Death Mark II - Chapter Two - Part 6

  Don't forget to check out the first or previous part if you haven't!

In the last part, we received Shibito's next letter, warning that a 'Model' will be killed by Hanako, who murdered Izumi in the previous chapter. In order to stop another victim from being made, we began to gather information, including of her rumor, which states that anyone who scribbles graffiti in the old building's bathrooms would encounter her hanging corpse, and be haunted by her voice until their deaths. Now, we'll search for her clubmates from when she lived and learn the backstory of this haunting. Let's begin, shall we?

[We'll be going through every student since I didn't show them last part]

Place: New Building First Floor - Hall

Girl Waiting for Someone A:

                  "That girl's class, this is the place."

                  "I told her to wait for me in front of her classroom after school."

                  "This school has been a disaster lately, I can't wait to get home..."

Place: New Building First Floor - 2-B

Girl Finished with Club Activities A:

                  "Ah, it's done, I'm so tired--"

                  "About today's club work, isn't our band taking too much time in the end?"

Girl Finished with Club Activities B:

                  "It can't be helped when the recital's so close. But we must hang on!"

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "You girls are from the concert band, yes?"

                  "I'm a newly-hired teacher, and the headmaster asked me

                   to look into what happened to Hanako Akai."

                  "Can I ask you some questions?"

Girl Finished with Club Activities A:

                  "Why ask about Akai-senpai now..."

Girl Finished with Club Activities B:

                  "Ah, are you investigating her suicide again?"

Even if they misunderstood me, that's alright. I doubt telling the truth would help me.

Girl Finished with Club Activities B:

                  "Akai-senpai was a quiet person. But she was kind and gentle."

                  "And she really liked playing the piano too."

                  "But in this school,

                   the student's representative always plays the piano for the school's anthem..."

                  "Senpai got that part, though. She seemed happy to be in charge of that."

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "But, they substituted her for Toshihiko Izumi, right?"

Something like that was written on the poster we found in the music room last night.

Girl Finished with Club Activities A:

                  "Oh yeah,

                   the change in players happened a little before Akai-senpai passed away."

                  "Eh? If I think she committed suicide out of shock? No, I don't think that was it."

[The conversation ended here, but there's someone else in this room]

Delinquent Girl:

                  "What're you, a teach?"

                  "Don't you talk to me, got it?"

Place: New Building First Floor - Hall

Boy Thinking About Something:

                  "The first warning letter was on this board, I believe."

                  "By the time police arrived, the letter was gone."

                  "If so, someone must have taken the letter."

The male student continued mumbling to himself...

[Time to go up, however, the other floors' blueprints are basically the same as the first, except for an extra classroom replacing the entrance]

Place: New Building Second Floor - Hall

Girl Waiting for Someone B:

                  "Oh, this is my senior's class, you see."

                  "I came here so we could leave at Mach speed,

                   but she wasn't in, guess she's on the toilet."

                  "But, they say that Hanako's in there. So I don't wanna go there, you know..."

                  "Ugh, imagining stuff like Hanako makes me really scared."

                  "No way do I wanna meet a ghost, it's too scary. I wanna go home already..."

Place: New Building Second Floor - 2-B

Girl with Darkened Eyes:

                  "......"

I tried to talk to her, but she ignored me...

Place: New Building Third Floor - Hall

Strong Boy:

                  "I need to be done patrolling the school by dismissal time."

                  "Still, I've been getting chills after school since the Shibito fiasco."

                  "I always feel like someone's watching me..."

                  "Well, it's not easy being a disciplinary committee member."

Place: New Building Third Floor - 3-A

Strange Boy:

                  "This Academy is, at this very moment, spiritually unstable."

                  "It's being gnawed at, and sinking into Shibito's curse..."

                  "But even so, the sunlit windows of this classroom are extraordinary."

                  "That is how I spend the time until the bell chimes, indulging myself in reading."

                  "Fufu, well, you don't need to worry about me any longer..."

Place: New Building Third Floor - 3-C

Boy Finished with Club Activities A:

                  "It's been a while since I've dropped by the club,

                   but the band didn't seem to be in the best of moods."

Boy Finished with Club Activities B:

                  "I guess so.

                   At this rate, it looks like we won't be winning any competitions again this year."

Boy Finished with Club Activities A:

                  "I still think it's because of what happened."

Boy Finished with Club Activities B:

                  "Yeah, Akai's case..."

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "Are you guys part of the concert band club?"

Boy Finished with Club Activities A:

                  "Ah, yes, I was part of the club during summer, but I retired from it already."

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "I'm a newly-hired teacher,

                   and the headmaster asked me to look into what happened to Hanako Akai."

                  "Can I ask you some questions?"

Boy Finished with Club Activities B:

                  "Wow, another investigation? I seriously hope you're joking."

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "You've been questioned before?"

Boy Finished with Club Activities B:

                  "Yeah, well, it was when the case happened in summer..."

                  "So, was bullying the cause after all?"

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "Bullying, you say... Why do you think so?"

Boy Finished with Club Activities A:

                  "There's no need to play dumb, Teacher."

                  "Ms. Akai was bullied, wasn't she? You must've heard the rumors."

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "......"

The disparaging graffiti I witnessed in the restrooms last night...

I had a feeling that she was being bullied, and it seems it was right, huh.

"Obtained Topic "Hanako's Bullying"."

...So far, the questioning has been going well.

I've heard some remarkable info from Douryou, Kinukawa, and the members of the concert band club.

