"Umaru, don't be too quick to judge others," Gojo Umaru said softly, rubbing his sister's small head.
"Her situation is a bit complicated," he added.
"No, I'm not that kind of person," Umaru replied, rolling her eyes.
She wasn't mean-hearted—far from it.
But she was fiercely protective of her brother, worried that anyone might take his attention or affection away from her.
Her possessive streak over her brother made her a little hostile at times with anything related to him especially realted to opposite gender.
Gojo simply nodded, letting the matter drop.
Now, Umaru relaxed, holding the remote and switching to an anime channel.
Her little head leaned back mischievously as the two siblings enjoyed a quiet, peaceful evening.
.....
Evening crept into the apartment,
Benio Adashino stepped out of her room, noticing the girl in the living room.
Her eyes widened in recognition.
That must be Gojo-sensei's sister.
"Hello," Benio greeted politely, then sat on the sofa beside her.
"I'm Benio Adashino. Please, I hope to learn a lot from you," she said formally.
"Umaru Gojo, just call me Umaru," the girl replied, eyes sharp and curious as she studied Benio.
One glance at Benio and Umaru could guess why Gojo had such an impressive student under his tutelage.
Despite her frosty demeanor, Benio was undeniably cute.
Her long, straight black-and-purple hair fell over her shoulders, accented by a pink candy ball hairpin on top. Her striking green eyes and snow-white skin gave her an almost ethereal appearance, petite but elegant.
Umaru's mind immediately noted that this girl would be popular at Sobu High School.
She was also evaluating Benio carefully, while Benio herself couldn't help noticing Umaru's sharp, elegant features.
She really is Gojo-sensei's sister… but her hair is blonde? Wait… did Gojo-sensei dye his hair?
The thought made Benio's eyes widen slightly.
Before they could continue their silent appraisal, a sudden puff of white smoke erupted in the living room.
The Shikigami has appeared in a playful jump.
"Mama! Is it dinner time already?" Kinako's small form leapt onto Benio's lap, looking adorable and expectant.
Despite being a Shikigami and not susceptible to hunger in the traditional sense, Kinako loved real food—especially dried fish and small treats.
Umaru's eyes sparkled. "Wow, it can talks? With a Kansai accent? Is this… a fox? Or a kitten? Wait, is that… a fire on your head? How do I pat it?"
Before Benio could respond, Umaru leaned over, picked up Kinako, and examined it closely.
Her small hands ran over the fluffy tail and soft fur, eyes twinkling like stars in the evening.
Kinako, overwhelmed and flustered, remained motionless, not daring to resist.
If I struggle now… I might end up as today's meal!
"Benio, is this a Shikigami?" Umaru asked with genuine curiosity, holding Huang Fan carefully.
"Yes," Benio replied calmly. "Its name is Kinako. We formed a contract when I was very young. It's been with me as my Shikigami partner ever since."
Umaru nodded thoughtfully. "So… you're an exorcist, then?"
Benio frowned slightly at the question.
"Wait… aren't you supposed to be an exorcist too?"
As Gojo-sensei's sister, it seemed impossible that she wouldn't have some magical abilities.
Umaru simply shrugged, raising Kinako with a carefree smile.
"No, I'm not," she replied.
Though curious about exorcist techniques and powers,
Umaru preferred peaceful, daily life with her brother over training.
Benio tilted her head thoughtfully.
"But if danger comes in the future, you could protect yourself as an Exorcist."
"To be an Exorcist, one needs talent or innate power," Benio continued. "But you… as Gojo-sensei's sister, you probably have both."
Umaru chuckled, scratching Kinako's soft tail.
"If there's danger, I know my brother will show up to protect me anyway." She smiled warmly. "Just like last time… Brother, you'll always be there to save me."
Benio was momentarily stunned, unable to find words.
The room fell quiet, a soft calm settling over the living room.
...
A few minutes passed before Gojo's voice called out from the kitchen:
"Umaru! Benio! Dinner's ready!"
"Got it, Onii-chan!" Umaru replied, setting Kinako down and smiling warmly at Benio.
"Shall we go, Benio?" she asked, extending her delicate right hand.
Benio blinked, momentarily entranced, as if she had returned to a safe, childhood feeling of warmth and trust.
Slowly, she extended her left hand to meet Umaru's.
The two girls walked to the dinner table together, with Kinako leaping onto Benio's shoulder at just the right moment, adding a playful chaos to the evening.
Umaru glanced at Kinako and the small, mischievous Shikigami on Benio's shoulder. "He's… adorable."
Benio nodded, smiling softly.
"Yes. But careful—he may be small, but he's very powerful too."
"Powerful? Hahaha, I like that. Brother, can we keep him?" Umaru asked with excitement.
Gojo, now entering the dining area, gave a faint chuckle.
"He's not just for show. He's Benio's partner, and his abilities are nothing to underestimate. Treat him well, Umaru."
They exchanged glances.
Umaru's protective instinct flared slightly, but the genuine warmth between the three made the atmosphere feel like home.
Benio, holding Kinako, felt her nerves relax.
The evening was quiet, comfortable, and for once, free of monsters, curses, and danger.
Perhaps this… could be my new normal, she thought, her green eyes reflecting the soft light of the living room.
Kinako mewed softly, jumping from Benio's shoulder onto the table, inspecting the food curiously.
"Careful, little one," Umaru warned with a grin. "Don't mess with dinner before it's ready!"
Gojo laughed quietly from the kitchen.
"Looks like everyone's getting along already. Good. Harmony in the household is important for training… eventually."
Umaru, Benio, and Kinako shared a brief, quiet laugh.
The apartment, high-end and spacious, felt alive with the warmth of family—even if it was unconventional.
And for the first time in what felt like ages, Benio allowed herself to feel… at home.
...
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Bonus Chapter:-
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4 Bonus Chapter at 100 powerstone