It was Friday after school, with less than two weeks left until the exams.
Arisu was having another discussion with her own group today, so Mamoru was walking down the hallway to go home alone, his expression darkened with gloom.
The cause of his trouble was a piece of news delivered by his homeroom teacher, Mashima, earlier today.
“Changing the test scope for every single subject at this point in the game…?” It was a change to the midterm exam scope.
That said, Mamoru wasn’t making a sour face because he was worried about his own grades.
The ones he was concerned about were Class D.
Recently, Mamoru had been indirectly hearing about Class D’s situation through word of mouth.
They seemed to be proactively holding study groups and the like, and he had been relieved to see their situation improving.
And then, out of nowhere, came this sudden scope change ‘I can only assume the school intends to weed out the low performers.’ If it were just one or two subjects, that would be one thing, but changing all of them was clearly an intentional move.
The members of Class A seemed to have room to spare, but from the perspective of the lower classes, it must be unbearable.
Still, even if he worried about it, there was nothing Mamoru could do.
Switching gears to head home quickly, Mamoru reached the entrance and opened his shoe locker.
Just then, a sheet of paper fluttered out from inside.
“A letter?” Picking it up to check, he found it to be a single sheet of stationary.
A cursed letter, a love letter, a challenge to a duel, a blackmail letter—several possibilities crossed his mind, but for now, Mamoru decided to open it before overthinking it.
================================= Dear Mamoru, In this season of lush greenery, where the verdant leaves dazzle the eyes, I trust you are in good health and high spirits.
I imagine you are feeling bewildered by this sudden letter.
Though you likely do not know me, I have known about you for some time.
The throbbing in my chest when I first saw you remains a fresh memory even now.
With each passing day, these feelings only grow stronger.
If possible, I would like to request an opportunity to meet and speak with you directly, which is why I am sending this guidance via letter.
I will be waiting today at 16:00 at the location marked on the enclosed map.
Please come alone.
Sincerely, P.S.
I know your secret.
================================= “…Hmm?” After reading the entire thing, Mamoru groaned and tilted his head, seemingly at a loss for how to react.
If you looked at only the first half, it didn’t look completely unlike a love letter.
However, the words heavily emphasized in the postscript were entirely a blackmail note.
‘Is this person being serious?
Or are they deliberately messing around?’ He assumed it was almost certainly the latter, but in the off chance it was the former, it would mean this person’s mental state was extremely unstable.
There was also the question of whether such a person could even get into this school, so for now, he dismissed that possibility.
The next thing that caught his attention was, as expected, the postscript.
In fact, this was probably the main topic.
‘The wording is too roundabout for an insider…
Just a regular civilian who happens to be able to see them?’ When told about a “secret,” the first thing that came to mind was, of course, anything related to curses.
That said, since he couldn’t know anything for certain regarding this either, his only option was to go check it out in person.
Mamoru checked the enclosed map and set off toward the marked location.
‘If it’s a crazy person, I’ll just run away real fast.’ He hoped with all his heart that it wasn’t a mentally unstable stalker or something similar.
The designated meeting spot was a corner behind the school building.
There was little foot traffic, and dense trees created a blind spot for the security cameras—truly an ideal location for a secret rendezvous.
And there, leaning her back against a tree, a female student was already waiting.
“So you came.” Her notable physical features were her above-average height for a girl, long silver hair, and sharp eyes filled with confidence.
The girl turned to face Mamoru and introduced herself.
“Nice to meet you, Mamoru Gojo.
I am Fuka Kiryuin from Class 2-B.” Though he had wanted to cling to the slim possibility that the letter had been delivered to the wrong person, that hope was fleetingly shattered the moment his name was called right off the bat.
“Hello.
As you seem to know, I’m Mamoru Gojo from Class 1-A.
Just to confirm, are you the sender of that weird letter?” “Calling it ‘weird’ is quite hurtful.
