Here's the 20th chapter of The Yokai Hunter, based on the Gegege No Kitaro's universe created by Shigeru Mizuki ( all rights belong to him and Toei Animation ). Have a good reading !

(On the side of Nuobi and Yinikin)

Nuobi (behind the door when Yinikin opened it): Uh ... Hi.

Yinikin: Hi.

Nuobi: I wanted to know if everything was fine on your side.

Yinikin: A little better ... You can come in if you want.

Nuobi (entering): Yes, of course ... (he looked inside Yinikin's home) I see that nothing has changed for you.

Yinikin: Hihi, yes. Always true to myself with the webs, the wires and the empty spaces.

Nuobi: I see that. I admit that I was always lost in your home.

Yinikin: Me too, every time I went to your house. Definitely, narrow tunnels like that, it's not my thing.

Nuobi (advancing with Yinikin, who moved on the webs and the wires): (sigh) I would also like to know what we are going to do now that Kunomi is dead.

Yinikin: I understand what you mean. He was our friend for a while but sometimes, given what he did to us and to others, I wish we had never met him.

Nuobi: It was a sad fate for both of us ... In fact ...

Yinikin: What?

Nuobi: I often tell myself that Kitaro and Neko-Musume are a bit like us before this whole story. I mean...

Yinikin: I imagine it is. They have that innocence, that loyalty and that confidence as we had long ago. (she lands on the ground) Our best memories of it all were before we met Kunomi.

Nuobi: Yes, it's really weird that it happened when we were still little children and that now we will soon enter adolescence.

Yinikin: To me, it's like it could have gone on forever. (she saw frames showing photos) Oh, Nuobi. Do you remember these photos with this human tool called a camera?

Nuobi: Ah yes, when we were little, we didn't understand how it worked and so we took photos in a somewhat random manner. (he chuckled)

Yinikin: Hihihi, when I tried to take one, I couldn't hold it straight and each time, you helped me get up.

Nuobi (blushing): Yes, I ... I really wanted you to be able to use this tool well. (sighed) Just a shame that the battery doesn't work anymore, we could have used it for a while now.

Yinikin: I know, Nuobi, I know. (she looked at a photo) Hihi, I remember this photo. You wanted to try to reproduce a spider web with branches.

Nuobi: I'm a little ashamed of it now.

Yinikin: Personally, I found it funny and ... (she blushes slightly) cute?

Nuobi: Otherwise, the moment when you were a little ashamed, was it not ...?

Yinikin: When I tried to imitate a normal dog? Yes, ... I was ridiculous.

Nuobi: We each have our embarrassing moments as we say.

Yinikin: I don't doubt it for a second. (she saw another photo) Oh, this one, we tried the timer function where the photo was taken after a while.

Nuobi (looking at the photo): Yes, when we started it, we ran fast enough to set up ...

Yinikin (idem): But going too fast, we fell and ... (the two blushed while remembering what happened) Uh ... We will stop there for this photo.

Nuobi (embarrassed): Yes, better.

Yinikin: Nuobi?

Nuobi:?!

Yinikin: Do you think even without my chelicera ...

Nuobi: Yinikin, of course I would always like you as a friend. After all, when we met, you saved me from death.

Yinikin: And you saved me from exile.

(the two hugged each other)

(From Kitaro's side)

Heion (arriving at the lake with his sister): Hey, Kitaro.

Mugai (humming): It's us.

Kitaro (seeing them): Heion and Mugai? What are you doing here ?

Heion: We and our parents had been warned by Nuobi and Yinikin of what happened last night, so we came to see if everything is fine now.

Mugai: Otherwise, is it true that you eliminated Kunomi last night?

Kitaro: He was threatening to kill Neko as well as Nuobi and Yinikin. I had no other choice to do it even if Neko helped me to neutralize him.

Heion: You did what it should be done. Kunomi was horrible with us, long before you came to school. It is ... A very great service that you have rendered. For us, for Neko-Musume, Nuobi and Yinikin as well as all the Yokais who suffered because of him.

Kitaro: I imagine ... I knew that this Kunomi was not clear but ...

Neko (returning to the lake with Sunakake and Medama): Kitaro, I came back.

Mugai (looking jealous): Oh ... that's her.

Heion: Sister, don't start.

Sunakake-Babaa: We have a little surprise for you, Kitaro.

Kitaro: What surprise? (Sunakake sent for Mizuki and the girl) You? Mizuki? But ... But ... What ... What are they doing here?

Mugai: Oh no, is she, Kitaro's human friend?

Heion (annoyed): Sister ...

