Watching the members go up one by one, each taking a candy apple and chatting happily, Yukino Yukinoshita couldn't help but feel tempted.
Maybe...
She should have one too?
But just as Yukino Yukinoshita was thinking this, she heard Haruno suddenly speak.
"Oh dear, I'm one short. I thought I counted everyone properly..."
Haruno scanned the area, her gaze settling on Yukino's face as she put on an apologetic smile and stuck out her tongue.
"Sorry, Yukino-chan, I forgot to get one for you."
"It doesn't matter."
Yukino Yukinoshita sat on the mat, smoothing back the black hair near her ear as she looked at Haruno standing before her, her tone flat.
"I didn't want one anyway."
Haruno held a candy apple in her hand, looking at the bite mark Ye Xing had left on it. She extended her tongue like a cat, lightly licking the spot before saying meaningfully,
"Everyone else is having one, only you're not. Are you really okay with that?"
Yukino Yukinoshita lowered her eyelids, initially intending to remain silent, yet for some reason, she uttered words she hadn't even processed through her mind.
"Even if I wanted to eat it... There isn't any, but I stopped being affected by such things long ago."
"Don't overthink it, just eat if you want to."
As Haruno Yukinoshita's words fell, Ye Xing produced another candied apple from somewhere and offered it to Yukino Yukinoshita, smiling as if coordinating with Haruno's remark.
"Here, Bug-no, have some candy."
"You're the bug, Bug-Ye!"
Yukino Yukinoshita retorted irritably, but gazing at the bright red candied apple in Ye Xing's hand, she hesitated only briefly before finally reaching out to take it, murmuring in a voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz.
"Th... thank you."
"Mhm, you're welcome."
Haruno sat down beside Yukino Yukinoshita, propping her cheek on one hand and smiling cheerfully.
"How lovely, Yukino-chan. I remember you've always loved sweets the most, and this candied apple is still..."
"Is still what?"
"Nothing, you'll understand someday."
...
Brilliant fireworks bloomed across the night sky.
"Wow, so beautiful..."
Yui Yuigahama's eyes sparkled with glittering light, reflecting the colours of the fireworks.
"Next year... let's all come watch the fireworks together again next year."
"Next year, huh..."
Rio Futaba, sitting beside her, made a gesture of pushing up her glasses, her expression complicated.
"Who knows what state the club will be in by next year... Will we still be able to gather together then?"
Yui Yuigahama pouted, complaining coquettishly.
"Don't say such pessimistic things. Of course we'll still be together."
"Indeed."
Mai Sakurajima nodded, glancing at Ye Xing, who was sitting not far away, watching the fireworks with Natsumi Suga and Shizuka Hiratsuka, the two mature older sisters, and sighed slightly with a hint of helplessness.
"With that guy around, the members will only keep increasing, never decreasing. I really don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing."
...
The enjoyable fireworks display thus concluded peacefully.
The following evening, in the shopping district.
"Hello there, you two old-timers, I'm here."
Hearing this familiar address and familiar voice, Oda Noto and Godmother Granny, who were sitting behind the counter, sighed simultaneously.
The two looked up and, seeing only Ye Xing had come today, couldn't help feeling somewhat puzzled.
"Why are you alone? Where are all those girls?"
"Oh, them."
Ye Xing explained casually.
"They went through an exceptionally intense battle last night, completely exhausting their stamina. They're probably still lying in bed sore all over, unable to get up."
Oda Noto frowned slightly, thinking to himself: This battle you're talking about isn't exactly a proper one, is it?
But...
Taking on several at once?
Oda Noto winked at Ye Xing, lowering his voice.
"You rascal, quite the capable one, eh? Youth is wonderful. Back in my day..."
"Please don't start with 'back in my day'."
Godmother Granny rolled her eyes, interrupting Oda Noto.
"Someone who's nearly six feet under shouldn't be boasting here..."
Just as Godmother Granny was halfway through speaking, she seemed to sense something, her pupils slightly contracting as she gazed at Ye Xing standing there. It appeared she was confirming her perception, and the longer she stared, the more astonished her eyes became.
"You... your spiritual power..."