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "Now, where to go next?"

Ai Kashiwagi:

                  "Umm, Mr. Yashiki?"

                  "This is just a random thought,

                   but why don't we go downstairs to the shoe lockers?

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "The shoe lockers? Why there?"

Ai Kashiwagi:

                   "Because it's almost time for the students to leave school."

                  "I'm sure there are a lot of students thinking, "Let's go home alreadyyy-"."

                  "That's why I think people will be there. What do you think?"

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "I see."

                  "Then, let's go to the shoe lockers."

Ai Kashiwagi:

                  "Alright!"

This is the new building's front entrance. The school gates stand further ahead.

On both sides are rows of shoe lockers for students.

[Sting, some mumbled female voices can be heard]

That's...

Between the shoe lockers, two students talk in secret.

"...That...Hanako..."

Ai Kashiwagi:

                  "Mr. Yashiki..."

                  "Did you hear that "Hanako" just now? They may be talking about Mr. Akai."

                  "Should we try talking to them?"

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "Wait a second, Ai."

                  "If they notice us, they'll probably stop talking.

                   We need to move cautiously here."

Ai Kashiwagi:

                  "I-I understand..."

                  "Then, are we going to eavesdrop on them?"

Sure enough, they were so engrossed in their conversation that they didn't notice us.

If we conduct ourselves skillfully, we should be able to eavesdrop on their conversation.

"Should we stealthily listen to the students' secret talk?"

>Eavesdrop

>Stop and Leave

>Eavesdrop

[Lmao]

To listen to their conversation, we need to come even closer to the students...

"How can we listen to their talk, without alarming them...?"

>Yashiki

>Ai

>Cooperate with Ai

>The female students

>Address them without hesitation - Execution Rate 082% - Cost: 02

>Naturally approach them - Execution Rate 092% - Cost: 02

>Mouth-read their conversation - Execution Rate 060% - Cost: 03

>Ai

>The female students

>Naturally approach them

[Yashiki always creeps the girls out, lol]

Ai Kashiwagi:

                  "Understood. I'll casually approach those girls."

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "(Alright!)"

Ai seems to have successfully approached the girls.

We are still in the after-school dismissal period. It should be difficult for her to alert them...

It seems this choice was correct.

Ai is listening in on the girls' conversation.

"How can Ai naturally stop near the shoe lockers?"

>Ai

>Shoe lockers

>Search the shoe lockers - Execution Rate 084% - Cost: 02

>Pretend to wait for a friend - Execution Rate 084% - Cost: 02

>Start whistling - Execution Rate 074% - Cost: 02

>Pretend to wait for a friend

I somehow manage to gesture instructions, and Ai nods in agreement...

Ai Kashiwagi:

                  "Moe-chan, you are late again today, huh.

                   I guess I'll have to wait here for a while..."

The girls show no signs of alarm at all at the sight of Ai.

This should allow her to hear the conversation successfully.

It seems this choice was correct.

...Eventually, the two students finished their talk and left the shoe lockers.

Ai Kashiwagi:

                  "Mr. Yashiki, mission accomplished! I heard everything perfectly!"

Ai was quick to report what she heard.

The two students were talking about a girl who was a close friend of Hanako Akai's...

Naomi Horikoshi.

Ai Kashiwagi:

                  "But Ms. Horikoshi seems to be very popular."

                  "She has excellent grades and is very athletic.

                   It seems she also used to have a bright personality."

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "Used to? It's different now?"

Ai Kashiwagi:

                  "Yes. Ever since Ms. Akai committed suicide, she seems to be in bad shape."

                  "Those two were worried about Ms. Horikoshi,

                   but when they approached her, she got mad at them."

                  "That's what they were talking about a while ago."

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "Her best friend died. It's not unreasonable for that to happen."

                  "Ai, was there any more information?"

Ai Kashiwagi:

                  "Um, that's right..."

                  "Ms. Horikoshi appears to be working as an amateur model

                   for a magazine behind the school's back."

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "A model... No way."

Ai Kashiwagi:

                  "Mr. Yashiki?"

Ai has a questioning look on her face. Apparently, she forgot.

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "Look at this."

I pull out Shibito's warning letter from my bag.

                                   To Model

Hanako will kill you tonight

I will be watching, hidden in the Academy

With deepest love, Shibito            

 

Ai Kashiwagi:

                  "Ah! I see!"

                  "Then, she's being targeted by Hanako..."

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "Yeah, most likely."

                  "It seems we need to meet with Naomi Horikoshi."

Ai Kashiwagi:

                  "Yes, I agree."

                  "They said that her class is 2-B. Let's go at once!"

"Obtained Topic "Naomi Horikoshi"."

[She didn't have a face shot before, by the way]

Girl with Darkened Eyes:

                  "......"

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "Do you know a girl named Naomi Horikoshi?"

Naomi Horikoshi:

                  "Huh? Well, I am her."

                  "Old man, who are you?"

I briefly introduced myself to Horikoshi.

Naomi Horikoshi:

                  "Really, you're a teacher?"

                  "So what do you want from me? I'd like to get this over with."

I heard the irritation in Horikoshi's voice. She seems to dislike making conversation.

>Talk

Naomi Horikoshi:

                  "I don't want to waste time with idle conversation.

                   Just get on with your business."

>Bring up a topic

>Naomi Horikoshi

Naomi Horikoshi:

                  "I don't particularly care about talking about myself, got that?"

>Hanako of the toilet

Naomi Horikoshi:

                  "Hah, it's just a boring rumor."

