The Master, the elderly head priest of the Sousei-Ji temple in a rural Japanese town, is a central figure in the life of the ghost cat Anzu and the young girl Karin. He adopted and raised Anzu when the cat first arrived at the temple decades ago, providing the bakeneko with a permanent home and treating him like a member of the family. As a monk, the Master is calm, patient, and deeply connected to the spiritual world, though he also possesses a pragmatic and tolerant side, especially when dealing with the eccentric yokai who frequent the temple. His primary motivation is to care for his temple, his community, and those under his protection. When Karin is abandoned by her father, the Master takes her in and asks Anzu to look after her, trusting the cat to be a guardian despite his lazy and mischievous nature. Throughout the story, the Master serves as a stable, grounding presence, offering a safe haven for both humans and supernatural beings. His relationship with Anzu is paternal and affectionate, built on years of shared life, while his bond with Karin is warm and supportive, allowing her to gradually open up. The Master does not undergo a dramatic personal transformation; rather, his steady kindness and wisdom create the conditions for Karin and Anzu to grow closer and for the community to heal. Though not a fighter, he possesses spiritual knowledge and the authority of his position, which enables him to mediate between the mundane and the supernatural. His notable ability lies in his inclusive hospitality, welcoming yokai and humans alike under his roof without judgment.