Mizuki: Your father warned me of your problem, Kitaro, and he convinced me that maybe I can redeem myself for what happened at the cemetery a long time ago.

Girl: They convinced my parents to let me go to Gegege forest to come and see you if all goes well. Is it true that you worried about me?

Kitaro (embarrassed): Well ... You see ... I'm still afraid that you are in danger or that ...

Heion: (seeing his sister, speechless): Mugai, Get yourself together.

Girl: Kitaro, it's too nice of you to worry but if you have to thank someone, thank Neko.

Medama-Oyaji: She was the one who had the idea of bringing her in.

Kitaro (going to Neko): Is that right?

Neko (trying to keep a serious air but was too embarrassed): No ... I mean... Yes ... I ... I did it ...

(and there Kitaro took Neko in his arms as she blushed more and more while Mugai passed out and the others gave a discreet little laugh)

Sunakake-Babaa (taking Neko on seeing that she is overly embarrassed): I'll leave you and take care of her.

Heion (near his sister): Sister, wake up.

Kitaro: Father, what is happening to Neko? Why when I thank her or congratulate her, she has this reaction?

Medama-Oyaji: Oh, my son. Let's say she didn't expect that kind of thanks.

Mizuki (noting Heion and Mugai): Otherwise, I see that you also had other friends, Kitaro.

Girl: You present us to them, my friend?

(On the side of Neko and Sunakake)

Sunakake-Babaa (making her sit on the ground): Sit still, Neko. I'm going to get the potions to get you back in good shape. (she entered a room)

Neko (in her head, still blushing): He thanked me, again ... (leaning in all directions, she ended up falling but was held by something) Kitaro-san?

Kitaro (holding Neko): Are you okay, Neko?

Neko (happy): Yes ... In fact, ... Much better now that you're here ...

Kitaro (raising her up): Like I said, I will always be there for you if necessary.

Neko: Kitaro-san ... I have to tell you ... I ... I ... I love you. More than...

Kitaro: I know, Neko. I love you too, more than anything.

Neko (preparing to kiss him): Oh, Kitaro-san ...

Sunakake-Babaa (leaving the room and returning to Neko): Very well, Neko. We must remain calm because this potion can ... (she saw what Neko did) Neko, what are you doing?

Neko (waking up and seeing that Kitaro is not there): Huh? But where is he ? Where's Kitaro?

Sunakake-Babaa: Neko, ... Kitaro didn't come back here. He's still outside.

Neko (sitting down, a little disappointed): Oh ...

Sunakake-Babaa: Is there something bothering you?

Neko (trying to look serious) Huh? Uh no. Kitaro is my friend, nothing more.

Sunakake-Babaa: Are you sure there is nothing else?

Neko: (sighing) Okay, can I tell you by ear?

(Neko whispered to Sunakake)

Sunakake-Babaa: Oh, and he knows ?!

Neko: Uh, no ... I may be resourceful in combat and survival but that ...

Sunakake-Babaa: Maybe you should wait until the right time to tell him.

Neko: I don't know ... What if ...

Sunakake-Babaa: Neko, I think you worry a little too much. I'm sure when the time comes, he will understand how you feel, one way or another.

( Outside )

Mizuki: Well, Mr. and Mrs. Tanukis ... You are gigantic.

Father of Heion and Mugai: No, in truth, we are not that big but adult Tanukis can choose the size they want.

Mizuki: In that case, you must have known when Kitaro saved humans during this fire.

Mother of Heion and Mugai: We admit, it was during a time when we and our children had fears concerning the capacities of Gegege No Kitaro.

Mizuki: Gegege No Kitaro? Is that the name you give him?

Heion: This is how the Yokais call him since he hunts dangerous Yokais to humans.

Mugai: And recently he got rid of Kunomi, a really mean Yokai who was hurting everyone, even his best friends. If Kitaro was not there to neutralize him, he would have continued and his family as well as Nuobi and Yinikin would no longer be there.

Mizuki: Oh ... That explains why when I set him up at the park, he was in a hurry. (he saw two figures coming) Tell me, those two over there, it wouldn't be ...

Heion: Yes, it's Nuobi and Yinikin. But why do they look so worried?

Father and Mother of Heion and Mugai: We will warn Kitaro and the others.

(meanwhile, in a science center ...)

Scientist (hearing a noise on the door): But what's going on? (he went with his colleagues to see what's going on. Suddenly the door broke and they saw the Kyushu-tai holding the director of the center, emptied of his vitality and his face completely smashed) But who are you?

Kyushu-tai: Hello, ladies and gentlemen. (he threw the director's body against one of the machines) I would like to borrow some equipment.

