"Huh?"
Eriri, who had been hesitantly hiding there, unsure whether she should approach Ye Xing alone or wait until the other teachers and students of Toyogasaki High School arrived before greeting him together, instinctively turned her head when she heard someone call her name.
What met her eyes was a sea of pink, and two astonishingly large forms swaying back and forth, gradually growing larger.
"Eriri!"
Chika Fujiwara ran over and hugged Eriri's head to her chest, even rubbing it a couple of times, speaking in an extremely affectionate manner.
"I didn't expect you to come too! We haven't seen each other for so long!"
Eriri first struggled vigorously to free herself from Chika Fujiwara's magnificent bosom, quickly took several breaths of air, her small face showing the expression of someone who had narrowly escaped death.
That was close - she almost suffocated.
"For so long..."
Eriri said with a helpless expression, complaining.
"We just saw each other during summer break, didn't we?"
Chika Fujiwara pouted and muttered quietly in complaint.
"Eh... we only met once, and that was when our parents had dinner together, and we met at the table. You never came to play with me the entire summer break, I was really sad. I don't know why you're so busy every day that you don't even have time to play with your good friend."
"Um... sorry."
Eriri thought to herself that during summer break, she had just become obsessed with Mask, during the period of her highest enthusiasm. Every day, she was repeatedly watching reports and footage of Mask's appearances while also rushing to draw doujinshi, hardly even leaving the house.
Of course, she couldn't possibly tell Chika Fujiwara the truth.
Eriri knew her seemingly airheaded but actually black-hearted friend all too well.
If Chika Fujiwara knew that she was actually an otaku who drew that kind of doujinshi...
Then her weak point would be completely in the other's hands.
Absolutely not!
"Sawamura-kun."
While Eriri was thinking this, Kaguya Shinomiya also came over and greeted her softly.
"Shinomiya-san."
Eriri nodded in response.
These two couldn't really be called friends - one could only say they were friends of friends.
Eriri came to know Chika Fujiwara because her father was a diplomat stationed in Japan, while the other's mother happened to be a diplomat as well. Their work involved some connections, making them family friends through their parents.
But as for Kaguya Shinomiya...
Eriri's parents strongly disliked... no, it would be more accurate to say they detested the atmosphere within the Shinomiya family.
Being confined at home all day, with nothing but studies and pursuits like tea ceremony, kendo, or archery, not even permitted to leave the main gate freely—it was practically like taming animals. Who would raise a daughter like that?
Therefore, Eriri had few opportunities to interact with Kaguya Shinomiya, having only met her a few times and being merely acquainted.
"Ahem..."
After greeting these two acquaintances from Shuchi'in Academy, Eriri looked towards Ye Xing, standing at the school gate, cleared her throat lightly, and feigned composure as she said.
"Well, I came to visit your school festival."
With outsiders present, Eriri still wanted to maintain the image of a perfect young lady.
But the next moment, Ye Xing walked up to her, his gaze sweeping over her body—not with a lustful look, but rather...
One that made Eriri feel as if she were being scanned by an X-ray, like going through security screening.
"You... why are you looking at me like that?"
Ye Xing lowered his voice to a level only Eriri could hear, his expression suspicious.
"You wouldn't... be planning to sell doujinshi at our school during Sobu High School's festival, would you?"
Eriri was momentarily stunned upon hearing this, then showed anger.
"You bastard..."
"Hey, look, why so defensive? I'm not stopping you from selling."
Ye Xing spoke with a serious tone.
"You can sell, but you have to give me a cut."
Eriri was so angry she nearly laughed.
"I wasn't thinking about that at all!"
"Oh, never mind then."
Seeing Ye Xing quickly revert to his usual flippant manner, Eriri finally realised he had been teasing her. Stamping her foot in frustration, she walked straight over to Kaguya Shinomiya and Chika Fujiwara, took a deep breath to compose herself, and smiled.
