After giving his word to Detective Kosaka Daisuke, Nozomi whipped out his phone and dialed Yotsuya Miko.
"Miko, are you home right now?"
Her voice chirped back eagerly through the speaker, "Master! I'm here!"
"Wait at your door. I'm coming to pick you up."
Miko blinked in confusion. "Huh? Where are we going? What's happening?"
"We're going monster hunting," Nozomi replied matter-of-factly, as if he were announcing a casual stroll to the grocery store.
Miko stared at her phone, stunned, but eventually nodded. Her voice softened with cautious trust. "Okay, I'll be waiting."
"By the way, what about your best friend, Yurikawa? Is she home?"
"She usually is at this time... Why?"
"We're bringing her too."
"Wait—why!?"
"She's got a rare spiritual constitution. Her aura is like a lighthouse for evil spirits. Perfect bait."
Miko's lips twitched. So it was bait. But with Master Nozomi there, things would probably be fine… probably.
She exhaled and accepted. Since becoming Nozomi's disciple—and wearing that... blessed bra—she hadn't been tormented by ghosts like before. Life had become much more bearable.
Kosaka Daisuke, who had been quietly listening to the exchange, looked at Nozomi, puzzled. "You're bringing more people along?"
"My apprentice, and her best friend."
"The best friend is spiritually radioactive. If we want to drag this thing out from hiding, we'll need bait."
Daisuke nodded solemnly. "Then I'll drive."
—
Miko stood at her door, mouth agape as Nozomi stepped out of the police car like a character straight out of an anime.
"Why are you standing there like some stunned NPC? Get in, you bargain-bin disciple."
"I am not a bargain-bin disciple! And Master—you still haven't taught me how to exorcise anything yet!"
She puffed out her cheeks in a pout, arms crossed with exaggerated offense.
"Patience. Everyone has different spiritual affinities. It's a total pain figuring yours out. For now, let's pick up your friend. Don't worry—I'll keep her safe."
Miko still had her doubts. "Um… but how are we even going to explain this to her? I haven't told her anything about spirits."
Nozomi gave a sly grin. "We'll tell her it's a friendly community exercise by the police. Throw in a bonus reward, and she'll follow like a cat to tuna."
He turned to the detective. "Uncle Daisuke, you cool with the reward thing?"
Kosaka gave a thumbs-up. "Of course. If this case gets solved, I might even get promoted. The reward fund will be real."
Nozomi addressed Miko seriously. "This is Detective Kosaka Daisuke. He's the one who pulled us in for this op. Miko, your spirit eyes and your friend's spiritual magnetism are crucial."
Miko nodded with determination. "I won't let you down, Master!"
She was still a bit scared, but knowing Nozomi would be there gave her courage. Plus, she was curious—this would be the first time seeing her Master in full exorcist mode.
"By the way," Nozomi asked casually, "your mom doesn't go out much at night, does she?"
"Not lately. Why?"
"You haven't seen the news? The recent victims are mostly housewives who go shopping at night."
Miko paled. "Wait—our target's the murderer? But it's not human?"
Nozomi gave her a wry smile. "If it were human, would I be involved?"
As they chatted, the trio arrived at Yurikawa's house.
Miko called her best friend, who soon stepped out in a pair of cozy pajamas. Her long hair was a little messy, and her ample chest strained the fabric of her sleepwear. The moment she laid eyes on Nozomi, she flushed beet red.
"Miko! You didn't warn me there'd be a hot guy! And I'm in my pajamas! I didn't even put on makeup!"
Kosaka chuckled and stepped forward. "Hello, Yurikawa-san. I'm Detective Kosaka. We're conducting a mock investigation tonight, part of a community awareness exercise. There's even a reward."
At the mention of "reward," Yurikawa's eyes sparkled.
"Wait, Miko, there's a bonus?"
Miko nodded. "Yep. I signed up already. Didn't you say you've been short on cash and always hungry lately?"
Yurikawa clutched her stomach in mock anguish. "Don't remind me! I'm in! Miko, you're an angel."
She snuck a few glances at Nozomi. Her heart pounded. He was way too good-looking to be involved in something like this.
—
…
"By the way, Miko, are you still wearing the bra I gave you?"
Nozomi suddenly pulled Miko aside under the dim glow of the streetlights, his voice low but serious.
"Yes, of course," Miko answered with a hint of shyness. "It's been really helpful, Master. I've worn it every day. Why?"
"Take it off," Nozomi said firmly. "Wearing it will draw that thing's attention later. I have a feeling it won't show itself if you're wearing that blessing."
"Eh?! Right now? Here?" Miko's face flushed bright red.
"Yes. Right now," he nodded, glancing around to ensure the coast was clear. "Hand it over. I'll keep it for you."
After a moment of hesitation and a soft grumble, Miko turned her back, cheeks steaming, and subtly slipped it off beneath her oversized jacket. She passed it to Nozomi with trembling fingers.
"Geez… this is so embarrassing…"
Nozomi took it with a calm smile and, with a flick of his wrist, absorbed the enchanted item into his system's inventory. A soft shimmer of light pulsed and vanished.
"Relax," he said, gently brushing her hair with a reassuring pat. "I'm right here. As long as I'm with you, nothing will happen."
Miko looked up at him with wide eyes. "Master… I believe in you."
From his coat pocket, Nozomi drew out two small magic cards etched with glowing symbols.
"Here. This is a protective talisman card. If you're in danger, it'll automatically activate a barrier. Keep one with you and give the other to your friend."
Miko nodded and accepted the cards reverently.
...
With preparations complete, the exorcism operation officially commenced.
Under the moonlit sky, the group of four made their way through the silent neighborhood, flashlights cutting pale paths through the dark.
Yurikawa and Miko flanked Nozomi on both sides, each gripping one of his arms tightly. Their steps were timid, and their nervous expressions betrayed how out of place they felt.
Yurikawa looked at him pitifully. "So this 'exercise' just means wandering around at night…?"
"W-What if the killer suddenly shows up?! I'm not ready to be murdered yet!"
"Don't worry, Yurikawa," Miko said, trying to sound braver than she felt. "Master's here. And Detective Daisuke too."
Kousaka Daisuke followed just behind them, a grim look on his face. A tiny head-mounted camera glowed faintly above his brow as he stalked alongside them like a silent sentinel.
To be honest, he wasn't completely sold on the plan. Two high school girls as bait? It felt wrong—morally and professionally. But if anyone could make this work, it was Nozomi.
Meanwhile, Nozomi walked without a hint of fear. He seemed more focused on the girls clinging to him, clearly enjoying their soft presence. An amused smile tugged at his lips.
Especially Yurikawa.
Her spiritual energy was potent, overflowing like a beacon.
Nozomi was certain: something would come for her.
And half an hour later, it did.
"Master," Miko gasped, clutching Nozomi's arm tighter. "It's here…!"
In front of them, just at the edge of the streetlight's reach, a swirling mass of distorted black fog pulsed and twisted like a living shadow.
Nozomi narrowed his eyes. To ordinary people, it would be invisible. But to him, the spiritual energy was clear.
Yurikawa's whole body trembled. Instinctively, she pressed herself even closer to Nozomi.
"It's so cold… but around Master, it's warm," she whispered.
Daisuke felt a shiver crawl down his spine. Even from his angle, something seemed wrong with the air.
He couldn't see the spirit, not exactly—but his instincts screamed.
Something wicked was watching them.
********
Attached is Yurikawa Hana and Yotsuya Miko from Mieruko-chan