Names Beneath the maple tree

 

Chapter 1: The Girl Beneath the Maple Tree

It was a fine evening. Natsume walked quietly with Nyanko-sensei in his arms, the golden sunset filtering through trees.

There was something—an invisible pull—tugging gently at him, urging him forward.

“Natsume, stop.”

Nyanko-sensei’s voice was serious. “I smell an old, powerful youkai.”

“Hmm? What’s wrong, Sensei?” Natsume asked, looking around.

His eyes landed on a large maple tree ahead. But unlike any ordinary tree, this one had purple-hued leaves, glowing faintly in the light.

The air felt odd—peaceful, yet dangerous.

Just as he considered turning back, he saw her. A woman stood beneath the tree. Her long hair shimmered in the same shade as the maple leaves. She didn’t notice him—her gaze was fixed on the tree, as if mourning or remembering something ancient.

“She’s… beautiful,” Natsume thought.

She turned.

Her violet eyes met his. Calm, ancient, unreadable.

“Ah—sorry. I didn’t mean to intrude,” Natsume said and quickly bowed.

She tilted her head in curiosity as he backed away.

That boy can see me…

How unusual.

 

*the next day

The next day, Natsume felt the pull again. He returned to the tree.

This time, she was waiting.

“You,” she said softly, her voice like a breeze. “I was waiting for you.”

 

Natsume froze. Was she angry? But Nyanko-sensei jumped down lazily and transformed into his true form.

 

“…It’s you,” Madara said, sounding surprised. “Didn’t recognize you yesterday. You’ve changed.”

 

“The curse no longer bothers me,” the woman replied.

 

Natsume looked at her, then at Madara. “You know her?”

 

Madara nodded. “She’s older than me. A spirit bound to this tree. Be polite.”

 

She turned her gaze to Natsume. “And who are you?”

 

“Natsume Takashi,” he replied, bowing politely.

 

“You shouldn’t give your name so easily to a youkai, boy,” she said, though not unkindly.

“then my name is shiho. Kaera shiho.”-she said.

“why give me your name? What if i took it?”natsume said.

“oh trust me. You can’t.”she shook her head and smile.

She reached out her hand to pat Natsume’s head. So soft and so kind. Kinda remind her of Shiori, her younger sister. They felt so similar yet so different at the same time. They sat there, till the sun finally set to rest and Natsume and Madara went home. Shiho silently hope that Natsume will come to visit again.

So from that day onwards, Natsume will come visit Shiho, either to talk with her or just napping under the huge maple tree. Natsume always find the tree so... mesmerizing. Just like shiho’s hair and eyes. And how he always felt safe when he is there, even without nyanko sensei around. He felt safe.

“i told you about the book of friends.”-natsume said.

“oh those seems interesting child.”-shiho replied.

Natsume swallowed, if shiho wanted to take it away from him, then he’s doomed. Even nyanko sensei didn’t dare to spoke rudely to her.

“but they didn’t intered me that much to the point where i want to take it from you. Rest assured child.”- she said softly.

Natsume let out a relief sigh.

---

 

Chapter 2: Chased by Darkness

 

A few days later, Natsume was being chased through the woods by a dark, snarling youkai. It sought the Book of Friends.

 

He tripped and hit the ground, panting.

 

“Nyanko sensei—!” he called. No answer. The fat cat was likely drunk and sleeping somewhere again.

 

The youkai lunged—

 

But it never reached him.

 

The ground erupted with twisting, glowing veins—sharp, like thorned vines of power. They coiled around the youkai, pinning it in place midair.

 

A figure stepped from the shadow of the tree.

 

Shiho.

Her expression was blank, but her presence radiated power. The youkai screamed, unable to move.

“Leave, and don’t you ever dare to harm this human child again.” she said.

The youkai trembled and vanished in smoke.

Natsume, trembling, looked up at her.

“…You saved me.”

“you’re safe now natsume. Don’t worry.”

Later, Natsume sat beneath the tree, Shiho beside him.

“You’re kind,” she said.

“I’m not,” Natsume said, fiddling with the Book. “I just… don’t like seeing others suffer. Spirits or humans.”

