What Even Is a Ninja?

Hiding through camouflage, Reptilian dodges Bamora, who is using her kaiju suit's invisibility to ambush the ninjas. He bitterly resents being out-ninja'd yet trusts that blending into a pillar keeps him safe, only for Bamora to strike him precisely because Momo's aura sense pinpoints his position. Bamora thanks the tiny Momo, fondly calling her "Miss Pixie," and explains her suit's projection lets her see Momo clearly. With the space ninja down, the pair rush back to the cab toward the shrine.

Inside the cab, Momo sees Jiji restored to normal but is horrified to find Seiko cradled in his arms, badly hurt. Jiji says her ribs are broken and his ki is easing the pain, though he cannot gauge her internal injuries. Seiko stirs and urges Momo to reach the shrine fast.

The ground shakes as Reptilian's voice booms from the castle, refusing to let them leave after his ninja pride was wounded. To everyone's shock, he reveals that the castle itself, along with the airborne ninjas, was all his camouflage, and he assumes his true form to attack. Jiji and Bamora brace to fight their way to the shrine.

Momo stops Jiji, telling him to take Seiko to a hospital instead. Declaring that the curse no longer matters and only saving her grandmother does, she tearfully apologizes to Seiko and hopes Seiko will still know her when they next speak. Jiji departs with Seiko while Momo stays behind with Bamora, her thoughts fixed on her grandmother.

This Volume 24 chapter ran on August 26, 2025, as part of the Shimane Arc in the Ultimate Yokai Saga, between Chapter 206 and Chapter 208. It opens the Momo and Bamora versus Reptilian confrontation and delivers the twist that the Matsue Castle setting was the enemy's living disguise, raising the stakes around Momo's looming curse deadline.