Editing Ghost Hunt:Volume 6 Chapter 2 (section)

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After going outside in the evening, Eijirou-san didn’t at all remember the events of that time onward. I also tried to play the video from during the prayer, but there was a problem where the image got interrupted from around when the figure of the fox-like beast appeared.

“The image doesn’t show up.”

Lin-san nodded.

“It’s probably a spirit barrier. Since the tape is running properly. All the needles on the other instruments are off the scale.”

The screens, which have numbers lined up that I never quite understand, are filled with the letters, “ERROR.” And even the thermography image jumped. This isn’t a trivial matter by any means.

Bou-san spoke in a low voice,

“It appeared to be a mere fox, but it might not be such an easy opponent…”

Yeah. When I nodded, Lin-san looked back with a questioning look.

“Naru?”

Naru was resting his elbow on the table and covering his face.

“What’s wrong!?”

“...Nothing, my back just hurts a little.”

Ah, from that terrible collision.

“Are you okay?”

“Nothing serious. —Lin, I’m sorry, but I’m going to take a nap.”

Lin-san frowned slightly and nodded. His complexion didn’t look particularly bad. Naru stood up and Ayako stood up as well. 

“Are you really okay? Are you sore anywhere other than your back?”

While asking those things, she proceeded to follow after Naru. Here, the proper strategy for dealing with Ayako is probably to not interfere.

“I don’t know...”

“What?”

“Ayako. Who does that woman think she is?”

Unreliable?

“There’s no doubt she completely failed that exorcism a little while ago. Have you seen Ayako do something useful?”

That’s true, although…

“Generally, someone who calls themselves a ‘miko’ is suspicious. Does a miko who belongs to a legitimate shrine go around aimlessly performing exorcisms without permission?”

“Huh, really?”

“Really. I’d say Ayako’s ‘miko’ title is merely self-proclaimed. Although there are certainly many spiritualists who become mikos, it’s without permission or it’s just not true. Those kinds of people do exorcisms as part of religious activities. It’s not at all religious to Ayako, but she doesn’t seem to be an ameateur regarding Shinto since she tentatively conforms to the methods of Dual Aspect Shinto. Although, I have no doubt she properly trained somewhere...”

“Hmm.”

“In the first place, why does Naru-bou bring her along if she’s truly incompetent?”

“That’s true.”

When I think about it, Ayako is also quite a mysterious woman.

While thinking that sort of thing, I gazed absently at the monitors and instantly stiffened.

Ack! What is that!?

It was the video of the shop corridor. In the center of the screen, the distant figures of people were visible. It wasn’t anything particularly mysterious, but why did it appear as if both of Naru’s hands were placed on Ayako’s shoulders!?

“What’s happened?”

I was spoken to by Bou-san, but was I in a position to answer? Naru pulled Ayako towards himself. Ah, Ayako’s hands were around Naru’s body. Isn’t— isn’t this a love scene no matter how you look at it!?

Bou-san also spotted the image,

“Ugh!”

That was his short reply. After that he said something as if impressed (amazed?), then suddenly, he stood up.

This hindrance was quickly resented. ...Oh, being ambushed like this. I was only being vigilant of Masako!

“Lin! Come on!”

Bou-san’s voice was desperate. When he looked back, his expression had changed and he ran out of the base. Lin-san even stood up as if he had been repelled. I was stunn— like that, my gaze returned to the screen and I went pale.

—Love scene? ...not in the least!

That’s Naru strangling Ayako.

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By the time I had  rushed into the hallway in a panic, Naru was collapsed in the hallway. Off to the side, Ayako was coughing violently as she sat. Her knees trembled. I’m glad Ayako was safe. For the sake of both Ayako and Naru.

“Bou-san, what happened to Naru?”

“Lin one shot him with a knife hand strike.”

Saying this, he hit his neck with the side of his palm in imitation.

“What the hell is the matter with him…!?”

Bou-san rubbed Ayako’s back, who was wheezing.

“For crying out loud! No matter how bad Naru’s personality is, is it enough to strangle other people?”

...that’s true, but…

“That thing from earlier. It didn’t pass through the wall. It went into Naru.”

...Ah.

“He’s been possessed. It had to have been a strong-willed spirit in order to possess Naru.”

Bou-san said and made a bitter expression.

“This thing is going to be troublesome.”