamato sneaks into the country and unsuccessfully seeks information on the sword and its curse, meanwhile struggling to control his new habit of randomly killing innocent people. Karai's Foot Clan is trying to secretly exterminate the entire Morinaga bloodline, coercing the government and media to lie about so many people's disappearances. Leo is encountered by Foot Ninja, resulting in a killing spree until Leo hides under a bridge, where he becomes the unseen friend of Sayako, a young woman venting her life problems. But Leo is starved out his hiding spot and continues slaying Foot Ninjas until he is injured and captured by their leader Karai. Karai, who had already negotiated a peace treaty with Leonardo's three other brothers during the City at War incident