Reigen's Past Revealed

Lore & Background

Before becoming the charismatic leader of the Spirit Eye Society, Reigen was an ordinary young man with no supernatural abilities. His life changed when he met Tsubomi, a genuine psychic who possessed immense power but lacked confidence. Together, they formed an unlikely partnership where her abilities provided the results and his charisma managed the clients. This collaboration allowed them to help people while navigating the dangers of the spirit world. The partnership ended tragically during an exorcism involving spirits far beyond their control. Tsubomi sacrificed herself to shield Reigen and their clients from fatal spiritual backlash, dying in the process. Her death left Reigen with a void he could not fill with power, but instead filled with purpose. He decided to continue her work alone, maintaining the illusion of psychic strength to ensure people continued receiving help. This backstory redefines the nature of Reigen's fraud. While he admits to being powerless, his methods provide genuine psychological relief and safety for clients who believe in magic. The arc establishes that Reigen's greatest power is not psychic energy, but his unwavering commitment to helping others despite his own limitations and grief.

In Their Own Story

The office was quiet, save for the hum of the refrigerator. Reigen sat alone at his desk, staring at a framed photograph tucked behind a stack of unpaid invoices. The image showed a younger him standing beside her, both smiling under a summer sun that felt like a lifetime ago. He traced the edge of the frame with a calloused thumb, feeling the weight of every lie he had told since that day. Outside, the city buzzed with people seeking miracles they didn't understand. Reigen sighed, adjusting his glasses to hide the fatigue in his eyes. They thought he was a god walking among them, but he knew better. He was just a man trying to keep a promise made in a graveyard of spirits. 'Keep going,' she had said. So he would keep going, even if no one ever knew her name.

Reader's Guide

The narrative begins with a deep dive into Reigen Arataka's history, shifting away from the supernatural threats of the main plot to focus on his personal origins. We witness his youth before founding the Spirit Eye Society, introducing Tsubomi, a genuine psychic who partnered with him during their younger years. Their relationship is built on mutual support rather than deception initially, combining her raw power with his social skills. A tragic event occurs during an exorcism where Tsubomi sacrifices her life to protect clients and Reigen from overwhelming spiritual forces that they could not control together. Following this loss, the story examines how Reigen chose to continue their work alone long after she was gone. He adopts the persona of a powerful psychic to maintain client trust, knowing many need hope more than truth. In the present timeline, Mob confronts this knowledge after witnessing Reigen's dedication firsthand during recent events. The arc resolves by solidifying their bond; Mob accepts that Reigen’s lies are rooted in love for humanity and memory of Tsubomi. This understanding allows Shigeo to move forward without resentment, recognizing his mentor’s unique path to helping others despite lacking psychic abilities.

Did You Know?

• Tsubomi was the only genuine psychic ever employed by Reigen before he took over the business completely alone.
• Reigen continues to use Tsubomi's name in his prayers and private moments, honoring her memory daily.
• This arc reveals that many of Reigen's 'exorcisms' are actually psychological counseling sessions disguised as spiritual work.
• Mob learns about this history before the final confrontation with Dimple, strengthening his resolve to protect Reigen.