With the first semester nearing its end, Yui Yuigahama couldn't help but reflect on her life over these past few months of high school.
She suddenly realised something.
All of her friends seemed to have been met through Ye Xing.
Moreover, if not for the Supernatural Society he established, she wouldn't have survived her encounter with Hachishaku-sama when she was still an evil spirit.
Thinking about it carefully, Yui Yuigahama suddenly realised that she had never properly thanked Ye Xing for this.
That was terribly rude.
"Mum."
Thinking of this, Yui Yuigahama hurried to the kitchen and asked somewhat awkwardly.
"Um... I wanted to ask, do you know how to make cookies?"
"Cookies?"
Yuigahama's mother laughed.
"I do know how, but it's not Valentine's Day yet."
Yui Yuigahama's pretty face flushed bright red as she hurriedly waved her hands to explain.
"Giri... they're giri chocolates!"
"Oh, really?"
Yuigahama's mother wore an expression of seeing through without exposing it, covering her mouth with a light laugh.
"I'll teach you how to make it after your final exams are over. These next couple of days, you need to focus seriously on your revision."
Yui Yuigahama pouted and muttered under her breath.
"I know."
"And another thing."
At this point, Yuigahama's mother suddenly adopted a very serious expression.
"Don't go out much in the evenings recently. Haven't you seen that news report? There's a madman who's committed a series of murders and arranged the victims to look like teru teru bōzu dolls. You're a high school girl too, so you need to be careful, understand?"
"Yes, I understand."
...
Meanwhile, at Saki Kawasaki's home.
"Sis."
Saki Kawasaki, who was busy making cosplay costumes, heard the voice at the door and responded without even looking up.
"Yes, come in."
"Okay"
Keika Kawasaki opened the door and entered the room. Watching her sister working intently, she suddenly asked:
"Sis, I want to ask you a question."
Although Saki Kawasaki appeared to outsiders as a cold, delinquent, violent girl, she was extremely gentle with her younger sister.
Hearing her sister's question, she immediately stopped what she was doing, looked up, and showed a gentle smile.
"What is it, Keika?"
"Sis, what's your opinion about Mask?"
Hearing her younger sister ask such a question, Saki Kawasaki frowned slightly, thought for a while, then shook her head.
"What opinion could I have? They're a criminal."
Then, before Keika Kawasaki could speak, Saki quickly changed the direction of the conversation.
"But, this Mask saved us last time. I don't think they're some kind of righteous hero, but personally speaking, I'm still very grateful to them."
"I see."
Keika Kawasaki nodded noncommittally, then asked curiously again:
"Then what kind of person should a hero be in your opinion, sis?"
"The hero in my mind..."
Even when facing her young sister's question, Saki Kawasaki had no intention of giving a perfunctory answer. After thinking very seriously, she finally replied:
"Someone who helps others solve their difficulties... and brings people's hearts together... that would be a hero... right?"
For some reason, as Saki spoke, Ye Xing's figure appeared in her mind, which was why her tone became somewhat hesitant at the end.
Just then.
Keika Kawasaki seemed to see through her thoughts and asked innocently:
"Then do you think Big Brother is a hero, sis?"
"Eh?"
Saki Kawasaki was taken aback, her pretty face slightly red as she said quietly:
"He has indeed helped me a lot, and without asking for anything in return. If I had to define it, he really is a hero."
"Oh~"
Hearing her sister draw out the word with a meaningful tone, Saki blushed and warned:
"Don't go saying random things in front of him, okay? Let's just keep this between us."
"Okay"
Keika Kawasaki first responded obediently, then asked with an innocent expression:
"Then sis, will you date Big Brother?"
"This... this..."
Saki Kawasaki blushed bright red and instinctively wanted to give a negative answer.
But looking into her younger sister's innocent eyes, she couldn't bring herself to lie. In the end, she could only nervously twist the corner of her clothes and speak in an awkward, quiet voice.
