Ep. 24: The group seeks the Gem Branch while Ranmaru reverts to puppy form and Ginji reveals past regrets.

The team enters a painting to find the rainbow spiritual power leading to the branch. Ranmaru’s energy depletes, turning him into a red puppy until he drinks Aoi’s hot cocoa. Ginji discovers a book about Umi-bouzo, a Yokai imprisoned for managing miasma. He explains that three hundred years ago, Raiju withheld the Hourai Gem Branch after insulting Princess Iso, causing the ceremony’s failure and her death. Ginji struggles to reconcile with Ranmaru. Aoi asks if Ginji was her childhood Ayakashi, but they are interrupted by fog projecting an illusion of Princess Iso. They race to stop the fake Iso from leading Ranmaru off a cliff. Aoi falls instead, and Ranmaru catches her. He fears Ginji’s happiness depends on her death, but Aoi insists he still considers him family. She reveals Iso’s bracelet and the Ocean Treasure recipe. At the mountain, they find the Hourai Tree. Ginji arrives, reverting to a baby fox to hug Ranmaru. Aoi retrieves the branch and signals Byakuya. They see Odanna congratulating Aoi, possibly an illusion. The Orio-ya staff prepares the ceremony, while Kai and Mei refuse to cook the Ocean Treasure, insisting Aoi do it.

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