"So this is the legendary Reverse World..."
After passing through the Gate before them, Shoko Makinohara, Menma, Naruko Anjou, and Saki Kawasaki all looked around curiously.
After all, apart from Naruko Anjou, everyone else had long heard rumours about a region that completely mirrored the real-world Kyoto, like a reflection, teeming with evil spirits and fear. Naturally, they were curious about what the Reverse World truly looked like.
Kazusa Touma was different.
Unlike Menma and the others, who gasped in awe as they gazed at the crimson moon outside, she wore a calm expression as she slowly drew the half-person-sized black case from her back.
Then, under everyone's disbelieving stares, Kazusa Touma took out...
A bass guitar.
"Touma-san, you..."
Saki Kawasaki stared dumbfounded, murmuring.
"You... were actually carrying a bass guitar all along?"
"Mhm."
Kazusa Touma took out a cloth and carefully wiped the bass guitar in her hands, not even looking up.
"What else would it be, a guitar?"
"No... it's just..."
Saki Kawasaki naturally recognised that the black, half-person-height case was specifically designed to carry instruments like guitars and bass guitars.
But who would have thought that Kazusa Touma, while coming to the Reverse World, would actually be carrying a musical instrument!?
Everyone had originally assumed that the black half-person-height instrument case must contain cold weapons or something similar - perhaps even handguns, shotguns, or semi-automatic rifles.
Yet it turned out to really be just a plain, ordinary bass guitar!?
"This most normal answer, in the current situation, has actually become the most abnormal one!"
Saki Kawasaki still couldn't quite believe it. Looking at the black bass in Kazusa Touma's hands, she hesitantly asked, "Touma-san, is that bass... the kind that can shoot out blades... or fire bullets?"
Kazusa Touma raised her head, her delicate, slender eyes revealing a look as if she were staring at an idiot.
"Kawasaki, have you been infected by Yui Yuigahama? Don't say such foolish things."
Saki Kawasaki was left speechless.
She never imagined in her life that she, who could be considered an honours student academically, would one day be looked at with such an expression by Kazusa Touma - the legendary zero-score student of Sobu High School, consistently ranking last in the year and scoring zero on every exam.
It was really quite hard to take.
"Then... why did you bring a bass..."
"Why?"
Kazusa Touma, completely unable to relate to Saki Kawasaki's perspective, replied with a frown as if stating the obvious.
"Aren't we staying here overnight? With my bass, I can practice the duet piece with Ye Xing."
Saki Kawasaki, Menma, Naruko Anjou, Shoko Makinohara: "..."
The four girls were filled with profound respect.
Kazusa Touma was truly fearsome beyond measure.
Even after coming to the Reverse World, what she was thinking about was taking this opportunity to practice duet pieces with Ye Xing?
Just what kind of thought process was that!?
Even for someone love-struck, this was too extreme!
Just as everyone was at a loss for words, a light sound, like wooden clogs on the floor, came from the stairwell not far away.
"Eh..."
Naruko Anjou turned pale with fright, quickly pulling Menma behind her to protect her.
But after making this instinctive move, she suddenly remembered.
Wait.
Menma is the ghost, I'm the human.
Since when do humans protect ghosts?
When Naruko turned around, she saw Menma's cute face filled with terror, looking like she was about to cry. Seeing this, Naruko couldn't help but sigh.
Oh well.
It seemed even as a ghost, Menma was still such a crybaby. She might as well continue protecting her.
"So... so powerful..."
Before Menma could finish speaking, the owner of the footsteps finally appeared before everyone.
As a spirit, Menma had originally wanted to exclaim about the terrifying power emanating from the other party that made her tremble involuntarily. But when she clearly saw the other's appearance, she instinctively gasped, "Such... such a beautiful big sister..."
Hearing this compliment, Tamamo-no-Mae beamed with joy and said gently, "Thank you. You must be Menma-chan, right? So adorable."