It was a text spelling out the feelings of an innocent maiden, you know?” “If not for that blackmail note at the very end, I might have thought so.” “Blackmail?
Whatever could you mean?
I simply brought up a topic that might catch your interest.
After all, I didn’t want to risk being ignored and end up crying myself to sleep on my pillow.” Facing Kiryuin, who answered with a subtle smirk while acting completely nonchalant, Mamoru let out a sigh and got straight to the point.
“So, what exactly do you want with me?” “Oh, as I wrote in the letter, I simply wanted to meet and talk once.
About your secret…
no, about the ‘things’ that only you and I can see.” ‘I knew it.
Well, this makes things simpler, which is a relief.’ In a sense, Mamoru was relieved that the conversation went as expected.
“…Senior, you don’t know about those things, do you?” “Indeed, I do not.
At least, I only saw them for the first time after coming to this school.
My word, I was astonished.
To think one of Japan’s leading prestigious schools was actually a nest of monsters.
For a moment, I even doubted whether I had lost my mind.” ‘She was affected by the school’s Cursed Energy, huh.’ It occasionally happened that people who previously couldn’t see them would suddenly become capable of seeing curses after being exposed to their presence.
Given the state of this school, it wouldn’t be surprising if one or two such individuals existed.
“That must have been…
tough on you.” To have the common sense of the world you lived in suddenly collapse, throwing you into a world surrounded by monsters…
As someone for whom that environment had been the norm since birth, Mamoru couldn’t measure her inner turmoil, but the mental burden must have been considerable.
He hesitated to offer such simple words, but Mamoru couldn’t think of anything else to say.
“Well, it wasn’t all bad.
Thanks to that, I was able to encounter a fascinating existence like you.” The expression of the girl who said that bled with delight—perhaps born of curiosity—and she didn’t look like she was putting on a tough front at all.
Inside Mamoru, the same intuition he felt when he first met Arisu triggered once again: I’ve been targeted by a troublesome person.
“…How did you know I was involved?” There were a few methods he could guess, but he asked just to confirm.
Even for Mamoru, when exorcising Cursed Spirits, he paid attention to the eyes of those around him and tried to exorcise them using innate techniques as much as possible.
From an bystander’s perspective, it would only look like a strange box suddenly appeared and erased them.
If someone just happened to be there by chance, they shouldn’t be able to definitively claim that Mamoru caused the phenomenon.
“Since the new school year started, I noticed the number of those things rapidly decreasing.
Guessing the cause lay among the new first-years or newly appointed teachers, I investigated and arrived at you.
When I staked out near the monsters, a strange box would appear and erase them, wouldn’t it?
And at those scenes, you were always present.” “I see.” “Now, I would like you to answer my question.
What on earth is that?
And who on earth are you?” When asked, Mamoru considered how far he should speak.
Since she could already see them, speaking to some extent about the existence of Curses wouldn’t be a problem.
After taking a moment to organize what to say in his head, Mamoru opened his mouth.
“Those are Curses.
Entities called Cursed Spirits, which are the accumulated, physical form of human negative emotions.
Basically, they’re like ghosts.
I am a Jujutsu sorcerer, someone whose job is to exorcise those entities.” “Hoh, you tell me quite readily.” Whether surprised that Mamoru answered so honestly, Kiryuin narrowed her eyes while resting her hand on her chin.
“For people who can see them, there’s no issue with talking about it to a certain extent.” “I see.
Curses, is it?
Indeed, they weren’t pleasant to look at.
Then, if I may surmise, are you a bodyguard hired by Chairman Sakayanagi for his beloved daughter?” “Huh?” At the completely unexpected word ‘bodyguard’, Mamoru genuinely blanked out for a second.
“Oh, was I mistaken?
I heard you are always with the Chairman’s daughter on campus.
I naturally assumed that was the case.” “Has that kind of rumor even reached the second-years?” To think the rumor of him being together with Arisu had spread even to other grade levels was truly beyond his expectations.
