The sun filtered softly through the windows of Jujutsu High, casting warm slivers of light across the training hall. Dust particles floated lazily in the air, disturbed only by the faint rustle of movement.
Takeru adjusted his dark blue sunglasses and surveyed the room. Training had ended early today, and most students were scattered in quiet corners—recovering, talking, or tending to minor injuries.
Satoru Gojo leaned casually against the doorway, blindfold slightly shifted, giving an amused tilt to his posture.
"So…" Gojo began, voice light but carrying an undertone that made Takeru's stomach tense. "…why the glasses?"
Takeru froze mid-step, fingers brushing the frame. "Uh… they're just… for style," he said lightly, forcing a casual shrug.
Gojo shook his head slowly, his grin widening. "Style? Come on, Takeru. I've seen enough tricks to know when someone's hiding something. Those aren't just sunglasses."
Takeru swallowed. He could feel the weight behind Gojo's gaze, the subtle probing that made most people squirm.
"They block… a bit of cursed energy," he admitted after a pause, keeping his tone neutral. "And… I guess I feel more… comfortable with them on."
Gojo pushed off the doorway and approached, eyes narrowing slightly. "Comfortable, huh? You know, I like seeing faces. Expressions. Reactions. Makes judging someone's strength a lot easier."
Takeru shifted uneasily. He wasn't used to someone looking past his barrier so directly.
"And," Gojo continued, tilting his head, "I want to see your full face. All of it. No hiding. No excuses. Just you."
The room seemed to quiet even more. Takeru felt his heartbeat speed up. He could almost hear the faint whispers of Sukuna on his cheek, curious, intrigued.
Yuji, standing a few feet away, glanced nervously at Takeru, sensing the tension. Todo, ever the chaotic observer, leaned against a wall, crossing his arms, grinning knowingly.
Takeru exhaled slowly, eyes flicking to Gojo. The silence stretched for a heartbeat too long.
Finally, he lifted his hand.
Slowly.
Deliberately.
The fingertips hovered over the frame of his sunglasses, moving upward toward his face…
And the chapter ended there.