Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Mai Sakurajima hummed a tune cheerfully as she worked, casting thoughtful glances at the four Supernatural Society members gathered around the living room table.
Though Mai could sometimes be as wilful as a little girl, her way of thinking was generally quite mature.
That she liked Ye Xing was beyond doubt.
Mai didn't know if this feeling could be called love yet, but even if it wasn't, it wasn't far off.
Naturally, she felt somewhat jealous that apart from Ye Xing, all other Supernatural Society members were girls - and all very cute ones at that.
At the same time, though she couldn't "see" it, she was acutely aware of one thing:
Exorcisms, fighting the supernatural, protecting Kyoto.
Every task the Supernatural Society undertook would be considered life-threateningly dangerous by ordinary standards.
Ye Xing was strong; that was true.
But...
No matter how powerful someone was, how could they guarantee they wouldn't eventually encounter formidable enemies they couldn't handle - ones that might even threaten their life?
Considering the assistance Ye Xing might need on his chosen path, Mai even had a strange thought:
Were there perhaps too few members in the Supernatural Society at present?
Rather than dwelling on her own jealousy, Mai prioritised Ye Xing's safety above all else.
That was what truly mattered.
...
Back in the living room.
Ye Xing recounted his chance encounter with Light Yagami - how the other boy also possessed Soul Materialisation abilities, his general personality, and everything else he knew about him to the three Society members before him.
As the saying goes:
When three walk together, one can be my teacher.
Ye Xing didn't believe his mind alone could solve everything.
Not to mention the mental exhaustion of having to consider every matter independently.
Rio Futaba, Yui Yuigahama, and Miko Yotsuya—three girls whose personalities differed entirely from his—could provide three distinct perspectives, offering three different angles of thought on the same matter.
The most crucial point was this:
Ye Xing was a transmigrator.
With strangers, it didn't matter much.
But for those he recognised, he couldn't help but carry preconceived impressions unconsciously.
Take the current subject of discussion, Light Yagami, for example.
After hearing Ye Xing's account, all three girls—Rio Futaba, Yui Yuigahama, and Miko Yotsuya—couldn't help but frown.
"A psychic from Tokyo, aiming to punish evil, extending an olive branch to you..."
Rio Futaba adjusted her glasses, her thoughts racing as she spoke slowly.
"The first question to consider is: how did this Light Yagami awaken his Soul Materialisation ability?"
In Rio Futaba's original analysis, ordinary people needed to meet two conditions to awaken Soul Materialisation.
They had to "recognise" the existence of evil spirits and spectres, and then confront their true selves.
Rio Futaba had awakened her ability by first fulfilling the "recognition" condition when facing the monster formed by the fusion of an evil spirit and a human, then confronting her true self.
Where had Light Yagami's ability come from?
Did Tokyo also harbour monsters that were half-human, half-evil spirits?
Or, like Ye Xing and Miko Yotsuya, had he suddenly awakened the ability to "recognise" those things at some point?
"Hard to say."
Ye Xing didn't give a definitive answer, instead posing a question in return.
"What do you think?"
"I think..."
Rio Futaba furrowed her brow, deep in thought, before finally shaking her head slightly.
"It's impossible unless we can access his daily activity records over this period. Only then could we draw conclusions based on the details."
"But Light Yagami's identity is special. He's the son of the Director of the Criminal Affairs Bureau at the Kyoto Metropolitan Police Department. According to your account, he's also a prominent figure in his own school, drawing attention from all teachers and students."
"Investigating his movements would be extremely difficult. Even if we succeeded, we might attract unwanted attention in the process."
"After all, we still don't know if there are other psychics we haven't encountered besides Light Yagami."
Hearing this, Miko Yotsuya's frown deepened, her face clouded with worry.
"Are you saying... we have no way to investigate?"
"Not exactly."
Rio Futaba took a sip of her coffee and replied calmly.
"Regardless, the fact that he came to this city knowing there are likely psychics here doesn't suggest hostile intentions."
Ye Xing had also given this point particular consideration.
Why?
Why would Light Yagami come to Kyoto knowing there were psychics here?
Though their encounter had lasted mere seconds, Ye Xing could tell.
This was definitely not the first time the other had used Soul Materialisation.
Otherwise, his expression couldn't have been so relaxed and natural - at the very least, he'd have to be at the same level of proficiency as Miko Yotsuya.
Whether one was originally a psychic or not, upon awakening the Soul Materialisation ability, one could perceive evil spirits, spectres, and the existence of the Gate.
Judging by Light Yagami's personality and his relationship with Soichiro Yagami...
He would have absolutely paid attention to the Kyoto Municipal Kindergarten incident and seen the news photos from the scene.
Which means.
Light might not understand the specific function or true nature of Gates, but before coming to Kyoto, he must have been aware of the existence of Gates within the city.
And he still dared to come?
Dared to bring his younger sister along and, upon encountering Ye Xing, immediately launch a probing attack?
