all is candy, all is mokke

Ahh!! I was looking forward for this one!! And it’s here!! Ahhh!!

unfollow me everyone this is all i’m gonna talk for the rest of the week

Ahem. Excuse me.

Anyway, I figured we’d be “playing” this AU event as the Minamoto siblings (Kou, in this case), but I was kinda surprised we didn’t start already at the inn. But it’s nice to see this little introduction!

Poor Aoi-chan, looks like she was harassed to the point of quitting her job… From what I understood, apparently she told Teru she was going to come back for her diary (that she got from Akane?) after she got a better job (?)…

But then she invited Akane to go with her to the spooky inn, that’s infamous for UMA sightings and people turning into cats.

Hm.

I’m unsure whether Aoi is already thinking about “disappearing” (like whoever was suicide baiting her wrote), and invited Akane to go with her for one last pleasant moment, or if her choosing the cursed cat inn isn’t that intentional, and the place is calling to her instead, because she may feel unhappy. Maybe it’s both. Maybe it’s neither. Maybe it’s something more… normal? We’ll see.

Watch it be a third, crazy option like, Aoi was a cat/bakeneko/nekotama who tried to fit in the human world, realized it sucked and now’s going back home with her bf lol

“If could see that beauty one more time… I would gladly turn into a cat…!”

Did I ever mention here that I love Natsuhiko? Because I do. I love Natsuhiko. The funniest guy ever, hope you and your lady meet again and live happily ever after on cat heaven, Natsuhiko (lol).

On a side note, I’m curious about Natsuhiko’s earring. It’s green in the colored merchandise for the cafe, a color commonly associated with Sakura in JSHK. It’s also just one, so it might be just a fashion/style kinda thing, but it makes me wonder if Sakura may have given that to him.

Or maybe Natsuhiko just bought it because it reminded him of her. Either way, I like it, and it’s, to me, a nice parallel to the brooch Sakura always wears, which matches Natsuhiko’s hair color.

Look at them. Loook at theeem!!

Sumire peaking from behind (Hakubo’s too tall lol). Hakubo wearing a suit. They’re so cute.

Also, lol at their small exchange about political marriages. It kinda looks like Hakubo was trying to placate/dissuade the paparazzi and Sumire took him too literally. Or maybe, in a way that’s classic them, Hakubo didn’t know that Sumire wanted to get married to him (even if it was a political marriage). And likewise, Sumire didn’t get that Hakubo likely disliked the notion that he would marry her only out of political gain, since he emphasizes on the absurdity of a political marriage. (In other words, he’s saying he’d marry her out of love)

Well, who knows. Glad to see they’re still bumbling about, the idiots.

Makes me wonder what they’re gonna do at the ryokan. Is it going to be their honeymoon? Are they eloping? Just hoping to get away from the press and their yakuza families? Did their families send them there? I mean, I doubt it, but gotta think of all the options

I am… pretty amused that they are part of the yakuza, though. I was just thinking a while ago, that if you were to write and adapt Hakubo’s story belonging to a more modern time, he’d probably be part of a mob family.

Same with Natsuhiko’s situation? Him meeting Sakura as a child and being persistent in seeing her again was one of the scenarios I had considered for them before. As in, what their backstory might be like. Good to see it’s an option in one of the AUs, haha.

Though, this one might be a common theory among the fandom? I actually don’t know.

Very peculiar that Amane is already a nekomata here, but Tsukasa doesn’t even seem to be a bakeneko (if the flashback and newspaper are anything to go by. his cat ears were also a headband in the original shikishi).

Sooo. Considering the myths around neko mata and bakeneko, I’m going to assume that:

a) Tsukasa and Amane might not be related in this AU;

b) Amane took the form of his owner (Tsukasa);

c) Amane might have started the fire.

Also, judging by Teru’s reaction towards Natsuhiko’s declaration of love, and the assumptions above, it makes me how is the “general” relationship between kaii and human in this AU.

I mean, kaii in this seem to be part of daily life; no one calls Natsuhiko crazy for seeing a beautiful bakeneko lady, nor does anyone seem to bat an eye at Hakubo the oni appearing in the news. But maybe relationships between kaii and human are looked down on? Thus, why Natsuhiko’s a “freak” for loving Sakura, according to Teru, or why the news seem to jump at the conclusion that a relationship between Hakubo and Sumire could only amount to a “political marriage”.

