English Dub Review: Natsume’s Book of Friends “Shadow Linked Chains”

Overview (Spoilers Below):
Natsume reluctantly agrees to help Matoba hunt down the person possessed by a yokai who’s planning on killing several exorcists.

Our Take:
Matoba is truly a conniving snake in the grass, is he?  Fortunately, he’s willing to call a truce with Natsume to overcome a threat seemingly greater than he is.  Although Natsume was hesitant based on his previous encounters with the exorcist, Matoba’s threat to expose his ability forced him to accept his cooperation…at least for now.
The unlikely duo then attends the exorcist meeting held at one of the Matoba clan’s massive villas, where they discover that a mask-shaped yokai, Magatsumen, is disguised as a Shiki to see if the attendees are possessed.  They also find that the Magatsumen parent is responsible for controlling its victims and seeks to destroy Matoba and his exorcist clan.  With Matoba’s protection spell, Natsume eventually found the person possessed by the Magatsumen parent, leading to Matoba exorcising the mask-like yokai with his cursed arrow.
“Shadow Linked Chains” is another episode that elevates the series’ conflicts concerning Natsume’s exorcist adversaries while maintaining a tranquil tone. Matoba’s presence adds tension as Natsume’s belief in saving yokai clashes with the exorcist’s methods of dealing with the spirits once more. Matoba’s determination to recruit Natsume for his clan as a tool for finding and exorcising yokai also adds interest to the confrontation within the peaceful narratives.  However, based on my experience with the previous season, I believe this may be the last time we see Matoba raining on Natsume’s parade, at least until the following season.  Honestly, I won’t be surprised if that turns out to be the case.