“There is that, but I also took the liberty of investigating various things personally.
After all, my opponent possesses an incomprehensible power.
As a delicate maiden like myself, I was anxious about what kind of person you were.
Did I offend you?” “It’s not amusing, but I think it was a wise judgment.” Mamoru had realized it from the moment he arrived at this place—that while Kiryuin appeared calm and composed, she harbored vigilance deep inside.
While interacting with a lighthearted attitude, her eyes were constantly and carefully observing Mamoru’s every move.
It was correct to harbor vigilance against an opponent who might be friend or foe.
Mamoru honestly evaluated Kiryuin highly.
“Still, even if you say you investigated, how did you do it?” If she meant she had tailed him directly, it would mean Mamoru had failed to notice it.
While he didn’t hold up anything as grand as a sense of professionalism, failing to notice a civilian tailing him would be far too careless.
However, Kiryuin’s reply was completely unexpected for Mamoru.
“Oh, I didn’t do anything major.
I simply bought information from the first-year teachers using points.” “Hey hold on, personal information!” Forgetting to maintain his composure, Mamoru blurted out a retort straight from the heart.
He had expected her to gather information through word of mouth, but teachers buying and selling student information was beyond comprehension.
Whether she found that reaction amusing, Kiryuin let out a chuckle from her throat.
“Now, don’t get so worked up.
Out in society, trading personal information is hardly rare.
You could say this is a lesson from the teachers as well.” “No, you’re making it sound like the teachers are bad, but a senior who proposes that kind of deal is just as bad.” “Don’t flatter me so much.
I’ll blush.” “I’m not flattering you.” Her thoroughly positive demeanor somewhat resembled his older brother’s.
Mamoru felt inwardly exasperated.
“…Well, setting the teachers aside, I asked around in various other places too.
Contacting first-years directly would draw too much attention, you see.
I had to take quite a roundabout path.” ‘Ignoring me, huh.
Well, whatever.’ When dealing with this type of pace-setter, wasting energy reacting would only tire him out needlessly.
Based on his experience dealing with his brother, he made that judgment and quietly prompted her to continue.
“And?
Spending that much money and effort, was what you wanted to ask something like how to deal with Cursed Spirits?” “You’re quick on the uptake.
To speak more directly, I am interested in the techniques you use.
How about it?
Won’t you teach it to me?” “Ah, impossible.” Without even thinking, he shot back an answer in no time flat with pure reflex.
“…Could you at least pretend to consider it a little?
Or is that technique of yours some secret art passed down through a single lineage?” “No, my technique isn’t inherited or anything like that.
It’s just that for this kind of technique, whether someone can use it or not is determined from birth.” To be precise, if it were Barrier Techniques alone, there were those who could learn it through effort.
Since it was an advanced skill, it was influenced by aptitude, but it couldn’t be called impossible.
However, using it the way Mamoru did—forming barriers and destroying targets with just a hand sign—was impossible to replicate.
Mamoru’s Barrier Technique was built in as a component of his innate technique from birth.
It wasn’t something one could do just by trying to imitate it.
“…In other words, I lack that talent?” “That’s how it is.
Regarding this, it’s not something that can be managed through effort.
Just to ask, have you ever felt you could use any mysterious power before?” Normally, the presence or absence of a technique could be realized during early childhood.
There were cases where someone awakened to Cursed Energy later in life and noticed their technique, but the fact that there were self-perceived symptoms remained unchanged.
“None.” “Then it’s impossible.” When he said that, Kiryuin’s previous smile faded, and she covered her face with her hand in a troubled manner.
“I see.
So in short, I have no means to deal with those things.” “Well, if it’s physical reinforcement using Cursed Energy, it’s not impossible through training.” If her ability to see them wasn’t a temporary thing caused by the environment but a continuous state, there was a high possibility she possessed a fair amount of Cursed Energy.
