In the prologue from Peach-Pit’s original Rozen Maiden manga series, Jun receives a letter claiming he has won a prize. The letter asks whether he will “wind-up” or “not wind-up”. He chooses the former. In the prologue from this new series, Jun chooses the latter. Thus a new alternative universe is created…

In the first chapter we are introduced to Jun, an anti-social young man who’s in college but having never graduated from high school — passed the university entrance qualification exam. He works at a local book store where, much like his peers from class, is looked down upon by the shop manager and others. Apparently he lived his life as a labeled “hikikomori” for two years in middle school.

Living in his apartment, Jun sees himself different from the old person he used to be. He wishes he could go back to that period in his life and start over. Then one day at work Jun finds a package with no forwarding address written on it. He opens it, only to find the first issue of a magazine entitled, “Weekly How to Make a Girl.” Inside is detailed info about the seven legendary dolls known as the “Rozen Maidens” who were originally crafted by the doll maker Rozen. These dolls are said to be antiques, painted with many puzzles and mystery. They’ve been scattered throughout the ages.

As Jun continues reading, he comes to a page that asks whether he will “wind-up” or “not wind-up.” He immediately closes the book and asks himself why he felt he’s been asked such a question before. Just then he notices a doll key that had dropped from the magazine. He pockets it and carries on with his daily work.

That night he comes home to his apartment, only to find a large package waiting for him. He opens it and finds the second issue of “Weekly How to Make a Girl” and a briefcase underneath it. Reading the directions enclosed, he is asked to gently lift it open. Inside he finds two femurs belonging to a doll. It also happens to have Rozen’s signature written on it. As he reads on, he is told that once he collects all the issues and assembles all the parts, he will have his very own Rozen Maiden doll. The one he’s been given is the fifth doll named Shinku. Also enclosed are instructions on how to build her and awaken “Shinku” from her slumber.

In the following days after, Jun arrives at work rather weary from having spent all his free-time working on Shinku. Saitou, a female associate at his job, begins to grow concern and decides to walk home with him part of the way. She has dreams of being an actress but is in need of tuition to pay for her theatrical training.

That evening as Jun arrives at his home, he receives a letter stating that “Weekly How to Make a Girl” has been suspended from publication until further notice. Unfortunately he’ll now have to obtain the remaining parts on his own by entering the N-Field. This of course made no sense to Jun. But when he continues reading, it mentions a seventh doll. Just then he receives a message from the “old” him on his cell that reads, “Who is Shimada? Finding you was tough. There’s no time, so I’ll get straight to business. Kirakishou’s power is too strong. Kanaria and I alone aren’t enough to rescue everyone. We need your help. – Sakurada Jun.” If you recall from the events of the final volume from the original manga series, Jun and Kanaria were the only two left after Shinku was presumably defeated by Kirakishou.

About the Shimada reference. Apparently the “new” Jun had altered the kanji in his surname from 桜田 (Sakurada) to 島田 (Shimada).