Noragami: Stray God, Vol. 8

Adachitoka. Noragami: Stray God, Vol. 8. 2015. 159p. ISBN 978-1-63236-102-8. Available in the Graphic Section of the library.

Yato was bursting with joy when Hiyori offered him his own (albeit small) shrine in Noragami Stray God, vol. 7. Finally, he had made it to the rank of a recognized god. Unfortunately for him, his former stray led him into a trap. Now finding himself a prisoner in Takama-ga-hara, the gods’ dwelling place, Yato is confronted by demands made by his father. Wishing to return to Earth before Hiyori, his only follower, forgets about him, Yato agrees to run one more mission for his father.

Meanwhile, the entire Divine Council has gathered, to discuss the issue of the masked Ayakashis. The seven gods of fortune are held prisoner, as the other gods suspect that Ebisu is the one responsible for the naming of Ayakashis. After investigating and finding the masks on his estate, they tell the other gods of fortune that they will only be released when Ebisu is stopped.

Hiyori is told by the god of knowledge that she really needs to live her life and not spend so much time in divine space. She reluctantly agrees to go on triple dates with her friends. One of the boys is really interested in her, and his attention distracts her from thinking about Yato. Slowly she begins to forget him.

On his last mission, Yato finds Ebisu, and is advised by his stray that they must protect him. But Ebisu seems bent on dominating Ayakashis. Will the cost of remaining in Takama-ga-hara be that Hiyori, Yato’s only follower, will forget him?

The story continues in Noragami Stray God, vol. 9.