Chapter 12
Heartbroken

With Yukio’s house and possessions completely demolished and burnt from existence, his insurance company didn’t cover house fires, and was forced to live in a broke, damp, mold infested apartment. Yukio opens the door to find wallpaper pilling off the walls, with mold seeping out of the tiny cracks, dusty carpet, an antique television, and other furniture pass its prime.

Suzuki: Ew, it stinks!
Ayame: There’s mold coming out the wall!
Miwa: Couldn’t you afford a better place?
Yukio: Do you know how much it is to afford a house in Tokyo? I don’t even have that amount.
Kushiro: One of the Great Heroes, reduced to living in something this horrid.
Hitoshi: I’ve seen worse.
Kunoichi: Disgusting.
Hisako: Why buy a home here when you have one back in the Reikai World?
Yukio: Because, unlike you, I have a life in the Living World. Plus, I have family that lives here, so as long as I have attachments, I have to have two places. But, it’s not like I’ll become homeless if I can’t find a place to call home here.
Kunoichi: Who are you talking to Mr. Yamanaka?
Yukio: Oh no one, just talking to myself.
Kunoichi: Okay?
Hisako: [giggles]
Kunoichi: Huh?
Miwa: What’s wrong?
Kunoichi: I could’ve sworn I heard someone giggle.
Hisako: Near death experiences tend to have that effect on humans. Some say it’s a way to sharpen the human senses.
Kushiro: So you’re saying Kunoichi is developing a way to hear spirits?
Hisako: Maybe, but sometimes it diminishes over time, if not pushed to the limit.
Kunoichi: I could’ve sworn.
Suzuki: Pay no mind, it‘s probably the mold spores messing with your mind. [nervous chuckle]
Kunoichi: . . . Okay. By the way, where’s Kushiro?
Yukio: [thinking] darn it, now I got to deal with her without spilling too much info.
Suzuki: He’s standing right beside you.
Kunoichi: [smiles]
Kushiro: She’s taking this quite well.
Hisako: Maybe all that, “I can’t live without you”, crap was all a lie.
Kushiro: Shut up Hisako.
Kunoichi: So, . . . How are you?
Kushiro: Uh, fine.
Yukio: He said he’s doing fine.
Kunoichi: [chuckle] I feel like I’m talking to myself.
Suzuki: Yeah, that’s how it is when you’re talking to spirits.
Kunoichi: . . . H-how are you all able to communicate with him?
Yukio: We can’t say much.
Kunoichi: . . . . About Kushiro. . . How did he die?
Ayame: It’s.
Yukio: He protected Ayame in her hour of need, . . . And in the end he paid for it with his life.
Kunoichi: . . . . I should’ve known. Kushiro can’t help but to interfere and help someone. . . I just didn’t know it would be the death of him.
Ayame: I just want to say how sorry I am.
Kunoichi: It’s okay, it‘s not your fault.
Yukio: [thinking] She’s holding in all that pain. [sighs] The poor thing, if only I can help, but she probably won’t agree with it.

Complete silence enters the room, with heads face down in sorrow. Kunoichi’s mind floods her with memories of their relationship, their confrontations, their laughter, their love. Soon a sharp pain finally jabs her in the heart, as her body grows cold and numb with sorrow and despair.

Kunoichi: . . . . He would still be alive, if he didn’t come here.
Kushiro: Kunoichi please, don‘t cry.
Gina: Uh . . . We’re sorry, we didn’t help..
Suzuki: Yeah, we can tell you what he’s saying.
Kunoichi: It’s not the same. . .[sobs] I want to hear his voice. . . I want to feel his arms wrapped around me.
Yukio: I’m sorry Kunoichi, but there’s nothing we can do for him. He’s dead, and there’s no other way around it.
Kunoichi: . . . Love is nothing but a road of pain to me!

Kunoichi then storms out of the room, as Kushiro follows her outside of the apartment. Tears stream from her eyes, and flow into the night sky as Kushiro gives chase, calling out her name. But in vain, his voice could not be heard, as she runs through the streets of Tokyo in remorse of his death. Exhausted and stressed, she slowly comes to a halt and weeps by her lonesome, kneeled on the hard concrete, with Kushiro standing behind her.

