"A vocational school exchange event?"
Yuji Itadori scratched his head. "What's that supposed to be?"
Megumi Fushiguro and Nobara Kugisaki both covered their faces at the same time.
Maki Zenin explained patiently, "It's basically a friendly competition between Tokyo and Kyoto Jujutsu High."
Yuji's eyes lit up. "That sounds awesome!"
"Relax," Maki replied. "Tokyo has a better track record overall."
"Who won last time?"
At that question, Maki, Panda, and Toge Inumaki sighed in unison.
"Last time, Yuta Okkotsu participated alone," Maki said. "It wasn't a competition. It was a sweep."
Yuji blinked. "The special grade? Isn't that kind of unfair?"
Megumi nodded. "That's why there's a new rule. Special grade students aren't allowed to participate anymore."
After a pause, he added, "Honestly, I envy Nanako and Mimiko. Geto-sensei went to Hokkaido to suppress the cursed spirit riots and took them with him. That kind of field experience is better than a school event."
Before Yuji could respond, a booming voice cut through the air.
"My best friend!"
Aoi Todo strode forward with dramatic intensity.
Yuji turned, surprised. "Todo!"
They clasped right hands and immediately locked into a test of strength, forearms straining.
"Brother! Long time no see!"
"Yes, my dear friend! How was the Jennifer Lawrence photobook I sent you?"
"Flawless! Only your taste could satisfy my soul!"
Everyone else stared in silence at the overwhelming display of bromance.
"Maki."
A sharp voice interrupted the moment.
Mai Zenin stood a short distance away, arms crossed, eyes filled with mockery.
Maki met her gaze calmly. "Mai."
Mai scoffed. "A Grade 4 sorcerer playing squad leader through connections. Still trash at the end of the day."
Maki's Grade 1 recommendation had been submitted, but the official certification was still pending. On paper, she remained Grade 4.
This time, she did not react.
After spending so much time around Gojo Shion, she had learned to look beyond surface hostility. Behind Mai's biting sarcasm, she could almost see something fragile.
"What's with that look?" Mai snapped.
Before Maki could answer, Kugisaki stepped in with a smile.
"You two look similar at first glance," Nobara said casually.
Mai frowned. "What?"
"But looking closer, Maki Senpai is way prettier. What's going on with your skin? Not sleeping well?"
Silence.
Mai's composure cracked. "You brat! I'll kill you first during the exchange!"
"Try it, hag!"
They grabbed each other by the collar, foreheads nearly colliding.
"Fight! Fight!"
A familiar voice rang out with inappropriate enthusiasm.
Everyone turned.
Gojo Shion crouched nearby, holding a slice of watermelon, watching like it was a festival performance.
"Shion-sensei?" Yuji blinked. "What are you doing here?"
"Forget that," Shion said, grinning. "Why'd you stop? Keep going. I want to see blood."
Both girls released each other instantly.
Maki pressed her palm to her forehead. "Shion-sensei, you're a teacher. Act like one."
Shion laughed lightly. "Impossible. We were worse at your age. Satoru and Geto were disasters."
He tilted his head toward Mai. "A kid acting tough on the outside but insecure inside just needs a proper fight to sort things out."
Mai flushed. "Stop talking nonsense!"
She turned and walked off quickly.
Maki watched her go, thoughtful.
Todo approached Shion quietly. "Sensei, there's something you should know."
"The higher ups want to assassinate Yuji during the exchange, right?"
Todo paused, then scratched his head. "You already knew. Figures."
Shion adjusted his sunglasses, his tone turning cooler. "Those old men never learn."
He vanished from the courtyard.
---
Inside the conference room at Tokyo Jujutsu High, Yoshinobu Gakuganji and Masamichi Yaga stiffened as the door burst open.
Shion stepped in casually.
"I heard someone's planning to kill my student during a school event," he said lightly. "Thought I'd drop by."
Gakuganji's expression remained rigid. "You misunderstand."
"Do I?"
Shion and Satoru entered together and sat down without invitation, feet resting on the coffee table.
Yaga felt a headache forming.
Gakuganji avoided a direct answer. "The exchange event will be monitored. Any assassination would be nearly impossible."
Shion smiled faintly. "Unless cursed spirits were placed in advance."
A flicker crossed Gakuganji's eyes.
Silence lingered.
Then Shion leaned back. "Go ahead."
Satoru glanced at him. "Bro?"
"Trust your student," Shion said calmly. "Yuji won't die that easily. But this little stunt? It costs you."
Gakuganji tapped his cane. "What do you want?"
"The Cursed Womb: Death Paintings."
The air in the room tightened.
Moments later, Shion and Satoru left.
Outside, Kasumi Miwa stood frozen, eyes shining.
"Satoru-sensei! Shion-sensei! Can I take a picture?"
Satoru waved cheerfully. "Of course."
Click.
Miwa beamed.
As Satoru walked ahead, Shion stopped in front of her and lightly tapped her head twice.
"Ow… Shion-sensei?"
"Idiot."
"Huh?"
"You don't need to chase idols just to fit in. Have your own standards."
Miwa hesitated. "I just… feel like I don't belong otherwise."
Shion's expression softened slightly.
"You mastered New Shadow Style in under two years. That's talent. Not many can do that."
He slipped one hand into his pocket, the other raised casually as he walked away.
"I know about your family situation. I've applied for financial support. Focus on reaching Grade 1. Don't let nonsense distract you."
Miwa stared at his back, then bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Shion-sensei!"
Shion did not turn around, only waved once in acknowledgment.