Greetings Fellow readers, MasterW here
If you have been checking my update history, you will see I've been updated and remake most chapters on this story, one of the reasons it took me to long to make this one
So if you want a full on experience, you should re-read from the beginning, since I added a couple more things in the first chapters.
Now, without any further to do, enjoy!!
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(Third Person's POV)
The Maid Latte was exactly what one would expect from a Maid Café. Pastel walls, lace curtains, heart-shaped menus, and an aggressively cheerful atmosphere that bordered on weaponized cuteness
...For the record, it was Satoru's idea
Soft pop music played from hidden speakers as many of the…. peculiar costumers breathed heavily as they played with the maid-costumed waitresses
Every few minutes a maid in a frilled apron would appear at a table, bow deeply, and chirp "Welcome home, Master!" with such earnest enthusiasm that even the most jaded salaryman cracked a smile
Akira sat in a corner booth near the window, still wearing the bandages from the boxing match (though the actual injuries had long since vanished under RCT).
His usual calm expression was in place, but there was a faint tightness around his eyes that suggested he was counting down the seconds until he could leave.
Across from him, Gojo Satoru lounged like he owned the place, legs stretched out, arms draped over the back of the booth, a towering parfait of whipped cream, fruit, and enough rainbow sprinkles to give a dentist nightmares sitting almost finished in front of him. He was grinning ear to ear.
"Man" Gojo said, popping a spoonful of cream into his mouth anyway, "speaking of the fight, the higher-ups have been tearing me apart ever since. They keep trying to make me call you in for them. 'Gojo, arrange a meeting.' 'Gojo, get him on the phone.' 'Gojo, why haven't you secured cooperation yet?'"
He rolled his eyes dramatically.
"But since you're a freelance jujutsu sorcerer, emphasis on freelance, they can't do much. And honestly?" He leaned forward, voice dropping to a mock-conspiratorial whisper. "Most of them are scared shitless of even talking to you. They think you're another me"
Akira took a slow sip of his tea
"I am not another you" he said flatly
Gojo laughed, bright, loud, drawing a few glances from nearby maids.
"That's what makes it funny! They see white hair, red eyes, scary aura, and their tiny brains go 'Oh no, another walking disaster'. They don't realize you're actually worse. At least I talk. You just… stare. And are so serious, I bet if they actually met you, they would pee their pants from your "Murderous stare""
Akira glared at Satoru, his red eyes shining deeply
"See, just like that!" Satoru said, pointing with the tip of his spoon towards Akira, the tip still had a piece of whipped-cream that when Satoru turned to point at Akira, was launched, landing in his cheek
A moment of silence passed between the two
"Hehe, Oops?" Satoru nervously stated
"Haa" Akira simply sighed as he cleaned his cheek with a napkin "The higher-ups are right to be cautious"
Gojo pointed his spoon at him again, this time, making sure to not spill any cream
"See? That's exactly what I mean. You say stuff like that with a straight face and suddenly everyone's wondering if they're about to be erased from existence. It's hilarious"
A maid appeared at their table, frilled skirt, a black frilled choker and black frilled headband
"Hello Masters! Is there anything else I can get for you today?"
Gojo flashed his trademark grin.
"Ah Misa-chan, can you get me another parfait for me, please! Extra whipped cream. And maybe some of those little heart cookies."
"Of course, Master!" She bowed deeply, then turned to Akira. "And for you, Master?"
Akira glanced at his half-empty tea
"I am fine. Thank you"
She bowed again and hurried off
Near the kitchen pass-through, three other maids had clustered together, whispering furiously while pretending to fold napkins.
"Did you see that one?" one hissed, eyes wide. "The white-haired guy with the red eyes he's so handsome"
The second maid, ponytail bouncing as she nodded, leaned in.
"Right?! And the other, the one with the sunglasses. He is more my type, more cheerful"
The third maid glanced toward their booth, then quickly looked away.
"Well, there is something for certain, they're nothing like our usual customers we have to deal with"
Ponytail maid shivered dramatically
They all froze. Then the door chime rang.
A new customer entered.
