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Synopsis

Takashi Natsume has always been different because he can perceive youkai, an ability that isolated him through repeated foster placements and kept him distant from caregivers and peers. After unintentionally breaking a barrier, he releases Madara, a powerful spirit that takes the form of a beckoning cat. Madara recognizes a strong likeness between Natsume and his deceased grandmother, Reiko Natsume, who became infamous among youkai for compiling the Book of Friends. That book, now in Takashi’s possession, holds the names of youkai Reiko once subdued and grants the power to summon them. Reluctant to exploit the book’s power, Takashi chooses to safeguard it out of respect for his grandmother’s memory and to prevent opportunistic spirits from seizing it. He strikes a bargain with Madara: when Takashi’s time ends, Madara will claim the book, and in return Madara will serve as Takashi’s protector, earning the nickname Nyanko-sensei. Motivated to release the beings recorded in the book, Takashi gradually forges gentler ties with both youkai and people, changing his isolation into cautious connection.