In a captivating blend of historical fiction and action-adventure, Ronin Soul follows the intertwined lives of four individuals who discover they are the reincarnations of legendary 16th-century Japanese ninja warriors. From the battles of the Sengoku period in feudal Japan to the modern era, experience the discovery and adventure of four distinct people around the world whose destinies are connected by their past lives.
Now in Production
Ronin Soul was originally a graphic novel published throughout Brazil in 2005. Debuting with a print run of 35,000 copies per issue, it was acclaimed by both the specialized press and readers for its innovative theme and storyline, as well as its highly detailed, digitally hand-painted art, also a first in the industry at the time. However, readers of the 2005 graphic novel were never able to read the complete Ronin Soul story due to the format. Now, more than 20 years after the graphic novel’s release, the Ronin Soul book will present the complete story, revisited and expanded for the new format.
THE STORY
of the book Ronin Soul takes place in our “real” world and can be classified as historical fiction, as it depicts only real locations around the world, including Brazil, the United States, Italy, and Japan, just as it explores battles and the real history of feudal Japan, more specifically the “Sengoku” period—a time of civil wars in Japan spanning from the mid-1500s to the modern era after the 2000s, reaching the year 2004 in this first book.
Throughout human history, there have always been warriors and heroes capable of performing extraordinary feats in battle who became legends or historical myths. Examples of these are the ninjas of feudal Japan, warriors capable of such extraordinary feats that they eventually gave rise to a popular historical myth that these fighters were supernatural and possessed superhuman abilities. Discover in the book Ronin Soul that these legends and myths were and are real, just like certain legends about demons and monsters. Some legends are based on extraordinary real-life stories; find out more in the book Ronin Soul.
The Hattori Clan - One of the most famous “ninja” clans in the ancient Iga region of Japan was undoubtedly the Hattori clan. Its founder, Otomo Hosoto, was a high-ranking member of one of the most important families in Japan and China, the Otomo family, which, in feudal Japan (around 574 and 622 AD), served the Japanese royal family (Prince Shotoku), applying all of its renowned knowledge of warfare techniques. The Hattori family, then, is a family descended from Otomo. And the Hattori clan, in turn, branched into the KamiHattori, NakaHattori, and ShimoHattori clans.
The modern-day “vision” of “ninjas dressed in black” is historically inaccurate, as “ninja” warriors rarely dressed that way; more common were ninja spies dressed in the enemy’s garb to cause confusion, stir up mutinies among the troops, or infiltrate the enemy base. The view of the ninja as a being capable of extraordinary and supernatural feats, however, originated from the immense martial prowess and training possessed by certain ninja warriors, such as the samurai of the Hattori clan.
During the golden age of the Hattori family, before Oda Nobunaga’s invasion and the introduction of firearms in Iga, there were many successful and celebrated members within the Hattori clan. Among them were Hattori Shinkuro, Hattori Naizo, Hattori Denemon, and Hattori Hanzo. The four became true legends of their time, and numerous incredible feats were attributed to them. Although very close and united, like a family, the four legendary samurai were quite distinct from one another.
Shinkuro Hattori was the youngest, yet one of the most noble members of the Hattori clan. Wielding lighter swords, such as the Wakizashi, he was legendary in the region as Japan’s fastest swordsman. Because of his temperament and his extraordinary technique and speed, he was a master of infiltration and highly sociable, but also a feared warrior, often referred to by many names related to his incredible speed.
Naizo Hattori was the eldest among them, and of all the members of the Hattori family, he was certainly the strongest. The large Tengo sword, typically used in battle to halt the advance of cavalry due to its length, was wielded by him with the same ease as a katana. Naizo possessed extraordinary stamina and physical stature, and from a young age, he was already known as “the giant.”
Denemon Hattori was a highly respected member of the Hattori clan and a master of various martial arts; he was an expert in the use of the spear. Other warriors of the time believed Denemon to be an invincible warrior, due to his extraordinary skill with the spear—which kept enemies at bay—and because he always returned unscathed and victorious from even the bloodiest battles.
Hanzo Hattori. The most famous “ninja” in history was undoubtedly Hattori Hanzo Masashige (1541–1596). Hattori Hanzo practically grew up practicing martial arts as his primary occupation in life. He was considered a complete warrior and the greatest swordsman of his era. In 1557, when Hanzo Hattori was only sixteen years old, he fought in a battle for the first time in his life. He was then given the nickname “Hanzo the Demon.”
