That following night in Tokyo, things were about to heat up…literally. Natsume led Makihara and Zeru through the Kabukicho district while Shinobu kept watch at a soba noodles stand. The district was normally busy and crowded which made the perfect cover for Shinobu as his team pounded the pavement towards Aphrodisia. At the club's entrance, bouncer Bui stood his ground, allowing only those with invitations inside. Given that it was pushing late January, the vip list wasn't too full or difficult to deal with.

Natsume and her team approached the bouncer with militant looks on their faces. They were ready to strike if need be.

Bui looked down, exhaled through his armored mask and said, "Name."

"We're looking to shut this place and all else like it down," Natsume declared, "They're nothing but filthy holes that lead straight to Hell."

Bui was unmoved so he repeated his request, "Name."

"You deaf or something," Makihara questioned, "You heard the lady. Now step aside if you don't want any trouble."

Bui readied his weapon, "Allow me to make myself clear. No one gets inside unless their name is on this list. If neither of you identify yourselves, then I will have no trouble scattering your bones across this walkway. Final warning. Name."

Natsume had heard enough. She powered up with a hand to Bui's face.

"Sleep...in Jesus name."

Bui felt Natsume's powerful energy and it made him nervous. So nervous that he knelt before the woman, dropping his weapon, and collapsed on the cold ground. If his mask were to be removed, he would look quite frightened.

Enabled, the trio walked inside the club where a few milestones were celebrated. There was a foreigner from Mumbai celebrating his fiftieth with three succubi all ready to drain him of his money and bodily fluids, a father and soon-to-be father-in-law raising a glass to their son who's getting married, and a group of women having a girls night out with one of the girls on stage getting treated to a live lap dance in front of everyone by an incubus. The special guest fans herself while fawning over this stud of a man. He was 6'1", golden brown hair, and a fitness god who could make a pair of black, kinky boots, booty shorts, and a pentagram harness look like a serious fashion statement. Not to mention, his twerking skills were to get jealous about and to die for. As he danced to a mix of Daft Punk's Get Lucky with Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger, Natsume and her crew stepped inside and read the room.

"Just look at this filth," she said with disgust and disdain.

"Yeah," Makihara agreed, "Makes catching the clap that much easier."

"Speaking of, there's no telling how many or what other disgusting diseases one could catch in here just by breathing," Zeru added, "It's a shame to even be considered the same species as these creatures."

"Let's not waste time," Natsume declared, "We're on a mission. Let's get to work."

The three scattered all over the area with multiple goals on their minds. One, spread the word of the gospel. Two, find either Kiyoni or Shuuichi or both. Three...will come later if necessary.

"Tell me, sir," Natsume inquired the groom-to-be, "Is your fiancee pure of heart?"

"Uh…" the groom questioned, "What do you mean?"

"I mean, is she pure? Has she been saved by the word of God? Purified in his holy name?"

"Uh, I don't know."

"Sir, I can assure you that nothing good can come of your marriage if neither of you take the time to get your lives in order and to God. Proverbs 18:22 says, 'He who finds a wife, finds a good thing and receives favor from the Lord.' However, Ephesians 5:26 and 27 say, 'Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word.' I'm telling you-"

The groom's father-in-law stepped in from a bathroom break, "Hey! Who the hell are you? Are you a new girl?"

"A new girl? Like I would ever lower myself to gain employment in a place like this. I was just informing your son about the ways of Christ. Sir, I believe your son and future daughter-in-law are living a life of sin and should be cleansed before they even consider getting married in the eyes of God."

"Hold it! Are you saying that my daughter is no good?! Just who the hell do you think you are, lady?!"

"If he's here tonight, yes! If she's allowing him to be here, yes!"

"You little b-!"

Before he could get anything done, Natsume displayed her power again, not only shutting up the man but giving him a heart attack.

A succubus noticed and screamed, "Ahhh! Someone get this man some help! Help!"

At this time, the partying had died down in favor of the trio. Natsume had released her hold and bombarded the stage with Zeru and Makihara joining her. Patrons tend to the father-in-law, calling an ambulance.

"Listen up," Natsume announced, "This hellhole is coming down tonight!"

Juri, ever the observant one, headed to the back to warn everyone of what's going on, including Aiko and Risho.

"What are you talking about," Risho queried.

"There's three people out front talking about shutting this place down. I don't know who they are or what they want."

Risho stood to check things out, "If it's not one thing, it's a-fucking-nother."

"We're on the hunt for two people," Zeru stated, "One of them is your colleagues. A whore by the name of Ikeda Kiyoni."

"And the other is one of ours, a traitor," Makihara continued, "Goes by the name of Minamino Shuuichi. We hear he's been here lately."