Overweight, late twenties, sweat already beading on his forehead despite the air conditioning. He wore an anime T-shirt stretched tight across his chest: a little girl in a very short skirt and thigh-highs, winking provocatively at the viewer. His breathing was audible from across the room.
The three maids stared
"Not it" The first one whispered instantly.
"Not it" The second echoed, stepping back.
The third was a fraction too slow. "Damn it."
She sighed, shoulders slumping, expression twisting into pure disgust for half a second before she forced it into a perfect, practiced smile.
She walked toward the newcomer, skirt swishing, voice pitching up into that trademark cutesy lilt.
"Welcome home, Master~!"
The man lit up like he'd won the lottery.
The other two maids exchanged a look of pure sympathy, then scattered back to safer tables.
Back at the corner booth, Gojo was halfway through his second parfait.
"So anyway," he continued, licking cream off the spoon, "Yaga-sensei mentioned your new school to the higher-ups and they are already waiting to see it. They're still whining about jurisdiction, but apparently the paperwork went through faster than usual. Tengen-sama gave good work for you. By the way, how is it going? I've been meaning to talk to you about something"
Akira set his teacup down "It is already done"
Gojo froze mid-lick "Huh?"
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Traditional Japanese houses, low roofs, engawa porches, sliding shoji screens, arranged around a wide central courtyard of raked gravel and carefully placed stones. Cherry trees lined the perimeter, still young but already blooming out of season. A faint shimmer in the air marked the barrier around the school
Satoru stared.
"Huh?!"
Akira stood beside him, hands in pockets, expression unchanged.
Gojo pushed his sunglasses up onto his head.
"You… actually built this. Like, for real. Traditional style and everything. There's even a koi pond. How did you, when did you-?"
"You underestimated my capabilities"
Just then, a group of just over three dozen people with black coats joined the pair
"Yoshioka-sama, we just finished painting the rooms, just a couple of hours to dry and it will be ready"
Akira nodded "Thank you, I shall forward the payment to your employer, alongside a charitable tip"
"Thank you for your patronage. If that will be all, we're leaving"
Then, the group went down the stairs, walking and talking together as they left
"Oh, so you hired the JCC Floaters?"
Akira nodded "They have been working since I said I would open the school, they proved to be quite adept at building, so I asked Sakamoto-san to help me contact them and manage to make a construction contract, as you can see, they are quite efficient"
"Damn, just under a couple of weeks and they finished that"
"Of course, I made sure to help them to facilitate the process, but most of it was thanks to them"
By the way, Akira didn't tell Satoru that he used some buildings from abandoned Shrines and temples, which there at least 180,000 in the entire of Japan that are unattended and are just empty places.
So, after grabbing those, exorcising some curses that lingered around and placing the abandoned buildings in place, he hired the JCC Floaters to rebuild and renew the building, which is the main reason it took so little time
"So now what?" Satoru said
"Now, we open the school"
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(Next Day)
"Awesome!"
"It looks so big…"
"When did Sensei make all of this?"
The group of Yoshioka's students wandered the grounds in a loose cluster, heads swivelling in every direction. Mai walked with her arms crossed staying behind and as close as possible to Akira. The group of Lala, Zaimozuka and Shigeo, walked around inspecting the buildings while the trio of Yuria, Hana and Miko gather in pond in the middle of the school, watching the fish go around the place
Yami and Saeko are the only ones absent, Saeko had texted that she'd bring Yami and their newest "addition" soon.
The addition being Marikawa Shizuka.
When Shizuka had called Saeko in a panic weeks earlier "I think I can see spirits now" Saeko had immediately told Akira. He'd replied that they should wait for another week to confirm completely that she could still see cursed spirits. Shizuka had reported back that she could still see them a week later.
So, Akira had decided not to waste time. If she was in, she was in. Today was the soft opening of Chiba Jujutsu High. Everyone was invited.
Akira stood a few paces behind his students, hands in his pockets, expression as impassive as ever.
Mai glanced back at him.
"So now we have our own school." Her voice carried genuine surprise. "What now, Sensei?"
Akira's gaze stayed on the courtyard, freshly swept stone paths, newly planted cherry trees, the main building gleaming under the afternoon sun.
