Fighting Kuchisake-onna, Shira could only conclude one thing—she just wasn't strong enough.
In terms of overall performance, her beauty score was around 80. If she could just hide the stitches on her face, she'd easily rate a 90.
As for top-tier?
That title still went to her model-tier figure—one that even surpassed Shizuka's. Her so-called "urban legend traits" really just amounted to dense resentment. Nothing too unique there.
And her purification couldn't be completed in a short time.
"When your purification is complete, you can consider moving into my apartment. Hanako's already living close to a normal human life again."
"Clinging to your identity as an urban legend won't get you anywhere."
There was no such thing as a post-nut clarity mode here.
Thanks to the Exorcist's maxed-out [Stamina] skill, dealing with something like the Slit-Mouthed Woman was easy—though a bit of physical intimidation was still necessary.
He sheathed the Holy Sword, [Totality].
The suffocating, death-like pressure gradually faded. The Slit-Mouthed Woman even felt a little relieved. If this had been a standard exorcism battle, just one swing of that Holy Sword could've spelled real trouble.
Recalling the sensation of being forcibly exorcised, she found herself oddly nostalgic. Even for a legend like her, this was a first.
"…Can I call you Master like Hanako does?"
"Not acting tough anymore?"
She quickly shook her head, answering seriously, "I still want to be purified in the most brutal way… by Master."
She had absolutely no intention of picking her coat up off the floor.
Instead, she knelt on it slowly like a cushion, raising her hips toward Shira. Licking her lips, she asked, "May I have a reward?"
"I'll take care of it."
After leaving the abandoned hospital, Shira was accompanied by a mature woman wrapped tightly in a trench coat, face hidden behind a white mask. Her face wasn't visible, but even the upper half alone qualified as beautiful.
"If I could learn Aqua's healing skills… maybe I could help fix the scars on her face. Wouldn't it make the exorcism process a lot more pleasant?"
Feeling the soft pressure of her chest on his arm, the idea came to Shira.
It really wouldn't be a bad thing—to remove those scars.
Now that the Slit-Mouthed Woman had completely mellowed out, she gave off a big-sister vibe. Even if faced with [Purification], she wouldn't resist. Instead, she'd say—
"If you want to keep going, I don't mind whatever you do."
Give a slap, then a sweet date. Shira glanced sideways at her and asked calmly, "You seem a little self-conscious about your face, don't you?"
"…"
She didn't answer, but the dim glow in her heterochromatic red-gray eyes betrayed her inner thoughts.
"Hanako and Mary have already returned to normal lives. If it really bothers you, I'll find a way to fix it. You can just act as this apartment's guardian spirit and help keep out evil spirits."
His tone was calm.
But to the Slit-Mouthed Woman, it lit a spark of hope. She blinked in surprise at the man beside her, not taking it as a joke.
She knew very well—
With that Holy Sword, Shira could've erased her in a flash. But instead of violence, he'd used his… personal holy sword?
Alright.
Now she understood why Hanako and Mary had changed so drastically. Even she was no exception.
She didn't usually smile.
Afraid her twisted mouth would make Shira dislike her, all she could do was show it through actions. She pointed toward a distant alley.
"Master… could you purify me one more time?"
By the time they returned to the apartment building, it was close to 8 PM. The long battle had finally ended, with the Slit-Mouthed Woman completely exhausted.
At the entrance—
Shira saw a familiar figure standing there: blonde-haired gyaru Yumiko in her Sobu High uniform.
The cool summer night breeze rustled her short pleated skirt. The first thing that caught his eye was her long, shapely, pale legs—not skinny, just perfectly balanced.
As for her looks—
Shira didn't need to elaborate. If not for Chitanda and Miko, Yumiko would easily make the top three beauties at school.
"Good evening."
"…Good evening, Ishikawa-kun."
She had waited for over two hours but showed no signs of impatience. Though standing so long made her a bit tired—
She realized something important during that time.
As night fell, spirits began roaming the streets. But none approached the apartment. It was like a barrier surrounded it.
That gave her much more peace of mind than being home alone.
But—
When her eyes fell on the Slit-Mouthed Woman behind Shira, all the calm vanished. Her face instantly went pale.
Her spiritual sensitivity wasn't particularly strong.
But Yumiko could clearly feel it—this was the most terrifying energy she had ever sensed.