"Who the hell do you think you assholes are," Risho shouted, "What the hell are you doing in my establishment? If you're not here to drink, party, get high, or get fucked, then get the fuck out!"

"We're for Ikeda and Minamino," Natsume specified, "Hand them over."

"They're not here. Haven't been here for over two days. However, having someone like Kurama join your...whatever the hell your organization is, is really something. Whatever kind of leash you have on him, kindly hand it over. We can take it from there."

Natsume glanced over at Zeru, "Do it."

Zeru stepped forward, "Burn in Hell, vile creature."

An opened palm sends fire up and through Risho's body, causing him to scream in agony and patrons and employees to either run outside or towards the back.

"Is that Risho screaming," Aiko asked.

"Yes…" Juri replied, "and if we don't get a move on, we're next!"

The ladies join others making use of the emergency exit.

"May this place burn in the fiery pits of Hell," Natsume claimed, "In the name of the father, the son, and the holy spirit!"

Zeru lets it loose, setting fire to the entire establishment. Those in the area either run or wait until the fire reaches the outside to run. Natsume and her team walked out of the building unscathed due to her protective barrier. Aphrodisia was left empty and engulfed in flames along with its owner. Combustible elements such as alcohol created explosions that affected those nearby. It was one thing for Kurama to break through the area with his wild ways. Now, more yokai have upped the ante. Even now as nearby love hotels and sex shops were excavated and burned down. And Shinobu stood at a safe distance watching it all with a smile on his face. If Satan and his minions won't bring Hell to earth, Shinobu will do it for him.

At the Ikeda family home, both Shuuichi and Kiyoni prepare for their meeting with Yomi. Shuuichi occupied the tatami room to change while Kiyoni made use of the upstairs bathroom. Akio stood just outside of the bathroom speaking to his daughter.

"Are you sure about this?"

"What other choice do I have, dad? There's no other option."

Akio sighed, "Kiyoni, I'm just...I'm just worried. I've been worried about you ever since you...stormed out of here for Tokyo. I always thought that city was too much for you. Same went for Tai."

"Dad, compared to where Shuuichi and I are going, I would rather be in Tokyo."

"Akio! Kiyoni," Kaito called, "Come down here! You might want to see this."

Father and daughter immediately run downstairs where they join Chiyoko, Kaito, and Shuuichi. Everyone in the home gathered around the tv to find some more breaking news coming from Tokyo. Kabukicho under fire.

"For those who have just tuned in…" announced a reporter, "a fire has just broken out within the Kabukicho district of Tokyo. Firefighters and first responders within the area have spent the better part of the hour containing the fire and evacuating any survivors. Witnesses say the fire started either near or at the exotic club, Aphrodisia, and no one has any idea why."

"Anybody wanna take a wild guess," Kiyoni hinted.

"Shinobu is getting desperate," Shuuichi concluded.

"Ma'at, be praised. Aphrodisia should go down," Kiyoni realized, "Ahhh! My stuff!"

Everyone gave her a side eye.

"Hey! Some of those things were quite expensive. I doubt Risho had any insurance."

The reporter added, "We're also receiving unconfirmed word from employees of the nightclub stating that the owner, Risenabe Risho, has perished within the establishment."

"Ma'at, be praised again," Kiyoni stated, "Justice came for him too."

"That red dress…" Kurama whined.

Shuuichi agreed, whispering, "Alas, that red dress."

"This is horrible," Akio confirmed.

"I'm not going to cry too much about it," Kiyoni determined, "With Aphrodisia up in smoke and Risho dead, I'm free...sort of."

"Strange but true," Shuuichi concurred, "While it would be nice to watch this report, Kiyoni and I have business to take care of."

"Right," Kiyoni adjusted her outfit; the burnt orange, turtleneck maxi dress she wanted to wear for the train date.

Shuuichi went for a snow white dress shirt underneath an ebony tie and cloudy gray vest with black dress pants. Chiyoko helped him button the sleeves of his shirt.

"So, you're meeting with counselor Yomi tonight," Kaito clarified.

"Yes, sir," Shuuichi answered, "I imagine it will be a formal event. Hence the way we're dressed. You look nice, Kiyoni."

Kiyoni adjusted the jasper red, beaded necklace that came with a wooden ankh symbol at the end, "Thank you. Here's hoping we don't get our heads cut off."

"I remember your mother making that necklace for you and your brother," Akio noticed.

"I'm glad Tai took his necklace with him. May the scales of Ma'at rule in his favor. And may Anubis guide us on this journey to Yomi's stronghold."

A mental note was made for Shuuichi to research more about Kemetism. He really did find it fascinating.

"Good idea," he stated, "I'll go grab my necklace as well."

"Wait, which one?"

"Not the one you're thinking of. Should I bring it, though?"

"I think so. Yomi may know something about it."

"Good point."