Godmother Granny wore an expression of disbelief as she murmured.
"You actually... truly killed a god?"
Ye Xing shrugged and laughed.
"Of course, did you think I was just boasting?"
Godmother Granny and Oda Noto exchanged glances, both rendered speechless.
The two were exorcists, not shrine maidens or divine envoys, so they didn't particularly revere gods themselves.
But a powerful being that had existed for centuries, capable of influencing the entire weather patterns of Japan, had actually been slain...
They found it difficult to imagine what kind of power Ye Xing possessed, coupled with what immense determination, to accomplish such a feat.
"So... your visit today... is to...?"
"There's something I need to ask of you. Regarding that large mountain on the outskirts of Kyoto City, I hope you can inquire within your circles if there are any noteworthy rumours about it."
"No problem."
Godmother Granny agreed first, then looked directly into Ye Xing's eyes as she once again pulled out that stack of tarot cards from under the counter.
"Might this old woman perform another divination for you? I can feel that the trajectory of your fate has become much clearer now. Perhaps this time, the divination will succeed."
"Divination? That's fine by me."
Ye Xing sat down at the counter and said with a smile.
"Then let's begin."
"Hmm..."
Godmother Granny took a deep breath and fanned out the stack of tarot cards in her hand, spreading them across the table in an arc.
"Draw one card. Just one is enough."
Under her tense gaze, Ye Xing randomly selected one tarot card.
Godmother Granny mobilised all her spiritual power - even Ye Xing and Oda Noto could see the faint white glow of spiritual energy emanating from her body.
"The result of the divination..."
Godmother Granny's hand rested on the tarot card. Just as she had flipped it halfway, before she could clearly see the card's face, Ye Xing, opposite her, softly spoke two words as if he had already known the outcome.
"The Fool."
Only after he spoke did the imagery of the tarot card enter Godmother Granny and Oda Noto's field of vision.
"The Fool..."
Godmother Granny's brow furrowed tightly upon seeing this tarot card.
"New beginnings, infinite potential, thrilling adventures..."
Had she drawn this Fool card during her previous divination, Godmother Granny wouldn't have found it particularly noteworthy.
New beginnings could refer to the upcoming school term - for Ye Xing, a high school student, a new semester naturally meant a fresh start.
Infinite potential indicated the bright future revealed by his innate talents.
As for thrilling adventures, that naturally referred to his activities as an exorcist hidden beneath his high school identity, battling those terrifying evil spirits - wasn't that thrilling enough?
The problem was...
During her previous divination, Godmother Granny had drawn a blank card as insurance.
Partly because her spiritual power wasn't strong enough.
Partly because at that time, Ye Xing's fate trajectory hadn't fully revealed itself, and with Godmother Granny's level of spiritual power, she clearly couldn't force a glimpse.
Her spiritual power hadn't strengthened much since then, remaining at the same level as before. This successful divination wasn't due to any improvement in her abilities as the diviner, but rather because something had changed recently with the subject of the divination.
And when it came to recent changes in Ye Xing...
There was only the matter of him having slain a deity, wasn't there?
Didn't this mean...
That so-called new beginning and thrilling adventure referred to Ye Xing continuously slaying gods from now on?
How could a human have such a fate trajectory!?
There was just one thing Godmother Granny didn't understand.
What did the so-called infinite potential refer to?
Was it that Ye Xing's spiritual power would be tempered and continuously improved through battles during this adventure of slaying gods?
Godmother Granny would never have guessed.
The so-called infinitely improving potential wasn't about battle tempering, but rather the power Ye Xing could obtain directly from devouring the gods.
What kind of Fool's journey was this?
This was simply Japan being used as a buffet.
...
Half a month later, in the Supernatural Society club room at Sobu High School.
"Aaaaaah..."
Yui Yuigahama held her head in her hands, looking completely defeated.
"It's so hard, so hard!!! Why have the second-term courses become this difficult!!! I can't take it anymore!!!"
"Hard?"
Rio Futaba took a sip from her coffee cup and said calmly.
"I think it's alright."
Yukino Yukinoshita had the same reaction, simply crossing her legs and speaking in a soft, expressionless voice.
