Episode 17

About MAO

The story begins with Nanoka Kiba, a modern junior high school girl who survived a bizarre fatal car accident as a toddler. Five years later, she visits the abandoned shopping district where the crash occurred. After hearing an eerie, monstrous sound, she passes through a gateway and is instantly transported to Japan's Taisho Era (early 1900s). ### The Encounter In this historical, monster-filled world, she is immediately attacked by a grotesque mantis demon. She is saved by Mao, a mysterious, cold swordman and powerful onmyoji (exorcist). During the battle, Mao is shocked to discover that Nanoka is not human—she is actually an ayakashi (demon) who possesses immense, unlocked spiritual power. ### The Interwined Curse As they investigate their connection, they realize they share a dark history: * The Cat Demon: Both were cursed 900 years ago by Byoki, a legendary, dual-faced cat demon. * Mao's Burden: Mao was left immortal, forced to search for centuries to find the sword that can kill Byoki and end his suffering. * Nanoka's Secret: Nanoka's survival of the childhood car accident was actually caused by the latent cat-demon blood awakened inside her. ### The Mission To regain her normal life and break their mutual curse, Nanoka joins forces with Mao and his loyal assistants. Together, they travel through the Taisho era, battling rogue spirits and rival exorcists. Their ultimate goal is to hunt down Byoki, unravel the mystery of Mao's past disciples, and discover why Nanoka was chosen.