I transformed into a demonic spider lily.

Another cadre sighed.

"Regardless of the fact that their current young master is a half-demon, similar to our Nura Clan, half-demons always retain some humanity, as can be seen from young master Rikuo."

There was no explanation.

"That's true, but who knows if they're just having a moment of madness? They were pretty crazy back then."

It's no wonder these cadres are conflicted; there's a force not far from their homes that's no weaker than the Nura Clan, keeping them constantly on edge.

Especially over a decade ago, a quirky girl named "Natsume Reiko" was in charge, and she would occasionally wander into their territory...

But Nurarihyon wouldn't let them interfere.

This has caused me serious health problems.

Fortunately, all these years have passed peacefully.

"I have sent Bingli and the others to investigate the situation. I expect they will have the results soon."

Nurarihyon interrupted the discussion among the executives, indicating that the yokai should wait for the results first.

……

Minato Ward, Tokyo.

Holding the Book of Friends, a symbol of the "Commander-in-Chief," Natsume Takashi followed Ibuki Madara to the forest in Tokyo Bay. He had to come to a meeting that came up unexpectedly today.

"Hey! Takashi, it's been so long! You look a bit thinner. What? Are you so nervous that you can't eat because you weren't mentally prepared for what happened? That's so cute. But it's okay, just put your name on it. That's what your grandma did back then. Just go about your business as usual, and don't worry about your identity."

The yokai rushed to Natsume Takashi. As Natsume Reiko's grandson, she naturally paid attention to him and often went to see him.

To use a tired old saying, Natsume Takashi even hugged the other person when he was a child.

"You want to know why I asked you to be here today? I'm sorry to say, but according to the rules, minor matters don't usually require your presence. Conversely, if your presence is required, then it's not a minor matter."

Satoru stated directly, "Last night, we were attacked by monsters in Ota Ward. The attacker was unknown, but he killed dozens of our patrolling companions."

"How could this be..."

Upon hearing this, Takashi Natsume was at a loss for what to do. He had no experience and, despite trying to calm down, his heart was pounding.

"It's alright. Everyone here is your grandmother's best friend. If you have any objections, I'll help you resolve them."

Kaku gently patted Natsume Takashi's shoulder and said.

'I haven't said anything yet.'

Takashi Natsume didn't say it, nor did he need to. He felt that the mind-reading ability was extraordinary. Sometimes, even he himself couldn't be sure what he was thinking, but the other party could accurately capture that thought.

"It's time, let's go in."

Jue pushed open the door and went inside.

Looking at Satoru's back, Takashi Natsume felt only respect, because he had heard his grandmother talk about Satoru's deeds when he was a child.

In the early stages of the group's development, Satoru took his grandmother's baseball bat and fought his way from Tokyo to Saitama and Chiba prefectures, competing against executives from various regions. He eventually achieved the feat of dominating all 100 towns before returning to the main family headquarters in the port area to take charge.

The leader of the pro-war faction within the organization.

In addition, there are the human-faced trees that occasionally appear in the forest, usually huddled in silence and never communicating with anyone.

However, Takashi Natsume did not feel that the other party was cold.

When I was a child, my grandmother led me into the forest and we got lost. It was the human-faced tree that helped me find my way out.

Mishino, Tanuki, and Natsume Takashi had all met them.

"Losing nearly three digits of yokai in one go—this is the worst incident in the last decade. The area north of Japan is occupied by both us and the Nura Clan. How could they do something like this so quietly..."

The demon Sansho also turned his attention to the Nura Clan.

"Impossible. The Nura Clan's top leadership is in a state of flux. They can't even manage themselves, so it's highly unlikely that they would target us now."

They coexisted with the Nura Clan in Tokyo for over fifty years. Although they kept a close eye on each other, it was precisely because of this relationship that both sides were able to avoid suspicion.

"Is it some ignorant guy from out of town? Every now and then, some monster thinks he's all that and comes to claim territory."

"I'm guessing," Tanuki said.

"Judging from the situation, the number of opponents this time is not large. If it were an organization with over a hundred monsters, we wouldn't have failed to detect their movements, but..."

Jue, with his hands behind his head, continued, "The fact that there are too few targets also indicates another problem: the individual strength of the targets is not weak."

"Who among us will solve this?"

Sansho raised this key issue.