"Th-that depends on him... I... I don't mind either way."
"Then there's no problem."
Keika Kawasaki wore an expression full of confidence.
She was quite confident in her sister's appearance, plus her sister actually had a good personality - she just didn't show it around others.
The young Keika Kawasaki had decided on one thing.
She would definitely make the hero, Masked Knight, part of their family.
...
Time flew by, and soon it was Friday.
In Shoko Makinohara's room at Kyoto Municipal Hospital.
"Everyone's here today."
A small smile appeared on Shoko Makinohara's face when she saw Mai Sakurajima and the others.
"Please, everyone, make yourselves comfortable."
After spending this time together, she had become quite close with Mai Sakurajima, Miko Yotsuya, and Rio Futaba.
After all, Shoko Makinohara could now be certain that although they called themselves exorcists, they held no hostility whatsoever toward Menma, who had never harmed a human.
Living alone in the hospital, she often felt lonely.
Being able to chat with Mai Sakurajima and the others had become a rare moment of relaxation in her daily routine.
Of course, today there were more than just those three.
Hina Amano and Ye Xing had also come to the hospital.
All members of the Supernatural Society with special abilities had gathered here.
The purpose was simple.
To distribute equipment.
"These are five spiritual objects gifted to us by the Nura Clan..."
Hearing Ye Xing's description, Miko Yotsuya stuck out her tongue and muttered quietly.
"Gifted? More like you extorted them, right?"
"Then don't take any."
"In that case, I never said anything. They were gifted."
After spending so much time with Ye Xing, Miko had mastered the art of quick changes in attitude.
"Just divide these among yourselves however you like."
Ye Xing picked up a small cardboard box and took out the five spiritual objects inside.
Three strings of prayer beads, two jade pendants.
These were spiritual objects of a slightly higher grade than the long sword given by Oda Noto, capable of keeping ordinary evil spirits at bay.
However, they were only marginally better.
It wasn't that Ye Xing was holding back.
Rather, most items from the Nura Clan were intended for yokai use, and their effects were primarily geared towards slaying yokai.
These five spiritual objects were already the most practical ones on the list, carefully selected after repeated deliberation by Oda Noto.
As for why accessories were chosen over weapons?
The reason was simple.
Famous blades like Onimaru Kunitsuna, which had awakened spiritual intelligence, were truly rare and hard to come by.
They couldn't be used immediately just by obtaining them.
After all, Miko Yotsuya and the others weren't like Ye Xing; they didn't possess the strength to make such renowned blades submit directly.
Without synergy with the blade itself, using it would feel extremely awkward—far better to rely on their own Soul Materialisation abilities for combat.
Ye Xing was pondering.
Miko Yotsuya also favoured a long sword fighting style.
He needed to figure out a way to "return" one to her from somewhere.
After distributing the spiritual objects, Rio Futaba glanced at Menma, who was sitting on the edge of the hospital bed, her pale feet dangling in the air, wearing a dazed and innocent expression.
The other showed no unusual reaction.
It seemed Menma and Hachishaku-sama were fundamentally different entities.
Menma had been human before her death; after becoming a spectre, she held no hostility towards humans.
Considering the reaction of Miko's father's spirit when Ye Xing brought the long sword given by Oda Noto to her home...
Such benign spectres couldn't sense the intimidation emitted by spiritual objects.
After the distribution, everyone moved to the adjacent hospital room.
"Speaking of which..."
Rio Futaba adjusted her glasses, her brow furrowed tightly.
"This can't go on like this."
Miko Yotsuya knew what she was referring to and nodded, her golden eyes equally filled with worry.
"But..."
"No buts."
Rio Futaba waved her hand dismissively, speaking calmly.
"If we can't come up with a solution, we'll have to give up."
Rio Futaba's meaning was straightforward.
It was impossible to have three psychics stationed indefinitely at Kyoto City Hospital just to protect Shoko Makinohara alone.
