Ep. 24: Tokiya Inoue Returns and Transforms into the Shinma Hiyoku
Aired on March 16, 1998
24
Tokiya Inoue, Chisato's older brother, unexpectedly returns from a bird study mission. Chisato introduces him to her friends, leading Miyu to realize he is a stray shinma. Tokiya bears a bird crest on his back, given by a mysterious talking bird he met during his trip. The next day, Hisae overhears Tokiya challenging Miyu to a duel at night and informs Yukari. Yukari and Hisae witness Miyu and Tokiya passing through a demon gate. Inside, Tokiya transforms into a shinma named Hiyoku. Miyu eventually forces Hiyoku back into darkness, but Tokiya dies in the resulting fire. Yukari and Hisae are startled to see Miyu emerging from the demon gate alone.
Episodes
- Ep. 20 · Miyu visits Ruri Sone and confronts the shinma inhabiting her mind.
- Ep. 21 · Miyu and Reiha defend the village from three attacking shinmas
- Ep. 22 · Miyu's childhood tragedy and awakening of shinma guardian powers
- Ep. 23 · Reiha and Matsukaze use snow to trap Miyu and Larva, leading to a deadly confrontation.
- Ep. 24 · Tokiya Inoue Returns and Transforms into the Shinma Hiyoku
- Ep. 25 · Miyu confronts the Shinma Shidon after Hisae's death and discovers Chisato's true nature.
- Ep. 26 · Miyu confronts Chisato while Larva defeats Shidon and severs Chisato's head.