Natsume's Book of Friends Season 3 Episode 5 The Thing Lurking in the House

Natsume's Book of Friends is a Japanese anime show based on a manga series by Yuki Midorikawa. The show revolves around a teenage boy named Takashi Natsume, who has the ability to see and communicate with supernatural spirits. Natsume inherits his grandmother's "Book of Friends," a book containing the names of various yokai (supernatural creatures), which she had enslaved to do her bidding. Natsume then forms a pact with these spirits and agrees to release them from their contracts, which they had signed unwillingly with his grandmother.

In season 3 episode 5, titled "The Thing Lurking in the House," Natsume unwittingly gets involved in a strange incident when he visits a friend's house. His friend, Kanae, has been plagued by a strange presence that has been lurking in her house for a while. Kanae is too scared to stay alone at night and has sought Natsume's help to exorcise the spirit.

After arriving at Kanae's house, Natsume senses that something is indeed amiss. He encounters a yokai called a "Kurotengu," a black-winged tengu who has taken up residence inside Kanae's home. The Kurotengu is known to be mischievous and enjoys playing pranks on people. However, Natsume soon discovers that this Kurotengu is not the usual type - it is different from the yokai he has encountered thus far.

The Kurotengu reveals that it has entered Kanae's house to escape from another group of yokai, who are after it. Natsume learns that this group of yokai is known as the "Niji no Maru" and are seeking revenge on the Kurotengu for stealing something from them. The Kurotengu explains that it has no intention of returning the stolen item, as it has its own reasons for doing so.

Natsume is conflicted about what to do. He knows that the Kurotengu is causing trouble for Kanae, but he also understands that the Niji no Maru are not to be trifled with. In the meanwhile, Kanae is growing anxious and scared as the Kurotengu's pranks become more and more dangerous.

As the episode progresses, Natsume delves deeper into the situation and tries to find a solution that will satisfy both parties. He eventually discovers the Kurotengu's true motive and learns about its painful past. The Niji no Maru's actions are also revealed, and Natsume must decide whether to intervene on the Kurotengu's behalf.

One of the standout aspects of this episode is the development of the Kurotengu's character. It is not often that yokai are given such complex backstories, and this episode adds layers to the character that make it more relatable and empathetic.

Overall, "The Thing Lurking in the House" is an engaging and emotional episode that delves into issues of friendship, loyalty, and betrayal. It offers a nuanced look at the supernatural world and the complex relationships between humans and yokai. The episode is visually stunning, with vibrant colors and creative designs that add to the otherworldly atmosphere of the series. Fans of Natsume's Book of Friends will not be disappointed with this episode.