AN OVERVIEW OF THE MAKAI (DEMON WORLD)
Centuries after the first Makai Unification Tournament, the Demon World is a thriving dimension fairly well integrated with its sibling Spirit and Human Worlds. Its unique continuity of history, diversity of life and exciting scenery make it a popular travel destination, as once predicted by a long-dead demon king (whose grave, not at all by coincidence, happens to be one of the most visited sites). The Spirit World remains exceedingly difficult for the average human traveller to get to, which is understandable as not everyone wishes nor is able to easily separate their souls from their bodies, and complications are still not covered by many insurance companies. Fortunately for travel agencies and tourists everywhere, the Makai has no such limitations.
The Demon World government is a mostly benevolent autocracy ruled by one Emperor (a gender-neutral title), the victor of the most recent Unification Tournament, who holds the position for three years. The Makai is vast, however, and impossible for any one individual or party to hold absolute power over. It is therefore divided into three primary regions known as the Unified Territories. Each Territory is governed by a King (also a gender-neutral title) who reports directly to the emperor, providing counsel and executing his or her wishes. The role of the kings is technically more that of administrators, but the formal title remains a holdover from pre-unification days when the Demon World was a much more lawless place.
The kings are unelected and unchallenged positions (for the most part - all challengers to date have failed spectacularly), and have each held their office for over a century at minimum. Continuity in the administration across the territory level of government is what keeps the Makai running smoothly between tournaments. Additionally, positive relations between the three territory administrations encourages good behaviour in the emperors. While the emperor rules the Makai in name and their word is generally abided by during their term, they are highly liable to get their asses handed to them after their term expires by one or more of the kings if they attempt to implement an extremely unwelcome policy (or, in at least one rare but particularly memorable instance, before the three years were up, thanks to creative but still technically correct interpretation of the emperor's commands. This was reflected by a spike in legal fees across all three worlds soon after).
It is generally accepted that the kings will choose their own successors, at some point. As all current kings are pro-unification, and the system relies heavily on the cooperation of the territories, the question does arise as to what would happen if one of the kings were to be replaced with a dissident. However, due to the exceedingly long lifespan of demons, the relative peace currently enjoyed across all three worlds, and the particular hard-bitten nature of each king, none of the administrations are expected to change significantly any time soon. It is business as usual for the forseeable future.
The odd arrangement, as well as it appears to work for the demons, may make some outsiders wonder whether the Makai actually has a true ruler, but it is not so different from asking if Ningenkai countries actually have power situated in a single role like a president or prime minister. The lines of power in the Demon World are in many ways much clearer than Human World political systems.
That said, such inquirers may be surprised to learn that yes, in a way, there is a singular guiding hand - based in the Human World. Unknown to the general population of all three worlds, each territory frequently (and independently) seeks private consulting services from Minamino Enterprises, an international Ningenkai conglomerate based out of Japan with holdings in all three worlds. Its CEO, known publicly only as The Director, has remained unchanged for several hundred years, and is shockingly good at flying under the radar. (Editor's note: Not for publication. Remove this text and destroy all drafts.)
REGIONS OF THE MAKAI
Territory 1 (colloquially/sometimes known as Toranin or Tourin) is the largest and oldest territory. In contrast to its status and long-running history, T1 is overseen by the youngest ruler: King Urameshi, a popular public figure. His chief of staff is the warrior monk Hokushin, who also served the same role in the prior administration, which lasted over 700 years. Historically, T1 was primarily desert lands. Due to a rigorous terraforming program beginning in the 21st century, utilizing techniques developed by human engineer and noted psychic Kuwabara Kazuma with implementation by Minamino Enterprises, it has significant pockets of arable land. It is notable in the areas of power generation and entrepreneurial activity, thanks to a loose regulation policy and the lowest amount of bureaucratic red tape in all three worlds. Other claims to fame: frequent spectacular thunderstorms, largest number of holidays, greatest concentration of ramen establishments per capita. It is the number one tourist destination in the Makai (except during the political season) due to its consistently human-friendly policies and its great cultural similarity to the Human World.
