During his quest for Nyanko‑sensei, Takashi Natsume stumbles upon a timid and diminutive youkai named Mitsumi. Mitsumi had been chosen by his master Gantetsu, a formidable ayakashi, to serve as this year"s "Ishi Okoshi," whose duty is to rouse Gantetsu from his profound sleep. Witnessing Mitsumi"s eagerness to honor his master, Natsume resolves to aid him in completing the mission. Yet time is scarce—others also seek to awaken the celestial entity in the distant realm of the heavens.
Ayashiki Raihousha One evening, Kaname Tanuma—Natsume"s close companion—receives a visit from an enigmatic stranger. Over the following days, the mysterious guest engages Tanuma in brief conversations before departing again. Natsume quickly realizes that this outsider is a youkai masquerading as a mortal, professing innocence. Although he initially trusts the being, Tanuma"s condition gradually worsens, prompting Natsume to grow wary of the interloper. What explains this stranger"s abrupt arrival and his ties to Tanuma in the quiet town?
