Noragami OVA Episode 1: God's Possession, God's Curse

The episode opens on a peaceful note, with Hiyori Iki and Yukine awestruck by the grandeur of a cherry blossom tree. Their quiet appreciation highlights the innocence of the moment, a stark contrast to the chaos that will soon unfold. Hiyori remarks that this is her first cherry blossom viewing with friends outside her family, underlining her growing connection to the divine world. The tranquility is quickly broken by Yato's demanding arrival, eager for food rather than flowers, signaling his usual priorities.

Yato's hopes for an intimate picnic are dashed as Hiyori reveals she's invited more guests. First, Mayu and Tenjin arrive, followed by the exuberant Kofuku and her regalia, including Daikoku. Yato's annoyance grows with each new arrival, but the atmosphere remains largely festive. The true shift occurs with the sudden, imposing entrance of Bishamonten and her entire formidable retinue, setting a palpable tension as their long-standing feud is rekindled.

Yato and Daikoku are horrified by Bishamonten's presence, but Hiyori diffuses the impending battle by revealing her true, selfless intent. Yukine steps forward, bravely defending the cherry tree, explaining it was lovingly tended by Bishamonten's deceased regalia, Suzuha. This unexpected revelation softens Bishamonten's stern demeanor, her eyes welling with tears as she acknowledges the tree and her lost shinki. Yukine then firmly warns her against fighting, showing his growing protective nature.

With the immediate threat of violence averted, Hiyori orchestrates a toast for the prosperity of gods and their shinki, attempting to foster camaraderie. Yato and Bishamonten, however, immediately fall into a silent, competitive drinking contest, creating an awkward atmosphere among the other guests. Daikoku, Kazuma, and Yukine can only watch with a mixture of alarm and exasperation. It’s clear that while open conflict is suppressed, the underlying animosity remains potent.

As the picnic continues, smaller interactions play out: Tenjin cooks, Kofuku expresses surprise at the truce, and various regalia discuss mundane topics like skincare and luxury travel. Yukine, feeling his lack of such perks, laments Yato's pilfering of his savings. Hiyori attempts to appease Yato with a bento box. Her presentation of 'tuna gratin' made of tiny, hand-shaped crab claws, and her mischievous revelation that Yato's beloved octopus sausage was made by an assistant, leads to Yato's comical horror.

Alcohol fuels the latent rage between Yato and Bishamonten, leading to a furious, drunken confrontation. As they grapple, Tenjin briefly intervenes with a comedic lion-form performance, momentarily distracting everyone. Yet, the emotional core erupts when Yato, utterly inebriated, confesses his guilt over the deaths of Bishamonten's former regalia, the Ma clan. He declares he hated her, but more so, he hated himself for being saved by her, acknowledging his responsibility in their tragic past.

The morning after the chaotic picnic, Yato is a miserable wreck, suffering a painful hangover. A shocking flashback then reveals the climax of their drunken confrontation: Yato kissing Bishamonten's hand, a moment misinterpreted by onlookers as a full-blown kiss. Yato, regaining a sliver of consciousness, boastfully claims victory, prompting Bishamonten's immediate and comical revenge. She brutally punches him, sends coins flying, and exacts a swift, precise retribution for his arrogance.

While Yato recuperates, Kazuma reflects on his hopes for Yato and Bishamonten to reconcile. Daikoku then reveals a flyer, a 'Shinki job hunting guide,' which immediately sends Yato into a furious panic. He tries to destroy it, unwilling to let Yukine see opportunities beyond his service. Daikoku restrains him, emphasizing Yukine's 'human rights,' before tying Yato to a tree and comically cementing his feet, showcasing the group's collective exasperation with Yato's antics.

Yukine is captivated by the job flyer, particularly the promise of paid leave and Hawaii trips. He reads Mayu's testimonial, detailing her past as Yato's regalia, describing it as a 'black company' with no pay or benefits. Her story of deciding to seek better employment despite the difficulties resonates deeply with Yukine. Mayu's reflections on her former desperate situation and her eventual success under Tenjin inspire Yukine to consider his own future.

Away from the main group, Bishamonten suffers her own hangover, tenderly cared for by Kazuma with shijimi miso soup. She dismisses any discussion of the previous night's events, clearly embarrassed. Kazuma presents her with a survey from the Shinki Labor Standards Bureau. Bishamonten is initially nervous, then confused, and finally amused to find her regalia's satisfaction surveys filled with 'nothing in particular' and a child's drawing, implying their quiet contentment despite her occasional outbursts.

The cherry blossoms have fallen, and the tree stands with new green leaves, symbolizing renewal. Yato remains slumped, still complaining about his 'divine punishment' and dirty clothes, while Hiyori and Yukine look on with resigned amusement. Hiyori, ever the optimist, gently suggests they have another cherry blossom viewing next year. Yato's misery lifts, replaced by a flicker of hope and his characteristic comedic obliviousness, as he proudly proclaims a simple food decoration he holds is a 'King!', ending the episode on a whimsical note.

The ending credits transition through the seasons, showing Hiyori, Yato, and Yukine enduring various weather conditions together. In the final moments, Hiyori shelters Yato and Yukine from the snow with her umbrella, a powerful image of her protective nature. It culminates with Yato and Yukine sleeping peacefully, bundled together, emphasizing their found family connection that transcends the chaos and personal struggles of their daily lives.