Kyoki Kido used to be an ace with Gaijji Division Four, the Japanese Police Anti-Terrorist squad. However, after the ALICE terrorist group kills Kido's sister in an attack targeting him, Kido moves to the Juvenile Division of the Tokyo Police force. When ALICE targets the Tokyo police, Kido is called back into Division Four. Kido joins forces with 14-year-old girl, Kasumi Asakura, a former ALICE member to break up the gang. Will they succeed?

When ALICE targets the Tokyo police, Kido is called back into Division Four. Conflicting emotions overwhelm him. Should Kido go back to the work that lead to his sister's death? Kido's decision is sealed when he learns that he will be going back to break up ALICE. The head of Division Four, Mr. Hata, has a trick up his sleeve when he introduces Kido to his new partner, a young, innocent looking 14-year-old girl, Kasumi Asakura. Kasumi, however, is not as innocent as she looks. She is a former member of ALICE who has become an informer and fighter against the terrorist group. Through Kasumi, Division Four has learned that the members of ALICE are all teenagers who have been manipulated by the use of hallucinogenic drugs to kill. ALICE has created children killing machines, and Kasumi is one of the best. How will the renegade police officer get along with the former teenage terrorist?

Rose Hip Zero is a fascinating manga. The first book does a great job of setting up the background of the characters and the situation. The reader feels a connection with both Kido and Kasumi, and wants the pair to win out in the end. Kasumi is an especially enthralling character. The amount that we learn about her is only the tip of the iceberg because as Kasumi herself admits, she does not remember much of her background. The action is fast paced, and after reading the first book, you will find yourself eager to start the second. I strongly recommend Rose Hip Zero to all who love action manga.

Rose Hip Zero is an example of seinen manga, which is manga for older teenage to young adult males. There are many examples of violence committed by and against teenagers, which might turn off some readers. The book is rated as appropriate for those over 16. As with all seinen, furigana is used. Furigana is small text, and looks like the characters are explaining their actions in a whisper to each other. Those who are farsighted might have some difficulty reading the furigana sections.