Kunoichi: [sobbing] . . . Every guy I ever went with, would break up with me. . . . [sniffs] but, . . . Kushiro died instead.
Kushiro: . . . Kunoichi, forgive me.
Kunoichi: . . . . I’m so cold.
Kushiro: Kunoichi, I’m here for you.
Kunoichi: . . . I just can’t live without him. . . . I have to see him again, just once.
Kushiro: Ku…Kunoichi.
Kunoichi: . . . It may mean going to hell, . . .but I’m willing to risk everything just to see him.
Kushiro: Kunoichi no!! Don’t do that!! Kunoichi!! Killing yourself isn’t going to solve anything!! . . . Kunoichi!!!

She looks up as a police car drives down the road, drowsy from his long day at the office. With her plan of suicide set into mind, she rises from the concrete and slowly marches towards her death. Kushiro desperately tries to prevent her from committing suicide, but his actions were for not as Kunoichi stands in the middle of the road with her eyes closed, and her arms wide open, awaiting for death‘s sweet embrace from this scornful world. As the cop soon spots her, he slams down on the brakes, but the distance between them was enough to send her to her grave. The bright headlights shine over her eyes, realizing there was no turning back, as whispers Kushiro’s name and opens her eyes. Then, the car goes into the complete spin, and comes to a halt as Kushiro stands there in shock.
Kunoichi was saved by the man accompanied by Jun, holding her bridal style with her head buried in his chest, standing on the top of the streetlamp, as she slowly looks up. The wind follows behind him with a bundle of leaves, caressing his hair as his eyes glare off into the distance. The cop quickly jumps out of his car to examine the situation.

Cop: H-how did he get up there?!
Kunoichi: [speechless]
???: There are other methods to travel to the Reikai World, killing yourself is not one of them.
Kunoichi: [blushes] W-w-who are you?
Kushiro: Who is that guy? He just came out of nowhere and rescued her.
???: Hang on.

They then disappear in a flash, and soon reappear, hovering over the street as he gently lands. Kushiro’s heart begins to pound against his chest, sensing a horrible fate that was to fall upon the man.

Kunoichi: [looks around] Weren’t we up there?
Cop: What the hell are you?
???: Excuse me for a minute, I want to make this private as possible.

The mysterious man then places Kunoichi on her feet, and turns his sights on the startled cop. He then grasps his short sword, and slowly draws the blade out, as the moonlight reflects off the surface of his blade and shines as he fully uncovers it from the sheathe. The cop then draws his gun and commands him to put down his weapon, but then advances towards with fearless actions of killing him. He then commands Kunoichi to run and hide, as he fires a warning shot, but still he continues to walk towards the cop, in an attempt to kill him. Kunoichi quickly hides behind a streetlight, as the cop fires another shot, but he swipes it away with a quick movement of his blade. The bullet cap then rolls on the ground, and splits open, then shatters into pieces as the cop continues fire. Quickly unloading countless rounds at him, his shots were impeded by the swiftness of his blade, as the cop stops to reload his gun. Then in a quick second, his sword penetrates the cop’s stomach, and uppercuts him, cutting his body open as blood sprays into air.
His gun drops to the ground, as Kunoichi prepares to scream in fear of her life, but before a pitch of her voice could escape, his hand was already covered over her mouth. He pulls her close to him, as he presses the blade of his sword against her throat, and directs his attention to Kushiro.

Kushiro: What was that for?!
???: We don’t want any witnesses, do we?
Kushiro: Let her go!
???: Let’s not be too hasty Kushiro.
Kunoichi: [thinking] Kushiro?! . . . . Where? . . . I don’t see him.
Kushiro: Who the hell are you?
Faust: You can call me Faust, Irimaru sent me.
Kushiro: Him again?! Tell that coward to show himself!
Faust: In do time, but for now, you are to address to me.
Kunoichi: Irimaru? What is this guy talking about?
Kushiro: What do you want with me?
Faust: Meet me at the docking bay, warehouse 43 on the far side, alone. If anyone follows you, they will both die.
Kushiro: Both?
Faust: You have exactly till midnight to arrive, don’t keep us waiting.
Kushiro: Midnight? I only have ten minutes to get there! . . . But where is the warehouse?

Faust then disappears into the night with Kunoichi as hostage, leaving Kushiro by himself with the slain cop. The cop’s soul then appears, dressed in a white kimono, frightened by the sight of his own decimated body.

Cop: [screams] . . . I-I’m dead. . . I’m dead!
Kushiro: Hey!
Cop: Wait, where did you come from?! What’s going on?!
Kushiro: Hate to break it to you but you’re dead pal.
Cop: Dead?! I can’t be, I have a family to take care of!
Kushiro: Don’t freak out on me please.
Cop: Are you…here to take me away?
Kushiro: Well, sort of. Look, I need directions to the docks, warehouse 43. Any ideas?
Cop: Warehouse 43?. . . T-the docks should be south from here, not too far if you cut through the buildings.
Kushiro: Thanks, as for you.

