Given the location of the Ikeda home, Shuuichi accompanied Kiyoni towards a 7-Eleven on her grandmother's dime. Kiyoni's sweet tooth was kicking in, a sign of her upcoming monthly. According to the path they were taking, traffic was rather light. It was a weekday morning so people were either at work or at school. As she walked and talked like a zombie, Kiyoni would rather be in bed than outside.

"Ughhhhhh! Chocolate…!"

Shuuichi smiled, "Everything alright?"

Kiyoni grew flustered, "Yeah...sure...I'm fine."

She inched closer towards Shuuichi to avoid an approaching vehicle.

"You're lying," Shuuichi discovered, "I can smell it."

"Oh, so you can smell when my period is coming too? Ugh!"

Now it was Shuuichi who was red-faced, "Oh! Is that what it is?"

Kiyoni sighed, "I'm sorry. I always get like this around that time. Stuffing my face with chocolate, feeling irritable some days only to take on the world the next. I'm horny as fu-!"

A couple of people nearly heard that last part so Kiyoni covered her mouth.

"I see. Well, that explains last night."

Kiyoni grinned, "Yeah. Last night was fun. I gotta admit. You…"

Shuuichi stood waiting for Kiyoni to finish her statement. He knew she enjoyed herself and wanted to hear her admit it, then asked himself why that would do something for him. Could be a distant thought of Kurama's perhaps.

"You…knew what you were doing. Are you sure you don't have any magic fingers?"

"Haha, no but I…enjoyed your touch as well."

Kiyoni's gloved hand reached out for Shuuichi, "We can...go for it again if you like. At least before...you know…"

"Let's get you some chocolate first."

"Aw, c'mon, Suu'chi! I told you how horny I was. Do I have to show you now?"

"You've already done that, you're already doing that, and despite the cold, I can already smell it."

Intrigued and curious, Kiyoni looked up and down at Shuuichi, "What does it smell like?"

"What? Your libido? I don't know if I could…put it to exact words but it's a combination of…something salty with…perhaps lavender or…orchid. Heh, a salty orchid. Funny because there are orchids that resemble a woman's…ahem."

"Interesting. I wonder which orchid resembles my pussy. What about you?"

"What about me?"

"Aren't you...horny?"

Shuuichi chuckled, "I don't think now is a good time."

"Eh. Fair point. Anyway, any ideas?"

"About…?"

"Our situation. As much as I'd like to stay in Nagoya for a little while, I will miss Tokyo."

"Same and...I'm not sure. Unless Shinobu decides to put out a missing persons case on us, we should be fine here."

"I get that but we can't stay away from him forever."

"Agreed, nor should we."

"Are you afraid of him?"

The pair stopped just as they were approaching a school in the middle of recess.

"To be honest…" Shuuichi admitted, "I'm...more afraid of what he may do to you than what he could do to me. I can fall back on Kurama for help. You, how–"

"Hey! I'm not that helpless. You were there when I kicked Kurama's ass. You've seen what I can do, firsthand."

Shuuichi cleared his throat while Kurama grabbed onto his family jewels.

"That's...true…" Shuuichi confirmed, "but we're dealing with supernatural powers and abilities here. Perhaps stronger than either mine or yours. Besides, Shinobu has a mini army at his beck and call."

"That's true. Dammit. What can we do?"

Shuuichi stood face-to-face with Kiyoni, "For now, pray. You pray to your higher powers and I'll pray to mine."

"Sure. Gods, give us strength," Kiyoni received a notification on her phone, big news from Tokyo.

"What the hell," she read.

"What?"

Kiyoni flipped her phone and played the video.

"Breaking news, this morning," said a reporter, "The Eastern Asian Association of Non-Human and Human Relations and the Japanese Correlation for Yokai Affairs has put out an APB for the wanted criminal, Kurama, on suspicion of theft, destruction of property, and mass murder. The latest incident took place back in December in the Kabukicho district of Tokyo where witnesses say that a yokai with silver hair rummaged through the area breaking into businesses and harming anyone who stood in the way. Multiple video reports show the suspect crashing and destroying many homes and shops…"

"Turn it off," Shuuichi demanded, "I said turn it off."

