Chapter 83: Operation Starts, Futaba Rio's Unconcealable Problem
Rio tore open a bag of potato chips, picked one up with her slender jade-like fingers, and asked while eating.
"So, which infiltration method should we choose? Through an existing 'Door' into the museum, or have Hachishaku create a temporary 'Door' here, then move in the Otherworld and appear directly at a place closer to the museum?"
Yoru picked up the ice-cold Coca-Cola, took a big swig, and then answered slowly.
"The second one."
Hearing this, Rio pushed her glasses frame and said thoughtfully.
"Mmhmm... this is indeed the safest way and won't leave any clues for the police. But the premise is that we can retreat flawlessly after taking Onimaru Kunitsuna."
As she spoke, Rio took out a map and placed it on the table, smoothed it out with her hand, and pointed to the three black circles marked on it.
"Currently in Kyoto, we know of only these three existing 'Doors'."
Immediately after, her slender white index finger pointed to one of the black circles labeled 'A'.
"This 'Door' is the closest to the Kyoto City Museum. But according to Miko's Hyakume, the danger level is at least B-rank or above, and it is nearly two kilometers away from the museum."
Rio hadn't communicated the specific plan for taking Onimaru Kunitsuna with Miko and Yui.
It wasn't that she didn't trust them.
It was just that the plan Yoru came up with was too fantastic, even for spirit mediums.
Two kilometers.
Normally, it would take a little over twenty minutes to walk slowly.
But after Onimaru Kunitsuna is taken, the Kyoto City Museum's alarm is triggered, and the police send people to surround it...
Rio couldn't imagine the danger they would face in these short two kilometers.
Calling it a hail of bullets would be no exaggeration.
"If you have already decided, I won't question it, but..."
Rio took off her glasses, rubbed her brows, looked at Yoru, and said in a heavy tone.
"I know you are confident in your strength, but this isn't exorcism, nor is it those amateur kidnappers you faced before. It's a police force armed with heavy weapons. The danger factor is simply too high. Won't you reconsider?"
Yoru waved his hand and smiled.
"No worries, I have my ways."
Rio sighed helplessly, massaging her forehead. She looked at Hachishaku-sama, who was occupying a large sofa by herself, sipping a box of milk with her tall figure.
"Hachishaku, what do you think?"
"Eh? Asking me?"
Hachishaku reluctantly put down the milk box in her hand, looking innocent and ignorant.
"I actually... don't understand what you are talking about. Can I continue drinking?"
Rio discovered that after awakening the ability of Soul Manifestation, even when Hachishaku wasn't using the power of the "Door," she could see her and communicate with her.
Just like Miko.
Rio speculated that this was because after awakening Soul Manifestation, she became a person wandering between two worlds.
In terms of Quantum Mechanics.
It meant that she now possessed the conditions to "Cognize" at any time.
Combined with Sakurajima Mai's Adolescence Syndrome case, Rio judged that although these two events didn't belong to the same category, some principles were connected.
Did people who couldn't see Mai really not see her?
Or could they actually see her but couldn't "Cognize" her existence?
Just like the human brain subconsciously ignored irrelevant information in the field of vision to maintain normal operation.
Ordinary people couldn't see evil spirits because they didn't have the ability to resist those bizarre things, so out of survival instinct, the body chose "Unable to Observe."
After awakening the ability of Soul Manifestation, one transformed from a human prey unilaterally hunted by evil spirits to a "Hunter" capable of confronting evil spirits, standing on equal or even higher ground in the food chain.
Self-change bringing about changes in "Cognition."
Rio could only draw this many conclusions for now.
Perhaps after collecting more intelligence, one day she could analyze the truth of the existence of the Otherworld and those bizarre things.
Not for any special reason.
Rio just disliked having unknown doubts, that was all.
"Don't drink yet, talking business."
"Oh."
Hearing Rio's scolding, Hachishaku-sama, who had just picked up the milk box, responded aggrievedly and put it back.
Mentally, this Great Yokai was just like a simple little girl.
Rio was also curious about how Hachishaku was born.
Was she formed from the souls of people who died with strong obsessions like evil spirits and ghosts?
Didn't seem like it; Hachishaku had no obsessions and communicated normally.
The more she contacted it, the more Rio felt there were too many questions waiting for answers in the other world.
She shook her head, pulling back her thoughts that were about to stray out of bounds, looked at Hachishaku, and said seriously.
"Are you sure you can create a 'Door' that lasts for at least two hours?"
"Mmhmm, I'm sure."
Hachishaku nodded repeatedly and replied hurriedly.
"As long as it is in an area without spiritual items, my power won't be suppressed. If in the physical world, the maintenance limit is three hours. If my main body is in the Otherworld, I can constantly replenish power, reaching about five hours."
The most critical part of the plan was that Hachishaku must maintain the "Door" she created.
At least for two hours.