"We are waiting for our guests to arrive. Along with the supplies I asked them to deliver."
"Supplies?" Mai raised an eyebrow.
"Uniforms," he said. "And a photographer to take each of your pictures for your licenses"
"Uniforms? Licenses" Mai echoed.
Akira nodded once.
"Since you will all be part of the jujutsu world, you will gain the occupation of students. So, you will receive uniforms accordingly and your respective student license"
Right on cue, a familiar voice rang out from the stairs.
"Yo!"
Gojo Satoru bounded up first, white hair catching the light, followed by Yaga, Shoko, Ijichi, Nitta, who was carrying a large cardboard box, and Kusakabe, who looked mildly annoyed to be here, but that's mostly his normal look
Behind them came the Tokyo students, Maki walked with her spear over her shoulder, Inumaki, Panda, who waved cheerfully to everyone, and Hakari and Kirara who were taking selfies together with the school on the background
Akira walked forward and gave a slight bow
"Welcome. Thank you for your assistance."
"Huh? What's with the protocol?" Gojo asked, tilting his head.
"Since we are going to become colleagues in the same institution, I thought I should address Yaga-sensei with the respect he merits as principal of Tokyo Jujutsu High."
Shoko snorted softly.
"See, Gojo? You could learn a thing or two from him."
Nitta stepped forward and placed the box beside Akira.
"Nice to personally meet you, Yoshioka-san—or should I say Yoshioka-sensei." She smiled. "This package was sent to you by the Jujutsu High administrative office."
"Hmm." Akira knelt, opened the box. Inside were neatly labelled bags—each with a student's name. "Thank you for your collaboration, Nitta-san."
"My pleasure, Yoshioka-sensei."
Akira stood and turned to his students.
"Everyone, your uniforms have arrived."
Mai walked over first, peering inside.
"I took your preferences in clothing and size into consideration," Akira said. "Most should fit accurately. If you desire alterations or additions, ask without issue." He looked at Mai. "There should be plenty of rooms in that building where you can change. Make sure everyone gets theirs."
"Will do, Sensei."
Mai hefted the box with ease, her cursed technique made it feel like lifting a pillow, and led the group toward the dormitory wing.
Yaga took the moment to speak quietly with Akira.
"My friend Kensuke told me he would arrive soon with his two students. As I told you, they will join your school."
Gojo leaned in, smirking.
"Man, isn't that unfair? Now your new school's gonna have the most students out of every school branch"
Akira glanced at him.
"Then you will have to increase the quality of your students, Satoru. Remember the bet we made." He turned back to Yaga. "And before I forget, I have been meaning to ask. I want to include the amenities I saw at Tokyo High. Vending machines, for one."
"Oh, about that, we have contracts in place. They're already aware. I can give you the contact information."
"I would appreciate it."
"My, what a reunion this is."
Everyone turned.
Takeda Mitsue walked up the stairs, Romm at her side. Behind them came Okarun and Ayase Momo, plus a new girl, short light-pink hair framing the left side of her face, dark-pink eyes, confident stride.
Gojo tilted his head at the newcomer.
"Huh? Who's she?"
The girl grinned.
"Ah, nice to meet you. I'm Shiratori Aira." The girl bowed slightly. "You must be Yoshioka-sensei."
"Nope, I'm Gojo. Gojo Satoru." He jerked a thumb at Akira. "That one's Akira."
Aira blinked, looked between them.
"Eh?!" She turned to Momo "You were right—they look similar."
"I know, right?!"
"OMG, is that a panda?"
"Yo, Panda-desu~"
As the teenagers immediately clustered together, the adults continued talking.
Mitsue stared at the buildings, hands on her hips.
"Wow, it looks like a good place. I can't believe you managed to get it done in so little time."
"It was not that difficult, Takeda-dono." Akira said. "Now you will be in charge of overseeing this school."
"Well, at least it looks nice."
"So, what about me? What shall I ever do?" Romm asked, tilting his head.
"Seeing as there are three years in the school, I was thinking you could take charge of a year. Principal Yaga told me his friend would arrive soon with a couple of second-years, so you can take the first-years if you want. I will take the third-years."
