In the year 199X, the world was ravaged by nuclear fire, and it seemed humanity had been destroyed. Yet people survived, fighting bitterly over the last remnants of water and food. In this age ruled by violence, a lone man staggers across the wasteland, barely clinging to life.

As Kenshiro, successor to Hokuto Shinken, travels the wasteland with Bat, they witness an old man being chased by a gang of armed thugs. The thugs are after the precious seed rice the old man is protecting. Ignoring Bat's warning, Kenshiro moves in to save him, but the gang's leader, Spade, fires a crossbow straight at Kenshiro!!

Kenshiro and Bat arrive in Southern Cross, the stronghold of the King Army, infamous for its countless atrocities. Waiting for nightfall, they slip into the city, where they witness Club-one of King's men-brutally tormenting innocent slaves. Confronted with this cruelty, Kenshiro unleashes the power of Hokuto Shinken!!

Kenshiro finally reaches his long-standing nemesis: Shin, the man known as King. Fueled by the fire of revenge, Kenshiro suddenly finds himself facing Heart, one of Shin's loyal henchmen. Kenshiro is driven into a desperate, life threatening corner...but can he find a way to turn this around!?

Kenshiro burns with rage toward Shin, the man who stole his beloved fiancée Yuria. Shin is stunned by the transformation of the Kenshiro now standing before him. Realizing the battle is turning against him, Shin resorts to a terrifying act. At last, the long and bitter feud between Shin and Kenshiro nears its final reckoning!!

Kenshiro and Bat arrive at a lively oasis and stop by a bar to gather food supplies. There, the bartender warns them that a fanatical combat group known as Golan operates in the area.

Kenshiro goes solo into their headquarter, God's Land. There he encounters Mad Sarge, the brutal instructor who trains Golan's soldiers. Once a member of the elite Red Berets and famed for his deadly combat skills, Mad Sarge leads his troops in a fullforce assault on Kenshiro!!

While Kenshiro is at a bar, a group of rugged men appear and try to recruit him into their ranks. Kenshiro easily drives them off, but moments later, a grimy young boy walks into the bar. His name is Taki, a boy who once lived with Bat in a desolate village.

Toyo, a compassionate old woman, has taken in countless orphaned children and showers them with unconditional love. Kenshiro deeply respects her kindness, especially toward Bat and Rin, whom she treats no differently from the others. But after Kenshiro and his companions leave the village late at night, a terrible danger approaches.

Kenshiro burns with overwhelming fury at the monstrous cruelty Jackal inflicted on Toyo. Swearing he will have his revenge, he begins closing in on Jackal and his gang step by step. Driven into terror by Kenshiro's relentless pursuit, Jackal makes a desperate move-he frees "Devil Rebirth," a demonic giant who had been imprisoned in a penitentiary.

A woman appears before him: Mamiya, who bears a striking resemblance to his lost love, Yuria. Meanwhile, outside the village, a beautiful man-so striking he could be mistaken for a woman-roams the wasteland in search of the man marked with seven scars on his chest!!