Arm of Kannon Series by Masakazu Yamaguchi, 山口譲司

The archeologist Tozo Mikami discovers an ancient Buddhist relic, The Arm of Kannon, an object of strange and mystical power. But soon afterward, he disappears, leaving behind a wife and two children. Three years later he reappears ... but he may not be the man he was. His son, Mao, suspects the worst... moreThe archeologist Tozo Mikami discovers an ancient Buddhist relic, The Arm of Kannon, an object of strange and mystical power. But soon afterward, he disappears, leaving behind a wife and two children. Three years later he reappears ... but he may not be the man he was. His son, Mao, suspects the worst. And when a mysterious warrior shows up as a protector for he and his sister, Mao begins piecing together the story that may lead to a secret organization committed to exploiting the magic of the ancient relic for the development of super soldiers for the military. Suggested for mature readers Ages 18+. less

Caged and tortured like an animal awaiting slaughter, Mao is put to a deadly test. Garama, who seeks to unlock the mystery of the Arm of Kannon, conducts an array of lethal experiments on the possessed Mao--but he's not going to take the role of sacrificial lamb lying down.

Mao finally awakes from his long sleep. Mao defeats those who came after him, including Maffu Radius from the Manma and Ryo from Isurugi Temple. Kaku-jo, the mysterious old man who sheltered Mao and Mayo, encounters Ryo in the forest. In Mayo's presence, Kaku-jo reveals his past. Kaku-jo was a monk at Isurugi Temple a long time ago, and once infected by the Arm of Senjuu Kan'non, just like Mao... moreMao finally awakes from his long sleep. Mao defeats those who came after him, including Maffu Radius from the Manma and Ryo from Isurugi Temple. Kaku-jo, the mysterious old man who sheltered Mao and Mayo, encounters Ryo in the forest. In Mayo's presence, Kaku-jo reveals his past. Kaku-jo was a monk at Isurugi Temple a long time ago, and once infected by the Arm of Senjuu Kan'non, just like Mao. Kaku-jo also talks about the gruesome fact that Isurugi temple created non-human beings called 'sudamas' to keep the Arm alive for thousands of years. less

Kakujo tells Mayo how he got infected by the arm once and survived. He also reveals that a few other humans survived after being infected by the arm and there exist two other "arms". Mao is unique in terms of his ability to gain control over the arm and not to succumb to it. Maffu and Ken both perish after confronting Mao. The female member of Man'ma shu, tries to destroy Mao by infecting him with lethal virus in vain. Ryo administers Kyoku-ken in order to send Mao and the arm to the space... moreKakujo tells Mayo how he got infected by the arm once and survived. He also reveals that a few other humans survived after being infected by the arm and there exist two other "arms". Mao is unique in terms of his ability to gain control over the arm and not to succumb to it. Maffu and Ken both perish after confronting Mao. The female member of Man'ma shu, tries to destroy Mao by infecting him with lethal virus in vain. Ryo administers Kyoku-ken in order to send Mao and the arm to the space. It turns unsuccessful and Mayo is taken away by Mao. less