In 1581, Hattori Hanzo fought alongside Naizo, Shinkuro, and Denemon in their homeland against the invading forces of General Oda Nobunaga, a force many times their size. In this battle, the four samurai became ronin following the death of the resident jonin (master of a ninja clan), Sandayu Momochi. However, after a battle lasting seven days and six nights, they managed to prevent the enemy from getting their hands on the greatest treasure they guarded, the secret and legendary Ten Ganseki (or sphere of life), thus fulfilling their master’s final request. In this bloody battle, only 80 members of all the Hattori families survived. They then fled to different parts of Japan, among them the four legendary Ronin.
Despite this, Hanzo Hattori still became a key figure in the subsequent government of Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa, in the following era, as the supreme master of the Iga and Koga ninja clans.
The Four Heroes of Iga, among the many titles bestowed upon them, also marked their battle armor with kanji characters that represented their personalities and served as “charms” for them. The elements were very present in the lives of the samurai; one example is The Book of Five Rings (by Miyamoto Musashi), which has its roots in Buddhism. The “Go Dai” (Five Greats) are the five elements that make up the cosmos: Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Void. “Void” or “Nothingness” is a Buddhist term representing the illusory nature of earthly things.
Mysteriously, after the Battle of Tensho Iga no Ran in 1581, these marks became much more than mere reflections of each man’s personality traits; they became part of each of them, expressing the form of energy each manifested, after the sphere of life had somehow touched their souls.
The Hattori family was not made up of Watari Ninjas (“ninjas” who sold their services to the highest bidder); they were loyal to their lords and to Bushidō (the samurai code of honor). Later, Hanzo himself became a Jonin, commanding an army of “ninja” warriors charged with defending Tokugawa, the Shogun.
He continued, alongside the legendary Hattoris, to be the stuff of legend until his mysterious death in 1596.
Hanzo, “the Demon,” was a voracious and tireless warrior who marked his armor with the kanji for Fire, believing that the energy of fire would then be his.
Denemon, calm and possessing an enormous ability to adapt to any combat situation, painted the kanji for water on his armor.
Shinkuro, quite shrewd and impulsive, marked the forearms of his armor with the kanji for Wind, which represented his speed and precision in combat.
And also the great Naizo, whose powerful blows often shattered enemy swords, also wore a shoulder guard on his right shoulder bearing the kanji for rock and earth/mountain.
Shinkuro is charismatic and quick-witted, able to charm his way into or out of most situations with his silver tongue and mischievous smile. His cunning makes him an excellent spy, though his confidence often borders on arrogance. While loyal to the Iga clan, he struggles with personal ambition that sometimes clouds his judgment. Shinkuro craves recognition and can be reckless when seeking to prove himself, taking unnecessary risks. He harbors a deep-seated fear of being forgotten or insignificant that drives many of his actions.
As the Wind element ninja, Shinkuro excels in agility, speed, and aerial maneuvers. He's a master of disguise and mimicry, able to blend into any social environment from peasant villages to noble courts. His weapons of choice are the wakisashi (short sword) and throwing stars or knives, which complement his quick, unpredictable fighting style. Shinkuro possesses exceptional hearing and can detect the slightest sounds, making him nearly impossible to ambush. His clan connections grant him access to a network of informants throughout the region.
As the Wind element warrior, Shinkuro serves as the clan's premier infiltrator and intelligence gatherer. His mission to spy on Oda Nobunaga at Honno-ji castle provides critical information about the warlord's movements and intentions. Throughout the story, Shinkuro's actions reveal the growing threat to the Iga clans and the Ten Ganseki artifact. His legacy lives on through his modern reincarnation, connecting the historical narrative to the contemporary storyline.
Naizo embodies unwavering determination and loyalty to the Iga clan. His steadfast nature makes him the group's moral compass, but this same trait manifests as stubborn inflexibility. He struggles to adapt his traditional views and often dismisses alternative approaches. While his protective instinct makes him a reliable defender, it also leads to controlling behavior toward allies. Naizo's imposing presence commands respect, but his intimidating demeanor and blunt communication style alienate potential allies.
As the Earth element ninja, Naizo possesses exceptional physical strength and endurance beyond ordinary warriors. He specializes in heavy weapons combat and defensive techniques that make him nearly immovable in battle. His connection to earth chakra allows him limited abilities to sense vibrations through ground contact and withstand tremendous physical punishment.