A black, luxury vehicle pulled up to the house with a female driver stepping out of it. Kaito noticed from the window.

"Eh, kids? I think your ride is here."

Shuuichi noticed as well, "I believe so. Ready, Kiyoni?"

"Ready as I'll ever be…" Kiyoni headed to the front door, mumbling, "for this bullshit anyway."

Both young adults gather their things, slip on their shoes and coats, and step out with Chiyoko, Akio, and Kaito bringing up the rear.

"Eh, why are you bringing your stuff," Kaito asked.

"The last time we went to Gandara…" Kiyoni informed, "we ended up staying for a night. We may do it again."

"You're not coming back," Chiyoko whined.

"Oh, grandma…" Kiyoni replied with a hug, "of course we will. We want to. Right, Shuuichi?"

"Of course," Shuuichi bowed, "Until then, thank you, once again, for your generous hospitality."

Father embraced daughter, "You give us a call as soon as you get settled. I don't care how you have to do it."

Kiyoni returned the favor, "I will, dad. Promise."

"And you, if a single hair on her is hurt, you and I are going to have words."

Kaito and Chiyoko added, "And fists."

Shuuichi awkwardly laughed, "I'll keep that in mind."

"I really like this family," Kurama commented, "Kiyoni definitely has a solid support system. It only makes me wonder about her mother."

"Alright, everyone," Kiyoni declared, "Off we go."

Chiyoko waved, "Come back!"

The driver did away with the pair's things in the trunk as they entered the car, still waving to the family. Just as the driver re-entered the car, Shuuichi noticed Kiyoni trying to hide her sadness while looking out of the window.

"Hey," he checked, "Are you alright?"

Kiyoni sniffled, "Hm? Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine. I just… Out of the three of them, I hated leaving my grandmother like that. Like, I just wanna stay curled up to her like a kitten, like I used to do when I was a kid."

"So I've noticed. We'll return for them when the time is right. Am I to expect a tail and a pair of ears from you sometime soon?"

Kiyoni amusedly sniffled, "Not funny. Not before your tail comes in, though."

"Very funny."

It turns out, there is a secret transfer point that not too many people talk about that's located within the Aichi prefecture. East of Nagoya, the car battles the rough terrain as it approaches the dark, narrow cave. Since the sun is down, the cave can only be seen by either headlights or those with superhuman vision. The entrance of the cave is a little bumpy due to lack of traffic and is pitch black. So black that Kiyoni gets a little nervous.

"What is this place," Shuuichi inquired.

"Irima Cave," the driver replied.

"How much longer until we reach Yomi?"

"From here? About...another two hours."

"Two hours," Kiyoni exclaimed, "I'm already hungry! Not to mention...scared."

Shuuichi squeezes Kiyoni's hand, "It's alright. I practically did promise your family that we'll protect you. Not only that but... your grandmother snuck this in my bag."

Grandmother Chiyoko gave away a box of strawberry mochi cakes for the couple to snack on.

"Yaaaaaassss, grandma," Kiyoni plucks one out and goes to town, "Mm, sweet."

"Indeed."

The car cruises inside the cave. Due to the damp areas, there are plenty of stalagmites and stalactites practically everywhere. Frozen puddles at about every turn and caverns inside of caverns. Throughout the ride, Kiyoni gets comfortable on one of Shuuichi's arms and eventually falls asleep. The lull of the wheels grinding against gravel gives Kurama and Shuuichi time to discuss plans.

"So tell me about this Yomi," Shuuichi quietly requested, "What do we need to know?"

"Yomi may have changed over the centuries. From what I know, he's more about action than thinking. Now, that he's a counselor, his level of consideration must've improved as his business is not all about him."

"How long has he been at his position?"

"Considering how long he's been blind, at most, a millennium."

"He wasn't born blind?"

"No. He had his vision when we...raided together."

"What happened to him?"

"Let's save that for another conversation. We need to discuss a plan of action."

"I'm listening."

"In short, let me do the talking."

"Excuse me?"

"Everyone would feel more comfortable if Yomi were to speak to me than to you. Better yet, it could be possible that you could speak...using my voice."

"Like how you speak using mine?"

"Precisely."

"It's something new."

"Yes and more convincing."

"That's just fine. However, you're neglecting a factor here."

"And that is?"

"This little…spitfire. The second she hears your voice, she may freeze up."

"She'll be informed beforehand. If she's going to trust me, I'll have to show it and she needs to witness it. I'll do all I can for us to walk away scott-free. It's up to her to process my actions."

Shuuichi looked down at Kiyoni who was still asleep by the time they reached the other side. Like the area that led the pair to the cave and the area where they first reached Gandara, the land was pretty mountainous. However, it was still a long, winding road ahead to reach the city.