If it were a Grade 4 or lower Cursed Spirit, dealing with it by cladding oneself in Cursed Energy and punching it was entirely feasible.
Thinking that, Mamoru said it offhandedly without thinking deeply.
“Is that true?” ‘Ah, crap, I said something unnecessary.’ However, seeing the eyes leaking through the gaps of the fingers covering her face immediately after, Mamoru regretted blurting that out.
Those eyes were just like a raptor that had spotted its prey.
“If I surmise correctly, Cursed Energy is the energy source for the techniques you handle, correct?
And learning a method to directly manipulate that is achievable.” “…Well, there are aptitudes for this too, so I can’t say for certain…” “If the probability isn’t zero, that is more than enough.
How about it, won’t you teach me that skill?” “I refuse.” Mamoru shot it down instantly once more.
However, Kiryuin did not give up and calmly asked for the reason.
“You didn’t say it was impossible this time.
What is your reason?” “There are various reasons, but simply put, I’m busy.” Of course he felt resistance toward dragging a civilian into this world, but in truth, that wasn’t a major reason.
The barrier to entry for Jujutsu sorcerers was actually quite loose.
It only felt narrow because there were few people with aptitude, but in reality, as long as you could at least see Cursed Spirits, the rest depended on your own will.
There were those who returned to being ordinary civilians after learning Jujutsu, and even if someone’s aptitude wasn’t suited for combat, there were people who played active roles as Assistant Directors.
The issue was that Mamoru lacked spare time.
Although he had more breathing room recently, if external jobs came in, he would become busy immediately.
He had no time to waste on unnecessary matters.
“If you really want to learn about Jujutsu, there are educational institutions specialized in it, so I can introduce you to those.
You can transfer there or something.” “That would be a problem.
Personally, I quite like this school.
If possible, I want to stay here until graduation.” “Then go there after you graduate.
While you’re at this school, I’m here anyway, so the danger of being attacked should be low.” “You won’t go so far as to say there’s zero danger, I see.
In that case, I would still like you to teach me at least self-defense techniques.
Even if I learn it eventually, it’s better to have a foundation, isn’t it?” “Like I said, I’m busy.
Besides, I’m just a youngster around the same age as you, Senior.
Aren’t you worried about having me as a teacher?” “You say that, but to me, it’s a topic about an unknown world.
No matter how much of a veteran someone is claimed to be, I trust you, who stands right before my eyes, far more than someone whose face I’ve never seen.” As if arguing back at every point, Kiryuin showed no intention of yielding whatsoever.
“Furthermore, you mentioned specialized educational institutions, but seeing as you are at this school, you aren’t attending one, correct?
Surmising from that, guarding this school is likely your mission.
In other words, you already possess enough strength to be recognized as a full-fledged Jujutsu sorcerer.
I don’t see any deficiency.” ‘She’s pointlessly sharp.’ Despite knowing nothing about this industry, she accurately deduced Mamoru’s situation from fragmentary information.
Expected of someone attending this school, her capabilities were indeed high.
“How about it?
If you teach me about Jujutsu, I shall cooperate with you.” “Cooperate?” “I know nothing about Curses, but when it comes to knowledge regarding this school, I have the advantage of seniority.
From the teachers’ talk, I understand you are concerned about expulsions.
In that regard, having the cooperation of a upperclassman would be invaluable, wouldn’t you say?” “Specifically?
I have no interest in vague talk about ‘maybe being useful.'” “Fair enough.
For example, regarding the upcoming midterm exam—did you know that the exact same questions are given to the first-years every year?” “Huh?” At this completely unexpected piece of information, Mamoru was genuinely stunned once again.
At the same time, the things he had felt weird about recently rushed through his mind.
“A-Ah!
So that’s why the test scope was changed!” “As expected, you’re quick on the uptake.
Just as the teachers evaluated.” Originally, there was an unnatural feeling about class points being distributed through the midterm exam.
