Kusunoki's Garden of Gods Episode 4: Off to the Other World to Exorcise the Evil Spirit

Minato Kusunoki practices his wind magic, effortlessly gathering leaves, watched by a pleased Yamagami. The playful Fujin and Raijin suggest more destructive applications, which Minato dismisses, desiring only peace. Later, he roasts sweet potatoes for the mansion's eclectic residents; Kamesan prefers sake, and Fujin and Raijin manage to incinerate their share. Kirin, returning from his travels, is hilariously terrified by the steam of a potato, mistaking it for roasted living creatures.

Deep in the forest, the fox-kin trio, Utsugi, Azami, and Seri, push themselves through intense meditation. They recall a previous failure, fueling their determination to grow stronger. Yamagami observes from a distance, understanding the quiet resolve that drives their efforts.

The tranquility of Minato's afternoon is broken by a frantic doorbell. Outside stands a sweating, exhausted Harima, who collapses against Minato. Once recovered, Harima explains a grave problem: an intractable evil spirit, too powerful for the Onmyoji association, has emerged, requiring Minato's unique abilities.

Harima shares the terrifying legend of a temple where a purification doll became a monstrous Akuryo after a monk's death. This spirit has twisted the temple into its own Otherworld, a dimension inaccessible and dangerous to ordinary Onmyoji. Yamagami reluctantly agrees to let Minato undertake the mission, but only after extracting a promise of rare regional sweets, dispatching the three fox-kin to protect him.

Minato prepares for the journey, packing talismans and meticulously noting Yamagami's sweet requests. The eager fox-kin, Utsugi, Azami, and Seri, are ready to prove their recent training. After fond goodbyes, the group travels by Shinkansen, pausing to enjoy apple pie before crow spirits guide them to the temple.

A thick, purple miasma surrounds the temple gate, pushing away all creatures. Harima warns Minato of the immense spiritual pressure. Utsugi, Azami, and Seri combine their power, manifesting the gateway into the Otherworld. Inside, the temple is a nightmare under a blood-red sky, filled with silent, eerie dolls, and the air grows thick with malice, stifling Minato's breath.

Hundreds of dolls suddenly attack, forcing Minato to conjure a shimmering barrier while the fox-kin fight to protect him. The main Akuryo, a colossal woman with whipping hair, emerges, pinning Minato and threatening to overwhelm him. Just as he falters, Yamagami's voice resonates, and a golden shockwave from the real world shatters the bindings, reinvigorating Minato.

Minato discovers a sacred leaf in his hood, a symbol of his home's protective power. He quickly inscribes 'Kusunoki' onto it, focusing his energy as the fox-kin hold back the enemy. The glowing leaf talisman pierces the Akuryo, causing a massive explosion of light. The dark spirit dissolves into a small, pink orb, and the dolls return to inert wood as the Otherworld begins its violent collapse.

The temple crumbles around them as Minato, clutching the orb, and the fox-kin race through falling debris towards the rapidly closing exit. They make a desperate leap, tumbling back onto the real-world temple path, panting and covered in dust. A relieved Harima greets them, the miasma gone, while Fujin and Raijin are revealed to have stabilized the portal from above. The pink orb in Minato's hands transforms into a warm egg.

Harima expresses profound gratitude, but Minato simply asks for the promised sweets. Back at the mansion, a joyous BBQ ensues, with Yamagami delighting in the treats. Kirin finally joins the party after Minato offers him home-brewed beer. As the evening draws to a close, the egg glows and hatches, revealing a tiny, vibrant Phoenix chick, the last divine beast destined for the Kusunoki mansion, now purified from its corrupted form.