If only Akiko was more forward she could've tried to drive the kegare away with that staff-thing with the bells. Akiko needs some killer instinct. See kegare - <i>destroy</i> kegare!

And given how many kegare Mr Wakabayashi carries around with him, shouldn't they insist that he participate in a cleansing ceremony before they are willing to negotiate? Perhaps after such a ceremony he wouldn't want to buy the land after all?

Not that he'd want to participate, but if he's just a ruthless businessman afflicted by kegare, perhaps he might do it if it's the quickest way to get a deal? Though if he's more than just a ruthless businessman, if he's aware of his kegare and is set on destroying Tamao, then I guess he would definitely not want to participate.