"Chika, Shinomiya-san, let's go in and look around first. I came here a while ago, so I know my way around quite well."
Kaguya Shinomiya glanced at Ye Xing standing nearby, showing no particular expression on her face, maintaining her proper smile as she nodded slightly.
"Yes, then we'll rely on you, Sawamura-san."
...
After Eriri, Kaguya Shinomiya and Chika Fujiwara had left together, Soichiro Yagami patted Ye Xing's shoulder and smiled.
"Well then, I'll just wander around your school casually. I'm actually quite curious about what your school looks like."
"Alright."
Watching his father's retreating back as he walked into the campus, Light Yagami maintained his smile, though meaningfully remarked.
"He knows?"
Ye Xing shook his head.
"Not exactly, but he's probably guessed. After all, he's not stupid."
"And then?"
"Then? The fact that Chief Yagami showed up here today should already tell you everything."
"I understand that much."
At this point, Light Yagami paused, his brown eyes flickering.
"I just can't believe my conventional, rigid father would make such a choice. It's rather surprising."
"That's the charm of my personality, understand?"
"You're still so abstract..."
Light Yagami shook his head helplessly, then began walking towards the school gate, waving as he went.
"Today and tomorrow, you and those around you can enjoy this rare, relaxed time peacefully. I'll stay in Kyoto and notify you immediately if anything happens."
Hearing this, Ye Xing immediately understood what he meant.
Today and tomorrow are Sobu High School's culture festival. The members of the Supernatural Society team needed to remain at school, while the three non-human members - Hachishaku-sama, Tamamo-no-Mae, and Kuchisake-onna - were currently cosplaying in the haunted house.
Light Yagami had specifically come from Tokyo to allow Kyoto's psychics to enjoy this rare peaceful time, temporarily taking on the responsibility of protecting this city himself.
"You... what were you two talking about just now?"
Shizuka Hiratsuka looked completely bewildered, unable to understand the conversation between Ye Xing and Light Yagami.
What kind of riddles were these?
"Nothing, let's keep waiting."
...
Next, the remaining teachers and students from Toyogasaki High School, including Utaha Kasumigaoka, arrived at the entrance to Sobu High School. After some pleasantries, they went in to look around.
"Sigh... The culture festival hasn't even started yet, and I already feel a bit tired."
Shizuka Hiratsuka sighed, stretching lazily. Just as she was about to return to the teaching building's office with Ye Xing to start slacking off properly, a pale, delicate arm draped over her shoulder, followed by a familiar woman's voice carrying lazy amusement and teasing.
"Shizuka-chan, is it because you're getting old that you feel tired without having done anything?"
Shizuka Hiratsuka rolled her eyes, not even needing to turn her head to know her biggest... no, currently second biggest problem student in her life experience had arrived.
"Haruno, how many times have I told you to call me Shizuka-sensei at school? Don't be so disrespectful."
"Hehe, I've already graduated, why should I still call you sensei?"
Today's Haruno Yukinoshita was dressed quite strikingly, wearing an off-shoulder minidress that revealed her pale shoulders, paired with hot pants underneath to avoid any wardrobe malfunctions. She wore high-heeled sandals and delicate earrings, complementing her already beautiful face. Standing next to Shizuka Hiratsuka in her white lab coat, one might even think Haruno appeared more like the mature older sister.
After teasing her good friend Shizuka, Haruno turned to Ye Xing, pursing her lips in a smile.
"Yahallo, my handsome little boyfriend, haven't seen you for so long. Did you miss me?"
"I actually did."
"Hehe, quite honest, aren't you? Do I look good in today's outfit? Accompany me for a walk around Sobu High School later. The school festival... brings back memories."
Listening to their conversation, Shizuka Hiratsuka sighed helplessly.
"You two, we're at school. Is there really a need to show off your affection so publicly?"
