Ushio and Tora

Aotsuki Ushio's family maintains a Shinto temple in Japan, where 500 years ago, his samurai ancestor battled a demon to a standstill, and eventually trapped him against a rock using a blessed spear called the "Beast Spear". While cleaning out the temple storage, Ushio accidentally unseals the chamber the demon, later named Tora by Ushio, was trapped in. Initially, Ushio wisely refuses to remove the spear pinning the monster down, as Tora unwisely makes the strategic blunder of mentioning that the first thing he would do upon being freed would be to devour Ushio; but Tora's unsealed presence attracts various demons to the premises, and Ushio is forced to free Tora in exchange for his help. The two later realize that they make a perfect team, despite the latter's reservations to eating the former.

- **Won the Shogakukan Manga Award for Shonen in 1992**

- **Won the Seiun Award for Best Comic in 1997**