"Sounds good. As long as I get a good paycheck."
"I gather that would come from me since I'm going to be the principal, hehehe." Mitsue said, looking darkly at Romm.
He instantly sweated.
"C'mon, master, don't be so mean with my paycheck"
"Hehehe."
"By the way, Yoshioka-sensei, where are the rest?" Momo asked, looking around.
"They are changing into their uniforms."
"Eh? Uniforms?!"
"They are in that building if you want to see. Although I did not expect you to join since you are not part of the main group, so I did not order uniforms for you or your friends."
"It's no problem, Sensei. Besides, grandmother told me she would help me enter Tokyo Jujutsu High since it's closer to home."
"Oh, then you'll be a new student?" Gojo joined in.
"Probably next year. Alongside Okarun and Shiratori—she seemingly developed her cursed technique according to grandma."
"Nice! Then I'll be your teacher next year!" Satoru said. "Don't worry, I'll take good care of you guys."
Then another presence climbed the stairs.
Saeko appeared first, Sandai Kitetsu resting against her shoulder by the handle. Behind her walked Yami, gothic lolita dress pristine, paper bag of taiyaki in hand, and Marikawa Shizuka.
Shizuka wore a pink sleeveless sweater vest that did absolutely nothing to hide her… protuberant attributes. The moment she stepped into view, most of the males (except Akira and Gojo) froze. Eyes widened. A few jaws dropped.
Saeko bowed deeply the instant she saw the adults.
"Good afternoon"
Yami just stood there, chewing taiyaki, unfamiliar with the custom.
"Uh, eto… Good afternoon" Shizuka followed Saeko's lead and bowed, causing her chest to bounce noticeably.
The males (except Akira and Gojo) reacted instantly. Shoko, mid-drag on her cigarette, roze, eyes widening.
"Are… are those real?" Shoko asked, genuinely shocked.
"Eh?" Shizuka raised her head, confused. Then she spotted Akira and moved toward him. "Ahh, Yoshiok—AAH?!"
She tripped on nothing, an invisible pebble, maybe? and pitched forward.
Akira caught her smoothly. One forearm under her navel, the other steadying her back.
"Eh?!" Shizuka squeaked, suddenly pressed against his muscular chest feeling how hard were his muscles. She scrambled upright, patting herself down frantically. "Sorry! Sorry!"
'Lucky bastard,' the men thought collectively.
Saeko's eyes darkened. Her grip on Sandai Kitetsu tightened.
Elsewhere, Mai felt like something was wrong, and fastened her changing clothes
"Eto… Yoshioka-san, how have you been?" Shizuka asked, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, cheeks pink.
"I have been fine, Marikawa-san. Thank you for asking."
"My, I can already hear the wedding bells. I'm sure Momobami-san would be jealous," Gojo commented.
"Be quiet, Satoru," Akira retorted. He sighed and looked at Shizuka. "I am sure this is a new experience for you. If you prefer not to be part of this world, you can say so."
"No!" Shizuka exclaimed. "I'm actually looking forward to it. A bit scared, but… I want to be here."
"Very well then."
"By the way, Sensei, where is everyone?" Saeko asked.
"They are changing in that building over there. You should go and change as well. They have your uniform."
"Very well, Sensei."
Saeko walked off, Yami trailing behind her with taiyaki in hand.
Then another group ascended the stairs.
Yoshinobu Gakuganji led, flanked by two men in grey suits and Utahime by their side, surprisingly, there was no Kyoto kids
"Greetings," Gakuganji said, bowing slightly.
"Principal Gakuganji. Welcome." Akira bowed in return.
Gakuganji raised a brow "I didn't expect the new strongest to have such manners. Even the way you speak is formal. I expected another Gojo Satoru. Well met, Yoshioka Akira-san."
"Hey, I take offense to that, old man" Then Gojo turned around "By the way, where are the Kyoto kids"
"They were all busy on their own missions, so they couldn't assist, I apologize for that Yoshioka-san"
"It is no problem, Principal Gakuganji
Then, one of the suited men stepped forward.