The second thing Tamamo-no-Mae loved most in life was hearing others praise her beauty.
Her absolute favourite thing was hearing beautiful women praise her appearance.
Although Menma was rather flat-chested, as a mixed-race girl, she had fair skin, a slender figure, and delicate features. Receiving such sincere praise about her appearance from Menma naturally made Tamamo-no-Mae very happy.
However, both these preferences had now been moved down one rank.
What Tamamo-no-Mae loved most now was the same as Hachishaku-sama.
Drinking milk.
Tamamo-no-Mae first smiled at Menma, Saki Kawasaki, Kazusa Touma, Naruko Anjou, and Shoko Makinohara, nodding slightly and giving a polite bow before turning her gaze to Ye Xing.
"Speaking of which, earlier today – around dawn in the real world – Hachishaku-sama came. Did you know about this?"
"Hachishaku-sama came?"
Ye Xing felt somewhat puzzled.
"I haven't seen her today, but what did she come here for?"
"I do not know."
Tamamo-no-Mae shook her head with a gentle smile.
"She only said she wanted to prepare a surprise gift for you and asked me not to follow. My power is roughly equal to Hachishaku-sama's, making it difficult to trail her without being detected. So I have no idea where she has gone now."
"A surprise gift..."
Ye Xing murmured these words, the first thought springing to his mind being...
Could it be that Hachishaku-sama also wants to get some lingerie outfits?
A cow print set? Or a full-body fishnet catsuit? Or...
But that doesn't seem right.
With Hachishaku-sama's way of thinking, unless someone suggests it, she would never come up with such ideas on her own. Even if she wanted to wear some provocative uniform, there would be no need to come to the Reverse World. She could simply contact Mai Sakurajima and the others, who could then relay the request to Saki Kawasaki for clothing production and Marin Kitagawa for cosplay experience.
Since it's not lingerie, then what could this so-called surprise gift be?
"Never mind, it doesn't matter."
Ye Xing shook his head, not particularly concerned.
After all, he and Hachishaku-sama were bound by a contract. If she were truly in mortal danger, he would sense it immediately.
The current priority was to find Kuchisake-onna, confirm her power level, and see if she qualified to become an external employee of the Supernatural Society.
At the same time, this opportunity could be used to collect some experimental data. Based on how closely Kuchisake-onna matched the recent rumours circulating in Kyoto City, Rio Futaba could analyse the extent to which this deliberate guidance method influenced the evil spirits that manifested.
"Let's set off."
"Alright."
Kazusa Touma and Saki Kawasaki responded most quickly, immediately following in Ye Xing's footsteps.
Just looking at these three's appearances – one handsome young man, another tall girl with a light blue high ponytail exuding a delinquent aura, and a black-haired beauty carrying a bass guitar – one might think they were heading to a concert.
Then the camera shifts to Menma, Shoko Makinohara, and Naruko Anjou, hesitantly trailing behind, creating a complete shift in tone.
Shoko Makinohara was slightly better off. Though her eyes held barely concealed fear and tension, her experience of long-term hospitalisation plus having previously encountered evil spirit attacks meant her mental fortitude was stronger than most ordinary people's – at least she could still walk steadily.
Then looking at Naruko Anjou and Menma...
These two clung to Shoko Makinohara's arms, left and right, as if wanting to shrink into her embrace, appearing thoroughly jumpy, seeing danger everywhere.
Then, at the forefront, Tamamo-no-Mae in a traditional kimono and wooden sandals, her long black hair in a hime-cut, charming yet elegant...
Though they were one group, they seemed to have come from three completely different productions.
It started like a historical drama, transitioned into a youthful rock-music series, and ended as a horror film in which NPCs huddle together for warmth, existing solely to create an atmosphere of terror.
With Menma, Shoko Makinohara, and Naruko Anjou as the three key members, Ye Xing felt the future of the Supernatural Society was truly bright.
...