Kiyoni puts her phone away, "That's not good. Was it the same night?"

"What?"

"That. What we just saw. The same night Kurama first came to see me. The night you don't remember."

"He says yes. It was."

"So he can hear me?"

"Kiyoni…"

Kiyoni stuffed her hands in her coat pockets while belting out a heavy sigh, "It's cool. What happened, happened."

"We've both apologized."

"I know and I've accepted it. It's just...well, shit. Now all of Japan is going to be looking for us. So much for getting cozy here."

"You're wrong, Kiyoni."

"How?"

"Did we not watch the same video? The report was on Kurama, not me or you. So long as I maintain my appearance, we're fine."

Kiyoni realized, "Ohhhh! Oh, man. I'm an idiot! You are so right. I got nervous for nothing!"

Shuuichi admired the look on Kiyoni's face the moment she was wrong, "You are so adorable when you're incorrect in your assumptions."

"I'm sorry. I misjudged."

Shuuichi pulled Kiyoni in, "Come here."

Just as the two were about to kiss, Kiyoni's phone goes off again.

"What is it, now," Kiyoni peeked with annoyance, "Oh! 'We're fine', right? So long as you stay you, right?"

"What are you talking about?"

Kiyoni showed a picture sent from Shishi. It's part two of the news report with a photo of Kurama and Shuuichi announcing their simultaneous identity.

Shuuichi looked on in shock, "Shinobu…!"

"No one else. Shuuichi, please admit that we're fucked now."

Shuuichi looked around the area. He noticed school children returning inside from recess, a couple of people riding on bikes, a few cars driving nearby, and a couple of street cameras along the block.

"How much further is the store from here," he asked.

"I think it's the next block over. See the sign down there?"

"Come on. Let's get you what you need."

"Suu'chi, it's fine. We don't have to-"

"Come on!"

Kiyoni relented, "Okay, okay."

7-Eleven Yajiecho was pretty calm with a couple of cars sitting in the front parking lot. No big deal for a red-headed fox who was now on the run. Shuuichi dug his hands in his coat pockets and discovered a face mask he had forgotten about. Time to put that on with a quickness. Adjusting his winter hat and tucking his hair inside his coat, Shuuichi was as inconspicuous as he could be before entering the store.

True to the store brand's fashion, the establishment had just about everything. Candies, snacks, drinks, an ATM, groceries, take-home meals, auto necessities and accessories, and just about everything a convenience store could possibly have and then some. Shuuichi remained calm but vigilant as he followed Kiyoni straight to the cookies and chips aisle where she picked up boxes of Pocky sticks in chocolate, strawberry, and matcha green tea.

"You seem to know what you want," he noticed.

"Because this is what I always get," Kiyoni replied, "Now, to pick up a chocolate peanut butter onigiri and we're out of here. Did you want anything?"

"Just an egg salad sandwich, thanks."

"Alright. Hold these, please? I gotta run to the ATM."

Kurama saw an opportunity to speak, "I think I may have an idea."

Shuuichi looked around to see if anyone was watching, whispering, "I'm listening."

"We'll have to go back to Gandara."

"Gandara? What's there?"

"Someone who we can talk to."

"That's really specific."

"I'm back," Kiyoni announced.

"Great. Let's get that sandwich and get out of here."

"What's with the rush?"

"Kurama. That's the rush. He may have an idea you need to hear."

Kiyoni inhaled and exhaled as if she didn't expect to deal with any more bullshit, "Alright."

No sooner did the duo leave the store, did Kiyoni get to eating that rice treat. The sweetness of the rice and chocolate combined with the savory/salty taste of the partially-baked peanut butter center sent Kiyoni into culinary heaven.

"Mmmm," she hummed, "It tastes better warm but I couldn't wait."

"That's just fine," Shuuichi continued, "So Kurama is suggesting that we...return to Gandara. He may know someone who could help us."