"Yui, if you usually put in more effort and were less distracted, you wouldn't find such simple courses difficult."
Yui Yuigahama pouted and muttered under her breath.
"You two academic goddesses could never understand the suffering of a poor student like me!!!"
"What do you think..."
Yui scanned the club room, looking for someone who shared her perspective.
However...
It seemed quite difficult to find.
Ye Xing went without saying - that guy was a monster.
Saki Kawasaki's grades were quite good, too. While not quite top-tier, she ranked near the top of her year and could be considered an academic achiever.
Miko Yotsuya, Mai Sakurajima, Hina Amano, and Marin Kitagawa's academic results weren't particularly outstanding, yet they consistently maintained above-average performance.
"What do you think, Kazusa?"
After scanning the room, Yui Yuigahama could only direct her hopeful gaze toward Kazusa Touma, who sat beside Ye Xing, her eyes clearly spelling out one word.
Help!
However, when faced with Yui Yuigahama's plea for support, Kazusa Touma merely responded indifferently.
"Me? I'm not pursuing further education. Grades don't matter to me - I'm a pianist."
Yui Yuigahama: "..."
Damn specialised students!
So damn annoying!
"I don't even share common ground with any of you! This is bullying, it's bullying!!!"
Yukino Yukinoshita continued reading a light novel without even looking up, commenting in a flat tone.
"Poor academic performance is your own problem, isn't it? You spend too much energy on club activities. You're probably thinking about after-school activities even during regular classes."
Yui Yuigahama had no retort.
Because she truly hadn't been focusing on her studies, she was constantly preoccupied with exorcism matters instead.
Marin Kitagawa patted Yui Yuigahama's shoulder and suggested with a smile.
"How about... finding someone to tutor you? Actually, I've been struggling with studies recently too - we could study together."
"Eh? Great idea! Let's have a study session!"
With her sociable nature, Yui Yuigahama naturally wouldn't refuse Marin's proposal.
Both their gazes simultaneously turned toward Ye Xing, sitting by the window.
Sensing Marin and Yui's stares, he outright refused.
"Not me. I've been busy lately. Besides, the academic gap between us is too wide - you'd probably struggle to understand my problem-solving approach. The level difference is too great; I can't carry you."
"Tch... Just say you don't want to teach us... Making all these excuses."
Yui Yuigahama muttered under her breath, then turned her gaze toward Yukino Yukinoshita.
"Yukino-chan..."
"Stop, no need to continue."
Seeing Yui Yuigahama's pitiful expression, Yukino Yukinoshita's defences instantly crumbled. She sighed, massaging her temples.
"I can teach you, but you'll need to take it seriously."
"Don't worry, no problem!"
Hearing their conversation, Saki Kawasaki nearby offered,
"In that case, I'll tutor you too. I'm quite patient, and it'll help share Yukinoshita's burden."
"Sort it out among yourselves."
Ye Xing stood up, casually waving his hand with a smile.
"I've got important matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now."
After leaving the clubroom, Ye Xing arrived at Class 1-A's classroom entrance.
Along the way, the scenes wherever he passed were no exaggeration - it could definitely be called something that would make people keep their distance.
"Yurikawa-san."
"Ye Xing!"
Hana Yurikawa, who had been waiting at the classroom entrance, immediately waved cheerfully upon seeing Ye Xing approach.
"Finished your work? Let's go then."
"Mm, alright."
As Ye Xing and Hana Yurikawa left school together, shoulder to shoulder, the male students showed envy and jealousy.
Although Hana Yurikawa's personality was rather airheaded - almost unlike a high school student, more resembling a middle school or even elementary school student -
In men's eyes, this kind of innocent, obedient nature was definitely a plus!
Moreover, there were also impressive bust measurements.
Hana Yurikawa was quite lovely in appearance and very well-liked.
Moreover, she had enormous breasts.
Her academic performance was also excellent, and she had a very kind heart.
Moreover, she had enormous breasts.
...
After leaving Sobu High School, Ye Xing arrived together with Hana Yurikawa at the entrance of a video game merchandise shop.
"Naruko... would she really be in a place like this?"
