Rio Futaba tore open a bag of crisps, picking up a piece with her slender fingers as she spoke between bites.
"So, which infiltration method should we choose? Sneak into the museum through an existing Gate, or have Hachishaku-sama create a temporary Gate here, then move through the Reverse World to appear closer to the museum?"
Ye Xing took a long swig of his chilled Coca-Cola before replying slowly.
"The second one."
At this, Rio Futaba adjusted her glasses thoughtfully.
"Hmm... that's indeed the safest option. It wouldn't leave any traces for the Metropolitan Police Department. But the premise is that we can withdraw flawlessly after retrieving Onimaru Kunitsuna."
As she spoke, she spread a map on the table, smoothing it out with her hand and pointing to three black circles marked on it.
"Right now, in Kyoto, there are only these three known Gates still active."
Next, her slender, pale index finger tapped one of the black circles labelled 'A'.
"This Gate is the closest to Kyoto City Museum, but according to Miko's Hyakume, its danger level is at least B-rank or higher. Plus, it's nearly two kilometres away from the museum."
Rio Futaba had never discussed the specifics of the Onimaru Kunitsuna retrieval plan with Miko Yotsuya or Yui Yuigahama.
It wasn't that she distrusted them.
It was just that the plan Ye Xing had devised was too fantastical, even for psychics.
Two kilometres.
Under normal circumstances, a distance one could cover in just over twenty minutes at a leisurely walk.
However, after Onimaru Kunitsuna was taken, the Kyoto City Museum triggered an alarm, and the Metropolitan Police Department dispatched personnel to surround the area...
Those mere two kilometres of distance contained dangers that Rio Futaba couldn't even begin to imagine.
To call it a hail of bullets wouldn't be an exaggeration.
"If you've already made your decision, I won't question it, but..."
Rio Futaba removed her glasses, rubbing the bridge of her nose as she looked at Ye Xing with a grave expression.
"I know you're confident in your abilities, but this isn't exorcism work or those amateur kidnappers you've dealt with before. These are heavily armed Metropolitan Police Department units. The risk factor is simply too high. Won't you reconsider?"
Ye Xing waved his hand dismissively with a laugh.
"No need. I have my methods."
Rio sighed helplessly, massaging her temples before turning to Hachishaku-sama, who was occupying an entire large sofa by herself, her towering figure delicately sipping from a carton of milk.
"Hachishaku, what do you think?"
"Eh? Me?"
Hachishaku reluctantly set down her milk carton, her expression one of innocent confusion.
"I actually... don't understand what you're talking about. Can I keep drinking now?"
Rio had discovered that after awakening her Soul Materialisation ability, she could see and communicate with Hachishaku even when the latter wasn't using her Gate's power.
Just like Miko Yotsuya.
Rio theorised that awakening Soul Materialisation had made her someone who wandered between two worlds.
In quantum mechanics terms...
She now possessed the conditions to "perceive" at any time.
Drawing parallels with Mai Sakurajima's Adolescence Syndrome case, Rio determined that while these weren't the same phenomena, they shared some underlying principles.
Were people who couldn't see Mai Sakurajima truly blind to her?
Or could they actually see her, but simply couldn't "perceive" her existence?
Much like how the human brain, to maintain normal functioning, subconsciously ignores unimportant visual information.
Ordinary people couldn't see evil spirits because they lacked the capacity to confront such supernatural entities. For survival's sake, their bodies chose "non-observation."
But after awakening Soul Materialisation, one transformed from being prey hunted by evil spirits into a "hunter" capable of confronting them on equal footing - or even occupying a higher position in the food chain.
This personal transformation consequently altered one's "perception."
For now, these were the only conclusions Rio could draw.
Perhaps after gathering more information, she might one day unravel the truth behind the Reverse World and those supernatural phenomena.
Not for any particular reason.
Rio disliked having unresolved questions; that's all.
"Don't start drinking yet. We're discussing serious matters."
"Oh."
Chastised by Rio, Hachishaku - who had just picked up her milk carton again - responded with a pout before setting it down once more.
Mentally, this great youkai resembled nothing more than a simple-minded little girl.
As for how Hachishaku came into existence... that was something Rio found particularly intriguing.
Is it the same as evil spirits and spectres, formed from the souls of those who died with intense obsessions?
It didn't seem like it. Hachishaku-sama didn't appear to have any particular obsessions and communicated quite normally.
The more Rio Futaba interacted with her, the more questions about the other world seemed to pile up, awaiting answers.
She shook her head, reining in her thoughts before they wandered too far afield, and turned to Hachishaku-sama with a serious expression.
"You're certain you can create a Gate that will last at least two hours, correct?"
"Mhm, I'm certain."
Hachishaku-sama nodded repeatedly and hurriedly replied.
"As long as it's in an area without spiritual objects, my power won't be suppressed. If I'm in the surface world, the limit is three hours. If my true form is in the Reverse World, I can continuously replenish my power and last about five hours."
The most crucial part of the plan was ensuring Hachishaku-sama could maintain the Gate she created.
