Sheathing his sword, Toshi growled, “That’s all we need. A renegade yōkai with free access to Jigoku or even Yomi through the body of his host. Imagine the harm Masaru could do if he opened the gates and released the dead on us.”

Koichi laughed. “You’ve no idea. But before you jump to more idiotic conclusions, you should be aware that Masaru has always had the ability to travel back and forth between the worlds.”

Toshi’s eyes widened. “What?”

Koichi winked and clicked his tongue. “It was a punishment given to him by the gods. He’s been going back and forth to Jigoku to barter with the dark kami. So this is nothing new. And while you’re having your thoughts of slaughtering Ryuichi”—those words made Ryuichi pay sudden attention—“let me give you something else to think about. Should anything happen to our buddy, the gate will only open more. Aside from Ryuichi, no one will be able to close it. Any idea what that means?”

Toshi shook his head.

“Your worst nightmares will have the ability to flood this world. They will destroy everyone you hold dear. So I wouldn’t worry about Masaru. He’s the least of our concerns.”

Because their number-one problem was the shadows around them.

Ryuichi turned to face the one to his left. How harmless it appeared.

No wonder people feared the darkness so.

The place where everyone was told to banish their bad thoughts. Their awful impulses.

We create our own nightmares. Our own destruction.

And everyone had a shadow. A waking, stalking monster just waiting for a chance to steal away a person’s consciousness and take them over. That thought terrified him.

“Koichi!”

They all turned at the sound of Hanzō’s fury.

With a deep sigh, Koichi handed the rope to Ryuichi. “I’ll be back. Try not to get eaten while I’m gone.”

Takara bowed. “Don’t worry. I’ll watch him.”

Koichi scoffed. “Great. He gets eaten, the world ends. You get eaten, and your father will make me wish the only problem I have is the world ending.” He shook his head. “I hate my life.”

Ryuichi could relate, especially given the way the others continued to stare and whisper about him.

Once his sensei left, he turned toward Takara. “Where did everyone go?”

“I don’t know, but I don’t like it.” Taking his hand, she pulled him back toward the infirmary. “I think the best thing we can do is get you hidden again. Soon as possible.”

Ryuichi couldn’t agree more. Especially since the sky was starting to darken, and the dragons that guarded the castle were now staring at him with an interest that made his blood run cold. “Why are they watching me?”

Takara took a quick look. “That’s not the real question.”

“What is?”