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "So you've heard of Shibito's warning letters, right?"

                  "Today, a new letter was posted. Hanako's next target is "Model"."

Naomi Horikoshi:

                  "Eh..."

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "And I've heard you're an amateur model."

Naomi Horikoshi:

                  "...What about it?"

                  "You want me to be careful not to be killed by Hanako's ghost?"

                  "A grown man believing something like that... how stupid."

>Hanako Akai

Naomi Horikoshi:

                  "You're asking me about Hanako...?"

                  "At best, you have no delicacy."

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "I understand. But, it's for the sake of the case I'm after. Please."

Naomi Horikoshi:

                  "I don't know anything about that."

                  "It's hard for me to think about Hanako...

                   If you're a teacher, you should understand the feelings of your students."

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "S-sorry..."

>Hanako's Bullying

Naomi Horikoshi:

                  "Well, I've never heard of that, you know."

 

[I leave]

Naomi Horikoshi:

                  "...This is enough."

                  "Excuse me, but I have things to do."

"Horikoshi is about to leave..."

>Stop her

>Let her go

>Stop her

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "Wait, please! You're in danger!"

Naomi Horikoshi:

                  "...Enough."

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "H-Horikoshi..."

[Sting]

Naomi Horikoshi:

                  "Seriously! I told you enough!"

                  "Who does a newbie teacher like you think you are!?

                   And what's with that goatee!? It's seriously gross!"

                  "Move out of my way! MOVE!"

Horikoshi ended up leaving the classroom.

"Information on "Naomi Horikoshi" was added to the Character Files."

Naomi Horikoshi:

 A model who is very popular in her class. She is a sophomore at Konoehara Academy, having excellent grades and athleticism. She is also beautiful in appearance, to the point of working as an amateur model, which she hides from the school. She was best friends with the deceased Hanako Akai. She used to be cheerful and good-natured, but all that changed with Hanako Akai's suicide. Afterward, she gradually began to deteriorate, and now she has become a completely different person. PS: Additional pages will be added when conditions are met.

[With nothing more to do, I leave the classroom]

[School's announcement system dings]

"...Professor Yashiki...Professor Yashiki..."

"Doctor Daimon is waiting for you in the infirmary. Please come to the infirmary."

Ai Kashiwagi:

                  "Ah, it looks like Mr. Daimon has returned."

                  "I'm worried about Ms. Horikoshi, but why don't we go back to the infirmary?"

When I returned to the infirmary, a skinny man in a white coat was waiting for me.

Shuuji Daimon:

                  "Welcome back, Yashiki-kun."

                  "Mr. Konoe told me what happened. I heard you were made a substitute teacher."

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "So you're back, Daimon."

Shuuji Daimon:

                  "Yeah, a little while back."

                  "Thank you for your hard work, Kashiwagi-kun.

                   Might I add that Konoehara's uniform suits you well?"

Ai Kashiwagi:

                  "Hehe, thank you very much!"

Shuuji Daimon:

                  "Now then, Yashiki-kun.

                   Shall we share the information we've obtained with each other?"

"Let's hear from Shuuji Daimon."

>About Daimon

>Shibito's investigation request

>What he told Ai

>About Daimon

His name is Shuuji Daimon.

He's a doctor who runs a clinic in H city, and also works as a school physician at Konoehara Academy.

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "Daimon, how's your health?"

Shuuji Daimon:

                  "It was better for a while. Lately, it's gotten worse again."

                  "Some nights I can't sleep because of my coughing."

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "Hey, shouldn't you go for a check-up?"

                  "I've been thinking about that too..."

                  "But our clinic is understaffed. I can't take a day off."

                  "I have no choice but to not practice what I preach... cough-cough"

[Fun fact: in the original text, he used a saying that literally meant "a doctor neglecting his health" and spoke that he had to become the real-life version of the saying]

>Shibito's investigation request

Shuuji Daimon:

                  "Yashiki-kun, I'm sorry I had to ask you to do this investigation out of the blue."

                  "When I told Mr. Konoe about the "Spirit Doctor",

                   he urged me to introduce you to him."

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "Please don't call me that, Daimon. That magazine just made that up on its own."

Spirit Doctor...

It's a nickname that the editor-in-chief of a certain occult magazine gave me without asking.

According to that "OOPArts" magazine, the "Spirit Doctor" Kazuo Yashiki is an expert in investigating the macabre.

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "I'm not that great of a man.

                   Yesterday, I ended up letting another person become a victim..."

Shuuji Daimon:

                  "I understand your regret. But don't depreciate yourself."

                  "Your abilities are real. It's why I introduced you to Mr. Konoe."

>What you told Ai

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "Daimon, why did you tell Ai about the investigation?"

Shuuji Daimon:

                  "Oh, sorry. That was my blunder."

                  "When Kashiwagi-kun asked me about Shibito, I accidentally let it slip."

Ai Kashiwagi:

                  "I'm not the only one who knows about Mr. Yashiki's investigation."

                  "Shou-kun and Moe-chan know about it too."

                  "They said they wanted to help you too."

Shou and Moe were also Mark-bearers I met in that previous case. It seems they entered in contact with each other without me knowing.

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "Good grief..."

Once I was done asking questions, I shared with Daimon the facts the investigation uncovered thus far.

Shuuji Daimon:

                  "Hum..."

                  "Naomi Horikoshi-kun is the key to finding out about Hanako's grudge."

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "Indeed. Hanako and Horikoshi were best friends."