In supporting the imperial forces, T1's role concentrates on offence.
Territory 2 (colloquially/sometimes known as Alaric), is the second oldest territory and is overseen by the most experienced of the three administrators, King Mukuro. Her chief of staff is the Jagan master Hiei. T2 is especially popular amongst adventure seekers who consider it the most "authentic" Makai experience, the closest to what the Demon World was centuries ago. It is also quite renowned for its medical facilities, which boast significant investments in regeneration technology, and its industrial robotics sector.
In supporting the imperial forces, T2's area of specialty is intelligence.
Fun fact: In the late 20th/early 21st century, prior to formal recognition of the Demon World, there were many documented encounters with T2's chief of staff in the Human World.
Territory 3 (formerly Gandara) is administered by King Yomi. The chief of staff is his son, Prince Shura. T3 is the intellectual powerhouse of the Demon World, leading in research, scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs, with genetics being the largest field of study. T3 frequently collaborates with the most innovative Human World institutions and think tanks. This academic focus creates an intriguing contrast with the fact that the territory is also the host of the Unification Tournament.
In supporting the imperial forces, T3's area of expertise is defence.
Neutral Territory (NT) designates areas outside of the jurisdiction of any of the Unified Territories. The most prominent is the Imperial Palace, covering the emperor and the imperial forces and staff. The current emperor-in-power is Natsume. Her chiefs of staff, largely ceremonial positions, are her twin brother Kujou and the Drunken Fist master Chuu. When separate delegations are called for, Chief of Staff Kujou serves as official ambassador to T3, Chief of Staff Chuu serves as official ambassador to T1, and the emperor liaises directly with T2.
Another notable NT site is the floating country of Hyouga, the isolationist home of the Koorime. It has only been relatively recently (in Demon World time) that the island has made formal contact with the outside world and opened communications to the Imperial Palace via T2. Though external relations have improved and emigration has increased in the past few decades (with individuals and some tiny populations of koorime living off-island in both Demon and Human Worlds), interaction between the island and foreigners of any background remains extremely rare. Tourists are not permitted, and would-be diplomatic or business visitors must apply years in advance for temporary visas and follow extremely tight restrictions. The restrictions vary based on visitor gender, with the list being twice as long for males.
Officially, Hyouga representatives are invited to sit on council alongside the three territories in all discussions with the emperor. Actual attendance has been spotty, particularly in matters not of immediate or direct concern to the island. Hyouga currently maintains the most consistent communications with T2, which is generally recognized as a substitute power when Hyouga representatives are not present.
WHEN TO VISIT
With so much to see and do, nearly any time is an excellent time to visit the Makai. However, visitors should be aware of the unique nature of the Unification Tournament season. The tournament is the most anticipated and followed political/sporting event, televised or streamed, in all three worlds. Tourism levels and advertising dollars pumped into the Makai explode during this time period. Everything will be much more expensive, and much more packed, and the local population can also be quite rowdy.
WHERE TO GO / POPULAR TOURIST SITES
Imperial Palace (NT)
The home of the current emperor-in-power sits at a point where all three Territories' borders touch, and serves as a key meeting place for politicians and emissaries from all three worlds. Needless to say, it is an impressive and large complex, but also extremely crowded when open to the public, and generally difficult to get into, with many high security areas for visiting dignitaries.
IMN Head Offices (NT)
IMN (the Immortal Makai Network) is the Demon World's pre-eminent media company. Its bustling, expansive hallways feature promotional posters, screens and projections showcasing its properties and celebrities. Its political programming is especially popular, with the Tournament Preliminary Lottery live broadcast being a guaranteed ratings boom on all media channels. IMN also produces purely entertainment content as well, including sitcoms, soaps, and variety/game/reality shows, some of which have literally been running for hundreds of years.