Teru’s comment also makes me wonder… if something’s gonna happen to him, either in this AU or in the main series soon. You can’t judge other people (specially their relationships!!) without shit happening to you. JSHK’s “talk shit get hit” cosmic rule has been pretty consistent so far after all.

And, last but not least…

Nene?? Is that you??

*sees flower decorations*

It is you!!! Nene!! look at how cute she is

Dancing under the moonlight, Nene is romantic even as a cat, huh? That’s so cute, never change Nene-chan lol.

Kou becoming a supernatural has been theorized for quite a while, and as of chapter 90, most expected (still expect?) Kou to take Shinigami’s place as Mystery no. 6.

I, however, thought it was a little bit odd- why would Six suddenly vanish and be replaced by Kou when a reunion between him and Sumire was often hinted at in previous chapters? And although Kou becoming (or at least trying to become) a supernatural was not by any means unexpected, I had my doubts about him being the new no. 6, even if I could not put my finger on why…

After pondering on it a little, I realized what it was: we got the wrong mystery!

Rather than no. 6, Kou is going to become the new no. 2! Or, well, he’ll try to and fail, or he’ll become bound to Yako/make a contract with her.

Here, I’ll try to examine the patterns concerning the Seven Mysteries, which includes their names and first appearances, some of the lore we got about humans either being bound to a supernatural or becoming one, and how this information could be interpreted into foreshadowing about Kou turning into a supernatural (specifically, No. 2).

Also, for clarity’s sake, I’ll be referring to the Original No. 3 as such, the current No. 3 as Mitsuba and his living/original counterpart as Sousuke. Likewise, mystery No. 4 will be referred as Shijima and her creator/living counterpart as Mei. Akane (boy) and Aoi (girl) will be referred by their first names.

1. What’s in a number?

The Seven Mysteries are each assigned a number, which are also often referred to as “seats” throughout the series. And, as many have noticed already, these characters are quite connected to their number: maybe it’s in their names, maybe it’s the chapter they first appear.  That’s what we’ll examine in this section!

1. 1 ) First appearances and chapter number

Upon some re-reading, I noticed something really interesting: all mysteries we’ve seen so far (with the exception of Hanako) have first appeared, in some way or another, in a chapter corresponding to their seat number!

Starting with the obvious, Mitsuba (the one “created” by Tsukasa, and which would go on to become the new No. 3) first appears at the end of chapter 30!

Shijima (or rather her… paint clone, as we later learn) first appears at the end of chapter 40:

Shinigami makes his first appearance at the end of chapter 60:

Hanako, obviously, first appears in chapter 1. Instead, the one who first appears at the end of chapter 7 is none other than Sakura:

And, considering the reveal that she might have had a hand in assigning the seats to the Seven Mysteries, makes this very fitting. Whether that means she was formerly No. 7 or not, remains to be seen.

Akane doesn’t make a full appearance, but he does have a pretty neat cameo in chapter 1!

I mean, Kou kinda does too, but…

Akane’s more visibly distinct. Not to mention, unlike Kou, who was chatting with his brother, the only other relevant character in the first chapter other than Hanako and Nene, Akane doesn’t really interact with any of them in a meaning way. So other than fitting into this particular pattern, there was no reason for him to appear here.

Tsuchigomori first appears in chapter 11. However, it’s in chapter 5 that we first hear the idea of a supernatural being a teacher…

…which is exactly what Tsuchigomori turns out to be!

Finally, Yako first appears in chapter 5 (or maybe even chapter 4, if you consider the introduction of her rumor as her debut). However, if you pay attention, a good part of the later half of chapter 2 takes place near stairs:

And who is it that appears at the end of chapter 2, atop (sorta) the stairs? None other than our dear young exorcist, Kou:

A few notes:

So far, most of the mysteries/characters that appeared at the end of a chapter corresponding their ‘number’ have had a wish granted by Tsukasa: Shijima, Sakura and Mitsuba. Shinigami’s character arc seems to be leaning towards him understanding his own desires, whereas little Tsukasa has witnessed plenty of Kou’s desires in the Red House.

Akane first appears in chapter 1, but is only revealed as a school mystery at the end of chapter 24. Mirai first appears in chapter 25 and Kako, in chapter 27. Their rumor is introduced in chapter 23.

Sumire first appears in chapter 66.

Looking at these, I predict that Mirai and Kako will reappear at the end of chapter 100. So, for you Clock Keeper fans out there... it might take a while.