In truth, Mai Sakurajima and Miko Yotsuya had already realised this.
However, they couldn't completely set aside their personal emotions and view the issue purely from a rational perspective, as Rio Futaba did.
The current situation was quite simple.
Bizarre incidents in Kyoto City were still occurring continuously, and most of the evil spirits emerging from the Reverse World hadn't yet shown themselves.
Although Miko and the others were psychics, they were still human, and their abilities had limits.
By guarding Shoko Makinohara here, they were missing the chance to eliminate several evil spirits.
Over time, this would accumulate to dozens, hundreds, even thousands.
Then, it would trigger a larger-scale supernatural disaster.
Weighing the safety of one person, Shoko Makinohara, against the safety of the entire Kyoto City—which was more important?
This question now lay before the members of the Supernatural Society.
"Ye Xing, what do you think?"
Hearing Rio Futaba's question, Ye Xing replied with complete indifference.
"It doesn't matter, just do whatever you want to do. Protecting Kyoto's safety isn't our mandatory obligation; don't morally pressure yourself. We're not Spider-Man either - there's no such thing as 'with great power comes great responsibility'."
Rio Futaba and the others weren't surprised by this answer.
A typical Ye Xing-style response.
"However, what he said makes sense."
Mai Sakurajima pursed her lips and spoke slowly.
"Others' expectations, and your own desire to respond to those expectations, can sometimes become chains that bind you. Taking action to protect Kyoto - there's nothing wrong with that."
"But don't let it affect your true feelings."
Mai Sakurajima had experienced dilemmas similar to those the Supernatural Society members were facing now.
When she chose to leave the entertainment industry, many fanatical fans caused huge uproars online, making it seem like the sky was falling.
At that time, Mai Sakurajima had also doubted whether her decision was correct.
But now?
The sky hasn't fallen.
"Yes, I understand what Mai-senpai means."
Rio Futaba, the Supernatural Society's strategist, spoke slowly.
"So I'm not suggesting we abandon the plan to protect Shoko Makinohara."
"Rather, we should choose to take the initiative."
Miko Yotsuya murmured: "Take the initiative..."
"Exactly."
Rio Futaba adjusted her glasses.
"This evil spirit is clearly the cunning type. Ever since Ye Xing eliminated its underlings last time, there haven't been any abnormalities at Kyoto Municipal Hospital recently."
Here, Rio Futaba suddenly changed her tone.
"But evil spirits are still evil spirits - we can lure them out."
"You mean..."
Everyone's gaze turned to Hachishaku-sama, who was squatting in the corner holding a carton of milk, sipping it slowly and looking utterly adorable.
Sensing the attention, she showed a nervous expression and made a confused sound.
"Huh?"
...
That night, at midnight.
A tall white figure flashed through the corridor of Kyoto Municipal Hospital.
On her shoulder, she carried a petite girl.
Hachishaku-sama adjusted her sun hat, putting on a ferocious expression as if she was about to feast heartily, carrying Shoko Makinohara all the way out of the hospital.
Contrary to her vicious appearance.
Hachishaku-sama felt quite helpless at this moment.
She thought to herself that she'd been rather unlucky recently.
First, she faced an identity crisis.
Then, even though it was already late at night during her rest time, she still had to work overtime.
And not the kind of overtime she particularly enjoyed with her boss Ye Xing, but rather carrying a little girl while running around in the dead of night.
"Are you uncomfortable?"
Hearing Hachishaku-sama's question, Shoko Makinohara, who was being carried on her shoulder, shook her head and smiled sweetly.
"No, I'm fine. Hachishaku-sama's body is very soft."
"That's good, just bear with it a little longer."
Hachishaku-sama carried Shoko Makinohara all the way out of the Kyoto Municipal Hospital area.
And in the darkness beyond the reach of the streetlights, dozens of bloodshot eyes fixed their gaze on her.
