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???: It's [Kokkuri-san]. There's something I want to know. Natsume: Kokkuri-san… ???: You don't know? ???: It's a type of spirit summoning. You write a torii gate and the Japanese syllabary on paper, then place a ten-yen coin on it and have several people place their fingers on it. If you can summon something other than a person, the ten-yen coin will start moving and answer your questions. What we were trying was a light, more simplified version of it.

Natsume: Light version…You shouldn't do things like that so lightly. ???: Yeah, I know. But I've got this occult-related worry, and I'm having trouble finding someone to talk to about it. So I asked someone knowledgeable about spells to help me out like this… Natsume: You want to consult a spirit? About the occult…Did you actually summon anything? ???: Not a single thing!! But the legendary Natsume-kun has arrived! I heard rumors that Natsume-kun is kind of detached from reality. Natsume: Eh? ???: Don't you actually see ghosts or something, do you!? If that's the case, I'd like to consult you about something! Natsume: Sorry, but I'm not into ghosts or anything like that at all… ???: And Natsume-kun…

???: You're friends with Tanuma-kun from Class 1, right? Natsume: Ahh…Why are you talking about Tanuma? ???: This is it! It might be divine guidance!! Can you set up a meeting with Tanuma-kun for me? Natsume: EH!? ???: I also have something I want to talk to Tanuma-kun about—you know, the one whose family runs a temple. Tanuma: Oi, Natsume…Did you find what you lost? ???: Gyaa…Tanuma-kun… Tanuma: Whoa! What? What? Asami: I'm Asami Sumire from Class 4.

Asami: I have a childhood friend named Shiori in Yoshizu Village over the mountain. During the next holiday, there's supposed to be a weird special ceremony at Shiori's house. It's like the village's tradition… or something. But Shiori seems really scared about it this time. Natsume: Weird ceremony? Asami: I don't know the details either. It's a bit over-the-top, but it ends quickly. They say it's just a symbolic event. Shiori has always laughed it off until now. Tanuma: What exactly is weird about it? Asami: It's not concrete, you see. I think it's probably just Shiori's imagination. But if she's worried, I'll stay by her side.

Asami: And if Tanuma-kun, who has that special status as the son of the temple priest, could watch over her together with us, I think it might ease Shiori's anxiety! Tanuma: Me? Natsume: ...How did it turn out like this...? Asami: I know I'm asking for something awkward and troublesome, but please, can you come with me? Shiori came to see me when I was feeling uneasy in my new place after moving. She took the train to come see me. This time, I want to be there for Shiori, no matter what. Natsume: … Tanuma: I don't mind.

Natsume, Asami: EHH!? Tanuma: Is that okay? Aren't I dragging you along? Natsume: Hm? Tanuma: I'm just curious—since Dad's temple work involves local events and customs, it might be useful to know about them.

Natsume: I'm curious too! I got permission from Shigeru-san and Touko-san to go on a trip. After hearing that kind of story, I just have to know. Nyanko-sensei: Good grief!! Natsume: Whoaa! Nyanko-sensei!? Natsume: Eh, why did you come along!!? Nyanko-sensei: It's obviously some rural tradition like seasonal festival!! They only serve yokan there!! Natsume: Just go home already! I can't bring you to meet people I've just met! Natsume: [A festival, huh? But if that's the case, wouldn't you just call it a [festival]? [There's something weird about this village] (And I'm going there with Tanuma…) [Plus, I totally relate to that feeling of desperately wanting to help a friend] Don't you dare come out of the backpack, Sensei! Nyanko-sensei: What!?

Asami: Thank you so much. When I contacted Shiori, she was super happy. Turns out she was worried after all. She'll come pick us up at the station when we arrive. Don't worry about meals! Shiori's place is a ryokan, so they'll prepare everything. Nyanko-sensei: What!? <3 Asami: Hm? I just heard a voice like the old man's… Tanuma: But Asami-san, is that okay? We can't really do anything, you know. Asami: Ah, call me [Samia] or [Sumi-chan], or at least [Asa] to show we're close! I practically begged to bring someone on our first meeting. Shiori would be so surprised. Natsume: Oi! Asami: But seriously, just knowing you're coming makes me feel so much better. There aren't many people my age in this village. Asami: I asked Shiori what kind of ceremony it is, but…it might be a bit creepy after all.

Asami: Ever heard of [Box-passing ritual]? Natsume: …No [I've never heard of it, but…] Nyanko-sensei: (It doesn't sound like a festival…) Natsume: So what kind of ceremony it is… Asami: Well, that's…Ah, we'll be there soon. Shiori will tell you all about it. Well, let's go. Asami: ...Huh? Shiori hasn't arrived yet?

