Fukigen na Mononokean

Long time, no see...

But not really, I guess.

I can't believe you came without being asked to.

It must be really important.

It's no big deal.

I just released one of my employees.

The master is free to hire whomever he wishes.

Mystery 12 "The Separation"

And he's free to fire whomever he wants, too.

You were upset before when I didn't tell you

that I had hired someone.

So I thought I should at least let you know.

Let me know, huh?

Oh?

What?

I was just wondering

if you've always been so conscientious.

Sorry to have bothered you, Legislator.

As long as you're here,

can't you at least tell me why you let him go?

Ashiya-kun lost his ability to see yokai?

Yeah.

That's all?

That's reason enough.

He can't see yokai anymore.

He's of no more use to the Mononokean.

What other reason do I need?

As far as I can tell,

he only temporarily granted his sight to a yokai.

It's not like he'll never be able to see them again.

It was only supposed to last a few days, but it's been a week.

I don't have time to waste on useless employees.

He'd just get in the way of my work.

"I'm not firing him unless you make a rule forcing me to."

Who's the person who said that to me?

The situation has—

Itsuki, do you regret it?

Huh?

Hiring him.

This is a good opportunity.

Isn't that what you think?

He's too emotionally invested in yokai.

More than the job demands.

For the same reason, I've caused plenty of trouble for—

So it's best for him if he remains unable to see them?

I understand why you're comparing Ashiya-kun to yourself.

You don't want him to experience what you've gone through.

I had no idea you cared for him so much.

You're being annoying.

An employer is free to let his employees go,

but doesn't an employee also have a right to stay?

Huh?

Besides, did he really accept your decision that easily?

Whether he accepts it or not doesn't matter.

I'm the master.

Now that you mention it, how many people are in Ashiya-kun's family?

Huh? He said his mother runs a flower shop,

and he has an older sister who drinks all the time and comes home late.

What about his father?

He didn't mention him.

Where is this coming from?

I just found it a bit interesting that he's a human named Ashiya

who can see yokai.

Isn't that why you hired him, too?

So why don't you wait a little—

I'll get rid of anyone

who hinders my ability to exorcise yokai.

As the master of the Mononokean.

Hello?

Brother!

Oh, Shizuku.

Are you coming home early today?

This isn't the time for that!

Is Itsuki still there?

Yeah, he's still here.

He didn't come today, either.

Maybe he's dealing with a difficult job.

One that involves a fiendish yokai.

What's your deal?

Nothing.

Ashiyan, did you bring your camera?

Yeah. Just one we had lying around at home, though.

That's good enough.

You're really joining the photography club?

I haven't decided yet.

Oh, okay.

Yeah.

That's nice.

Ashiyan, you might have a knack for this.

You think so?

You've got a good sense for framing.

You should try taking some pictures on the way home, too.

I'd only ever taken souvenir photos before.

Photography is more fun than I thought.

It'd be even better if I could take pictures of yokai...

Zenko?

So you really did join the photography club.

I'm just a trial member for now,

but it's pretty fun once you give it a shot.

Did you quit your job?

I didn't exactly quit.

I was fired.

Because you can't see yokai anymore?

Huh?

I see. Yahiko told you.

Yeah, and I thought of something.

Thought of what?

I couldn't see them,

but I could after Yahiko bit me.

I thought you might get your sight back if Yahiko bit you.

That's it! We can try that!

Let's go see Yahiko right away!

I'm home.

Is it okay for me to come over this late?

And, if I'm coming home with Zenko, her dad...

Zenko, you're awfully late today.

He was already waiting for us?!

You.

Sorry! I have a good reas—

I'm glad you're here.

Huh?

Come in, come in.

Whoa, wha—

Um, I'm sorry for dropping in so late.

I was just thinking about asking Zenko to invite you over.

Huh? Me?

I'm thinking of accepting exorcism requests at this temple.

What?

I can't believe you showed up the moment I had that thought.

You truly are psychic.

Can you read minds, too?

No! That's not what I do...

I haven't received any requests yet,

but when I do, I'll be counting on you, Ashida-kun.

It's Ashiya.

And you shouldn't count on me.

Oh, right.

Take a look.

I even made this postcard to hand out to my parishioners.

"Parishioners troubled by hauntings, curses,

and all other manner of supernatural phenomena,

we are now open for consultations.

This temple is partnered with a talented psychic."

L-Look, sir, I told you...

I don't have any psychic abilities.

It's yokai that I...

I can't even see yokai anymore.

Don't worry.

I plan on paying you well.

Th-That's not what I'm worried about!

Dad.

I'm saved from this Hell!

Although it's a priest that's sitting next to me.

That's enough of that.

Hanae came because he wanted to talk to me.

What? He has business with you?

And now I'm back in Hell!

Hanae, let's go.

Hey, wait! Masuda!

You'll pay if you do anything to hurt my daughter!

It's Ashiya. That's not even close anymore.

I'll tell Mom if you don't stop acting stupid.

Zenko, I'm just worried about you.

You don't need to worry, Dad. Just relax.

Y-Yeah, that's right. Don't worry.

I'll have him come again if we're hired for an exorcism.

R-Really?

Hanae, put your arm out.

Oh, okay.

Is Yahiko there?

Yeah.

He's behind me.

Ashiya hit me with his shoe.

Why do I have to help him?

Just bite him.

I'll give you rakugan later.

Aw, man...

Oh, I'll do it for ten, though.

Fine.

Really? Okay, I'll do it!

It's over.

Well? Can you see him?

It didn't work.

I see.

You can't see him...

The Morose Mononokean

Hey, Itsuki!

Shizuku?

I thought you'd already left.

I was just about to.

So, what did you need with me?

There's someone at the store who wants to see you.