Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

In a world full of strange phenomena, people are helplessly thrown into the pits of despair, helpless against the paranormal and what comes along with it…until they come along.

Psychics.

— — — —

A swift movement and then: “You’re in luck! I, Reigen Arataka, shall accept this job!”

That’s him. Middle schooler, Reigen Arataka.

“OH MY GOD REALLY?” The girl beamed in joy! “THANK YOU SO MUCH!” She teared up, using her handkerchief. “I had no idea who else I could turn to, no one would take me seriously!” She sobbed out, wiping her tears.

“There, there it’s okay.” Reigen pulled out a clip board, the paper was a price list for exorcisms apparently. Yep, this middle schooler had gotten into the world of exorcisms. “Now, the fee for the exorcisms will depend on which course you want to take.”

The girl’s head perked up in confusion and surprise. “Which course??”

Reigen tapped his finger on the top line, “Option A, the trial course gets you twenty percent…”. He moved to the second line, “Option B, the serious course gets you fifty percent…”. Last line, “And Option C, the all out course gets you a ninety nine percent spirit reduction!! One hundred percent guaranteed!”

“ Reduction ?” Hanako was surprised.

“Well, how should I put this… Spirits are kinda like carbon dioxide.”

“Poisonous?”

“That’s carbon monoxide . I meant they occupy a sort of gaseous space, which makes it a bit more difficult to completely get rid of one.” He started to type away on his phone, “But with that being said, have no fear because if it comes back…”, he held his fingers up in the shape of a V. “I’ll get rid of it for twenty percent off!”

“Aaaah!” Hanako looked at him in awe. “You’re so amazing!”

“HOLD ON A SECOND!” The sound came from a boy, presumably about Reigen’s age, standing behind Hanako.

Reigen looked at the boy in confusion, “Huh? And who might you be?”.

“Oh, this is Taro. He’s my boyfriend.” Hanako explained.

“Ahh, what a calm fellow.” The young boy said in a smartass tone.

“WHAT’S THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN!?” Taro did not seem happy with Reigen’s tone. “Grraahh, just stick to the subject!” He pointed a finger at Reigen, who just stared blankly at him, not a care behind those eyes. “Listen you, this seems super shady. Hanako, you should really reconsider this.”

“...Super shady huh!?” Reigen stood up from where he was sitting behind his makeshift office (A coffee table and a backpack for the “files”). “I guess I can’t blame you, I mean all that talk about nightmares and ghosts?” He scoffed, turning around. “Such a delusional story.”

“I WASN’T TALKING ABOUT HER YOU MORON I WAS TALKING ABOUT YOU!”

“Look, just leave everything to me.” He had gotten up, turning back to the two, “If I can exorcize this spirit, I’m sure Hanako’s face will be normal again.”.

“THERE’S NOTHING WRONG WITH HER FACE YOU MORON!”

— — — —

They took a walk down to the city, discussing all the little details needed. Reigen leading the way while asking Hanako the questions.

“So, it’s been this way since you went through that old abandoned building for a dare? All these nightmares?, since last week?” Reigen asked the girl, whose face scrunched up in worry.

“Yes that’s right! Oh my god they’re so creepy! Here we are Reigen, it’s that building right over there.” She pointed to one of the tall buildings the city had, watching as Reigen made his stop.

The look on Arataka’s face went from unbothered to astonished, his shoulders tensing up, his face going pale and his eyes widening up to the size of boulders. He shook, in awe of what he was “feeling”, or more like pretending to feel just to make the clients feel at ease. His mouth dropped open, revealing a wide array of teeth, covered by braces. He could not believe it, he was aghast. He let out a gasp, reminiscent of someone who had just learned to breathe again.

“WHAT AN UNBELIEVABLE AURA…” His voice was like a fish out of water gasping, before he did a dramatic pose, pointing up to the building. “THIS WILL BE MY FIRST BIG ONE IN A LONG TIME!!” His voice echoed out through the vicinity.

“...Actually it’s right over there.” Hanako pointed to a different building, wherein Reigen yelped, his body tensing up.

“Hang on” Taro narrowed his eyes out of suspicion. “Did you just point at the wrong building?”

“O-OH! WELL ABOUT THAT I…I…I…” Reigen’s words came out fast, faster than a speedway. He cleared his throat, appearing to be sweating a bit. “FUNNY STORY. I…FELT ANOTHER AURA THERE! These things always happen! Nature of the biz!” He scratched the back of his neck, tugging on his uniform collar. “B-Besides! It’s really confusing with all these evil mangy spirits walking around!”

“Ohh! That actually makes sense!” Hanako replied.

“C’mon, we’re not buying that ghosts are just casually-”

“WHOA!” Reigen interrupted Taro, face crinkled up in fear. “ AN EVIL MAN SHAPED SPIRIT ALMOST WALKED INTO YOU! ” Reigen noticed the way the boy flinched, before he wiped his forehead and sighed out. “Oh thank goodness, it almost got to you. Never can be too careful with these things just walking around, y’know.”

The boy and his girlfriend slowly turned around, fear prevalent on their faces as they looked behind them. Sweat came out like bullets, teeth chattered and faces turned that into sheets of white. They turned around, witnessing what was gonna walk through them. And it was…

A kid with an abnormal chin, kinda representing a butt.

“ The butt chin goblin. ” Reigen’s voice was that of a deep growl, even though Taro wasn’t buying it.

“OH WHAT THE HELL-”

“Taro!” Hanako shoved him, obviously upset. “Don’t be rude!”

“Is…Isn’t he technically the one being rude!? Making fun of the way people look-”

“Now, no need to worry Hanako!” Reigen held a hand to both of their faces, smiling widely, a smile of innocence. “As long as these businesses are alive and well, we’ll always have skeptics just like him!” That earned Reigen an angry growl, which he ignored with a “Anyways, let’s go.”

— — — —

They stepped into the old and abandoned building, it was dark, dirty and dingy. Most of the building had deteriorated at this point, considering how old it was. Webs adorned everywhere, chairs turned over, disorganized mess scattered all around. It was truly somewhere a spirit could inhabit, hell, even if no spirit was here, Reigen would still buy it. Not like he knew what a spirit could actually inhabit anyways, he just went with what the clients said.

“T-They say this place is haunted by a kid who saw a cockroach and got so scared he jumped so high that his head went directly to the other floor!” Hanako’s voice was shaking, so was her body too.

“Come oooonnnn. You’re actually buying that bullshit?” Taro scoffed, rolling his eyes.

Reigen was inspecting the place, looking in every corner he could. “I see it…everything’s… becoming so clear now! ” His tone turned serious, surprising Taro.

Could it be…no…no way…

“The vibes…I’m getting massive creepy vibes…I don’t even think I can handle this…” The couple cowered, shaking out fear as Reigen continued his monologue. “It’s…it’s too dangerous!” He turned around, covering his mouth to prevent himself from screaming. “All…ALL THESE COCKROACHES… THERE’S TOO MANY! ”

The couple just stared at the teen, watching his face contort into too many emotions all at once. Taro could not believe it, this bullshit, this “ghost”, everything.

There’s…THERE’S NO WAY THIS KID’S A PSYCHIC! HE’S…HE’S JUST SOME FAKE! SOME PHONY LITTLE-

Something grabbed his shoulder.

The two turned around, a sudden presence, a dark entity, appeared. Eyes glowing red, the spirit asked the question to the couple: “ How would you like me to haunt your dreams too? ”

“A GHOST!!” The boy screamed out, causing Reigen to turn around. The ghost was real. The ghost was real.

It was the ghost of a young high school boy, his hair was sickly green. He stared down at the two, his voice somewhat chilling.

“Maybe I shall curse you two, and crash both of your skulls into the ceiling like me!”

“WAAAHH!!!” Hanako shook her boyfriend, pointing at the ghost. “THAT’S THE THING THAT KEEPS HEADBUTTING ME IN MY DREAMS! HIM–HE’S GETTING CLOSER!! AAAAHH!!”

So he is real. Reigen stepped in, his fists clenched as he immediately threw salt out into the air, aiming for the ghost. “I GOT THIS. SALT SPLASH! ”

This is one of Reigen’s special attacks, where he violently throws table salt everywhere.

The spirit stared at him as he was covered in salt, before letting some of it fall off his hands, completely unfazed. “This is just regular old salt, dumbass. You’ll need purified salt to work on me.”

Reigen’s face dropped, the bag of salt dropping too as one of his eyes twitched in some fury and confusion. Sweat dripped down his face at rapid speed.

I thought…but mom…mom told me that spirits are immune to salt in general! That’s why she sprinkled salt everytime we visited the graveyard!

Reigen cleared his throat, shaking his head and pulling out his phone before dialing a number, muttering something about an “ultimate weapon”. His phone rang for five seconds before the person on the receiving end answered.

“Hey Mob-se...no it’s not a math question.” Reigen paced around while talking to whoever this “Mob” was. “Sorry but do you think you can get here? An evil spirit is right here…both clients and evil spirit are waiting right now, can you just come here as quick–...cool, thanks.” He hung up, putting his phone back into his pocket. They waited and stood around, most not knowing what it was they were waiting for.

— — — —

Footsteps sounded through the barren, desolate building. A figure could be seen through the whole mess, tall, dark hair, eye bags adorned underneath his eyes, a small mole on his left cheek and a blank stare. He seemed to be holding something in his hand, like a schoolbag, something similar to it at least.

The man arrived on location, where Reigen, the clients and the spirit were waiting, his stare as blank as ever as Reigen noticed him.

“Mob-sensei! Thank god, we were waiting!” Reigen waved at him, gesturing to the spirit who looked at the man directly in the eyes.

“Oh what? You’re gonna call your dad because you can’t handle it yourself? What a joke.” The ghost scoffed.

The man didn’t break eye contact, keeping his blank stare. Unsettlingly blank. He lifted a hand to the spirit’s face, unfazed.

“Oh get your–” the spirit couldn’t finish his sentence, before it turned into a scream as colors were flashing and flashing right before everyone’s eyes. Sparks of many colors zapped onto the ghost, the scream fading into a buzz. The spirit had turned into a whirlwind of colors, before he eventually spiked up and burst into a flurry of green and red, dissolving into nothing.

He is Shigeo Kageyama, also known as Mob, an actual psychic working alongside Reigen Arataka, his young disciple. 

These two also happen to be this story’s main characters.

“Arataka-kun,” Mob started, moving his arm down as a bulletin board behind him landed onto the ground. The noise blasted through the jilted interior of the building as he turned to Reigen. “I told you not to call me on such short notice, and I’ve told you to let me know when you’re taking a job before you actually tackle it, got it?”

“Got it sensei!”

Chapter Text

Reigen flipped through the bills, counting up all the yen gathered from the single job. He pulled out his phone and tapped on the calculator app, trying to do the math for the pay. Two cups of tea lay on the desk as they both sat across from each other

“Whoa ho ho! Sensei, you’re a lifesaver! I didn’t think it would actually show up.” He handed Mob the money, giving him the results from the math as Shigeo stowed away the money in the funds box. 

“Here, your bit of the pay for now.” Mob handed Reigen about two thousand yen (thirteen dollars and fifty three cents). “This is all you're getting until your paycheck comes in this week, it’s a little more than what I’d usually give for a lower level spirit but you’ve been doing well as of lately.”

“Oh! So basically my full pay is like an added bonus?”

“Uh huh.” Mob sighed out, something was obviously bugging him.

“What’s wrong? Did you just change your mind?”