Hearing this, Haruno Yukinoshita chuckled lightly and teased,
"Shizuka-chan, are you getting jealous seeing how close Ye Xing and I are?"
Haruno's intention was just casual teasing - after all, she had always spoken to Shizuka Hiratsuka like this back when she attended Sobu High.
What she didn't expect was for Shizuka Hiratsuka to blush, wave her hands flusteredly, and even start stammering.
"W-what are you talking about... I... Ye Xing is my student... Why would I be jealous because of him? Don't talk nonsense."
"Hmm?"
What kind of person was Haruno Yukinoshita?
She was practically a god at reading people, able to judge someone's overall personality upon first meeting.
Not to mention, Shizuka Hiratsuka's reaction was simply too obvious.
This was practically a case of 'no silver buried here' - protesting too much.
"W-well... I, I'm going to check on my class's haunted house progress. I'll be going now, bye!"
After saying this, Shizuka Hiratsuka turned and left as if fleeing.
Watching her friend's retreating back, Haruno Yukinoshita sighed slightly and walked over to Ye Xing. She reached out as if to link arms with him, but actually pinched him hard instead, maintaining a gentle smile as she whispered,
"You're quite something, even making moves on Shizuka-chan? She's your teacher."
Ye Xing replied indifferently,
"What, are you jealous? This is what they call the credibility of the Harem God."
"What Harem God... Don't use abstract terms to change the subject."
Haruno Yukinoshita and Ye Xing walked together toward the school building. Along the way, many third-year students noticed her presence, with quite a few even stopping to actively greet her as 'Senior Haruno,' to which Haruno would smile and respond to each one.
"Didn't expect you to be quite famous at Sobu High."
Hearing this, Haruno Yukinoshita rarely showed a proud expression like a little girl being praised, lifting her chin slightly.
"Of course, I'm the most outstanding... well, no, the second most outstanding student in Sobu High School's history. During my time there, I was quite famous and had a very fulfilling three years."
Ye Xing expressed doubt about this.
"You're the second most outstanding student in Sobu High School's history?"
Haruno Yukinoshita retorted.
"What else would I be?"
"Are you better than Kazusa Touma?"
"Well... if we're just talking about academic results, perhaps that's true. But when it comes to talent... I really can't compare to her. So third place then."
Haruno Yukinoshita still had some self-awareness.
It was understandable for current students to judge everything by grades - they were just high school students after all, being a bit immature was normal.
But as someone with mature thinking, she wouldn't consider herself a better person than Kazusa Touma just because she had better grades.
If Kazusa Touma's piano talent were converted into academic performance, what level would that be?
It would be equivalent to Ye Xing's unshakable dominance in academic ability, or perhaps even more valuable. After all, exams only involve comparisons within the same grade, while the piano competitions Kazusa Touma participated in were brutal contests with no age restrictions, pitting all contestants against each other.
"What about Mai Sakurajima?"
"Tch, although I don't particularly like her, who can deny she's a famous national-level idol actress? So I'll take fourth place, is that acceptable?"
"Then what about..."
"Don't say any more!"
Haruno Yukinoshita looked somewhat annoyed as she raised her pale, slender index finger and pressed it against Ye Xing's lips, frowning with displeasure.
"Fourth place is my bottom line, don't push your luck any further. Otherwise, I'll start getting jealous."
"Fine, fourth place it is, alright?"
"Hmph, that's more like it."
After this banter ended, Haruno Yukinoshita paused for a moment before speaking softly.
"Has Yukino recently... had any... well... any changes?"
"You mean spiritual power? None at all."
Ye Xing shook his head and replied with a smile.
"You know the conditions for awakening spiritual power are quite difficult. My sister-in-law still has conflicts and uncertainties in her heart right now. These emotions are interfering with her inner resolution."
Haruno Yukinoshita nodded slightly and murmured to herself.
"The genuine article... Can little Yukino find that on her own..."
"That's not quite right."
