This heart-wrenching parting between father and son from the very first episode moved many online, with reactions such as “I was sobbing for real… Even as someone who knows the original manga, it’s tough,” “What a painful beginning,” and “He was such a good father… Shiki’s tears are just too much.”

“Tougen Anki” is based on the popular manga by Yura Urushibara, serialized in “Weekly Shonen Champion” (Akita Shoten). Using the universally known Japanese folk tale “Momotaro” as its motif, it’s a new generation dark hero demon saga depicting the struggle between descendants of Oni and those of Momotaro. The story begins as Shiki, who had been living as an ordinary human boy, is suddenly attacked by a mysterious man from the Momotaro Agency.

Episode 1: “Oni Blood”
[Synopsis]
Shiki Ichinose is suddenly attacked by someone. As he flees with his adoptive father Tsuyoshi, he is told the secret of his birth. Shiki is in fact someone who has inherited Oni blood, and the descendants of Momotaro—members of the “Momotaro Agency”—are targeting him. However, having lived as an ordinary human up until now, Shiki is bewildered and unable to accept Tsuyoshi’s words. To make things worse, he is caught by the Momotaro agent Samidare Momoya. Tsuyoshi, who was once a member of the Momotaro Agency himself, confronts Samidare. Samidare wields the Momotaro power to manipulate black bacteria and forms a giant sword. Tsuyoshi puts up a fight to save his son, but after a fierce battle, he is defeated. Witnessing the scene, Shiki loses himself in rage, awakens his Oni power, and goes on a rampage.

(C)漆原侑来（秋田書店）／桃源暗鬼製作委員会

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