“Oh, no. It’s just, I do not know why you called me in to handle such a weak spirit.” Sweat dripped down Reigen’s face, faster than a bullet train. His face scrunched up in panic as his mind conjured up an excuse as quick as it could. Meanwhile his sensei kept going on. “I mean ones that are just like that–”

“AUGGHH!” Reigen groaned in exasperation, throwing his head back, he held his head as if he had a headache. “You and others just don’t get it!” He shook his head, his eyes blown wide. “When you get to MY level of power, your powers act all crazy! I-It can melt EVERYthing and EVERYONE around you during a simple exorcism! THAT’S why I ask you to help me get rid of the weak ones!!”

“Ah, well if you say so.” Mob took a sip of his tea, blowing on it to cool it down. “But…I don’t know what you mean by melt either-”

“Of course you don’t, old man! That’s why I offered to teach you, so you can learn from other psychics! You teach me all I need to know and in return, I teach you everything I know.” Reigen stood up from his chair, crossing his arms. “Our powers are meant to be used, not to be wasted. Us working together gives us the opportunity to help people, and for you to teach someone how to use their powers. It’s like killing two birds with one stone.”

Mob held a finger up, “But, misuse of these powers, it can only lead to our own self destruction. That’s why it’s vital to learn to control our powers. Our powers going berserk…that would lead to grave consequences, wouldn’t it?” Mob took another sip. “Now sit down and enjoy the tea I brewed, please.”

Arataka obeyed, sitting back down as he blew on the tea, before taking a long sip.

Warm…delicious.

— — — —

The walk back to the apartment for Mob was something he got used to, memorizing all the routes, all the stop signs, everything. Today he wanted to walk home, besides, the bus would be crowded today. While he was walking, he stopped in his tracks, the conversation with his very student, words still fresh in his mind.

“Remember, we should not use our powers against others.”

[Progression Towards Mob’s Explosion: 22%]

Shigeo arrived home, switching the lights on in his small apartment. Yellow fluorescent lights provided lighting to the small living room and kitchen. He hung his dark gray coat up on the rack, undoing his tie until he was just in a dress shirt and slacks.

Time to slip into something more comfortable.

And that he did, he went to his room and came back out only in sweatpants and a sweater. Cozy fit for today he thought to himself, feeling the material. “Maybe make myself some omurice?” Mob mused as he stepped into the kitchen, eggs was one of the first things he saw and so that was what came into his mind. Gathering the ingredients, equipment and an old discolored apron, he set to work. 

¾ of a cup of short grain rice…mincing the onions…cooking the chicken until it loses its pink color…whisking the egg…folding the egg over…a drizzle…

Mob wouldn’t say he did a particularly astonishing job, more like a decent job. He sat himself down, picking up a spoon to dig into the eggs. He picked up a small bit of his omurice with the spoon, ready to enjoy the fruits of his labor.

Oh.

The spoon bent again.

Shigeo sighed, fixing the spoon back to its original position. If he was still in middle school, his mom would’ve scolded him with a lecture, his dad would’ve somewhat laughed it off, and Ritsu would offer his help and fix the spoon. That would be if he didn’t estrange himself from them, only talking to his brother probably every once in a while and visiting his parents maybe like once in a blue moon. That was the thing he detested about his powers, causing him to separate himself from the people who he cared about, and that was why he did it. If he didn’t interact and let his emotions control and take him over, then it won’t happen again.

He scooped the eggs up into his mouth, without bending the spoon.

— — — —

Reigen stared intensely at his spoon, like he was waiting for something. His curry was getting cold, but he could care less at the moment. This was his daily practice and he could not falter on this, even though it was practically useless. The spoon was bent by yours truly, and what was this lousy experiment for, you ask? Awakening some ability deep within Reigen, just like Mob-sensei’s.

Reigen’s gaze was interrupted by his mother coughing. He looked up to see her cold stare.

“There you go again, bending spoons.” The lady rolled her eyes. She had the same reddish blonde hair but his father was the one with the dark brown eyes. Her face was twisted up into a scowl and her hair tied up into a bun, “You need to stop doing that, it’s a waste of money and resources.” She spoke like they were in a zombie apocalypse survival movie.

“Mari,” Reigen’s father started. “Reigen is just a child, let him have some fun! Besides, it’s not harming anyone.”

“There you go again-”

“Spoons are easy to bend back into place though, so it’s not a huge inconvenience.” A voice perked up, her name was Tamiko Reigen. She looked like a direct copy of her brother, just with their mother’s freckles, without the excessive bandages and no braces, instead it was a retainer, which was off for now.

“There you go spoiling him, of course you’re the one who encouraged his nasty habit.” The old woman started on Tamiko.

“Well look–”

“Oh no young lady, don’t think I haven’t forgotten about your performance. While I detest your brother’s nasty habit, he has been doing excellent. In terms of grades and school performance at least. He got another perfect score on his quiz today, which I think you can learn a thing or two from him.”

“Mom, it’s easy. Anyone could do it, it’s not like I’m special.” Arataka piped in. “Look, if you just need help with anything, just let me know.”

Tamiko sighed, taking the spoon out of her brother’s hand. She grunted slightly as she worked on the spoon. “Thanks for the offer, but I can manage.” She fixed the spoon back to normal, so now it didn’t bend down anymore. “But dude, you know if you wanna try anything or need help, I can assist. In more ways than school, of course. Besides, isn’t that what siblings are for?” She held the spoon out to her brother.

Reigen smiled, taking the spoon from his sister. “Yeah, thanks!” He scooped up some curry into his mouth. Tamiko watched with a slight smile, ruffling her brother’s hair.

Their mother sighed, going back to her food. “Next spoon either of you bends, it’s gonna get replaced using the allowance I give you guys, got it?”

The two made a noise, slightly astounded at the threat.

“Well, guess we can’t argue with what mom says.” Tamiko sighed, going back to her meal.

“Guess you two are in a real pickle now, huh?” Their dad laughed out.

Reigen ate the rest of his meal in silence.

— — — —

The sun shone brightly onto the world today. Shigeo decided to take a walk today, taking his mind off of anything bothering him before he could actually get started. The complex he lived in, he had made a deal with the landlord so he could use some of the resources to help with his work. He stopped in his tracks when he spotted a familiar sight, dark black hair, dark eyes and a soft and kind voice.

“ Good morning! ” Tsubomi Takane.

Mob had known her since they were little, but after a while they drifted apart, only the occasional small talk here and there and that was that. His crush had faltered due to work but he still found her as gorgeous as ever.

This time she was surrounded by a group of friends, all chatting about everything in their lives going on currently.

“Lovely day, isn’t it?” Her voice was as sweet as ever, her smile as pretty.

Tsubomi is still as pretty as ever today. Mob sighed, before returning to the task at hand. He waved to Tsubomi who gave a wave back. After that, they parted separate ways. He continued his walk until–

“OOF!”

Mob and the stranger fell backwards, Mob and the stranger landed on their butts, before dusting themselves off. “Whoa, I’m so sorry–” Shigeo had cut himself off, immediately recognizing the stranger.

“It’s–...nii-san?”

Ritsu Kageyama, younger brother to Shigeo Kageyama. Well, younger estranged brother. His hair was longer than Mob’s bowlcut, often seeming disheveled. Now it seemed even more disheveled from the crash, his eyes had eye bags and he had seemed to grow some stubble, only slightly though. He was still holding his head in pain as he looked up at Mob.

“Ritsu…Ritsu I haven’t seen you in a while.” Mob gave a soft smile, trying to keep the air friendly.

“Uh huh.” Ritsu immediately bent down, picking up the folders and all the crap that seemed to fall out of his arms.

“Do you need any help?” Mob picked up a few folders and files, holding them out to Ritsu.

Ritsu snatched them out of his hands, trying to avoid eye contact. “No no. I’m okay. How’s that student of yours? Rei…Reigen?”

“Oh! Arataka-kun is doing well! He’s still learning the ropes and everything for the job.”

“Uh huh. Is he still being a brat?”

“No…not really. I wouldn’t really call him a brat, per se-”

“Look, Shige, it’s been nice catching up with you, but I need to head to work. I’m sure you have your job too, so for now, goodbye.” Ritsu quickly walked off, clutching his items to his chest tightly.

“Hey how was that date you told me about two days ago-” Ritsu ran off before Mob could finish his sentence “...Yeah, I’ll text you after work!” Mob waved to him, before walking in the opposite direction, making his morning walk instead of the bus.

— — — —

Reigen arrived at school, his bag in hand as he made his way through the gates. He spotted all the kids there, familiar faces, the sneers directed at him, and the usual chitchat of “Oooh who’s your crush?” “Wanna hang out after class?” “Ugghhh, I forgot my math quiz today”, all mixing up into a huge jumble of noise. Reigen didn’t let himself falter on this, he had classes to get to, for example, his first period class.

As he made his way, his mind drifted off as he sat down at his desk, hanging his backpack on his chair. His mind faltered as he tapped his pencil onto his desk softly, becoming more focused on something small like the clouds outside of the window. He put his head down on his hand, his eyes halfway closed as the teacher drawled on and on about fractions and Xs and what they were equal to, Reigen perking up at whatever question he could answer with ease. He would raise his hand up and give the answer, not even waiting sometimes for the teacher to finish his name. Somehow, he was correct every time despite some of the times he’s forgotten to even finish assignments meant to help him.

“Now, who can solve this?” The teacher turned around, scanning the students who were either sleeping, slacking or just didn’t wanna seem to answer. To that he cleared his throat. “Let’s do…Arataka-kun!”

“Yes sir!” Reigen stood up immediately, body all stiff. His stare dead ahead at the board before he said “Neg…Negative six?”

The teacher turned around, back facing Reigen, “Excellent, now sit back down.”. This was the type of thing Mob-sensei would praise him for, because this was his hardest subject at his age so for Reigen to get it was a surprise to him. Reigen sat back down, continuing to occasionally doodle in his notes.

Then came Physical Education, and today it was a game of soccer they were gonna play.

“HEAD’S UP!”

Reigen ran around in his shorts and white tee shirt, before he made eye contact with the ball coming for him head first. He moved back, trying to avoid getting a concussion. When the ball was close enough to kick he swung his leg up, missing narrowly which caused him to fall on his back.

Minutes later, after he recovered, he tried to hit the ball with his head, but the ball landed way farther than he anticipated, leaving him looking like an idiot jumping in the air. He landed on his ass with an “OOMF!”

Recovering took him a while, as evidenced by his panting. He wasn’t even done when the ball passed by him, with people yelling to go get it as they rushed by him, to which he followed ensuite. Moving his arms from side to side, keeping up with the pace of the crowd of middle schoolers was a chore. Sweat dripped down from his body and face, drool coming out of his mouth as he panted open mouth to the ball, face red.

— — — —

Mob was walking back to the office with his coffee in hand. He was never the type to like coffee in his younger years, until Reigen came in offering some coffee. Mob had determined he liked french vanilla while Reigen just preferred sugar, milk and cream. A simple order.

Speaking of the middle schooler…

Mob’s phone rang, he picked it up, putting it up to his ear.

“Yes?” Mob answered.

“Mob-san!”

“Arataka-kun, how lovely but I really don’t think two days in a row is–”

“Look look, I’m coming to the station, meet me there.”

“And for?”

“Well, I found us another job. And it’s definitely a big one.”

“Ah, I’ll see you soon then. Stay where I can see you.”

[Progression: Towards Mob’s Explosion: 25%]

— — — —

The bus trip through grasslands to and a dirt filled road, all sullen, was mostly quiet. For the most part.

