As the self-proclaimed main wife, Mai Sakurajima had naturally wondered what kind of woman Ye Xing would invite to a hotel room.
The mature type? The sweet and cute type? The young married woman type?
A gyaru? A high school girl?
Or perhaps a mixed-race girl with blonde hair and blue eyes, or even a foreigner?
Mai Sakurajima had even considered the ridiculous possibility that the visitor might not be human, but a female ghost like Hachishaku-sama.
But she never expected.
That standing outside the door would be a teacher from her school, the homeroom teacher of Ye Xing and Miko - Shizuka Hiratsuka.
The relationship between Mai Sakurajima and Shizuka Hiratsuka could be summarised in four words.
Not close at all.
Mai Sakurajima was a second-year student, and her classroom wasn't even on the same floor as the first-years.
Of course, the two still knew each other.
As the most famous student at Sobu High School before Ye Xing's enrollment, even though Shizuka Hiratsuka wasn't her homeroom teacher, she had certainly heard of this former nationally famous idol actress.
And since Mai Sakurajima was in the same club as Ye Xing and the others, she had naturally heard about their homeroom teacher, Shizuka Hiratsuka.
But neither Mai Sakurajima nor Shizuka Hiratsuka had expected.
That their first proper meeting and conversation would be in this kind of...
Well, it was hard to describe, but it was somewhat an eerie and awkward atmosphere.
"Ms Hiratsuka, please come in."
Mai Sakurajima hesitated briefly before ultimately maintaining her gentle smile and offering a polite greeting.
Had it been anyone else - even Haruno Yukinoshita visiting today - she would have responded with full force.
But after all, Mai Sakurajima wasn't Ye Xing. As a student, she still needed to maintain basic etiquette towards Shizuka Hiratsuka, who was a teacher at Sobu High School.
"Um... hello."
Shizuka Hiratsuka replied cautiously, completely unlike her usual straightforward and hearty demeanour, even carrying a somewhat guilty air.
Mainly because this situation was genuinely quite awkward.
"Well..."
Shizuka stepped into the room, forcing a slight smile as she said.
"Sakurajima-san, you can just call me Shizuka. After all, we're not at school right now, no need to specially add the teacher title."
"Oh? Is that so?"
Mai Sakurajima poured a glass of warm water and politely handed it to Shizuka Hiratsuka, smiling as she said.
"Alright then, Shizuka."
Shizuka Hiratsuka took the water glass and sat on the sofa, appearing somewhat ill at ease.
What to do, what to do?
What exactly is this situation?
Shizuka Hiratsuka was already beginning to sweat profusely.
Although it was summer holiday, as a homeroom teacher, she had actually come to a student's hotel room late at night - no matter how you looked at it, this was quite suspicious behaviour, wasn't it!?
Moreover, she had encountered Sakurajima-san.
What was her relationship with Ye Xing?
Were they lovers!?
What exactly did Ye Xing mean by calling her over?
Could it be that the so-called battlefield referred to...
Shizuka Hiratsuka didn't dare continue that train of thought.
"Well..."
Shizuka Hiratsuka pulled a room card from her pocket and flashed it, waving her hand in an attempt to cover up as she explained.
"It's just that, well, I've also booked a room on this floor, and I thought since Ye Xing-kun is here too, I should come say hello... Anyway, it's just a coincidence, nothing more to it."
"Oh, I see."
Watching Mai Sakurajima sitting there as steady as Mount Tai, wearing a light-coloured dress with exquisite features and fair, delicate skin - her mere presence was as beautiful as a painting - and hearing her calm tone, Shizuka Hiratsuka suddenly felt an inexplicable competitive desire arise within her.
She attempted to turn the tables, taking the initiative to ask:
"So Sakurajima-san, what are you doing in Ye Xing's room so late...?"
"Oh, this."
Mai Sakurajima maintained her gentle smile as she replied in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Ye Xing and I are lovers."
Seeing how completely unfazed Mai Sakurajima was while saying this, the momentum Shizuka had mustered with difficulty instantly deflated by half.