                  "Not to mention,

                   Horikoshi is most likely the "Model" spoken of in the warning letter."

                  "As for her safety, I'd like to protect her."

Shuuji Daimon:

                  "In addition, about Akai-kun's suicide..."

                  "It might be a good idea to ask Professor Sakamoto."

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "What's that teacher's relationship with the incident?"

Shuuji Daimon:

                  "Actually, I heard that after the suicide,

                   the teachers conducted an investigation into the reason behind it."

                  "The person in charge at that time was Professor Sakamoto."

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "I see. They might know the circumstances that led to her bullying."

Shuuji Daimon:

                  "Well, I'll join in the investigation too."

                  "That said,

                   the three of us shuffling around together is both conspicuous and hyperbolic."

                  "Mr. Konoe wouldn't like that."

Ai Kashiwagi:

                  "Then, should either Mr. Daimon or I stay at the infirmary?"

                  "Mr. Yashiki should decide which one of us to bring with him."

"Shuuji Daimon joined the investigation."

"Information on "Shuuji Daimon" has been added to the Character Files."

[Before we see his file, let me show the partner change screen]

>Change

>Ai Kashiwagi: Idol Overflowing with Energy

>Shuuji Daimon: Doctor Afflicted with Illness

[I've switched partners so we can see his stats]

[He has very high dexterity and intelligence, both to be expected of a doctor, however, he has even lower spiritual power than Konoe! He's equipping a "Worn-out Stethoscope", granting him +02 Dexterity.]

Worn-out Stethoscope:

 Explanation - Daimon's most prized possession. It was brand new when he started his own business as a doctor, and he has used it ever since, through no matter of joys and sorrows. Although it has been in use for well over a decade, it is still in good working order.

 Effect - Dexterity +02

 Obtained from - Gifted in celebration of opening his practice

 Weight - 120 grams

Shuuji Daimon:

 A humble doctor who runs a small clinic. His life was saved by the protagonist in a certain bizarre incident, and they have been friends ever since. A friend of Konoe's, he also works as a temporary nurse-teacher at the Academy. He is always coughing, perhaps due to his naturally frail body, or maybe due to his self-neglect. He has the adult etiquette and sagacity expected of someone his age. He is very dextrous with his hands, likely because of his work as a doctor. PS: Additional pages will be added when conditions are met.

[Let's end here. The day portion of this chapter's pretty long, thankfully we're nearing the end, but there's still too much to put in this post alone. I'm happy we've got to see some unrelated students, with some being pretty clearly future companions. Another thing I enjoyed was Horikoshi's diss on Yashiki's goatee, that kind of comedy is mostly unexpected in this series]

Anyway, see you next time!

Death Mark II - Chapter Two - Part 5

 Don't forget to check out the first or previous part if you haven't!

In the last part, we completed the first chapter of Death Mark II with a meeting with our main antagonist, Shibito. The encounter ended suddenly after Shibito bit Yashiki. What happened to him? Not to mention, we failed to stop Hanako, how are we going to deal with her? Let's see it for ourselves, shall we?

The following day, in the Kujou Manor...

The phone's ringing... I have to answer it.

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "Hello..."

Seizou Konoe:

                  "It's me, Konoe."

                  "That was quite the trouble I put you through last night. Did you get some rest?"

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "......"

Seizou Konoe:

                  "Well, you can't get a good night's sleep after seeing something like that, can you?"

                  "Same for me here. I still can't believe it."

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "...So, headmaster, what can I do for you?"

Seizou Konoe:

                  "Right. Let's cut to the chase."

                  "Your help is needed again. We received a warning letter from Shibito."

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "So soon, huh..."

Seizou Konoe:

                  "I'll tell you the details in person. But I have some business to attend to now."

                  "I will be back at the school around 5:00 in the evening.

                   Come by around that time. Okay?"

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "Yeah, understood."

I ended the call with the principal.

Looking at my watch, I see there's still some time before evening.

I should think over last night's incident while drinking some coffee to fight off the drowsiness.

I too am having a hard time believing what occurred last night. For now, I should put my thought in order.

Well, what should I think about first...

>Think about Shibito

>Drink coffee

>Add sugar

>Add sugar

I took one sugar cube out of the sugar pot.

Then dropped it into the cup and stirred it with a spoon.

I have to think about the case...

[Wait a bit Yashiki, you need your coffee]

>Drink coffee

I look at the coffee I brewed to help me stay awake.

I grounded the beans myself, which were shipped directly from South America, and added various adjustments to make this coffee something to be proud of.

It's my best friend during my contemplative moments.

Intertwining my fingers around the handle of the coffee cup, I sip the darkness within.

............ [Sipping noises]

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "It's still too bitter..."

I have to think about the case...

[I try adding some more sugar]

>Drink coffee

I reach for the cup again and drink some coffee.

............

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "It's finally getting better, but..."

 

I have to think about the case...

[Alright, let's do that then]

>Think about Shibito

Last night, I was attacked by Shibito...

The words Shibito spoke then... ominous whispers like insects crawling in my brain...

Even now, one night later, they still ring in my ears...

It said this...

"On this great day, let us exchange vows"

"I swear we shall be together, forever"

These phrases are like those of a wedding pledge.

Shibito appears to be obsessed with me, as shown by that piece of paper.

And also...

M y   d e a r

M a y   I   b i t e ?

...That's when I lost consciousness.

Then I found myself lying in the passageway.

I looked around, but there was no sign of Shibito.

I don't know what Shibito's thinking. However, following its warnings...

