Hearing Futaba's words, the two non-special ability members among them - Kazusa Touma and Yui Yuigahama - both wore thoughtful expressions.
Dango's resolve hadn't changed from the beginning.
She loved the Supernatural Society, its members, and this atmosphere of working together towards a common goal.
To stay here permanently, she needed to become a true psychic.
Kazusa Touma also wanted to awaken Soul Materialisation, but for reasons completely different from Yuigahama's.
She wasn't particularly close to the members of the Supernatural Society.
Even now, Touma couldn't remember the society's long, peculiar name.
She simply wanted to stay with Ye Xing.
If she could become a psychic too, they could be together, whether at school, during club activities, or when fighting evil spirits.
This was tremendously tempting for Touma.
After organising the new understanding of Soul Materialisation gained through Mai's awakening, Futaba continued her analysis.
"Regarding the Kyoto Municipal Hospital incident..."
She looked at Ye Xing leaning against the railing, frowning slightly.
"Are you certain there was only that one evil spirit?"
"Positive."
Ye Xing replied calmly.
"That white-coated evil spirit was relatively powerful among this world's anomalies, but not nearly strong enough to make other evil spirits and spectres avoid Kyoto Municipal Hospital's vicinity."
Futaba had considered this too.
Places like hospitals with frequent deaths and heavy negative emotions are favourite haunts for evil spirits and spectres.
Yet when Rio Futaba and Miko Yotsuya were investigating inside Kyoto Municipal Hospital yesterday, they completely failed to detect any traces of evil spirits or spectres apart from that little girl called Menma.
Generally speaking.
Such occurrences only happen in areas where powerful evil spirits linger.
But Ye Xing then mentioned that the evil spirit, dressed in a white lab coat resembling a doctor's, wasn't nearly strong enough to reach that level.
This made the situation rather peculiar.
"Is there some evil spirit... that we haven't discovered yet..."
Rio Futaba frowned slightly, turning to look at Miko beside her.
"Miko, what do you think?"
As an exorcist, Miko Yotsuya had more experience than Rio Futaba.
Instead of fixating on why there were no other evil spirits or spectres in Kyoto Municipal Hospital, she pondered the events in the morgue and the supernatural phenomenon itself, where patients who died during the day would return as spirits at night.
"Wait a moment..."
Miko Yotsuya suddenly seemed to recall something, her expression changing.
"Perhaps the reason evil spirits and spectres dare not enter Kyoto Municipal Hospital isn't because they fear being devoured by a stronger evil spirit."
"But because there's something they fear that has already set its sights on Kyoto Municipal Hospital, or rather, on someone within the hospital?"
Rio Futaba immediately understood Miko's implication.
"You mean... that girl named Shoko Makinohara?"
"Exactly."
Deep concern shone in Miko Yotsuya's golden eyes.
"She has a similar constitution to mine—both natural psychics. The attraction this kind of physique holds for evil spirits... need I say more?"
Nearby, Hina Amano, though too inexperienced to join the discussion, nodded in firm agreement upon hearing Miko's words.
Though she was a rather special psychic, she, too, held great allure for evil spirits.
That giant evil spirit, standing a full ten metres tall, had left an indelible impression on Hina Amano.
"But..."
Rio Futaba murmured to herself.
"Shoko Makinohara doesn't have any powerful guardian spirits around her. The evil spirit lurking in the shadows, whose mere underlings possess the power of the Gate, could certainly attack humans in reality. If it wanted to devour her, why not just do so directly?"
Just as Rio Futaba and Miko Yotsuya were utterly perplexed, unable to guess the evil spirit's motives, Ye Xing casually explained.
"Isn't it obvious?"
"It wants to wait until Shoko Makinohara's spiritual power fully awakens, then directly possess her body."
Hearing this, the internal members of the Supernatural Society were rather astonished.
"Eh? Is such a thing possible?"
"I'm not certain."
Ye Xing shook his head, speaking plainly.