1. 2) Names, titles and numbers

This is another one people have noticed. Some characters have their seat numbers in their names. Sorta. Others… it’s a little more subtle.

Let’s start again with the most obvious one: Mitsuba Sousuke (三葉惣助) has 'mitsu' (三) in his name, the kanji for ‘three’.

Similarly, Shijima Mei (四島芽衣) has 'shi/yon' (四) in her name, the kanji for ‘four’.

Curiously, both of them and their living/human counterparts are referred to differently:

Sousuke is referred in the manga as Mitsuba (三葉) using kanji. However, Mitsuba the supernatural/’artificial ghost’ is referred as ‘Mitsuba’ (ミツバ) with katakana.

It’s the same with Shijima Mei. Mei is referred as Shijima (四島), whereas No. 4 is referred as ‘Shijima-san’ (シジマ).

Mitsuba and Shijima could both be considered as “creations”- Shijima was created by Mei as her ideal self, and Mitsuba was ‘created’ by Tsukasa, in the sense that Tsukasa gave Mitsuba his new body and powers. Or perhaps, we could look at them as neither 'human' nor 'supernatural', but maybe something in-between. Either way, it’s interesting that they share this pattern.

Both Sakura and Nene are similar cases. Sakura’s full name is Nanamine Sakura (七峰桜) and has 'nana' (七) the kanji for ‘seven’. Nene’s full name is Yashiro Nene (八尋寧々) and has 'ya/hachi' (八) the kanji for ‘eight’.

Curiously, both of their names are often written in katakana when said by Tsukasa and Hanako. As in, instead of Yashiro (八尋), Hanako calls her ‘Yashiro’ (ヤシロ). And with Tsukasa, instead of Sakura (桜), he calls her ‘Sakura’ (サクラ).

(Basically, Nene and Sakura share the same pattern as Shijima and Mitsuba. What does that mean? Well, we have yet to see.)

But what about the others, you’re probably wondering- these are the only characters with numbers in their names, after all! And only Mitsuba and Shijima are official school mysteries!

Well, yes, but it doesn’t mean the names and numbers aren't connected!

Tsuchigomori does not have the kanji for ‘five’ (五) in his name, as it is written (土籠龍仁郎), read: Tsuchigomori Ryūjirou. However, the ‘go’ in his name might still be a reference to his seat number, as it’s phonetically the same. Other than that, his name is likely a reference to the “Tsuchigumo” spider-demon, considering he’s a spider-demon himself.

Why is that relevant? Well, “Tsuchigumo” is also the name of a Noh play, and is categorized as a "5th thing of Noh" type of play. So, either way, there’s a connection to the number 5.

Hakubo/Shinigami is an interesting case, in that both his name and what he's first referred as, other than his seat number, are connected to the number 6.

His title of “Shinigami-sama (死神様)” can refer to the number 6 in two ways: 1) it is believed that, in order to cross the Sanzu River and reach afterlife, one must pay the toll of six mon.

Or, it can refer to the performance, “Shinchuuha ha Koori no Sakujitsu” in Hoei 6. I specifically chose this one, as it refers to a shinjuu committed by a man and a woman, which I believe is relevant to his and Sumire's backstory.

His actual name, Hakubo (薄暮) also has a connection with the number six, as it means 'dusk/twilight', during which the Sun’s disk is 6° below the horizon in the evening.

Unfortunately, I could not find any connection between Yako, Mirai, Kako and Hanako/Amane’s names and their corresponding numbers. To take note, Yako (ヤコ) and Mirai (ミライ)'s names have, so far, only been spelled in katakana. Kako (カコ/過去)’s name has been spelled in both kanji and katakana. Meanwhile, Yugi Amane (柚木普) has (柚木), which means 'citron' and 'tree', respectively, and (普), which means ‘normal’. Hanako (花子) is a direct reference to the urban legend of “Hanako-san”.

Akane’s name apparently also doesn’t have any connections to the number one. Instead, his name, Aoi Akane (蒼井茜), and the little word play with his similarly named love interest, Akane Aoi (赤根葵), seem to be a reference to the urban legend of “Red Paper, Blue Paper”. He even wears a cape and a mask! The Hanako-Akane enmity just gained another layer…  

There can be only one toilet-based ghost. ONE

Instead, I would like to present to you, Akane’s formal introduction in the manga, in chapter 8:

Pictured: Aidairo, thinking they’re slick

(This is honestly just so funny in hindsight. This is his official introduction. He's seat Number One.)