It uses spirits to harm the students, that much is true.

Now, what should I think about next...

[The first option was replaced with a new one]

>Think about spirits

Last night, I encountered Hanako of the toilet... There's no mistaking it, that was a spirit.

Even after death, the resentment of those who died unnaturally does not extinguish.

That strong resentment gives rise to supernatural beings... it births spirits.

Spirits resent the living and attempt to kill them. I saw that with my own eyes last night.

There is a way to make spirits disappear. That is to erase their resentful thoughts.

To do so, we must investigate the spirit and learn the true nature of their grudge.

Investigate and eliminate spirits... that's what I'm supposed to do.

Four months ago, a certain bizarre incident brought me face to face with several spirits.

But, I barely survived.

That was possible thanks to the help from the Mark-bearers in my investigations.

Now, what should I think about next...

[The option was replaced again]

>Think about the Mark-bearers

The Mark-bearers... they were my reliable allies.

They were those who had been inflicted with the "Mark", a scar that foretold of death, due to spirits that began to appear in H City four months ago.

Including me, there were 13 Mark-bearers.

We Mark-bearers worked together to survive until we finally resolved the "Mark" incident.

Our connection still remains after that. Even now, we sometimes tackle bizarre cases together.

The person who introduced me to the principal for this case was a Mark-bearer who works as a school doctor over there.

Are we doomed to be unable to escape this strange relationship with the bizarre?

[Bong, bong]

The grandfather clock in the mansion's entrance hall chimes.

The time for my appointment with the principal is near. I should begin preparing for my departure soon.

I packed the necessary items in my favorite bag.

An old notebook and my flashlight. Not to mention the tools I collected at the school last night.

The "key" to extinguishing a spirit's grudge... can be found where the spirit resides.

Preparing in advance is useless. So this amount of luggage is fine.

I completed my arrangements and moved to the garage.

Then, I got into my beloved minivan.

[Vroom]

Konoehara Academy High School...

The school building stands in an area called Konoehara, which stretches over the high ground on the outskirts of H City.

Constructed in the early Showa period, the school building is designated as a tangible cultural property of H City.

Although the building has undergone several renovations, the exterior and interior remain largely unchanged.

[Continuous car noises]

Konoehara Academy is about 20 minutes away from the Kujou Manor.

The principal told me that, right now, there are no parking spaces available on campus.

I had no choice but to park my car in the parking lot right next to the school.

Konoehara Academy had already entered the after-school period. Students were leaving one after another.

Everyone's expression was somewhat gloomy. Was it because of the Shibito affair?

I followed the same route as yesterday to reach the specialized building.

I check the clock at the corner of the entrance. There is still some time left until the appointed time.

In that case, I should go to the infirmary.

The Mark-bearer doctor who introduced the principal to me, Daimon may be there.

...There's nobody in the infirmary. Not just Daimon, but also the school nurse is nowhere to be seen.

I heard from Daimon before that it's not mandatory for high schools to have nurses, but...

As an outsider, I am beginning to wonder if everything is really all right.

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "It should be about time. I need to go to the faculty office."

>Exit

>Infirmary

>Student Council Room

>Faculty Office

>Library

>New Building

[We have quite a few places to go, but we can only go to one of them]

>Faculty Office

As I enter the faculty office, the principal notices me and clasps his hands together before I approach him.

Seizou Konoe:

                  "Oh, Yashiki-kun. So you came."

                  "That is, to continue the investigation, right?"

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "Yeah, you got it right."

Seizou Konoe:

                  "I really appreciate it. Thanks."

                  "So let's get right to discussing the case. Now, where to begin..."

>About the dead Izumi

>New warning letter

>Regarding investigating the school

>About the dead Izumi

Seizou Konoe:

                  "Izumi's case hasn't become a crisis just yet."

                  "Before long, he'll be reported as a missing person,

                   but it probably won't become a criminal case."

                  "Seeing that his body up and vanished."

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "So the only people who know the truth are us

                   and the student body president, Douryou?"

Seizou Konoe:

                  "The vice-president, Kinukawa-kun, also knows.

                   I heard that Douryou-kun ended up telling her."

Kinukawa, as I recall, is that white-haired girl. She said she was Himeko Douryou's friend.

Seizou Konoe:

                  "I ask of you to not tell anyone about this. This is your client's order."

>New warning letter

Seizou Konoe:

                  "It seems that, this morning, the warning letter was found

                   placed on top of the music room's piano."

                  "Here, this is it."

The letter looks the same as the one seen last night. It's definitely written by Shibito.

                                   To Model

Hanako will kill you tonight

I will be watching, hidden in the Academy

With deepest love, Shibito            

"Obtained "Letter to Model"."

Letter to Model:

 Explanation - A warning letter telling of death that arrived at the school. It was placed atop the piano in the music room of the new building before anyone realized it.

 Details - Information can be confirmed

 Obtained from - Seizou Konoe

 Weight - 1 gram

The last recipient was Playpiano... the piano player Izumi.

This time it's Model... who could that be?

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "Headmaster, do you have an idea of who "Model" could be?"

Seizou Konoe:

                  "Uh, sorry, but I don't. Because I've just been appointed as headmaster."

                  "I've asked the teachers, too, but haven't gotten any worthwhile answers."

                  "Please investigate on your end. I'll leave it to you."

>Regarding investigating the school

Seizou Konoe:

                  "I want you to commence your investigation in earnest at our school today."

                  "It's all for the sake of solving this case.