Kushiro then takes out a piece of chalk and draws a door on the brick wall, opening a path for the man to travel to the Reikai World.

Kushiro: Best get going before you’re lunch for the demons.
Cop: [gasps]…Such a…warm light.

The man then slowly walks into the warmth of the light, and was soon taken to the Reikai World. As Kushiro closes the portal and heads to warehouse 43, the others begin to worry of Kunoichi’s safety, as storm clouds draw near with roaring thunder.

Gina: I feel sorry for Kunoichi.
Suzuki: Yeah, and Kushiro went after her, sadly his voice cannot be heard.
Hitoshi: I know, makes me feel low for some reason.
Ire: Kushiro chose to join the academy, and to face danger. This is his responsibility.
Hitoshi: Yeah but.
Ire: This is his problem, let him deal with it.
Ayame: Yeah but still, Kunoichi is so heartbroken.
Miwa: What’s taking her so long anyway?
Yukio: Give her some time alone, she’ll return. In the meantime, who’s up for some beef flavored ramen? Even better, I’ll fix you my specialty, shrimp ramen with soy sauce.
Miwa: When did you find the time to buy ramen?
Yukio: Your sensei is as swift as the river of time. [chuckles]
Miwa: You were too busy in the fiddle position.
Yukio: Whatever.
Miwa: So what are you going to do now that she’s here?
Yukio: What do you mean?
Miwa: You know you can’t just leave her here by herself. She’ll get suspicious of your disappearance.
Yukio: Oh yeah . . . Haven’t thought on it.
Miwa: [sighs]
Ayame: I’m really starting to worry, maybe we should go look for her now.
Yukio: I‘m sure she‘s fine. . . Huh?
Suzuki: What is it Mr. Yamanaka?
Yukio: Where’s Hisako?
Ayame: She was here a minute ago.
Hitoshi: You don’t think she’ll cause trouble?
Yukio: Who cares. That just means more ramen for me. [smiles]

Exhausted and with only two minutes left, Kushiro takes a break near a cargo hold, thinking of a strategy to rescue Kunoichi and another captive.

Kushiro: [deep breaths] Okay…warehouse 43. I got to be careful, that guy moves fast. Hold on Kunoichi, I’m coming.

Inside, Kunoichi trembles in fear, tied up and blindfolded, unaware of her surroundings as Faust uncovers the blindfold.

Kunoichi: Who are you?
Jun: Shut up human, there’s no need for you to know who we are.
Kunoichi: Huh?
Ume: Kunoichi?
Kunoichi: Mrs. Yamanaka?!
Ume: Kunoichi is that you?
Kunoichi: Why is she here?!
Faust: I ensure you, no harm will come unto you if you play your roles right.
Kunoichi: Back there, you could see him could you? How can you see him?! I want to see Kushiro!
Faust: We’re demons from the Reikai World.
Kunoichi: Demons?
Jun: Watch it Faust, don‘t say too much.
Faust: . . . Do you want to see Kushiro with your eyes?
Kunoichi: [gasps] Please more than anything.
Faust: . . . In do time.
Ume: What’s this about my son?! Leave him alone!
Faust: A child’s mother can only do so little, but sacrifice herself for the child’s future.
Ume: What?
Faust: But in the condition he’s in, there’s nothing you can do to protect him.
Ume: What are you saying?
Faust: I’m only trying to prevent you from stressing yourself any further. You’ll have to brace yourself later.
Jun: This is boring, let’s just kill them now.
Faust: Relax, it’s only one minute before midnight, he should be here by now.

Lightning flashes as Faust turns his attention to Kushiro, standing at the entrance, determined to rescue Kunoichi and Ume.