"Hmm~"

The yokai seemed to be thinking, then looked around and noticed Natsume Takashi swallowing. He chuckled and said, "Leave this to Natsume and me!"

"Huh?"

Takashi Natsume was greatly surprised.

"If you clearly want to participate, don't pretend you don't know anything after I've spoken up."

The monster Kakuma slapped Natsume Takashi on the back.

"Should we send the young master? Indeed, this is an opportunity."

Stroking his chin, Tanuki thought it was pretty good.

This is a good opportunity to train a successor.

"……let's go!"

The yokai, Satoru, excitedly pulled Natsume Takashi away.

……

The Nura Clan and Yomi no Kagami took action for this, but on the other side of the city, Yu Zhang, who had caused this chaos, gripped his sword tightly and muttered with pleasure, "This endless power is truly abundant."

"The lives slain by this sword will be transformed into demonic power to nourish the wielder. This legendary sword, the Demon King's mallet, will guide you on the right path."

"A winged monster beside me said."

“That’s right, you’re right, Night Sparrow. Only we can revive the prosperity that the Tanuki clan of Shikoku lost for three hundred years.”

Yu Zhang said with a smile.

"The Nura Clan has already begun its operations. It's worth mentioning that our movements yesterday seemed to have attracted another force. After a brief investigation, it appears to be called Yomi no Kagami, and it's led by a half-demon."

The monster with the long tongue said in a sinister tone.

"No wonder something felt off when I fought some of those monsters yesterday. But it's alright, how strong could a force whose name I've never even heard of be?"

After saying that, Yuzhang turned to look at the monster and continued, "Inugami, since the Nura Clan has sent a monster to investigate, we can't just sit idly by. Let's give them a gift and let them know how powerful we are."

"I see."

Inugami immediately accepted.

"Crochet Girl and Shore Monk, go and test that Yellow Spring Flower Realm. If they don't have any ability, just wipe them out."

Yu Zhang continued, "Phoenix Dog, you accompany the Sleeve God to gather power. Let us now ring the bell of Yin-Yang Chaos and burn this city down."

Standing on the rooftop, Yu Zhang was full of confidence.

He was born to inherit all of his father's demonic power, and is the second most powerful demon in the Shikoku region after his father. Conquering the Kanto region would be a piece of cake for him.

……

Night fell, and a cool breeze blew.

Above the Tokyo Bay Forest, the wind swirls fiercely, gradually opening up a deep, dark void.

The tomb guardian beast, Ibuki Madara, looked up in astonishment. He was all too familiar with this power; it was he who had personally opened the Wind Tunnel fifty years ago using the power of Izanami.

Sensing this aura, Ibuki Madara rushed over.

As the red spider lilies bloom, the bellflower gazes in amazement at the distant city, where neon lights blaze, making it seem like daytime even though it is clearly night.

"It's modern!"

Xue Lu jumped up excitedly on the spot.

Due to the difference in eras, Yukiji still felt that the modern world suited her better, with cell phones, televisions, and all sorts of high-tech gadgets to keep her entertained.

Most importantly, she can call a taxi when she needs to get somewhere, instead of having to make a special trip.

Hmm, taxis are a bit expensive.

But it's okay! We'll reimburse you for the expenses.

"Higanbana, sir?"

Ibuki Madara arrived at the scene to greet him. As a shrine deity directly under Izanami, he shouldn't have addressed Higanbana as "sir," but the authority she held made him realize that something was amiss.

"This is……"

Kikyo didn't know Ibuki Madara, so she was naturally unfamiliar with him.

Also, why would a fat orange cat that looks like a lucky cat have the power of a great demon?

"Ibuki, it's been a long time!"

The red spider lily opens its arms as if to embrace the other.

"..."

Ibuki Madara took a half step back. Something was definitely wrong. He never remembered the Spider Lily ever showing such an expression.

However, it didn't work very well; Ibuki Madara was powerless to resist the power of the spider lily.

"Let me introduce you. This is Ibuki Madara, a tomb guardian beast, his mother's pet, the kind that is not registered."

The spider lily enthusiastically began petting the cat and even called Kikyo over to play together.

No wonder!

Kikyo crouched down and carefully observed Ibuki Madara.

"Lulu lulu~"

Ibuki Madara rolled on the spot, trying to break free from the spider lily's grasp.

"Ibuki, how long have we been gone?"