the shadow skill manga and anime series has a varied cast of characters originally created by megumu okada. the plot takes place in the fictional a warrior kingdom with a history stretching back over 2,000 years. the kingdom stands perpetually on the brink of war with its neighbors. warriors of kuruda fight using martial arts styles that utilize magic-like powers and compete in colloseum matches to rise in rank and hone their skills; the highest of these ranks being vaar and then savaar.