So, although it’s not in his name, like many other mysteries, he is connected to his number.

Similarly, Kou may not have the number 2 in his name, but…

…he has introduced himself as the second son more than once!

A few notes:

Aoi (葵) is also called 'Aoi-chan' (アオイ) in katakana by Hanako. Akane calls her 'Ao-chan' (アオちゃん) in katakana as well, but the feelings conveyed are quite different.

Misaki (ミサキ), Sumire (スミレ) and Katakuri (カタクリ) have all, as of chapter 94, only been called by their names in katakana. The original Mei has also been called 'Mei(-chan)' (メイ) in katakana.

Yashiro, Sumire, Katakuri and Aoi have been referred as kannagis. Misaki, Mei and Mitsuba have not, but they still had connections with the supernatural and died. All had their names spelled in katakana at some point.

Aoi, Sumire and Katakuri are all named after flowers! Aoi is hollyhock, Sumire is violet and Katakuri may be named after trout lilies.

Sumire's name probably has two types of violet in mind. First, the violet most commonly known as just 'sumire', the V. mandshurica, which, curiously, has a subtype that is also known as "Fuji Dawn". The other type of violet it may be referrencing is (アカネスミレ) 'akanesumire'.

Tsukasa's name (司) means 'leader, chief'. However, he's often referred as (つかさ) in hiragana. He also often refers to Amane (あまね) in hiragana. The Well God/Red House Entity has called Tsukasa and Akane by their names in hiragana.

2. Cooking Kou

One of Kou's key characteristics is how good of a cook he is- it's not only about the skill itself, it's a very important part of his issues and his relationships with other people.

It's portrayed, I think, in a mostly positive light. He uses it to cheer up his friends, Nene and Hanako, he teaches Mitsuba and that brings them closer in 'Houkago Shounen Hanako-kun', he cooks for his family... it really highlights the warm, 'caretaker' aspect of his personality. Later, it gains a more nuanced light, in that Kou resents being shoved into this role by his life circunstances and Teru, but doesn't necessarily hate the act of cooking and taking care of others themselves.

Cooking and eating, in general, are cast in a warm, fun light in the manga, as something that brings people together.

Which is why it's so interesting that one of the ways to become a supernatural is to eat one.

Curiously, we're introduced to both concepts (eating as a way to connect people, eating to become a supernatural) at the same time, in the very first chapter of the series!

The mermaid scales Nene eats both turn her into a half-supernatural, bounding her to the Mermaid supernatural... but they also bound her to Hanako! It's even likened to 'marriage'!

Later, the rule of becoming a supernatural by eating one is turned more explicit. First, when Tsukasa makes Mitsuba eat the Original no. 3's heart, and then, when Teru explains how this works to Akane, Kou and Nene, in a particularly funny scene of the manga, as he reveals they ate an oni's hand he finely chopped into their pizza.

So, we've always sorta had these two concepts from the get-go. And Kou, our dear mini-chef, the character that is connected to food more than any other, wanting to become a supernatural by eating it? It makes sense, and nicely ties both sides of the same coin into one character.

Now, the question is, could there be a supernatural that has a similar connection to food? I mean, if Kou is the cook, and he has something he plans on eating, then what's his dish?

KITSUNE UDON

Sure, it is a gag, but I wouldn't put it past Aidairo to just... make this much darker and heartwrenching in hindsight.

Of course, numbers and food aren't the only ways Kou and Yako may be connected.

3. "He's kinda like you, isn't he, No. 2?"

Kou and Yako have a very interesting dynamic. Although it starts as antagonistic, with Yako going wild and attacking students, among them, Satou and Yokoo, Kou’s friends, it felt less personal than the Yashiro-Nene dynamic. Probably because there was no confrontation between Kou and Yako. Instead, the focus was on Yako and Nene’s similarities.

However, that doesn’t mean we wouldn’t eventually get something more out of this pair!

The first time they interact in a meaningful way is in the ‘Hell of Mirrors’ arc.

Hanako and Kou, in order to reach No.3’s boundary, ask for Yako’s assistance, as she’s the School Mystery who controls/oversees ‘space’.

Once they enter her boundary, the first thing they notice is how much it’s changed since Yako’d been stripped off her seat. Kou, in particular, has a very interesting reaction, calling it ‘pretty’.

