狸

When asked about the strongest transformed tanuki, Inugami Gyobu would undoubtedly be the first to come to mind. It protected Matsuyama Castle, and although it ultimately rebelled and was sealed away, its fate is indeed regrettable.

The bake-danuki (shape-shifting tanuki) has been regarded as an object of both fear and reverence. While real tanuki exist, they are treated as yokai (supernatural creatures) because of their ability to deceive and trick people.