Fun fact: The most well-known IMN idol group is 3ccult, who enjoy a large fanbase in all three worlds. Their popularity is only bolstered by the fact that performer Koto is also the perennial host of the Makai Unification Tournament.
Raizen's Grave (T1)
The final resting place of battle god, visionary and former king of T1. It is a massive black headstone polished to an impressive mirrored shine, and covered year-round with flowers, incense and alcohol.
Acorn in the Sky (T1)
The former throne room of the former palace, currently King Urameshi's main quarters. It is visible from almost anywhere in the capital. Its nickname, dubbed by the king, comes from the fact that it looks like an acorn jutting out of the tower making up the central administration building. Because of its visibility and distinct shape, it is featured in many professional and amateur travel photos, often juxtaposed against the magnificent thunderstorms common in the capital. The rare times in the last couple of centuries when it is seen shaking and then exploding, there have been staff changes in government.
Blue Gardens (T1)
A very beautiful public garden featuring only blue flowers of both Human and Demon World origins. Wandering through it gives the calming feeling of floating through a profusion of blossoms. The gardens also boast a large population of ordinary Human World cats. These animals have free reign of the grounds and are exceedingly friendly and well-fed.
Please note: this site is closed to the public on particular days throughout the year, including January 31.
Urameshi Ramen (multiple locations, T1/T2/T3)
The same no-frills restaurant franchise that exists in the Human World, originally founded X centuries ago by King Urameshi. Some feel the Human World recipe is more authentic, while the Demon World version is spicier. Debates rage online.
?! (T2)
WARNING: Not for the weak-stomached.
A plant in the shape of an obese man. Visitors are encouraged to throw things, poke at it, etc. Any damage is self-repaired, though its reactions seem to indicate great physical pain. On the king's birthday, creative torture implements are provided. All that is known about ?! is that it was in the private possession of King Mukuro before she apparently grew bored with it and made it available to the public. One rumour is that it used to be someone who seriously pissed the king off. Another rumour has it that it was a birthday gift from the chief of staff. Both are probably true.
Mobile Fortress Mukade (variable, T2-based)
A massive centipede-like organic/inorganic structure with a near-impenetrable carapace that usually roams T2. It typically carries a core staff of 77, but can comfortably house well over XXX people and serves as King Mukuro's official quarters. Due to its impressive appearance, solid defense and ability to cover significant ground, the highly recognizable unit is frequently employed in missions by the emperor-in-power. Its fanbase, known as Mukade Chasers or Hunters, avidly follow reports of its deployment around the Worlds and document its appearances in photos and videos with great dedication.
Fun fact: The Makai Transit System (MTS) utilizes miniature mukade young to provide highly fuel-efficient and safe public transportation throughout the Unified Territories.
Museum of Political History (T3)
Difficult to guess from its name alone, this museum is a must-visit and a favourite among human children. The exhibits change frequently, with special features for the current emperor-in-power. Highly recommended permanent exhibits include:
The Teahouse. This elegant, tranquil building complete with a zen garden and pond is the site of the historical first meeting between King Yomi and King Urameshi, and the birthplace of the Makai Unification Tournament. The central room has been preserved with the exact configuration and placement of all furniture, including the actual pot of tea and cup present at the proposal. Kids love hiding behind the sliding Assassin Wall and writing notes to each other! Enjoy tea and cakes in the attached cafe.
Defaced Rurimaru. See the actual hand-engraved rurimaru from King Urameshi's gift to King Yomi. Fun activity: try to find specific names! Replica marbles can be purchased in the gift shop. Get the full set for only 8999999 MKD (Makai Dollars)!
Round 3 Viewing Room. A massive room featuring five synchronized projections of the infamous 60-hour Round 3 fight at the inaugural Tournament. Each wall streams a different camera, with the floor streaming the aerial view while the ceiling displays a clock/timer and highlights specific points of action caught by the various feeds. The viewing room is packed during the museum's regular operating hours, making it very difficult to see the aerial projection. Those with valid Tournament registration or researcher paperwork can apply for off-hours access. The value of this for training purposes is dubious as the footage features the combatants in action several centuries ago, but the waiting list is extremely long with a backlog currently running several years.
