Noragami Episode 1: A Housecat, a Stray God, and a Tail

Yato dreams of celebrity, a sprawling hall filled with adoring fans, signing autographs, accepting five-yen offerings. He imagines himself a king, basking in fame, chauffeured in a limousine with loyal Miko. His fantasy is lavish, over-the-top, and a stark contrast to his usual reality. He revels in the imagined solitude of being "at the top," even if it is a melodramatic, self-pitying loneliness. He begs for someone to warm his "glass heart," which the Miko eagerly volunteer to do.

Yato jolts awake on a dusty shrine floor, the dream of crowds and adoration dissolving into his mundane existence. He complains about his dream, much to Yukine's annoyance, who scolds him for sleep-talking. Later, as Hiyori prepares their meal, Yato proudly displays an assortment of "lucky charms" purchased from a con artist, believing they will manifest his dreams of fame and fortune. Hiyori and Yukine, exasperated, make short work of his latest foolish purchase, smashing his prized pot and demanding he get real work.

Yato sits dejected, lamenting his lack of work. Hiyori gently reminds him of the sacred bond between a god and his Shinki, urging him to take his role seriously for Yukine's sake. Her words are not a reprimand but a genuine plea for him to embrace his divine purpose. Yato, perhaps taking her words to heart, then announces his intention to introduce Hiyori to someone, a mysterious invitation that leaves her puzzled.

Yato, Hiyori, and Yukine arrive at a quaint shop, where Kofuku, a cheerful woman with pink hair, immediately embraces Yato in a warm, familiar hug. Hiyori and Yukine are shocked, especially when Yato casually introduces Kofuku as his "girlfriend." Before the confusion can deepen, Daikoku, Kofuku's imposing Shinki, appears and forcefully kicks Yato, proclaiming Kofuku as "his lady" in a display of fierce protectiveness.

Daikoku formally introduces himself as Kofuku's Shinki, explaining that "Daikoku" is his human name and his true Shinki name is "Koku." Hiyori is surprised to learn Kofuku's surname is Ebisu, linking her to one of the Seven Lucky Gods. Daikoku clarifies that Kofuku is his "goddess," not his wife, a distinction Hiyori finds perplexing. Yato warns Hiyori and Yukine not to provoke Daikoku, claiming he has a strange fondness for children, which provokes a comical outburst from Daikoku. Kofuku later confirms Daikoku's unusual affection for children. Daikoku then questions Yukine about living with Yato, implying he feels sorry for him and questioning Yato's reason for bringing them to Kofuku.

A man named Yusuke Urasawa stands on a rooftop, contemplating suicide, his last call a tearful apology to his mother. Before he can act, Yato unexpectedly appears, leaping onto the rooftop. In a moment of bizarre intervention, Yato grabs Urasawa's phone, causing the man to fall from the building. As Urasawa plummets, Yato descends with him, cheerfully offering his services as a "delivery god," much to Hiyori's horror and Yukine's disbelief.

As they fall, Urasawa recounts his sad story, beginning last winter when he met a mysterious girl who resembled Hiyori. He describes her as a "bird in a cage," restricted from the outside world. He offered her kindness, taking her on shopping trips and to Capypa Land. Urasawa details their joyful times, his growing affection, and his secret plan to propose to her. He believes this girl, whom he calls Hiyori, was the love of his life, despite his finances crumbling during their relationship. Yato, still falling alongside them, dismisses his account as Urasawa showing off.

Yato cuts through Urasawa's romanticized tale by asking for a photo of the girl. He reveals that Urasawa's "Hiyori" is actually Kofuku, the very same Goddess of Poverty they just met. Yato explains that Kofuku Ebisu is merely a professional alias, and her true nature is to attract misfortune. He warns Urasawa that Kofuku is ancient, far older than he imagines, and a magnet for bad luck. Yato insists Urasawa must sever ties with her for his own survival.

Urasawa defiantly refuses to let go of his love for "Hiyori," declaring his unwavering affection. Yato, furious at Urasawa's suicidal resolve, punches him, proclaiming that one who chooses death cannot understand true love. He accepts Urasawa's unspoken petition, transforms Yukine into Sekki, and with a powerful cry, severs the invisible red cord binding Urasawa to Kofuku. Urasawa lands unharmed, confused but immediately free of his despair, deleting Kofuku's contact from his phone.

Kofuku, surprisingly, confesses she "just wanted to have a little fun" with Urasawa, further startling Hiyori and Yukine. Daikoku scolds Kofuku for causing trouble, reminding her of her nature as a bringer of disaster. He praises Yukine's skill in severing ties, explaining the difficulty of such an act for a Shinki. As they prepare to leave, Kofuku reveals Yato's dark past: he is a god of war, capable of killing, and once "killed" a Shinki. Daikoku elaborates, explaining that unknown gods like Yato must grant any wish, no matter how grim, to simply exist and avoid being forgotten.

As Yato and Hiyori walk away from Kofuku's shop, Hiyori is somber, processing the dark truths she has learned about Yato. She confronts him, asking why he brought her there. Yato, in a rare moment of vulnerability and seriousness, tells her that if anything should ever happen to him, she must go to Kofuku. His words are a quiet, stark admission of the danger he faces and a profound gesture of protection. Hiyori, touched by his concern, finds herself blushing over his scent.