Chapter 31

**A Glimpse of the Dark** is chapter thirty-one of the Mato Seihei no Slave Manga.

## Summary

Naon Yuno explains to Yuuki Wakura how she, Aoba Wakura, and Koko Zenibako turned into Humanoid Shuuki.

Three years ago, Naon was a regular human working as a model in the human world. She had not yet eaten a Peach as she was holding out for the possibility that it would restore her youth when she got older. One day, Naon was caught up in a Mato disaster and transported to Mato. The Anti-Demon Corps were unable to reach her in time as she was chased by a herd of Shuuki and she encountered a Peach tree. Desperate, she ate one of the Peaches, hoping that it would grant her an ability to fend off the Shuuki. However, after she ate it, the Peach's power went wild and she lost consciousness.

Some time later, Naon awoke and found herself naked and in the presence of three priestesses. They explained that Naon was taken to a specialized hospital, but the priestesses had an "omen" and so they took her to her present location. They further explained that they were from the Onmyou Agency, which is dedicated to studying Shuuki. Naon protested, declaring that she was a human, but she was repelled by a magical force field. As indicated by the head priestess, Naon found that her body had been partially transformed, becoming more Shuuki-like. The head priestess explained that, in rare occurrences, some women who eat Peaches are transformed as such, and it only happens to those who eat Peaches in Mato, though they are not sure why. Although Naon begged for a cure, the head priestess explained that they did not have one yet and asked that she cooperate as their research subject.

Back in the present, Yuuki is shocked by Naon's story. Naon further explains that her time with the Onmyou Agency was terrible as they treated her and their other subjects as little more than lab rats. However, thanks to her awakened ability, which allows her to pass through solid matter, Naon was able to escape and free many others from the agency. Yuuki wonders if the same fate befell Aoba, and she explains that, while she also transformed after eating a Peach, she spent years in the Hidden Village fighting to keep her humanity.

Yuuki suggests that they should denounce the Onmyou Agency, but Naon explains that they have already tried. The Onmyou Agency is incredibly influential and insists that Mato is a source of profit for Japan. Koko then vigorously declares that they will destroy the Onmyou Agency by force. However, Yuuki protests, pointing out that there will be casualties if they do that, and that they should ask the Anti-Demon Corps for help. Naon counters that the commander of the Anti-Demon Corps is likely already aware of the Onmyou Agency's activities and, thus, talking to the lower ranks will achieve nothing. Aoba asserts that they will find a way to cure themselves on their own. Yuuki considers what he can possibly do to change Aoba and the others' minds. Suddenly, Aoba senses that the Anti-Demon Corps have arrived and tells the others to prepare for battle.

Outside the Hidden Village, the 7th and 6th Units follow Kyouka Uzen as her Slave ability leads them to Yuuki. She indicates that her power is leading them to a pile of rocks, which serve as a blockade to the cave leading to the village. With Yuuki's location in sight, Tenka remarks that she has learned what it is like to have ones lover taken away with Shushu being annoyed by that remark.

## Characters by Appearance

* Naon Yuno
* Yuuki Wakura
* Kidoumaru
* Kumadouji
* Akura
* Koko Zenibako
* Aoba Wakura
* Sahara Wakasa
* Shushu Suruga
* Tenka Izumo
* Yachiho Azuma
* Himari Azuma
* Kyouka Uzen