If points were distributed by competing in pure academic ability, the upper classes would have an overwhelming advantage.
Most likely, the primary focus of this exam was originally meant for Class D.
Upper classes would hardly notice it.
After all, if they studied normally, they would pass without issue.
The abnormally difficult questions on the pop quiz.
The sudden test scope change announced today.
Noticing these hints and overcoming them—that was likely the true purpose of this exam.
“…Is this okay?
Isn’t this something seniors aren’t supposed to reveal?” If this was allowed, past exam papers should be circulating rampantly between upperclassmen and first-years.
That would render the exam itself meaningless.
“Indeed.
If this comes to light, a certain degree of penalty would be unavoidable.
However, it serves well to demonstrate my sincerity, doesn’t it?” Seeing Kiryuin smirk, he realized she had deliberately timed her approach during the exam period.
In truth, Mamoru recognized that having Kiryuin on his side carried significant merit.
Not only in daily life, but in the event of an emergency, having a collaborator who understood the situation made moving around vastly easier.
As for daily patrols, she could cover areas he couldn’t pay attention to alone.
Additionally, he fully understood her high competence in this short period.
Since she might hold a high social status in the future, selling her a favor now carried sufficient value.
Weighing all these factors, Mamoru fell into thought.
Seeing him like that, Kiryuin formed a faint smile, feeling confident of her success.
And after a short while, Mamoru finally opened his mouth.
“I refuse.” What came out was a rejection for the third time.
Kiryuin’s smiling expression turned stern.
“Even this isn’t enough, I see.
May I hear the reason?” “Senpai, you said earlier that it was for self-defense, but that’s not all, is it?” When she learned about the existence of Jujutsu, Mamoru hadn’t missed the color of curiosity floating in Kiryuin’s eyes.
“Did you think it sounded interesting?
Did you get excited about a fantasy power suddenly popping up?” “…So in short, my motive is impure?” At those words, Mamoru slowly shook his head side to side.
“Motives for being a Jujutsu sorcerer vary from person to person.
Wanting money.
Finding combat fun.
Wanting to protect family.
Pure sense of justice.
What matters is whether you have the resolve to risk your life for it.” In an instant, Mamoru’s box-shaped barriers appeared all over Kiryuin’s body.
“…!?!” The barriers appeared at every joint—and over her mouth.
Surprised by the sudden turn of events, Kiryuin tried to shake them off, but with her joints fixed, she couldn’t move at all, and with her jaw locked, she couldn’t even articulate words properly.
Approaching Kiryuin, Mamoru continued speaking.
“Senpai, you seemed somewhat vigilant since coming here, but deep down, didn’t you naively assume I wouldn’t commit an outrage?
You’re naive.” Completely dropping honorifics, Mamoru placed his hand-sealed fingers against Kiryuin’s forehead.
At the same time, dense Cursed Energy burst from Mamoru’s body, enveloping Kiryuin.
For someone with weak Cursed Energy, it was an intimidating aura that directly evoked thoughts of clear death.
Kiryuin’s eyes widened, and color drained from her face.
“When you’re a Jujutsu sorcerer, unreasonable death is everyday life.
Dying for no reason and with no context isn’t rare at all.
Right this second, I could kill you.
‘Sounds interesting’?
‘Sounds fun’?
If you’re going to step into this world, don’t expect anything like that.” If Kiryuin stepped into this world of her own free will and met whatever fate awaited her, Mamoru wouldn’t get involved.
However, if she was going to rely on him to teach her, he couldn’t be that irresponsible.
If she thought she could live a life without regrets, he had to shatter that expectation first.
With those thoughts embedded in his gaze, Mamoru glared straight at her, but suddenly, the corners of Kiryuin’s eyes relaxed.
Finding it suspicious, Mamoru released only the barrier over her mouth so she could speak—remaining cautious so he could reapply it immediately if she tried to scream.