Faust: Our guest has arrived.
Kunoichi: I-I don’t see him.
Kushiro: [gasps] Mom!
Ume: [gasps as she looks around] Kushiro?
Kushiro: You bastards kidnapped my mom as well?! That’s it, expect no mercy from me!
Jun: You know your girlfriend’s been blabbing to see you so much, I might just honor her request.
Kushiro: How did you guys get here without the other reapers knowing?
Jun: We owe it all to those little Rikotsu, and you of course. A fresh soul like you is what Rikotsu hunt for.
Kushiro: That’s right, they don’t bother with them.
Faust: The reapers aren’t the ones who know of demon activity, but the goddesses of the Reikai World do.
Kushiro: Goddesses?
Faust: Surely you don’t think the afterlife is a carefree world with no power over all? With existence of life, there will always be a higher being to watch over good and evil.
Kushiro: I don’t care about that now, just release Kunoichi and my mom!
Ume: Who is he talking to?
Kunoichi: He’s talking to Kushiro, I just know it.
Ume: Kushiro? But where is he?
Kunoichi: It’s a long story.
Kushiro: Last chance, do it!
Faust: You’re in the wrong position to be giving orders.

As Kushiro grabs the handle of his sword, Faust immediately draws his sword and rushes in. With his fast speed, he beats Kushiro before he could draw his sword, with his sword pressed hard against his throat. Feeling the pressure of the sharp end of Faust’s blade touching his throat, as a bead of sweat drips from the side of his face.

Kushiro: [thinking] He’s too fast.
Faust: See how quick you would’ve died. This is the display of your weakness. Right now I’m only using basic sword skills.
Kushiro: [leaps back and draws his sword]
Faust: And you plan on killing Irimaru? A fool’s dream indeed.
Kushiro: So? Speed doesn’t guarantee victory.
Faust: True, but to a fledgling like yourself, it’s hopeless. Come!

Kushiro charges with his sword in hand, and jabs his sword towards his chest. He dodges slightly to the side as the sword passes, as Kushiro continues his onslaught of reckless attacks. Each attack being dodged, damaging cargo as he chases him throughout the warehouse. Ume sits there confused by Faust’s actions, as she quietly speaks to Kunoichi.

Ume: Kunoichi, what is he doing?
Kunoichi: Kushiro is fighting him.
Ume: What?
Kunoichi: He’s fighting to protect us, like he did for me back then.
Ume: But I don‘t see him. . . [sighs] What is going on?

Kushiro swings wildly towards Faust, as he blocks each swing with his sword and counterattacks after a parry. Faust then stabs his sword through Kushiro’s shoulder, pinning him against the cargo, only to penetrate through his clothing and miss his flesh.

Faust: Shoulder injury.
Kushiro: You’re starting to remind me of some punk that I really dislike!
Faust: . . . I see, I was starting to wonder why your sword was able to sustain the stress of my spiritual energy.
Kushiro: [grunts]
Faust: So tell me. Would you be able to fight me without it?

Faust then disappears into the darkness of the warehouse, as Kushiro searches around him to prepare for an attack. But with Faust’s incredible speed, his sight was of no use in this battle. Then, Kushiro notices gentle breezes running pass him from every direction, and closes his eyes as he focuses on his movements. Depicting on the path of the labyrinth, and Faust’s next direction, Kushiro turns around, and blocks Faust’s blade as he draws his other sword to inflict damage. Amazingly his sword was able to swing freely within Faust’s spiritual energy, but he quickly back flips into the air, and lands on top of a stack of crates.

Faust: That sword should’ve broke when he tried to attack me.
Jun: Enough horsing around Faust, let’s settle this.
Kushiro: What are you planning to do?
Faust: By now you should know Chaos is imbedded in your body, and has offered you a deal.
Kushiro: Yeah, the new blood thing. I’m telling you like I told him, no deal.
Jun: Sure your mother’s death won’t change your mind?

Jun then takes her massive, crescent blade, and places it against Ume’s neck. With Kushiro’s mother and girlfriend’s life on the line, he drops his swords on the floor, and accepts defeat.

Jun: Such a good boy, your mother trained you well to be a fool.
Ume: Kushiro…my baby…I can see you.
Kushiro: Mom?
Ume: You really are…Never mind me Kushiro…Just do what it takes to save Kunoichi.
Kunoichi: Mrs. Yamanaka.
Jun: Shut it.

Jun then kicks the chair, sending Ume crashing down to the floor as she presses her blade against her neck. Blood begins to trickle down her neck unto the floor, screaming in pain as Jun adds more pressure.

Kunoichi: Stop! You’re hurting her!
Kushiro: Stop!! I said I’ll do what you want!!
Jun: [giggles] Humans are so pathetic. They act tough and don’t care, but in the end they put the blame on the person who failed to protect them. I’ll be sure to hand your son your head when I chop it off.
Ume: [whispers] Kushi . . . Ro.

