Natsume's Book of Friends Vol. 7 — Manga Raw / Buy Official

The forest is plagued by a predator draining spirits of their vitality, forcing Natsume and Natori into a dangerous investigation. They cross paths with Matoba Seiji, a ruthless exorcist who views spirits solely as disposable assets. Unlike Natori, who walks a delicate middle ground, Matoba mocks Natsume’s tendency to return names as a fatal weakness. He challenges Natsume to discard his empathy and embrace the raw power of command. This encounter shatters the relative peace Natsume has fought to maintain. As Matoba’s cruel methods threaten to destroy the spirits Natsume holds dear, he is forced to face the harsh reality that his gentle approach may not be enough to shield his friends from those who see only power in the spirit world. The tension escalates as the ideological clash between Natsume’s compassion and Matoba’s tyranny reaches a breaking point, leaving Natsume at a crossroads regarding his own identity as the bearer of the book.