“Today’s job was given by a local neighborhood council.” Reigen sat next to his master, holding out a newspaper in his lap. “It’s over at Honeido Tunnel, conveniently that means “Bone Tunnel”, right there along the highway. It’s famous for its hauntings, it’s always been really freaky and shady, even after closing rumors still circulate around it.” Reigen continued on with the story that was provided.

“Also, bloggers and students have gone here to do some sleuthing, and have gone missing. But the real kicker…” He turned the page, it was an article about a group accident that happened at the tunnel.

“So it’s the site of a huge group accident…” Mob pointed to the article, scanning it. 

“Yeah, thirty years ago. More than twenty died at once, their bitter hatred festering out there.”

Mob looked at Reigen in amusement, who seemed to be concentrating on the paper.

The two had arrived later to their location, the wind blowing around them. Leaves flew around like bugs, they slowly approached the tunnel, with Mob warning Reigen to stay on his toes.

Reigen found himself standing in the front entrance of the tunnel, with Mob preoccupied by the ants crawling on the ground. He smirked at the sight, letting out a small chuckle.

“Piece of cake, I, Reigen Arataka, new star of the paranormal world shall exorcise these spirits.” He unbuttoned his gakuran, stepping in.

“...Don’t you mean we!?” Shigeo quickly stood up and headed up to the front of the tunnel, following Reigen.

The sound of quick running and breathing alerted Mob that Reigen was coming back, and he was. His face filled with tears and snot as he ran into his sensei, pulling on his tie.

“DON’T DO THAT AGAIN I THOUGHT YOU HAD ABANDONED ME!” Reigen cried out.

“W-Well…I didn’t mean to. It seemed–”

“LOOK, WE’RE GONNA CATCH A BIG ONE BUT I WANT YOU TO FOLLOW MY LEAD. CAPICHE?”

“Sure, I didn’t think you could do it all alone anyways, with how competent you seem and the fact your powers can melt everything and everyone in the vicinity, I thought you could need some assistance.”

“YOU IDIOT WHO DO YOU THINK IS GONNA EX–I-I-I MEAN…” Reigen coughed, looking sideways. “This is not much, but I think it is best if we stick together, just in case one of us gets caught in something.”

“You have a lot of courage for someone your age, Arataka-kun.” Reigen turned around, walking slowly up to the tunnel. He stopped in his tracks at the words. “I mean this tunnel actually seems haunted, and most things like these end up being hoaxes to attract tourists or scare kids. But this time, I can actually sense the presence of spirits here.”

Reigen looked at Mob, his face showing signs of apprehension. “If, say, a normal person were to do this…” Mob stood next to Arataka, hands in his coat pockets as he stared into the darkness up ahead.

“W-What would happen?” Reigen took a quick glance at Mob, before his face turned sheet white at what he saw. His eyes were as wide as plates, so wide you could see the red of his veins. His mouth hung slightly open, his braces now shown in a small fashion of just the front teeth.

Mob’s stare was something bloodcurdling, his eyes always seemed empty but this time, something in them seemed…ugly. Horrifying even, his face was dark, voice deep and raspy, like straw. Scratchy. Even if he didn’t intend that, it didn’t make it any better to look at.

“ They’d never make it back in one piece… ”

Reigen gulped. Looking back at the dark tunnel, his face changed back to its original color, his eyes no longer wide as he took deep breaths. He looked back at Kageyama, shakily.

“O-Obviously… and that’s why it’s up to us to exorcise it.” He threw his bag in a corner, stepping into the tunnel with Mob holding his hand. “I’ll take the lead, you follow me and support me from behind.”

“Got it.” Mob nodded.

The descent into the tunnel started, the light from behind getting smaller and smaller with every step into the dark space. The space seemed all gloomy from the years of being rundown and haunted, graffiti with foul and vulgar language decorated the walls, along with the most mysterious stains. The duo’s footsteps echoed through, tap tap tap tap tap. All you could hear for miles outside of the wind and the slight clatter of cans and junk. Even if this place wasn’t haunted and was just a tourist trap, Reigen and Mob would still believe those rumors.

“Man, it’s cold here.” Reigen said.

“Yes, it is, isn’t it?” Mob commented.

“...We forgot flashlights…fuck…”

“Arataka-kun, don't you feel something?”

“Yeah, it’s humid–”

“I meant auras.”

“Sorry, my nose is a little stuffy today.” Reigen sniffed, wiping his nose with the back of his uniform’s sleeve.

“Does that have to do with auras?” Mob questioned his student.

“...At my level it does.” Reigen looked up at his sensei. “What about you? Feeling anything?”

“ Feeling? That’s a complete understatement.” What. “There’s twelve…eighteen…more than that…close to us…” He shuffled around, causing Reigen to flinch. He got into his stance, preparing himself. “They’re gonna attack, so be prepared.”

Reigen got into a stance, his hands up as if to defend himself from the oncoming spirits. “Alright! Leave the small fries to me! GO MOB-SAN! ”

And thus the battle began, Mob’s aura surrounded him, striking any spirit remotely near him. His hands worked like that of firecrackers, sparks flying around. They lit up the tunnel with a glow, the thunderous noise echoed around them. Meanwhile, what was little Arataka doing? He was slowly walking off, staring back as if it were an action movie, making sure he went unnoticed.

“MAN…THAT’S A LOT OF GHOSTS HUH?” He yelled out to sell the bit. “Man, if we were a bunch of normal people we’d be dead, huh!?” He sped up his pace, making sure Mob was completely turned over, back facing him as he walked off. “Well I’m sure they’re all gone, piece of–OMPF!” He had hit something.

THERE’S SOMEONE RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME!

“WHO ARE YOU!?” He pulled his phone out, utilizing the light and flashing it in front of him. “ANOTHER PESKY EVIL SPIRIT!?”

And he wasn’t wrong. In front of him was the spirit of a well built bosozoku, seeming around high school age. His uniform hung limply on his body, all torn and tattered. He had a cleft chin and inverted eyes, seeming where there was supposed to be white there was dark while where there was supposed to be dark, it was blindly white. His whole body was that of a sickly cyan. He stood there, arms crossed as he stared down at the young boy.

“Oh it’s just some punk.” Reigen was obviously oblivious. “Don’t scare me like that, me and sensei are trying to exorcise evil spirits. You and your gang can buzz off.”

The spirit looked displeased.

“Arataka-kun,” Reigen turned around. “I’m sure you might sense it but the leader of the evil spirits is over there so tread lightly.” Mob was still taking care of the spirits up at the front, the sparking hadn’t stopped. 

Reigen looked back at the spirit who was towering above him, smirking evilly. “Ah ha! You’re the leader? YOU MAY HAVE DISGUISED YOURSELF TO BE LIVING BUT YOU CAN’T FOOL ME!”

The spirit groaned, before it turned into an angry growl. “ YOU FOOL! IN THIS TUNNEL, ME AND MY GANG WERE TAKING A DRIVE THROUGH HERE IN THIS VERY TUNNEL AND THE GUY IN FRONT OF US HAPPENED TO SLIP ON A BANANA PEEL! WE ALL DIED AND I AM THEIR LEADER!! ” What seemed to be an engine grew on his back “ LISTEN UP! THIS TUNNEL IS MY TURF NOW! DO YOU UNDERSTAND!? ” The spirit roared out in a blazing fury.

“ I’LL CRUSH EVERY LAST INTRUDER! HERE WE GO!! I curse you….” He breathed out that last sentence, letting it form a flaming hot ball of fire into his hands. “ CIGARETTE BURN HAZING POLTERGEIST!!”

Mob noticed the commotion from behind, so before the fire ball could hit Reigen, he activated a force field around the middle schooler, who was in a position of defense by covering his face with his arms. Once the fire ball hit, it exploded, hitting everything in its vicinity and breaking the concrete. But Reigen remained unscathed, untouched, like nothing happened. Once the smoke cleared out, there was, arms covering his face, a determined look plated onto his face.

“My ignition attack…it’s not working…a force field!? This kid…he’s not some cheapskate fraud!? CRAP!” He held his head in shock. “THIS KID IS NOT SOME AVERAGE WIMP!?”

“TOO LATE TO TAKE THAT BACK SPIRIT!” Reigen spat out. “The moment you decided to go against the powerful genius psychic known as Reigen Arataka WAS THE DAY YOU SIGNED YOUR DEATH CONTRACT!” He pulled out his bag of salt, digging around in it. “PREPARE TO BE EXORCISED! SALT HEAP PUNCH!”

This is one of Reigen’s special attacks, where he punches the enemy with his fist covered in table salt.

The spirit screamed in agony, but only for a little bit before it died down as he touched his cheek. “Hey…that didn’t hurt at all.” His voice turned into a deep gravelly growl.

“Oh crap.” Reigen was sweating again.

“SO YOU ARE JUST SOME–” He couldn’t finish his sentence. Sparking lights flashed, a multicolor flash. He screamed in agony, actual agony. The spirit’s body contorting and twisting and shrinking. Screams echoed into the darkness of the tunnel, all while Reigen pointed his index finger at the screaming and wailing spirit. The spirit thrashed around as Reigen spoke out.

“Go back to the ozone layer.”

After the dust had settled, the spirit was the size of say a doll. A little doll. Reigen gasped, meanwhile Mob was approaching, standing next to him. “Mob-sensei, what are you doing? Go on and melt him.”

“Reigen, at least hear him out first. There has to be a reason.” Mob put an arm over Reigen, preventing the teen from doing anything drastic.

The spirit started to stutter in his speech, his voice all squeaky-like. “I-I may act tough, b-but neither me or the others are as strong as w-what’s down there.” His whole body trembled, pointing further down the tunnel. “The evil spirit down the tunnel, t-that is. He’s the one giving us orders to scare intruders!”

Reigen scoffed at that. “You think you can fool me, Reigen Arataka, with such falsities?”

“WHATEVER YOU'RE SAYING IS NOT TRUE! I’M NOT LYING! If I was to disappear while being falsely accused, me and my brother’s, the Death Spectors, we couldn’t take it! Our memories would never rest!” The spirit cried out. “That’s all! There! Now you can kill or melt or whatever!” He laid down on his back, preparing for his end.

“Pfft.” Reigen scoffed again. “Don’t make us pity you, I’ve seen enough. Mob,” He turned his thumb downwards towards the lowly spirit. “Melt him.”

“Hang on, I’m gonna have a closer look.” Mob stepped forward, ignoring Reigen and the spirit.

“Huh?”

“Something still doesn’t feel right, the aura from before coming in here hasn’t disappeared yet. Don’t you find that a little weird?”

“Hm? I-I thought so too…”

“STOP HIM!” Reigen looked down in confusion at the spirit. “NO MATTER HOW STRONG THAT GUY IS, HE DOESN’T STAND A CHANCE AGAINST IT! THAT EVIL SPIRIT HAS LIVED ON THIS MOUNT FOR THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF YEARS AND EVERYONE WHO DIED HERE WAS KILLED BY HIM! DON’T YOU GET IT!?”

Reigen was petrified by the revelation. “S-So you guys were also–”

“No, like I said we just slipped on a banana peel.”

The young boy looked down at the spirit in disdain, quietly. Suddenly, a huge gust of wind happened, blowing him and everything backwards. Reigen fell on his back trying to scream before the wind stopped.

“YOU GET IT NOW!?” The spirit popped up, pointing in the same direction Mob was headed. “IF HE CARED ABOUT YOU HE WOULDN’T DO THIS! CALL HIM BACK! HURRY UP!”

Reigen stared for a moment as Mob continued walking farther down the tunnel “MOB-SAN! GET BACK HERE! ARE YOU LISTENING? COME BACK!!”