(From Kitaro's side)

Kitaro: Sunakake, we must leave and quickly.

Sunakake-Babaa (preparing his material): Yes, yes. Just one last detail.

Kitaro (seeing Sunakake putting sand in small bags): You want to face the Kyushu-tai just like us, don't you?

Sunakake-Babaa: Of course. If he is so powerful, you will surely need all the help you need.

Kitaro (making a small smile): I never doubted you and I am sure that you will be a great help in combat as you have been in treating others.

Medama-Oyaji (out of Kitaro's hair): Son, Sunakake.

Sunakake-Babaa: It's okay, Medama, I'm ready now.

(they went to Ittan where everyone was on him)

Father of Heion and Mugai: Ah there you are.

Sunakake-Babaa: Sorry for the wait, I was preparing to face the Kyushu-tai.

Ittan-Momen: In this case, Sunakake and Kitaro, get on me and off we go to the human science center.

Nuobi: We'll show you the way.

Yinikin: first you have to cross our house and then you have to follow us.

Neko: In that case, go ahead.

Kitaro (amount on Ittan): We will follow you closely but it will be necessary to act quickly.

Medama-Oyaji: With Kyushu-tai having your DNA, I fear only the worst. (he turned to the girl and Mizuki) But you two will have to go back to Tokyo. It will be too dangerous for you there.

(In the science center)

Kyushu-tai (looking at the lifeless bodies of scientists): Thank you for your cooperation, ladies and gentlemen, I'll take care of the rest. (he went to the machine) Ah, it reminds me of the time when I was released from the seal that sealed me for centuries. My liberators have been great sources of vitality and it has made my powers even more effective. (he took out the ingredients namely the different DNAs) Now is the time to give you life again, Master Backbeard.

(From Kitaro's side)

Kitaro: I see a science center from here. (he called Nuobi and Yinikin) Nuobi, Yinikin. Is this where he went?

Nuobi: Yes, Kitaro.

Yinikin: We see corpses of humans emptied of their vitality so he definitely entered here.

Mother of Heion and Mugai: Look, I see three humans who are still moving.

Father of Heion and Mugai: We are going to take care of them. Stop this Kyushu-tai and quickly.

(Both parents and their children went to help the survivors while Kitaro and his group entered the science center to arrest Kyushu-tai)

Neko (seeing electricity circulating in cables): What is this energy that circulates ?

Medama-Oyaji: Oh no, Kyushu-tai must surely use the machine to bring Backbeard back.

Kitaro: Ittan, stand sideways. (Ittan came a little closer to the cables) Neko, your turn.

Neko (showing his monstrous part by lengthening his claws): It will be with great pleasure.

(She cut the cables, which cut off the machine that Kyushu-tai was using)

Kyushu-tai: But what's going on? (he got angry when he saw the machine stop) No!

Kitaro: Sorry to disappoint you but your apprentice failed!

(Kyushu-tai turned to Kitaro and his group)

Kyushu-tai: You survive your burial, Gegege No Kitaro? I may have underestimated you.

Medama-Oyaji: You lost again, Kyushu-tai. The machine is neutralized and your master will not be resurrected.

Kyushu-tai (absorbing DNA): Me, alive, nothing will be finished.

(And there, Kyushu-tai's body became liquid and began to grow. Kitaro and his group had no other choice to leave the center to avoid the liquid which crossed the whole building)

Nuobi (seeing Kitaro and his group leaving the center): Kitaro and the others? What's going on ?

Neko: We don't have time to explain!

Sunakake-Babaa: Kyushu-tai will come sooner or later.

Yinikin (seeing the liquid coming quickly): Oh no ... Heion, Mugai and you two, We must leave, quickly. We are in danger.

Father and Mother of Heion and Mugai: Children, get on our backs, let's go.

(Heion and Mugai get on their parents and went to Ittan taking the survivors with them)

Ittan-Momen: Hang on tight, all of you!

(Ittan took off while Kyushu-tai, become gigantic and liquid, destroyed the center and chased Kitaro and co. On Ittan)

Mugai: He's headed for us!

(Ittan avoided as best he could the attacks of the gigantic Kyushu-tai)

Ittan-Momen: Guys, we're getting closer to Tokyo.

Kitaro: So we have to resist for a while to try to find his weak point before we are close to the city. (he removed his chanchanko and held it in his hand) I'll hold him back.

Sunakake-Babaa: I'll help you.

Nurikabe: Me too.

Father of Heion and Mugai (turning to Heion and Mugai): Children, hold on tight to Ittan.

Mother of Heion and Mugai: Your father and I are going to hold this Kyushu-tai back with Kitaro.

