Ep. 3: Natsume helps Shibata investigate a mysterious girl who turns out to be a dying tree youkai in love.
Aired on July 19, 2011
On Shigeru's birthday, Touko asks Natsume to buy strawberry shortcakes, but he is stopped by old classmate Shibata. Shibata seeks Natsume's help to determine if a girl he is dating is real, recalling Natsume's past strange claims. Natsume meets the girl, Murasaki, and initially reassures Shibata that she is human. However, a vision reveals Murasaki is a tree youkai intending to eat Shibata. Natsume warns Shibata, who refuses to listen and accuses Natsume of lying. Natsume attempts to speak with Murasaki, but she remains unmoved. It is revealed that Murasaki fell in love with Shibata and, with her tree cut down, faces imminent death. Shibata receives a note from Murasaki, allowing them to spend her final moments together.
Episodes
- Ep. 1 · Natsume assists a shrine deity in returning a mirror to Reiko, his grandmother.
- Ep. 2 · Natsume investigates a miasma-spreading youkai linked to a trapped village resident
- Ep. 3 · Natsume helps Shibata investigate a mysterious girl who turns out to be a dying tree youkai in love.
- Ep. 4 · Natsume visits a former youkai friend after reminiscing about his past during a summer museum trip.
- Ep. 5 · Natsume and Tanuma seek shelter at Taki's house and accidentally release a kimono youkai.
- Ep. 6 · Natsume encounters a blood-covered woman and tracks her to a house with injured youkai.
- Ep. 7 · Natsume uncovers Matoba Seiji as the youkai blood thief and faces his dangerous ambitions.