After escaping from Suguru Geto’s pursuit…
Ronova didn’t return to the small house Gojo had prepared for her.
There was no way it was still safe.
More importantly…
She realized this was the perfect opportunity.
An opportunity to escape Gojo Satoru’s supervision once and for all.
Did anyone really think she wanted to spend every day being watched by the strongest sorcerer alive?
She had only stayed because she couldn’t beat him…
And she couldn’t escape.
Otherwise, she would have run away ages ago.
Now, however…
She finally had a chance.
Her plan was simple.
Leave Tokyo.
Find a quiet town somewhere in Japan.
Hide.
Grow stronger in peace.
Once she reached her full potential…
Then she’d come back and enjoy herself.
Maybe she’d even get to witness Sukuna slicing Gojo Satoru in half.
That would certainly be an unforgettable sight.
Unfortunately…
Her fantasy didn’t last very long.
Because only a few minutes later— A familiar figure appeared in front of her.
Gojo Satoru.
Holding two ice cream cones.
Seeing Ronova, he casually handed one to her.
“What a coincidence.” “I didn’t expect to run into you here.” “What are you doing all the way out here?” “I don’t remember you ever coming to this neighborhood.” Ronova stared at him.
Coincidence?
Yeah, right.
You obviously tracked me down.
But she wisely kept those thoughts to herself.
Instead…
She immediately put on an aggrieved expression.
“Gojo-sensei!” “You have no idea what I’ve been through!” “I was just minding my own business when a bunch of strange sorcerers suddenly started chasing me!” “And then this creepy guy kept insisting that I should go with him!” She pouted dramatically.
“Everyone knows I’m completely loyal to you, Gojo-sensei.” “Why would I ever betray you?” “As for ending up here…” “I honestly got lost.” “I was worried the old house wasn’t safe anymore, so I didn’t dare go back.” “I could only hide.” It sounded surprisingly convincing.
If not for the Six Eyes, which allowed Gojo to read the minute changes in her cursed energy and subtle facial expressions…
He might actually have believed her.
Still…
He didn’t expose the lie.
Because, in the end…
This entire situation had started because nobody trusted him.
His credibility among the higher-ups was practically nonexistent.
No matter what he reported…
They investigated anyway.
So Ronova’s hiding place had inevitably been exposed.
There wasn’t much point dwelling on it.
As long as Headquarters couldn’t obtain direct evidence…
No one could force Gojo to hand her over.
Meanwhile…
Although Ronova clearly wasn’t telling the entire truth…
Gojo had already reached one conclusion after spending time with her.
She wasn’t a malicious cursed spirit.
She possessed principles.
She truly had no interest in killing indiscriminately.
Death fascinated her…
But she preferred witnessing it rather than causing it.
Even when Suguru Geto personally invited her to join him…
She had chosen to flee instead.
Combined with everything Gojo had observed over the past several weeks…
He finally trusted her completely.
Gojo Satoru might act carefree…
But he wasn’t foolish.
If Ronova had ever shown signs of becoming a threat to innocent people…
He would have exorcised her without hesitation.
The reason she was still alive…
Was because she had earned his trust.
After the incident with Geto…
Gojo knew one thing.
Ronova’s current residence could no longer be used.
He needed a new hiding place.
After considering several options…
He eventually decided to ask someone he trusted.
Shoko Ieiri.
Shoko Ieiri had entered Tokyo Jujutsu High alongside Gojo Satoru and Suguru Geto.
She graduated with them and eventually became the school’s doctor.
As one of the few people capable of using Reverse Cursed Technique to heal others, she was an irreplaceable medical specialist within the jujutsu world.
More importantly…
She was someone Gojo trusted completely.
Later that afternoon…
Gojo brought Ronova to Shoko’s apartment.
Knock.
Knock.
The door slowly opened.
Shoko looked as though she had only just woken up.
Her messy hair and half-lidded eyes clearly reflected her mood.
She glanced at Gojo.
“…What.” Gojo smiled brightly.
“Shoko.” “Long time no see.” “You’re just as beautiful as ever.” Shoko rolled her eyes.
“You need something.” “Just say it.” “Whether I help you depends entirely on my mood.” She knew Gojo far too well.
He never visited without a reason.
Seeing there was no point pretending otherwise…
Gojo laughed awkwardly.
Then he looked outside.
“Come in.” “Meet your future roommate.” Ronova reluctantly stepped inside.
The instant Shoko saw her— Everything changed.
The sleepy irritation vanished.
Her eyes widened.
…Cute.
Ridiculously cute.
White hair.
Crimson eyes.
A delicate face.
She looked less like a terrifying Special Grade Cursed Spirit…
And more like an adorable doll.
Shoko nearly reached out to pinch Ronova’s cheeks.
Fortunately…
Her reason returned before her hands moved.
“…Wait.” She blinked.
“Roommate?” “You don’t mean…” “…you want her to live here?” Gojo gave her a grin.
“Exactly.” “Surprised?” Shoko had to admit…
For just a brief second…
She imagined a tiny white-haired girl greeting her every evening.
“Welcome home.” The image was strangely appealing.
Then— Reality caught up.
She narrowed her eyes.
“Hold on.” “A while ago, you went to exorcise a newly born Special Grade Cursed Spirit.” “And recently…” “I heard rumors that you never exorcised it.” “You secretly hid it instead.” Her gaze shifted toward Ronova.
“…Don’t tell me.” “She’s the cursed spirit.” Gojo scratched the back of his head.
“…You figured it out.” “That’s right.” “Ronova is that Special Grade.” “But trust me.” “She’s a good kid.” “She won’t hurt innocent people.” Beside him…
Ronova immediately nodded as hard as she could.
At some point…
She had instinctively mastered the art of looking adorable.
The attack was devastating.
Shoko nearly surrendered on the spot.
Still…
She forced herself to remain rational.
After a long silence…
She slowly shook her head.
“…No.” “I can’t.” “This isn’t something I can casually agree to.” “You can ignore the higher-ups because you’re Gojo Satoru.” “They can’t do much to you.” “But I’m different.” “If I knowingly shelter a Special Grade Cursed Spirit…” “They’ll treat me as an accomplice.” “My healing abilities won’t save me.” “If necessary…” “They’ll execute me.” Her words were completely reasonable.
Gojo understood that better than anyone.
He sighed softly.
“…I understand.” “Sorry for asking.” Just as he turned around with Ronova to leave— Shoko suddenly spoke.
“…Wait.” Gojo stopped.
She rubbed her temples.
Then let out a long sigh.
“…Fine.” “Let’s call this paying back an old debt.” “But remember…” She looked directly at Gojo.
“If this turns into a disaster…” “I’m holding you responsible.” Gojo smiled.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Thus…
Ronova found herself with a new home.
A fragile sanctuary built entirely upon the trust shared between old friends— As delicate as a house made of glass.