"Nice to meet you, Yoshioka-san." He bowed. "I'm Seto, representative from the Higher-ups to watch over the inauguration of your school. This is my assistant, Reigen Arataka."
Reigen a tall man, reddish-blond hair, messy bangs, bowed as well.
"Nice to meet you, sir. I'm also in charge of taking your and your students' photos for the Jujutsu Sorcerer Licenses. So, whenever you are ready, make sure to inform me"
"Nice to meet you both," Akira said.
"Yo! Seto-san, Reigen-san. How's it going?" Gojo called.
"Ah, Gojo-san. Nice to see you too. It's been a while."
"Yup." Gojo rested an elbow on Akira's shoulder. "This guy's good, Akira. You can trust him, even if he works for those old bats."
"I appreciate the compliment, Gojo-san. Although I would prefer if you didn't refer to them in such demeaning way"
"I'll think about it" 'In a couple of decades after every one of them is death' Gojo added internally
"My, my, if it isn't Yoshi-kun"
Mitsue stepped forward, smiling sweetly.
Gakuganji froze "Eh?! Mitsue-chan?!"
"Surprised to see me, I bet you are."
The old man's face flushed beneath his beard.
"It is nice to meet you as well, Takeda-san"
"My, why the sudden politeness, after everyone that happened between us"
"I don't know what you mean, Takeda-san, nothing happened"
"It doesn't sound like nothing." Gojo's eyes lit up. "I want to hear what happened. I never expected dirt on Gakuganji-san of all people."
Utahime, standing nearby, leaned in slightly, ears practically twitching. She'd worked with Gakuganji for years and had never heard even a whisper of romance from the old man with anyone
"Nothing happened!" Gakuganji insisted, voice rising.
Mitsue's smile turned wicked. "Oh? So, you don't remember that summer festival? The fireworks? The way you used to—"
"Enough!" Gakuganji barked, face scarlet. "That was decades ago!"
"Decades, yes. But some things don't fade."
Romm groaned "Oi, oi. I don't need to hear this."
"Well, I do!" Gojo said gleefully.
Utahime whispered to Shoko "…Did Gakuganji-sensei really…?"
Shoko exhaled smoke "Apparently."
"We're ready!"
The conversation snapped shut as Mai led the group back out.
All of Yoshioka's original students stood in fresh Jujutsu High uniforms, black jackets, skirts or trousers, each uniform brand new. The only outlier was Zaimozuka, and Shigeo, which their uniform looked just like the normal one they wear, and Lala, who wasn't wearing the uniform
"This is comfier than I expected," Hana said, twirling so the skirt flared
"Yeah, but they also feel slightly rough," Yuria added, tugging at her sleeve.
Kusakabe, standing nearby, nodded.
"Of course they are. The cloth is made to resist minor injuries while staying as light as normal clothes."
Just then, another trio climbed the stairs.
A teenage girl with long pale-blue hair that reached her waist, short choppy bangs framing purple eyes.
Beside her, a gloomy-looking boy with chin-length black hair covering one eye, headphones around his neck.
Leading them, a middle-aged man with slicked-back shoulder-length hair, a beard, moustache, red eye visible, eyepatch over the other.
Yaga instantly recognized them, and walked to the eyepatch man
"Ah, Kensuke. Welcome," Yaga greeted.
"Masamichi. How has it been going?" Kensuke replied.
The two teenagers looked around.
"So, this is the place, huh? Not too shabby," the girl said.
"It kinda looks nice. At least it's not as run-down as our last school," the boy muttered.
Meanwhile, Kensuke turned to Akira.
"Oh, you must be Yoshioka Akira. You might already know me, but I'm Nagino Kensuke. I was the sole staff of Fukuoka Jujutsu High. I thank you for receiving me and my students."
"Nice to meet you, Nagino-san." Akira gestured to Mitsue. "This is Takeda Mitsue. She is to be the principal of Chiba Jujutsu High and our superior"
Nagino bowed deeply to Mitsue.
"Nice to meet you, principal."
"I'm Takeda Mitsue. Nice to meet you as well, young man."
"By the way, these are my students. Both are second-years." He gestured "Kawasaki Saki and Ishigami Yu."