"But regardless of which speculation is correct, Shoko Makinohara, currently in Kyoto Municipal Hospital, has most likely become the evil spirit's target."
Rio Futaba's brow furrowed deeply, her expression troubled.
"But we can't stand guard there every day. School classes are secondary; we also need to be cautious of the Metropolitan Police Department."
"No worries."
Hearing this, Ye Xing waved a hand dismissively.
"I've already sent Hachishaku-sama to keep watch. If anything happens, she'll notify me through the contract between us."
"Hachishaku-sama?"
Rio Futaba and Miko Yotsuya were momentarily stunned, then spoke in unison.
"So she hasn't been devoured by you yet?"
Before Ye Xing could speak, Mai Sakurajima beside him let out a light hum, her tone meaningful.
"Not only hasn't she been devoured, but Hachishaku-sama is actually living quite comfortably now, isn't that right, my adorable junior?"
Ye Xing glanced sideways at Mai Sakurajima and chuckled lightly.
"Don't pretend, weren't you enjoying yourself quite thoroughly, too?"
"You... you..."
Mai Sakurajima's face flushed crimson as she stole a glance at Rio Futaba and Miko Yotsuya. Seeing that the two merely looked confused and hadn't grasped the deeper meaning in Ye Xing's words, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Just then, Ye Xing suddenly raised a finger to his lips in a silencing gesture.
A few seconds later, the rooftop door was pushed open.
"Eh? Everyone's here?"
Shizuka Hiratsuka scanned the area and was somewhat surprised to find all members of the Supernatural Society gathered here, except for Marin Kitagawa, Saki Kawasaki, and Yukino Yukinoshita.
"You should all return to the clubroom first."
"Alright."
After the Supernatural Society members had left the rooftop, Shizuka Hiratsuka took out a slender cigarette, placed it between her lips, lit it with a lighter, took a deep drag, and stared at Ye Xing, who was leaning against the railing with great interest.
"You're quite interesting, kid. Even that Touma student is willing to follow your arrangements."
As their homeroom teacher, Shizuka Hiratsuka knew exactly how severe Kazusa Touma's psychological issues were.
It couldn't even be called reclusiveness anymore.
It was more like Kazusa Touma was actively isolating everyone else at Sobu High School.
Shizuka Hiratsuka wanted to correct Kazusa Touma's distorted personality.
But...
She couldn't.
Kazusa Touma's mother, Youko Touma, was a world-class pianist. Even Mai Sakurajima, a former nationally renowned idol actress, couldn't match Youko Touma's global recognition.
Moreover, Kazusa Touma's own talent for piano was no less than her mother's.
Simply put.
As long as Kazusa Touma wasn't stabbing people at school, the Sobu High School administration wouldn't make an issue of it.
Shizuka Hiratsuka didn't have any good solutions either.
Unexpectedly, this same Kazusa Touma had actually joined a club.
And it wasn't just nominal membership - she'd even participated in group activities, like rooftop discussions.
If it were an ordinary person facing Shizuka Hiratsuka's praise, they would inevitably offer some modest words in response.
But Ye Xing remained expressionless and replied with complete confidence.
"Tell me something I don't know. You think I'm unaware of my own charisma? Hmm?"
Shizuka Hiratsuka was momentarily taken aback by his response, then shook her head with a wry smile.
"Yes, yes, you're absolutely right."
This kind of blunt, unvarnished, and even seemingly arrogant attitude was indeed part of his unique charisma.
Shizuka Hiratsuka walked over slowly and leaned against the railing next to Ye Xing. She looked up at the unusually clear sky - a rare sight these days - took another deep drag of her cigarette, and spoke slowly.
"Why didn't you bring Kawasaki, Yukinoshita, and Kitagawa along?"
As soon as she asked this question, Shizuka Hiratsuka had already prepared herself for Ye Xing's retort.
She was even imagining what he might say.
None of your business?
Are you telling me what to do?
Little Shizuka, stop barking.