It needed to last at least two hours.
This wasn't just the starting point of the plan—it was also the safe return route through the Reverse World after retrieving Onimaru Kunitsuna.
Rio Futaba gave a noncommittal nod.
"But what you're describing assumes no external interference. After I, Ye Xing, and Miko Yotsuya leave, if evil spirits attack, can you guarantee the Gate will hold?"
"Well..."
Hachishaku-sama fidgeted nervously before suddenly standing up and bowing at a perfect 90-degree angle.
"I'm sorry! I'm so useless!"
Rio shot a deadpan look at Ye Xing beside her.
"Look what you've done to her... to this spirit."
"Don't go spreading rumours."
Ye Xing struck a righteous pose.
"With Hachishaku's figure and looks, any other exorcist from certain works would've turned her into a plaything. Only a professional exorcist like me—upright, focused, and virtuous—would treat her so well."
Rio narrowed her eyes slightly, her expression sceptical. But upon reflection...
Actually, Ye Xing had a point.
A high school boy in the throes of puberty.
Though an evil spirit, Hachishaku looked almost human—pretty, curvaceous, with an innocent, vulnerable air.
Just... much taller than average.
Some boys might even see that as a plus.
Faced with such a beautiful, obedient evil spirit, any normal guy might've...
Well. You know.
At this thought, Rio asked doubtfully, "So... you don't find Hachishaku attractive? She doesn't meet your standards?"
"Not that."
As Ye Xing denied it, a glimmer of hope flashed in Hachishaku's eyes.
Then his next words drained what little colour she had from her already pale face.
"As a professional exorcist, why would I sleep with my food?"
The room fell silent.
Rio's expression turned complicated. How does one even respond to that?
She'd realised something. As fellow psychics, Ye Xing differed from her and Miko in one glaring way.
To him, evil spirits were just food and prey. Spirits like Hachishaku or that god at the shrine? Just tools.
He didn't see them as people at all.
Which... sounded reasonable.
Evil spirits were evil spirits. Humans were humans. The line was clear.
But for an evil spirit like Hachishaku-sama – possessing intelligence and wisdom, with a gentle personality, who had been living alongside them day and night – Rio Futaba truly couldn't bring herself to say such shocking words with the same calm composure as Ye Xing.
Perhaps this was one of the essential qualities of a professional exorcist?
"It seems we'll have to proceed as you suggested."
Rio Futaba sighed softly.
Even Hachishaku-sama herself wasn't certain whether she could harness the power of the Gate within her under the suppression of the spiritual objects in the Kyoto City Museum.
In that case, it was better to follow Ye Xing's plan.
Far better than entering the Reverse World through the existing Gate, leaving traces for the Metropolitan Police Department, only to discover after retrieving Onimaru Kunitsuna that Hachishaku-sama couldn't open the Gate, forcing them to fight their way out—ending up with the worst of both worlds.
The Goat-Headed Deity of the shrine had formed a contract with Ye Xing.
Should Yui Yuigahama, Miko Yotsuya, Rio Futaba, or Hana Yurikawa encounter any evil spirits, that deity would have to appear immediately to assist.
Even if Yui Yuigahama couldn't see the evil spirits, the contract's conditions would still be triggered—effectively an added layer of security.
As for herself and Miko Yotsuya, both would participate in the operation—a proposal Rio had volunteered, which Ye Xing hadn't refused.
After confronting her true self and awakening her Soul Materialisation ability, Rio had made a firm resolution.
From now on, she would never hide her thoughts or wear any masks.
Speaking her mind directly—that was Rio Futaba's ninja way!
Both Rio and Miko knew they were still weak compared to Ye Xing.
But if they grew stronger, one day, they too could become his support, just as he had helped them.
For that reason, they couldn't afford to miss any opportunity for real combat experience.
Nervous?
Of course, Rio and Miko were nervous.
After all, this was the theft of a legendary sword—an incident that would send shockwaves across all of Japan.
But...
Deep down, they also felt an inexplicable thrill.
Stealing a national treasure like Onimaru Kunitsuna under heavy surveillance...
How exhilarating.
...
Amid idle chatter, the clock struck five.
Hearing his phone alarm, Ye Xing rose from the sofa and waved his hand.
"It's time. Phantom Thieves, move out!"
"Phantom Thieves?"
Rio adjusted her glasses, delivering a precise retort.
"Aren't we called the Supernatural Investigation Squad?"
Ye Xing waved dismissively, smiling as he explained.
"That's for exorcisms. This time, we're reclaiming what's rightfully ours—so we need a more fitting name."
"'Reclaiming what's rightfully ours'—only you could say that."
"Of course. A powerful spiritual object like Onimaru Kunitsuna, capable of allowing ordinary people to slay evil spirits, rightfully belongs to our Supernatural Society."
Ye Xing spoke as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"The Kyoto City Museum actually stole our sword—how outrageous! We must reclaim it!"
Yui Yuigahama, Miko Yotsuya, and Rio Futaba exchanged exasperated looks at his absurd claim.
Good grief.
