In the urban lore of Yokohama, whispers of mystical yōkai and spirits prowling the city's forests at night were dismissed by many as mere bedtime tales spun to dissuade kids from venturing into the dark woods. Yet, these legends found their roots nearly 200 years ago, in the old days of Yokohama's existence, when the city was but a settlement. It was then that the first encounter was made.

Legend spoke of a man cloaked in black with a white fur scarf, adorned with a flowing haori that bled into a vibrant crimson hue, its sleeves and hem a stark contrast against the darkness of night. But what set it apart were its striking features: towering grey ears atop its head and one fox tail swaying behind, marking it as a young kitsune. Kitsune, known for their mischievous nature, were said to weave elaborate schemes, trapping unwitting humans in their tricks. Yet, contrary to expectation, the witness of this encounter claimed he spared by the kitsune's capricious whim—which had defied the creature's known behavior.

Enter Atsushi, an normal college student. Camping near the very forests from which the legends originated, Atsushi found himself in a search for a missing friend.

Amidst the dimly lit expanse, a sinister chuckle pierced the air, chilling it to the bone with a gust of sudden wind. Suddenly, a shadow materialized behind Atsushi, enveloped in a billow of crimson smoke that blew past almost explosion-like, accompanied by yet another ominous laugh.

It was the enigmatic kitsune, his figure looming over the young man. Concealed behind a fan that masked his frown, Akutagawa's ears twitched with curiosity as he regarded Atsushi with an stern gaze, his two tails swaying rhythmically behind him.

"Another hapless human," Akutagawa remarked, his voice like thunder against the forest floor. "And such a pitiful sight you are."

With a huff, he folded his red fan shut, his unwavering gaze fixed upon Atsushi, as if silently scanning the human's every feature while he leaned closer to the boy's face.