"She's one of the apartment's guardian spirits. She won't harm you."
Noticing Yumiko's reaction, Shira gently shook his head. "There's another guardian spirit inside. That's why there are no spirits nearby."
"It's thanks to them."
He still had things to take care of. Looking at the Slit-Mouthed Woman with her gentle gaze, he said, "Go find Hanako and explain the situation."
"I've got something else to do."
"Understood, Master."
Completely obedient in both body and spirit, she nodded softly and her physical form faded away, leaving the space for the girl in front of him.
Seeing that Yumiko was a little tense, Shira smiled. "Relax. You're safe here in the apartment."
"…"
Stretching her arms, showing off a perfect silhouette, Yumiko rolled her eyes slightly. He was teasing her for no reason.
Thinking about what was about to happen…
With zero dating experience, of course she was nervous. She shook her head and muttered, "I never imagined…"
"That Ishikawa-kun would be an exorcist."
"Not only that. I can also do… other kinds of purification."
"Are we heading to your place?"
She didn't catch the innuendo. Still rubbing her sore legs, something felt off about the mood.
After a moment's hesitation—
She clung to Shira's arm and added, "I already got permission from Hiratsuka-sensei. I don't need to go to school tomorrow."
"Works for me."
The soft scent of her perfume drifted up. Shira felt it was worth caring about a girl like her. Smiling, he asked, "I'm curious…"
"When you stay out all night, your family doesn't worry?"
"My parents… they're really busy with work. I'm usually alone at home. Can you imagine how it feels to be in a quiet house… full of spirits?"
That seemed to open the floodgates.
She wasn't wearing her usual gyaru queen mask. Right now, Yumiko was just an ordinary high school girl.
They reached the rooftop terrace by elevator.
She pulled out a bottle of high-proof cocktail from her bag, opened it, and took a huge swig. It was her first time drinking—she almost teared up from the burn.
Gripping the railing with both hands—
Yumiko looked out over Chiba's nightscape, her tone a little low. "I really didn't expect… something like this would happen to me."
"You're not the only one."
Knowing what she meant, Shira shook his head. "Miko also has spiritual vision. The pressure she's under is probably worse."
That didn't seem to help.
Yumiko stared at his profile and sighed. "Ishikawa-kun...no, Shira-kun. Bringing up other girls while on a date really knocks off points."
"Who does that?"
"…"
She was still muttering when her lips were suddenly sealed. Feeling his warmth and heartbeat, her knees went a little weak.
Looking around nervously into the dark—
Her voice was soft and slightly breathy. "L-let's… go to the room."
"Sure."
After all, he was a proper exorcist. Shira figured he should respect her wishes. Gently lifting the tall girl into his arms—
Just as he was about to head inside—
She tugged lightly at his shirt. Looking up at the vast, star-filled sky—
Yumiko suddenly changed her mind.
"Actually… we can do it here too."
Her awkward tenderness gave Shira all the drive he needed. Yumiko had a genuinely sweet personality—she deserved to be treated with care.
This, too, was part of his journey in the everyday multi-world.
Apart from Hanako, Mary, and the Slit-Mouthed Woman, the only girl he truly had a complete connection with—the breeze gently stirred her hair, tickling her ear.
Looking at the exhausted Yumiko, Shira gently suggested, "Since you live alone, have you thought about moving in?"
"There are still plenty of empty rooms in the apartment. If you don't mind living with me, I wouldn't have a problem."
"Okay."
Although she wasn't sure if this was what being in love felt like, Yumiko felt an overwhelming sense of excitement looking at Shira.
He didn't talk much.
But he was actually really kind!
Blinking like a schoolgirl, she asked, "Shira-kun, I want to ask... will you have other girlfriends in the future?"
"I will."
"After all, my goal is to become a harem king!"
In front of Yumiko, the one with the purest relationship with him, Shira had no reservations about expressing his inner thoughts.
They had just shared an intimate moment.
Yumiko quickly returned to her usual self. She raised an eyebrow and tried to pinch Shira's arm, but found herself helpless.
Frustrated, she scolded, "Can't you say something nicer?"
"Scumbag!"
But in the end, she still wrapped her arms around his neck and asked with a hint of pleading, "Then at least be good to me before you find another girlfriend."
"Like..."
"Well, it's not like I'd let you take advantage of me or anything..."
