"Anyway, our club is full of oddballs," Ye Xing continued, observing Miko's despondent expression before smoothly changing the subject.
"That's precisely why, in this club of eccentrics, we need someone to serve as our image ambassador - to reassure hesitant students when they submit supernatural incident reports."
Ye Xing had given this careful consideration.
Among the current three members: himself - no need to explain, normal people wouldn't approach him voluntarily.
Miko's external image was that of an expressionless, coldly distant girl who seemed unapproachable.
As for Rio Futaba...
She could analyse information well enough, but actually talking to people?
Better not even consider it.
Yui Yuigahama was completely different.
She possessed a special quality - whether you'd call it natural airheadedness or adorable cluelessness - combined with her cheerful personality and cute appearance.
Conversations with Yuigahama always felt effortless.
Since the club's purpose was information gathering about supernatural incidents, Ye Xing naturally wanted as many student reports as possible.
The sunny, outgoing Yuigahama would serve as the bridge connecting their group of oddballs with the student body.
"Eh? Really? I can do that? Great!" Yuigahama agreed without hesitation, nodding enthusiastically.
Yui Yuigahama was a kind girl.
Her kindness was the sort that always put others before herself.
The reason for joining the Supernatural Quantum Mechanics Research Society didn't require considering what she could gain from it.
The fact that Ye Xing and Miko Yotsuya needed her was reason enough.
"OK, welcome aboard."
Ye Xing clapped his hands together suddenly.
"In that case, as members of this special supernatural investigation team, we should all have codenames!"
"Codenames?"
"Ooh!"
Yui Yuigahama's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"I don't really get it, but it sounds... kinda cool!"
Miko could only shake her head at the sight.
Was Ye Xing's abstract syndrome becoming contagious?
Stop right there, Yui!
This is a one-way ticket to madness!
"Then it's decided - your codename is Dango!"
"Dango?"
"Right! Because of your hair buns. Dango for short!"
"OK!"
Then Ye Xing turned to the exasperated-looking Miko.
"Your codename is Crybaby!"
"I refuse."
Miko's expression was one of complete rejection.
"If we're having codenames, I'll choose my own."
"Fine, think of one yourself."
"Er..."
Miko froze.
Had she just walked into a trap?
If he'd simply told her to choose a codename, Miko would likely have refused outright.
How had this suddenly become about her choosing her own codename?
Ye Xing nodded smugly, as if this was exactly what he'd expected.
Lu Xun once said:
Human nature loves compromise.
For example, if you tell Miko Yotsuya she needs a codename, she'll refuse.
But if you first suggest calling her Crybaby, she'll compromise by demanding the right to choose her own.
Lu Xun: I never... actually, that does sound like something I'd say.
"My codename then... hm... it should be inconspicuous but usable in public... how about... Esper."
After deciding her codename, Miko turned the question back.
"What about yours?"
Facing the curious gazes of Yui Yuigahama and Miko, Ye Xing solemnly declared:
"My codename is Butter Shooter!"
Both girls: "..."
Leaving aside the complete meaninglessness of this codename...
Why did it sound like something straight out of Western fantasy?
"Let's just forget about codenames."
Miko didn't dare let Ye Xing choose his own.
She knew him too well.
Left to his own devices, who knew what nonsense he'd come up with?
The codename might belong to Ye Xing.
But it would be her and Yui who'd have to use it.
"Your codename is Captain."
Ye Xing nodded slightly.
"Fine by me. Better than 'Bossman'."
With codenames settled, Ye Xing assigned specific roles to each member of their supernatural investigation team.
Yui Yuigahama would be their diplomat, communicating with students who wanted to report supernatural incidents and gathering intelligence.
Any cases she accepted would be verified by Miko Yotsuya, who would eliminate any actual evil spirits on site.
Of course.
Ye Xing had also considered that Miko Yotsuya's current abilities were still too weak.
He assigned his best employee—his only employee, Hachishaku-sama—to her side, ensuring Miko would safely navigate her novice phase. By continuously feeding evil spirits to Hyakume, she would gradually grow into a capable tool... no, exorcist.
As for codenames, though they were a spur-of-the-moment idea from Ye Xing, they weren't entirely born of chuunibyou tendencies. When outsiders were present and open discussion was inconvenient, simply mentioning a codename would signal to the others that supernatural matters needed addressing—effectively serving as a cypher.
Chuunibyou?
Absolutely.
As for Ye Xing himself, he took charge of handling the high-risk Gates that Miko couldn't yet manage, as well as visiting his favourite all-you-can-eat buffet every night—Reverse World Kyoto—to indulge to his heart's content.
...
A peaceful week passed swiftly.
"Finally, the weekend," Yui Yuigahama stretched lazily with a long yawn.
But as she approached the corner of the classroom, she spotted Miko Yotsuya with a grave expression, pointing at her phone screen while speaking to Ye Xing.
Curious, Yui glanced over and saw a breaking news livestream on the screen, the reporter's voice audible through the speakers.
"Currently, 450 students, 25 teachers, and dozens of staff members at Kyoto Municipal Kindergarten are trapped inside the school premises."
"Police are negotiating with the hostage-takers. Reliable sources indicate there are around 20 assailants, all armed with firearms and other heavy weaponry, and reportedly in an unstable mental state."
"To ensure the safety of those inside, authorities have yet to attempt a forceful intervention."
In the livestream, all Yui could see was the kindergarten's entrance gate and the empty playground with its various facilities.
But as a psychic, Miko could see it clearly—on that playground, a Gate stood half-open.
"What should we do?"
Seeing Miko's furrowed brow and anxious expression, Ye Xing rose to his feet, stretching lazily with a yawn before grinning.
"Need you even ask?"
"Not letting a single evil spirit escape is my guiding principle."