Tokyo Exorcism Diary

Thinking so, Hoshino Gen shook his head slightly in disappointment. But almost immediately, a smile reappeared on his face. Regardless of the circumstances, official organizations were still official, and showing some courtesy was only natural.

It would have been one thing if he hadn’t known her affiliation, but now that he was aware of Shiina Wakana’s official identity, continuing to “interrogate” her would be inappropriate. Besides, he had already retrieved what was his. Hoshino Gen had no intention of clashing with the authorities—and certainly no capacity to win if it came to that.

He had no desire to experience the way he died in his previous life all over again.

He carefully stowed away the talisman he had in hand and flashed a bright, cheerful grin. “So, Shiina-san is part of an official organization, huh? You should’ve said so earlier! I nearly mistook you for a thief.”

With that, he drew his blade and, under the slightly baffled gazes of both Shiina Wakana and Shimizu Yuu, cut the ropes binding Shiina Wakana.

The ropes fell to the ground, and she instantly regained her freedom.

Blinking in confusion, she remained seated in her chair, staring blankly at Hoshino Gen as if still trying to process what had just happened.

Hoshino Gen dangled the phone wrapped in red threads before her. “This whole situation was just a misunderstanding. But let’s be honest here—you took my property first, which led to this mess, so technically, none of this is my fault, right?”

The rapid turn of events left Shiina Wakana’s head spinning. She instinctively wanted to nod in agreement but stopped herself just in time, vigorously shaking her head instead. “No, that’s dangerous!”

Hoshino Gen spoke patiently, “It might be dangerous for others, but it’s different for me. Otherwise, how could I be chasing after it? Besides, look at it this way: since you’re here to catch this thing, it means you’re not afraid of it. And if you’re not afraid, then obviously someone stronger than you, like me, has no reason to be afraid, right? At the end of the day, the real issue is that you didn’t figure out the situation and just rushed in to take someone else’s stuff. That’s what caused this unpleasant misunderstanding between us.”

His tone shifted, becoming lighter, almost teasing. “But I’m a forgiving person, so let’s put this behind us. Just make sure to understand the situation next time before you act. Don’t let your good intentions cause more harm than good.”

Shiina Wakana opened her mouth to refute but couldn’t find the words.

Hoshino Gen gave her no chance to react. Still smiling warmly, he said, “Well, since the misunderstanding’s been cleared up, and we’re all on the same page now, you’re free to go, Shiina-san.”

Shiina Wakana’s gaze drifted toward the phone in Hoshino Gen’s hand, the one wrapped in red threads that she had been sent to retrieve. She hesitated, clearly reluctant to leave without it. “Um…”

Hoshino Gen casually slid the phone into his pocket, cutting her off with a pleasant smile. “It’s getting late, Shiina-san. I won’t keep you for dinner.”

“But…” Her eyes remained locked on the phone.

Hoshino Gen pulled out another talisman, still smiling.

“…”

Shiina Wakana swallowed her words, pulled up the hood of her yellow raincoat, and clutched her injured shoulder. Limping slightly, she walked out into the rain-soaked streets, her figure radiating a quiet, inexplicable sadness.

Shimizu Yuu watched her disappear into the rain, her expression filled with sympathy. Then she turned her gaze to Hoshino Gen, her eyes now brimming with reproach, as if she were looking at a despicable villain.

Hoshino Gen ignored her judgmental stare, rolling his eyes. He gestured at the water puddles the three of them had tracked into the shop. “Clean that up.”

Shimizu Yuu pouted, muttering curses under her breath about her employer’s lack of humanity. First, he ruthlessly dealt with a cute girl, and now he was exploiting her, a beautiful assistant. Truly, he was a man with a strange fetish!

Unperturbed by how his image seemed to be plummeting in the mind of his young assistant, Hoshino Gen settled back onto his carpet. He pulled out Shiina Wakana’s confiscated phone and began to examine it.

Through the gaps in the red threads, he could make out the flickering image of Chi-chan, her expression alternating between panic, ferocity, and eerie blankness. It was unsettling, but Hoshino Gen was used to it.

What intrigued him more than Chi-chan herself was the nature of these red threads. He could sense the same mystical energy present in his talisman, but with a fundamentally different quality—almost reminiscent of the aura of malicious spirits.

If he had to classify it, he would say these threads were a kind of alchemical product.

The existence of alchemy in Japan didn’t surprise Hoshino Gen. Originating in ancient Egypt, alchemy became accessible to all after Hermes Trismegistus inscribed the Emerald Tablet. Though it required extraordinary talent to master, the vast number of people in the world ensured that a few would always manage to excel.

What truly intrigued him was the method used to create these red threads. He suspected the alchemist behind them had used malicious spirits as material—an advanced technique he had yet to learn.

Hoshino Gen sighed softly, but his spirits soon lifted again. No rush. Now that he’d let Shiina Wakana leave, his name would undoubtedly reach the desks of her organization soon. It wouldn’t be long before someone officially approached him on their behalf.

As he mulled over these thoughts, a ringtone broke through his reverie. Hoshino Gen looked up just in time to see Shimizu Yuu drop her mop and dash to her backpack, fishing out her phone.

Glancing warily at Hoshino Gen, she squinted suspiciously before sprinting to the restroom to take the call, clearly intent on keeping her conversation private.

Hoshino Gen chuckled and let her be.

Moments later, Shimizu Yuu emerged, her face blank. She approached Hoshino Gen and said, “That was my mom. She’s asking why I haven’t come home yet. I’ve finished mopping the floor. Can I leave now?”

“Of course,” Hoshino Gen said with a cheerful smile. “But it looks like the rain outside won’t be stopping anytime soon. Do you need me to call a car for you?” Though Shimizu seemed to have some misunderstandings about him, he wasn’t the type to be stingy with his employees. After all, they’d be working together for a long time. When it came to hard labor, the efficiency of someone willing versus someone reluctant was worlds apart.

However, Shimizu Yuu wasn’t one to take advantage of others. She knew how expensive taxi fares could be. Despite being aware that Hoshino Gen was filthy rich, she shook her head decisively. “No need. Just lend me an umbrella, and that’ll be enough.”

Shrugging, Hoshino Gen stood and fetched an umbrella for her.

…

After Shimizu Yuu left, Hoshino Gen stretched and prepared to head home himself. Just as he was about to step out, he remembered the call he’d received earlier from the Kawasaki dealership. He debated whether to go check out the motorcycle his sister had gifted him.

After all, it was the so-called superbike no man could resist. He’d dreamed of owning one once upon a time. But then he remembered he didn’t yet have a motorcycle license. At best, he’d get to admire it without being able to ride it, which felt like a waste of time.

Hoshino Gen quickly abandoned the idea. Golden Week wasn’t far off—he’d use the holiday to get his license and make the most of his new ride then.