...
Hachishaku-sama, carrying Shoko Makinohara, ran all the way to a construction site two kilometres away before finally stopping.
"This should be far enough."
Hachishaku-sama muttered to herself, then set Shoko Makinohara down, lowering her voice as she spoke.
"Don't be scared, Shoko-chan. It's just acting."
"Yes, don't worry, Hachishaku-san."
Shoko Makinohara's personality was remarkably mature and gentle, quite different from others her age.
Precisely because of this, when they learned that doctors had diagnosed her with congenital heart disease and determined she wouldn't get a new heart—likely not even surviving to junior high school age—Mai Sakurajima and the others felt particularly sorrowful.
Such an understanding and gentle girl shouldn't meet the tragic fate of dying young before she even had the chance to grow up.
But they were merely psychics, not omnipotent gods, and had no solution for this situation.
Hachishaku-sama nodded, then opened her lips wide, making a biting motion as she moved toward Shoko Makinohara's body.
Just as her teeth were about to make contact with Shoko Makinohara's skin, dozens of pairs of crimson-glowing eyes suddenly emerged from the surrounding darkness.
Thump!
A tentacle, resembling that of an octopus, extended from the darkness.
Hachishaku-sama reacted swiftly, immediately pulling Shoko Makinohara behind her and slapping the tentacle away with one hand.
Shedding her usual dazed and cute demeanour, she narrowed her eyes slightly, staring directly at the dozens of pairs of eyes in the darkness as she sneered coldly.
"Hmph, so you took the bait after all?"
When it came to evil spirits, they could be complex, yet also quite simple.
Hachishaku once thought she was an evil spirit herself, so she understood her kind all too well.
The thing evil spirits found most intolerable was having their prey taken and eaten by another evil spirit.
To this long-lurking evil spirit, Hachishaku-sama's act of taking Shoko Makinohara out of Kyoto Municipal Hospital was clearly an attempt to steal its prey.
Finally, it could no longer restrain itself.
Under the pale moonlight, Hachishaku-sama and Shoko Makinohara could see that the owners of those crimson eyes were evil spirits dressed in white coats like doctors, stained with blood.
Another portion wore nurse uniforms, their entire forms somewhat distorted, appearing to be female evil spirits.
And behind this group of evil spirits was something that made one feel nauseous just looking at it.
The head was that of a normal person—a bald middle-aged man wearing gold-rimmed glasses.
But beneath his suit, dozens of twisted, octopus-like tentacles extended, while his lower body was a squirming mass of flesh, scraping against the gravel with a disgusting sound.
"That is... my prey."
The bald middle-aged man's eyeballs extended directly from their sockets, connected by thin tentacles.
He stared intently at Hachishaku-sama and Shoko Makinohara, his voice distorted and mad.
"You two... are both my prey!"
"How pitiful."
Facing encirclement by dozens of evil spirits, Hachishaku-sama merely shook her head, her gaze toward the leading monster even showing a hint of pity.
"You still don't understand just how terrifying the person you're about to encounter will be."
As Hachishaku-sama's words faded, Menma's voice, filled with rage, echoed from the periphery.
"You creatures, daring to try and harm Shoko... this is absolutely unforgivable!"
The monster that had fused with the director of Kyoto Municipal Hospital turned to see Menma, whom it also regarded as prey, slowly approaching alongside four humans who appeared to be high school students.
"So this is what we're dealing with..."
Mai Sakurajima's face showed disgust as she looked at the evil spirit's twisted body.
"Let's finish this quickly."
Ye Xing sat down nearby with a laugh.
"This one isn't too strong. I'll leave it to you for practice."
Rio Futaba, Miko Yotsuya, and Mai Sakurajima all nodded simultaneously, each calling out their soul's true name.
"Open your eyes, Hyakume."
"Tear away the disguise, Bone Woman."
"Break free from restraints, Suzuhiko-hime."