To Shizuka Hiratsuka's surprise, Ye Xing actually responded to her question with uncharacteristically normal words this time.
"Those three aren't truly Supernatural Society members in the proper sense yet."
Seeing that Ye Xing hadn't retorted with his usual forceful tone, Shizuka Hiratsuka felt relieved yet somehow inexplicably disappointed.
"What you mean by 'proper sense'..."
Shizuka Hiratsuka smiled meaningfully.
"Does it mean only members who like you count as real members?"
"What kind of outrageous words are those?"
Ye Xing frowned slightly, rolling his eyes at Shizuka Hiratsuka before saying something she hadn't anticipated yet couldn't refute.
"If any girl who liked me could join the Supernatural Society, we'd have hundreds of members by now."
"Uh..."
Shizuka Hiratsuka opened her mouth, finding herself unable to refute.
That was actually true.
Despite Ye Xing's poor reputation at Sobu High School, girls who liked him kept emerging from first years to third years.
After all, good looks meant everything.
"Enough of this nonsense."
Shizuka Hiratsuka hadn't forgotten her promise to Ye Xing not to interfere with the Supernatural Society's affairs.
Having managed to place Kazusa Touma and Yukino Yukinoshita—both problematic students—into his club, she was already quite satisfied.
As for how they would adapt to each other, that wasn't something a teacher should get involved in.
"There's something I want to discuss with you..."
Before Shizuka Hiratsuka could finish, Ye Xing interrupted directly.
"A date? I suppose that's fine, but not at school. After all, we're teacher and student. I'll send you the address after school - I'll waive the reservation requirement this time."
Shizuka Hiratsuka's pretty face flushed slightly as she clenched her fist and waved it before Ye Xing, exclaiming in embarrassed anger.
"You... you mustn't joke like that with your teacher!"
Shizuka Hiratsuka composed herself, took a deep breath, and sorted out her chaotic emotions before looking at Ye Xing's completely calm expression and gritting her teeth.
"What I want to discuss with you is..."
"I know, it's about Shuchi'in Academy, right?"
Seeing that Ye Xing had directly stated her intention, Shizuka Hiratsuka looked surprised.
"How did you know?"
"Of course I know."
Miko Yotsuya had already told Ye Xing about being followed at the shopping mall that day.
She didn't recognise that blonde girl.
But when Ye Xing heard about the blonde hair, gyaru-style fashion, and most importantly...
The padded chest.
Combining these characteristics with that unique, ninja-like tracking technique, Ye Xing could roughly guess the other's identity.
Ai Hayasaka from Shuchi'in Academy.
And Ai Hayasaka's actions could only stem from two reasons.
Instructions from Shinomiya Group executives.
However, Ye Xing felt that even if the Shinomiya Group was targeting Supernatural Society members, they wouldn't send a high school girl to follow them.
In that case, Ai Hayasaka's actions could only be on Kaguya Shinomiya's orders.
The reason Kaguya Shinomiya was interested in members of the Supernatural Society could only be related to private Shuchi'in Academy matters.
To be honest.
Ai Hayasaka's tracking skills were truly professional.
Even Rio Futaba, who was highly sensitive to others' gazes, hadn't noticed her presence at first.
Unfortunately, although Ai Hayasaka had received professional training, she was still just an ordinary person.
The methods of psychics were beyond ordinary comprehension.
"Since you've probably already guessed, I'll be straightforward."
Shizuka Hiratsuka shed her usual flippant and lazy demeanour, speaking with a serious expression.
"Private Shuchi'in Academy wants to jointly hold an exam with our Sobu High School for first-year students, scheduled for the end of this semester."
"Do you... have confidence in taking first place?"
Facing Shizuka Hiratsuka's serious inquiry, Ye Xing replied in a relaxed tone.
"No problem."
"Are you sure?"
Shizuka Hiratsuka emphasised once more.
"Your opponents will be all the first-year students of that private Shuchi'in Academy."
"Shizu-chan, that's not quite right."
