"I'm so excited." Fujiwara Chika walked with a spring in her step. "It's been so long since we last saw Hanako-chan. I wonder how she's doing, and whether she still remembers us."
Shinomiya Kaguya reminded her, "Hanako is a supernatural being, after all. We should stay alert. We might be attacked the moment we meet."
"Come on, really?" Fujiwara Chika protested. "We were good friends back then."
Amamiya Natsuki said, "Being good friends requires 'friendship.' If I remember correctly, the last time we cleared Ghost Story Town, our relationship with Hanako was a transaction where we each got what we wanted."
"..."
A moment later.
The group arrived at the elementary school entrance.
The dilapidated school sign swayed precariously, covered in rust and looking as if it might fall to the ground at any moment. Beyond the iron gate, the square was carpeted with withered yellow leaves.
The entire school looked eerie and sinister. Not a single light was visible, and the air was bitterly cold.
"Ryuzaki Mom is inside the school." Human-faced Dog Yuzuki sniffed and said quietly, "Be careful. I can smell the presence of many powerful supernatural beings inside."
"Don't worry."
Amamiya Natsuki reached out to rub Human-faced Dog's head and smiled.
"Every supernatural being on campus is talented and pleasant to talk to. It's practically like coming home."
"Ruff—"
Human-faced Dog Yuzuki turned and snapped at him.
"You jerk, get your hand off me! I'm not worried about you!"
"..."
Amamiya Natsuki pushed open the rusted school gate and walked onto the campus with the girls.
"It feels like nothing has changed at all." Fujiwara Chika looked around as she spoke softly. "Even though it happened so long ago, suddenly I remember it all so clearly... I miss those days."
Miss Mitsui asked with interest, "Chika,