Despite his physical prowess, he moves with surprising stealth for his size, though lacks the agility of the Wind and Water ninjas.
As guardian of the clan's traditions and the physical defender of the Ten Ganseki, Naizo represents the conservative force within the Iga ninja leadership. His primary function is to protect the clan's sacred treasures and knowledge from outside threats, particularly against Oda Nobunaga's forces. In battle formations, he serves as the immovable shield that allows his more agile companions to strike effectively. His sacrifice during the fall of Iga becomes a defining moment that shapes how his reincarnation, Aaron Stein Wilker, approaches duty and protection in modern New York.
A calculating and methodical warrior who embodies the fluid nature of water - adaptable yet capable of overwhelming force. His patience is legendary, willing to wait motionless for hours to achieve the perfect moment to strike. However, he struggles with emotional detachment, keeping others at a distance, and harboring trust issues. While he can flow around obstacles with grace, he can also be stubborn like ice when his mind is set, or change course when the situation demands flexibility.
Master of water-based ninjutsu techniques, specializing in infiltration through waterways and using moisture in the air to mask sounds. Expert in poison craft, particularly those delivered through liquid mediums. Exceptional swimmer who can hold his breath for extraordinary periods. Carries specialized tools including collapsible breathing reeds, and blades designed for underwater combat. His signature weapon is the spear that he wields with fluid, unpredictable movements.
Denemon is one of the four elemental warriors whose soul is reincarnated in Isabelli Fontanelli. His memories and skills gradually emerge in her consciousness through dreams and visions. His water-based abilities complement Isabelli's archaeological background, as both require patience, precision, and attention to detail. His past experiences provide crucial historical context about the Ten Ganseki artifact and the fall of the Iga clan, guiding Isabelli through her journey of self-discovery.
Denemon was one of the four elemental ninjas who defended the Ten Ganseki. His actions in 16th century Japan established the foundation for the modern storyline. Through flashbacks and Isabelli's visions, readers witness his participation in key historical events, including battles against Oda Nobunaga's forces and the ultimate sacrifice of the ronin warriors.
Hanzo embodies the Fire element with his intense, passionate nature and unwavering loyalty to the Iga clan. His fearlessness borders on recklessness, often leading him to charge into dangerous situations that others would avoid, but make no mistake, Hanzo is a master strategist. While his fierce determination inspires his fellow ninjas, his quick temper and impatience are only matched by his skills and prowess. Hanzo struggles with controlling his emotions, though, especially when facing injustice. He possesses a surprising capacity for compassion toward those he considers family and will sacrifice anything to protect them.
Master of Iga Ninjutsu and exceptional swordsmanship, particularly with his family's heirloom katana. Hanzo excels in direct combat rather than stealth, using his superior strength and skills to overwhelm opponents. He possesses remarkable endurance and pain tolerance, allowing him to continue fighting despite injuries. His connection to the Fire element grants him heightened perception in battle.
Hanzo stands as the fiery guardian of the Ten Ganseki, willing to sacrifice everything to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. His role is to inspire courage in moments of despair and to be the decisive force when diplomacy fails. As keeper of the Iga clan, he serves as both weapon and shield for his people. His legendary status among friends and foes alike makes him a primary target for Oda Nobunaga's forces. Hanzo's internal conflict between loyalty and honor, represented by his duty to his master Ieyasu Tolkugawa, and the desire to avenge his clan by killing Oda Nobunaga is a key tension throughout the historical narrative.
Marcos exudes natural charisma and confidence that draws others to him. His quick wit and sharp humor mask an underlying insecurity about his future prospects. While adaptable in physical situations, he can be stubborn and impulsive when his pride is challenged. Marcos struggles with authority figures and his economic condition, preferring to live in the moment rather than plan ahead. His growing connection to Shinkuro's memories has left him increasingly restless and prone to taking unnecessary risks, as if trying to prove himself worthy of this legendary past.
A gifted capoeira practitioner with exceptional agility, balance, and spatial awareness. Marcos has developed his skills through years of training in São Paulo's competitive capoeira circles. Despite growing up in a poor working-class neighborhood with limited resources, Marcos has street smarts and a network of loyal friends. He experiences occasional flashes of intuitive combat techniques that seem to come from nowhere.
