The Missing and Disfigured Bodies Case

**Unofficially Titled Arc**
**The Missing and Disfigured Bodies Case'**s name is **conjectural** which means that no official designation has been assigned, and it is susceptible to change at any time.

## Arc Information

### Volumes

Volumes 1 - 2
(2 Volumes)

### Chapters

Chapters 1 - 5
(5 Chapters)

## Arc Chronology

**The Missing and Disfigured Bodies Case** is the first arc of *Gokurakugai* manga series.

A series of disappearances has occurred, accompanied by the discovery of mutilated animal remains in the vicinity where these individuals were last observed, specifically in Gokurakugai 8th Avenue. Engaged as troubleshooters in the district, Tao and Alma have taken the initiative to conduct an investigation. During their inquiry, they encountered Luka, an acquaintance of one of the missing individuals, Yuki.

## Arc Plot

### Chapter 1

The chapter begins with a series of mysterious events occurring on Gokurakugai 8th Avenue, involving disappearances and unexplained deaths. The story shifts to the Gokurakugai Troubleshooter Agency, where Alma and Tao discuss a case involving a client named Mr. Cho, who wants evidence of his infidelity erased. When discussing payment, Mr. Cho tries to shortchange them, but Alma catches on. Tao threatens to reveal incriminating photos they have, and Mr. Cho eventually pays up.

Later, Alma and Tao are at Hourai Restaurant enjoying noodles. Yaya, a waitress, talks to them about the recent incidents of missing people and animal remains. She urges them to investigate. Tao explains their role and lack of relevant requests. Yaya suggests a new sign for their agency, but Tao and Alma are more interested in helping with the ongoing issue. Auntie playfully intervenes.

Alma discovers a reward poster for a missing person, Yukiharu Nishi. He then encounters Luka Kiyomine, who is looking for his missing friend Yuki. Luka shares information about animal remains and Yuki's disappearance. Alma and Tao initially clash with Luka but agree to help after hearing his story. Luka explains his background and friendship with Yuki, revealing his vulnerability.

Luka discovers a disturbing scene with disfigured animal remains and Yuki's hat. He encounters a monstrous creature and is about to be attacked when Alma and Tao arrive. They defeat the creature, revealing their unique abilities as troubleshooters who deal with these creatures known as "Magas." Alma is part Maga but has managed to control his powers. Luka expresses gratitude, and they return to their office, bonding over a meal and conversation.

Luka brings donuts as a thank you, and they discuss the agency's sign. Luka surprises them with a new sign design. Alma and Luka decide to visit Yuki in the hospital after sharing a meal.

### Chapter 2

The chapter starts with Alma being woken up by Tao, and they head back home together. They reach the Saragi Anti-Maga Organization Headquarters, where Yoki and Dara greet them. Alma undergoes a blood extraction procedure to create ammunition for Tao's weapon. Yoki shows off his new gauntlets, and Dara talks about her gear. After the procedure, Alma feels dizzy and rests. Tao tells him they won't need more blood draws once they deal with the Maga causing trouble.

Tao asks about Tatsuomi's absence, and Yoki shares that Tatsuomi provided information about mysterious disappearances in the Southern Fudo District Cemetery. Tao inquires about the cost of the information, and Yoki reveals Tatsuomi charged double. Alma recovers and they prepare for a mission using Tatsuomi's intel. They bid Yoki and Dara farewell and head to the cemetery.

At the cemetery, they meet Isato, who is going to visit his grandfather's grave. They join him and arrive at the Amadera Family Grave. Isato shares the tragic story of his abusive father's murder of his grandfather. He opens up about his difficult upbringing and mistreatment. Isato regrets not standing up for himself. Alma reassures him, explaining his gentle nature isn't to blame.

Isato hears noises and is attacked by Magas. Alma intervenes and transforms into a half-maga, defeating one Maga. Isato questions Alma's nature, and Tao explains Magas to him. Isato recognizes the Maga as his father and confronts his past. Alma strikes down the Maga. Alma advises Isato to let go of guilt and live his own life.

They return to headquarters, where Yoki and Dara warmly welcome them. Alma and Tao are shocked by the cleanup bill, but Yoki reassures them of their safety.

