Ninja Skooler, a light-hearted ninja anime based on an original concept by studio Kinema Citrus, has unveiled a pilot film along with new images and a song, Anime News Network reports.

Shunsuke Takarai is directing the project, which leans comedic rather than grim — a tonal switch-up for Kinema Citrus, the studio best known for the gorgeous-but-harrowing Made in Abyss and the drama Shield Hero franchise.

Pilot films have become an increasingly common way for studios to pitch original concepts, giving audiences (and potential production partners) a concrete taste of tone and animation style before a full series is committed. Releasing one alongside images and a theme song suggests Kinema Citrus is putting real weight behind the concept.

Original anime — projects not adapted from existing manga or light novels — remain a riskier bet than adaptations, but they're also where studios get to show their own voice. A ninja-school comedy is well-trodden genre ground, so the pilot's execution will determine whether Ninja Skooler can stand out. No broadcast window or format details have been announced yet.