}}
The '''Youkai Nation''' ('''妖怪国''', ''youkai-koku'', alternatively '''妖怪の国''', ''youkai no kuni'', the Nation of Youkai) is a major faction in the Mazes. The Youkai Nation claims a number of towns, intersections, and roads as their exclusive territory, separate from the rest of the world and what they refer to as "human interference". The territory claimed encompasses all of the Northeastern Zone, plus the towns of [[Aosaidan]] (NZ) and [[Masatomo]] (EZ). In total, the Youkai Nation controls 7 towns and 2 intersections.
== Organization ==
[[File:Youkai Nation logo.png|thumb|right|Monochrome symbol of the Youkai Nation]]
As a faction, the term ''Youkai Nation'' largely refers to its armed forces, called ''Activist cells''. The exact amount of [[activist fighter|fighters]] and cells at the Youkai Nation's disposal is not known but is estimated to be between 1500 and 2000 operatives.
Two named cells are known to the public:
* '''Task Force "Mind's Eye"''' ('''作戦部隊 「心眼」''', ''sakusen butai 「shingan」''): Activist cell located in [[Yurai]], acting as the command cell; effectively in control of the entire faction. Exact size is unknown, but known members include [[Satoshi Sangi]] (faction leader), [[Daiki Haraguchi]], [[Sayu Tawara]], and [[Yuriko Hirota]] (trusted lieutenants).
* '''Task Force "Divine Edge"''' ('''作戦部隊 「神刃」''', ''sakusen butai 「kamujin」「kamijin」''): Activist cell located in [[Mippei Yosai]], acting as the local Town Security, known to operate a business or establishment called the Training Center ('''講習会場''', ''koushuukaiba''), where new activist fighters are recruited and trained.
== Purpose ==
Officially, the role of activist fighters is to fulfill the job of the [[Maze Military|Military]] but only and specifically within their claimed territory; keeping the UA routes between their towns and intersections free of monsters and other critters. In this regard, they act as a defense force.
The [[Maze Military]] and [[Maze Police]] officially do not recognize the legitimacy of the Youkai Nation. The Police's official stance is passive, considering that towns controlled by the Youkai Nation are under the control of a an "criminal independent organization," and therefore not entitled to receive police coverage. The Military's stance, however, is a more aggressive one; they view the Youkai Nation's existence as illegitimate and a threat to the Mazes at large, and considers the destruction of the Nation one of their primary objectives.
== History ==
* [[Activist squadleader]]
[[LocationsTowns]]:
* Major: [[Yurai]], [[Mippei Yosai]]
* Other: [[Aosaidan]], [[Echizen]], [[Kazama]], [[Kijirou]], [[Masatomo]], [[List of intersections|Intersection 02, Intersection 03]]
[[Category:Factions]]
[[Category:Youkai Nation]]