Ep 1. The Curtain Rises

In the first episode of Karakuri Circus, titled "The Curtain Rises," viewers are introduced to the three main characters: Masaru Saiga, Narumi Kato, and Shirogane. Masaru is a young boy who inherits a large fortune from his recently deceased father, but he soon finds himself being pursued by mysterious men who want him dead. Narumi is a skilled fighter who comes to Masaru's aid, and Shirogane is a puppet master who controls three giant puppets that possess incredible strength and agility.

The episode starts with Masaru's father's funeral, where he is approached by a group of men who claim to be family friends but are actually assassins hired to kill him. Before they can carry out their plan, Masaru is saved by Narumi, who is able to defeat them in a fight. Masaru is grateful for Narumi's help and befriends him, sharing with him his fears about the strange men who are chasing him.

Meanwhile, Shirogane is introduced as he performs with his puppets in a circus. His acts are met with great applause, but it is clear that he is using his puppets for more than just entertainment. He receives a message from his master, who instructs him to protect Masaru at all costs and to rendezvous with Narumi and Masaru at a specific location.

As Masaru, Narumi, and Shirogane make their way to the rendezvous point, they are pursued by the assassins who are determined to finish their mission. The three work together to fend them off, with Narumi's fighting skills and Shirogane's puppetry proving to be formidable weapons.

The episode ends with the trio finally reaching their destination, where they are met by a woman named Eiryu, who reveals that Masaru is a member of a secret society of puppeteers, known as the Kagami family. She explains that Masaru's father had been the leader of the Kagami family, and had passed on the position and the responsibility to Masaru.

Overall, "The Curtain Rises" sets up an intriguing story arc for the rest of the season, introducing compelling characters and showcasing impressive action sequences. Viewers are left wondering about the identity of Masaru's pursuers and why they want him dead, as well as what role the Kagami family plays in the larger narrative.