Shin Strange+

A young orphan named Kotarou and his dog Tobimaru steal from unwary villagers in the Sengoku era of Japan in order to make ends meet. Kotarou, however, is compelled to continue hiding out because he is being sought after by assassins dispatched by China's Ming Dynasty for enigmatic reasons unrelated to his minor crimes. When Kotarou is attacked and Tobimaru is poisoned, fortunately the two come across Nanashi, a ronin who has sought refuge in a small shrine. Despite saving the helpless pair from their pursuers, the samurai does not feel that any further assistance is necessary. However, when Kotarou offers him a gem in exchange for his services as a bodyguard, the samurai reluctantly accepts the offer—just long enough for Tobimaru to recover and the two to arrive at their destination. The Ming Dynasty has now dispatched a formidable swordsman after them to capture Kotarou and fulfill a particular prophecy, so it quickly becomes clear that the three are on a treacherous quest that is fraught with danger.