While they climb up the stairs, Kou asks Yako how she felt when she was under the influence of her slightly changed rumor. Angry at such an insensitive question, Yako snaps at him, until Hanako cuts in and explains Kou’s situation to her, of how he lost someone he just can’t forget. He then remarks:

Athough, Yako denies it, it’s clear she’s affected by Hanako’s words. So much so, she relents, tells them how she felt and even goes as far as to comfort Kou, telling him that his words probably reached Mitsuba.

I would like to remark that, pretty much all the Seven Mysteries have a loved one who died and they can't forget/stop thinking about, so it's pretty significant that this direct comparison only happens between Yako and Kou.

It all ends in a really cute exchange, with Yako telling Kou to call her ‘Yako-nee-san’.

I think, other than Hanako and Nene (and maybe Natsuhiko), Yako is the person who knows and understands Kou’s motivation, regarding Mitsuba, the best.

It’s pretty interesting that they bond in this arc in particular, as we’re introduced to a Mitsuba that’s brought back in an artificial body. Tsukasa even compares him to ‘Frankenstein’!

And, may I ask, who is the other supernatural that tried to bring a loved one back to life by giving them an artificial body…?

So, Yako actually does have a solid parallel and connection to Kou and Mitsuba’s situation.

After this, Kou and Yako seem to be on good terms, which is most apparent in the ‘Tanabata Festival’ arc. They are constantly hanging out together. It’s cute.

The current arc has our three main characters facing a pretty hard dilemma: they're each at a crossroad, they all have to sacrifice something in order to get what they want.

To illustrate: If Nene wants to live, she has to either sacrifice Aoi, her best friend, or Sumire, someone she symphatizes with and likes. If Hanako wants Nene, the girl he loves, to live, he has to destroy his yorishiro eventually... his dear little brother, Tsukasa.

So, thinking about that, Kou sacrificing Shinigami for his goals doesn't make much sense- Hakubo doesn't mean anything to Kou, there's no emotional weight to him killing the current no. 6 and replacing him, when it's not a difficult choice to make, between destroying him and saving Mitsuba, Nene, Teru, Akane and Aoi.

Kou also believes he can just figure out how to turn back into a human with Mitsuba. I think... in his mind, he figures he can just turn into a supernatural, then go back to being human. He's too focused on saving 'everyone' so it maybe hasn't hit him yet that... it's probably not that simple.

Nevertheless, Kou having to chose between all these people he holds dear and a supernatural he actually likes, that's his friend, that understands him... that holds much more emotional weight and it matches with Hanako and Nene's own current dilemmas.

4. Sharing Seats

Now, does that mean that this will end with Yako dying permanently and Kou taking her place as a School Mystery? Possibly.

But I believe there may be other possibilities as well.

But before we get into them... I actually do wonder if the Original no. 3 is gone in the truest sense of the word. Everything indicates that yes, he was eaten by Mitsuba and is now, deader than dead.

However, there are two things that make me question this: the rule that nobody can die in a boundary and the manga comparing Mitsuba to "Frankenstein".

Regarding the rule about nobody dying in a boundary, so far, only Aoi has been confirmed to die, and she was brought to the Far Shore with the intent to be sacrificed. Actually, it's hinted that, it wasn't until she fell into that hole with Akane that she died. So, it's something to keep in mind.

And then we have Mitsuba, our very own Frankenstein's Creature. Tsukasa, the one who essentially brought him into existence, compares him to this character, and tells Kou and Hanako he 'made' Mitsuba out of the bodies of weaker supernaturals and the original Sousuke's mind. Later, he also gains No. 3's heart.

What I find curious, is that Mitsuba had the more concrete wish of 'becoming human' after he ate No. 3... who himself seemed to aim to replace humans, as he tells Nene and Mitsuba.

Mitsuba's personality and issues clearly come much more from Sousuke than anything else, that is true. If Mitsuba is an amagalmation of different beings, then Sousuke's essence/personality is the more prominent one.

Still, it makes me wonder: if Kou ate Yako, would he gain some of her feelings? Some of her desires, making them become one? Would she actually exist as a separate being inside him? If so, could this be reversed somehow?

Of course, I'm talking if he eats her heart/her wholly. I believe there can be different results.

First things first, to get the elephant out of the room...

Kou technically already has eaten Six.

And so have Nene, Teru and Akane!

Because unless the village managed to capture and enslave another oni to do their bidding, I'm pretty sure that's his hand.

(Did they cut him into pieces after/while killing him? Was the thing with Yako foreshadowing for him as well? Well, damn.)

The small amount, according to Teru, means they can temporarily borrow its powers and not, well, die or be easily noticed by supernaturals.