"Is he insane? Did he not pay attention to the news reports? If you're wanted by humans, what makes him think yokai aren't going to go after you? Bounty hunters still exist. I had a client who was one of them."

"If my assumption is correct, the head honcho of Gandara is someone I used to know and is a member of that correlation for Yokai affairs."

Shuuichi repeated, "He thinks one of the members of the yokai correlation is someone from his past."

"Really," Kiyoni questioned, "Who?"

"He says his name is...Yomi."

"Yomi, Yomi...doesn't ring any of my bells."

"He's much, much older than any of us but used to hang around Kurama back in the day. Back before yokai settled down as a community with humanity."

"Okay, so that leaves us with two questions. One, how are we going to go back there? Two, what are we going to say once we get there? Three, how are you going to convince him, you're you? Four, what if he's on some bullshit and decides to throw you in jail or something…? Okay, that was more than two."

"Indeed. If he's on the board, then he already knows who and what I am. As far as requests, the primary one would be clemency. The second...assistance. We can report Shinobu's actions to Yomi and things could roll from there."

"Suu'chi, other than you, what proof do we have to take Shinobu down by the correlation's word?"

"We have Kurama. He's absolutely confident that Yomi will look our way and help lighten our burden. He says...if there was ever a time for you to trust him...it's now. He seeks redemption from you as well."

Kiyoni was halfway through with her rice ball by the time Shuuichi pleaded Kurama's case. She looked into his eyes as Shuuichi plucked and tasted a chocolate grain of rice off Kiyoni's face.

"Mm," Shuuichi affirmed, "That is pretty good. I'll have to get one for myself, next time."

"Suu'chi, I'm not joking."

"Neither am I. I understand your concern and I feel exactly the same. However, Kurama's idea is much better than running all over the country or remaining with your family for God knows how long. We don't have many options."

Kiyoni took a bite of her rice ball and discovered that it was unfortunately hitting quite differently, "Okay. You're right. Kurama? Can you hear me in there? You better be right about all this."

Kurama smirked, "You have my word, Kiyoni."

Shuuichi's facial expression gave a look of assurance. He had no other choice but to trust his inner self as well.

"He says-"

"Don't. Let's just leave it at that. I trust him...for now."

The early evening hours meant dinner time at the Ikeda home. While Kiyoni assisted her grandmother with cleaning up, Shuuichi was left with Akio and Kaito discussing further plans.

"So let me get this straight," Kaito affirmed, "You're actually the very...yokai everyone is looking for?"

"It's not that simple, I'm afraid," Shuuichi replied, "Yes, I am Kurama but...I'm also me. If he and I were to switch places, he would say the same thing. We're...two souls, two minds sharing one body. Think of it that way."

"Never thought yokai could do that."

"It's uncommon but it's not unheard of either," Akio clarified, "He's like the...story of Denpachi and the legend surrounding spirit foxes combined into one."

"Denpachi?"

"You know the one. Father used to tell us that story when we were in school. 'Be careful who you make friends with,' he said, 'One of your classmates could be a reincarnation of the kitsune, Denpachi'."

"Oh, yeah. I remember that."

The story of Denpachi featured a kitsune named Konoha who disguised himself as a young boy named Denpachi just so he could study Nichiren Buddhism at an Iidaka temple in Sosa City in the Chiba prefecture. He studied the practice for ten years until he was discovered at a party for a new headmaster due to him over drinking. He pleaded his case and was forgiven and honored with the position as guardian spirit of the temple. Akio and Kaito were told that story just before and during their college years.

"Okay," Akio wondered, "So all of Japan is looking for you. What's your next move?"

"Well…" Shuuichi answered, "Kurama knows someone who is a member of the correlation. The plan is to speak with this member and see if we can be spared from anything if there's anything to be spared from."

"And what does that have to do with my daughter? Sounds like this is something for you to handle and only you."

"Kiyoni is familiar with the area...sort of. I'll need her guidance. Not only that but the case against Shinobu must be presented. Knowing your daughter's connection to him, it's imperative that she comes with me."

