In the blink of an eye, eight more years passed.
It was now April of 2017.
Just as promised back then, Mukuro and the others each walked their own path as sorcerers.
Currently, inside the Fushiguro household.
"Is Megumi planning to go to a regular high school next year, or to Jujutsu High to learn how to exorcise curses?"
In one more year, the boy would finish middle school. As someone born with a technique, this was a choice he would eventually have to face.
Today happened to be the enrollment day for Kyoto Jujutsu High, so before heading out, Mukuro casually asked.
"I'll probably go to Jujutsu High. If I have the ability but don't use it, wouldn't that be a waste? If possible, I want to choose who I save with my own strength."
Megumi glanced at Tsumiki beside him and answered without much thought.
Growing up in what could be called a jujutsu family, his mindset had long been shaped by his surroundings.
"That works out nicely. If Megumi wants to go, he can attend Kyoto Jujutsu High as a first-year next year. With his uncle there, I'd feel more at ease."
Onshin, who was preparing breakfast, did not stop her son. Instead, she brought the dishes out and offered her suggestion.
"Uh… actually, I'd recommend Tokyo Jujutsu High instead. The teaching staff there is better, and safety isn't something you'd need to worry about…" Mukuro replied in a low voice, one hand resting on the door handle.
As a sorcerer, other than fighting, there was almost nothing he could teach Megumi.
If Megumi studied in Kyoto, Onshin would definitely make him act as a full-time babysitter. It would be better to send him to Tokyo and let Nanami and the others keep an eye on him.
More importantly, that was the life Megumi was meant to experience. Those people were meant to be his friends.
"Huh? But isn't Mukuro the strongest?"
Confusion flickered in Onshin's eyes.
"Alright, alright. I'm hungry. Kids' problems should be handled by kids."
Just then, Toji wrapped an arm around Onshin's shoulders. Even after all these years, she still blushed deeply and forgot what she wanted to say.
"Then I'll head out first. No need to make my portion. I have a meeting in Tokyo later."
Seeing that the interrogation had stopped, Mukuro hurried out the door.
In the garage, he picked his Harley and shot off like a bolt of lightning.
* * *
Half an hour later.
Inside a classroom at Kyoto Jujutsu High.
"Sensei, so are we just supposed to sit here…?"
Below the podium, the first-year students couldn't help asking Utahime, who stood by the blackboard.
Introductions were done. The welcome event was over. Were they really just sitting here?
"Well… because there's one unpunctual person who wants to meet you all."
A trace of irritation appeared on Utahime's smooth face.
(Since Mukuro came back to Kyoto too, he saved Utahime and prevented her from getting the scar on her face.)
"Is there another student, or…?"
Among the students, a blue-haired girl with almost straight bangs muttered curiously.
"Didn't you hear during enrollment? Kyoto High has a guest teacher. He usually only shows up when new students arrive."
Beside her, a robot-like figure made of wooden parts spoke up to explain.
"Huh? I didn't hear that at all. They just told me being a sorcerer pays well, so I came."
The girl's cheeks turned red in embarrassment.
She had been recommended by New Shadow Style and recruited as someone with no sorcerer family background. Her knowledge of the jujutsu world was limited to a few famous names.
"It's fine…"
A twin-tailed, doll-like girl behind her was about to say something when the door suddenly opened.
"Nice to meet you. My name is Mukuro Fushiguro. You can consider me one of your teachers. Please take care of me."
He walked straight to the podium and stood beside Utahime, briefly introducing himself.
"Long time no see, Cousin."
From below, Mai, now grown into a graceful young woman with short hair, smiled and waved at him. She looked nothing like her usual cold self around classmates.
Over the years, she and Maki would occasionally visit the Fushiguro household with Naobito.
Thanks to Mukuro's reputation and Naobito's protection, the sisters were not particularly valued in the Zenin clan, but at least no one dared bully them anymore.
Even Naoya Zenin, the most arrogant of them all and someone who had once lusted after her, had to rein himself in upon hearing the names of Toji and Mukuro.
"Cousin?!"
The moment she said that, every student felt like they had just stumbled upon some major gossip.
"There's no need to overthink it. Blood-wise, she is indeed my cousin."
Mukuro explained calmly, then looked at Mai.
"Why is it only you? Where's Maki?"
By all logic, with his presence deterring the Zenin clan, if Maki wanted to become a sorcerer, she should have come to Kyoto Jujutsu High.
"That idiot said she wants to get strong enough before coming to ask you for guidance."
Hearing her sister mentioned, Mai felt an uncomfortable twist in her chest.
With Mukuro and the clan head watching over them, they could have lived safely as ordinary sisters.
She hated curses.
And Maki too. They had promised to stay together forever.
"That does sound like her… Alright then, today's meeting ends here. I still have things to take care of. If you need my help, have Utahime or Mai contact me."
Mukuro clapped his hands and was about to leave, then looked at the most muscular student below, the one with a scar over his left eye.
"And Todo. You'll lead this year's freshman missions. Any problems?"
"Gladly."
Aoi Todo tensed his muscles and flashed a wide grin.
"Dismissed. And Utahime, I'm heading out first."
With a wave, Mukuro left the classroom with his hands in his pockets.
"Hurry up and leave."
Utahime waved him off with an annoyed expression, acting like a child who never grew up.
"Ah, wait!"
Suddenly, the blue-haired girl stood up without warning. After apologizing to everyone, she rushed out to chase after Mukuro.
"Is there something you need?"
"Um… my name is Kasumi Miwa. I'm your student. Could I take a photo with you?"
She gathered her courage, her face bright red.
This was Mukuro Fushiguro in person.
One of the legendary figures of the jujutsu world.
"Of course."
He leaned down slightly to match her height. After the camera clicked, he nodded and left.
"Check-in complete!"
Behind him, Miwa jumped around excitedly, hugging her phone like a successful fan meeting her idol.
Meanwhile, Mukuro headed toward the helicopter that Jujutsu High had prepared for him.
His next destination was Tokyo.
To attend a meeting discussing the execution or imprisonment of someone.
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Should I use sensei or teacher when addressing? Like there's already san and what not. Basically by now it's a mix up of English and Japanese anyway, but I wanted some confirmation.
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