It is stated that whoever becomes “Number One” will govern the globe and have god-like powers. Someone attains the position of Number One by assassinating the previous Number One and stealing his ceremonial headband. Only the “Number Two” is permitted to challenge the “Number One.” As a result, few people ever reach the Number One position because the Number Two headband is always changing hands. Afro’s father was the old Number One until he was brutally murdered by a shooter named Justice when Afro was a toddler.
Afro Samurai, now an adult, is the current Number Two and a great swordsman; he travels the road seeking vengeance on Justice. Long flashbacks interspersed throughout the story detail Afro’s rise from frightened boy fleeing his father’s death to the master swordsman, and eventually to become the current “Number Two.” In contrast, the present story deals with the adult Afro making his way to the mountain top keep of the “Number One” to duel Justice, while the mysterious cult is the Empty Seven.
