Ep. 8: The Tragic Past of Gyuki Revealed as Umewakamaru

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Gyuki’s origins are disclosed, showing he was once a gifted human child named Umewakamaru. Following his father’s death, his mother placed him in a monastery. When he learned of her illness, he traveled to visit her but was misled by demons. He discovered his mother had been eaten by the yōkai Gyuki. Consumed by grief, Umewakamaru killed Gyuki and subsequently attacked other travelers. He eventually adopted the name Gyuki. Later, Nurarihyon, Rikuo’s grandfather, encountered him. After defeating Gyuki in combat, Nurarihyon invited him to join their family. This account details the transformation from a noble boy to a feared yōkai through tragedy and madness.