                   I'll even allow interviewing the teachers and students."

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "I'm an outsider. Are you really sure?"

Seizou Konoe:

                  "Yes, I know, I know."

                  "That's why I even had to bow down to my friends

                   in the Board of Education to let this issue go."

 

The principal presented me with a single document.

Its title was "Special Contract Lecturer Service Certificate".

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "Wha..."

And written below was the name "Kazuo Yashiki".

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "Headmaster... What kind of joke is this?"

Seizou Konoe:

                  "I will become a teacher at our school.

                   This will allow you to move freely through the campus."

                  "Consider it a measure for solving the case.

                   You don't mind, do you, Professor Yashiki?"

>Please forgive me, but I can't

>It can't be helped

>I don't have a teaching license

[Let's be serious here, we don't want to do anything illegal, do we?]

>I don't have a teaching license

Seizou Konoe:

                  "Don't worry. Special contract lecturers don't need a license."

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "......"

I can only stare in awe at how abruptly it all developed...

Good lord... for me, of all people, to become a teacher...

Seizou Konoe:

                  "Well, that's about all I can tell you about the case."

                  "I tried talking to a friend on the police force,

                   but as I suspected, he didn't believe me."

                  "He even worried about my sanity.

                   The only person I can count on is you, after all."

                  "Well then, please get started on your investigation right away.

                   You can walk around as you please, except in the old building."

                  "However, there might not be many students left here."

                  "It's almost dismissal time, and recently,

                   I've been instructing teachers not to give detentions."

                  "You know, after that happened."

I assume he's referring to the first warning letter incident.

A mysterious warning letter was sent, a person went missing, and even the police came.

The school has no choice but to do something about it.

Seizou Konoe:

                  "Oh yes, you can use the infirmary as much as you like."

                  "As a matter of fact, the school nurse is down with a cold.

                   Daimon-kun is taking care of her now."

                  "As Daimon-kun's friend, I'm sure there's no problem leaving it in your hands,

                   haha."

 I should go to the infirmary once before starting the investigation. Daimon might have returned.

[We're back to the room selection, but all other places are empty, so we can only go to the infirmary]

>Infirmary

Girl's Voice:

                  "Ah, you're back!"

 

As I entered the infirmary, I heard the sound of a cheerful voice.

Ai Kashiwagi:

                  "Good morning! Mr. Yashiki!"

                  "Mr. Daimon said he'd be coming late because of an emergency."

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "W-wait a minute please."

                  "Ai, why are you here?"

Ai Kashiwagi:

                  "To help, of course."

                  "Mr. Daimon told me about Shibito."

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "...Could you please explain this situation?"

Ai Kashiwagi:

                  "Okay, leave it to me!"

>About Ai

>Reason for being here

>Regarding the school uniform

>About Ai

She's Ai Kashiwagi. She was one of the Mark-bearers who pursued spirits with me a while ago.

She's also a member of the idol group "Love & Hero" that's active in the H City area.

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "What happened to your idol business?"

Ai Kashiwagi:

                  "I'm not slacking off. I'm free today."

                  "Last week, I was very busy with the recording of new songs, though."

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "Sure enough, that new single was very overwhelming...

                   No, energetic and passionate?"

Ai Kashiwagi:

                  "Naturally! That's what Love & Hero's rock is all about!"

All the songs Ai's group, "Love & Hero", make are high-spirited songs about the value of love and justice."

Its simple yet powerful message seems to be well-received by some young people.

And Ai is a hot-blooded girl who lives up to the lyrics of her songs.

>Reason for being here

Ai Kashiwagi:

                  "Love & Hero is, well, H City's local idol group."

                  "So there are a few fans enrolled in this school."

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "A few, huh? So you're not that famous."

Ai Kashiwagi:

                  "We're still growing in popularity.

                   One day, I'll show you how we've spread out our wings all over the ward."

                  "So, well, I asked some teenage fans about rumors of Shibito."

                  "Some of them were really scared, and I got worried too."

                  "After that, I heard about your investigation from Mr. Daimon."

I see. So she came to help like a windfall.

Acting as soon as you make up your mind... that's certainly Ai.

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "But this is pretty dangerous. We've already had a casualty."

Ai Kashiwagi:

                  "That's...I understand."

                  "But, you're still investigating despite knowing the risk, aren't you?"

                  "I can't leave you alone, as your fellow."

[The word used here is the same Izumi used to refer to Shibito's desire, and has appeared before as well, but putting 'companion' here feels awkward]

A fellow, huh...

A charming, showy, and gaudy word fitting an idol group.

Just a little radiant for me, though.

Ai Kashiwagi:

                  "No matter what you say, I won't go home, okay?"

>Regarding the school uniform

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "You're not from this school, aren't you? How did you get that uniform?"

Ai Kashiwagi:

                  "One of my friends graduated from Konoehara Academy,

                   so I borrowed this from her."

                  "If I'm dressed like a student, I won't attract any attention

                   when I start asking questions, right?"

                  "Besides, the uniforms here are so cute,

                   I've always wanted to try them on, you know~"

                  "See, doesn't it suit me?"

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "You're right."

                  "No matter how you look at it, you seem like a student of Konoehara Academy.

                   You wouldn't stand out even on campus."

Ai Kashiwagi:

                  "Uh, that's not what I was asking."

After hearing a brief overview of her circumstances, I began to explain the case to Ai.

Ai has experienced the horror brought about by spirits before. She also knows the dangers of becoming involved with them.