Mob stood his ground, coming face to face with what was the source of the aura. It manifested itself into the form of a big blob, its skin akin to tar. Multiple eyes adorned its ugly face, a huge jaw held huge gross yellow teeth as junk adorned its back, like the spikes of a stegosaurus. It snapped its jaw before lunging after Shigeo, throwing him around before swallowing the poor man whole. This made the spirit and Reigen panic, both shaking and trembling.

Mob…

It was a short moment before the ugly spirit seemed to freeze up, glowing red green and blue. Something in it seemed to cause it to start jerking around, something in its stomach. It didn’t take long before after moving around so much, the spirit burst like a bubble. Junk flying around in the air as its remains were left to dissolve. All that seemed to be alive from the explosion was…Mob. 

As soon as his aura was gone, everything fell down with a loud crash. He made his way back to Reigen and the spirit.

“Oh! You’re safe!” Reigen was practically beaming a metal coated smile.

“Yeah, the spirit was surprisingly weak for its size.” Mob dusted his shoulder off.

“N-No…No way! Who are you?” The spirit asked, astounded.

“Huh?” Mob turned to the spirit. “Oh? Me?” His head bent down. “I’m practically no-”

“YOU IDIOT!” Reigen interrupted him quickly. “MOB! THE MASTER FOR…” Reigen made a few quick movements of his hand, before pointing at himself with his thumb. “...THE NEW STAR OF THE PARANORMAL WORLD, REIGEN ARATAKA!”

“Ah, my apologies.”

The spirit floated over to Mob, seeming very happy. “Haha, I thank you Mob, really I do. Now the Death Spectors can leave this hellhole and pass on peacefully!” He was gonna float away until Mob stopped him.

“Pardon me, but is this yours?” Mob handed the spirit an old photograph from before the accident, from what he assumed. The photo showed the spirit, in his human form, with his gang, all in front of a flag with their symbol. The flag read “Death Spectors”, as everyone was posed around or in front of the flag. They seemed to be smiling for the photo, holding up weapons, posing around bikes, or just standing or sitting. The spirit let out a gasp, looking at it for a moment before tearing up.

It took him a while to form words as a tear dropped down “I wanna thank you!”. The duo watched as all of sudden, the transparent, glowing images of the leader and his gang appeared to be floating up into the sky, looking just like the picture. They all voiced their thanks one by one with cheers or shouts of “Thank you!” at the two. “Thanks dude!” the gang leader waved as he was floating up into the air, “Now we can depart into the afterlife!”. The glow died down and soon, they were free.

Mob stood there, staring up where the light previously was, where the smiling images of a bunch of high school gang members appeared, a bunch of bosozokus and maybe two sukebans. His eyes seemed to widen only a teeny bit more than usual.

“Sensei.”

“Huh?”

“C’mon, our work here is done, right?” Reigen turned around to walk to the entrance of the tunnel. “Let’s go.”

“Right.” Mob did a little jog to catch up to Reigen, making sure to stay by his side.

Outside, they stood at the bus stop, Reigen inspecting the hours with his schoolbag back in hand as Mob was in his own world. He had already checked the hours and made sure to contact the council about the whole thing. Suddenly he turned his head to Reigen, he needed to ask this, it’s been bugging him for a bit. “Arataka-kun, by the way…” He watched Reigen turn his head slightly, “Why didn’t you do anything back there with the spirits?”

Reigen’s face twisted into a frenzy “OH! UHHH….UHHH….WELL I…YOU KNOW….” Reigen coughed, clearing his throat as he turned around to face Mob, his face exuding confidence. “Didn’t I tell you? I would leave all the small fries to you, remember?”

“Oh, right.” Mob turned back to face the road, meanwhile his disciple let out a relieved sigh in his mind.

— — — —

Back at Seasoning City, Mob stood waiting in front of the station for his disciple. People walking by conversing about what to eat, what show to watch, relationships, and even the dreaded sound of chewing . It wasn’t too long before a small figure appeared right next to Shigeo, poking his head out of the station.

“Sorry you had to wait.” Reigen dusted himself off, slinging his school bag over his shoulder.

“No no, it’s okay.” Mob gave him a soft smile, before offering him his arm to hold onto so the kid wouldn’t get lost. “You wanna head to get some ramen? You know the place.”

Reigen nodded, his smile bright. “Mhm!” He grabbed Mob’s arm.

The two took the walk past city lights, fast moving cars, bikes, tall buildings, and finally they stopped in the parking lot of their destination. A ramen shop the two would frequent very often, mainly after work.

“If you’re gonna add pork or chop suey, limit it to two, okay?” Reigen pulled out his phone as he said this.

“Uh huh, got it. Also, are you texting your mom?” Shigeo asked the boy.

“No. I’m asking Tamiko. Mom’s working overtime and so is dad.”

“Ah.” Mob opened the door for Reigen, letting the boy enter into the place first, the warm glow adorning him and Mob. The air smelled of meat, ramen, cooked vegetables and spices. “Onigawara-kun!” Mob called out for his old classmate who ran this place. Meanwhile, Reigen was observing all the people around, what they were doing, and even what they ate.

“IF YOU BRING ME THIS SHIT AND CALL IT ‘PORK’ AGAIN, I WILL KICK YOUR ASS SO HARD IT WILL–Oh! Kageyama!” Onigawara appeared from out of the kitchen as Mob and Reigen took their spots up on the stools. “The usual today?”

“That would be appreciated, thank you Onigawara. Oh, how’s the manga going so far?” 

“Eh,” Tenga shrugged, “It still needs some work on the story, at least that’s what my editor told me.” 

“Ah.” Shigeo knew his classmate, his dreams of being a mangaka, but he turned the manga into a side thing after he managed to get promoted while working here. He used to be the head banchou at Salt Middle School, joined the body improvement club, and now here he is. Interesting how many turns a life can take, isn’t it?

“Two eggs on mine please!” Reigen told the man.

“Yeah yeah, if these dipshits can–”

“Hey, Tenga.” One of the employees came up behind him, tapping his shoulder.

“What?”

“Musashi is here with the stock for this week.”

Onigawara immediately perked up at that, in his own way which was his mouth contracting into that of an "o". “Oh thank fuck, needed a restock as of late.” He ran to the backroom “OH! AND DON’T FORGET THEY WANT THE USUAL!” “They” meaning Kageyama and Reigen.

I think he’s more happy to see Musashi. Mob remembered when he saw the Telepathy Club and Body Improvement Club place bets on whether or not Musashi and Onigawara would go out. He wondered if they still placed bets to this day.

“Sensei, I found this frog today!” Reigen pulled up a photo of a frog laying near a bank, showing it to Mob. “It was while I was looking for a job, I saw this thing and knew I had to take a photo to show ya!”

“That’s nice, Arataka-kun.” Mob smiled. Reigen knew he loved frogs, that’s why he would take a photo of every frog he encountered. “Now…” The conversation seemed to bounce on from schoolwork, work work, Ritsu, grades, and the office.

“Here you go! Enjoy!” Onigawara served them bowls full of ramen, Reigen had about six pieces of pork, two eggs, basically the whole bunch while Mob had one egg and two pieces of pork. That was the usual for them, of course.

Not that they were complaining, of course. Their smiles could be reflected onto the liquid-y substance of the broth as they ate, giggling and chatting.

Chapter Text

Arataka Reigen, or Reigen, second year at Salt Middle School. In the average lifetime of a middle schooler, this is the time where the ideology of what to do forms in people’s head, what activities to accomplish, what should become their main goal. This ideology is called “adolescence”, something everyone goes through at least only once in their life. Some become athletes, thriving in many kinds of sports, or even just one, some work on their studies, some devote themselves to slacking and goofing around, cutting on their school work, some evolve and nurture their talents, some decide to rebel and go against code and there’s some that fall in love with one another, or leaving the love to be unrequited, a bittersweet taste remaining. These experiences made up what adolescence is.

What was Reigen doing during this time?

“THE REASON FOR YOUR CURSE IS PORN SITES!” He slammed his fist on his makeshift desk (a coffee table with two stools as chairs, the cubic ones).

Lying about being a psychic for approximately one thousand yen an hour (six dollars and sixty nine cents in usd).

“...Porn sites?” The client was skeptical about this, his head turning in confusion. He was about a year above Reigen.

“YES!” Reigen smirked, pointing a finger at the client. “The jinx plaguing your shoulders is a common one, known as THE ‘ONE CLICK CURSE’!”  

Kageyama let out a small and subtle snicker.

“...A curse from some porn?”

“They use these illegal eighteen and up sites to curse your shoulders while giving you the burden of fees. Nowadays, spirits have to go digital like us people have.” Reigen explained to the boy.

“Get real, who the hell is believing in this crap?” The boy scoffed out.

Reigen swooped behind the boy, holding him in place by the shoulders. The boy let out a yelp, looking up at Reigen in shock. Arataka held one hand up, like he was gonna chop something in some sort of martial arts move.

“Relax and keep perfectly still! I’ll handle this!” Reigen warned the guy.

“There’s no need to–” the boy cut himself off, letting out a grunt as Reigen laid both hands on his shoulders, massaging them deeply, getting down to business. Reigen had made sure to lotion his hands nicely too, as he did everyday. You never knew when masseuse training ever came in handy.

“These shoulders are stiff. The curse must’ve hit you like a bus.” The blonde growled out, moving his hands efficiently on the boy’s shoulders, the sound of cracking coming from them.

“IF YOU THINK I’M PAYING FOR THIS YOU’RE GONNA-” He was interrupted as Reigen started to beat on his shoulder, the speed at which this was happening was impressive. What the!? It actually feels…good!

“ALRIGHT THEN!” Reigen grabbed the client, and shoved him onto one of the cleared tables, pounding his back with his fists. Making sure to stop to gently soothe his back with his fingers, Reigen went on with the message, disguised as an exorcism. “SORCERY CRUSH!! FINISHING BLOW!!” He punched with all his might, after about say thirty nine minutes

This is one of Reigen’s special moves; he relieves the stress from physical fatigue and helps with removing all shoulder stiffness and back pain.

Reigen grabbed a towel and wiped his face with it. He stared down at the client who seemed to be in heaven . “I believe I managed to remove the curse, are your shoulders better?”

The boy got up, seeming in a much better mood. One would even say he was happy. “Yes! Sorry about what I said earlier, you actually removed my curse! Everything feels way way more better! Can I come here again just for a follow up?” He moved his head around, feeling on his shoulders. He genuinely seemed way happier than when he came in.

Reigen moved his hand in a circular motion, it contracted into a thumbs up as he shined with a smile. “That’d be no issue for us!”

Mob sat at the desk, checking the fee. “Let’s see…the fee for a forty minute massage is around three thousand eight hundred yen.”.

IDIOT! Reigen gritted his teeth, hoping neither Mob or the client took notice. YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO CALL IT A CURSE REMOVING FEE! NOT A MASSAGE FEE!

“Your change is about two hundred yen.” Mob handed the boy the money, watching as he left in joy with his schoolbag. Mob turned to Reigen, before sliding out a container full of takoyaki. “Here you go Arataka-kun, dig in.”

“Don’t you feel hungry too?” The two made their way to the sitting area.

“Yeah, that’s why I bought some.”

“Awesome! Thanks!” Reigen sat down on one of the seats.

“Arataka-kun, you’re getting much better at these massages lately, hell even I took something out of your book.” Mob grabbed one of the little octopus balls, holding his other hand underneath it as the steam rose up close to his face.