Shiho looked at him quietly. “You remind me of someone. Someone i was willing to sacrifice long ago but she’s gone before i know. I was once a human. My younger sister was cursed. In order to save her, i need to bare the curse. And you remind me of her.”

They sat in silence. A few purple leaves drifted down.

“you must have love her very much.”natsume said, looking at shiho

“i love her so much, i can’t describe.”-she said.” But that’s not the only reason I want to protect you.”

Natsume turned to her, surprised. “ so, Why?”

She stood. “Because you’re soft-hearted in a world that’s sharp. You helped even though you have a painful past.That’s worth guarding.”

 

 

---

 

Chapter 3: Those Who Walk Beside Her

 Sub-Chapter 3.1: Shiyu Kohane

The wind carried the scent of rain and forgotten memories.

Natsume stood still, his breath trembling as shadows crept from the forest. The youkai were circling — not the kind that sought peace or names. These were the hungry ones. Old. Vengeful.

“Don’t move, Natsume,” Madara growled beside him, fur bristling. “This isn’t something I can handle alone.”

But Natsume already knew. He felt it — a weight pressing on his chest.

Then... it shifted.

A large white tiger stepped forward from the trees. With a thunderous roar, it sent the surrounding youkai stumbling back. Another roar came, sharper this time. And before they could flee, the tiger pounced. Its powerful paw knocked them aside — claws still hidden. It wasn’t trying to kill. It was only chasing them away.

Once the youkai vanished, the tiger turned toward Natsume.

He stiffened, bracing himself.

It raised its paw — high, swift, precise. Madara, injured from an exorcist trap, was too slow to intervene.

Natsume flinched—

Thump.

A soft pat on the head.

Not a blow. A gentle tap, like a cat toying with its kitten.

Then, the tiger shimmered — its shape glowing — and transformed into a tall woman with long white hair and piercing eyes.

“Hmm. Interesting,” she said, voice calm and deep.

“Oi, brat. She saved you. Say thank you,” Madara muttered, back in his round form. Surprisingly, he wasn’t being his usual rude self.

“T-thank you... for saving me,” Natsume said, bowing politely.

“So what’s a white tiger guardian doing here?” Madara asked, his tone cautious.

“G-guardian?” Natsume guessed, unsure.

“Hmm. Relax, kid. I was once a guardian — back when people worshipped me as a god,” she replied. “The name’s Shiyu Kohane.”

“They’re giving their names way too easily... Is it because they know no one can take them?” Natsume wondered.

Madara narrowed his eyes. “Why would a strong being like you save a human? You once hated them.”

Natsume silently thanked the rude cat for asking what he couldn’t.

Kohane looked away. “Because this human is under her protection,” she said. “Which means... he is mine to guard as well.”

Then, like wind through the leaves, she vanished.

Shiho’s name wasn’t spoken, but it lingered in the air — a quiet promise.

“Kohane and I? We're equals. But Shiho? She beat Kohane easily. Think about that, brat.”-madara said.

And for a moment, Natsume felt small... but safe.

Sub-Chapter 3.2: Serera Yoko

It was a fine day.

Natsume was walking along the tall hill with Nyanko-sensei trailing lazily behind. Both were too distracted to notice a small youkai darting toward them.

It collided with Natsume, sending him tumbling — straight into the sea.

The cold water swallowed him. Panic set in. He was drowning.

But then, through the muffled current, he heard a voice. Calm. Curious.

"Hmm? What’s a human child doing in my turf?"
"Wait... isn’t this the one she saved?"
"She wouldn’t protect a boring human… right?"

Natsume was too weak to respond. Too tired to open his eyes. But he knew… this was a youkai speaking.

"Well, I guess I’ll bring you along then. Only because she favors you."

He felt warmth — like gentle waves cradling him. Soothing. Safe.

When he opened his eyes, a woman stood before him.

Not human — unmistakably youkai.

Her hair flowed like the sea, a cascade of blues woven with pearls. Her robe shimmered from pale turquoise to deep ocean black — like the sea’s depth pulled into cloth. She turned and smiled.

“Oh, you’re awake. Hello,” she said.

“Ah… sorry. Where am I?” Natsume asked, still dazed.

“My place,” she replied casually.