Moreover, she says she's going to go after this spirit... There's no way I can stop her.

Ai Kashiwagi:

                  "I understand the situation."

                  "So, Mr. Yashiki, how are you going to proceed with the investigation?"

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "Let's see..."

                  "This investigation's targets are Shibito and Hanako of the toilet.

                   However, we should concentrate on Hanako for now."

                  "Now that a letter has been found, our top priority is avoiding any more deaths."

Ai Kashiwagi:

                  "Yes, I agree. Let's put human life first."

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "Before all, let's investigate the rumors regarding Hanako."

                  "If we can get some information together,

                   we might be able to figure out how to clear up Hanako's grudge."

                  "Once her resentment's gone, the spirit will disappear."

Ai Kashiwagi:

                  "Another thing I'm worried about is the "Model" targeted by Hanako."

                  "Who could that be?"

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "Yeah, we have to look into that too."

                  "It seems this school's spirits don't attack people indiscriminately."

                  "There must be a reason for it."

Ai Kashiwagi:

                  "I agree. If we can figure that out,

                   maybe we can figure out the spirit's true identity."

                   "We should ask everyone in the school about Model and Hanako of the toilet."

"Obtained Topic "Hanako of the Toilet"."

"Ai Kashiwagi has joined the investigation."

"Information on "Ai Kashiwagi" has been added to the Character Files."

[Her stat's are about the same as I remember, but now she has +02 Power from her 'Blood and Sweat Hair Bands']

Blood and Sweat Hair Bands:

 Explanation - Ai's most prized possession. Mass-produced hair bands that hold Ai's long hair in place. A partner of Ai's, they have closely watched over her efforts, her shedding blood and sweat until she blossomed as a full-fledged idol.

 Effect - Power + 02

 Obtained from - Neighborhood's Variety Shop

 Weight - 6 grams

Ai Kashiwagi:

 A member of "Love & Hero", a local idol group in H City. She has been friends with the protagonist ever since he saved her life in a bizarre incident. She is an energetic and passionate girl with a strong sense of justice. She is so skilled with the piano that she can even sing while playing at live performances. She is petite but strong and can search within narrow places with her thin arms. PS: Additional pages will be added when conditions are met.

[Now, let's search around the specialized building]

>Student Council Room

A girl I recognized stood in the student council room.

Himeko Douryou:

                  "You are... Mr. Yashiki, right?"

                  "What is an outsider doing here?"

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "I'm continuing the investigation into Hanako of the toilet.

                   Especially after an incident like that."

                  "Douryou, I'd like to talk to you too."

Himeko Douryou:

                  "...Sorry."

                  "But I don't want to remember last night's events."

That's only natural.

She herself suffered dreadfully and lost a fellow council member.

But still, I have to ask her.

Himeko Douryou:

                  "......"

Douryou's expression is strained.

She seems to be wary of us. Now, what to do...?

"What should I do to persuade Douryou?"

>Bring to her attention the threat of spirits

>Tell her I am a teacher

>Leave it to Ai

>Take our leave for the time being

[She should listen to her superiors, right?]

>Tell her I am a teacher

I told her I had become a teacher at this school to investigate the case.

Himeko Douryou:

                  "I see... So you're no longer an outsider..."

                  "Forgive my rudeness, Professor Yashiki."

                  "Then I'll cooperate. Within the limits of what I can do, though."

Douryou seems to have brought herself to listen.

Himeko Douryou:

                  "Now then, what did you want to ask of me?"

[We're back to the normal talk choices]

>Talk

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "I need to check with you about something."

                  "Last night, why were you in the old building?"

Himeko Douryou:

                  "The Headmaster told me to leave, but I was still worried about Izumi..."

                  "After that, I went looking for him once more

                   on the second floor of the new building."

                  "And then, I heard a man scream from the old building."

That must have been Izumi's scream when his hand was cut off by Hanako of the toilet.

Himeko Douryou:

                  "That's why I went to the old building."

                  "Once I entered... The hall was covered in blood..."

                  "Then...h-hoses came towards me..."

                  "I let out a scream... then I fainted..."

And that leads up to the scene that the principal and I witnessed, her hanging in mid-air.

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "Sorry for making you remember that."

Himeko Douryou:

                  "No... I'm alright."

>Bring up a topic

[We only have one topic this time]

>Hanako of the toilet

Himeko Douryou:

                  "It seems I was mistaken about "Hanako" of the toilet."

                  "I apologize."

Douryou told me last night that Hanako's true identity was "Hanako (花子)" of the toilet."

However, she was actually "Hanako (華子)" of the toilet.

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "As for the identity of this "Hanako"..."

                  "I believe she was a student named Hanako Akai from the concert band."

Himeko Douryou:

                  "Indeed. Since then I've been curious too, so I researched her, but..."

                  "It does seem that Hanako of the toilet is the second-year student Hanako Akai."

                  "Because... she committed suicide."

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "If you know anything else about Hanako of the toilet,

                   could you share it with me?"

Himeko Douryou:

                  "Even if you ask me..."

                  "I'm not good with ghost stories and scary rumors, so I didn't look further."

                  "You should try asking Michiho. She likes these types of stories." [Ding]

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "Michiho... She was the girl who came to the infirmary last night, right?"

Himeko Douryou:

                  "Yes, that's Michiho Kinukawa, the vice president."

                  "She went to the music room. She's probably still there."

                  "It might be a good idea to ask her about Ms. Akai's story."

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "I see. Thank you."

"Obtained Topic "Hanako Akai"."