This was not only the starting point of the plan but also the safe point for the return trip through the Otherworld after taking Onimaru Kunitsuna.
Rio nodded noncommittally.
"But what you said should be under the condition of no external interference. After Yoru, Miko, and I leave, if evil spirits attack, can you ensure the maintenance of the 'Door'?"
"This..."
Hachishaku looked timid and stood up abruptly, making a very standard ninety-degree bow.
"Sorry, I'm too useless!"
Rio looked speechless and glanced at Yoru beside her.
"Look at you, what have you tortured this person... spirit into?"
"Don't talk nonsense."
Yoru looked righteous.
"With Hachishaku's figure and looks, if it were an exorcist in some other works, she would have become an RBQ (Sex Slave) already. Only with a professional exorcist like me, who is upright, focused, and of noble character, does she have such good treatment."
Rio narrowed her eyes slightly, looking skeptical on her face, but pondered carefully in her heart.
You don't say, what Yoru said actually makes sense.
A first-year high school boy, in the prime of his youth.
Although Hachishaku was an evil spirit, her appearance wasn't much different from humans. Her features were correct and beautiful, her figure curvy and voluptuous, and she had a pure temperament of being unworldly and pitiable.
Just taller than ordinary people.
Maybe in some boys' eyes, this was a bonus point.
Facing such a beautiful evil spirit who obeyed him and was submissive, a normal boy might really do something...
You know what I mean.
Thinking of this, Rio asked skeptically.
"Could it be you think Hachishaku isn't good-looking enough? Not meeting your aesthetic standards?"
"Not really."
Hearing Yoru's denial, a look of hope suddenly flashed in Hachishaku's eyes.
However, the next sentence he said scared her already pale face even paler.
"As a professional exorcist, how could I Pa Pa Pa (have sex) with food?"
The air in the room fell silent.
Rio looked complicated, not knowing how to respond to this.
She realized that although they were all spirit mediums, Yoru had a most significant difference from her and Miko.
That was, in his eyes, evil spirits had the attributes of food and prey. Spirits like Hachishaku and the god seen at the shrine just had an extra tool attribute.
He didn't treat these spirits as people at all.
It sounded normal.
Evil spirits were evil spirits, humans were humans; they were distinct.
But facing an evil spirit like Hachishaku-sama, who possessed thinking ability and wisdom, had a soft personality, and spent time with them day and night, Rio really couldn't say such astonishing words in such a calm tone like Yoru.
Perhaps this was one of the essential qualities of a professional exorcist?
"Seems we can only do as you said."
Rio sighed slightly.
Even Hachishaku herself wasn't sure she could use the power of the "Door" inside her under the suppression of those spiritual items in the Kyoto City Museum.
In that case, better follow Yoru's plan.
It was better than everyone entering the Otherworld through existing "Doors," leaving traces for the police, and then finding out Hachishaku couldn't open a "Door" after taking Onimaru Kunitsuna, eventually having to break out of the encirclement—losing on both ends.
The Goat-Headed God at the shrine signed a contract with Yoru.
If Yui, Miko, Rio, or Hana encountered an evil spirit, that guy must appear immediately to help.
Even though Yui couldn't see the existence of evil spirits, she could still trigger the contract conditions, which was equivalent to adding insurance.
As for Rio and Miko participating in the action, this was proposed by Rio herself, and Yoru didn't refuse.
After facing her true self and awakening the ability of Soul Manifestation, Rio made up her mind.
In the future, she would never hide her thoughts again, nor would she disguise herself.
Speaking her mind—that was her, Futaba Rio's, Ninja Way!
Rio and Miko knew their current strength was still weak compared to Yoru.
But as long as they became stronger, one day, they could become his aid just like Yoru helped them.
For this, any opportunity for actual combat shouldn't be missed.
Nervous?
Rio and Miko were definitely nervous.
After all, this was a major event of stealing a handed-down famous sword that would cause a sensation across Sakura Prefecture.
But...
Deep down, there seemed to be a bit of inexplicable excitement?
Taking a handed-down famous sword like Onimaru Kunitsuna under heavy encirclement...
So exciting.
.....
Amidst intermittent chatting, the time reached 5:00 AM.
Hearing the phone alarm, Yoru stood up from the sofa and waved his hand.
"Time's up. Phantom Thieves, move out!" (Note: Persona 5 reference).
"Phantom Thieves?"
Rio adjusted her glasses and retorted accurately.
"Aren't we called the Supernatural Investigation Squad?"
Yoru waved his hand and explained with a smile.
"That's for exorcism. We are going to return the item to its original owner this time, so of course we need a more fitting title."
"'Return to original owner', as expected of you."
"Of course. A powerful spiritual item like Onimaru Kunitsuna, which allows ordinary people to slay evil demons, should rightfully belong to our Super-Quant Club."
Yoru looked matter-of-fact.
