In the middle of Shibuya's scramble crossing, a boy discovers he can hear the thoughts of those around him. Uncertain why he is there with nothing but a mysterious black badge featuring a skull, Neku Sakuraba is quickly noticed by a girl who insists on making a pact with him. She explains that she needs this pact to avoid being "erased" by malicious creatures known as the "Noise." After forming the pact, the mysterious girl defeats the Noise and introduces herself as Shiki Misaki, along with her stuffed animal, Nyan-tan. Shiki explains that the two of them must join forces for the next seven days, as they are part of the "Shinigami's Game." Much to his dismay, Neku reluctantly agrees, as an invisible wall prevents him from leaving Shibuya. Not only must the duo protect themselves from the Noise using "psychs"—abilities gained from badges—but they are also required to clear daily Missions given under certain time limits. As he clears the seemingly needless Missions one after another, Neku is left wondering about the true nature of the Shinigami's Game.