Kenshiro, the 64th inheritor of Hokuto Shinken, masters an ancient martial art targeting vital points to neutralize foes. Honing his skills alongside adoptive brothers Raoh, Toki, and Jagi under master Ryuken, his compassion secured his role as rightful heir. His chest bears seven scars in the shape of the Big Dipper, a brutal memento from Shin, a Nanto Koshuken rival, whose assault left Kenshiro broken and torn from his fiancée Yuria.

Emerging from nuclear devastation, he roams a lawless wasteland, shielding survivors from warlords and corrupt martial artists. His path crosses tyrants like Souther, self-crowned Holy Emperor immune to Hokuto Shinken’s strikes, who forces children to erect monuments. Partnering with rebels like Shuu, Kenshiro challenges oppressive regimes, repeatedly confronting Raoh, now the iron-fisted warlord Ken-Oh, who seeks dominion through terror.

Yuria’s terminal illness and eventual demise steel his purpose, while orphans Bat and Lin journey with him as wards. Prequel tales reveal his resilience after Shin’s betrayal, recovering among enslaved laborers he refuses to abandon, forging his oath to defend the helpless.

Hokuto Shinken’s secrets grant him power to heal and restore through precise strikes, complementing lethal techniques marked by blinding flurries and his chilling vow, "You are already dead." Across trials, Kenshiro evolves from a grief-shadowed warrior into a relentless icon of hope, channeling fury against oppressors while sheltering the innocent with unyielding resolve.