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While still in high school, Shinomiya Ryouma is consumed by the need to accumulate a billion yen to pay for his beloved sister's crucial medical treatment. Then, out of the blue, he encounters a woman shrouded in mystery who challenges him with the question: "What would you sacrifice for your desires?" She then provides him with a ticket, and in no time, he is struck by a tragic event. Upon regaining consciousness, he realizes that he has undergone a transformation into a female and now must contend with a life-and-death "game." His triumph would restore his fortune but defeat would mean certain death!
Cain, a young nobleman, navigates the dimly-lit and labyrinthine streets of 19th century London. Born into the upper echelon of society, he takes on the mantle of earl and assumes leadership of the Hargreaves family, whose reputation is steeped in mystery and scandal following the untimely death of his father. His loyal manservant, Riff, and his ten-year-old half-sister, Mary Weather, accompany Cain as he unravels the mysterious crimes that seem to lurk at every corner. Bonus Chapter: Chapter 5: The Sabbath of Solomon Grundy
Yatsuki Nishizuru works part-time in Akihabara and has the unique ability to see and talk to spirits, specifically the youkai that reside in the area. However, Yatsuki prefers to lead a normal life, focusing on work, caring for his younger sister Nanao, and enjoying a coffee at a nearby café. But all of that changes when he is unexpectedly hit in the face by a girl who falls out of a tree. This girl, named Rokka Ayatsuji, quickly becomes friends with Yatsuki and Nanao. However, they soon discover that Rokka is actually a Rokurokubi, an ancient youkai that feeds on souls and can stretch her neck to incredible lengths. Complicating matters further, Yatsuki reveals that Nanao's body and spirit are separate, and Nanao is actually a ghost. At the same time, Momo Chitoseya, one of the waitresses at the café, gets possessed by an evil spirit. Yatsuki and Rokka carry out an exorcism to save her, attracting the attention of Nagi, Momo's sister, who is a professional medium. In exchange for their assistance in eliminating dangerous youkai in Akihabara, Nagi vows to find a way to reunite Nanao's spirit with her body. Aware of the dangerous spirit world, Yatsuki embarks on a dangerous journey to restore his sister's spirit to her body, risking his life in the process.
Shouta Aikawa is an enthusiastic third-grader with a deep love for insects. He raises a rhinoceros beetle larva, which he names Moriking, with care for two months. However, much to his surprise, Moriking defies its expected transformation into a beetle and evolves into a human instead. As it turns out, Moriking is a rare species, an insect king that emerges only once every hundred million years. It must pass a trial to prove its worthiness as the King of Insects. This trial involves venturing out into the world and surviving on its own. Moriking recognizes Shouta as its savior and owner and wishes to stay with the Aikawa family. Shouta has no issues with the humanoid beetle's unique abilities, but his sister Shouko is hesitant. After some convincing, their parents agree to take Moriking into their family. However, the task ahead for Moriking and its owners is not an easy one. They must help Moriking defeat four other candidate kings to become the Lord of the Forest, ruler of all the insects in the world. Other one-shot stories include Shinrin Shugosha Moriking in Volume 2, and Baito Leader Tetsuzawa: Futou no Nanokakan in Volume 4.
Princess Mina, the vampire queen, has governed the Bund for three months now, during which efforts have been made to mend vampire and human affairs. Nonetheless, trouble brews as someone targets to assassinate government liaison Reiko Gotoh while her wolf guardian Seiji Hama has disappeared. To uncover the plot, the past must be remembered, particularly how Gotoh and Hama's bond began. Resolving this enigma could rescue not only Gotoh's existence but also the future of the Vampire Bund.
Upon Mina Tepes' return to the Bund seven years ago, Tokyo has been preparing to host the Summer Olympics in 2020. Mina was set to be the guest of honor during the opening ceremony. Unfortunately, during her speech in front of TV cameras, terrorists unexpectedly infiltrated the stadium. They demanded that Mina shut down the Bund and remove all vampires from Japan. Mina and her unwavering werewolf protector, Akira, find themselves confronting the terrorists and ensuring the safety of innocent bystanders. While dealing with this new threat, Mina is haunted by her past and must confront other enemies who will stop at nothing to eliminate vampires for good.
AkaAka's tale commences with a vision comprising of crimson camellias and the transfer of an enigmatic mask. This mask belongs to a boy named Yue, who dwells in a temple inhabited by singular beings. Utsuwa, the adjacent town, is hosting a winter festivity which Kurogitsune, Yue's fox comrade, deems an ideal opportunity for the sheltered boy to partake in the extravaganza's delights, particularly its cuisine. Despite being prohibited to leave the temple, they clandestinely venture into the town, ignorant of the repercussions they will soon encounter.
The heroic party defeated the Demon King who threatened the world. However, on his deathbed, he releases a miasma that threatens to destroy the world. While everyone despairs, Saint Sophia sacrifices herself to stop the demon king's noxious gas. She awoke to find the world twenty years later. Sophia is perplexed to find that her former friends have become older men and her juniors have become older than her, but she lives in a world that has become peaceful. Sophia lives in a peaceful world. Twenty years after destroying the Demon King and the heroes and saving the world... Sophia's adventures begin again with her new friends! Official Translations: ,
Presented in this book are nine of Junji Ito's top short stories, handpicked by the author himself and given insightful notes and comments. The featured stories are: 1. Secondhand Record (Chuuko Record, 中古レコード) 2. Chills (Samuke, 寒気) 3. Model Look (ファッションモデル) 4. Hung Balloons (Kubitsuri Kikyuu, 首吊り気球) 5. Puppet Mansion (Ayatsuri Yashiki, あやつり屋敷) 6. Artist (Gaka, 画家) 7. The Never-Ending Dream (Nagai Yume, 長い夢) 8. Venerated Ancestors (Gosenzo-sama, ご先祖様) 9. Slathered (グリセリド) 10. Model Look: Cursed Frame (Fashion Model: Norowareta Framing, ファッションモデル・呪われたフレーミング) [new]
When Kotoko Iwanaga was a mere 11 years old, youkai took her captive and demanded she become their "God of Wisdom," bridging the gap between the human and spirit realms. Despite the price of her left leg and right eye, Kotoko agreed, and now, after six years, youkai seek her advice for their issues. Meanwhile, Kurou Sakuragawa, a 22-year-old college student, recently broke up with his girlfriend after they confronted a kappa, leaving Kurou to face the creature alone. Seizing an opportunity to get closer to him, Kotoko sets her sights on winning Kurou's heart and eventually marrying him. However, she soon realizes that Kurou has a mysterious side to him. As she works with him to unravel supernatural mysteries, she hopes that their partnership will turn into something more.
"Drop by the nurse's office for any health concerns you may have! Nurse Hitomi is here to assist you with everything from growth concerns to attachment issues with body parts. Struggling with invisibility? Fret not, Nurse Hitomi has got you covered with her enormous all-seeing eye. Don't hesitate, step right in! The nurse is eagerly awaiting your arrival!"
