Kusunoki's Garden of Gods Episode 2: The Shrine in the Mountain and the Sacred Tree in the Garden

Minato Kusunoki finds himself in a familiar predicament, staring at his calculator with the grim certainty of an empty bank account. His house guests, the weasel spirits and the wolf-god Yamagami, meanwhile, indulge in exorbitantly priced sweets, completely oblivious to his financial woes. His desire to keep these divine beings content, despite their expensive tastes, has quite literally emptied his wallet. Then, as if by magic, his luck turns, a lottery win and a customer milestone showering him with prizes, leaving him bewildered by the sudden reversal of fortune.

Back home, Minato questions his bizarre streak of luck, only for Yamagami to reveal the source: Reiki, a small, moss-covered spirit turtle residing in the garden pond. Reiki is identified as one of the four auspicious beasts, drawn to Minato's purified domain to repay his hospitality with immense good fortune. A phone call from his mother confirms a grand prize win, sealing Reiki's status as a powerful, if quiet, benefactor. Minato formally invites the turtle to stay, cementing a new arrangement for prosperity.

Reiki presents Minato with glowing, black seeds, advising him to plant them immediately, hinting at their sacred nature. Soon after, two small, horned spirits, Fujin and Raijin, the legendary gods of wind and thunder, appear in his garden, drawn by the newly 'livable' domain. After partaking in Minato's hospitality, Fujin, in a moment of drunken generosity, bestows upon him a portion of his wind power. Minato practices, creating a small breeze, understanding this significant gift will require practice.

Far from Minato's tranquil home, Harima Seshiro works diligently, his protective seals fading, indicating the diminishing power of Minato's earlier talismans. He is being observed by Ichijo Mitsunari, a rival exorcist consumed by jealousy and suspicion. Ichijo bullies his subordinate, Horikawa, before making a show of power against a minor spirit, his cruel expressions hinting at a deeper malevolence. He aggressively questions Horikawa about the source of Harima's newfound strength, determined to uncover his secret.

The morning after, the sacred seeds Minato planted have blossomed into a towering camphor sapling, its rapid growth fueled by divine energy. Inspired, Minato embarks on a hike to the mountain god's shrine, accompanied by the eager weasel spirits. They journey through lush forests, passing ancient sacred markers, until they reach a dilapidated shrine. Minato, with the help of the weasels, respectfully cleans the forgotten space, finding a deep connection to the mountain's ancient energy.

A sudden, terrifying screech shatters the peace, as a large, amorphous evil spirit shrouded in dark mist emerges, paralyzing the weasel spirits with its corrupting influence. Though scared, Minato stands his ground, remembering Fujin's gift. He pulls out his accidental talismans and channels his new wind power, creating a swirling vortex that purifies the evil. The corruption shreds away, revealing a golden egg that transforms into the majestic dragon spirit Oryu, now freed.

Oryu expresses his gratitude before flying off, promising to return. Back at home, Minato recounts his adventure to Yamagami, and soon after, Oryu makes good on his promise, choosing to reside in Minato's garden. The dragon and Reiki become immediate companions, sharing the premium sake Minato won earlier. Meanwhile, Harima Seshiro visits, seeking renewed talismans, and Minato quickly draws a complex new seal on his palm. Yamagami offers a somber warning, noting that Harima's use of these seals is attracting unwanted attention.

Harima meets with his mentor, who praises his recent successes but sternly warns him about the ambitious rival exorcist Ichijo, who is closely monitoring him. The mentor stresses the importance of protecting the person providing his talismans, emphasizing that civilians should remain separate from exorcist politics. Harima resolves to protect Minato's identity at all costs. The episode concludes with Ichijo Mitsunari watching Minato from the shadows, his sinister grin a clear prelude to future confrontation, as the newly potent camphor tree rustles with divine power in Minato's burgeoning spiritual sanctuary.