Asami: Maybe she's at the bus stop? I'll go check. ???: He-llo. Natsume: Hello…Shiori-san? Asami, she's here.

Asami: Eh? Shiori!? …Hm? Where…? Natsume: There was a girl just now… Tanuma: Natsume? Shiori: Sumi-chan, sorry I'm late. I had to help out at home. Shiori: Umm, Tanuma-kun? Natsume-kun? Didn't Sumi-chan ask you to do something unreasonable? Asami: Wait a sec! Tanuma: No. Natsume: … Shiori: But I'm happy you came all this way. Thank you. I'm Shiori.

Shiori: I'm the daughter of the Kugi family who runs this Yoshizu Village. Tanuma: Whaa. It's impressive. Shiori: It's old, but it's quite spacious. Shiori: Ah, looks like guests have arrived. That's Aunt Kashima. Kashima: Shiori-chan. Shiori: Please come in. Father and the others are in their room. Kashima: I see, thanks.

Shiori: Sorry. We have many Box-passing guests today. Asami: Wait, Shiori. Why are some people wearing hoods? Shiori: It's our custom for accompanying guests to hide their faces with hoods or masks. Asami: Why? Shiori: Because…The Box might remember their faces. But you can wear it once the ceremony starts. We've prepared them for everyone. Please relax until everything is ready. You can use this room.

Shiori: Is it okay with you to stay in my room, Sumi-chan? Asami: Of course! Asami: Sorry, it looks kinda scary, doesn't it? If you don't like it, just say no. Natsume: Ah, we'll wait… Tanuma: Feels like we're getting in the way during a busy time. Not the best timing to ask about Box-passing ritual… Natsume: Right. But honestly, when we entered this village, I felt the atmosphere change… Natsume: Like Shiori-san senses something strange. Something might be happening. Nyanko-sensei: Haaa…The only reason I came here now seems to be the inn's meal. Natsume: You aren't here, Sensei. Nyanko-sensei: What!? Natsume: Sensei?

Natsume: In a way, this could get troublesome. I'll help you, so prepare my meal too. Natsume: What do you mean 'troublesome'? Tanuma: Huh? *mutter mutter* Tanuma: Someone's talking at the back of the hall. Tanuma: A butterfly's shadow? That big?

???: It's [Kokkuri-san]. There's something I want to know. Natsume: Kokkuri-san… ???: You don't know? ???: It's a type of spirit summoning. You write a torii gate and the Japanese syllabary on paper, then place a ten-yen coin on it and have several people place their fingers on it. If you can summon something other than a person, the ten-yen coin will start moving and answer your questions. What we were trying was a light, more simplified version of it.

Natsume: Light version…You shouldn't do things like that so lightly. ???: Yeah, I know. But I've got this occult-related worry, and I'm having trouble finding someone to talk to about it. So I asked someone knowledgeable about spells to help me out like this… Natsume: You want to consult a spirit? About the occult…Did you actually summon anything? ???: Not a single thing!! But the legendary Natsume-kun has arrived! I heard rumors that Natsume-kun is kind of detached from reality. Natsume: Eh? ???: Don't you actually see ghosts or something, do you!? If that's the case, I'd like to consult you about something! Natsume: Sorry, but I'm not into ghosts or anything like that at all… ???: And Natsume-kun…

???: You're friends with Tanuma-kun from Class 1, right? Natsume: Ahh…Why are you talking about Tanuma? ???: This is it! It might be divine guidance!! Can you set up a meeting with Tanuma-kun for me? Natsume: EH!? ???: I also have something I want to talk to Tanuma-kun about—you know, the one whose family runs a temple. Tanuma: Oi, Natsume…Did you find what you lost? ???: Gyaa…Tanuma-kun… Tanuma: Whoa! What? What? Asami: I'm Asami Sumire from Class 4.

Asami: I have a childhood friend named Shiori in Yoshizu Village over the mountain. During the next holiday, there's supposed to be a weird special ceremony at Shiori's house. It's like the village's tradition… or something. But Shiori seems really scared about it this time. Natsume: Weird ceremony? Asami: I don't know the details either. It's a bit over-the-top, but it ends quickly. They say it's just a symbolic event. Shiori has always laughed it off until now. Tanuma: What exactly is weird about it? Asami: It's not concrete, you see. I think it's probably just Shiori's imagination. But if she's worried, I'll stay by her side.