Saki stepped forward.
"I'm Kawasaki Saki. Nice to meet you."
Ishigami followed, mumbling.
"I-I'm Ishigami Yu. Nice to meet you…"
Akira regarded them calmly.
"Nice to meet you both. I am Yoshioka Akira. I shall be your teacher in the coming year" He turned to his original students. "These are to be your classmates from now on."
The original group stepped up to greet them.
Hana grinned.
"Nice to meet you! I'm Yurikawa Hana. I like your crunchie."
"Thanks. I got it as a gift from my mother. Nice to meet you too."
"I'm Yotsuya Miko."
"I'm Niguredou Yuria. Nice to meet you."
And so, the introductions flowed.
Saki blinked, suddenly remembering something.
"I almost forgot" She turned to Ishigami. "Hey, gloomy. Cough up our stuff."
"Oh. Sure."
Ishigami pulled out a handheld console, turned it on.
A mountain of pixels erupted from the screen—swirling, solidifying into bags and boxes.
Zaimozuka's eyes widened.
"Wow. That's your cursed technique? It looks superb. Almost as great as mine."
"Thank you. My technique is called [Invaders Must Die]. It doesn't really have much combat application, but it works best with storage and transport."
The group stared at the suddenly materialised luggage.
Mai raised an eyebrow
"Well, that looks useful"
Before anyone could comment further, Akira's voice cut through cleanly.
"You can all get along later. For now, let us take your pictures as quickly as possible. We have other obligations to follow." He turned to Reigen. "Reigen-san will make sure to guide you on the next step."
"Pictures… Wait, I've got an idea!" Hana shouted, spinning toward the group with both hands raised. "Let's all take a picture together! To celebrate the school inauguration!"
"That's a great idea, Hana," Miko added immediately, already smiling.
"Hmm. I'm all on board," Yuria said softly, nodding.
"Let's commemorate this moment for the prospect of future generations to come!" Zaimozuka shouted, striking a dramatic pose with one fist to the sky.
Akira regarded them for a silent second, long enough that the group started to fidget, then turned to Reigen.
"If that is okay with you, Reigen-san."
Reigen adjusted the strap of his camera bag and gave a thumb-up.
"It's no problem, Yoshioka-san. Group shots first. Individual portraits after."
Akira nodded once.
"Very well then. Everyone, group together at the entrance."
They moved as one toward the tall red tori gate that marked the school's threshold. The late-afternoon sun slanted through the torii's pillars, painting long golden stripes across the stone path.
They instantly got ready for the photo
Akira stood dead centre, hands at his sides, expression calm and unreadable.
Hana darted in front of him and struck a victory pose, both fists raised, grin wide
Yuria and Miko flanked her immediately, Yuria on the left with hands clasped behind her back, Miko on the right with arms crossed, chin up
Mai walked straight to Akira's right side and took half a step forward, angling her body slightly sideways so her profile was sharp against his. She flicked her hair once, casual, deliberate, and shot Saeko a quick stink-eye across Akira's chest.
Saeko, unfazed, claimed his left side. She rested one hand on the hilt of Sandai Kitetsu, posture straight-backed and regal, the faintest upward curve at the corner of her mouth.
Zaimozuka posed dramatically behind them, his coat billowing behind him even though there was no wind, while Lala leaned comfortably against Shigeo's shoulder right beside him. Shigeo just stood there, expression neutral, letting her use him as a prop, already used to Lala leaning her body on him
Saki and Ishigami hung back toward the right corner. Saki with arms folded, Ishigami slouching slightly, headphones still around his neck.
Kensuke, Romm, and Mitsue filled the centre rear. Kensuke and Romm took the flanks while Mitsue, shortest of the adults, slipped right in front of Akira, hands on hips like she owned the place.
Reigen knelt a few paces back, camera already raised.
"All good," he said, giving a thumb-up.
Hana's voice carried over the group.
"Everyone, let's go on three. Chiba High, Ready?"
A chorus of nods and eager grins.
"One."
"Two."
"Three."
"CHIBA HIGH!"
The shout echoed off the buildings.
FLASH
The shutter snapped.