>Hanako Akai

Himeko Douryou:

                  "Ms. Akai was a meek girl."

                  "It might be for that reason that she ended up tormenting herself."

                  "This may be lip service, but..."

                  "Had we known beforehand, we could have done something about it."

 

>Leave this conversation

After finishing my conversation with Doryo, I left the student council room.

[There's nobody in the other rooms, let's go to the new building]

>New Building

[Some students hanging around still, but let's talk to Michiho first]

There stands a white-haired petite girl.

She was the face I saw in the infirmary last night. I believe her name was Michiho Kunikawa.

Michiho Kinukawa:

                  "Ah, the mister from yesterday."

                  "Are you perhaps investigating Shibito? Or even Hanako of the toilet?"

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "You know an awful lot about my situation.

                   Douryou must have told you, didn't she?"

Michiho Kinukawa:

                  "Something like that."

                  "You're chasing after Shibito because the Headmaster requested you to, right?"

                  "In other words, you must be my rival, aren't you?"

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "What? Your rival?"

Michiho Kinukawa:

                  "I'm very aware of the rumors inside this school."

                  "I'm investigating Shibito and Hanako of the toilet in my own way."

                  "Not to brag, but I know a lot of things."

                  "Like scary rumors and the suicide scandal from 3 months ago and stuff."

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "Kinukawa, I'd like to enquire something with you.

                   Could you please cooperate with my investigation?" 

Michiho Kinukawa:

                  "But, you're my rival, right?"

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "This is to prevent further victims. Please."

Michiho Kinukawa:

                  "Um."

                  "...Okay, I guess."

                  "I'll tell you something special this time. It's for saving Hime-chan yesterday."

                  "But not next time. It's tough getting info, okay?"

                  "Well, what'd you want to ask about?"

>Talk

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "I'm sure Douryou told you that Hanako of the toilet is a danger."

                  "Why are you going after it? To avenge Izumi's death?"

Michiho Kinukawa:

                  "Er, it's nothing like that."

                  "I'm sad he's dead, but I never liked Izumi."

                  "Yesterday, Hime-chan asked me to look for him,

                   so I had no choice but to do that."

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "In that case, there's even less reason to risk yourself."

Michiho Kinukawa:

                  "...It's none of your business. Can't you just leave this alone?"

>Bring up a topic

>Hanako Akai

Michiho Kinukawa:

                  "Three months ago,

                   Ms. Akai committed suicide in the girls' bathroom of the old building."

                  "She hanged herself with a rubber hose."

 

Old building's female bathroom... Suicide using a rubber hose...

The similarities with Hanako of the toilet are striking. She seems to be the spirit of Hanako Akai after all.

Michiho Kinukawa:

                  "Ms. Akai was part of the concert band while alive."

                  "The guys in the concert band might have some interesting stories to tell."

Kazuo Yashiki:

                  "Kinukawa, where could I find them? They don't seem to be here."

Michiho Kinukawa:

                  "I heard there was a recital coming up, so they should have been here, but..."

                  "I guess the club is already finished for the day."

                  "But right now, there might still be some members of the club left on campus."

                  "If you're curious, why don't you look for them?" 

>Hanako of the toilet

Michiho Kinukawa:

 "Hanako of the toilet is a female ghost that's said to appear in the old building's female bathroom."

 "Everyone knows the rumors about Hanako. Except for rare exceptions like Hime-chan."

"There is such a rumor in Konoehara Academy."

Chapter 2: Hanako of the Toilet

"Recently, hasn't there been a lot of graffiti in the toilets?"

"Apparently..."

"They are a "ritual" to summon spirits."

"There's a rumor going on that says, 'if you write on the bathrooms, a ghost will appear'."

"So some students started graffitiing for the fun of it."

"Nobody actually believes in the ghost. They're just seeking a thrill."

"I think that was the case with 'that girl' too."

"She decided to scribble on the empty old building's toilet."

"Using a marker, she wrote the first words that came to mind on the wall."

"Ghosts don't exist. There's no way."

"She graffitied while thinking of such things."

[The toilet flushes, followed by a sting]

"Then she heard a flush coming from the next stall, which was supposed to be empty."

[Heartbeats]

"Nobody's meant to be here... Then why?"

"She became afraid... She wanted to escape..."

"But... even more than that..."

"She wanted to know what was inside the neighboring stall..."

"She opened the door... and looked inside..."

[Long pause]

"Inside... was a girl wearing a red suspended skirt hanging from the ceiling by a hose..."

G I V E   I T   B A C K

[Girl cries in fear]

"That girl screamed and ran away..."

"But..."

"Even after leaving the school...or coming back home... That voice...never left her ears..."

G I V E   I T   B A C K

"And then, that girl..."

"She was gone the day after Shibito's letter was posted."

"Nobody found her corpse. However, everyone says that..."

"She was definitely... killed by Hanako of the toilet."

Michiho Kinukawa:

 "That's Hanako of the toilet's rumor."

 "How was it? Pretty scary, right?"

Kazuo Yashiki:

 "I see..."

In my head, I repeat the rumor I've just heard over and over.

"Give it back", huh...

I wonder, what in the world is Hanako of the toilet searching after?

By some chance... it may be related to her grudge.

[We don't have any more dialogue with her for now, so let's end here. We've reached the proper beginning of the chapter, and we've already got an objective, plus some more people to talk to. The school's not that big, but it's pretty empty for now, thus, I'll concentrate entirely on the important stuff.]

Anyway, see you next time!