As a young girl, Nanao was abducted by an Ayakashi. Because of a spirit seal that was carved on her body, she has been treated as outcast within her own clan ever since. Initially, Nanao was supposed to marry the young master of the Byakurenji family, but her cousin Akemi took her place as his bride. In order to hide her spirit seal, Nanao had to wear a monkey mask, leading her to live a wretched life. One day, while meeting Yako, the young leader of the Benitsubaki clan, her mask accidentally fell off, revealing her face. This unexpected event caused Yako to become infatuated with her beauty and immense spiritual power.