The year is 199X, and nuclear war has reduced civilization to rubble. Earth is a barren wasteland prowled by marauding gangs of mohawked motorcycle punks. In the absence of advanced weapons and technology, power belongs to those who have mastered martial arts capable of channeling nearly supernatural force. Into this lawless nightmare strides Kenshiro, master of the secret fighting art known as Hokuto Shin Ken. He makes it his purpose to hunt down and destroy evildoers who prey on the defenseless.