Is this guy some reckless fool with no regard for his life?
Yet according to Ye Xing's description of Light, he didn't seem like that type of person.
This left Rio Futaba utterly perplexed.
"Um..."
Seeing the discussion had reached an impasse, Yui Yuigahama cautiously spoke up.
"I don't really understand, but if we're analysing his motives... shouldn't we try to think from his perspective and put ourselves in his shoes?"
Rio blinked, then, as if struck by sudden realisation, excitedly patted Yui on the shoulder.
"Exactly! You're absolutely right, Yui! That's what we've been missing!"
Hearing Rio's approval, Yui gave a simple, satisfied smile.
"I was just saying whatever came to mind since I don't understand. I'm glad if it helped."
Rio didn't even pause to respond, immediately launching into her signature analysis.
"We've overlooked the most crucial point."
Miko asked curiously: "Which is?"
Rio explained slowly:
"In Light Yagami's eyes, why would a mysterious figure wearing a black mask take the risk of making enemies of both the Metropolitan Police Department and the kidnappers by getting involved in the Kyoto Municipal Kindergarten incident?"
Miko looked confused.
"Ye Xing was there to eliminate and devour evil spirits while removing the Gate."
Rio said meaningfully:
"But Light wouldn't know that Ye Xing grows stronger by devouring spirits, nor that the Gate can be removed."
At this point, Miko finally caught on, exclaiming in realisation.
"You mean... from Light's perspective, Ye Xing only had one objective, which was..."
Here, both Miko and Rio simultaneously turned to Ye Xing, speaking in unison:
"To punish evil, just like him."
Ye Xing thought this analysis made perfect sense.
Light Yagami's personality was quite complex.
Most of the time, he was extremely cautious, leaving no openings.
However, at certain critical moments - such as in the original story when L publicly challenged him on TV, using a death row inmate as a decoy - Light would completely lose his composure.
As a transmigrator, Ye Xing didn't judge Light's true thoughts through dialogue alone.
He had cheat codes.
Having seen Light's inner monologues from the original story.
Those inner thoughts were absolutely genuine.
The most important point.
How could someone who dreams of changing this decaying world, punishing all evil, and becoming the god of a new world be a rational person?
Light Yagami is someone whose emotions outweigh his rationality.
His purpose for coming to Kyoto was likely exactly as Rio Futaba had analysed.
He was searching for someone who might share his goal - someone seeking to change this corrupt world by punishing evil and pursuing justice through results.
It was that simple.
After all, in Light Yagami's eyes, if there was anyone in this world who could understand his actions and thoughts, it would only be that mysterious individual who had done the same thing - killing all the kidnappers at Kyoto Municipal Kindergarten.
Putting it that way made it sound simple, but the process was anything but.
If during the Kyoto Municipal Kindergarten incident, or during the process of returning Onimaru Kunitsuna to its rightful place, Ye Xing had killed even a single member of the Metropolitan Police Department...
It didn't need to be Soichiro Yagami - any member would suffice.
Then, in the eyes of the current Light Yagami, who pursued pure justice of outcome without wanting to become the new world's god...
He would have become evil as well.
It was precisely Ye Xing's series of actions that gradually led to today's outcome.
And it was why, when raising the question about Kyoto's next potential ally, three cards representing Light Yagami appeared in Godmother Granny's tarot reading.
To put it in RPG terms...
Light Yagami was that special ally who required multiple dialogue choices, with every single one needing to be correct, to unlock.
"Motive... analysis complete."
Rio Futaba let out a long sigh, though she immediately frowned again, looking meaningfully at Ye Xing as she asked:
"What do you think we should do?"
Yui Yuigahama and Miko Yotsuya remained silent too, awaiting Ye Xing's decision.
Justice of outcome? Justice of procedure?
They'd never encountered this topic before, and each had their own differing views on the matter.
Based on the personalities of Rio Futaba, Yui Yuigahama, and Miko Yotsuya, they would generally lean towards procedural justice, supporting existing laws.
The problem was...
While the Supernatural Society's activities were reasonable, they didn't seem entirely legal.
Not to mention...
Ye Xing was currently the most wanted individual in the eyes of Kyoto's Metropolitan Police Department - a criminal who'd single-handedly killed over twenty armed kidnappers and "attempted" to steal the legendary sword Onimaru Kunitsuna.
But what if he'd chosen to stand by and do nothing?
The teachers and children held hostage at Kyoto Municipal Kindergarten would never have survived.
For ordinary people, evil spirits and spectres were just mythical tales from legends.
Even psychics with some ability - like Oda Noto or Godmother Granny - could only see faint illusions. If an evil spirit's power was too strong, they couldn't even see that much.
In this world, only members of the Supernatural Society truly understood the extent of harm that evil spirits and spectres posed to humanity.
When something must be done, all means should be employed.
Miko and the others might not understand Light Yagami's ideology of punishing evil through such lethal methods.