“Aren’t you quite kind, Gojo?” Though cold sweat glistened on her pale face, her tone was clear.
Kiryuin’s voice was surprisingly composed, contrary to expectation.
“If you truly intended to harm me, there would be no need for such a warning.
Was this also your way of showing consideration?” “Do you genuinely think that?” “I do.
And on top of that, allow me to say this: You spoke of ‘for a Jujutsu sorcerer,’ but unreasonable death is abundant all over the world.
An earthquake might strike today.
A random attacker might assault you tomorrow.
Rather than cowering in fear of misfortune that might arrive at any time, I want to live the present without regrets.” “…Even if you suffer a fate worse than simply dying?” “How tedious.
Let me ask you in return: if I don’t get involved with Curses, is absolute safety guaranteed?” To that question, he could not nod.
The average number of unexplained deaths and missing persons in Japan exceeded 10,000 annually.
Most of those were victims of Curses.
Just because someone remained a civilian didn’t mean safety was guaranteed.
“I do not wish to settle for a position where I merely cower in fear, not knowing when I might be dragged in.” Mamoru’s cold gaze crossed with Kiryuin’s firmly resolute eyes.
“I see.” Mamoru slowly brought his fingertips before Kiryuin’s eyes as if demonstrating them.
While an invisible thread of tension pulled taut, his fingers were brought down as if delivering a judgment.
In an instant, all the barriers vanished in a flash.
With the tension released and support gone, the strength drained from Kiryuin’s body all at once, and she slumped down onto the ground.
Looking down at her, Mamoru ran a hand through his hair, returning his tone to normal as he called out.
“Was my acting that bad?” “Acting, acting, huh…
Haha, I was genuinely prepared for death, though.” “Didn’t you say yourself that I had no intention of doing that, Senpai?” “Indeed.
But to be frank, I couldn’t fully believe it 100%.
Even if my guess was wrong, I was prepared to accept it as inevitable.” ‘Having the resolve to risk one’s life for one’s beliefs, huh.’ According to Mamoru’s older brother, Satoru Gojo, people suited to be Jujutsu sorcerers were all crazy in one way or another.
In that sense, a person like Fuka Kiryuin certainly possessed that aptitude.
“Please wait a bit for my answer.
As expected, I can’t decide on my own whether to involve a civilian.” Offering a hand to help her stand up, Mamoru said so.
Hearing those words, Kiryuin formed a smirk.
“It seems I’ve managed to earn your approval.” “Honestly, I hate the idea.
But even if I refuse here, in your case, Senpai, you’d probably poke your head into this side on your own anyway.” “You understand well, don’t you?” Taking Mamoru’s hand to stand up, Kiryuin displayed the same resolute smile as when they first met.
‘For now, I need to check with Brother.’ Though he could pretty much guess how that brother of his would answer.
Mamoru let out a deep sigh at the prospect of even greater turmoil entering his future life.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Author’s Note: In the previous chapter, someone in the comments section correctly guessed the character scheduled to appear, so I actually left a discreet message for them.
However, I forgot about differences in viewing environments, so if it didn’t get across, I’m sorry!
If that’s the case, I was slightly regretting that I just left a reply with weird phrasing.
By the way, the reasons for using Kiryuin-san: * I wanted a collaborator for Mamoru, like Karuizawa-san is for Ayanokoji-kun.
* This time, in showing Mamoru’s side as a Jujutsu sorcerer, I wanted a strong character.
* This person seems like she would risk her life just for enjoyment, so she felt surprisingly suited to be a Jujutsu sorcerer.
* I thought she would serve as a trigger to establish connections with upperclassmen.
Regarding the past exam papers, rather than using Kiryuin-san for the sake of the past papers, it felt more like using them as a bargaining chip to recruit her.
Initially, I was considering a route where they didn’t notice the past papers, but with Kiryuin-san’s inclusion, that was scrapped.