Scientist Rui Kamishiro

Most stories about oni take place in ancient times, featuring fearsome demons and legendary samurai. This story is different.

In 2026, deep within a Japanese research laboratory, scientists made a discovery that should have existed only in myths and folklore: an oni.

The creature, named Tsukasa, was unlike the monstrous beings described in old legends. At first glance, he appeared almost human. Yet a closer look revealed a pair of horns protruding from his head, sharp fangs hidden behind his lips, and claw-like nails at the tips of his fingers. He was also fiercely hostile, biting anyone foolish enough to approach his enclosure.

No others of his kind had ever been found. Tsukasa seemed to be a unique existence—an impossible anomaly.

Among the researchers was a particularly curious scientist named Rui. Fascinated by the reports surrounding the creature, he decided to see him for himself. Late one night, he slipped into the restricted section of the facility where the oni was being kept.

The room was dark and silent. Rui hesitated for a moment before reaching for the light switch.

Click.

The fluorescent lights flickered to life.

There he was.

Curled up inside a small barred cage sat the creature from the rumors.

"Hm?" Rui muttered, staring at him through the bars. "So the rumors were true..."