Zōhei Kunato leads the Saenome clan as Hyōma Kunato's grandfather, guiding tsukumogami—spirits dwelling in aged objects—back to their world through peaceful dialogue. He prioritizes negotiation over confrontation, deploying force only when absolutely necessary, a philosophy starkly opposed to his grandson's aggressive tactics.

During a mission sealing two coin tsukumogami, Zōhei secured one spirit’s cooperation through conversation before containing it, explaining to police officers the clan’s commitment to resolution through discussion. Hyōma, however, violently subdued the second spirit. Zōhei later cautioned that such unnecessary force, fueled by Hyōma’s hatred, risked escalating conflicts.

Aware of Hyōma’s deep resentment—rooted in a tragedy where tsukumogami killed his siblings—Zōhei arranged for him to live with Botan Nagatsuki in Kyoto. Botan peacefully coexists with six tsukumogami as family, offering Hyōma a chance to witness benevolent spirits firsthand. Before Hyōma’s departure, Zōhei received meticulously detailed chore lists from his grandson, revealing their domestic rapport.

Zōhei monitors Hyōma’s progress through Haori, a tsukumogami residing with Botan, balancing clan leadership with familial duty. His actions strive to heal his grandson’s trauma while fostering reconciliation between humans and spirits.