Chapter 2

## Home

* Textless
* Volume
* Magazine

## Chapter Chronology

**"Home"** (ホーム, *Hōmu*) serves as the second chapter in the *Gokurakugai* manga series, a work written and illustrated by Yuto Sano. It is also featured as the second chapter within the first volume of the series.

## Summary

In this chapter, Alma and Tao return to their headquarters at the Saragi Anti-Maga Organization. Alma undergoes a blood extraction procedure, feeling unwell afterward. Yoki and Dara welcome them, and Yoki shows off new gauntlets he made. Alma's blood is used for ammunition.

They discuss a mission Tatsuomi informed them about involving disappearances in a cemetery. Alma and Tao head there after resting. They meet a young man named Isato, who shares his troubled past and family abuse. Isato's father killed his grandfather for insurance money, and Isato suffered abuse.

While talking with Isato, he's suddenly attacked by Magas (Disaster Beasts). Alma comes to his rescue, and Tao explains what Magas are. Alma transforms into a half-maga and defeats the Magas. Isato realizes his father is one of them.

Isato rejects his father's pleas and Alma strikes down the Maga. Isato decides to let go of his guilt and start anew. Alma and Tao return home, and Yoki and Dara embrace them. They receive a costly repair bill for the cemetery cleanup.

## Plot Details

The chapter begins with Alma being awakened by Tao, who informs him that they are heading home. They walk together down an alleyway, engaged in casual conversation. Upon arriving at the *Saragi Anti-Maga Organization Headquarters*, Yoki enthusiastically greets them with hugs, while Dara offers a more moderate welcome.

During a blood extraction procedure, Alma feels unwell, and Dara supports him by holding his hand. Yoki explains that Alma's blood is being used to create ammunition for Tao's weapon, justifying the need for regular check-ups and blood samples. Yoki then showcases his newly crafted gauntlets, playfully encouraging Tao to try them. Dara also mentions her own newly created gear.

After the blood extraction, Alma still feels dizzy and is advised by Dara to rest. Tao, engrossed in maintaining her weapon, informs Alma that once they eliminate the troublesome Maga, further blood draws will be unnecessary, which boosts Alma's mood.

Tao inquires about Tatsuomi's absence, and Yoki reveals that he obtained information from Tatsuomi about a case involving a Southern Fudo District Cemetery. People have been disappearing mysteriously, leaving their belongings behind. Tatsuomi's report suggests the culprits are cunning, taking advantage of the isolated location to go unnoticed. Tao asks Yoki about the cost of the obtained information, and Yoki reveals that he was charged double the initial price by Tatsuomi. Alma, recovering from his illness, eats to restore his energy as they prepare for a new mission based on Tatsuomi's intel. Alma and Tao head to the Southern Fudo District Cemetery, bidding farewell to Yoki and Dara.

Tao and Alma reached the Southern Fudo District Cemetery, where they encountered a young man named Isato. Isato was on his way to visit a special grave, and Alma asked him for guidance to the inner part of the cemetery. While they were all heading in the same direction, Alma suggested that they join Isato since they had some free time. Together, they arrived at the Amadera Family Grave, where Isato lit candles and offered prayers for his late grandfather, who was buried there.

His grandfather was the person in the grave, and he shared with Alma and Tao that his father was responsible for his grandfather's murder. His father's greed for insurance money led him to commit the crime, and he passed away in jail later due to illness. Isato briefly paused, realizing he was sharing too much, but Tao reassured him that their agency was here to listen, accepting cigarettes as a form of payment.

Isato began sharing his difficult upbringing, explaining that his father never worked, instead relying on his grandfather's money. Isato, as a minor, was forced to work while enduring physical abuse if he spoke out against his father. Despite the hardships, he found solace in his grandfather's support. One day, his grandfather's health deteriorated due to excessive work, and Isato saved money to cover potential hospital bills. However, his father forcibly took the money, leaving Isato speechless.

He reminisced about a time when he had bought his grandfather's favorite sushi, hoping to celebrate his middle school graduation. Tragically, upon returning home, Isato found his dead grandfather with his father standing nearby. His father dismissed his grandfather's death, leaving Isato to grieve in silence. Isato's father continued his mistreatment and demanded Isato's payday. The story revealed a history of pain and abuse endured by Isato at the hands of his father.

As he recalls those difficult times, Isato regrets not being able to stand up for himself. Alma reassures him, explaining that he's not to blame for everything, and his gentle nature often leads him to hold himself responsible. Alma believes Isato's grandfather would agree. Isato contemplates that his grandfather might have indeed felt the same. He gets up to leave for work, feeling relieved after sharing his feelings. Alma offers him tissue pack with their business contact details, and Isato heads off to return the bucket he borrowed earlier.