Ye Xing interrupted Haruno's words and replied softly.
"Yukinoshita-san isn't alone now. She has many trustworthy companions by her side."
Haruno Yukinoshita glanced at Ye Xing meaningfully.
"Including you, right?"
Ye Xing waved his hand and replied very seriously.
"Don't say such nonsense. How could I be her companion? She's my sister-in-law, we're relatives."
"Heh, you really only have familial feelings for Yukino? I don't believe that."
"Hey, you're underestimating me. How could I possibly do something like that?"
Ye Xing shook his head and laughed.
"You should trust my bottom line, dear sister-in-law."
"Go to hell, since when did I become your sister-in-law!?"
"Let's keep things separate. You and Yukino can have your own relationships with me; there's no conflict."
"No conflict my ass! Prepare to die!"
...
The pleasant first day of the school festival passed by peacefully like this.
Class A-1's haunted house received unanimous praise from all students in the school, including visiting students from other schools.
Right after entering the door, a terrifying woman with a mouth split to her ears would suddenly jump out, constantly repeating the question, "Am I beautiful?"
Then, when going further inside, one would see an elegant, dignified, beautiful woman wearing a kimono.
However, the moment you met her, sharp fangs would extend from her mouth, along with two sharp claws.
Finally making an appearance was Hachishaku-sama, who didn't need any changes in appearance - just wearing a sunhat, with her head nearly touching the ceiling, giving people an intense sense of oppression.
In the rumours, there was one ghost who wasn't mentioned - Menma.
Because... she was wearing a white dress and sandals, couldn't change her appearance, and wasn't good at scaring people. Even when making the weirdest expressions, she would only make people think she was very cute and healing.
Students were all discussing how Class A was quite considerate, providing a heart-healing session before exiting the haunted house.
Meiko Honma's first haunted house performance was a complete failure.
...
After school, in that familiar Western restaurant.
Light Yagami sat opposite, lifting his coffee cup for a sip before smiling and inquiring.
"So, how was today's rare relaxation? Did you enjoy it?"
"Just so-so. It was alright."
Ye Xing appeared completely indifferent.
"It would've been more enjoyable if I could've eaten a few evil spirits."
Light Yagami sighed, unable to restrain himself from muttering quietly.
"And you say I'm the one with mental health issues?"
After this quip, Light Yagami composed his expression and slowly began speaking.
"My visit here isn't just to cover your shift - there's another important matter."
"You mentioned last time that uncontrolled psychics with strong, hostile intent have appeared in Kyoto."
"I now suspect the same situation is occurring within Tokyo."
Light Yagami took out his phone, pulled up a news article on a website, and passed the phone to Ye Xing.
"Take a look at this."
Ye Xing glanced down to see the headline reading:
[The Hidden Serial Killer? The Chilling Connections Between Multiple Poisoning Deaths!]
Light Yagami lowered his voice as he spoke slowly.
"Although the Metropolitan Police Department publicly states these are just poisoning deaths, my investigation revealed all victims died from snake venom."
Even without Light Yagami's prompting, this single sentence revealed the unnatural aspects of these cases to Ye Xing.
"This victim... was found in Shibuya, this one in Akihabara..."
Ye Xing skimmed through the news content briefly before commenting calmly.
"How could venomous snakes appear in such bustling areas? And if I'm not mistaken, none of the victims had hospital records before their deaths, correct?"
"Correct."
Light Yagami nodded, a chill emanating from his brown eyes.
"What kind of venomous snake has toxins so potent that victims die instantly without even time to call for help? This isn't ancient times - even with venom taking effect, they should at least be able to make an emergency call."
"And there's one more conclusive piece of evidence proving this isn't the work of evil spirits."
Here, Light Yagami swiped his phone screen, pulling up a photo from his album.
The photo showed an elderly woman's corpse, with a line of text written in blood on the adjacent wall:
[Can you find me? Kira?]