(The Kyushu-tai threw projectiles at them and Kitaro deflected them with his chanchanko. By blowing on sand, Sunakake created a tornado of sand which made Kyushu-tai move back a little but in vain.)

Sunakake-Babaa (seeing a big liquid projectile coming towards her and the others) Sand Barrier! (it created a sand protection by blowing on sand and the projectile struck the protection before the liquid bypasses the protection to attack her)

Kitaro: Sunakake, watch out! (he put Sunakake out of reach of the liquid which destroyed the sand protection)

Sunakake-Babaa: Thank you, Kitaro.

Nurikabe: Other projectiles are coming!

Father and Mother of Heion and Mugai: 強化! (Reinforcement!)

(Nurikabe sees his body resist the impacts of projectiles but others went towards Neko, Heion and Mugai)

Heion: Other projectiles above us!

Neko: I'll do it.

(Neko lengthened its claws and destroyed the projectiles but after a time, a projectile touched Neko which lost a little of its vitality)

Nuobi: Neko!

Yinikin: Kitaro, we have a problem.

Kitaro (going to Neko): Neko, are you okay?

Neko (weak in vitality but happy when seeing Kitaro): Now that you are with me, yes. It was not much that touched me.

Mugai: Other projectiles in sight!

(Yinikin therefore created a spider web to cover what is above Ittan, which stopped the projectiles but the Kyushu-tai attacked down and sent Ittan as for Kitaro and the others to Tokyo where they crashed into a street)

Mizuki (seeing Kitaro crashing into a car): Kitaro, are you okay?

Girl (arriving towards Kitaro): What happened?

Kitaro (getting up weakly): You ... You have to get out of here. He is coming...

Mizuki: He ?

Inspector Ayano (brother): Finally, we meet, Kitaro.

Inspector Ayano (sister): This time, you are coming with us.

Mizuki: Mr and Mrs inspectors, I fear that you are mistaken.

Inspector Ayano (sister): Please step aside, sir.

Girl: But he's not a criminal!

Inspector Ayano (brother): We heard that before, little one. (he turned to Mizuki) But who are you for him, sir?

Mizuki: I am his adoptive father. Until he found his real father, I tried to be one for him. Everything he has done for a long time has been for a good cause.

Inspector Ayano (sister): Sir, although we understand your reasons, Kitaro still broke the law by doing justice himself.

Girl: To save us ! It is thanks to him that my family and I are still alive and I am sure for the same of the witnesses you had interviewed.

Kitaro: Right now, Inspectors, we have a much bigger problem.

Inspector Ayano (sister): Which is?

(And there two buildings collapsed and the Kyushu-tai appeared carrying away certain inhabitants to kill them by emptying them of their vitality)

Inspector Ayano (brother): But what is this thing?

Kitaro: What I hunt whenever a human is in danger. Only me and my family can stop him, so if you want to help, evacuate the inhabitants.

(with a sigh, the Ayano inspectors put away their weapons and called agents to bring the inhabitants to the shelter)

Kitaro (turning to Mizuki and the girl): You should go follow them.

Mizuki: Kitaro, take care of yourself.

Girl: I don't want to lose you again.

Kitaro: Me too. (Mizuki and the girl went to join the inspectors and the girl went to find her family. Kitaro found Neko and the others after they got up)

Medama-Oyaji (on Neko's hair): Kitaro. Kyushu-tai rushes towards the inhabitants.

Kitaro: I just convinced the inspectors to evacuate the inhabitants as well as Mizuki and the girl to be safe but we will have to slow him down to avoid more victims.

Father of Heion and Mugai: Look, I see something coming out of Kyushu-tai.

(Eyes began to appear on the gigantic and liquid body of Kyushu-tai)

Sunakake-Babaa: He's reviving Backbeard in his body.

Medama-Oyaji: We must react now.

Kitaro: Father, Neko, Heion, Nuobi and Mugai, follow me and get on Ittan. We're going to take care of those eyes. Nurikabe, Sunakake, Yinikin and the parents of Heion and Mugai, you try to hold the Kyushu-tai as long as possible to slow him down.

Sunakake, Nurikabe, Father and Mother of Heion and Mugai: We'll do it!

Neko, Medama-Oyaji, Heion and Mugai: We are following you!

Yinikin: Nuobi, be careful.

Nuobi: You too.

(Nuobi joined Kitaro's group while Yinikin joined Sunakake's)

Ittan (flying at a certain altitude to face the Kyushu-tai): We are there.

Kitaro: Let the final fight begin!

Thanks for reading this chapter. Don't forget to tell me what do you think about this chapter and see you soon.