As the youngest of the four reincarnated warriors, Marcos embodies the adaptability and freedom of the Wind element. He excels at reconnaissance and quick-response situations where his agility and improvisational skills shine. Marcos serves as both a catalyst for action and occasional humor relief, pushing the group forward when they become too cautious. His growing connection to Shinkuro's infiltration abilities becomes crucial for accessing restricted locations. Throughout the story, he must reconcile his carefree modern identity with the disciplined warrior he once was, learning to channel his impulsiveness into strategic action.
Aaron is a disciplined and methodical police officer with an unwavering sense of justice. His steadfast nature mirrors his Earth element connection, making him reliable but sometimes inflexible. He struggles with black-and-white thinking, often unable to see gray areas in moral dilemmas. While compassionate toward victims, he can be unnecessarily harsh with those he deems wrongdoers. Aaron's strong connection to his Jewish faith provides him stability but occasionally leads to internal conflict as his dreams of being Naizo challenge his established worldview. He's pragmatic to a fault, dismissing intuition in favor of concrete evidence, which ironically hampers his acceptance of his supernatural experiences.
As a veteran police officer, Aaron has extensive training in firearms, hand-to-hand combat, and crisis management. His muscular build gives him natural physical strength, and he maintains peak fitness through rigorous training. He possesses keen observational skills and an almost uncanny ability to remain grounded in chaotic situations. Aaron has deep connections within the New York Jewish community and police department, providing him with valuable information networks. As his connection to Naizo strengthens, he occasionally manifests enhanced strength and stability in moments of extreme stress, though these abilities frighten and confuse him.
Aaron serves as the group's moral compass and voice of caution. His role evolves from skeptic to reluctant believer as he gradually accepts his connection to Naizo. As the Earth element warrior, he embodies steadfastness and protection, often standing firm when others might falter. Aaron's journey involves reconciling his structured worldview with increasingly undeniable mystical experiences, ultimately forcing him to redefine his understanding of justice and protection beyond the confines of modern law enforcement.
Isabelli is intellectually brilliant but sometimes socially detached, often avoiding true emotional connections. Her privileged upbringing has instilled both refined taste and a subtle arrogance that she's unaware of. While genuinely passionate about archaeology, she can be dismissive of perspectives that don't align with her elevated standard. Isabelli maintains meticulous control over her environment, mirroring the water element's adaptability but also its potential for overwhelming force when challenged. She struggles with vulnerability, preferring to present a composed exterior while internally processing her increasingly disturbing visions.
Isabelli is driven by an insatiable curiosity about ancient Japan and their mysteries. Her academic ambitions are fueled partly by genuine interest and partly by a desire to prove herself beyond her family's wealth. As her visions intensify, she becomes increasingly motivated to understand her connection to Denemon Hattori, torn between scientific skepticism and the undeniable authenticity of her experiences. Beneath her scholarly pursuits lies a deeper yearning for purpose beyond the comfortable but predictable path her privileged background has laid out for her.
Physically, she's graceful and agile, with natural talents in swimming and movement that echo Denemon's water element affinity. Her adaptability allows her to navigate both elite academic circles and challenging situations with composed determination.
She struggles to integrate these contradictory aspects of herself—the analytical archaeologist and the intuitive warrior. Her journey forces her to confront her emotional barriers and ultimately finding that water's true power lies not in control but in connection and flow. Her arc culminates in her willingness to risk her carefully constructed life for a greater purpose tied to the Ten Ganseki and her fellow reincarnated warriors.
A serene and introspective young man who struggles with the burden of perfectionism. While disciplined and humble in his pursuit of martial excellence, Ryuji battles with crippling self-doubt regarding his responsibility and destiny. His stoic exterior masks internal turmoil about his identity and purpose. Always respectful and honorable, Ryuji has been raised like a modern samurai.
Exceptional martial artist trained in several traditional Japanese combat forms, particularly kenjutsu and ninjutsu. Possesses an intuitive understanding of martial arts techniques that he cannot fully explain. Has recurring dreams that have inadvertently helped him develop even higher fighting skills and techniques he was never formally taught.
His deep knowledge of martial arts and spiritual practices becomes vital as the group begins to manifest their elemental abilities. Struggles with the weight of being Hanzo's reincarnation, as historical accounts paint Hanzo as the most feared and respected ninja of feudal Japan. His journey involves reconciling his modern identity with his legendary past while learning his own true strength.
Ryuji's family is the heir of the Iga's shinobi ninjutsu and the Kamihattori lineage descending from Hattori Hanzo himself. His father and uncle are the masters of the current generation, and Ryuji is expected to be the master for future generations.
RONIN SOUL - The Book
www.roninsoul.net