“Huh? Oh yeah, I’ve been doing some reading up.” Reigen grabbed a ball of Takoyaki, putting it up close to his mouth. “I’ve been meaning to improve lately, such as looking into what more I can do. Of course, all of this is effective due to my spiritual powers.” His mouth opened wide, face unbothered as he took a bite of the street food.

That all changed in the span of three seconds as his face went from calm and collected to red and steaming, his face looked like it was gonna explode as steam came out of his nose. He screamed as he spat out the small ball.

“HOT HOT HOT HOT!!!!!!!!!” The takoyaki ball came flying towards Mob, to which he used his psychic powers to prevent it from landing onto the floor. Meanwhile Reigen was babbling about it being “such a waste!”. Mob used his powers to start spinning the little ball, trying to get it to cool down. 

“...Hey Reigen-kun, can we talk?” Mob deadpanned.

“Wow, this must be important. You normally don’t start conversations like that.”

“Well…” The ball was spinning on its axis, Reigen stared at it. “I could use a little ESP, and I’m different from all the others. I wanted to try to use my powers by myself alone, but then I ran into you and you wanted to work with me.” The spinning got faster and faster with every word. “But at the time, I never really had anyone else in my life who understood me, and I’m sure you didn’t as well so I am extremely grateful.” 

Mon, despite his deadpan tone, was being sincere. The spinning increased, going at an impossible speed. “Because you now have a job for some extra cash, and we teach each other techniques that we know. However…” The spinning stopped, now Shigeo was floating the takoyaki ball right in front of his own face. “I wonder to myself, is this really okay?” Mob launched the ball at Reigen, who immediately opened up his mouth, chomping onto the now cooled off bit of takoyaki. 

“That’s what's been on my mind.”  A small bead of sweat appeared on Mob’s face, along with a small frown.

Does he think he’s paying too much and needs to cut my pay? DOES HE KNOW I’M A FRAUD!? Reigen was sweating bullets. “Y-Yeah but I’ve been planning on doing something so I haven’t paid any attention–” 

“What do you mean by that?” Mob asked the middle schooler. “Like…rather than waste your youth working like this, you need to do something?” Mob stared up at the boy.

“Well…maybe exactly–” Reigen was interrupted.

“Ah, puberty. It is an important phase in life.” Mob held another takoyaki ball, this time in his own hands. “Everyone goes through it, especially me. When you are filled with the desire to do something worth your youth, hell, I spent days contemplating on that when I was about your age."

“Really? What was it you wanted to do? Be in a band? Dancing? Hitchhiking?” Reigen questioned the man.

“No…not anything particular in mind.” Mob took a bite into his takoyaki, chewing quietly. “So, what clubs or activities are you thinking of?”

“I dunno–” Reigen was interrupted again as Mob settled a bunch of pamphlets and posters down on the table.

“I saw these on my morning walk, a bunch of groups or classes that are available. I don’t really know if some of them are really interesting to me but hey, you middle schoolers are always looking for something and I thought you might actually enjoy some of these.”

“I’ve already done most of these before.” One of the windows exploded from a shock.

“You did?” Kageyama looked at all the interesting and crazy things advertised on the pile. “I didn’t know that, besides, why didn’t you tell me? These are honestly quite interesting to hear about-”

“Eh, they’re really not. Besides, they weren’t that fun.”

“Aw come on, I’m sure something interesting happened…” The chatter coming from Mob’s mouth…something about it bugged Reigen. He wasn’t the most liked kid, he knew that, so why was he hesitant on this kind of stuff? He wished he had kept his mouth shut so he could deal with this issue in silence in his own room. Alone. What was so fun about joining clubs and classes anyways?

It was just a bunch of kids gathering around, either doing nothing or stressing themselves out with more unnecessary work. While he did love a challenge and was smart enough, he really didn’t see the point. Hell, most of these kids bullied him out of this kind of stuff. He knew Mob-shou had good intentions, even saying he shouldn’t be working this much. Mob-sama was too fucking kind for his own good, too fucking kind to Reigen of all people, but at least this got him to talk more.

Mob was continuing his lighthearted chatter, listing clubs that he knew were at Salt Middle School as he had gone there before at Arataka’s age. Mob even mentioned how he tried a few clubs out before quitting or not going any further, and that was just…depressing. “I’ve actually been meaning to join something as of lately. Like finding a hobby to do before or after work ends, or on days off. What do you think I should…” The mental image of Mob being in a band, dancing or hitchhiking didn't sit well with Reigen.

The headache inducing confusion was obvious on the young one’s face, so Mob decided to try to encourage his disciple. Thank god he noticed, he did not wanna make his disciple upset like this. “So…how’s Tamiko? Is she in anything? Maybe you could also–” His question was cut off by his disciple’s next actions.

Reigen got up from his seat, slamming a hand down on the table. His smirk was cunning, like a fox. “Okay! Listen up Mob-sama! I know you’re trying to understand me and trying to advise me but personally, I don’t think we should rush in so quickly! In my opinion, the ‘going-home club’ is honestly the best club anyone could ever join!” He pointed at himself, his smile so…condescending?

“Besides, goofing off at the age you’re meant to goof off the most, that honestly makes someone a winner in my book! I say we just keep being slackers and keep making money off this business, what do you say?” He held up an octopus ball with the toothpick, gesturing it to Mob.

Mob gestured back, as if the two were making a toast.

— — — —

Elsewhere in a separate building…

“Wait a second Takenaka-!”

“I GET TREATED LIKE A LOSER FOR EVEN HANGING OUT WITH YOU GUYS! I CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE!”

“Take it easy!”

“I CAN’T DO IT ANYMORE!” Said man, presumably Takenaka, ran out of the room furiously to only god knows where.

The beige haired man who was just shouting at him to think about it sighed in defeat. Two other men were on both of his sides, one tan with a buzzcut and a cleft chin and the other all tall, thin, pale and scraggly. The one with a cleft spoke up.

“Oh man…this is bad.” Saruta Sirihiko, cleft chin guy, broke into a sweat, turning to Kijibayashi, Kijibayashi Haruto, the green haired pale and thin one.

“The quota is five or more members of a group so it can keep functioning, and with Takenaka gone…” Kijibayashi turned to Saruta, both making eye contact.

“What should we do now, chief?” The beige haired man, Inukawa Mameta, turned around to face the table full of snacks, books and some manga. 

At the end was a woman with short black hair, tied up into a ponytail, with long lower lashes coming down from her eyes. Her hands were cupped together, elbows on the table as she stared at Mameta. “There’s only one thing we can do now…we need to find a new member…and I mean NOW!” Kurata Tome, age thirty, leader of The Telepath Union…which wasn’t a union more like a group, but hey they thought the name sounded more professional than “Telepathy Group”.

Everyone turned as they heard knocking at the door.

“Maybe Takenaka changed his mind!” Saruta said.

“Of course!” Inukawa perked up, heading to open the door and greet their…new? Old? Well it doesn’t matter cause Takenaka came–

…back?

Everyone gasped at the person standing in the doorway. That was not Momozou Takenaka.

“Afternoon.” Hikaru Tokugawa. “I am here to report that we have received a letter of resignation from this club from say a Takenaka Momozou? That rings a bell, doesn’t it?” Tokugawa had some..aura coming off from him. Former Salt Middle School Vice President of the Student Council, fancy ass parted hair, now those bastards were working shit higher than some student council club bullshit.

“THE-THE HIGHER UPS!” They were basically now running this place, this whole street, the building, everything. Keeping groups and agencies and businesses alive and deciding which ones to abolish. The group shook in fear, faces displaying multiple forms of anxiousness and fear.

“This group and or business… has been officially abolished.”

“ABOLISHED!?” Kijibayashi shouted in a mix of fury and fear.

“ALREADY!?” Saruta cried out.

“Five or more members are required for these kinds of things to function.” Tokugawa explained, his face stoic and stone. “Unfortunately, I must ask you all to gather everything up and leave. This room has been requested for use for a new group, one that won’t waste–”

“How…” Tome started, facing down at the table before they lifted their head, her glare piercing. “HOW DARE YOU DECIDE ALL OF THIS WITHOUT CONSULTING US! WE’VE ONLY BEEN DOWN TO FOUR FOR A FEW MINUTES! I’M NOT LETTING YOU GET RID OF THE TELEPATH UNION! OVER. MY. DEAD. BODY.” Kurata-san screeched out, face twisted up in indignation. Anger.

“The bond we share in the Telepath Union is strong!” Saruta followed up, sounding just as determined as Kurata was.

“YEAH!! We’re not leaving this room!! The higher ups here have nothing on us!!” Kijibayashi shouted, fisting the palm of his hand.

“You think you’re so great and mighty because of your fancy hair!?” Inukawa chimed in.

“SHUT YOUR MOUTHS!” The room went quiet immediately. “YOU PISSBRAINS DON’T WISH FOR I, TOKUGAWA HIKARU, TO BE ANGERED DO YOU!?”

Everyone had shut up, not wanting to say anything further to avoid getting into trouble or worse, a fist fight.

“Now, I’m not here to harass any of you…” Tokugawa had seemed to calm down a bit from his outburst. “... But, even a group such as this is given about twenty thousand yen a month, and it’s not like we have this room to spare either.” He walked over to the table in the room, his hand had touched a half empty chip bag. Tokugawa scoffed at this, “Seriously? What’s this? Tea? Chips? Did the spending go to snacks?”. He lifted an arm up, pointing it directly at Kurata.

“And you, Kurata Tome, founder and leader of this group, you were supposed to give weekly reports about what this group does. We haven’t received anything in about months! What is this ‘Telepath Union’ in the first place anyways?”

Tome stayed silent, face dark and grim. “...”

“I’m not sure I’ll understand it completely…” Tokugawa adjusted the collar of his white dress shirt. “...But at least try telling me what it is about anyways.”

“We…We stimulate our minds to receive telepathic messages.” Tome glared at him as she took a cup of tea and started to sip slowly on it, before swallowing it down and continuing. Her tone was slow and rough as she spoke out. “The human brain still contains unknown powers, you know.” Her hand shook, maybe out of fear or anger or stress.

“Right…so it’s both pointless and I don’t understand it. Honestly, this ‘union’ seems really shady, hope there’s nothing illegal going on here. And regardless of that, I think it’d be best if it was abolished anyways…before anything dangerous happens.”

“HOW RUDE!” Tome slammed her teacup onto the table. “DON’T YOU KNOW!? THE REASON NOTHING HAS BEEN SUBMITTED YET IS BECAUSE WE HAVEN’T DONE ANYTHING!!”

“...That’s a terrible comeback Ms. Kurata.”

“...oh…”

Silence hung around the air, heads hung down, staring at the dark green carpet of the floor.

“Well…” Tokugawa sighed, shaking his head. “If you’re actually this desperate to keep this joke of a group alive, then bring me a new member here by Friday by four thirty pm.” 

SLAM!

“...Friday?” Saruta finally spoke.

“That’s…that’s only two days…” Kijibayashi sounded tired and exhausted.

“This…This is bullshit!” Mameta cursed out.

Oh Tome was not having any of this.

“OH QUIT YOUR WHINING!” Tome spewed out in a rage. “IF WE JUST ASK AROUND ANYONE IN SEASONING CITY WHO SEEMS A BIT INTERESTED, THEN I’M SURE WE CAN AT LEAST FIND SOMEONE TO FILL THE REQUIREMENT!”

“But that’s not gonna happen, first time it was only us and Takenaka, that’s out of the millions of people living in this city!” Saruta looked at Kurata as he spoke these words. His face grew sweatier as he saw the red in her face increase.

