In the first episode of Black Fox, Rikka Isurugi introduces us to her bright and jovial world. She enjoys playing hide-and-seek with her adored grandfather, the 26th leader of the Isurugi ninja clan, who is anxious to teach her all the skills she needs to become a formidable ninja. She would much prefer be like her father, a brilliant scientist and engineer, but the idea that her dear grandfather can foretell her future doesn't sit well with her. He is employed by the sizable Gradsheim corporation, and his intelligence is well regarded due to his outstanding innovations. His most recent brilliant idea is what are known as "animal drones": little animal robots with true artificial intelligence that are meant to serve as humans' best friends and constant companions. Little Rikka is so fascinated by her father's job that she not only wants to follow in his footsteps but also enroll in the same university.
Years later, she has finally succeeded. She passed the aptitude exam for the University of North Cundy, her top choice, and is now on her way home in time to celebrate her birthday with her family. She arrives to a horrible scene instead of a warm welcome and birthday cake: the living room is destroyed and covered in blood, and her father and grandfather are nowhere to be seen. The task forces of Gradsheim have invaded their residence in search of the blueprints for the animal drones. When Rikka's father, who long since left the corporation, refused to make his invention a weapon, Gradsheim turned against him. Rikka's world implodes after her father and grandfather are shot in front of her. She is only able to escape thanks to her three animal drones, but the once-so-peaceful girl is now consumed by hatred and vows retribution.
Rikka, always keep in mind what I taught you—like it's playing hide and seek! was her grandfather's final statement. She thinks to herself, "Exactly, like hiding, yet I'm not hiding." I'll track them down and hunt them down.
