Now and Then, Here and There

In a seemingly ordinary Japanese town, we follow Shu's life - an enthusiastic, unwavering boy with a unique outlook on the world. However, everything changes when he spots Lala-Ru, a mysterious girl with unusual eyes, perched precariously atop a smokestack. Unbeknownst to him, this chance encounter will send him hurtling into an unfamiliar desert landscape filled with the harrowing realities of war. Here, Shu bears witness to horrors such as genocide, torture, and exploitation of children, testing his resolve and moral compass as he navigates the complex dynamics of survival in a hostile environment. With Lala-Ru's fate hanging in the balance and an unpredictable dictator named Hamdo looming over them, Shu must form alliances and face challenges with an array of newly acquired companions - each with their own unique struggles and motivations. As the stakes rise and tensions escalate, Shu is forced to confront not only the harsh realities of war but also his own capacity to preserve the values that define him in this unforgiving world.