“NO!” Tome stamped her foot on the ground. “I’M NOT GONNA LET THIS SLIDE BY! WE HAVE UNTIL FRIDAY, AND WE HAVEN’T OVERCOME HARDSHIP OVER HARDSHIP OVER HARDSHIP TO BE SHOT DOWN AND DEFEATED LIKE THIS, NOW HAVE WE!?!?”

Everyone stared at the girl, stares were as blank as canvases.

“Uhh…chief…” They all said in unison. “We…haven’t done anything.”

— — — —

The next day, right outside of Salt Middle School, a group of kids, all wearing either dress shirts or Salt Middle School uniforms, showed up. It was three o’ five, kids were leaving either to clubs, classes, or home. These kids had a…variety of eccentricities to say the least, one was even about preschooler age, and they seemed to be clinging onto one of the kids, who had his eyes closed shut.

“Alright! Remember what we came here to do, find more ESPers!” The kid in a gas mask said, voice sounding more equivalent to a little girl.

All the kids gave a salute. There were about four, Shibata, Hatori, Minegishi, and Shimazaki, all currently being “ordered” by the kid in the gas mask. Ishiguro.

“Alright…let the recruitment…BEGIN!”

And off everyone went, all following Ishiguro around. Minegishi grabbed onto Shimazaki’s arm, the child trying to keep up with the pace the blind esper was going at. Pants and gasps filled the halls as the group ran around, looking for anyone to recruit.

…Well that was a journey.

“I didn’t even know there was such a thing as a Psychic Club here. I don’t even know what ‘Psychic’ even means”

Rejected.

“It sounds creepy so forget it.”

Rejected.

“What’s the big deal? It’s just some quota, not like everyone will perish.”

Rejected.

“I got a job, I can’t do that.”

Rejected.

“Sorry but entrance exams are this year, so everyone right now should be studying.”

Rejected.

“Well, do you have any hot guys in the club?”

Rejected.

“Creep.”

Insulted and rejected.

The group kept on running and running, apprehensive looks donned them as the speed had increased. Now they were sweating, face’s dropping as the panting got more aggressive, especially for Ishiguro.

“I wanna leave time for dating, I’d like a hot boyfriend.”

Stuck up and rejected.

“I’d be worried about all the looks, plus it seems dangerous.”

Understandably rejected.

“It’s creepy so forget it.”

Rejected.

“Sorry but it’s creepy so forget it.”

Rejected.

“It’s creepy so forget it.”

Rejected .

Now the pace was going slower, everyone was moving like a pack of zombies, all tired and exhausted. Nozomu looked sick, Shimazaki was hanging his head downwards, with Minegishi on his back on the brink of conking out, Shibata holding a tired hand behind either of the two to prevent them from falling down and Ishiguro complaining about their mask fogging up as they continued on. Faces red or blue, all out of breath with sweat dripping down, visible through their uniforms.

“Creepy.”

Rejected.

“Nope.”

Rejected.

“Forget it.”

Rejected.

“Uh nope.”

Rejected.

“Sounds lame.”

REJECTED.

“No, sorry.”

REJECTED.

By the end, the group was sitting out in the halls, panting and tired. If they couldn’t meet the quota in time, that would mean that they could probably get in trouble with Suzuki or worse, be demoted to a lower level.

“Man…it’s impossible to find new members as of lately…” Shibata complained, kicking his feet against the ground.

“Yeah, it’s way past club days and with all of the exams and everything, I’m sure no student here would want more on their hands.” Hatori’s face displayed glumness, he slumped against the wall in defeat.

“And they keep saying we’re creepy…” Minegishi sulked in a sleepy tone, all the running had tired the child out, to the point where the kid was holding onto Shimazaki to prevent them from falling asleep on the ground.

“Hell, even I wanna quit.” Shimazaki grumped out, back slouched.

Those words were what made something deep within Ishiguro just… snap. Ishiguro’s body language and voice said it all.

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!” Ishiguro ran around, screaming as loudly as the gas mask would allow, hands clutching their face as hard as they could.

“WHOA WHOA WHOA!!” Hatori cried out. “ISHIGURO’S LOST IT!”

“YOU NEED TO CALM DOWN, OKAY?” Shibata tried to put his hands up to calm Ishiguro down.

Shimazaki stood in the back, watching while Minegishi stood closer to the screaming, staring blankly.

…!

That’s it.

Of course…that kid was being sarcastic… “The Going-Home-Club!” And wasn’t he advertised before as a psychic?

— — — —

The door slid open, and in walked Inukawa with Kageyama.

“Chief! I found him!” Inukawa cried out “He does have a job, currently unemployed, not volunteering for anything and he doesn’t have any friends or girlfriends! Shigeo Kageyama!”

“Well that’s mostly correct.” Kageyama deadpanned.

“Excellent work Inukawa! Please, Kageyama-kun, allow us all to introduce ourselves!” Tome clapped her hands together in joy. “Kijibayashi?”

“Nice to see ya.” Kijibayashi bowed down.

“...and Saruta!”

Saruta gave Kageyama a wave. “What’s up?”

“And I’m the leader and founder of this fine establishment, Tome Kurata!” Tome made a peace sign, trying to pull off a “cute” smile…it didn’t look good at all “But you can call me Tome-chan!!” she winked at Kageyama, letting out some “cutesy” giggle.

“...Tome? Oh hey! I remember you!” Mob gave a small smile, his face lighting up.

“You do!?”

“Yeah, we went to the same middle school together, you tried to recruit me to your club. The only reason I remembered you is because my grandmother’s also named Tome too.”

Tome made some sort of noise at that remark. “See!? Fates have brought us together again!” She bowed down, a clipboard in hand. “Please join us!”

“...Sorry but I can’t-”

“WHAAATTT!?”  

“Wait just a second! Mob, you actually have plans!?” Inukawa was sweating as he asked,

“Mhm.” Mob gave a simple nod. “I have to go back to my office for my exorcism job.”

“What’s…what’s an ‘exercism’? …Oh! Exorcism. You? Kageyama, please.”

“CHIEF! I JUST REMEMBERED, THIS GUY WAS THE ONE WHO WAS FAMOUS WAY BACK IN GRADE SCHOOL!” Inukawa jumped in, pointing a finger at Kageyama. “He would make erasers move on their own, bend spoons too! He could touch a flame and not even get hurt, and he could see ghosts! IN OTHER WORDS, HE’S–”

“Yeah yeah Inukawa you already told me that before, when we tried to get him to join in middle school.”  Tome had turned her attention from Inukawa to Mob. “Look, never mind all that, just join us. Besides, the exorcism can wait, can it?”

“...Well–” The phone rang at the perfect time. “Hello?”

“Mob-sama!” Reigen!

“Reigen-kun, I was just about to call you!”

“Really? What a coincidence! Hey, can I ask you something?”

“Uh sure, what is it?”

“Uhh…if I said I had to be a little late to join a club, would you mind?”

Mob sighed. “Just join and then leave, is there some big hurry?”

“Well, I have to wait until four thirty, that’s when the Student Council meeting is over so I can ask and submit my form”

“Wait…so if I told you to get over right now then you’d not join?”

“Yeah but…” Reigen made a hesitant noise through the phone. “Shouldn’t I keep my promise I made?”

“Well if you say it like that it’s not like you really wanna join.”

“...Eh not really.”

“Alright, hurry on over to the office, I’ll be there.”

“NOW WAIT A MINUTE–” A voice from the other line screamed out, before it followed with a thud as Reigen started to reprimand them for interrupting his call.

“We’re gonna show them how things are done at the ‘going-home-club’!” Reigen snapped his fingers.

“...” That’s it! “Arataka-kun, you may have just inspired me.” Mob turned to Tome. “Sorry but I may have to reject, although thank you for the offer Kurata-san, but he needs me right away–”

“OH WAIT JUST A SECOND! P-PUT ME ON!” Tome snatched the phone from Kageyama, putting it up to her ear. “LOOK, I REALLY NEED KAGEYAMA TO JOIN TODAY, UNDERSTAND!?”

A girl? Reigen frowned. She must be taking advantage of sensei

Reigen sighed, “Look, he’s not interested in any sports or anything, so don’t force him to join your thing.” 

“We are not some dumbass sports club!” Tome shouted into the phone. “We’re the TELEPATH UNION.”

“The wha?” 

“It’s a union of telepaths where we train telepathic powers!”

Reigen could not believe this, he scoffed. “That sounds shady as hell, to be honest. Telepathic?”

“DON’T PLAY DUMB WITH ME! I KNOW YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN KID. I HEARD FROM A VERY RELIABLE SOURCE THAT KAGEYAMA HAS TELEKENEISIS AND ESP! I BET YOU’RE THE ONE TAKING ADVANTAGE OF HIM JUST CAUSE MOMMY AND DADDY STOPPED GIVING A BRAT LIKE YOU ANY MONEY! I BET YOU NEED HIM JUST SO YOU CAN SCAM PEOPLE CAUSE YOU’RE JUST SOME PHONY LITTLE PUNK!!”

“SHUT YOUR MOUTH! DON’T THINK AN AMATUER LIKE YOU CAN WASTE MY SENSEI’S TIME LIKE THAT! WITH YOUR ‘TELEPATHIC’ BULLSHIT THAT YOU DON’T EVEN HAVE!!!”

“WHAT…!?” Time to turn the waterworks on. “So you mean that you won’t care that we won’t have nowhere to go?! T-That we’ll get kicked out of the club room?!” Tome “sobbed”, with “tears” running down her face.

To that, Mob’s face broke into a sweat.

“On second thought…maybe I should join. She’s crying after all…” He still had his phone up to his ear as he turned away from the group and the crying leader.

“Don’t be an idiot! Those are crocodile tears! Even if they disband, they can just get a real job and do it themselves. ‘Bonds’, ‘memories’, ‘friendships’, blergh!” Reigen gagged. “Are they really that fleeting? Over some group shit?”

Mob listened carefully to his student, always taking his opinion first.

“They’re using you! They don’t wanna lose the room, budget, snacks, all that bullshit! This is just some slack room, not like it’s important! If they’re taken down, then it’s for the greater good. I’ll be at work with our job ready.”

“Alright then, see you soon.” Mob hung up, turning back to Tome. “Well, I’ll catch up later, but for now, goodbye.”

— — — —

Reigen sighed, putting his phone down as he stared at this…really odd group looking to recruit him. “Look, I’m sorry but I have some work to do, unlike you all so if you don’t mind, I’ll think about this offer.” Arataka turned around, his bag hanging on his shoulder as he grabbed onto the straps. “See you later then.”

“W-Wait!” The blind kid, his name was…Shimazaki? Reigen didn’t really care, these weirdos weren’t that important. “Look…” Shimazaki leaned in, his tone a whisper. “I really don’t like working with Ishiguro as much as the next guy, but the club president is really strict on this. Our seventh club is right here at Salt, and we need more members.” 

“Sure it may seem complicated but really, we all just screw around and play games. Right now, middle school is the only time we can all goof off, after that is high school entrance exams, college and even jobs! Play cards, read manga, stuff your face with snacks here, it’ll be a blast. Besides, you won’t have to deal with the club president nagging us if you join.”

Reigen looked at all the other members, who had all introduced themselves earlier, Minegishi, Hatori, Shibata and Ishiguro.

“You’ll never find a more carefree club than this.” Hatori’s tone had turned away from that geeky nerdy “charm” (he called it a charm while Reigen called it a nuisance to his ears) into something dull and lifeless.

“We have until Friday to meet our quota so just think it over?” Shibata seemed tired, holding up Minegishi on his back.