"He's got you there," Kaito determined.

"True…" Akio contested, "but now that we know who...and what you are, we've seen what you've done. I'd say you're just as guilty. Who's to say you won't be excused?"

"I wasn't-he wasn't...in his right mind then. He was under Shinobu's control. Still is in a way."

"Bullshit! I don't see a leash on you. You-he had just as much free reign as anyone else in that area."

"Sir, I can assure you that-"

"How?! How can I be so sure? What if my daughter was there that night? Would you have struck her too?!"

"No! Never! We would never do anything to harm Kiyoni. In any way!"

Kiyoni stood just outside of the tatami room listening in on the conversation. A bit of anger developed within her heart over the topic of Kurama's raid on Kabukicho, the same night she was tricked.

Kaito played mediator, "Hey, hey. Calm down, Akio. You're overreacting."

Akio sighed, "My daughter, your niece, worked in that...area. She would have easily been hurt."

"I wasn't, dad," Kiyoni stated, "I was given the night off that night. Besides, I've dealt with Kurama in my own way."

"He hasn't...they…?"

Kiyoni intentionally removed the incident from her train of thought, "I've dealt with Kurama. In my own way. No, neither will hurt me."

Shuuichi panned his head down in respect. He knew what Kiyoni was doing and was glad for her not to mention Kurama's first meeting with Kiyoni. He didn't want to upset everyone in the house after getting to know the family for less than two days.

"I want to go with them, dad," Kiyoni declared, "Despite what anyone says, I'm invested in this now. At least let me plead the case for Tai."

Akio took one good look at his daughter and another at his ex-wife. They had the same look of determination in their eyes, the determination to see things through.

"What did I get myself into," Akio squeezed the bridge of his nose.

"What are you talking about," Kaito challenged, "This really isn't about you or us. This is their fight. Not ours."

"Right. So...how are you getting to this... Gandara?"

Both Shuuichi and Kiyoni glance at each other.

"Eh," Kiyoni responded, "We haven't...figured that out yet?"

Akio nearly collapsed where he sat, "You could've at least had a transportation plan."

"Sorry, dad. I know of one way but that's back in Tokyo. That place is too hot for us right now."

"Ha! Don't look at me," Kaito noticed, "I gotta get an oil change soon."

Both Shuuichi and Kiyoni sigh heavily with the latter feeling defeated over the fall of her only plan.

"So what's plan B," Kaito wondered, "Do any of you have a plan B?"

Both Shuuichi and Kiyoni shake their heads. Neither of them thought this through.

Later that night, Kiyoni sat in the living room with Shuuichi going over possible plans. The only thing going on in the background was the sounds of late-night infomercials.

"Shit," she read from her phone, "The only public train going out of this world is in Tokyo. Does Kurama know of anyone?"

"Kurama has been...a bit of a loner back in his day," Shuuichi replied, "Led a group of bandits but really considered them to be acquaintances more than friends. Yomi included."

"Bandits? So he really was a thief?"

"Essentially, yes. It was his bread and butter."

"And yet, he wants me to trust him. Who's to say he doesn't trust me or you?"

"He had my entire life to get himself acquainted with me. We're still on those terms in a way."

"Does he trust me?"

"Anyone who was willing to stand up to him the way you did is someone he would rather have on his side than the opposite. Remember? Angelic succubus over monstrous man of God?"

Kiyoni sat on the couch blushing with her head close to the floor and her feet dangling over the back of the seat, "He deserved everything he got from me too."

"Agreed. That second cut to his face was rather amusing."

"You saw that?"

"Yes. It was my idea for him to ask you about your brother. I honestly didn't know you were going to react the way you did. I thought he would get a slap in the face."

"No. I mean, you knew how I am, how I was, about my brother. Talk about him and I resort to violence."

"Do you still feel that way?"

"What? Violent? In a way, yeah. Other ways...I don't know. Shishi was right. I gotta let it go. Maybe I will let it go once I'm out and away from Aphrodisia for good."

