Ep. 17: Nezume-otoko attacks Cats' Barrow and seeks Kitaro's aid after a bulldozer accident.

17

The Highway co. chairman demands straight roads and orders the destruction of Cats' Barrow, a sacred site protected by Neko-Sennin. Despite hesitation from other workers, Nezume-otoko forces his way onto a bulldozer to demolish the barrow. He loses control of the vehicle and is attacked by a horde of cats. Wounded in the incident, Nezume-otoko goes to Kitaro for assistance. This event highlights the conflict between the company's desire for comfortable infrastructure and the spiritual significance of the location to cats. The narrative focuses on the immediate aftermath of the accident and the subsequent plea for help from the injured worker who initiated the destructive action against the protected grounds.