Samurai Spirits 2: Asura-Zanmaden (OVA)

Samurai Spirits 2: Asura-Zanmaden (サムライスピリッツ2 アスラ斬魔伝) is a straight-to-laserdisc two episode OVA series first released on December 24, 1999. It is relatively obscure, never having been released in the U.S., and the prospect of licensing is dim at best, as it offers no introduction to any of the characters, assuming (not unreasonably) that anyone watching it is likely to be familiar with the series and its cast already.

It is directed by Kazuhiro Sasaki and character designs were done by Aoi Nanase, a long time fan of SNK. Unlike most game-based anime, the voices were supplied by the same actors as in the game. It serves as a preface to the events of Samurai Shodown 64-2.

A novelization of this OVA was also published by Enix. It was written by Takashi Umemura.

Story
The story mainly revolves on Nakoruru and her humanistic ideals: she believes that anyone with a heart has the right to live peacefully. Shiki, though apparently free from Yuga's influence, is recognized as a threat for the sorceress' return and it was through Nakoruru's reasoning that previously saved her life from Haohmaru. Nakoruru finds her and then struggles to peacefully defend her from her pursuers, which include Haohmaru, Galford, and Asura, who pushes Nakoruru to the absolute limit in their first battle. Though torn because of her morals and pacifistic nature, Nakoruru, with some persuasion, eventually agrees to draw her blade and fight for those who need protecting. Despite being wounded in his final skirmish with Nakoruru, Asura tries to stab her with his claws but Shiki takes the blow and they both sink into a portal to the underworld. Making peace with her blood-thirsty alter ego, the Ainu priestess leaves Kamui Kotan, hoping to find news of Shiki's safety.

Voice Cast

 * Nakoruru/Purple Nakoruru: Harumi Ikoma
 * Asura: Kazuya Ichijo
 * Shiki: Kaori Minami
 * Haohmaru: Daiki Nakamura
 * Galford: Mantarō Koichi
 * Rimururu: Keiko Kamitani
 * Genjuro Kibagami: Kong Kuwata