Arataka Reigen operates a self-proclaimed psychic practice from his Spirits and Such Consultation Office. Formerly a salaryman, he quit to start his business after encountering an advertisement promising wealth through selling fake spiritual items. His childhood featured above-average academics but also stark isolation, exemplified by being the sole student without food during a school sports day due to forgetting to inform his parents. An essay he penned about desiring to change the world later surfaced publicly during a scandal. Reigen boldly claims the title "The Greatest Psychic of the 21st Century," yet possesses no actual supernatural powers. He compensates with charisma, psychological insight, and tangible skills like massage therapy ("Sorcery Crush"), photo editing ("Graphic Exorcism"), and basic martial arts. He invents theatrical "techniques" such as "Salt Splash"—merely throwing ordinary salt—to sustain his facade. While he freely manipulates clients, spirits, and allies for advantage, he upholds professional integrity by offering refunds for unsatisfactory results and denouncing fraudulent peers who provide no real assistance. His massages genuinely relieve clients' physical pain, contrasting with his otherwise deceptive methods. Central to his journey is his mentorship of Shigeo Kageyama (Mob), whom he hired when the boy sought guidance on controlling his psychic abilities. Initially exploiting Mob's powers for business gain while paying him minimally, Reigen transforms into a protective and ethically grounded figure. He repeatedly counsels Mob that psychic powers confer no superiority, stressing that all individuals—whether skilled runners, singers, or espers—possess equal inherent worth. He forbids Mob from using powers against others and emphasizes ethical conduct, frequently reminding him that "hurting people is wrong." Reigen's dependency on Mob surfaces when Mob cultivates friendships outside work. A notable outburst occurs when Mob declines ramen to attend a friend's birthday, triggering Reigen's fear of abandonment and revealing profound loneliness. This sparks a period of self-reliance where Reigen expands his business to include community tasks like gardening and computer repair, though he continues fake exorcisms. A temporary ability to perceive spirits manifests only after merging with Mob's powers during a clash with Claw's 7th Division, which Reigen dismisses as unimportant. His exposure as a fraud during a televised exorcism becomes pivotal. While his reputation crumbles, he voices greater concern over losing Mob's respect. Mob's reassurance that he views Reigen as "a good person" solidifies their reconciled bond. This growth culminates when Reigen confronts Claw leader Toichiro Suzuki unarmed and powerless to protect Mob, demonstrating self-sacrificial resolve. Later, he confesses his lack of powers to Mob, releasing him from mentorship while affirming Mob's autonomy—a moment aiding Mob's integration of repressed emotions. Reigen's influence extends beyond Mob. He infiltrates Claw's headquarters by impersonating their leader, redirecting disillusioned teenage members from world domination fantasies. He advises them to pursue legitimate societal contributions, asserting that true adulthood involves responsibility, not childish power dreams. His philosophy rejects innate superiority, arguing that espers detached from everyday realities perpetuate self-delusion.