As Natsume Takashi returns the names of yokai, his Book of Friends keeps getting thinner. Out of affection, Nyanko-sensei turns a blind eye, and sometimes even closes both eyes.
Though he occasionally sneaks a few fake names into it, he still can't keep up with all the yokai coming and going at the Fujiwara household.
Then one day, as Natsume heads home from school, he catches an unusual scent coming from the Book of Friends!
"Natsume! What's going on with your Book of Friends?" Nyanko-sensei arches his back, fur standing on end.
That kind and gentle fool hadn't been tricked by some yokai, had he?
Natsume Takashi smiles helplessly and hands him the book, opening it to the last page. Nyanko-sensei takes a look and his eyes go wide.
The ink, still fresh, spells out a new name.
"Something's not right. Don't tell me you've awakened some power?" His crescent-shaped eyes narrow with suspicion.
"I wrote it down because a yokai asked me to. I wanted to help her, too." Natsume Takashi looks out the window, a faint smile on his face.
The yokai of the forest have been saying that Ugume's name was stolen.
"I heard she stole human children, and Lord Natsume, the one with the Book of Friends, defeated her."
"Those children..."
"Shh, don't say any more. Be careful, or your name might get stolen, too."
The shikigami of the Matoba family have uncovered a secret: one of the exorcist world's forbidden arts, the spell that commands yokai by their names, is in the hands of someone who isn't even an exorcist. And that person happens to have ties to both the head of the Matoba family and Natori.
If they're useless, eliminate them. If they're useful, take them. The undercurrents begin to stir.
Theme: The bonds between humans and nonhuman beings are precious.
Welcome to update, spread flowers! The writing is still very smooth. I hope there will be updates to see more ideas.