Reigen checked the screen, nodded once.
"Perfect. Got everyone in frame. Now—individual portraits. Line up by year, oldest first. Yoshioka-sensei, you're up whenever you're ready."
"Right. Now that that's done, let's continue" Seto said "If you don't mind, I will be taking you data and your Sensei's feedback to make your licenses. Let's move to the main hall
The group began drifting toward the main hall, chatter rising again
"By the way Akira, I've been meaning to talk to you about something" Gojo stopped behind with Akira.
"What is it, Satoru?"
"This" Satoru pulled out a newspaper from his pocket and showed it to Akira
"'MBI announces new upcoming event next year?'" Akira read "What does it has to do with me?"
"Huh?" Gojo turned to the newspaper "Not that, this" He pointed to a specific article
"'A bullied student stuffs 4 of his bullies in a locker. 4 gravely injured'" Akira read again "What does that have to do with this?"
"The Higher-ups investigated the case, it was sent to us that the culprit, or victim, depending on which way you see it, is a young man who is cursed by a cursed spirit"
Akira went back to the article, seeing the name of the victim in the newspaper
"Okkotsu Yuta" He read "Are you certain he is cursed?"
Gojo folded the paper and tucked it away.
"Positive. Higher-ups flagged it immediately, Massive cursed energy signature all over the scene. Four kids in critical condition. School's spinning it as a freak accident, but the curse residue was thick enough that even the low-grade scouts picked it up."
Akira's eyes drifted toward the courtyard, his students still milling around outside, uniforms crisp, voices bright with the novelty of the new place.
"So, what do you want me to do, Satoru?"
"Weeeell" Satoru leaned back "I was thinking you could include him to your school you've been collecting powerful kids like they're Pokémon. If my hunch is right, this kid could be a Special Grade in the making"
Akira exhaled slowly.
"Are you sure you want to add another Special Grade to my school? I already have Kageyama, with two special grades, I could defeat every other school branch easily in the Goodwill Event."
Gojo barked a laugh
"Doesn't matter. Special Grades aren't allowed to participate anyway. Not after the chaos I caused with Tsukumo-senpai back in our day." He rubbed the back of his neck, grin turning nostalgic and a little wicked. "We broke three barriers, levelled half the forest. Higher-ups banned Special Grades from ever fighting in it again"
Akira regarded him for a long beat.
"Very well. I will see to it"
A new voice drifted up the stairs
"Did somebody call me?"
The pair turned.
Tsukumo Yuki strode up the path, motorist jacket open over a cropped top, goggles pushed up into her blonde hair. She walked with the easy confidence towards the pair of white-haired sorcerers
"I can't believe they were opening a new school and didn't think to invite me."
"Tsukumo-senpai?" Gojo's grin widened. "What a nice surprise!"
"Yeah, I was in Japan doing a couple of missions, low on funds, you know how it is. Then I heard there was a new school opening, and a bunch of other interesting things." She stopped in front of them, eyes flicking to Akira. "Imagine my surprise when I heard Gojo Satoru got defeated and there was a new strongest." She smiled appreciative "Especially seeing it's you. Nice to meet you again, handsome."
Gojo blinked.
"You know Akira?"
"Well, I met him once at a restaurant. I was interested because he had no cursed energy around him at all, like a certain man I never got the chance to investigate. But he refused to answer any and all questions." She stepped closer, placing a single finger against Akira's chest. "But now that I know you aren't as innocent as you make yourself out to be, you better answer some questions, buster."
Akira sighed, the long-suffering sigh of a man used to this particular brand of attention.
"May we continue this conversation later? I have other matters to attend to."
"Okay then." Yuki withdrew her finger, but her smile stayed sharp. "But you won't escape again, buster."
She turned on her heel and sauntered toward the main hall, hips swaying, already waving at the students inside like she owned the place.
Gojo watched her go, then looked back at Akira.
"…She's gonna be trouble."
Akira exhaled once more.
They walked back toward the hall together.
Akira lingered a moment longer at the tori gate, hands back in his pockets, crimson eyes scanning the new campus.
A school.
His school.
He exhaled once, softly.
Then followed the others inside