Upon hearing Hana Yurikawa's question, Ye Xing nodded and spoke calmly.
"According to the information I've obtained, every Friday after school, she comes here to work part-time. The same goes for Saturdays and Sundays - three days of work per week, ever since starting high school."
Hana Yurikawa nodded, admiration showing in her eyes as she praised.
"Ye Xing, you're really an amazing stalker."
"The word 'stalker' isn't really used to compliment people, you know."
"Eh? Really? But I'm using it to complement you."
"If you really can't find a good word, you don't have to force yourself to compliment me."
After making this retort, Ye Xing led Hana Yurikawa into the video game speciality shop before them.
"Welcome."
Behind the cash register was a girl with a gyaru-style appearance, sporting twin tails that pointed outwards and naturally wavy orange hair.
She first automatically said 'welcome,' then froze for a moment when her eyes clearly saw Ye Xing.
After all, he was quite handsome.
Then, her gaze swept to Hana Yurikawa standing beside Ye Xing.
"Eh?"
Naruko Anjou seemed somewhat hesitant, speaking cautiously.
"Excuse me... are you Yu..."
Before she could finish, Hana Yurikawa had already rushed behind the cash register, her momentum startling Naruko Anjou, who thought she was being robbed.
"Naruko!"
Hana Yurikawa wrapped her arms around Naruko Anjou, rubbing cheeks with her intimately.
"It's been five years, I've finally seen you again! It's me, it's Hana!"
Feeling that heavy pressure against her chest, Naruko Anjou confirmed it.
This person really was Little Hana.
Ah no...
Now she should be called Big... no, Giant Hana.
"All these years..."
Naruko Anjou's first words came out almost instinctively.
"What on earth have you been eating all this time?"
"Eh? Just normal food."
Naruko Anjou pursed her lips, studying Hana Yurikawa while thinking to herself that the other girl had shown extraordinary talent since childhood.
It seemed this could only be explained as innate genius.
"And this is...?"
Seeing Naruko examining Ye Xing, he spoke up before Hana could introduce him.
"Naruko Anjou, we came to ask you what exactly you saw during the incident five years ago."
"Five years ago..."
At these words, the smile that had been on Naruko's face from seeing her long-lost childhood friend suddenly vanished, replaced by an expression of extreme terror. She clutched her head, gritting her teeth, appearing to be in great pain.
"No... don't ask me... I, I don't know anything..."
"Naruko, you..."
"Yurikawa."
Before Hana could speak, Ye Xing interrupted her. He gave Naruko, who was clearly suffering, a meaningful look before leading Hana out of the video game speciality store.
"Naruko doesn't seem willing to talk about that incident... Why?"
"Oh, you can't see it."
Ye Xing lowered his voice as he spoke to Hana.
"There's a faint black aura surrounding Naruko Anjou - it's the manifestation of evil spirit aura. It's so strong that I can see it directly, which means she's probably... in danger."
"Eh!?"
Hearing this, Hana first stared blankly, then showed an anxious expression.
"Then we must help her!"
"Not we - just me."
Ye Xing patted Hana's shoulder and smiled.
"Your life aura is too strong - ordinary evil spirits can't get close to you. Besides, you yourself could easily become a target for evil spirits, so I'll handle this."
"I'll hide in the shadows and wait for the evil spirit to appear."
"The fact that an evil spirit has targeted Naruko Anjou probably isn't a coincidence. Her reaction earlier was clearly abnormal too - it might be related to the incident five years ago when Menma died."
Hana nodded first, then hesitated.
"But... you can't stay with Naruko twenty-four hours a day, can you?"
"No need for twenty-four hours. I estimate the evil spirit will appear tonight while Naruko Anjou is sleeping. After all, ordinary evil spirits can't directly affect normal humans - they can only guide negative thoughts or create mental pressure. The sleeping period is their best opportunity to strike."
"Tonight... but... You don't know..."
"I know."
Ye Xing interrupted Hana's words and smiled.
"I know Naruko Anjou's home address - I found out earlier."
Hana looked at him with genuine admiration, nodding as she praised him from the bottom of her heart.
"As expected, Ye Xing, you really are an amazing stalker!"