Shadow Star Narutaru

"Shadow Star Narutaru," also known as "Mukuro Naru Hoshi Tama Taru Ko" and abbreviated as "Narutaru," is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Mohiro Kitoh, which has also been adapted into an anime. The story centers around Shiina Tamai, a 12-year-old girl who encounters a mysterious starfish-shaped creature during her summer vacation and names it Hoshimaru. Hoshimaru is actually a "dragonchild," a baby "shadow dragon." Shiina soon discovers that other children have also formed bonds with similar creatures, and that there is a complex factional struggle among them, putting the fate of Earth at risk. The work is known for its seemingly lighthearted beginning that quickly transitions into a dark and disturbing plot, including depictions of gore and sexual violence. The manga was serialized in "Monthly Afternoon" from 1998 to 2003, and published in 12 volumes. In 2003, a 13-episode anime adaptation was broadcast, covering the first six volumes of the manga. The work has gained attention for its deep themes and dark storyline.