But she wasn't willing to give up just yet, forcing herself to maintain a smile as she continued:
"Then staying in a boy's room so late... well..."
The corners of Mai Sakurajima's lips lifted as she brushed aside the hair by her ear, replying with a smile:
"Shizuka, Ye Xing and I are lovers."
"You already said that just now..."
"Being lovers means..."
Before Shizuka Hiratsuka could finish, Mai Sakurajima interrupted with amusement:
"Ye Xing and I have done everything together. We're adults now; just spending the night together is nothing major."
Hearing these words, Shizuka Hiratsuka's face instantly flushed red.
Done everything together?
Sakurajima-san actually said such embarrassing words so openly?
Shizuka Hiratsuka was flustered, her lips slightly parted in stunned shock, her mind completely blank, unsure how to respond.
Ye Xing, who had been secretly observing from the side, offered his assessment of the battle situation.
'Kyoto's number one iron fist, Shizuka Hiratsuka...'
'Completely crushed by the former nationally famous idol actress.'
'Not even in the same weight class.'
'Sorry, we couldn't let Lady Mai Sakurajima enjoy herself to the fullest.'
'In this area, the only one who can hold her own against Mai Sakurajima single-handedly is Haruno Yukinoshita.'
'Although Shizuka Hiratsuka is older, her defence is just too weak.'
'Not quite up to par.'
"Since I've said hello, I'll be going now..."
Shizuka Hiratsuka was already sweating profusely. Even though she originally wanted to speak with Ye Xing, because Mai Sakurajima was also in the room, she could only nod as a form of greeting before fleeing in defeat.
Today's battlefield report:
Mai Sakurajima's overwhelming victory.
After Shizuka Hiratsuka left, Mai Sakurajima walked to the room door, confirmed it was properly closed, first fastened the security chain, then pressed the "Do Not Disturb" button on the nearby screen.
After completing these actions, she turned to look at Ye Xing, her tone clearly carrying jealousy:
"Even your own homeroom teacher... truly worthy of you, you perverted junior. Hmph."
By the end, Mai Sakurajima couldn't help but let out a light humph, as if angry, but in Ye Xing's eyes, it was completely an adorable display of coquettish jealousy.
He stepped forward, scooped her up horizontally in his arms, and directly tossed her onto the soft bed.
"Mmm..."
Mai Sakurajima couldn't suppress a gasp of surprise. Watching Ye Xing, who was already pressing down on her like a hungry wolf, his hands beginning to roam everywhere, she let out suppressed, aroused pants while saying with feigned annoyance.
"You... couldn't even wait one minute? You'll be the death of me with your impatience."
Ye Xing's palm rested on Mai Sakurajima's thigh, clad in thin black tights, its curves plump yet shapely.
"To protect the world's safety, and to combat those sinister evil spirits, we must quickly enhance your strength, Mai-senpai."
"You... you only call me senpai at times like this."
"Then what should you call me, Mai-senpai?"
Hearing Ye Xing's question, a blush spread across Mai Sakurajima's face, her eyes glazing over with a misty haze. Remembering her promise to follow his arrangements entirely tonight, she suppressed her shame and whispered in a voice as faint as a mosquito's hum.
"Mas... Master."
"Please... fill me up."
...
Early the next morning, at the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.
"L, the incident report has been compiled."
"Good, pull it up for me to see."
Even after staying up all night, with prominent dark circles under his eyes, L showed no trace of fatigue in his gaze. Instead, there was a flicker of eager excitement.
He dragged the mouse to open the report compiled by the Metropolitan Police Department on the electronic screen, squinting slightly as he read carefully.
"An attack method descending from high altitudes..."
"Unidentified individuals wearing black masks and black coats, along with several others..."
Upon reading this line, L's expression froze.
"I see. So Mask and Kira are accomplices. This complicates matters somewhat."
The high-ranking officials of the Metropolitan Police Department did not interrupt L's train of thought, allowing him to mutter to himself as he continued reading the report.
