Chapter 45: Guidelines for Ruthless Exorcism
"Anyway, this club is full of weirdos."
Seeing Miko looking depressed, Yoru didn't dwell on her image in school but changed the subject.
"Therefore, in this club full of weirdos, we need a Brand and Diplomacy Ambassador. Someone responsible for making students with doubts feel comfortable submitting commissions regarding supernatural events."
Yoru had considered this point carefully.
Among the current three club members, no need to mention himself; normal people wouldn't initiate a conversation with him.
Miko's image in the eyes of outsiders was that of an expressionless, aloof girl emitting a cold aura, making her hard to approach.
Futaba Rio...
She was fine for analyzing intelligence, but talking to others?
Better forget about that.
But Yui Yuigahama was completely different.
She had a special aura—one could call it natural airheadedness or just being adorably dense—combined with a lively personality and cute appearance.
Talking to Yui always felt relaxing.
Since the club was established to gather intelligence, Yoru naturally wanted as many students as possible to come and commission investigations into supernatural events.
And the cheerful, sunny Yui was the bridge connecting them, a group of weirdos, to the students.
Don't underestimate this position.
Chai Jin the Little Whirlwind from the 108 Heroes of Water Margin, Lu Su from the Eastern Wu rats (Three Kingdoms), and Tang Sanzang from the Journey to the West team—these were all key figures.
"Eh, can I really do it? Sure, sure!"
Yui didn't hesitate much and nodded in agreement directly.
Yui Yuigahama was a gentle girl.
Her gentleness was the kind that considered others before herself.
Her reason for joining the Supernatural Quantum Mechanics Investigation and Research Club wasn't about what she could gain from it.
The fact that Yoru and Miko needed her was reason enough.
"OK, welcome, welcome."
Yoru clapped his hands and suddenly announced.
"In that case, as a Special Supernatural Investigation Team, every member should have a code name!"
"Code name?"
"That's right. Also known as a code name!"
"Ooh~"
Excitement sparkled in Yui's eyes.
"Although I don't understand what it means, it feels... kinda cool!"
Seeing this, Miko shook her head helplessly.
Why does it feel like Yoru's 'Abstract' syndrome is becoming contagious human-to-human?
Stop right there, Yui!
The path ahead is a point of no return!
"Then it's decided. Your code name is Dumpling (Dango)!"
"Dumpling?"
"Yes, because your hairstyle is a dumpling bun. Abbreviated as Dumpling!"
"OK!"
Next, Yoru looked at the speechless Miko.
"Your code name is Crybaby!"
"I refuse."
Miko looked resistant.
"Even if we have to use code names, I should decide mine myself."
"Alright (Chi Chu). Then think of one yourself."
"Uh..."
Miko froze.
Why do I feel like I fell into a trap?
If he had told her directly to pick a code name, Miko would most likely have refused.
How did it suddenly turn into her thinking of a code name for herself?
Yoru nodded with satisfaction, looking as if he had expected this.
Lu Xun once said:
Human nature is like this; people always like to compromise.
For example, if you say you want to give Yotsuya Miko a code name, she will definitely disagree.
But if you first assign her the code name 'Crybaby', she will compromise and choose the right to name herself.
Lu Xun: I never said... wait, I think I actually did say that.
"Then my code name... hmm... something not attention-grabbing but usable in front of outsiders. How about... Psycho (Psychic/Mob)?"
After deciding on her code name, Miko asked curiously.
"What about your code name?"
Facing the curious Yui and Miko, Yoru spoke slowly.
"My code name is Butter Shooter!"
The two girls: "...."
Leaving aside the unclear meaning of the code name itself.
Why does this style have such a strong Western fantasy flavor?
"Let's not use that code name."
Miko didn't dare let Yoru name himself.
She knew him.
If Yoru named himself, who knew what kind of stunt he would pull?
The code name indeed belonged to Yoru.
The problem was, she and Yui would have to use it to address him in the future.
"Your code name will be Captain."
Yoru nodded slightly.
"Alright (Chi Chu). As long as it's not Boss (Lao Da - Kobe reference), it's fine."
After deciding on their respective operation code names, Yoru assigned specific duties to each member of the Supernatural Investigation Club.
Diplomacy Ambassador Yui Yuigahama: Responsible for communicating with students who want to commission supernatural-related tasks and gathering intelligence.
The commissions she accepted would be verified by Yotsuya Miko. If there were indeed evil spirits, they would be eliminated on the spot.
Of course.
Yoru also considered that Miko's current strength was still too weak.
He assigned his best employee, and only employee, Hachishaku, to her side to ensure Miko survived her rookie period. By letting Hyakume continuously devour evil spirits, Miko would gradually grow into a capable tool... no, exorcist.
As for the code names, although they were a whim of Yoru's, they weren't entirely Chunibyo.
When outsiders were present and open discussion was inconvenient, mentioning the code names would signal to members that there was a supernatural event to discuss—acting as a secret signal.
Was it Chunibyo?
Very much so.
As for Yoru himself, he was responsible for handling high-risk "Doors" that Miko couldn't solve yet, and visiting his favorite buffet restaurant—Otherworld Kyoto—every night to eat his fill.
.....
A peaceful week passed quickly.
"Finally, the weekend~"
Yui stretched lazily and spoke in a relaxed tone.
But when she walked to the corner of the classroom, she saw Miko looking grave, pointing at her phone screen and saying something to Yoru.
Yui glanced curiously and saw a breaking news live broadcast on the screen. The announcer's voice could be heard clearly.
"Currently, at Kyoto Municipal Kindergarten, a total of 450 students, 25 teachers, and dozens of school staff are trapped inside the campus."
"Police are negotiating with the kidnappers. According to reliable sources, there are about 20 kidnappers, all armed with heavy weapons such as firearms, and they are mentally unstable."
"To ensure the safety of the teachers and students inside, the police currently have no plans to storm the place."
In the live broadcast footage, all Yui could see were the kindergarten gates and various facilities on the grounds inside.
But Miko, as a spirit medium, could see it clearly.
On the open ground, there was a "Door" that was already half-open.
"What should we do?"
Seeing Miko frowning with a face full of worry, Yoru stood up, yawned lazily, and smiled.
"Need you ask?"
"Never letting a single evil spirit go—that is my guideline for action."