But at the very least, they could refrain from judging his actions while maintaining their own opinions.
After all, if we're being completely honest...
Didn't Ye Xing also kill people during the Kyoto Municipal Kindergarten incident?
They knew this perfectly well, yet all chose to remain silent.
In this world, there must be those who do what others cannot understand or accomplish - yet must be done regardless.
This was part of the Supernatural Society's raison d'être.
"Light Yagami, huh..."
Ye Xing tapped his fingers against the tabletop, lost in thought.
The current Light Yagami hadn't yet developed plans to create a new world and become its god.
To be honest.
Ye Xing felt that the other's personality might not develop and change in line with the original storyline.
After all, the Death Note and Soul Materialisation were two completely different abilities.
Had Light Yagami in the original storyline ever killed anyone?
Ye Xing believed the answer was no.
Merely writing names in the Death Note could only be considered the initial phase, witnessing a few deaths of those whose names were written.
Those people did die because of Light Yagami.
But ultimately, since he wasn't the one physically doing the killing, he wouldn't feel any psychological burden.
How quickly lives were taken depended entirely on Light Yagami's writing speed.
But Soul Materialisation was completely different.
Whether it was Hyakume or Bone Woman.
Their thoughts and feelings were connected to their original bodies - Miko Yotsuya and Rio Futaba.
The same should apply to Light Yagami and Emperor Sutoku.
Light Yagami's mental fortitude wasn't particularly weak - it's just that the Death Note's power was overwhelmingly strong.
Faced with this ability far beyond ordinary imagination that left no traces or evidence, it was perfectly natural for him to develop the arrogant idea of becoming a god of the new world.
Judging from the original storyline, where Light Yagami relinquished ownership of the Death Note and forgot all related memories, his determination to work with L to catch the real Kira showed his true nature.
From beginning to end, Light Yagami was the first person whose fate was manipulated by the Death Note.
But Soul Materialisation wasn't as invincible as the Death Note.
Moreover, Light Yagami already knew he wasn't the only one with this ability.
Under these circumstances...
After analysing this internally, Ye Xing looked at the three people before him and spoke slowly.
"Light Yagami's ideology is completely different from any of ours, so he can't become our comrade."
"But perhaps we could establish another kind of special, solid relationship."
Hearing this, while Rio Futaba and Miko Yotsuya were still pondering what kind of special relationship this might be, Yui Yuigahama suddenly seemed to realise something, her expression changing as she looked at Ye Xing in shock.
"You... you couldn't possibly... be thinking of becoming... lovers with him?"
"?"
Ye Xing's face was full of question marks.
"No, we're both men."
"But... you've never said you like women."
"Do I really need to specifically state that?"
Looking at Yui Yuigahama's innocent, clueless expression, Ye Xing, Miko Yotsuya, and Rio Futaba exchanged glances.
All three had the same thought.
Oh no.
Who would have thought the first person in the Supernatural Society to catch Ye Xing's abstract disease would be Yui Yuigahama?
Miko Yotsuya and Rio Futaba inherited Soul Materialisation abilities.
Yui Yuigahama inherited abstraction.
The members of the Supernatural Society all had bright futures ahead.
...
Meanwhile, outside a high-end café displaying a "Closed" sign.
Before entering, Haruno Yukinoshita, who usually appeared completely self-assured, showed uncharacteristic signs of nervousness.
She adjusted her hair and fastened the buttons of her high-collared white blouse beneath the black coat. Only after tidying her appearance did she take a deep breath and push open the café's door to enter.
Inside the coffee shop, there were no other customers—not even a single waiter.
Only Mrs Yukinoshita sat in the centre, dressed in a traditional kimono, her hair neatly tied up.
Though seated in a café, before her lay nothing but a cup of light tea.
"Mother."
Only when Haruno approached and greeted her did Mrs Yukinoshita lift her head.
She glanced at Haruno and spoke indifferently.
"Which hotel did you book last night?"
Haruno pressed her lips together, feigning composure as she truthfully provided the name of the hotel.
Mrs. Yukinoshita gave a noncommittal nod, took a sip of tea, and then asked casually,
"Did you sleep alone?"
At this, Haruno's heart sank. Frowning slightly, she replied,
"Did you have someone follow me?"
"Not at all."
Mrs. Yukinoshita shook her head slightly, her tone calm.
"You are my daughter. As someone who has been through it, I can discern many things just from the way you walk and the subtle changes in your demeanour."
Before Haruno could speak, Mrs. Yukinoshita cut her off.
"No need to explain. I have no interest in interfering with your private life."
Here, Mrs. Yukinoshita looked directly into her daughter's eyes and continued slowly,
"Remember, you are the eldest daughter of the Yukinoshita family."
"I don't know who this man is that could make you do such things—even ignoring my calls."
"You can play around, but I advise you not to develop any real feelings."
"In the future, you will choose someone to marry from among those worthy of our Yukinoshita name."
"This, too, is for Yukinoshita's future."