Chapter 59 – Kioko’s change of view and perspective

Third person POV

 Later on, at 8:50 p.m., police and an ambulance came to the scene. The three victims of Shuten Dōji are sitting on a stretcher trying to calm down while some paramedics are treating their bruises. Kioko was there seeing the proof that a supernatural was, indeed, behind the kidnappings of the three working women. Hoshi and his group were right; she was wrong. Hoshi had reverted back to Hoshi, as his weapon. Mariya was recounting her eyewitness account of seeing Shuten Dōji in her own eyes to Kioko and the police officers.

 Now, Kioko believed what she was saying, before going to Hoshi and his group, who are now chatting about their victory over Shuten Dōji. "Hey guys…" she said to them. They heard that and looked at her.

 "Oh, hey there, Kioko-san."

 "What is it?"

 "We did it!"

 "I…I was wrong…" Kioko responded back as she felt defeated of her belief being debunked, "…you were right. The supernatural does exist and is still relevant even in this modern age."

She then bowed her head deeply at them. "I'm sorry!"

Understanding her statement, Hoshi replied on his group's behalf, "It's okay, Kioko-san, we understand."

 "Yes, you have a different viewpoint on the supernatural back then, right?" Saki added.

 "But you changed after seeing what happened, too, right?" Bokuto added.

Rising her head from bowing, Kioko felt respected and understood, so she responded humbly and meekly, "Thank you. I now believe in the supernatural thanks to you guys."

 "No problem, ma'am," Sha replied back positively.

Taro then nodded.

After that, the two cases of Shuten Dōji's victims were now solved, and it was decided that the punishment of Shuten Dōji by Kuro and his group was appropriate due to the Yokai's treatment of its victims. Shortly after, the three victims were taken to the hospital for further treatment. After that, by noon, they reunited with their families and loved ones, and Hoshi's grandfather was happy that his two employees were found. That old man then felt proud of his grandchildren's contributions to their discovery and efforts of stopping Shuten Dōji kidnapping sprees. Also, Hoshi and his sister and group were given medals of bravery by the city government for their efforts in catching the Yokai. Although they never asked for it, they felt being rewarded instead.

 But then, back at Nara city, Master Demon Blood knew what was going on, and his next test on Kuro was passed by Kuro. He was actually behind the strings of Shuten Dōji's crimes, and Shuten Dōji was paid by him. Still, he was not giving up and will continue to test him no matter what.