Asami: And if Tanuma-kun, who has that special status as the son of the temple priest, could watch over her together with us, I think it might ease Shiori's anxiety! Tanuma: Me? Natsume: ...How did it turn out like this...? Asami: I know I'm asking for something awkward and troublesome, but please, can you come with me? Shiori came to see me when I was feeling uneasy in my new place after moving. She took the train to come see me. This time, I want to be there for Shiori, no matter what. Natsume: … Tanuma: I don't mind.

Natsume, Asami: EHH!? Tanuma: Is that okay? Aren't I dragging you along? Natsume: Hm? Tanuma: I'm just curious—since Dad's temple work involves local events and customs, it might be useful to know about them.

Natsume: I'm curious too! I got permission from Shigeru-san and Touko-san to go on a trip. After hearing that kind of story, I just have to know. Nyanko-sensei: Good grief!! Natsume: Whoaa! Nyanko-sensei!? Natsume: Eh, why did you come along!!? Nyanko-sensei: It's obviously some rural tradition like seasonal festival!! They only serve yokan there!! Natsume: Just go home already! I can't bring you to meet people I've just met! Natsume: [A festival, huh? But if that's the case, wouldn't you just call it a [festival]? [There's something weird about this village] (And I'm going there with Tanuma…) [Plus, I totally relate to that feeling of desperately wanting to help a friend] Don't you dare come out of the backpack, Sensei! Nyanko-sensei: What!?

Asami: Thank you so much. When I contacted Shiori, she was super happy. Turns out she was worried after all. She'll come pick us up at the station when we arrive. Don't worry about meals! Shiori's place is a ryokan, so they'll prepare everything. Nyanko-sensei: What!? <3 Asami: Hm? I just heard a voice like the old man's… Tanuma: But Asami-san, is that okay? We can't really do anything, you know. Asami: Ah, call me [Samia] or [Sumi-chan], or at least [Asa] to show we're close! I practically begged to bring someone on our first meeting. Shiori would be so surprised. Natsume: Oi! Asami: But seriously, just knowing you're coming makes me feel so much better. There aren't many people my age in this village. Asami: I asked Shiori what kind of ceremony it is, but…it might be a bit creepy after all.

Asami: Ever heard of [Box-passing ritual]? Natsume: …No [I've never heard of it, but…] Nyanko-sensei: (It doesn't sound like a festival…) Natsume: So what kind of ceremony it is… Asami: Well, that's…Ah, we'll be there soon. Shiori will tell you all about it. Well, let's go. Asami: ...Huh? Shiori hasn't arrived yet?

Asami: Maybe she's at the bus stop? I'll go check. ???: He-llo. Natsume: Hello…Shiori-san? Asami, she's here.

Asami: Eh? Shiori!? …Hm? Where…? Natsume: There was a girl just now… Tanuma: Natsume? Shiori: Sumi-chan, sorry I'm late. I had to help out at home. Shiori: Umm, Tanuma-kun? Natsume-kun? Didn't Sumi-chan ask you to do something unreasonable? Asami: Wait a sec! Tanuma: No. Natsume: … Shiori: But I'm happy you came all this way. Thank you. I'm Shiori.

Shiori: I'm the daughter of the Kugi family who runs this Yoshizu Village. Tanuma: Whaa. It's impressive. Shiori: It's old, but it's quite spacious. Shiori: Ah, looks like guests have arrived. That's Aunt Kashima. Kashima: Shiori-chan. Shiori: Please come in. Father and the others are in their room. Kashima: I see, thanks.

Shiori: Sorry. We have many Box-passing guests today. Asami: Wait, Shiori. Why are some people wearing hoods? Shiori: It's our custom for accompanying guests to hide their faces with hoods or masks. Asami: Why? Shiori: Because…The Box might remember their faces. But you can wear it once the ceremony starts. We've prepared them for everyone. Please relax until everything is ready. You can use this room.

Shiori: Is it okay with you to stay in my room, Sumi-chan? Asami: Of course! Asami: Sorry, it looks kinda scary, doesn't it? If you don't like it, just say no. Natsume: Ah, we'll wait… Tanuma: Feels like we're getting in the way during a busy time. Not the best timing to ask about Box-passing ritual… Natsume: Right. But honestly, when we entered this village, I felt the atmosphere change… Natsume: Like Shiori-san senses something strange. Something might be happening. Nyanko-sensei: Haaa…The only reason I came here now seems to be the inn's meal. Natsume: You aren't here, Sensei. Nyanko-sensei: What!? Natsume: Sensei?

Natsume: In a way, this could get troublesome. I'll help you, so prepare my meal too. Natsume: What do you mean 'troublesome'? Tanuma: Huh? *mutter mutter* Tanuma: Someone's talking at the back of the hall. Tanuma: A butterfly's shadow? That big?