Ayashimon: Maruo Offers Guidance – and Gets Some New Ink

WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Ayashimon Chapter 11, "Aren't We Family?" by Yuji Kaku, Adrienne Beck, and Brandon Bovia, available in English via Viz Media.

Blasting past a group of Doppo's men, Urara and the others are being pursued by ladle yokai Hishaku and bat yokai Nobusuma. The two yokai are surprised at Urara's speed, saying it must be the Oni clan's Onibashiri Dash Power. Unfortunately for Urara, her transformation was starting to wear off, but Ten spoke up and told her to duck into the Shinjuku Subnade, the underground mall. As soon as Doppo's men reach the mall, they're shocked to find that Urara's group has completely vanished and they can't even sense them. They think that the group is heading for one of the three subway stations and begin their frantic search.

Despite their suspicions, the group was actually hiding in one of the unused subway tunnels. Ten explained that he is a Tenjo-Sagari, a type of yokai that can move through any ceiling as long as the two points are connected. He downplays his abilities, saying it's all he can do, but Urara called him useful before passing out. Ten begins planning the supplies they'll need when suddenly, Maruo woke up. Ten worriedly asked what he needed, whether it's food or drink, but Maruo only utters one word: manga. Using his phasing ability, Ten begins "borrowing" supplies and money from the various stores in the underground mall.

Later, Urara awakened from a dream where her father abandons her. Ten was ecstatic to see her awake, saying she slept for two weeks. During that time, Ten watched over her while Maruo rested and did nothing but reading manga. Urara says she appreciated the trouble Ten went through to take care of them but then noticed a nearby newspaper. The incident was indeed reported on, but not longer than a tiny article, and a random person was arrested as the ringleader, meaning there are connections to the police. Urara asked about Hashihime, to which Ten says that he tried calling her work, but they claimed that there were no employees by that name.

Urara was heartbroken at the news. Ten suggested that she calls off her plans, pointing out how influential the Syndicate was and how they have more manpower. Urara quickly stood up, scaring Ten into an apology fit, but to his surprise, she bowed deeply in front of him. She apologized to both him and Maruo, explaining that she took advantage of both of them to enact her revenge against the Enma Syndicate. She called her beliefs of the right to inherit and take over "pitching a fit." She said Doppo was right in that she didn't know her father well enough to claim his position. Thinking of losing Hashihime, she starts crying.

Maruo took a seat in front of her and handed her a copy of Jump. He told her to read it and cheer up.  He also explained that he went so far because he wanted to, not because Urara told him to. He related to her situation, thinking of his own father. He said that it never goes away, it stays in the back of your head, but reading manga makes it go away for a little while. He finished up by saying that he'll continue to help Urara because she dragged him out of his depression and by asking, "We exchanged Sakazuki cups. Aren't we family now?" Ten is moved by his words and offered his help as well.

Maruo then asked Ten to tattoo his back as a sign of his determination. Ten said he's not an artist and doesn't have tools, but Maruo told him to just use a marker. As Ten started drawing, Urara told Maruo that bearing the family crest is a serious commitment and asked if he understands what that means. He confirmed that he understands and even admitted that he would have gone back to Kabukicho without Urara. He got a devious smile on his face as he talks about how strong Doppo is and that he's not letting it end like that. Urara agreed with him and placed a hand on his back, transforming Ten's tattoo attempt into the intricate design she bears. She says she's angriest towards her father, and sporting a matching tattoo, the two agree to get revenge on the Enma Syndicate.

The next chapter of Ayashimon will be available on Sunday, February 13th.

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