In the original Oregairu story, Yumiko was portrayed in depth. Her proud tsundere persona left a strong impression. But right now, even the queen standing at the top of Sobu High's social circle looked adorable.
Shira nodded with a smile. Having spiritual awareness and seeing spirits could be troublesome, so he needed to reinforce the Purification.
Facing Yumiko, he wore a faint smile and began another exorcism.
To Yukino, today's experience would definitely be remembered as a nightmare. Encountering a ghost in the Classic Literature Club room...
If it hadn't been for Shira's instructions, she might have actually been harmed. Thankfully, she didn't face anything else so terrifying for the rest of the day.
With no intention of reading anymore, she stood at the apartment's large window, staring into the distance, her mind blank. Just like Shira had said, the world wasn't that simple...
"Maybe I was being too rash."
She always prided herself on having a clear conscience. Yet, hearing the normal conversation between Shira and Yumiko, she reflected on her earlier judgment.
With that thought, she didn't hesitate anymore. Taking out her phone, she explained her desire to apologize personally to Chitanda and asked for Shira's LINE account.
She quickly sent a friend request.
The note said "Yukinoshita." While waiting for the friend request to be accepted, she tried distracting herself by reading.
But...
Even with all the lights on in her empty apartment, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was watching her every time she turned around.
---
As the girl beside him slept, having fought the Slit-Mouthed Woman and shifted his target into the beautiful girl, Yumiko lay peacefully while Shira, exhausted from the day, finally had time to use his Holy Sword power to refine his skills.
As midnight approached, it was time for the group check-in. Shira, now with some free time, opened the Dimensional Chat Group.
[Sakurajima Mai]: So if I save up 50 points and come to your world, joining as your followers means I'll get superpowers?
[Future Holy Sword Wielder]: I'm starting to wonder if I should even keep pushing for the Holy Sword path. I have enough points now, but there are other options.
[Blue Ribbon]: That's right, Sakurajima Mai! Once you're here, I'll take great care of you.
[Aqua]: It's almost time for check-in. Is everyone here? Send a number if you're online!
[Railgun]: 1
[Asuna]: 1
[Bronze-Rank Adventurer]: 1
[Blue Ribbon]: 69
[Aqua]: I've been performing at banquets all night. By the way, where's Mistress of the Butterfly Mansion? Why haven't you popped into the chat today?
[Bronze-Rank Adventurer]: Aqua-sama, she said earlier tonight that she went on a mission with her sister. She's probably still out.
[Aqua]: It's been ages! Did they run into trouble?
[Blue Ribbon]: You're really something with your words...
[Aqua]: Whatever, doesn't matter. We should have ten people online, right? Esdeath, Busujima Saeko, and Shira...
"..."
With the group expanding, the chat was livelier than ever. Shira had no real urge to join the banter, as he had a lot to handle.
He casually skimmed the conversation. The future Holy Sword Wielder had explained that Mistress of the Butterfly Mansion had gone on a mission with her sister.
"Could it be related to the Eternal Bliss Cult?"
He had a basic grasp of the Demon Slayer world. Shinobu being this cheerful meant she hadn't yet suffered major loss.
Shira wasn't too worried.
If they were on a mission together, and knowing how the Dimensional Chat Group tends to protect its members, even if she ran into real danger...
A rescue mission would be issued.
As midnight approached, even knowing her terrible luck, Aqua still excitedly awaited check-in.
[Aqua]: There's no way I'll get just 1 point again today.
[Blue Ribbon checked in and got 11 points]
[Asuna checked in and got 7 points]
[Busujima Saeko checked in and got 13 points]
[Esdeath checked in and got 9 points]
[Aqua checked in and got... 1 point]
[Blue Ribbon]: Aqua, are you sure you're not jinxing this? You literally called it again.
[Aqua]: No way! I've only been getting 1 point for days.
[Aqua]: There's no way I'm cursed!
The relaxed vibe of the group was refreshing to Shira. As a quiet observer, he appreciated the lack of conflict.
Just as he opened the check-in screen to collect his points, a prompt popped up.
[Mistress of the Butterfly Estate is in danger. Group rescue mission activated. Participation limit: 2 members]
[Reward: 100 points]
[Do you want to join the rescue mission?]
As the rescue mission prompt appeared, the group went wild.
[Blue Ribbon]: Still think you're not cursed?
[Aqua]: ????