“Why didn’t you… kill me earlier? While I was unconscious?”

“Oh, I could’ve. But I don’t want to anger her. That’d be a fate worse than death.”

“Her…?” Natsume asked.

“Shiho, of course. You’ve met her, haven’t you? She talks about you a lot. Haven’t seen her smitten with a human before.”

“Ah… I see,” Natsume murmured.

“By the way, I’m Serera Yoko — in case you’re curious.”

“You guys give your names too easily… What if I stole it and enslaved you?” he said, half-joking.

She paused.

And in a blink, the ocean goddess was gone.

What stood before him now was pure darkness — a silhouette of abyss, no light, no color. Her eyes were hollow.

Before he could even flinch, she was right in front of him.

“If you can, that is,” she whispered.

Natsume instinctively swung his fist — the way he sometimes did with unruly youkai.

Thump.

“Ow,” she deadpanned, returning to her usual form. “That actually stung a little.”

“You were trying to—”

“I won’t. She protected you,” Yoko said calmly. “Now let’s get you back. That grumpy cat is already looking for you.”

She snapped her fingers.

The next thing Natsume knew, he was lying on the beach, soaked but alive. He could hear voices in the distance — Nyanko-sensei, Tanuma, and Taki.

“Natsume! You’re okay!” Tanuma called out.

“Yeah… I’m okay. Sorry I worried you guys,” Natsume said, sitting up slowly.

He glanced back at the sea.

There she was — head poking from the waves. Yoko smiled, waved once, and disappeared beneath the surface.

“This is her turf,” Nyanko-sensei said.

“Who? Yoko?” Natsume asked.

“Yeah. The Umibozu.”

“She’s strong. Probably stronger than you. My punch didn’t even faze her.”-Natsume said.

Nyanko-sensei scoffed. “Tch. She’s annoying, not invincible.”

“…So you can beat her?”natsume replied.

“On land? Easily,” he said, puffing his chest with pride. “But in the ocean? That’s her domain. She’s like a god down there. I’d rather not get dragged into a whirlpool and turned into sea foam.”

Natsume blinked. “So… you’re scared of her?”

“I’m not scared, brat. I’m smart. Even I know when a battlefield doesn’t favor me.”

He huffed and looked toward the sea again.

“She’s a deep one, that Yoko. Beautiful, calm, and graceful on the surface… but the deeper you go, the darker it gets. That’s why only a fool fights the ocean in the middle of her tide.”

Both Taki and Tanuma had already left after making sure Natsume was really okay.

Nyanko-sensei sat beside him, unusually quiet for a moment. Then he said, “She could’ve killed you in the blink of an eye, brat.”

Natsume blinked, startled. “…Yoko?”

“Of course,” Nyanko-sensei muttered. “You’re lucky you met Shiho first. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be here right now. That sea witch used to make ships lose their way just for fun. Drown entire crews like it was a game.”

Natsume’s gaze drifted to the ocean, where waves gently rolled under the fading light.

“But when she realized Shiho was stronger than her,” Nyanko-sensei continued, “she got… interested. In Shiho, I mean. Stopped sinking boats. Started watching.”

Natsume hugged his knees, thoughtful. “Just how strong is Shiho?”

Nyanko-sensei didn’t answer right away.

“...Better if you didn’t know, kid.”

---

Sub chapter 3.3 Byoubu Kihara

The forest was dim with the last light of day. Leaves whispered above him as Natsume walked, tension building in his chest. Something was calling him—not through words, but through pain. A pain so quiet, even most spirits ignored it.

 

“Don’t wander off too far,” Nyanko-sensei muttered from his arms. “There’s a heavy scent of decay. I don’t like it.”

 

But Natsume was already stepping into a clearing.

 

That’s when he saw her.

 

A girl sat by a crumbling mound of forgotten graves. Her skin was pale as ash, her body still as stone, but what struck him most was her hair—long and red, vivid as spilled blood, flowing over her shoulders and onto the ground like liquid flame.

 

She looked broken. But she was breathing.

 

Then, a grotesque youkai stepped from the shadows behind her—its limbs twisted, eyes wild, mouth split into too many teeth.

 

“You’re still here?” it spat at her. “Still pretending you’re not what you are?”

