Fukigen na Mononokean Tsuzuki

Each of you is to come up with an attraction for the cultural festival by Sunday

Abenon, wanna walk home together?

Huh?

An attraction for the cultural festival, huh?

Saga and Fusshi, did you already pick something?

Cream Puffs

I'm going with Russian roulette cream puffs.

Convenience Store

I chose a convenience store.

What about you, Abeno-san?

Huh?

I'm heading out.

Later.

Bye.

Ashiya, you're not working today, right?

Yeah.

Let's get that new ice cream at the convenience store on the way home.

The rich Japanese black beef sukiyaki ice cream.

Incoming Call

Sorry, I'm gonna take this.

Hello?

Yes...

Last month's back-fat pork broth ramen ice cream was amazing.

Yeah, I was surprised by how good it was.

I know. It was so light despite being fatty.

Yeah, the texture wasn't what I expected, either.

Mononokean, come.

There you are!

Huh?

I told you I was going to the Underworld today.

You have the day off.

What's the matter?

I need a favor.

Just now, my mother collapsed at her shop.

She's been taken to the hospital.

Could you take me to the hospital?

Go put on your shoes.

Opening a door to Toyama Memorial General Hospital.

Thank you.

Toyama Memorial General Hospital

Ashiya Nara-sama

Mystery 9 "The Shadow"

I heard it's anemia?

I suddenly felt dizzy.

They're keeping me here for a day, just to be on the safe side.

It's been so long. I've been healthy since I had you,

but I used to collapse from anemia all the time when I was young.

This nostalgic feeling of unwellness brings back so many memories.

I'm glad you're doing better than I—

Fuzzy?!

My headache is getting worse.

She's anemic because of Fuzzy?!

No, Fuzzy just got here.

Could it be...

Mom, could you try sitting up for a little bit?

My body feels so heavy.

There it is!

What are you doing?

Just hold still.

Huh?

How do you feel now?

Better. My body suddenly feels lighter, too.

The headache and nausea are gone.

Ashiya Nara-sama

I'm surprised.

Remember how I told you I used to get anemic all the time?

Yeah.

Taking medicine and going to the hospital never made it better,

but no matter how bad I felt,

I would always instantly feel better when Sakae-kun came around.

After he secretly did something like you did just now.

You take after your dad in a strange way.

Are you a relative of Ashiya-san?

No.

Excuse me.

Ashiya-san, how are you feeling?

I'm feeling much better now that my son is here.

You must be Hanae-kun.

I'm Hinohara. I called you earlier.

Oh, right. Thank you for everything.

Is the blond boy outside your room your friend?

Blond?

Abeno-san?

I came to collect the hairball, since he escaped.

What's this yokai stuck to the hairball?

It was haunting my mom until a minute ago.

She's been feeling better since I removed it.

Oh?

I knew I was sitting on something fuzzy.

Was I moving in my sleep?

I must return to that human.

Wait.

I apologize for stopping you, but could I have a moment of your time?

I'm Abeno, master of the Mononokean.

The Mononokean...

I decided to haunt that human on a whim!

I was simply resting because I happened to spot a human vulnerable to haunting

while I was exhausted.

I knew it would weaken the human, but I had no choice!

I wasn't trying to hurt a human!

So please don't exorcise me!

I don't want to be exorcised to that hell!

Get away from him before he crushes us!

I see. So the Underworld isn't a yokai graveyard.

I'm glad you understand.

Aranaki-dono, I could exorcise you immediately. Would you like me to?

I'd exhaust myself if I moved even a little with this body.

It should go back to normal if I rest a while, so...

Could you do something for me?

What's that?

May I haunt that human again?

I was so comfortable. I was able to sleep soundly.

Is that a no?

Would you accept a substitute?

This is superbly comfortable, as well.

I can feel the energy rising within me.

Seems like you're a good match for him.

I suddenly feel weaker...

You're like a yokai trap.

This weakness feels different than when Fuzzy haunted me.

I'll be careful not to take too much.

"Take"? What is he taking from me?!

Shut up. If you have the energy to talk, you're fine.

Aranaki-dono, I'll come for you in two hours.

You're welcome to rest until then.

Oh, right. You have work to do in the Underworld.

Yeah. I need to get going.

Let's go, hairball. We've got work.

Hanae, it's an emergency!

What's wrong?

My name's Abeno. Pleased to meet you.

Nice to meet you. I'm Hanae's mother.

Sorry I'm not dressed properly.

The Monono—I mean, Abeno-san brought me to the hospital.

Oh, I'm sorry for the inconvenience my son caused you.

Did you come by bus? I can cover his bus fare.

Oh, I don't have my wallet!

Don't worry about it.

Anyway, wasn't there something you wanted to say?

Oh, that's right. I left the house unlocked when I came here.

I left the shop open, too.

Got it. I'll head back there.

Thanks.

Golden hair and eyes...

They're the same color.

Just like Sakae-kun.

A boy like a sunflower.

It's unlocked.

I'm home, Hanae.

Ashiya-dono, this is the last one.

Keep it up! Keep it up!

Yeah...

Almost there, almost there...

Temporarily Closed We're terribly sorry, but the store will be closed today. Manager

There. All closed up.

Good work.