Natsume Yuujinchou: Ishi Okoshi to Ayashiki Raihousha

While searching for Nyanko-sensei, Natsume meets a timid little youkai named Mitsumi, who has been chosen to perform the year's “Waking Rock” ritual and rouse his powerful master from a long sleep. Mitsumi desperately wants to prove himself worthy of the duty, so Natsume decides to help. Time is short, however, and other youkai are competing for the honor of completing the awakening first.

Elsewhere, a strange man begins visiting Tanuma almost every day, speaking with him briefly before disappearing again. Natsume soon realizes the visitor is a youkai disguised as a human. The creature shows no obvious hostility, and Tanuma enjoys their conversations, yet his health gradually worsens. Torn between caution and respect for his friend's wishes, Natsume tries to uncover what the visitor truly wants before the mysterious bond becomes dangerous.