 

The girl said nothing.

 

The youkai turned, finally sensing Natsume.

 

“A human? Tch. You smell like her. That tree spirit.”

 

Natsume stepped forward, slowly placing Nyanko-sensei down.

 

“Back off,” he said.

 

“Oh? Or what?” it sneered.

 

Natsume didn’t answer.

 

He ran forward—and punched it.

 

The blow wasn’t magic. It wasn’t enough to destroy anything. But it shocked the creature—made it stumble back, wide-eyed.

 

“You… you hit me?!”

 

“Yeah,” Natsume said, shaking his hand from the impact. “Because you’re scaring her.”

 

The youkai lunged in fury, claws slashing.

 

Natsume ducked—then punched again, square in the jaw.

 

“Damn brat!” it hissed, before a massive paw swatted it away.

 

Nyanko-sensei, in his true form now, stood protectively beside Natsume. “I was waiting for a reason. You just gave me one.”

 

The youkai vanished into smoke with a final wail.

 

Silence fell.

 

The red-haired girl finally looked up.

 

“You… fought for me?” she asked, her voice hoarse.

 

“I couldn’t ignore it,” Natsume said, breathing hard. “Are you okay?”

 

“I’m used to worse.”

 

“You shouldn’t be.”

 

She stared. Her eyes, dull and ancient, flickered with something like surprise.

 

“…You’re different,” she whispered. “Most run from me.”

“Shiho wouldn’t have helped someone rotten,” he replied.

A long pause.

Then, slowly, she stood. Her robe hung heavy on her thin frame, her blood-red hair falling across her face like a veil.

“…Kihara,” she said. “My name is Kihara. Byoubu Kihara.”

“I’m Natsume.”

She gave a single, shallow nod.

And though she didn’t smile, something about the weight on her shoulders lightened—just a little.

“No wonder nee-san like you.”-kihara said.

Shiho watched from afar, she was about to help Kihara but then stopped to see how natsume will help her. No mistake. He is so kind even to a youkai like kihara.

Subchapter 3.4: Kie Atsuho

Natsume was walking home alone from school. Nishimura and Kitamoto had football practice, so the path felt quieter than usual. As he wandered along the familiar road, he noticed a small dog sleeping peacefully beneath a tree.

It was curled up tightly in the shade, vulnerable to the weather.

Worried it might get rained on, Natsume took the time to gather large leaves and branches, building a tiny makeshift roof over the little dog. It wasn’t perfect, but it’d shield it from light rain. He smiled softly, then walked away.

What he didn’t notice was how the dog's eyes opened as soon as he left.

---

Later that night...

A knock came at his window. Groggy, Natsume sat up, rubbing his eyes. He slid the window open slowly—only to find a tall, shadowy figure standing just outside, cloaked in moonlight.

“Did you come to get your name back?” he asked calmly, already used to surprise visits.

“I came to eat you, human,” she said casually—and lunged.

But Natsume’s fist flew faster. He punched her square in the chest.

WHUMP.

She dropped to the floor, groaning. “Oww… you’re stronger than you look.”

As she sat up, her true form shimmered into view: tall, with messy hair tied into a high ponytail, dog-like ears flattened in defeat. A fluffy tail swayed behind her, reddish brown like autumn leaves. She patted her worn yukata, then flopped onto the tatami like she owned the place.

Her golden eyes blinked at him with wonder.

“You’re Natsume, right?”

“…Yes. How do you know me?”

“Oh, we met earlier today. I was that dog under the tree. I overslept, but you built me a little roof. It wasn’t very sturdy, kinda like your physical strength, but it was sweet.” She smirked. “You’re soft. I like that.”

“You… were the dog?”

“Yup! You have a kind heart. No wonder Master likes you.”

“Master?” Natsume blinked.

“Shiho, of course. She saved me, once. Though she hates being called Master. Don’t tell her I said that.”

Natsume relaxed a little. There was no hostility here—just conversation. No demands, no name-seeking, no battles. Just… a youkai who wanted to talk.

“I thought you came to get your name back.”

“Nah, no need,” she waved it off. “Reiko tried to take it once, but before she could force me, Master—uh, Shiho—appeared. She touched Reiko’s shoulder and simply said, ‘Leave. Her name is not yours to take.’”