"The Kyoto City Museum actually stole our sword. It's too outrageous. We must return it to its original owner!"
Yui, Miko, and Rio looked helpless hearing these outrageous words.
Good grief.
Not only do you not admit stealing, but you even turn the tables.
Claiming the Kyoto City Museum stole your sword.
Good, good, good. As expected of Yoru.
"Be safe."
Yui clenched her hands and smiled sweetly.
"When you come back, I should have breakfast ready for you as a celebration feast."
"No problem."
Yoru nodded with a smile and added.
"I'm not very hungry, just cook for Rio and Miko."
Rio took off her glasses, tied her hair into a ponytail again, and said calmly.
"I am indeed quite curious about Yui's cooking skills. After all, you look like the type who is very good at cooking."
Yoru clapped his hands in approval on the side.
"You don't say, you guessed right. Yui Yuigahama's cooking is superb. Guaranteed you'll never forget it once you eat it."
"That exaggerated?"
Rio raised an eyebrow, looking at Yui with a smile.
"Since Yoru gave such a high evaluation, I'm indeed looking forward to it."
Yui looked confident and assured.
"Don't worry, I prepared a secret recipe this time!"
Listening to their conversation, Miko frowned, an ominous premonition arising in her heart.
Last time, Yui came to her house to cook.
Her mother didn't explicitly say how it was.
But when Miko returned home that night, she found the iron wok Yui used for cooking had been thrown away.
What kind of taste did the dish have to make her usually frugal mother throw away the wok?
Actually, Miko was a bit curious.
How bad can it be?
Just endure it and it will pass. No matter what, she had to finish the food cooked by her friend personally.
Miko didn't know yet.
What kind of great terror she would face two hours later.
"Phantom Thieves, move out!"
As Yoru's voice fell, Hachishaku-sama used her own power to create a temporarily maintained "Door" in the living room of Rio's home.
Watching the figures of Yoru, Miko, and Rio slowly disappear, Yui, with a gentle smile still on her face, sighed softly.
"As expected..."
"I can't do anything."
....
On the other side, in the Otherworld.
Rio looked at the dark red moon outside the window, then examined the layout of the living room, murmuring.
"This Otherworld is exactly the same as the human world in every place except for evil spirits, including the smallest details. How exactly was it created..."
"Stop being curious, do business first."
"What business?"
Yoru looked at Rio, then glanced at Miko beside her, and said calmly.
"Is there a clothing store or something near your house? Change clothes."
Rio froze, then nodded slightly.
"Indeed, must change clothes."
The enemies they would encounter this time were different from evil spirits.
Last time Yoru went to the Kyoto Municipal Kindergarten, he also changed into an outfit that made it impossible for the police to judge his identity.
To leave no trace, of course, they couldn't buy in the real world.
Anyway, zero-dollar shopping in the Otherworld was a wonderful thing.
....
Ten minutes later, inside a light luxury women's clothing store on the street.
Miko's outfit was simple.
A white, slim-fit tracksuit that didn't hinder movement, plus a long light-colored trench coat, and a white mask covering the whole face with a few patterns carved on it.
Similar to Yoru's outfit back then. Covering the whole body, only revealing eyes and hair. Plus Miko's figure was tall; it was hard to distinguish gender from appearance alone.
"Um... Miko, come in and help me."
Hearing Rio calling her from the fitting room, Miko ran over immediately and pushed open the door.
"What's wrong?"
Rio stood in front of the full-length mirror. On her usually calm and composed face, panic appeared rarely, looking like she wanted to cry.
She turned around, pursing her lips.
"What to do? I really can't hide it."
Looking at a certain very obvious part of Rio that couldn't be covered no matter what, Miko looked speechless.
So after all that, it's this matter?
Hehe...
I don't have such troubles.
Why do I suddenly feel a bit sad?
However, this was indeed a very serious problem.
Miko's figure wasn't flat; compared to high school girls of the same age, she could even be considered above average.
But as long as she wore a sports bra with good binding effect, plus the cover of the tracksuit and coat, she could make it completely invisible to others.
But Rio...
Can't hide it. Really can't hide it.
It's about to explode.
Actually, this wasn't a big problem, but for the perfectionist Rio, being identifiable as female from appearance alone was already a failed disguise.
Unexpectedly, the first operation of the Phantom Thieves encountered such a problem.
Wearing too many clothes affected movement; wearing too few couldn't cover it.
"Hiss... what to do about this..."
Miko looked troubled and said carefully.
"How about... asking the magical Yoru?"
"Th... This..."
Rio wanted to shake her head and refuse, but looking at her scale that couldn't be covered no matter what, the sense of responsibility to complete the operation finally overcame the shyness in her heart. She bit her silver teeth and nodded.
"Alright."
Miko immediately turned around and called out softly to outside the fitting room.
"Yoru, come in for a sec."