Winter 2025

Tsukasa Atsumi is a salaryman who leads an ordinary, solitary life. On his way back from work one evening, he is saved from a demon attack by a mysterious woman in a ninja outfit. Introducing herself as Shizuri Ideura, she claims that demons target people like Tsukasa, who have Samurai Blood in their veins, and that her kind have been protecting them from the shadows.

Told by Shizuri that the attacks are going to become more frequent, Tsukasa makes a deal to provide her with housing in exchange for his safety. To his surprise, he quickly finds out that Shizuri is a shut-in who loves to play video games whenever she is not busy with her ninja duties. As the two spend more time together, Tsukasa grows to appreciate Shizuri’s company—and his feelings just might be mutual.

Using her wit and vast knowledge of medicines and poisons alike, Maomao played a pivotal role in solving a series of mysteries and conspiracies that plagued the imperial court. Having recently come to terms with the secrets of her parents, she returns to fulfill her normal duties on behalf of the emperor’s highest-ranking consorts. Maomao also works alongside the eunuch Jinshi to better the consorts’ many ladies-in-waiting, including helping them learn to read.

However, with the arrival of a merchant caravan comes a new wave of intrigue. A pattern of strange coincidences involving the visitors and their wares unsettles Maomao, driving her to investigate the puzzling circumstances behind the convoy. As dangers from both outside and within threaten the balance between the imperial concubines, Maomao continues to utilize her cunning and medical expertise to keep the women safe from harm.