Four hundred years ago, the strongest figure in the demon world was Hagoromo Gitsune, commanding legions of powerful yokai with ruthless precision.
And among the executives sitting here today, which of them hadn't fought alongside Nura Nurarihyon in those days? It was during that era that the Nura Clan rose to prominence, cementing itself as the mightiest demon organization.
The second-generation leader, Nura Rihan, despite being a half-demon, had surpassed even Nurarihyon, bringing the clan to its peak. But the current heir, Nura Rikuo, was a different story. Not only did he possess only a quarter of the clan's demonic bloodline, but he had also openly expressed a desire to live as a human.
How could such a successor command respect? How could the Nura Clan hope to regain its former glory?
"The selection of the third-generation Supreme Commander is still under debate," Nurarihyon began, his voice calm but sharp. "But perhaps you've heard whispers of a new yokai organization forming nearby—called 'Oni-Touin.' Their strength isn't remarkable yet; most of their members are minor yokai. Still, their presence sends a clear warning."
Seeing the executives tense, the advisor Mokuyo Daruma stepped in, steering the discussion to the looming threat of Oni-Touin rather than the internal dispute over Rikuo's succession. The diversion worked; even the ambitious leaders were forced to focus on the potential external threat.
The Nura Clan had controlled this territory for over a century, and yokai from other regions recognized it as their domain. Yet here was a new group, daring to plant its flag in Nura Clan territory—a bold challenge.
"Another fledgling yokai rising from nowhere, trying to claim the title of Lord of a Hundred Demons?" Daruma's words drew dismissive snorts from the gathered executives.
Though the Nura Clan lacked a clear successor, their vast strength and loyal subordinates still dwarfed any fledgling force. Over the years, minor yokai had tried to form their own factions, only to be absorbed or crushed.
"Crow Tengu reports this one isn't so trivial," Nurarihyon said, his small frame poised cross-legged in front of them, pipe in hand. "Even the Commander-in-Chief pays attention—this isn't just another inconsequential nuisance."
The executives shifted uneasily. Until now, they'd assumed Oni-Touin was nothing more than a minor nuisance. But if Nurarihyon himself considered them noteworthy, then they must possess real strength.
"As you know, I intended for Rikuo to become the third-generation leader," Nurarihyon continued, his eyes glinting behind his pipe smoke. "But he's still too inexperienced. In his current state, he cannot lead the demon world."
He let the words hang in the air before delivering the crucial point.
"And now, a group called Oni-Touin has appeared nearby. A boy roughly Rikuo's age—also a half-demon—has formed it. This is a perfect opportunity. A challenge like this will force Rikuo to awaken his bloodline and grow stronger. Without pressure, he will never rise to the occasion."
A faint, sharp glint appeared in Nurarihyon's eyes. The Commander-in-Chief wasn't ignoring Oni-Touin out of negligence—he was deliberately selecting a worthy opponent for his grandson. Yuto, a half-demon of comparable age and considerable strength, was an ideal candidate. Through intelligence reports, Nurarihyon had even come to admire Yuto's actions and foresaw that one day Rikuo might recruit him as a key member of the clan.
The Nura Clan had originally been founded to protect weaker yokai, only later growing stronger over the centuries. When Yuto first appeared in this world, he had probably saved a small yokai from being devoured by a more powerful demon. The rescued yokai, recognizing Yuto's power, pledged loyalty out of gratitude.
Yuto, having confirmed with Spider Princess that yokai subdued in previous worlds would count toward his mission, accepted the pledge. What had seemed like a spur-of-the-moment act became the first step in building his own demon force.
For the small yokai, acceptance by Yuto was life-changing. In a world governed by the law of the jungle, weaker demons lived in constant fear of being preyed upon. Only by attaching themselves to stronger beings could they survive. Most yokai kings did not accept them, and the small yokai often became targets for bullying or worse.
By agreeing to accept this little yokai, Yuto had not only saved a life—he had gained a loyal subordinate and laid the foundation for his own emerging force. And thus, the world quest that would lead to the formation of Yuto's demon army was set into motion.