When they left the abandoned building and reached the streets, Naruko Anjou gazed at the deathly silent, empty road and murmured while suppressing her fear, "There's really... no one here at all..."
Suddenly seeming to remember something, Naruko blurted out, "Does that mean we don't need to pay for anything we want to buy? If we see something we like in the real world, we can just take it here?"
Ye Xing turned to look at Naruko and chuckled teasingly, "Anjou-san, your moral compass is quite corrupted."
"Sh-shut up!"
Naruko felt deeply embarrassed and couldn't help but stamp her foot.
"A-after all, no one would suffer any losses! What's wrong with that? Haven't you ever done something like this?"
"Eh, that's where you're wrong."
Ye Xing waved his hand, looking completely self-righteous. "I'm different from you."
"What's different?"
"I never deny my moral corruption. I just don't care about others' opinions. Bottom line? I don't have one. If you want to become a professional exorcist, you need to develop strong mental fortitude like mine that won't be shaken by external judgments."
Naruko frowned slightly as if wanting to say something, but Menma put an arm around her shoulder and whispered in her ear, "What Brother Ye Xing means is that you shouldn't care too much about what others think."
"This..."
Watching Naruko's thoughtful, complicated expression, Menma showed a sweet smile and continued following Ye Xing as if nothing had happened.
As childhood friends, she knew that although Naruko's current appearance was worlds apart from the bespectacled, curly-haired country girl from five years ago, Anjou was still Anjou - some things hadn't changed.
Like how easily she was influenced by external factors, causing her heart to waver.
Menma knew that one prerequisite for awakening Soul Materialisation was facing one's true self and having sufficiently strong willpower.
And this was exactly what Naruko Anjou lacked.
...
When the group, led by Tamamo-no-Mae, approached the area indicated in the announcement issued by Soichiro Yagami on behalf of the Metropolitan Police Department in the real world, Tamamo-no-Mae became alert and lowered her voice, "Something's not right..."
"Indeed."
Ye Xing nodded slightly and said quietly, "We haven't encountered any evil spirits along the way. Could it be that Kuchisake-onna's power has grown so strong that evil spirits dare not enter areas where she exists?"
"That shouldn't be the case..."
Tamamo-no-Mae sounded uncertain, too.
Although she had observed Kuchisake-onna from a distance when the creature first appeared, she hadn't approached to avoid alerting it. Besides, some time had passed since then - who knew if Kuchisake-onna's power might have undergone some strange growth?
After all, this was an announcement issued by the Metropolitan Police Department. While it might not have captivated the entire city of Kyoto, it had at least become a hot topic among young people. The evil spirits born from such widespread discussion should not be underestimated.
"Eh... This is..."
Just then, Menma suddenly murmured as if sensing something.
"This is... Hachishaku-sama's aura?"
"Hachishaku-sama? Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm certain. I spent the most time with Hachishaku-sama – I would never mistake her spiritual power!"
"Well, now, you have this talent too?"
Ye Xing appeared rather surprised, reaching out to pat Menma's head with a smile.
"Since your perception of spiritual power is so sharp, I hereby declare that from now on, you and Miko Yotsuya shall form our Supernatural Society's spirit-tracking duo."
"Hehe."
Seeing Menma's foolish grin, Naruko Anjou nearby couldn't help rolling her eyes and quipping.
"Still happily grinning? They're treating you like a police dog."
"Menma doesn't mind."
Menma shook her head with an innocent smile.
"Everyone has helped me so much. If I can be useful to everyone, of course I'm happy."
"Ah, really now..."
After being reminded by Tamamo-no-Mae and Menma, everyone grew vigilant and cautiously passed the corner ahead.
The scene that appeared before their eyes, however, left them stunned.
There stood Hachishaku-sama, nearly three metres tall, wearing a long white dress and a wide-brimmed white sun hat, leading dozens of evil spirits of various shapes as they surrounded a dilapidated two-storey house.
She pointed at the small window on the second floor, and the words she spoke left everyone dumbfounded.
