Meanwhile, the vehicle driven by Soichiro Yagami, when there were fewer than two hundred metres to the Suga Editorial Studio, suddenly shuddered several times, slowing down like a dying old man.
Finally, by the roadside, it peacefully passed away.
"Damn it... Couldn't you have held on just a little longer..."
Though Soichiro Yagami said this, he understood in his heart that he had been quite fortunate. Forcing his way through so many flooded areas while flooring the accelerator, it was remarkable that this police car had held up until now.
He pushed the car door open, his meticulously polished leather shoes stepping directly onto the waterlogged ground, with even a section of his calves submerged in the water.
"Just a little faster..."
Soichiro Yagami placed his right hand on the holster at his waist, his square-jawed face showing determination as he strode forward with all his might towards the direction of Suga Editorial Studio.
As the Criminal Affairs Director, protecting the citizens of Kyoto was his responsibility.
Soichiro Yagami didn't want to see another innocent person die at the hands of that deranged serial killer.
...
The short two-hundred-metre journey took Soichiro Yagami nearly five minutes to complete with great difficulty.
He saw the door to Suga Editorial Studio, located beneath the staircase, standing wide open.
Because it was a semi-basement, the accumulated water level throughout the entire building had reached between 1.2 and 1.3 metres.
Without the slightest hesitation, Soichiro Yagami stepped directly into the water.
Simultaneously, he unfastened the holster at his waist, released the safety on his pistol, and raised his alertness to one hundred and twenty percent.
Upon entering the studio's door, however, Soichiro Yagami saw Natsumi Suga leaning against the wall. Though fear was evident in her eyes, she appeared completely unharmed on the outside.
Facing her was a person wearing a black hoodie, of relatively short stature.
"Stop!"
Soichiro Yagami raised his gun, aiming it at the figure in the black hoodie, and spoke in a deep voice."
"Don't make any sudden moves! Otherwise, I will shoot immediately!"
Hearing the voice from behind, the Sunny Doll Killer slowly turned around. Wearing a yellowed face mask that obscured his features, only a pair of bloodshot eyes, revealing madness and distortion, were visible.
"Who... are you?"
Seeing those terrifying eyes that seemed completely inhuman, Soichiro Yagami's heart sank.
'This guy's mental state... seems rather unstable.'
If he were alone here, Soichiro Yagami wouldn't hesitate to aim at this madman's forehead and pull the trigger.
But now, a young, innocent woman was present.
Even if this madman had just a one percent chance of possessing supernatural power, Soichiro Yagami wasn't willing to gamble on the remaining ninety-nine percent.
"Please calm down. I'm Soichiro Yagami, Criminal Affairs Director of the Kyoto Metropolitan Police Department. May I ask who you are?"
As an experienced veteran detective, Soichiro Yagami had undergone professional training in negotiating with criminals and calming their emotions.
Seeing him lower his gun and hearing his question, the Sunny Doll Killer's eyes suddenly showed a peculiar excitement.
"Who am I? You want to know!? Are you curious!?"
Soichiro Yagami immediately made his assessment.
'This suspect craves attention and respect from others.'
He promptly followed up along these lines.
"Yes, I'm very curious to know what kind of person could commit such a major case that has shaken the entire capital, and even the whole of Japan."
At this point, Soichiro Yagami paused briefly before continuing in a grave tone.
"So, this Natsumi Suga is just an ordinary third-rate online media worker. Isn't she rather unqualified to participate in your interview? In comparison, as the Director of Criminal Investigations, wouldn't it be more appropriate for me to remain here?"
Although Natsumi Suga knew Chief Yagami was trying to use this method to get her to safety, she still felt slightly offended when hearing the term "third-rate online media worker".
How annoying.
The Sunny Doll Killer's pupils contracted slightly, as if hesitating about something, before twisting again and screaming hoarsely.
"No! Both you and her must stay here! Where is the Kyoto TV reporter!? I want to see the reporter!"
"Alright, alright! Just a moment!"
Seeing the Sunny Doll Killer's emotions becoming unstable, Soichiro Yagami quickly spoke into his walkie-talkie to calm him.
"I'll check for you right now, don't be impatient."
He then called into his walkie-talkie.
"Where are the TV people? Tell them to hurry up!"
"Understood, Chief Yagami."
Due to heavy rainfall, although Kyoto TV had informed the Metropolitan Police Department of the Sunny Doll Killer's appearance at Suga's editorial studio, the reporter team hadn't yet arrived at the scene.
Hearing Soichiro Yagami's urging, the Sunny Doll Killer nodded with satisfaction.
Originally, he had a well-developed plan.
First, he would kidnap that girl, Yui Yuigahama, and the so-called Sunny Girl, fame-seeking Hina Amano, bringing both of them to Suga's editorial studio.
When the Kyoto TV reporters arrived, he would demand a live broadcast.
Then, in front of everyone watching in Kyoto, he would kill that self-proclaimed Sunny Girl, Hina Amano.
And the final step...