Then from nowhere, Hisako appears and grabs the sword in Jun’s hand. Jun and Faust become astonished by her presence, as smoke begins to rise from Jun’s hand clasped on the sword.

Jun: [grunts] Hi-Hi . . .Hisako?
Faust: Hisako.
Hisako: Now, now, can’t have you killing my mother-in-law.
Jun: What treason is this?
Hisako: No treason, I just find it disgraceful to kidnap someone’s mother, and to force them into submission. You two are as low as they get.
Faust: You do know what this means right?
Hisako: So let the old man punish me, it’s not like I’m daddy’s little princess anyhow.
Jun: [grunts] Let-go.
Hisako: Lift the sword off her neck first.

Jun steadily lifts the sword off of Ume’s neck, and stumbles backwards when Hisako releases her. Her hand was blistered with burn marks, as Faust appears next to her side.

Hisako: Now leave.
Jun: Spoiled b****.
Faust: Just because you’re a half breed of your father, doesn’t mean we can’t handle you ourselves.

The two demons then disappear into thin air, as Hisako runs to Ume and Kunoichi and unties them from their ropes.

Hisako: There, you okay ma’am?
Ume: I’m fine. . . Miss?
Hisako: Oh just call me Hisako, I’m Kushiro’s girlfriend.
Kunoichi & Kushiro: What?!
Kushiro: I don’t need you feeling them with lies!
Hisako: Oh so you want me to tell them the truth?
Kushiro: No!
Ume: Who are you talking to?
Hisako: No one.
Kunoichi: What’s this about you and Kushiro?!
Ume: Excuse me but what about my son? Where is he?
Hisako: Your son kicked the bucket.
Kushiro: What a way to break the ice Hisako.
Hisako: [giggles]
Ume: . . . . [laughs] You’re kidding right? Did my brother set you guys up to this?
Kunoichi: No ma’am, we’re serious. . . He’s dead.
Ume: Yukio must’ve went all out to trick me! Let me guess, this isn’t real blood is it?!

Ume continues to laugh as she wipes the blood from her neck, and feels the open wound continuing to leak blood. Her laughter soon comes to reality, as she faints into Hisako’s arms.

Hisako: Well that went well.
Kunoichi: Excuse me, but who are you?!
Hisako: Uh . . . I’m a.
Kunoichi: And what’s this about being Kushiro’s girlfriend?! You look too old for him anyhow lady!
Hisako: Old?
Kushiro: Now Hisako, she didn’t mean it.
Hisako: Excuse me you little hussy for saving your freaking life!
Kunoichi: Thanks but that doesn’t give you any right claiming such nonsense!
Kushiro: Hello?! My mom is losing blood here!

Thunder crashes and lightning zips through the sky, conjuring a thunderstorm over Tokyo. The electricity begins to flicker on and off as Yukio finishes his gourmet dinner of a big, steaming bowl of ramen noodles. Everyone sits on bathroom towels sickened by the thought of eating more ramen, and hoping for a more decent meal.


Yukio: Ah, dig in gang!
Ayame: Uh, more ramen?
Suzuki: You wouldn’t happen to have anything else would you? A cracker maybe.
Hitoshi: Oh come on guys, Mr. Yamanaka put his heart and soul in this home cooked meal.
Yukio: Thank you Hitoshi, for that you get extra portions.
Hitoshi: Oh, great.
Ryota: [whispers] Admit it, you hate ramen as much as we do.
Hitoshi: [whispers] I’m just trying to respect his hospitality.
Yukio: I don’t know about you guys, but I’m starving.

Then someone knocks on the door, accompanied by the sounds of roaring thunder. Yukio jumps up and answers the door to find a woman outside, dressed in a crimson and violet kimono with dark roses festooned over it draped to the floor, long violet hair down to her waist, and a floral pattern umbrella over her shoulder. Yukio’s face flushes bright red from the sight of her beauty, as she greets him with a jovial smile.

???: Greetings Mr. Yamanaka, we haven’t met personally.
Yukio: Oh, hi. [thinking] Darn, and I’m living in this cramped, broken down apartment with a bunch of teenagers! How am I supposed to score now?!
???: May I come in?
Yukio: Uh, sure, please come in from the rain.
???: Thank you.

She then draws her umbrella in and feels her way inside. Everyone greets themselves to her, and invite her to sit with her for dinner. Meanwhile, Kunoichi and Hisako decide to wait out the storm before proceeding to the apartment. Kunoichi stands near the entrance of the warehouse, listening to the raindrops as they soothe her from her stress.

