Cuteness is a subjective measure. Some people might find one thing cute, but the next person finds it off-putting. In my personal opinion, the one-eyed yokai from this episode was cute. The same behavior might not be cute for a human, but she is a big, clumsy spirit who can’t properly tell time and doesn’t understand human boundaries. Her sense of honor is also very cute. Let’s take a look at this episode together so you can decide if you think this yokai is cute.

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Episode 10: The House Where A Promise Remains

Episode Rating: 8/10

When we last left off, the Matoba clan was beginning a ritual to welcome a powerful spirit guardian. It’s a way to honor the Miharu family, which temporarily merged with the Matobas before dying out. Matoba and Natori are still trapped in the sealed room, but Matoba is able to see the written curses and enchantments on the walls keeping them locked in. With a little guidance from Matoba, Natori breaks the enchantments and the two men are set free. They hurry to the ritual event.

Meanwhile, the one-eyed yokai shares her story with Natsume. Long ago, there was a fearsome exorcist named Masakiyo Miharu. He mercilessly killed any yokai he encountered, as was the family’s policy. However, he spared the one-eyed yokai after finding her crying in a shed. Grateful, the yokai started following Masakiyo around to find out his wish and repay him by granting it. Eventually, she heard him crying and saying that he wished the Miharu family would cease to exist. That’s why the one-eyed yokai wants to interfere with the ritual.

Natsume and Natori are trying to prevent the one-eyed yokai from interrupting the ritual. If they don’t succeed, the powerful guardian spirit might be offended and try to curse or kill Matoba. The one-eyed yokai almost got aggressive, but Natsume suddenly hugged her. While holding her close, he explained that Masakiyo was already long dead and the Miharu clan was extinct. Therefore, interrupting the ceremony would not grant Masakiyo’s wish. Meanwhile, the ritual was completed without anyone getting hurt.

At first, the one-eyed yokai was very sad. It was too late to repay Masakiyo. However, I think she accepted it quickly. Remembering that Masakiyo told her she was free, the one-eyed yokai soon disappears. She probably left on a journey to find a new meaning in life. Meanwhile, Natsume goes and sits with Matoba in the yard. It seems like Matoba is slightly down, jealous of the fact that the yokai has so much freedom. Matoba’s obligations to his family business – exorcism – keep him very limited.

Natsume gives Matoba a sweet loquat to cheer him up, and Matoba shares a story of when he was a student. He and Natori once ate loquats from Yorishima’s yard. The one that Matoba ate was sweet, but Natori got a sour one. I think this memory was important to Matoba, who secretly wishes for the freedom to have a normal life. It’s rare to see Matoba so open about anything, and he even apologizes for sharing a “pointless” story. It was a good moment of character writing that helped humanize Matoba.

Natori gives Natsume a whole bag of loquats to take home, which Natsume happily accepts. (Nyanko-sensei is also delighted by the gift. What a little glutton!) That’s where the episode leaves off. I enjoyed this installment a lot and I really did think the one-eyed yokai was adorable. On a final note, the art and backgrounds in this episode are amazing. I love the Miharu estate!

~Thanks for reading~

Written by 7Mononoke

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