"Well, from what you've done and how much you changed since, it sounds like you're well on your way."

"Thanks, Suu'chi."

"Anytime."

Three knocks were heard coming from the front door. Both adults quizzically looked at each other.

"Expecting someone," Kiyoni asked.

"I thought it was for you. This is your home."

Kiyoni got up to check the door, stumbling a bit due to the blood rushing to her head. Before getting to the door, Kiyoni walked to the kitchen to grab a knife in case a fight broke out. Shuuichi stood behind her, weaponless but ready.

At the door stood three mysterious strangers of different heights all wearing rags and straw hats. One of them had a glowing orb in his hand.

"What the hell," Kiyoni whispered.

"They're yokai, Kiyoni," Shuuichi announced, "I can smell it from here."

Kiyoni stepped aside, "Do you know them?"

Shuuichi observed, "No. Neither does Kurama."

"Okay. You three. Eh, Halloween was about three months ago. What do you want? There's no candy here."

The strangers ignored Kiyoni in favor of Shuuichi. The orb they possessed was presented and guided to him with little effort.

"For you," said the foreman.

Shuuichi accepted, "What is this and why me?"

"A message from Counselor Yomi."

"Wait. Did you say Yomi?"

"Our work here is done," the three hop back and disappear into the night.

Kiyoni wiped the sweat from her brow, "Well, I wasn't expecting that. What is that?"

"Kurama says it's a 'spirit of words'. Something of a...video message made out of spiritual or magical encryption."

"Okay. So how do we get into this spirit of words?"

Once settled in the tatami room, Kiyoni closed the room off to the outside, "Okay. What's next?"

Shuuichi turned on the flashlight from his phone, "Next, we break it. Like this."

He tossed the orb into the opposite wall where it shattered easier than an egg. Animated ink creeped up the wall and formed the shape of a masculine, authoritative figure.

"Yo, his horns are sick," Kiyoni noticed, "Wait...he has six ears? I bet his hearing is off the charts."

"We shall see."

"Hello, old friend," Yomi greeted, "Good to know you're still around...sort of."

"That's Yomi," Kiyoni quietly questioned.

Shuuichi placed a finger to his mouth, "Shh."

"Of course…" Yomi hinted, "I would've gone the way humans do with their primitive yet promising communication technology but I like to keep some things traditional. Not only that but my eyes haven't been what they're used to."

Kurama smirked using Shuuichi's mouth.

Yomi went on, "Rumor has it that you're on the run...again; have gotten into some trouble? That's not like you. I also heard of your...bloody escapade in Tokyo. Tsk, tsk. As one of the three counselors, I have no other choice but to look down upon you for that. However, as your former partner-in-crime, I'm willing to excuse you for it. It'll have to take some convincing on your part, of course. It's best to do so in person so I'm personally inviting you to come to my compound in Gandara. I'm curious about your strange case as well as your backstory. I will send for you tomorrow evening. Don't worry, I'll have everything covered. Oh, yes. Before I forget, make sure to bring your…companion with you as well. I hear she's quite the spitfire."

The image faded away without any lingering stains along the way.

"Well, he sounds full of himself," Kiyoni concluded, "And me? A spitfire?"

"Agreed on all counts," Shuuichi replied, "Kurama said he's always been like that. It was why he would always get himself into trouble whenever they went out for a steal."

"And what about you, Kurama? What were you all about?"

"...Patience, meticulous planning and stealth," Shuuichi said as if Kurama was speaking through him.

Kiyoni thought about that night again, "Okay...you got a point there. I'd give it to you."

"Trust him, Kiyoni. If Kurama knows Yomi like he thinks he does, we'll have nothing to worry about."

"Too late. I'm already wondering how the hell did he find us?"

"Excellent point."

The duo has earned the attention of the yokai correlation. One step closer to taking down Shinobu and walking away with a clean slate. However, like Kiyoni had originally thought, who's to say that this Yomi character doesn't have some ulterior motives of his own?