Hisako: So, how long you and Kushiro have been going out?
Kunoichi: About a couple of years.
Kushiro: What are you planning?
Hisako: Relax, we’re just having a little girl talk.
Kunoichi: Are you talking to him?
Hisako: Hmm?
Kunoichi: Kushiro.
Hisako: Oh, yeah. He’s just worried I might get him into trouble.
Kunoichi: It’s okay, I don’t believe a word that comes out of your mouth anyway.
Hisako: Hmm?! Fine, good luck trying to see him by yourself!
Kunoichi: That guy said there are other ways of seeing the dead. Is it possible?
Hisako: How should I know? I’m just a liar that’s trying to make out with your boyfriend.
Kushiro: Hisako!
Kunoichi: [giggles] . . . It’s funny, how when you dare stuff to yourself, you would actually do it. . . When me and Kushiro were going out, I would always say, I can’t live without you, or, my life means nothing if you’re not with me. . . I didn’t think I would take those words seriously.
Kushiro: Uh?
Hisako: We’ll that just goes to show you, you really care about Kushiro. I know I would if something happened, well, a killing spree first. I like to go out with a bang.
Kunoichi: I was this close to ending my life, without considering about the consequences of my actions. . . But I just wanted to see him. . . That’s all.
Kushiro: I wish there was something I could do.
Hisako: There isn’t. You’re dead, she’s not, you both live in two different worlds now.
Kushiro: I don’t want that! I want to be with Kunoichi!
Kunoichi: …[gasps].
Hisako: You can’t have everything.
Kushiro: I don’t care! I love her, and she loves me, it can’t end like this!
Kunoichi: …I can hear you.
Kushiro: Huh?

Kunoichi slowly turns around, hoping to find Kushiro standing there before her eyes. But still, Kushiro remains hidden from her, disappointed from finally seeing him again.

Kushiro: Can you see me?
Kunoichi: …No, I can only hear you, but your voice calms me.
Ume: . . . . [moans].
Kunoichi: Mrs. Yamanaka.
Ume: What happened?
Hisako: You freaked out over the sight of your own blood.
Ume: [rubs her neck]
Hisako: I healed you, so you don’t have to worry.
Ume: My son, where is he?
Kunoichi: Mrs. Yamanaka, . . . He’s dead.
Ume: What?
Hisako: Afraid so lady, feel free to cry in a corner.
Ume: [sighs] You know, I would cry, but I can’t.
Kunoichi: Why?
Ume: Well, we all know all things that live, cannot last forever, but I felt that my boys would live till I passed away. When their father disappeared, I thanked God for taking care of me and my boys. It seemed like everything would go fine. . . And now one of them is gone because I wasn’t there. . . [cries] to protect him.
Hisako: . . . Can’t say, you probably could’ve done something to stop him.
Kunoichi: [sits next to Ume] It’s okay ma’am. It’s okay.
Ume: I’m sorry Hiro!. . . I failed you.
Hisako: . . . Look, don’t beat yourself up. Your son is in good hands, and there‘s a possibility that your husband isn‘t dead.
Ume: What?
Hisako: [smiles] I’m a demon, and I‘m from the Reikai World.
Kushiro: What are you doing?!
Hisako: Sooner or later they’re going to know, so it’s better to tell them the truth now, then to hide it from them. [walks over to them]
Kushiro: Yeah, but if the other reapers find out.
Hisako: [stops] No one’s going to know, so relax.
Ume: Who is she talking to?
Kunoichi: Your son.
Hisako: [sits with them] Why don’t you girls kick back, and I’ll tell you all about the afterlife.
Ume: The. . . Afterlife?

Hisako then tells them the truth of the afterlife to pass the time, a taboo that is meant to be uphold. Explaining that their religions were nothing but stories made up to hide the truth of the afterlife, that there was no heaven or hell. Meanwhile, the groups’ guest finishes her bowl of ramen, and thanks Yukio for inviting her in.

???: Thank you again for such a lovely meal.
Yukio: Anytime.
Miwa: So do you let strangers in all the time or just the pretty ones?
Yukio: Shut it or I’ll start teaching back at the academy.
Ryota: By the way, just who are you?
Chieko: My name is Chieko Musami, I believe we have a matter to discuss about Ume and Kunoichi knowing about the afterlife.

Yukio’s stomach begins to twitch, as he finally remembers who she was. Chieko Musami, one of the three goddesses of the Reikai World.