Natsume’s eyes widened.

“Reiko froze. I swear I smelled fear from her for the first time. And she left.”

Natsume’s mind raced. Even grandma was afraid of her? Just how strong is Shiho?

At that moment, Nyanko-sensei stumbled through the window, half-drunk as usual.

“Oi, is that Madara?” Atsuho blinked. “You became a useless drunkard cat?”

“What did you say, you stinky dog?” Nyanko’s fur puffed up.

“Oh? Got something to say, fuzzball?”

Nyanko leapt in front of her, hissing.

Atsuho growled and transformed—into a tiny dog. Round and fluffy, no bigger than a large slipper. Her tail wagged like a motor, and her baby-sized teeth flashed like she was about to eat the world.

“You wanna go, huh? I can still chew your fat tail off!” she barked.

“You look like a mop with a bad attitude!”

The room filled with barking, hissing, and rolling fluffballs. Natsume stood there, exasperated.

“…I used to worry about vengeful spirits,” he muttered, pressing his temples. “Now I’m babysitting a grumpy cat and a yappy dog.”

With a tired sigh, he delivered a light punch to both of them—bonk bonk—knocking them out the window.

SLAM.

---

A few days later…

Natsume returned home as Touko-san greeted him at the door.

“Ah, Takashi. Oh my, how cute!”

He looked behind him. Atsuho—back in her tiny dog form—was following him like a loyal pet.

“Oh dear, where did you find this adorable girl?” Touko-san cooed. “She can live with us and be friends with Neko-chan!”

Natsume nearly panicked. She’s not a dog. She’s a youkai. An inugami. How do I explain this without giving Grandma a heart attack?!

“Um… I think the dog is a girl,” he managed weakly.

“Then let’s call her Momo,” Touko said cheerfully.

And just like that, Momo the dog joined the household.

So now, Natsume had a grumpy, drunk cat spirit and a loud, chaotic dog spirit both living with him — one snoring on the windowsill, the other chewing on his socks.

His life had always been complicated.

But it was never boring.

---

Scene 8: The Gathering at the Tree

A few days later, Atsuho brought Natsume to the tree. All the others were already there.

Shiho sat on the branch above, looking down with calm grace.

“You brought him,” she said.

Atsuho nodded. “He deserves to hear it.”

---

Scene 9: Their Stories

They each told their stories.

Kohane spoke first, bitter at first, then quiet.

“I was betrayed. Granted wishes… until they demanded more. When I couldn’t give it, they tried to kill me. I turned into a monster. Shiho stopped me. She didn’t flinch.”

Yoko sighed. “I wasn’t saved. I followed her. Strongest cursed spirit I’ve ever seen… but she spoke to me like I was still good.”

Kihara simply said, “She reminded me what I once protected.”

Atsuho smirked. “An evil family enslaved me. Shiho broke their power with a glance.”

---

Scene 10: Hinoe and the Others Arrive

Suddenly—

“Natsume!”

Hinoe, Chibihige, Misuzu—all appeared.

“Step away from those youkai!” Hinoe shouted.

Kohane growled. “Don’t start.”

Yoko smirked. “We’re not afraid of a few old friends.”

Spiritual pressure clashed in the air.

Atsuho stepped in front of Natsume. “You’ll have to go through me.”

“STOP.”

Shiho’s voice cut through the air.

Everyone froze.

She stepped forward. Her violet eyes glowed.

“There will be no fighting under this tree.”

---

Scene 11: The Revelation

“…Who is she?” Misuzu asked.

Madara stepped forward.

“You really don’t know?”

“She’s Shiho. A spirit even Reiko feared.”

“…Reiko?” Hinoe echoed.

Atsuho smiled. “She fought me once. Defeated me, yes. But she didn’t take my name.”

“Shiho stopped her,” Yoko added. “With one step.”

“Reiko went silent,” Kohane said. “Shiho didn’t yell. Didn’t threaten. Just stepped forward. And Reiko backed away.”

Natsume looked at Shiho, now leaning silently against the tree.

So powerful. So calm.

“…And now she protects me,” he whispered.