Shizuka Hiratsuka frowned slightly, puzzled. "What do you mean?"
Leaning against the railing, Ye Xing gazed at the distant white clouds and spoke softly with a smile.
"My opponents aren't everyone at Shuchi'in Academy."
"I only need to defeat the most outstanding first-year student there."
"The others simply don't qualify as my opponents."
Hearing Ye Xing's utterly arrogant words, Shizuka Hiratsuka sighed helplessly, rubbing her forehead, though she could vaguely guess he would respond this way.
After all, Ye Xing was ranked first in Japan's joint examinations this year.
No one stood above him.
Even Shuchi'in Academy were merely a lower-ranked challenger before him.
"Let me remind you."
Shizuka Hiratsuka stubbed out her cigarette.
"Among Shuchi'in's current students is the eldest daughter of the Shinomiya conglomerate, Kaguya Shinomiya. She's a flawless genius."
"Wrong."
Ye Xing shook his head and chuckled lightly.
"If she were truly flawless, then first place in the joint exams shouldn't have been mine, but hers."
"She's already lost to me once."
"Winning again won't be difficult for me."
At this point, Ye Xing paused and changed the subject.
"But, what do I get out of this?"
Shizuka Hiratsuka had long prepared an answer to this question. She now laid out the terms she had negotiated with the school administration, such as transferring Rio Futaba to another class and ensuring that first-year members of the Supernatural Society would be placed in the same class upon advancing to the second year.
"Fine."
"Fine?"
Seeing Ye Xing agree so directly, Shizuka Hiratsuka—who had braced herself for lengthy bargaining and intense negotiation—couldn't help doubting her ears.
"Didn't I just say it? Fine."
Shizuka Hiratsuka looked incredulous and hesitated.
"Just like that? You agree?"
"What else?"
Ye Xing waved a hand dismissively and laughed.
"I don't mind proving I'm the strongest once more. Besides..."
Here, Ye Xing suddenly reached out and ruffled Shizuka Hiratsuka's hair.
"Our Sobu High School doesn't only have the most outstanding students, but also the most outstanding teachers. Shuchi'in should know that, too."
Shizuka Hiratsuka froze in place upon hearing Ye Xing's amused words, taking quite some time before she finally processed them.
The skin above her collar, all the way up to her pale forehead, visibly flushed crimson with embarrassment at a noticeable pace.
"You... you... you..."
Shizuka stammered, unable to form a complete sentence.
Ye Xing shook his head with a wry smile and left the rooftop on his own.
'This Shizuka-kawaii is really quite innocent, can't take teasing at all.'
...
In the blink of an eye, Friday arrived.
Sitting in the clubroom, Ye Xing received a phone call from Light Yagami.
As soon as he answered, he heard the usually calm voice speaking with unprecedented excitement and agitation.
"It's appeared, Ye Xing-kun, it's appeared!"
Ye Xing frowned slightly and replied impatiently.
"Explain clearly, what has appeared? Your homosexuality diagnosis report?"
"Not that..."
Light Yagami sounded exasperated on the other end before quickly adding.
"And I like women."
"If you say so, I won't argue."
Hearing the implied sarcasm in Ye Xing's tone, Light could only shake his head helplessly and got straight to the point.
"What I mean by 'appeared' is that a Gate has appeared within Tokyo."
Ordinary people couldn't observe the Gate anyway, so there was no need for Light to be circumspect on the phone.
"Oh?"
Ye Xing replied with interest.
"This isn't exactly good news, why are you so excited?"
"Of course it's good news."
Light's voice remained calm, but contained a fervour imperceptible to ordinary people.
"By the way, about what we discussed last time - it's been successful."
"Oh, I see."
Ye Xing responded noncommittally, adding one final thing before hanging up.
"Also, keep an eye out for other special people like us when you have time."
"I understand."
"OK, bye."
After hanging up, Hina Amano suddenly stood up and approached Ye Xing, cautiously testing the waters.
"Ye Xing-kun... are you... free tonight?"