"Sudden torrential rain... abnormal incidents within the hotel..."
When L reached the section about the incident at the hotel two kilometres from Shibuya's commercial pedestrian street, a glint flashed in his eyes as if he had noticed something. Without turning his head, he asked calmly, "Has your Metropolitan Police Department's forensics and blood analysis report been completed?"
"It has been completed..."
The high-ranking official hesitated before replying, "The test results showed no traces of hallucinogens or any other substances in the blood of any witnesses."
"The surveillance footage also shows no signs of tampering."
The possibilities the Metropolitan Police Department officers considered at the scene last night were, naturally, within L's reasoning as well.
If the witnesses had not been exposed to psychoactive gases or hallucinogens, how could their testimonies be explained?
If the surveillance footage hadn't been altered, how could one explain the dozens of guests and staff in the lobby vanishing instantaneously, as if spirited away?
"Interesting..."
L's expression appeared impassive, but Watari, familiar with his temperament, knew that such a perplexing, high-difficulty case had strongly piqued his interest.
"First, point number one."
L swivelled his chair around, placing his feet on the seat, and raised his right index finger toward the high-ranking official.
"I don't believe it's a coincidence that the break-in at the National Museum last night coincided with the sudden abnormal rainfall."
"And judging from Kira's recent activities, he doesn't possess the ability to control rainfall."
"So, it's highly probable that someone near Mask... or Mask themselves possesses the ability to trigger torrential rain."
Upon hearing this analysis, the Metropolitan Police Department executive's first reaction wasn't astonishment at L's talent.
Instead, he wore an expression of half-belief.
"Are... you being serious?"
Triggering torrential rain?
Are you telling fairy tales here?
L showed no intention of explaining himself to this Metropolitan Police Department executive, merely stating calmly.
"Close your mouth and listen quietly."
"Second point: despite being heavily surrounded by the Metropolitan Police Department, with the field commander having called for reinforcements, Kira still managed to delay for nearly half an hour."
"And during this process, he didn't kill a single officer."
"This proves that Kira possesses highly focused willpower, firm determination toward his objectives, and psychological resilience beyond ordinary people."
"With these characteristics, plus the message Kira left for me previously, judging from the tone, Kira's true identity differs from most criminals in typical cases."
"He isn't the type who's been socially rejected or suffered psychological trauma."
"On the contrary, Kira's true face should be what ordinary people would consider a 'strong individual', hence possessing such powerful confidence... one might even say, arrogance."
At this point, L took out a piece of chocolate from his pocket and delivered his final conclusion.
"He's not an ordinary criminal, but ultimately, he's still just a criminal."
"Because of this personality, because he's this kind of person, Kira cannot be satisfied with the status quo."
"I believe soon, Kira will launch a criminal operation completely different from before."
L looked at the bewildered Metropolitan Police Department executive, yawned, and waved his hand dismissively.
"Make yourself useful, too - contact the Kyoto Metropolitan Police Department. Since Mask and Kira are accomplices, if we can obtain more information about Mask, it could provide me with more analytical clues."
"Alright... alright."
After the Metropolitan Police Department executive left, L looked at the incident report on the screen, lightly biting his thumb while musing thoughtfully.
"One who punishes evil... this guy, does he see himself as some kind of messenger of justice?"
...
The following two days passed peacefully.
No.
During the daytime, it was peaceful.
But at night, it was all-out warfare.
The first night was Mai Sakurajima, the second night was Rio Futaba, and the third night was Miko Yotsuya.
The members of the Supernatural Society kept growing stronger, unlocking more positions... and more abilities.
...
Morning, in a shopping district.
"Yukino-chan?"
Seeing Yukino Yukinoshita spacing out beside her, Yui Yuigahama called out curiously.
When there was no response, she raised her voice slightly.
"Yukino-chan!"
"Huh?"
Yukino Yukinoshita snapped back to reality, looking at Yui Yuigahama, who was puffing her cheeks in annoyance, before speaking softly.
"Sorry."