A similar thing also had happened before this!

Nene, of course, had also eaten a supernatural before even that. Or at least, part of one, in the very first chapter of the series.

As discussed before, Nene would've remained as a supernatural fish had Hanako not eaten a mermaid scale as well, to share the burden of her curse.

Later, when we meet the little supernatural fish that work for the Mermaid, we're told Nene, due to eating part of her flesh, is now in line to become their next 'master'. She only has to drink her blood to seal the deal and be now bound to the Mermaid instead of Hanako.

Note that the current Mermaid is still alive, and apparently doesn't have to die in order for Nene to eat her flesh and blood and become an... heir of sorts to her.

So here, we have two things: one, the concept of sharing, be it the power of a supernatural or a curse, and two, a supernatural doesn't necessarily has to die in order to share some of its power.

We also see it with the Clock Keepers.

School Mystery No.1 is actually composed of three beings: Mirai, who oversees 'future', Kako, who oversees 'past' and Akane, who oversees 'present'. We don't know whether Kako and Mirai tricked Akane into eating something of theirs as well, but the important thing to notice is that a school mystery can share its powers with someone else.

Of course, time here has 'three facets', so it makes sense that they have this ability. Viewed like that, it would probably make more sense for Hakubo to share his powers with someone, since he rules over 'death and life', right?

However, it's implied that the Clock Keepers are not the only ones sharing their power. The way Sakura refers to 'Hanako-san' (asking Nene if 'hers' is like a cat as well) makes it implicit that this particular mystery is composed of both Amane and Tsukasa.

Both can grant wishes. They do seem to work around that, by having Amane grant the wishes of the Near Shore, and Tsukasa grant the wishes of the Far Shore, so they 'technically' have this more than one facet thing going on.

It's implied that their power also comes from the Well God/Red House Entity, which, as we saw, seems to have fused with Tsukasa in the past. Is the current Tsukasa an amalgamation of Amane's little bro and the Well God? Did they essentially become one and the same, indiscernible from each other? Who knows.

And how or why Amane has these powers when it was Tsukasa who fused with the Red House Entity? Again, who knows.

(Did you make a Tsukasa udon out of your little brother, Amane? Did you nom Tsukasa, Amane? Did you nom Tsukasa's heart, Amane? Is that why you stabbed yourself in the gut, Amaneeee?)

But we can still consider this an example of a School Mystery sharing its power with someone else, and a supernatural not really needing to die for that to happen.

If it's a possibillity for Yako and Kou, I don't know. But it's there.

5. Red Herring (conclusion)

Kou probably still intends to become a supernatural. It won't be Hakubo, but instead, Yako will become, at very least, important to his arc later on.

But it's not like there hasn't been certain hints around Hakubo being eaten. His severed, mummified hand being the key for Kou and the others to access the place nearest the Far Shore, the Broadcast Club (especially Natsuhiko)'s interest in his power, Kou pretty much declaring that he needs his powers to save everyone...

But that's why it's a red herring. Hakubo was a red herring for Kou... and Kou was a red herring for Hakubo!

Before chapter 94, I had theorized Sumire would be the one to eat one of Hakubo's eyes. It's funny how I was wrong about that, but still managed to get the whole 'romantic (literal) eating of your partner' thing right.

...of course, I do think the possibility of Hakubo being eaten is still there, but considering he doesn't seem to be no. 6 (as of chapter 94) anymore, it would be pointless for Kou to eat him. (Maybe. Would he still have his powers over life and death if he no longer has his seat number? They could just have been weakened... but, again, it would still be kinda pointless to eat him...)

(Though, considering he shares the pattern of appearing at the end of the chapter corresponding to his number with Sakura, Mitsuba and Shijima, he could also give up at least one eye to Tsukasa, in exchange for a wish.)

(...I often wonder about what price Shijima paid Tsukasa for her granted wish, just as much as I think about Mitsuba never showing both of his eyes and hands after becoming a ghost/supernatural/school mystery. An artitst's hands are valuable after all...)

Lastly, even if Kou does end up eating Yako, I believe there's at least one way to reverse it, and it will involve the Clock Keepers' powers. The presence of so many time-travels and time-loops in the series... there has to be a reason behind that. And I think there's a chance of an in-universe retcon happening in future chapters.

(Which, personally, I think would be hilarious- imagine, all the shit that's been going on, undone, but everyone remembering everything. Hysterical.)