Ninja Resurrection (魔界転生) is a two-part Japanese original video animation (OVA) directed by Yasunori Urata and produced by Phoenix Entertainment. Based on Futaro Yamada's novel of the same name, the OVA was released from February 1997 to March 1998. Though unrelated narratively, ADV Films marketed Ninja Resurrection as a Ninja Scroll sequel during its initial North American release.
Plot
The Tokugawa era is marked by the violent suppression of Christianity in Japan. After the failed Shimabara Rebellion, its leader Amakusa Shirō is assassinated by government forces. His restless spirit lingers, thirsting for vengeance against those who crushed his followers. The legendary swordsman Yagyū Jūbei Mitsuyoshi becomes entangled in this supernatural conflict when tasked with stopping Shirō's demonic resurrection.
Years earlier, a young boy named Shirō miraculously survives being shot by anti-Christian soldiers, with the bullet striking a crucifix he carries. The villagers hail him as their messiah. A decade later during the Shimabara uprising, Shirō leads Christian rebels from Harano Castle against the shogunate's forces. His lieutenant Mori Sōiken proclaims their victories as divine will, while Shirō preaches mercy toward their enemies. However, the Tokugawa general Matsudaira Nobutsuna employs ninja forces to break the rebellion.
Jūbei infiltrates Harano Castle with four ninja companions, slaughtering the defenders through brutal tactics.