Although Miko Yotsuya wasn't the sharpest, she wasn't as dull as some famous chuunibyou patients. After thinking it over for a moment, she finally understood what Kiba Hoshiki meant.
"You mean, if both sides can see each other, not only can evil spirits break free from the restriction of not being able to harm humans, but humans can also harm evil spirits?"
Kiba nodded slightly. "I can't say for sure, but that's probably how it works."
As a transmigrator, Kiba could infer this from the plot of the anime Mieruko-chan. In the original story, Miko had met other spiritualists, including an old woman whose bracelets could repel and ward off relatively weak evil spirits.
Of course, such things were useless against truly powerful spirits.
Kiba had personally verified this. When he met Miko that morning, his words to the evil spirits—I can see you—weren't just for show.
Though there was some chuunibyou involved, the main point was that if the evil spirits didn't know he could see them, he couldn't harm them; his attacks would just pass through.
In other words, the reason so many evil spirits appeared around Miko was probably because people like her, who possess strong spiritual power, naturally threatened even mindless, instinct-driven spirits like natural enemies.
"So, how can I gain the ability to fight against evil spirits?" Miko's eyes sparkled with hope, a rare excited look appearing on her usually calm and emotionless face.
To be honest, she was tired of pretending to be composed when facing spirits, only to secretly wipe away tears afterward, her legs weak from fear.
"Let's talk about that tomorrow," Kiba waved his hand.
"I've got things to do today. I'll be free after school tomorrow."
"Things to do? You're going to exorcise evil spirits?"
"Not really. I'm going to the gym."
"Huh?"
Miko looked puzzled, so Kiba explained matter-of-factly,"Fighting evil spirits requires a strong body as a foundation. Although I get some physical enhancement each time I devour a spirit, maintaining good physical condition helps prevent unexpected problems in the field."
He patted Miko's shoulder and added earnestly,"Little girl, you've still got a long way to go before you become a professional exorcist. Learn from your senior, Kiba."
Miko sighed and shook her head helplessly. The urge to retort had slowly faded after Kiba's endless absurd remarks.
"In that case, I'll head home first."
Kiba nodded and asked,"Want me to see you off?"
"No need, my house is just two bus stops from here. I can get there quickly by bus. Aren't you busy? No need to bother."
"All right, I was just being polite. Didn't really want to."
"…"
After the speechless Miko turned and left, Kiba watched her disappearing figure, his frivolous lazy smile fading into a thoughtful expression.
"As expected, she can see the door, but she can't see this."
He muttered to himself, then turned and walked in another direction.
Behind him, a giant, sickly pale hand with sharp black nails—about the size of a living room—floated silently, following him.
Meanwhile, inside the gym near Soubu High School…
Sayaka Kiryuu, wearing a long tracksuit, sat in the rest area sipping a drink. Bored, she watched Hina Hanabira sweating profusely on the treadmill in front of her, shaking her head.
"I'm telling you, you need to keep up with daily exercise. Aren't you being a little too diligent?"
Even after running nearly twenty minutes, Hina's breathing was steady as she calmly replied in her usual tone,"As an educator, you must maintain strong physical fitness; otherwise, you can't bear the responsibility of guiding students."
Sayaka muttered softly, leaning on the table, complaining lazily,"I think you're a bit obsessed."
"Hey, it's your fault for dragging me to exercise every day. I don't have time to date."
"Don't blame others randomly. With your looks, you'd have dated long ago if you wanted to. It's just that you don't want to. You can't blame me."
"Tch, I'm just blaming you."
Hina shook her head, stopped the treadmill, wiped sweat from her forehead, and sat opposite Sayaka.
"So, how do you feel about leading the new class on the first day?"
Sayaka rested her chin on her hand, wearing a wistful expression."Don't even mention it. I really envy you. Your class is full of ordinary students. You only have to worry about overall grades. I'm always worried."
Hina picked up her cup, sipped water, and said slowly,"You mean those two special students, right? There's no helping it. After all, they're outstanding talents personally selected by the school. Honestly, even though I'm not their homeroom teacher, I want to guide both of them onto a path to make the best use of their talents."
"You say that, but you don't have to deal with them directly."
Sayaka sighed. "Touma-san is fine; she just sleeps in class and doesn't cause trouble. But Kiba Hoshiki…"
She told Hina everything about this morning, and all the rumors about Kiba at school.
After listening, Hina nodded casually and said lightly,"Hm… Considering he caused trouble in junior high, it's normal that you're having a hard time."
"Right, right! If it weren't for the school…"
As Sayaka spoke, she suddenly heard shouting from the equipment area nearby and frowned.
"What's all the noise? Is it necessary to be so loud while working out?"
Hina looked up with surprise and whispered to Sayaka,"Eh? Isn't that Hoshiki-kun?"
Sayaka was startled, quickly turning her head. Sure enough, Kiba, dressed in a black tracksuit, was surrounded by several burly men, looking like they were about to clash.
Without hesitation, Sayaka stood and walked over quickly.
She didn't care about her personal opinion of Kiba as a student.
As a teacher, even if it wasn't on school grounds, it would be wrong not to help a student in trouble.
"Hey, you guys, stop it!"
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