### Chapter 3

The chapter starts with a woman being strangled by a man, who seems to enjoy her suffering. The story then shifts to Alma helping out at Hourai Restaurant, and after cooking, he heads to their office. Tatsuomi, an informant, shares information about a case involving bodies found hanged at Meito Shrine. He provides details about the victims and their unique cause of death, suggesting a more advanced entity is responsible. Tatsuomi hints that the perpetrator might be connected to Tao.

Alma and Tao visit the Meito Shrine to investigate. They discuss their beliefs in God and encounter a swarm of Magas. Alma transforms into a half-maga and fights the Magas using a baseball-inspired approach, while Tao employs her marksmanship skills to eliminate them. Afterward, Alma expresses a desire for sushi and they head to Hourai Restaurant, where Tatsuomi is helping. Alma leaves to use a Taiyaki voucher.

Tao discusses the case's progress with Tatsuomi, expressing disappointment and an unsettling feeling. They realize they might have been lured into a trap. Tatsuomi proposes the idea that Tao's target might have turned into a Maga. He leaves, and Tao is lost in thought.

Alma heads back to the agency and decides to check on the shrine cleanup. He encounters a man at the shrine entrance and asks about his identity.

### Chapter 4

In this chapter, Alma encounters an unfamiliar man at the entrance of Meito Shrine. The man seems anxious and flustered when asked about his identity. He explains he was casually exploring and ended up at the shrine accidentally. Alma observes his behavior and offers a tissue pack with the agency's contact info for assistance. The man explains Alma startled him while he was looking at Alma's snacks. Alma playfully calls him crafty and shares a snack with him. The man tearfully reveals Alma's sudden presence startled him.

Later, Alma returns to the agency and informs Tao about the encounter. He describes the man as lost, emotional, and hungry. Alma shares a snack and seeks Tao's compliment. Tao engages in conversation with the man, while Alma focuses on the remote control.

The man is approached by another named Yomi, who calls him Yoru. Yoru mentions Alma and shows the tissue pack Alma gave him. Yomi refers to Alma as their "score" and talks about Alma's nature. Yomi reveals he's been observing Alma since birth and intends to take him in when they meet. Yoru agrees to engage with Alma if they meet again.

Suddenly, two drunk women approach Yoru and Yomi. Yoru uses unseen strangulation to cause one woman to gasp for air and the other to die. Yoru makes the surviving woman swallow a capsule, transforming her into a Maga-like creature. Yomi finds Yoru's actions captivating.

Back at the agency, Alma informs Tao about giving the tissue pack and shares a taiyaki sandwich. Tao is on her smoking break and having coffee. Alma boasts about Tao's eating habits and dislikes, and they enjoy taiyaki while watching TV shows together.

### Chapter 5

Tao and Alma visit the headquarters and learn that someone named Nei has been completing most of the missions, causing a shortage of job opportunities. They suspect Nei's involvement and discuss her character. Nei arrives and playfully interacts with Alma and Tao. Yoki shares information from Tatsuomi about Magas appearing in a shopping district on Gokurakugai 10th Avenue. Nei volunteers for the mission, and Tao and Alma agree. Alma jokes about Nei taking their job.

On a train to the shopping district, Nei questions Alma's purpose. Alma mentions efficiency, but Nei challenges his skills, revealing his lack of knowledge about his weaknesses. Back at the base, Tao, Dara, and Yoki discuss Alma's lack of awareness about his weaknesses and the learning opportunity partnering with Nei presents. Tao believes firsthand experience is crucial for Alma to understand his weaknesses.

In the shopping district, Nei uses her blood to attract Magas. Alma realizes he can't remove his Karmic Stake without Tao's permission. Nei fights the Magas skillfully and reveals Alma's weakness. She dispatches the Magas and receives Alma's praise, admitting she seeks continuous praise for motivation. They playfully exchange words.

The chapter concludes with an office dinner where Alma and Nei playfully compete for meat, Tao and Dara enjoy their meal, and Yoki laments the meat expenses.

