Noritoshi Kamo.
The nominal heir to the Kamo Clan, one of the “Big Three” Sorcerer Families.
In reality, he was the son of a concubine; because the legitimate wife’s son failed to inherit the family’s technique, Noritoshi was adopted as the heir.
He shared a similar background to Maki.
Because of her status, his mother had been bullied by the clan for years.
Fortunately, at the age of six, Noritoshi inherited the core technique of the Kamo family: Blood Manipulation.
The clan lied to the world, claiming he was the legitimate son, and designated him the next head.
His mother chose to leave the Kamo household so as not to be a burden to him.
This became his core motivation–to become the true head of the family, gain the power to protect her, and give her a peaceful life.
*But after the Shibuya Incident, the Kamo clan was manipulated by Kenjaku, and Noritoshi lost his right to succession.
Truly tragic,* Arata thought.
“I recall you two know each other,” Gojo noted, catching Arata’s gaze.
“Yeah,” Arata folded the paper and shoved it into his pocket.
“The fact that I can use Blood Manipulation now is largely thanks to him.
By the way, what grade is he now?”
“He’s still Grade 2, but he’s on the verge of becoming Semi-Grade 1,” Gojo reminded him with a rare moment of gravity.
“Don’t underestimate him, even if he is a friend.”
“Got it.”
Gojo looked at him and suddenly reached out to pat his shoulder.
“Arata.”
“Hmm?”
“In tomorrow’s event, protect yourself–and protect your comrades.” Gojo’s tone was unusually serious.
Arata waved it off dismissively.
“Don’t worry.
Honestly, you should worry about the Kyoto students instead.
If they bully Yuta too hard, Rika Orimoto won’t exactly be showing mercy.”
The next morning, Arata stood at the school gate with a lollipop in his mouth, watching the bus that would take them to Kyoto.
His expression was a mix of boredom and hidden anticipation.
“Can’t you pick up a healthier habit?” Maki Zenin walked over, carrying her naginata bag.
She shot him a look.
“Eating sugar first thing in the morning.”
“Sugar makes me happy,” Arata mumbled.
He pulled the lollipop out and waved it.
“Grape flavor.
I found it at the convenience store yesterday.
Want a taste?”
“I’m not eating something you’ve already had.”
“Suit yourself.” Arata naturally popped it back in.
As they talked, Panda’s massive frame squeezed through the gate, followed by Toge Inumaki, who was bundled up as tightly as ever.
“Why are you bringing so much stuff?” Maki frowned.
“Emergency supplies,” Panda said solemnly.
“Bandages, energy bars, Toge’s throat medicine, and Arata’s candy.”
“Why do you have *my* candy?”
[LanLi: Hmmmmm…
which candy?]
“Since you always like to eat them during missions, I brought extras,” Panda shrugged.
Arata went silent for two seconds, then said sincerely, “Panda, you are the best panda.”
“Salmon,” Toge nodded in agreement.
Yuta Okkotsu was the last to arrive, carrying his signature sword bag.
The circles under his eyes were darker than usual; he clearly hadn’t slept.
“Sorry to keep you waiting!” Yuta jogged over, slightly out of breath.
“It’s fine,” Arata patted his shoulder.
“The bus is just…
oh, here it is.”
A bus pulled up slowly in front of them.
The door opened to reveal Satoru Gojo’s grinning, bandaged face.
“Morning, students!
Time for the Kyoto trip!
Let’s go!”
“Why are you here too?” Maki’s tone was blunt.
“As the team lead, obviously!” Gojo said as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
“For such an important event, your teacher has to be here in person.
How else could I support my lovely students?”
“You’re just worried we’ll embarrass you,” Arata rolled his eyes and boarded the bus first.
As the bus started, the cabin fell quiet.
Maki leaned against the window to rest, Panda and Toge whispered in the back, and Yuta sat in the front row, clutching his sword bag and staring at the passing scenery.
Arata watched him for a moment, then got up and sat next to him.
“Nervous?”
Yuta blinked, then nodded.
“A little.”
“Normal.” Arata pulled an apple-flavored lollipop from his pocket and offered it.
“Want one?”
Yuta hesitated, then took it.
“Thanks, Senior.”
“It’s just an exchange event.
Think of it as a field trip where you happen to get into a few fights.”
“But…” Yuta gripped the candy.
“I heard the Kyoto school has some very strong opponents.”
“Just treat it as a learning experience,” Arata said casually.
Yuta turned to him, his eyes filled with a touch of admiration.
“You don’t seem nervous at all, Senior.”
“What’s the point of being nervous?
You still have to fight.” Arata shrugged, then his tone turned a bit more serious.
“Yuta, remember one thing.”
“What?”
“Those guys won’t hold back.
But no matter what, try not to let Rika fully manifest.”
Yuta paused, then nodded.
“I understand.”
“Alright, get some rest.
It won’t be this relaxing once we hit Kyoto.” Arata stood up, patted Yuta’s shoulder, and went back to sit by Maki.
After some time, the bus pulled up to the main gate of Kyoto Jujutsu High.
As soon as Arata stepped off the bus, a boisterous, booming voice erupted from the Kyoto ranks.
“Oh!
You’re here, Tokyo bunch!”
A massive, muscular student with a scar running from his forehead through his left eye strode forward.
He wore his Kyoto uniform open, revealing his physique.
He radiated an overwhelming aura.
Aoi Todo.
A man who had beaten up high schoolers as a third-grader and was scouted and trained by the Special Grade sorcerer Yuki Tsukumo.
He was a beast.
He was known for his public preference for “tall women with big butts” and for asking anyone he met the same bizarre question: “What kind of woman is your type?”
He was hot-blooded, blunt, and seemingly simple-minded, but possessed a staggering battle IQ and a deep sense of loyalty.
Of course, that was provided you shared his “taste”–otherwise, you’d end up like Megumi Fushiguro in the future timeline.
Todo’s gaze swept over the Tokyo group and locked onto Yuta Okkotsu.
“So, you’re the Special Grade?”
Yuta froze, instinctively stepping back half a pace.
“Ah…
yes, that’s me…”
“You don’t look like much.
But no matter!” Todo suddenly changed gears, looming over Yuta.
“Let me ask you: What kind of woman is your type?”
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