Ishiguro grabbed Reigen’s hands, clamping them together. “YOU’RE OUR LAST HOPE, REIGEN-KUN…”

“...Alright, jeez get your hands off me.” Reigen wriggled out of their grip, grabbing his book bag tightly. “I’ll think about this, and I’ll come back with my decision by tomorrow.” Reigen stepped out of the club room, everyone staring at him as turned his back and left.

— — — —

“So you turned them down too?”

“No, I thought I should take a night to think about the decision.”

“But dragging it out…I don’t like doing that with things I don't wanna do and you shouldn’t either.”

“Well I was trying to be reasonable, and right now the thing I least wanna do…” Their skirts ruffled in the air as they made step after step. The peoples eyes around them were…less than friendly to say the least. “...Is to look like this.”

The two were dressed up as if they were female school teachers, skirts, fancy blouses, to even sell it off, Reigen was wearing glasses and Mob was given fake pigtail braids to wear while Reigen made himself a fake ponytail. Unlike Mob, Reigen decided to up the ante by rummaging through Tamiko’s makeup, glossing himself up with some lipgloss and lipstick and even stealing her clothes. Everyone was staring at them, some even covering their kids' eyes. People were whispering and murmuring, obviously seeming uncomfortable by this.

“Ah, here we go, Saint Highso Girls Academy.” Reigen pointed at the building up ahead. “A private all girls high school. And the clients have asked us to meet them up on the rooftop.”

“Right.”

“STOP!” A security guard yelled out, stopping the duo in front of the gates. “WHAT IN THE WORLD DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING!?”

“Excuse me?” Reigen’s voice had changed, sounding more feminine and more “mature” (as mature as a fourteen year old boy can sound).

“Don’t play dumb with me!”

“Excuse but I’m just a teacher here trying to get to my class.”

“Report to the front gate, some punk delinquent is here impersonating staff!”

Reigen put his hand on his hip. “That’s pretty rude of you, isn’t it?”

“CAN IT YOU LITTLE GOOD FOR NOTHING!” Another guard stepped in.

I knew this wouldn’t work, but I’m glad they saw through our disguises. Mob kept his stare blank, not saying anything as his disciple was being questioned. I didn’t wanna sneak in looking like this.

“My apologies ma’am!” The guard stepped out of Mob’s way. “Some kids don’t know how to act, now you can head on to class.”

What?

“We’ll report this kid to the headmaster, don’t worry.”

Reigen had his back turned to Kageyama as he made a finger gun gesture pointing to the entrance of the school. Mob’s eyes widened, sweat dropped down in beads across his face.

[Progression Towards Mob’s Explosion: 30%, 

31%, 

32%, 

33%, 

34%, 

35%]

— — — —

What am I doing? Mob quietly made his way to the rooftop, praying no one decided they wanted to talk to him so he could finish his job and get the hell out. Won’t I get in trouble for this?

Kageyama trudged up the stairs, clutching onto the purse Reigen gave him to “sell the act". “...The clients said the rooftop.” Mob opened the door to the rooftop, looking around before he spotted a group of women, probably a few years older than him, chatting about something he couldn’t understand. “Excuse me, but I came here from the consultation office. Are you three the clients or?”

“Huh?” The lady with reddish blonde hair and freckles said, her tone seeming annoyed, which you could probably say matched her and her friends expressions. “Who the hell are you?”

“You don’t look familiar. You’re a substitute, huh?” Another one of them asked, her hair cut into a bob with a headband.

“Huh?” Mob’s face was drenched, as if a dog had licked him.

“Consultation office?” The maroon haired girl stood up, the other girls following along.

“You’re here to see us about some little twerps complaining about us huh?” The first lady from earlier seemed angry and bothered now.

“So annoying!” The lady with the bob cut was fuming.

“Do you think we’re just gonna sit here and let some kissass lecture us?!”

“N-No, I’m just–” Shigeo wanted to explain himself, but was cut off.

“THEN WHY DON’T YOU, THOSE KIDS AND THE HEADMASTER MIND YOUR OWN FUCKING BUSINESSES?!” She was all up in his face, her breath hit him as she got closer and closer. “IF YOU DON’T WE’RE GONNA MAKE YOU REGRET IT!” Spit got onto poor Mob’s face as she shouted this.

“Sorry about that, my bad.” That was all he could muster out, weakly.

“Ugh” One of the girls scoffed. “Talk about a killjoy, let’s get out of here.” They all left in a huff, leaving Kageyama standing there, sweating as he let out a sigh of relief.

“Helloooooo!” A voice from up above called out, scaring Mob. “Way to go, getting into a scrap with some really rude teachers. Great first instinct.” Mob turned around, facing where the voice came from

“We’re the clients who asked to meet up here with you!” Another voice said. The two voices were two lovely young ladies, around the same age as the other girls from earlier. One had orange-ish brown-ish hair cut short and brown eyes, the other had jet black hair that she tied into a small bun. They seemed to be staff here.

— — — —

“Isn’t that Reigen kid coming?” Chihiro asked, the girl with orangey brown hair.

“Arataka-kun got caught up at the front gate…” Mob disclosed.

“Also,” Mari chimed in, the girl with the jet black hair “You guys came in dressed as teachers?”

“We couldn’t get permission to come in, so we really didn’t have any other choice.” Shigeo held his hands together nervously.

“I see…” Mari crossed her arms. “Sorry to make you go through all that.”

“The school has been refusing to take us seriously about all the supernatural happenings, that’s why we called you.” Chihiro said.

“Happenings? Like what? What was it you told them?”Kageyama’s head perked up at this mention.

“Well…” Mari started. “Students and staff’s belongings have been mysteriously vanishing, and we’ve been hearing weird noises.”

“Like a poltergeist.” Chihiro added in.

“Students have complained about things floating up in the air, and even some teachers too.”

“Yeah, one of the staff members found their bra floating around in the staff locker room.”

A bra??

“We’re sure it’s not just some delinquents playing a trick on the school. It’s definitely something supernatural.” Mari said as a matter of factly.

“So we went online and booked the cheapest exorcist we could get.” Chihiro explained. “And that’s why you’re here. Looks like you get what you pay for, huh?”

Mob made a perturbed noise at this.

“Can’t believe you were trembling just from some school teachers, you must be quite the gentleman.” Mari said as she and Chihiro stared at Shigeo.

“Oh” Kageyama didn’t know whether to blush or not. “Thank you-”

“That was sarcasm. She wasn’t complimenting you.” Chihiro interrupted Kageyama.

Oh…

“Are you sure we can trust him?” Mari questioned.

“I have my doubts.” oh… “You seem pretty unreliable.”

oh

Kageyama bowed his head down in shame and embarrassment. He knew it was stupid to feel like this over some comments but he couldn’t help it. 

The girls stared at Shigeo with confused looks on their faces.

“Hey?”

“Something wrong?”

“No, I’m fine.” Mob said in a dull tone. " I just have to perform an exorcism.” His eyes were blown wide, his face sweaty, as if he was fearing something

— — — —

“Let us know if you feel anything spiritual.”

“Right…”

The hallways…the staircase…everywhere that Kageyama could run to in that tight pencil skirt without going too far and ripping the fabric…

“Well?” Chihiro spoke up. “Sense anything odd?”

“Maybe a little.” Mob replied.

Is…Is he being serious?

Suddenly, it seemed like the energy around Mob had changed, the fake pigtails moved as his face was stone, before it displayed alertness.

“There, it’s near us.” He said plainly.

Both girls flinched at the news.

“Are you kidding me?!” Mari squeaked out.

“AAAAHHH!! SOMEONE HELP!!”

Everyone turned around to the source of where the noise had come from. It had come from the staff restroom, right nearby. They all bursted in, Mari and Chihiro busted into the occupied stall as Mob stood at the doorway.

“What’s going on?!” Mari cried out. The woman who was sniffling on the ground right now was one of the rude staff members from earlier. She was shaking in fear as she spoke up.

“S-Something was here!” Her voice was squeaky, like a timid little mouse. “I-It poked its head out from the top of the door.”

The girls started searching around, inspecting the windows, trying to open them. Stalls were kicked open, with the results of them being empty with no one inhabiting them. The bathroom seemed to have no other inhabitants other than the two girls and Mob.

“The windows are locked up tight.” Chihiro took the job of inspecting the windows.

Mari looked around, her head swiveling like a swivel chair, “And if someone tried to leave through the exit we would’ve seen it.”

“I’m going to follow the spirit.” That was all Kageyama said, which was enough to signal to the girls to start following him.

Through the courtyard…a club room…

“What have you got? Anything so far?”

…At the pool…

“So…we can trust you, right?”

“Right.”

…In front of the gymnasium…

“You still can’t find it?”

…

“The spirit is angry.” The two ladies looked at Mob with apprehension as he continued on. “If we keep pursuing it, it might want to try something…”

Chihiro’s voice became a little shaky, “Wh-What are we gonna do?”

“The coaches are having a meet-up there!” Mari pointed out.

“Let’s end this.” Mob’s hair floated around his head like a halo as he put his hand up in front of the gymnasium, lightning sparking out of his hand and fingertips. Whatever he seemed to have done worked the way he wanted to as the gymnasium was surrounded by a blue aura. “I’ve trapped the spirit inside. It can’t get out.” The trio made their way to the entrance of the gymnasium, the double doors slowly creaking open to allow the light of the place to illuminate the three of them. Mob standing dead in the center of the trio.

The sound of sneakers squeaking against the floors echoed throughout the building, mixing in with the sound of laughter, cheering and the constant pounding of the basketball against the ground. The main one holding the basketball jumped up into the air, ready to throw it right into the hoop. And exactly where the spirit was at.

“Found you.” Mob had a dead, thousand yard stare.

The ball stopped midair into the hoop, everyone gasped, the coaches looked at each other as beads of sweat dripped down their faces. And just like that, manifesting itself, was the spirit. It’s skin was a sickly green, like vomit, wrinkly too, like it was dipped into salt and dissolved in said salt. He seemed to be wearing a suit and tie, similar to what Mob wears, and small glasses that were so thick, you could barely see his pupils. He grabbed the ball with two large fingers, as if he were pinching something.

Mari squeaked out in fear from behind Kageyama.

“IT’S HUGE!” Chihiro commented.

“WHAT IS THAT?! A G-GHOST?!” Everyone started screaming, filling the room with their absolute horror at the sight of the situation.

“Now you’ve done it!” The spirit said, his voice echoing throughout the gymnasium. “You psychic ASSHOLE! YOU’VE TRAPPED ME IN MY OWN HAUNTING GROUNDS! YOU WANNA RUIN MY FUN?” The ball popped like a balloon between his fingers as he applied all his pressure onto the small object. Everyone's screams continued into the air as he continued on his monologue of destruction, “IF SO THIS IS WHAT YOU’RE GONNA GET BACK!!”

Mob stared up at the spirit, face boring no expression as usual. Something about this enraged the spirit, who immediately held his fist up, aiming right for the young man. Mob immediately held his hand up, using his powers to stop the oncoming impact, but not enough to stop the wind of the force from making Mari and Chihiro fall backwards, both of them screaming as this happened. Shigeo stood there for a while with the spirit, holding the large fist as if it was nothing, before a huge flash sparked out of his hand, destroying the pale sickly green fist. The spirit, Mari and Chihiro watched this with absolute shock on their faces, witnessing this spectacle in front of their very eyes. 

