Natsume's Book of Friends (夏目友人帳)

Ever since I was young,

I've seen strange things from time to time.

Most people refer to the spirits I see as "yokai."

...you bad-aimer!

Yo! Head's up, Natsume!

No! You hit his beautiful face!

He landed on private property, too!

Natsume, you still alive?

Yeah. At least I am for now.

Uh, can you get our ball?

You know, since you're down there.

Sure, just gimme a sec!

Couldn't have rolled too far away, right?

There it is.

Greetings. You are Lord Natsume, are you not?

Which means that you currently possess the Book of Friends.

Why can't I find one that doesn't chase me?

Where'd this rope come from?

Uh-oh. I'm having some serious déjà vu.

Give me the book!

Stop! I can't breathe!

Yes, that's the goal. I'll take it once you're dead.

Good heavens, it's noisy out here.

M-Master Kittycat!

You found yet another yokai to grapple with, eh?

I came along because I was bored,

and sure enough, free entertainment.

Less talking, more helping.

--Ooh! A butterfly! -- Quit stalling.

Surrender the Book of Friends this instant!

Don't mind me! Just fighting for my life over here!

What was that for, Natsume?

What do you think it was for? Even a dumb cat should know.

Well, even a dumb kid should know I'm not a cat!

This feline body merely serves as a vessel.

'Tis nothing like my true form.

Whatever form you take, you're my bodyguard.

You should've helped.

Ah, ah, ah, how quickly you forget

I'm not your typical bodyguard.

Thought I spelled it out in the past,

but I'm just waiting for you to croak

so I can take the Book of Friends and be on my way.

Don't talk back to me. It's rude, fatty.

That's rude, too!

Hmph.

Since I'm so fat, maybe I'll eat you one of these days!

Give me a break.

I have no immediate family,

which led me to being shuffled from

one distant relative to the next

until the kindhearted Fujiwaras took me in.

Takashi! Dinner's ready!

Coming!

Where's Lucky Boy? He has food, too.

Figured he'd be trailing right behind you.

I haven't seen his chubby face all evening.

Uh... Maybe he's eating his supper somewhere else.

When his stomach starts growling loud enough, he'll be back.

Yeah, I suppose that's true.

Thanks for the food.

You're welcome. Enjoy.

This is fantastic! What's it called?

It's just sautéed veggies.

Yokai are always trouble,

and since I don't want to cause the Fujiwaras problems,

I keep my sixth sense a secret.

Guess he isn't tucked away in my room, either.

That punch might've been harder than I thought.

Huh?

Jeez! Is that you, Master Kittycat?

Where have you been?

Don't scare me like that.

Huh?

Did you fall down a chimney or something?

I'd love to hear the story behind this!

Huh?

You moron!

Don't strut around the house with dirty paws. Sheesh.

It's not washing off.

What did you do, huh? I swear.

You mad because I hit you?

That why you're giving me the silent treatment?

Whatever. You had a good punch coming,

so just get over it.

Honey, I'm home!

Master?

Who is that oversized lump of coal?

He is a yokai, his scent is unmistakable.

Oh, wow. I really thought he might've been you.

That conclusion got disproved

the second I walked in, buffoon!

Your gigantic head defies physics

and his is the same size.

Anyway, I'm sure he took your form for a reason, yeah?

Just gotta learn what that is.

Natsume! The book had better be somewhere secure!

Of course. Look, it's right here.

Huh?

Oh, crap! Hey!

I'll jump!

Where did that black cat go?

His coat's the perfect camouflage in the dark,

so let's come back tomorrow when it's light outside.

Tomorrow? He'll be in another town by then.

It's dangerous for a human such as yourself to wander at night.

What's more, I sense a very different air about this forest,

and I don't like it.

Not yet. Come on, just a little longer!

I'm responsible for the names of those yokai!

Their lives--

Please calm yourself, Natsume.

I'm not any happier about the book being taken than you are.

However, I felt no malevolence coming from the little thief.

Which is why I let my guard down.

What would be worse is if you alert

every yokai within screaming distance

that the Book of Friends was stolen from you

and is now up for grabs.

I know. Huh?

Those lights. What are they?

Hm? Ah, that's foxfire.

Foxfire?

Quite the parade.

Where are all those yokai headed?

Why'd you stop?

I caught a whiff of a human. It's close, too.

Fooey.

Hey, Master. You're heavy.

You don't say. Just deal with it.

I'm masking your scent with mine.

Must've imagined it.

That human-esque smell suddenly

warped into the stench of a putrid beast.

"A putrid beast"? I am a noble and mighty being!

Least your plan didn't stink.

Remember how the Master would often return

with the lingering scent of a human?

What?

Yes, I quite enjoyed the delicious gifts...

Who's "The Master"?

...and amused himself in the towns.

Same here. Damn all those cursed creatures!

Never associate with humankind! Nothing good comes of it!

Couldn't agree more.

I think we're safe.

Aren't you a sight for sore eyes, Lord Madara.

It's been years.

I never fail to marvel at your majestic form.

Wait, I know you. You're Benio, yes?

Where do you know her from, Master?

Details.

Is that a human?

Sorry for interrupting your meal.

May I partake in the leftovers once you're full?

Hmm. I've seen this face before.

You're Reiko Natsu--

Think the whole forest heard you?

Ah. It's because you're her grandson.

Benio, what is that procession of yokai up to?

Oh, them?

They're residents of this forest and are gathering for a banquet.

Huh.

On an unrelated note, have you seen

a charming black cat around here?

"Charming"?

No, but a fatheaded, black hog crossed my path.

He was heading toward the banquet grounds,

if I recall correctly.

I'll smite you where you sit!

Yeah, sounds like our cat burglar.

Mind showing us these banquet grounds?

Don't be absurd.

They'll eat you alive the second they

spy your human flesh, bones 'n' all.

Then I'll disguise myself as a yokai!

Please, Benio. I have to find that cat.

I can't say why, but I can tell you

it's very important that I do.

Your nerve and unwavering eyes.

You truly are the descendant of Reiko.

I take it that's what you like about him?

Hush. Any more nonsense and you'll be my dinner.

Can't have that.

All right then, I shall escort you there.

All is well and good if the disguise is a success.

But if your little trick should fail,

you'll go from being incognito to in their bellies.

That's fine. It's worth the risk.

Good grief.

You and your irrational plans.

Huh?

Huh?

Lord Madara became a misshapen shrimp!

What a tragedy.

If there's saké, sock it to me.

We aren't going there to drink!

Young Natsume will need makeup

or a face covering of some kind.

And I suggest Lord Madara assume a non-bestial form.