Yui Yuigahama shook her head helplessly.
"Sigh, you've been like this these past two days."
Then, Yui Yuigahama turned sideways, examining Yukino meaningfully while covering her mouth with a light laugh.
"Could it be... you've found someone you like?"
"Don't talk nonsense."
"Being in love is perfectly normal."
Yukino Yukinoshita gently patted Yui Yuigahama's head, revealing a rare smile as she spoke.
"Stop saying strange things, let's keep going."
"Okay"
Watching Yui Yuigahama, who was half a step ahead of her, her entire demeanour radiating liveliness and brightness, Yukino Yukinoshita's thoughts were completely different.
Did she know?
Yui was also an internal member. Did she know?
Ye Xing's true identity...
Three days ago, that sudden downpour that nearly flooded Tokyo.
Yukino Yukinoshita had personally seen Hina Amano clear the weather through something resembling prayer.
She clearly remembered Hina Amano saying she needed to take a phone call outside.
Then the drizzle turned into a torrential downpour.
Was it Hina Amano's doing?
If the sudden rainfall change only made Yukino Yukinoshita suspicious, then an announcement from the Tokyo National Museum confirmed her suspicions.
"Due to sudden heavy rain, the National Museum's foundation has become unstable and requires emergency repairs. The exhibition is suspended."
The famous sword Mikazuki Munechika...
Was probably already taken away.
Emergency repairs?
Completely an official excuse - with Mikazuki Munechika gone, what could they possibly exhibit?
The Supernatural Society members arrived in Tokyo, and then the Tokyo National Museum suffered an accident.
A few months ago, when the Supernatural Society was in Kyoto, the Kyoto City Museum was invaded.
This couldn't possibly be a coincidence.
Ye Xing was Mask.
Finally confirming her long-held suspicion, Yukino Yukinoshita suddenly didn't know how to face this situation.
Leave the Supernatural Society?
Logically, that's what she should do. After all, regardless of public opinion about Mask, Mask was still committing crimes.
But...
Yukino Yukinoshita wasn't a normal person.
Even setting aside Mask's identity and just considering what she had learned about Ye Xing during this time...
The Supernatural Society was indeed, under his leadership, helping people in need - though in a way quite different from, even opposite to, her own methods.
Yukino Yukinoshita was torn.
...
Meanwhile, in Akihabara.
"Wooow!!! This is Akihabara's Otaku Street!!!"
Listening to Marin Kitagawa's exclamation, Ye Xing looked at the bustling street, filled with strong anime culture vibes, his reaction rather calm.
"It's certainly lively."
Marin Kitagawa wore a white shirt with a small black choker around her fair neck, paired with a plaid mini skirt - her entire outfit exuding the youthful energy of a JK gyaru.
Looking at the scene before her, her eyes sparkling, she suddenly brightened up and excitedly pointed at a standing signboard in front of a shop.
"Ye Xing, look over there, quick, quick, quick!"
Ye Xing followed her pointing finger to see a nearly six-foot-tall signboard depicting a figure in a black coat with hemline like burning black flames, wearing a pure black mask, striking an extremely pretentious pose.
"It's Mask! I never thought they'd even make standing signboards!"
Marin Kitagawa pulled Ye Xing's sleeve as they ran up to the signboard, examining it carefully while marvelling.
"Mask is just too cool! I want to cosplay him too, but I don't know that much about this character..."
Ye Xing gazed at the pattern on the standing display board as if admiring a work of art, nodding repeatedly as he spoke.
"He really is cool. From this standing posture, I can sense an unshakeable will, the unique protagonist quality of being chosen by fate, the heroic talent to save the world, charisma beyond ordinary people, outstanding intelligence and physical ability, a bold character who speaks his mind without hesitation, the courage to build a harem without the slightest doubt, and the talent to play the music of the world with a suona..."
"He really is too charismatic."
Hearing this long string of words, Marin Kitagawa was momentarily stunned as she looked at Ye Xing, sighing with genuine feeling.
"You... really have a deep understanding of Mask..."