## Story Impact

* **Mysterious Events on Gokurakugai 8th Avenue:** The chapter begins with a series of mysterious events involving disappearances and unexplained deaths on this street. Alma and Tao deal with a client, Mr. Cho, who wants evidence erased. A confrontation occurs regarding payment, leading to a resolution.
* **Characters Introduction:** Alma and Tao are introduced, the main characters of the series. They discuss recent incidents with Yaya, a waitress from Hourai Restaurant, who urges them to investigate the missing people and animal remains.
* **Encounter with Luka Kiyomine:** Alma encounters Luka, who shares information about missing friend Yuki and animal remains. Alma and Tao agree to help Luka investigate.
	+ Alma and Tao intervene when Luka is attacked by a Maga. They reveal their abilities as troubleshooters dealing with these creatures.
	+ **Bonding with Luka:** Alma and Luka bond over a meal and conversation after defeating the Maga. Luka surprises them with a new agency sign design.
* **Saragi Anti-Maga Organization:** Alma and Tao head to the Saragi headquarters for blood extraction. Alma's blood is used to create ammunition for Tao's weapon.
	+ **Information from Tatsuomi:** Alma and Tao receive information about mysterious disappearances from Tatsuomi, the informant of the Organization, prompting them to investigate the cemetery.
* **Encounter with Isato:** Alma and Tao meet Isato at the cemetery, where he shares his tragic past and a connection to the Maga they encounter. Alma transforms into a half-maga and fights Magas alongside Tao. They discuss Isato's situation and reassure him. After the battle, they return to the headquarters and discuss the events with Yoki and Dara.
* **Encounter at Meito Shrine:** Alma and Tao receive information from Tatsuomi about bodies found hanged at Meito Shrine. They suspect a trap. Alma encounters a man at the shrine entrance and begins a conversation to understand his presence.
	+ **Unexpected Visitor:** Alma surprises a man at the entrance of Meito Shrine, and they engage in a conversation.
	+ **Yoru and Yomi's Interaction:** The stranger, Yoru, is approached by Yomi. They discuss Alma and share their intentions regarding him.
	+ **Yoru's Actions:** Yoru's actions result in the death of one woman and the transformation of another into a Maga-like creature.
* **Nei's Introduction:** Alma and Tao learn about Nei's involvement in missions and discuss her character. Nei interacts with Alma and Tao.
	+ **Shopping District Mission:** Nei volunteers for a mission in the shopping district, and Alma and Tao agree. They travel together by train.
	+ Nei questions Alma's abilities, leading to a discussion about Alma's weaknesses and Nei's skills.
	+ **Alma's Weakness:** Nei attracts Magas and fights skillfully. Alma realizes he can't remove his Karmic Stake without Tao's permission. Nei reveals Alma's weakness and demonstrates her skills. Alma acknowledges Nei's capabilities.

## Characters Introduced

**Tao****Alma****Yoki****Dara****Gou Senda****Yaya Senda****Luka Kiyomine****Yukiharu Nishi****Isato Amadera****Yomi****Yoru**

## Terminology Introduced

* **Magas:**
Creatures that are causing disturbances and need to be dealt with by Alma and Tao. They possess unique abilities and powers.
* **Magas' Abilities:**
Unique powers and abilities possessed by the Magas, which cause disturbances and need to be controlled.
* **Blood Extraction Procedure:**
A process used to create ammunition for Tao's weapon, involving Alma's blood being drawn for this purpose.
* **Karmic Stake:**
A concept related to Alma's transformation and control of his Maga powers.

## Location

* **Gokurakugai Troubleshooter Agency:**
The agency where Alma and Tao work, specializing in solving various problems and investigating supernatural incidents.
* **Saragi Anti-Maga Organization Headquarters:**
The organization's base where Alma undergoes a blood extraction procedure and Yoki and Dara greet them.
* **Southern Fudo District Cemetery:**
A location where mysterious disappearances are reported, prompting Alma and Tao to investigate.
* **Amadera Family Grave:**
A specific grave at the cemetery that Isato visits, related to his family history.
* **Meito Shrine:**
A location where a case involving hanged bodies is investigated by Alma and Tao.
* **Shopping District on Gokurakugai 10th Avenue:**
A specific area where Nei and Alma head for a mission involving Magas.