Would be to follow the usual procedure - tear off Yui Yuigahama's limbs and turn this lively, cute, flashily dressed girl who met the deity's requirements into a sunny doll sacrifice.
By that time, everyone watching the broadcast would understand.
Since he had killed that self-proclaimed Sunny Girl, Hina Amano, it proved that the cessation of rainfall wasn't due to this fake Sunny Girl's efforts.
Everything was his achievement!
Everyone must watch him!
Even something like changing the weather—he could accomplish that, too!
...
When the Kyoto TV media vehicle arrived at the scene, the Metropolitan Police Department's forces arrived simultaneously.
The TV reporter, seeing Metropolitan Police Department officers taking serious precautions and using vehicles for cover, felt somewhat flustered but still whispered to the photographer behind her.
"Can we get the live broadcast connected?"
"Trying, but the rain's too heavy - the signal keeps cutting in and out."
"Whatever it takes, fix it quickly. Today's event is bound to cause heated discussion!"
The Kyoto TV reporter had already caught the scent of breaking news.
She had even thought of the headline.
'Showdown! Director of Criminal Investigations VS Serial Killer - The Line Between Justice and Evil in a Basement Room!'
At the same time, inside the house, Soichiro Yagami also heard the notification from his subordinate through the intercom.
He looked at the Sunny Doll Killer before him, staring directly into the other's eyes, and spoke in a deep voice.
"The journalists have arrived. Can we go out now?"
"Fine."
To Soichiro Yagami's surprise, the serial killer before him—who had committed five horrifying crimes and was extremely dangerous—did not use him or Natsumi Suga standing there as human shields.
Instead, he walked straight out through the door of the basement.
"Miss Natsumi Suga, quickly!"
Although Soichiro Yagami had a foreboding feeling, his duty as Director of the Criminal Affairs Bureau led him to escort Natsumi Suga out of the basement first.
"Please stay hidden to the side."
After seeing Natsumi Suga safely beyond the Metropolitan Police Department's perimeter, Soichiro Yagami returned to their ranks.
He watched the Sunny Doll Killer standing there with arms outstretched, showing not the slightest panic despite facing dozens of gun barrels, instead growing increasingly excited. The ominous feeling in Soichiro Yagami's heart grew stronger.
"Chief Yagami... should we open fire?"
Hearing his subordinate's question, Soichiro Yagami merely gritted his teeth and said, "What about the riot squad? Haven't they arrived yet?"
"Not yet. Since the situation appears to be under control..."
"No, wait a little longer."
Soichiro Yagami took a deep breath and spoke in a low voice, "Hold your fire for now."
Soichiro Yagami was waiting.
He was waiting for that person whose mere appearance could solve all problems.
But today...
The rain seemed to be getting heavier, as if a river in the sky was pouring down under gravity's pull.
Would Mask...
Come?
"Where are the journalists?"
Hearing the Sunny Doll Killer's question, and to placate him, Soichiro Yagami nodded to his surrounding subordinates, allowing the Kyoto Television reporter and cameraman through the perimeter.
"Hello, we're from Kyoto Television."
"Finally here..."
The Sunny Doll Killer's eyes flashed with madness as he glanced at the camera on the photographer's shoulder and spoke in a deep voice, "Is the live broadcast starting?"
Only then did the photographer finally connect the signal, nodding happily, "Yes, it's live now."
...
Meanwhile, at Ye Xing's home.
"Where has big brother gone? It's so late and he's still not back..."
Keika Kawasaki lay on the sofa, swinging her little head boredly.
Marin Kitagawa, sitting beside her, smiled.
"I always feel like Ye Xing is very busy, but I don't know what he's busy with. Perhaps... he has some secrets?"
Marin Kitagawa's casual joke made Saki Kawasaki, sitting nearby, instantly stiffen.
Yukino Yukinoshita, sitting there, keenly noticed this reaction.
What does this mean?
Does Kawasaki know something?
Just then, the television programme suddenly switched.
"We interrupt this broadcast with breaking news."
"A mysterious man calling himself the 'Sunny Doll Killer' has contacted this station and demanded a fully live-streamed interview."
"The following is live footage."
Hearing the name "Sunny Doll Killer", Yukino Yukinoshita's heart instantly sank.
Meanwhile, Saki Kawasaki, Keika Kawasaki, and Marin Kitagawa also grew interested.
"Eh? A genuine interview with a serial killer broadcast live?"
As the television screen flickered with static, a somewhat unstable live broadcast appeared before everyone.
From the screen came the continuous sound of rain, identical to that outside the window.
What met their eyes was the Sunny Doll Killer's bloodshot, frenzied, and ferocious pupils.
"Good evening, everyone in Kyoto City."
"I... am the Sunny Doll Killer."
Before the cameras, the Sunny Doll Killer publicly confessed his identity.
In the very next second, he scanned the surrounding Metropolitan Police Department members, aiming their guns at him, his pupils revealing a twisted madness.
"These people are too much of a nuisance."
Seeing the change in the other's eyes, Soichiro Yagami's expression shifted, a strong sense of danger rising in his heart as he issued the command without hesitation.
"Open fire!"