"Alright," Shuuichi concluded, "I'll let you do all the talking, provided you don't try to trigger Kiyoni."

"I'm aware. I'm just as invested in her as you are at this point. She has to get used to me as much as she is to you."

"Agreed."

Yomi's stronghold sat directly in the center of the city of Gandara and was as big as a university campus. While half of the land was dedicated to business and politics, the other half was for relaxation, training, and personal matters. Shuuichi and Kiyoni were heading for the former.

A dome-like structure sat in front of five towers that went from descending to ascending order towards the middle building. The roadway leading to the door was lined with palace guards standing in the "at ease" position equipped with staffs, night sticks, and blades. Yomi stood outside his home along with his advisor named Yuda, and a couple more guards as the car made its final stop.

"Kiyoni, we're here," Shuuichi whispered, "Time to wake up."

"Mm," Kiyoni stirred, "Oh, yay. We're here."

"Before we head out, there's something you should know first."

"What's that?"

Shuuichi spoke using Kurama's voice this time, "For as long as we're here, I will be speaking just like this."

Kiyoni jumped back in her seat, "What the...fuck? Give a warning next time!"

"This is...my warning. Sorry for startling you."

"Wait, you can do that now? Speak using Kurama's voice?"

"We thought it best and more convincing that Yomi would speak to someone he's more familiar with than...well… He may be blind but he's not completely disabled."

"Right. Those six ears. So what's the plan? Let you do the talking?"

"Unless Yomi wants to speak to you, yes. That is the plan. Do you trust me on this?"

"I don't have a choice. I never met with anyone this...high on the political ladder before."

Shuuichi kissed Kiyoni's cheek, "That's all I need to know. Now let's go."

A rush of heat ran through Kiyoni's face as if she was having a fever. Was that kiss from Shuuichi, Kurama, or both? Only time will tell.

Although blind, Yomi glided down the steps of his palatial home with the same ease as anyone regal and with perfect vision. Given how formal he was, his look was similar to that of an emperor from centuries past.

"Welcome," he approached with open arms, "Welcome back to Gandara."

Two of Yomi's guards bring the duo's things inside.

"Welcome, Kurama," Yomi continued, "It's been a long time since I've seen you."

Woooow, Kiyoni thought, I'm willing to bet he waited centuries to say that.

"Yomi," Kurama said, "It has been...some time.

"Indeed, it has. And you must be the succubus I've heard so much about. Welcome to my home. I am Yomi. One of the three members of the Correlation for Yokai Affairs."

"Ikeda Kiyoni," she pronounced, "Sorry. Wasn't aware of my reputation around here."

"As a fellow yokai, you should know that word travels fast only about those worthy of the controversy. Isn't that right, Kurama? He and I used to be...thick as thieves back in the day."

"So I've been told."

"As much as I would like to get caught up on things…" Kurama stated, "I do believe we're here on business."

Yomi relented, "Right. However, I can imagine that your trip here was rather exhausting. Please, come inside and make yourselves comfortable for a moment. We will be joined by more guests later tonight."

Kiyoni turned her head away for a yawn, "Sure. Fine with me."

Kurama questioned, "Who are the other guests?"

Yomi answered, "You'll find out during dinner. Yuda? Make sure our current guests are comfortable in our home."

Yuda was a short, elderly-looking, goblin creature who not only served Yomi as his general advisor but as his most trusted servant. He took one good look at Kiyoni and immediately licked his lips.

"Yes, master."

Kiyoni almost immediately cut him off, "If you think for one second I'm giving you any play, you are dead ass wrong. You are giving me mad Goblin Slayer vibes."

Yuda chuckled, "Yes. Definitely a spitfire, unlike most of your kind. As for you, Kurama, I wasn't expecting you to show up dressed as you are. Definitely not with the stench of human filth on you. In any case, you two follow me."

Yomi bowed to his guests and they returned the favor before stepping inside. Aware of the potential Yomi's hearing may have, Kiyoni sent a text to her companion:

"Any idea who the other guests could be?"

"I wouldn't be surprised if it's the rest of the correlation."

"😬"

"I wouldn't worry about it."

"The more ears we can reach out to, the better."

"Speaking of, smart of you to communicate this way."

"I'm surprised I can while we're here."

"I didn't want to take any chances."

"How perceptive of you."

"Way to think ahead."

"Thank you…?"

"I guess…?"

"We'll keep things like this for as long as we're within Yomi's earshot."

"What about during dinner?"

"You know it's rude to text during dinner."

"We'll just have to play our hands very carefully."

"😒We're not going to relax for long while we're here, are we?"

"Afraid not."

"Caution is our ally for as long as we're here."

"I'm sorry. 😔"

" 😔"

Step one of gaining Yomi's favor is complete by arriving at his stronghold. Onto step two.