Not only was he framing this as anything but theft—now he was turning the tables entirely.
Turning it into the Kyoto City Museum stealing your sword.
Alright, alright, only you could come up with this, Ye Xing.
"Be careful, you guys."
Yui Yuigahama clasped her hands together and smiled sweetly.
"By the time you return, I should have breakfast ready for you all—consider it a victory feast."
"No problem."
Ye Xing nodded with a smile, then added,
"I'm not very hungry, so just make it for Futaba and Miko."
Rio Futaba removed her glasses and tied her hair back into a ponytail again, saying calmly,
"I am quite curious about Yuigahama's cooking skills. You do seem like the type who's good at it."
Ye Xing clapped his hands in approval nearby.
"Honestly, you're spot on. Yui Yuigahama's cooking is top-notch—guaranteed to leave a lasting impression after just one taste."
"That exaggerated?"
Rio Futaba raised an eyebrow and glanced at Yui Yuigahama, smiling.
"With such high praise from Ye Xing, I'm genuinely looking forward to it now."
Yui Yuigahama exuded confidence, as if she had everything under control.
"Don't worry, I've prepared a special secret recipe this time!"
Listening to their conversation, Miko Yotsuya frowned slightly, an ominous premonition creeping into her heart.
Last time, Yui Yuigahama had cooked at her house.
Her mother hadn't outright said how it turned out.
But when Miko returned home that evening, she found the cast-iron pot Yui had used had been thrown away.
Just what kind of dish had she made that could drive her usually frugal mother to discard the entire pot?
Honestly, Miko was a little curious.
How bad could it possibly be?
She could tough it out. No matter what, she'd finish the meal her friend had prepared with her own hands.
At this moment, Miko Yotsuya had no idea.
Two hours later, she would face an unimaginable terror.
"Phantom Thieves, move out!"
As Ye Xing's words fell, Hachishaku-sama used her power to create a temporarily stable Gate in the living room of Rio Futaba's home.
Watching the figures of Ye Xing, Miko Yotsuya, and Rio Futaba gradually disappear, Yui Yuigahama, still wearing a gentle smile, let out a soft sigh.
"As expected..."
"There's nothing I can do."
...
Meanwhile, in the Reverse World.
Rio Futaba gazed at the dark red moon outside the window, then scanned the layout of the living room, murmuring to herself,
"Aside from the evil spirits, every detail of this Reverse World—down to the smallest thing—is identical to the human world. How did it even come to be...?"
"Save the curiosity for later. Let's focus on the task at hand."
"What task?"
Ye Xing looked at Rio Futaba, then glanced at Miko Yotsuya beside her, saying flatly,
"Is there a clothing store or something nearby? We need to change."
Rio Futaba paused for a moment before nodding slightly.
"You're right. We definitely need a change of clothes."
The enemies they'd face this time were different from evil spirits.
The last time Ye Xing went to Kyoto Municipal Kindergarten, he also changed into an outfit that made it impossible for Metropolitan Police Department members to identify him.
To leave no traces, of course, he couldn't buy it in the real world.
Anyway, the Reverse World offers free shopping - what a wonderful thing.
...
Ten minutes later, in a boutique women's clothing store on the street.
Miko Yotsuya's outfit was simple.
A white, form-fitting tracksuit that wouldn't hinder combat, paired with a long light-colored trench coat and a white full-face mask with intricate patterns.
Similar to Ye Xing's previous disguise, only her eyes and hair were visible. Combined with Miko's tall stature, it was hard to tell her gender at first glance.
"Um... Miko, come help me inside."
Hearing Rio Futaba's voice calling from the fitting room, Miko immediately ran over and pushed open the door.
"What's wrong?"
Rio stood before the full-length mirror, her usually calm face unusually flustered, looking like she was about to cry.
She turned around, pressing her lips together.
"What should I do? I can't cover it up."
Looking at Rio's extremely prominent feature that simply couldn't be concealed, Miko was speechless.
So all this fuss was about this?
Heh...
She didn't have such troubles.
Why did she suddenly feel a bit bitter?
But this was indeed an extremely serious problem.
Miko wasn't flat-chested by any means - compared to other high school girls her age, she could even be considered above average.
But with a good compression sports bra plus the tracksuit and coat, she could completely conceal her figure.
As for Rio...
It just couldn't be hidden. Absolutely impossible.
They were practically bursting out.
This wasn't actually a big issue, but for perfectionist Rio, having her gender identifiable from appearance alone already counted as a failed disguise.
Who would have thought the Phantom Thieves' first operation would face such a dilemma?
Too many clothes would hinder movement, too few wouldn't cover enough.
"Hiss... what should we do..."
Miko frowned cautiously.
"Should we... ask the miraculous Ye Xing?"
"This... this..."
Rio wanted to shake her head in refusal, but looking at her impossible-to-conceal assets, her sense of responsibility for the mission ultimately overcame her shyness. She bit her lip lightly and nodded.
"Alright."
Miko immediately turned and called softly outside the fitting room.
"Ye Xing, come in for a moment."