Noriko Kabata is a calm, quiet, and intelligent adult woman who works as a detective at the local police department in the town of Suiten. Her primary role in the story is to assist the three main protagonists—Tarō Komori, Makoto Oogami, and Masayuki Nakajima—by providing crucial information and insights into the criminal and supernatural events unfolding around them. She is highly skilled in her investigative work and possesses a sharp, analytical mind that makes her a valuable ally. A tragic event from her past deeply shapes her character: her sister was one of the victims of a serial killer who terrorized the town years earlier. This loss motivated Noriko to pursue a career in law enforcement, driven by a fierce determination to prevent similar tragedies and to bring closure to victims and their families. Her personal trauma gives her a profound sense of justice and empathy, especially toward those who have suffered. She becomes particularly attuned to the trio’s own traumatic experiences, and her expertise in psychology allows her to understand and empathize with their supernatural encounters. Throughout the series, Noriko develops a close working relationship with the three boys, acting as a mentor figure and a steady, grounded presence amid the increasingly strange occurrences. Her role evolves from a simple detective into a crucial bridge between the ordinary world and the unseen realm, as she helps uncover the truth behind the town’s hidden crimes and the mysteries of the spirit world. Her notable abilities include keen intuition, perceptiveness, a methodical approach to solving cases, and a psychological understanding that helps her connect with others on an emotional level.