Where'd the Magic Hammer Go? (打出の小槌はどこ行った Uchide no Kozuchi wa doko itta?) is the two hundred and second chapter of the Dandadan manga series.
Summary[]
Upon arriving at Matsue Castle, where the Uchide-no-Kozuchi is located, Momo is taken aback finding out that the artifact is being kept in such a place. She, Seiko, Bamora, and the priest rush inside, leaving the Evil Eye behind until they can return to the shrine before the Hour of the Ox to lift Momo's curse. As they follow the priest, who uses his phone to track the artifact, Bamora asks about the mallet's significance. Momo and the priest describe it to her, though Momo finds it strange that such a powerful relic would be hidden inside a tourist attraction. Just then, Seiko halts the group, informing them that she senses an unfamiliar presence. Turning around, they see the priest held hostage by a ninja threatening to kill him with a knife if anyone makes a move. They then look to see more ninjas surrounding them. Momo believes they've finally found the Phantom Ninja Thief, only to realize there is more than one. The ninja holding the priest hostage demands for their surrender in exchange for sparing their lives. After Momo and Seiko react with shock by this demand, Momo prepares to strike, planning to use her powers to stall the attacker while instructing Seiko to take advantage and attack. However, Seiko stops her, urging Momo and Bamora to return to the taxi and get back to the shrine before time runs out for the ritual. Momo becomes perplexed by this, given the priest's perilous situation. Seiko clarifies that the priest is not who he claims to be and demands he drop the act. Once exposed, the priest disperses the ninja he had conjured, along with his clothing, leaving only his underwear. While Momo perceives him as a pervert due to his attire, Seiko chastises herself for not suspecting him sooner, explaining that he is not a priest, the hammer is safe, and he has been leading them into a trap to steal their powers. After changing into new attire, the pseudo-priest's Reptilian partner appears, questioning their next course of action and questions if their best option would have been to eliminate them and deliver them to the Serpo. The pseudo-priest admits such a move would have been too risky, hence his elaborate charade, and asks his partner what he will do to fix their failed attempt, prompting the Reptilian to chastise the pseudo-priest for thinking that it is his fault. While Momo becomes disturbed by the Reptilian's presence, Seiko instructs Bamora to find an opening and run to the taxi below. Momo protests, insisting Seiko can't fight them all alone and that she will stand with her. Seiko refuses, telling Momo that this moment is their only chance to lift her curse and that she must go. Seiko fights off the ninjas to create a path for Bamora escape. In response, the Reptilian melds with the floor, raising a wall that blocks the exit. More ninjas appear, converging on Bamora. Suddenly, the floor gives way, dropping her to the lower level. Reacting quickly, Momo uses her powers to grab hold, but both end up trapped on the lower level. Now alone, Seiko stands before the pseudo-priest, who bows to her.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
- Momo Ayase
- Seiko Ayase
- Pseudo-Izumo Taisha Priest
- Bamora
- Evil Eye
- Reptilian (Debut)
- Serpo (Mentioned)
Events[]
- Momo, Seiko, Bamora and the priest make their way inside but they are ambushed by ninjas.
- Seiko realizes that the priest is an enemy disguised using smoke and he tricked them to leave the Izumo Taisha.
- His chameleon ally blocks the exits of the castle and separates Momo and Bamora from Seiko.
- The pseudo-priest menacingly faces Seiko alone and bows down to her.