He quickly stepped forward, pulling the TV reporter and cameraman behind him.
The next second.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Amidst the pouring rain, blinding muzzle flashes erupted.
Dozens of handguns fired from various angles, bullets aimed directly at the Sunny Doll Killer's body.
"What's this!?"
Citizens watching the live television broadcast saw the screen shake and become blurry, only hearing the continuous gunshots, and couldn't help but feel startled.
After escaping the encirclement, though panicked, the TV cameraman steadied the camera on his shoulder, restoring the live feed to clarity.
If he could capture the first scene of the Sunny Doll Killer being shot dead by the police, braving this rain today would be worth it!
"The suspect has been neutralised."
Hearing his subordinate's words, Soichiro Yagami shook his head, a bitter expression appearing on his face.
"No... as expected..."
The Metropolitan Police Department members looked over, their pupils dilating in shock at the scene before them.
The Sunny Doll Killer's body, after being riddled by dozens of guns in rapid succession, was now covered in dense holes, from which dark red, viscous blood with a foul odour seeped out.
Yet, he still stood there motionless.
"Is that all?"
Under the horrified gazes of the Metropolitan Police Department members, the Sunny Doll Killer spread his arms and shouted in a voice filled with madness and excitement, as if reaching an emotional peak.
"I... am the man who will change this world, who should be worshipped as a god! How can mere humans harm me!?"
Though blocked by the Metropolitan Police Department members, preventing the camera from capturing the Sunny Doll Killer's body, his words, accompanied by the intensifying rain, were clearly transmitted through the television, reaching the ears of everyone watching the broadcast.
Just then.
A voice tinged with amusement sounded from behind the Kyoto TV reporter and cameraman.
"I really don't get what you're trying to pull."
Hearing this familiar tone, Soichiro Yagami's anxious heart finally settled.
As expected...
He, along with the Metropolitan Police Department members, the TV reporter and the cameraman, turned around.
What met their eyes was the figure standing on the roof of a two-storey residential house, wearing a jet-black mask.
Not just Mask, but also the mysterious person Soichiro Yagami had seen before - dressed in ghastly white clothing, petite in stature, wearing a pure white mask.
And another unidentified individual with pale golden patterns on their clothing, alongside someone whose mask resembled a rabbit with two long ears.
Standing on that rooftop, these four peculiarly dressed figures entered the view of everyone present.
Through the live camera feed, Kyoto citizens watching the television broadcast, including Yukino Yukinoshita, Saki Kawasaki and Keika Kawasaki, as well as Marin Kitagawa, all witnessed this scene.
"Mask?"
"Is that... the legendary Mask?"
"He's actually real?"
"He actually appeared during a live television broadcast?"
"Is he the Sunny Doll Killer's... enemy?"
As Kyoto's number one fan, Keika Kawasaki began cheering excitedly the moment she saw Mask appear on television.
...
Seeing this, the television reporter quickly pulled the cameraman aside, found a hidden corner, and whispered to the cameraman.
"No matter what, we cannot stop the broadcast!"
"Yes, I understand!"
Originally, they thought it would be a live broadcast of the Metropolitan Police Department arresting a criminal suspect.
This was also what the television station's director and the Metropolitan Police Department's higher-ups had agreed upon.
Through the full live broadcast, they intended to bring closure to this widely followed, vicious serial murder case, thereby restoring the Metropolitan Police Department's credibility.
Who would have thought there'd be an unexpected bonus?
The protagonist of urban legends VS the arrogant, cruel, and heinous serial killer?
This is absolutely unbeatable!
"It's you again..."
The Sunny Doll Killer's bloodshot eyes fixed tightly on Mask's face. Seeing the smile pattern on the other's mask that seemed to mock and ridicule him, his emotions grew even more frenzied.
"You and I, we both possess special abilities, why!? Why do you always have to obstruct me!"
Mai Sakurajima, wearing a rabbit mask, snorted coldly and slowly spoke.
"You, are you even worthy of being compared to him?"
The Sunny Doll Killer's pupils twisted, no longer resembling those of a normal human.
The holes on his body rapidly healed, bullets expelled from his body falling to the ground and splashing in the puddles.
The stench emanating from the Sunny Doll Killer grew increasingly apparent, even as the rain attempted to conceal it.
"Since you cannot become my ally, then as an obstacle in my path, a fated enemy I must kill, to achieve my..."
Bang!
Before the Sunny Doll Killer could finish speaking, Ye Xing in the live broadcast suddenly disappeared.
Only when the cameraman adjusted the camera direction did they see the unbelievable scene in front of the Suga Editorial Studio sign, where the Metropolitan Police Department's cordon had already been lifted.
The black-clad Mask had grabbed the Sunny Doll Killer's head with one hand and pressed it into the accumulated filthy water on the ground.
His voice, though not loud, seemed to carry an inexplicable penetrating power, allowing everyone present and all viewers watching the broadcast to hear clearly.
"I'm your fated enemy?"
"I've never heard anything more insulting in my life."
"Someone like you, are you even worthy of considering me your fated enemy?"