"Surnamed Kuchi, a wise man submits to circumstances! As the saying goes, a fine bird chooses a tree to nest in, and a wise minister chooses a master to serve. With such formidable power, if you follow me, Hachishaku, back, you're sure to gain the boss's favour."
"From now on, we can drink milk by the bowlful and devour evil spirits by the mouthful—what could be more delightful?"
"I advise you to think carefully. Don't let what could be a tale of repeated invitations turn into a tragic life-or-death struggle!"
Hearing Hachishaku-sama's words and seeing her imposing manner, Saki Kawasaki couldn't help but pause in surprise.
"Is... is this... a surrender negotiation?"
Good heavens, Saki Kawasaki had experienced train malfunctions, theme park terror attacks—what kind of scene hadn't she witnessed?
But this scene—she truly hadn't seen before.
Are they reenacting the Three Kingdoms here?
Where did Hachishaku-sama learn all these refined, elaborate phrases...
As she thought this, Saki Kawasaki glanced at Ye Xing beside her and sighed softly.
No need to ask—she learned it from him.
That line about "a fine bird choosing a tree to nest in, and a wise minister choosing a master to serve" was practically Ye Xing's exact words from last night!
Faced with Hachishaku-sama's surrender offer, from the dilapidated second-floor window emerged only a face with wavy hair, a black mask and hat, revealing only a pair of beautiful eyes, which responded with two cold words:
"Heh heh."
Hachishaku-sama stamped her foot in anger, causing her plump areas to jiggle twice.
"Hey, you're being quite rude..."
"Hachishaku, what are you doing?"
Hearing Ye Xing's voice, Hachishaku-sama turned around, appearing timid and submissive.
"Well... Boss... I..."
"Is this the surprise gift you wanted to give me?"
Ye Xing finally understood.
So the surprise gift Hachishaku mentioned preparing for him was Kuchisake-onna?
"These evil spirits...?"
Noticing Ye Xing's gaze sweeping over the dozens of evil spirits surrounding the residence, Hachishaku-sama hurriedly explained.
"Master, these are all my subordinates."
"Subordinates?"
Ye Xing smiled and praised, "You're quite impressive. It's only been half a day since entering the Reverse World this morning, and you've already recruited so many subordinates? Quite efficient."
"Of course."
Hachishaku-sama showed an innocent smile, like a simple young girl boasting to her lover. Crossing her arms, she spoke with a self-satisfied expression:
"Whenever I encounter an evil spirit, I first defeat it, then slowly, bit by bit, devour its body. I tell them that if they don't submit, their fate will be to be gradually consumed by me, one bite at a time. And then they submit."
Hearing this, Ye Xing nodded with great satisfaction and praised:
"Excellent, excellent. Truly, the young are teachable."
Saki Kawasaki wore a complicated expression, thinking to herself, 'Why does Hachishaku-sama's method feel so familiar?'
Wait...
Wasn't this exactly the same method Ye Xing had used to make her submit when he first met Hachishaku-sama?
Damn, she really learned from experience.
Who would dare call Hachishaku-sama stupid after this?
Everyone said she was foolish, but she wasn't stupid at all - she was actually quite clever!
"However, you're still lacking in one aspect."
Ye Xing's gaze shifted to the two-storey building, his eyes meeting Kuchisake-onna's directly.
A benevolent smile appeared on his face as he spoke softly.
"Let me handle the surrender persuasion."
As his words faded, Ye Xing's figure suddenly vanished from where he stood.
Before Kazusa Touma and the others could even begin searching for him, they heard a dull thud.
Thump!
Turning around, they saw that Ye Xing had somehow already appeared inside the two-storey building.
Moreover, he had grabbed Kuchisake-onna by the neck, lifted her up, smashed through the wall in front of them, and landed on the ground with one foot planted on Kuchisake-onna's abdomen. Still smiling, he spoke.
"Now, I'll begin the surrender persuasion."