CRAP! The spirit stared at his now dissolved hand. I THINK I UNDERESTIMATED HIM! IF I DON’T TAKE A HOSTAGE, I’LL BE HISTORY! His other hand immediately made a grab for one of the girls in the group that had huddled in the corner. “YOU!” The poor girl jumped up in fear at the realization that he meant her . “You smell NICE!” The spirit declared this out loud, before his arm stretched out towards the poor trembling girl.

“I CHOOSE YOU! ”

“AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!” The girl stood there, paralyzed in fear, unable to do anything.

“No!” Mob stepped in, ripping the pencil skirt in the process on the sides. “Get back!” One quick swipe of his arm, and the crackling of electricity and lighting sounded and flashed around in a huge circle of smoke, and that was the last remaining arm the spirit had. This had both the spirit and the almost hostage gasping out in surprise at this. And as quick as the speed of light, slicing sounded throughout the building, quick flashes of light in large, neat lines, and it had the spirit cornered. Mob stood on the opposite side, his arm emitting smoke from it.

The spirit was cut up, suddenly pulling up into a huge puff of smoke, before exploding all over. His screams of agony bounced off the walls as he became nothing more than bits of spirit. Mob only stared back, his expression all the same throughout, blank like a canvas. The protective aura around the gymnasium disappeared, and so had the spirit, now gone forever.

Shigeo turned around to face everyone. “The spirit’s gone now.”

To his surprise, a crowd quickly gathered, cheering him on. Everyone was relieved and most of all, safe.

“Listen to them cheer you on!” Mob blushed at the realization as Mari continued, “Good for you dude!”

“Thanks a lot!” Now Chihiro too. “Turns out you are pretty reliable!”

Kageyama blushed at the cheering and compliments, his cheeks a rosy pink.

“Damn it…” Mob turned his head at those words, searching for the source of those words. It was the spirit, now in the form of a blue blob. “How…How was I defeated by some loser like you? Just when I was having my fun too…” The spirit seemed upset, judging from its tone. 

“But…you seem to be similar to me.” What?  

“Similar?” Mob asked.

“The way you get nervous around any girl…” The blob formed a face, a face wearing glasses with just a dress shirt and tie on. “You’re playing the loser role like me, huh?”

Mob’s eyes widened at those words, he let out a small gasp at this.

“I was finally having fun after I died…” The face was melting, like a painting being washed off. Like it was dripping slowly off the walls, into the ground. “Now I guess that’s all over, huh? Tell me…” Mob stood at attention, his ears wide open. “Are you living life to the fullest?” That last word echoed, over and over again into his mind, his ears, his brain. Was he? Was he genuinely living life to the fullest? Was he genuinely doing anything fun for himself?

What was he doing with his life?

— — — —

Today’s exorcism had bummed Mob out, he told Reigen to head on home, but not before changing out of his clothes and advising the young boy to do the same after he was done changing. Right now, Mob was sitting in the tub of his apartment, staring right at his reflection in the water. The water was lukewarm, drenching Mob’s skin in the feeling of the thin line between hot and cold. This was supposed to be relaxing, baths were supposed to be relaxing but this time, something was bothering him. The spirit and what it had said earlier had stuck into his mind like glue.

Is he actually wasting life with this business? Was he having fun? Was it beneficial? Was it even worth it? Was the point–

“Hey, nii-san, you okay? Is something bugging you?” Ritsu said over the phone. Today, after months and months of only texting, Ritsu decided to finally call Shigeo, and instead of being scared and rejecting the call, Shigeo answered. Shigeo had just gotten out of the tub, wearing his blue striped pajamas, he also had a cup of milk in his hands to drink out of. It seemed that he had also become lost in thought while Ritsu was talking to him.

“Huh? Oh yeah, I’m fine. Sorry I spaced out.” Mob took a sip out of his cup.

“It’s fine, it happens to the best of us.” Ritsu shrugged, over the camera, he was wearing just a t-shirt and sweatpants. 

“So, what happened on this week's date?” Shigeo knew his brother had been trying dating for the past months, and the dates he had always told something interesting, or heartbreaking.

“Left with the bill, bailed out on me.” Ritsu gave a small chuckle, even though it didn’t seem so…funny.

“Oh no, I’m sorry about that.”

“No no, it’s fine. I’m not upset, don’t worry. So today at work…” Ritsu continued on, quickly changing the subject.

The conversation went on and on, say for maybe fifteen minutes, before the call was hung up with the excuse of needing to go to bed.

— — — —

Next day, Mob stepped into the Telepath Union’s room. He thought that he had made up his mind and decided that he wanted to join. Everyone was standing around the table, before their heads turned around to see Mob standing there, only wearing a maroon sweater and some dark slacks.

“Mob!” Inukawa cried out. He was practically beaming at the sight of Mob. “You actually showed up!”

“We believed in you Kageyama-kun! We knew you’d be back!” Tome held the admission form at him, clipboard and pen and everything. “Now, hurry up and sign this admission form and we’ll be saved!”

Before anything could be done however, the door slid open and there stood Tokugawa. Tome flinched slightly while Mob made a confused noise.

“You’re already here? We…umm…you know we weren’t expecting you until after four thirty. That was much quicker than I expected!” Kurata was sweating as she spoke.

“Well,” Tokugawa started, his eyes seemed to be burning into Tome as he spoke. “I had asked to leave early to show this room.” He turned around to a few people who had suddenly seemed to show up behind him. All of them were men, probably around the same age as Shigeo or older, all well built with well defined muscles. “This will be used for their set up, so if you could please–”

“HOLD ON!” Tome was shaking with the clipboard in hand. “The Telepath union won’t be taken down! Kageyama was just about to join! He was just gonna sign the form!”

“Seriously? Are you insane?” Tokugawa directed his gaze to Shigeo, who just made a puzzled noise at that remark. “Kageyama, I have some questions for you.”

“Oh, sure thing. I don’t mind.” Mob started to fidget around with his fingers subtly at this.

“How old are you?”

“Twenty eight.”

“Have you done anything else like this?”

“No. I don’t think so at least.”

“Any close friends or any love interests of any sorts in the Telepath Union?”

“No. Just an acquaintance.”

“Night school?”

“No, I don’t attend any.”

“Any other jobs besides your current one?”

“Besides the agency, no.”

“What do you do during your free time?”

“Eat, sleep or watch tv.”

“Do you study anything?”

“Uh no sorry.”

“Going out with anyone?”

“Nope.”

“Any hobbies?”

1“Uhhh…”

“Don’t you have anything you want to do?”

“I…” The words died out in his throat, dissolving like a tablet dipped into water.

“Don’t you have things you still wanna do? Any goals?”

“...Well I’d like to live life to the fullest.”

Tokugawa scoffed, putting his face into the palm of his hand, before dragging it off slowly. “If you join, they will meet their quota and they can commence with their activities, but you will be in it with absolutely no interest at all. Kageyama, unless you make your own path with your own decisions, you’ll forever be stuck in something that you don’t even care about. Don’t you have any free will? If you’re gonna let them goad you into joining, be my guest. If you’re willing to reject them, then I’d say do it as quickly as possible.”

Tokugawa’s glare deepened, his gaze felt burning hot. “Is your definition of living your life to the fullest playing video games and snacking? If you’re doing this of your free will, then carefully think it through. What you shouldn’t do is let other people make decisions for you. So now tell me, Kageyama, what is it you really want to do?”

What I want to do…

What’s…What’s in it for me?

My own will…?

What do I want to do? Do I have anything I want to do?

Does everyone else have something?

Something they wanna do?

Things I enjoy?

Things I’m envious of?

…I guess…I envy people having fun?

And what is it they all seem to enjoy?

Work? Hobbies? Games? 

Maybe…Maybe hanging out with girls might be fun…

…!

Mob realized he did have one ambition.

I do have something!

Mob had one dream, a dream that has stuck to him since he was just a little boy and all throughout his adolescence.

I’ve…I’ve always wanted to confess my feelings to Takane-chan…And even hold hands as we walked around together.

Even when Mob was little, he’s always wanted to impress Tsubomi. He would use his powers to show off how he could make animals float, how he could make playground equipment become bendy like noodles, he thought she would be impressed. It was only after a while she would complain about being bored, like his powers had stopped impressing her. He had learned she liked different attributes in a guy after his team had lost during sports day, and she went immediately for the winner. Complimenting him on how fast he was while Shigeo was left on the ground, panting trying to catch his breath after the whole marathon he had ran.

Were his feelings coming back? His feelings for Tsubomi? It was not like it was sudden, as they still kept in contact over the years through small meetups.

If I could try to change anything about me by doing something…

“I SHALL JOIN!” The sudden outburst was loud, and welcomed happily by Kurata who held out the admission form. The other members stood right behind her, eager to watch Mob sign the form, but surprisingly, Mob wasn’t facing them as of right now. “Thank you for having me…” Kageyama bowed down. “Body Improvement Group!”

What.

“What did he say?” One of the men had asked, his blonde hair was cut up into a spiky mohawk.

Everyone was staring at Mob, the remaining members of the Telepath Union’s faces had dropped. Kijibayashi, Saruta and Inukawa fainted onto the ground while Tome let her clipboard drop onto the ground. Meanwhile, the other group had seemed to be bursting with happiness.

“WELCOME ABOARD!” Musashi congratulated Kageyama. Kageyama knew him due to him and Onigawara working closely together, still keeping in contact after middle school. “GOOD TO HAVE YOU KAGEYAMA!”

“THANK YOU!” Mob shouted back, raising a fist as if to seem determined.

[Progression Towards Mob’s Explosion: 40%]

Thus the form was signed.

— — — —

It was time for Reigen to choose, the group had him outside, all waiting for his response. While Reigen had been moved by Shimazaki’s speech, he still wasn’t interested. What would be the point of joining something you’re not even interested in? All of that seemed mundane, Reigen wanted something interesting, something thrilling, exciting even. He wanted something that would give him a purpose.  

He had thought it over himself all night too, after he got kicked out he sat down on the ground near the office, thinking to himself what was it he really wanted to do. The club seemed shady too, awfully shady. Not something he’d wanna associate with unless he wanted to drag his already mediocre reputation at Salt down to the grave. So what was the obvious and logical thing for him to do?

Obvious. It should be obvious.

“Sorry but I’m not interested.” Reigen said plainly, holding up his school bag with one arm.

“...WHAT!?” Ishiguro dropped the clipboard holding the club admission form.

“Look, I’m not gonna force myself to join something I’m not interested in, and besides, I’m not dragging my already horrible reputation at this school down anymore than it needs to be.”

“Reigen-kun, are you serious?” Shimazaki asked.

“I’m sure you can get other members to join, but I’m not the one looking to join. I’m sorry.” Reigen stepped away, turning his back on the club. Ignoring Ishiguro’s angry shouts, he stepped out of the clubroom and off campus, contemplating on what he wanted to give him a purpose.

…

What can give him a purpose?

— — Epilogue — —

Reigen was sitting down on the couch, watching the news in the living room.

“A new trend has been going on lately, of students dressing up as their teachers. The person who started the trend is still unknown…”

“Arataka!” Tamiko called from upstairs. “Have you seen my clothes? And do you know what the hell happened to my makeup?!” 

“No!” Reigen shouted back, taking the hot cup of tea he made for himself up to his lips. Sipping slowly as he continued listening to the news coverage.

“...Thus the whole area is on…”

Something struck his tongue, his brain, his whole nervous system was on high alert at the point by now.

Oh fuck.

Reigen started spasming, twitching around, proceeding to drop the cup as his face became a boiling red as he started making a noise of agony, before spitting out the tea.

“HOT HOT HOT HOT!!” He wheezed out, spilling the remaining contents of the tea onto the living room table.