Chapter 3

The Boy Exorcist (い) is the third chapter of Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun by AidaIro.

Summary
Nene and Hanako are on the rooftop when Kou appears. Hanako says that Kou is able to see him because he is a descendant of the exorcist Minamoto Yorimitsu. Kou confirms this, and attacks Hanako with the spirit staff, shocking him with lightning. Nene jumps in front of Hanako to stop Kou before he can attack again, introducing herself as Hanako's assistant and friend. She insists that Hanako isn't a bad supernatural as he's saved her before. Kou tells her that Hanako isn't a simple supernatural, but instead a deeply evil spirit that his grandmother was barely able to seal away, and the kitchen knife is proof that Hanako had killed someone with it when he was alive.

Nene reacts in disbelief as Kou tells her not to trust Hanako. But before he can continue, Hanako aims the knife at Kou's neck while holding on to Nene with the other arm, seeming disappointed that his secret had been exposed. Calling on hakujoudai to materialise his cape, Hanako admits that he has murdered someone, but also that his sin would be erased if he fulfils his duties, so he cannot let himself be exorcised. As they fight, Hanako catches Kou's hand and asks if it hurts, which allows Kou to use the lightning again. However, Hanako seems unaffected this time, holding on to the staff and offering to let Kou escape in exchange for it. When Kou refuses, Hanako simply lets go, causing Kou to overbalance and fall backwards. Hanako pins Kou down and brings down the knife, but only flicks Kou's ear instead, declaring it his victory.

Hanako seals the staff as it is dangerous, and turns Kou's palm around, revealing that Kou has also been shocking himself every time he uses the lightning. Hanako says that Kou will be an excellent exorcist someday, and that he's looking forward to it (to Kou's confusion). Then he adds that Kou's still weak now, and knocks him unconscious with a punch. Nene asks if he's alright, and if they should hide the staff for the time being. Hanako asks if she's worrying about him, and she says of course, since they're friends. Hanako comments that Nene can be friends even with a murderer, but then dismisses it as a joke, and says that it's alright to leave Kou be.

At the end of the chapter, the Misaki Stairs rumour is broadcast.

Characters in Order of Appearance

 * Hanako
 * Yashiro Nene
 * Minamoto Kou
 * Nagisa