The five large shinobi nations fight a constant war amongst each other. A never ending cycle of alliances, betrayals, and death. Despair reigns supreme, but when the Toad Sage speaks a prophecy promising a weapon that can end the suffering and war, and bring great power, a desperate hunt begins as each Kage send out their best shinobi in a race against time. 1/2 AU, no massacre.

Young Lucy, unbeknownst to her, has been locked away in a tower since she was stolen as a baby by an evil witch. On the day of her 18th birthday, precocious Lucy becomes curious about the outside world, and when a handsome stranger uses her tower as a refuge, she asks him to help her escape in order to live.