付喪女・あおゑ

あらすじ

Beings like yokai, demons, and ghosts aren’t just myths—they’re real. Those who prey on humans are called “Ayakashi,” and it’s the job of exorcists to protect people from their threat.

The protagonist, Moritsugu, is one such exorcist. Still only half-fledged, he works alongside his childhood friend and senior exorcist, Aifumi.

One day, Ayakashi surge in number across Suoku City. Aifumi asks Moritsugu to investigate. Fired up to prove himself and be recognized as a full-fledged exorcist, he’s given something by Aifumi: a spirit blade—a weapon for cutting down Ayakashi, inhabited by a Tsukumogami. “Its name is Aoe,” she says. “From today, it’s your partner.”

Prompted, he draws the spirit blade, and with a soft glow the Tsukumogami reveals herself. A partner who will fight by his side. A companion to whom he’ll entrust his life. The very first thing “she” says is: “I’m not going to work.”

Undaunted by her brazen NEET declaration, Moritsugu sets out on the mission with the closed-off Aoe. Will Aoe ever open her heart to him? And what truth will emerge at the end of their investigation—?