While he's walking away, still reflecting on Alma's words, Isato hears noises from nearby bushes. Suddenly, he's attacked by Magas. Alma rushes to his aid, swiftly coming to Isato's rescue. Alma then requests Tao's chant for "Kai," wanting to defeat the Magas himself. He undergoes a half-maga transformation, surprising Isato with the blood he sees that gushed out from Alma. Alma successfully strikes down one of the Magas. As Isato watches the battle between Alma and the Magas, he nervously inquires about these creatures. Tao explains that they are called Maga or Disaster Beasts, formed from resurrected corpses, sometimes capable of speech.

Seeing Alma transform into a half-maga, with blood gushing out, raises questions for Isato. He wonders if Alma is no longer human, but Tao confirms that Alma is human, albeit not ordinary. The remaining Maga, still somewhat conscious, questions why Alma, whose blood and power are similar to theirs, is saving humans while being a Maga himself. It pleads for mercy, promising not to harm humans anymore. However, Alma, not inclined to listen, strikes its head, explaining they're destined to be eliminated.

The decapitated Maga tries to escape and calls out Isato's name for help. Tao, being with Isato, keeps the Maga in check with her gun. Isato recognizes it as the corpse of his abusive father, which shocks him, especially since it knows his name. Tao clarifies that these are remnants of memories from before his father's death, not his father's actual presence. The Maga pleads, claiming family ties and trying to justify its actions, saying it killed Isato's grandfather for his sake. Hearing his father's Maga plead, Isato recalls his grandfather's smile. Overcoming his fear, he stammers out that his father's influence tied him down, causing suffering. He rejects the Maga's claims of family, expressing his desire to escape that life. Alma seizes the opportunity and strikes the Maga down while it curses Isato, ultimately ending the creature's existence.

After Alma reverts to his human form by removing the karmic stake from his chest, he advises Isato that living a life consumed by regrets isn't fulfilling. He encourages Isato to let go of guilt regarding his grandfather, suggesting he should lead his own life without burden. Alma proposes that Isato could eventually offer his grandfather an apology in the afterlife. This sentiment moves Isato, bringing tears to his eyes. He agrees with a smile and expresses his gratitude.

Alma and Tao, now safely returned, are warmly embraced by Yoki and Dara. The two are taken aback when they receive the repair bill from the cleanup squad, featuring six zeroes. The shock on their faces is evident. They hadn't realized that graves could be so costly, even though they are just made of rocks. Despite the expense, Yoki tearfully reassures them that their safety matters most.

## Quick References

### Chapter Trivia

* It is disclosed that the Gokurakugai Troubleshooter Agency is just a side hustle run by Tao and Alma. Their primary affiliation is with the *Saragi Anti-Maga Organization*, which specializes in missions centered on Maga-related cases.
* This chapter illustrates a unique trait of Maga creatures. As these entities are formed from resurrected human corpses, there are instances where they possess the ability to speak and exhibit the personality of the person they once were. Additionally, they retain the memories of their past identities.

### Chapter Notes

* Alma and Tao are introduced as members of the Saragi Anti-Maga Organization, and it's revealed that Alma's blood is being used to create ammunition for Tao's weapon.
* Yoki and Dara, their colleagues at the organization, welcome Alma and Tao back after a mission.
* Alma undergoes a blood extraction procedure and feels unwell, leading to concerns about his health.
* The group discusses their next mission based on information provided by Tatsuomi, which involves mysterious disappearances in a cemetery.
* Alma and Tao head to the Southern Fudo District Cemetery to investigate, where they meet a young man named Isato.
	+ Isato shares his tragic family history, including abuse by his father and the murder of his grandfather.
	+ Alma and Tao offer a sympathetic ear to Isato, who finds relief in sharing his painful past.
* Isato is suddenly attacked by Magas, supernatural creatures formed from reanimated corpses.
	+ Alma transforms into a half-maga to fight the Magas and explains their nature to Isato.
	+ Isato questions Alma's humanity and learns about his unique abilities.
	+ Alma confronts the Magas, ultimately defeating them, and Isato grapples with the realization that one of the Magas was his abusive father.
	+ Isato overcomes his fear and rejects the Maga's claims, ultimately finding closure and resolving to live without regrets.

### Characters in Order of Appearance

**Alma**
**Tao**
**Yoki**Debut
**Dara**
**Saragi Aide**Debut
**Tatsuomi**Mentioned
**Isato Amadera**Debut
**Grandfather**Deceased
**Father**Deceased