"Let's Go on a Date!" (デートしようぜ!, Dēto Shiyouze!) is the third chapter of Neo Shoco's manga series, Phantom Busters.

Summary

Kotaro Tamon is shown comforting a spirit who regrets dying before accomplishing everything she had hoped for in life. He encourages her to look forward to her next life rather than remain attached to the present world. After thanking him for listening, the spirit disappears, and Kotaro assumes she has finally passed on.

Shortly afterward, two tourists approach Kotaro to ask for directions. Unable to handle the interaction, he becomes overwhelmed and vomits, causing them to flee. Reflecting on the incident, Kotaro notes that while speaking with ghosts comes naturally to him, interacting with living people is much more difficult. Meanwhile, Eugene, Mogari, and Kaoru discuss the difficulty of finding a fourth member with psychic abilities for Phantom Busters. Kaoru then recalls a classmate whom he recently saw talking to what appeared to be a ghost.

The three observe Kotaro during lunch and attempt to approach him. However, every attempt at conversation causes him to panic and flee. After Mogari and Eugene fail to speak with him, Kaoru confronts Kotaro directly. Although Kotaro initially tries to escape, Kaoru eventually manages to talk with him by covering his eyes so he does not have to make eye contact. The group explains the purpose of Phantom Busters and reveals their respective abilities. When Mogari explains that he exorcises spirits by devouring them, Kotaro refuses to join. He believes ghosts are suffering individuals who should be guided peacefully into the afterlife rather than exorcised by force.

Later, Kotaro hears the voice of a ghost named Angel. Although he cannot see spirits, he is able to communicate with them through sound. Angel reveals that she died by suicide at the age of sixteen after enduring isolation and unhappiness. Kotaro sympathizes with her, explaining that his own ability caused others to treat him as strange, eventually leaving him unable to communicate comfortably with living people. The two bond over their shared loneliness and their love of music, and Kotaro decides to help her find peace. The following day, Kotaro continues avoiding Phantom Busters. When Mogari once again asks him to join, Kotaro refuses and claims that he has a date. Surprised by the statement, the group becomes suspicious and decides to follow him.

Kotaro meets Angel after school and accompanies her to what he believes is a concert in Yokohama. As they make their way through the crowd, Angel asks to hold his hand, and Kotaro happily agrees. Moments later, Mogari suddenly appears and pulls him back from the edge of a cliff. The group reveals that Angel had been deceiving him all along. Rather than attending a concert, Kotaro had unknowingly been traveling toward the precipice under her influence.

With Kaoru's help, Kotaro is finally able to see Angel's true appearance. Enraged that her plan has been interrupted, Angel admits that she intended to kill Kotaro so they could remain together. Her emotions transform her into a vengeful spirit, and Mogari prepares to exorcise her. However, Kotaro initially stops him, believing that he and Angel are alike. Mogari argues that Angel betrayed Kotaro's kindness and reminds him that, unlike her, he is still alive. He declares that he will continue exorcising dangerous spirits in order to protect people. Angel attacks the group, and Mogari begins exorcising her. Although Kotaro and Kaoru are initially disturbed by the process, the spirit ultimately disappears, bringing the confrontation to an end.

Afterward, Kotaro admits that he never realized ghosts could pose a threat to living people. He agrees to join Phantom Busters on the condition that they attempt to communicate with spirits before exorcising them. Mogari accepts the proposal, and Kotaro officially becomes the club's fourth member.

As the group explains how their abilities can be shared through physical contact, Kotaro asks whether others can also devour spirits. Mogari clarifies that the ability is unique to the Shishikuno clan. With four members finally assembled, Phantom Busters is officially established as a club.

Quick Reference

Chapter Notes

• Kotaro Tamon is formally introduced.
• It is revealed that Kotaro can hear and communicate with ghosts, despite being unable to see them.
• Kotaro initially refuses to join Phantom Busters due to his differing views on how spirits should be treated.
• Angel, a young ghost who befriends Kotaro, is introduced.
• Angel reveals her true intentions and attempts to cause Kotaro's death so they can remain together.
• Kotaro agrees to join Phantom Busters on the condition that they attempt to communicate with spirits before exorcising them.
• It is confirmed that the ability to devour ghosts is unique to the Shishikuno clan.
• With Kotaro joining the group, Phantom Busters acquires the four members required to become an official club.

Characters in Order of Appearance

Kotaro Tamon

Debut

Mogari Shishikuno

Kaoru Kanzaki

Eugene Korekishi

Angel

Debut

Author's Comment

Author's Comments
	Neo Shoco
	I took selfies to draw funny faces, and now my camera roll is a mess. Also, I started going to the gym and I'm in hell with muscle pain. 変顔描くために自撮りしてカメラロールが地獄です。あとジム通い 始めて筋肉痛で地獄です。

Trivia

• When Mogari and Eugene ride off on a bicycle without Kaoru, Mogari references Suneo Honekawa from Doraemon, imitating his iconic catchphrase, which Suneo frequently uses when excluding Nobita from his plans due to a lack of space. ^[1]

References

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