Gandara Library and Energy Antenna (T3)
A beautifully furnished, state of the art facility with stunning contemporary architecture, the Gandara Library is the largest in all of Makai and a dream pilgrimage for writers and researchers in all fields, including science and medicine. It is an immensely accessible facility, with a wealth of resources for the visually-impaired.
At the top of the library is the Energy Antenna, which tracks and measures demon energy being manifested across the Makai. A several-story screen on the exterior wall displays a real-time feed and interactive infographic of all energy readings mapped to its database of individuals. Not surprisingly, the display is most active during the Tournament, and traffic to this tourist site peaks.
The antenna always goes down at some point, becoming dysfunctional and requiring replacement after the end of the event. A popular game amongst locals and visitors alike: predicting which round will break the antenna. It is improved with the latest technology right before the battles begin, and so is able to hold on longer each Tournament. That said, this is of course subject to the matchups. Once, the antenna went down in under ten seconds during the opening preliminaries due to a qualifier that included King Urameshi, Windmaster Jin and Drunken Fist master Chuu in the same grouping, and the display was dead for the remainder of the Tournament.
HOLIDAYS OF THE MAKAI
The following are listed roughly in order of occurrence relative to the Human World calendar. This is not a comprehensive list, as many other regional festivities exist.
King Yomi's birthday
Koorime Day (Anniversary of opening of communications from the country of Hyouga, raising awareness of Hyouga and Koorime culture)
Barrier Day (Anniversary of the raising of the Makai Barrier by the Spirit World)
Spirit Beast Puu's birthday (T1-only holiday)
Gate Opening Day (Anniversary of the cutting of the Makai Barrier by the human psychic Kuwabara Kazuma, and King Urameshi's first visit to the Demon World)
King Urameshi's third birthday, also known as King Urameshi's demon birthday (T1-only)
King Urameshi's birthday
Toushin Raizen Day (Anniversary of Raizen's death)
Unification Day (Anniversary of the birth of the Makai Unification Tournament)
Prince Shura's incubation release day (T2-only)
Emperor's Day (Follows the announcement of the new emperor, once every three years)
Worlds Opening Day (Anniversary of the lowering of the Makai Barrier by the Spirit World)
King Mukuro's birthday
King Urameshi's second birthday (T1-only)
Author's Notes: I threw in quite a few real series references (mostly from the manga) - probably pretty obvious! This isn't a "complete" travel guide by any means, of course - there are other things I've thought about but haven't fleshed out to my satisfaction, so they might be a future edition.
Regarding "Toranin/Tourin" and "Alaric" - I could never track down the actual origins of these "names" for Raizen and Mukuro's territories, which don't appear in manga or anime, so I always assumed they were English fandom inventions, but I thought it'd be nice to include a nod to them since they seem to be relatively popular artifacts. And mostly so I could ask, because I'm still curious - if anyone actually knows and can identify the source, that would be amazing.
Thanks to my sis for reading over the draft and making the suggestion on the Makai transit system, and for having this conversation:
My sis: Why does T1 have the most holidays?
Me: Because Yusuke has four birthdays (including Puu). I think the monks would be like "We have to commemorate everything of significance to the king!" and Yusuke is probably like, "Fine, whatever, do whatever you wanna do".
My sis: Yusuke's territory is like party land.
Me: It's not party land! It's just less regulated. "As long as it doesn't piss me off, I don't care."
My sis: Yeah, and "If it pisses me off, here's my fist!"
Then I nearly spat out my breakfast laughing. In all seriousness though, I feel like T1 would be very energetic and efficient, not unlike a startup or an innovation-focused city or operation that iterates nimbly ("Move Fast and Break Things", as Facebook used to say), which is pretty much Yusuke's approach and attitude. If you can convince him something is a good idea, I see him pushing for it like crazy in typical Yusuke fashion until it happens, come hell or high water.