"Corpse Princess," also known as "Shikabane Hime," is a dark fantasy manga series written and illustrated by Yoshiichi Akahito. The narrative revolves around Makina Hoshimura, a deceased girl revived as a Shikabane Hime, or Corpse Princess, bound to a contract with a Buddhist monk of the Kougon Sect. Her purpose is to hunt down 108 undead corpses, known as Shikabane, to earn entry into heaven. The story is set in a world where the undead, driven by lingering regrets or desires, wreak havoc on the living. The Kougon Sect, a secretive religious organization, employs Shikabane Hime to combat these threats.

Makina is paired with Keisei Tagami, a young monk who serves as her contracted partner, providing spiritual support and guidance. Their relationship is central to the narrative, as Keisei’s calm demeanor contrasts with Makina’s fierce determination and emotional struggles. Makina’s backstory reveals her tragic death at the hands of her family, who were manipulated by a powerful Shikabane. This event fuels her relentless pursuit of vengeance and her desire to fulfill her contract.

The series introduces a secondary protagonist, Ouri Kagami, Keisei’s adoptive younger brother. Initially uninvolved in the supernatural conflicts, Ouri becomes entangled in the world of Shikabane and Shikabane Hime after encountering Makina. His curiosity and growing bond with her lead him to uncover the darker aspects of the Kougon Sect and the true nature of the contracts binding the Shikabane Hime. As the story progresses, Ouri’s role becomes increasingly significant, particularly in his interactions with Makina and his exploration of his own connection to the undead.

The narrative delves into themes of mortality, redemption, and the consequences of human desires. The Shikabane Hime are portrayed as tragic figures, caught between their past lives and their current existence as tools of the Kougon Sect. The series also explores the moral ambiguities of the sect’s methods, as well as the personal struggles of its members. The action-driven plot is interspersed with moments of introspection, highlighting the emotional toll of Makina’s mission and the complexities of her relationships with Keisei and Ouri.

As the story unfolds, the conflict escalates with the introduction of rival factions and powerful antagonists, including other Shikabane Hime and rogue members of the Kougon Sect. The battles are intense and often brutal, reflecting the high stakes of Makina’s quest. The series maintains a balance between its supernatural elements and the personal journeys of its characters, culminating in a resolution that ties together the themes of sacrifice and redemption.