The gates of Tokyo Jujutsu High stood tall before Aya, ancient wood etched with talismans that shimmered faintly in the sunlight. She hesitated, her reflection caught in the brass handles—uniform crisp, hair tied neatly, heart pounding with the weight of what awaited her inside.
"This is where it begins," Gojo said, stepping past her with his usual lazy stride, hands in his pockets. "The birthplace of curses, chaos, and coffee so bad it might be cursed itself."
Aya gave him a sharp look, half-nervous, half-amused. "You really can't take anything seriously, can you?"
He smiled behind his blindfold. "On the contrary, little sister. I take everything seriously… just not too seriously."
She followed him through the gates, the faint hum of cursed energy brushing against her senses as the world inside shifted subtly. The Academy wasn't large, but it radiated presence. Traditional buildings stood alongside modern structures, a balance of history and practicality. Students crossed the courtyards, energy flickering faintly around them like invisible flames. Some glanced her way, whispering curiously.
Aya felt the weight of their stares. They can sense it, she thought. They can feel my cursed energy, even if I can't fully control it yet.
Gojo stopped in front of a tall building draped in banners marked with protective sigils. "Welcome to the Academy," he said, sweeping an exaggerated bow. "You'll be staying here, training here, and occasionally questioning your life choices here."
"Comforting," she muttered, rolling her eyes.
"Come on," he said, motioning her forward. "There are people you should meet."
Inside, the hall smelled faintly of incense and paper. At the end of the corridor stood a woman with sharp eyes and a presence that seemed to cut through the air like a blade. She wore the uniform of a senior sorcerer—disciplined, cold, precise.
"Aya, this is Mei-sensei," Gojo announced. "She'll be supervising your training sessions when I'm… busy saving the world or drinking iced coffee."
Mei inclined her head slightly. "Gojo's sister, huh? I've heard whispers. Another prodigy from the same bloodline." Her tone wasn't hostile, but it carried a test in its cadence. "We'll see if you can live up to that name."
Aya straightened. "I'll do my best, sensei."
Mei's lips twitched faintly, almost approving. "We'll see what 'your best' looks like."
Gojo clapped his hands once. "Perfect. She's in good hands. I'll check back later—try not to break her too soon, Mei."
Mei shot him a look sharp enough to cut steel. "Out."
Gojo chuckled and waved lazily as he left, leaving Aya standing alone before her new instructor.
"Follow me," Mei said simply.
Aya obeyed, nerves tightening her chest. They stepped into the training courtyard—a wide, stone-paved expanse surrounded by paper wards that shimmered faintly in the breeze. Three students were already there, mid-exercise, their cursed energy flickering brightly in the afternoon light.
Mei gestured toward them. "These will be your classmates. Get to know them—you'll depend on each other in battle."
The first to approach was a tall boy with dark brown hair and sharp amber eyes. He gave her a curious smile. "So, you're Gojo's sister. I'm Ren Ishida. Don't worry, I'm not as intimidating as I look."
Aya nodded, shaking his hand. "Aya. And I'm not as strong as everyone seems to think."
He smirked. "We'll find out."
The second student, a girl with short silver hair and calm gray eyes, stepped forward next. "Mina Kurosawa," she said softly. "I'm in second year. Don't let Ren's confidence fool you—he still loses half his practice duels."
Ren groaned. "Mina, not in front of the new kid."
The third student was quieter—a boy leaning against the wall, his arms crossed, watching Aya with an unreadable expression. Mei noticed her glance.
"That's Arata," Mei explained. "Top of the first years. He doesn't talk much, but he's efficient. Maybe too efficient."
Aya gave him a polite nod. Arata only blinked once in response, gaze shifting back to his sword.
Mei clapped her hands sharply. "Introductions done. Now, Aya—show me your control. Ren, Mina, Arata—assist if needed."
Aya's pulse quickened. "Right now?"
Mei's stare didn't waver. "Curses don't wait for convenience."
Aya exhaled slowly, centering herself. She spread her hands, feeling the air vibrate as cursed energy gathered around her. It responded more easily now, flowing like an extension of her will. She focused, compressing it into a sphere of pale light that pulsed steadily above her palm.
"Good," Mei said. "Now maintain it."
Sweat formed along Aya's brow. The energy wavered, flickered—then flared violently before stabilizing again. Mina's eyes widened slightly.
"She's already producing a steady output," Mina whispered. "Most first-years can't do that without collapsing."
Aya felt her energy slipping again. No, stay with me… steady…
But a sudden burst of pain shot through her chest, and the sphere exploded outward in a shockwave that sent dust swirling across the courtyard. Ren shielded his face, laughing breathlessly.
"Guess control's still a work in progress!"
Aya gasped, catching her breath, but she didn't back down. "I can do better."
Mei raised a hand. "Again."
Aya clenched her fists and tried once more. The second attempt came smoother, cleaner, the cursed energy shaping itself with precision instead of force. She could feel it responding not to strength, but to balance. When she finally opened her eyes, the air around her shimmered faintly with a stable aura.
Mei nodded. "Better. You're learning to listen instead of fight. Remember that—most sorcerers lose because they battle their own energy."
Ren whistled. "Guess the Gojo bloodline really is something."
Aya smiled faintly, exhaustion tugging at her limbs. "Don't start worshipping me yet."
Mina chuckled softly. "I don't think he ever stopped."
Before Aya could respond, Mei's tone shifted—sharp, alert. "Enough. We've got company."
Everyone froze. The air in the courtyard thickened suddenly, cursed energy spiking like static. Aya turned sharply toward the northern wall, where a dark mist began to seep through the barrier.
"Already?" Ren muttered, drawing his talisman blade.
Mei's eyes narrowed. "Low-level infiltration curse. Aya, this is your second test."
Aya's pulse quickened. "Mine?"
"Yes," Mei said firmly. "You sensed it first. Deal with it. Ren, Mina, Arata—support if she falters."
Aya nodded, stepping forward. Her heart thundered, but her mind was clear. She felt the curse before she saw it—a distorted shape crawling across the barrier, its body writhing like liquid shadow. Without hesitation, she raised her hand, channeling cursed energy outward.
"Come on," she whispered. "Let's see what I've learned."
The curse lunged, shrieking, claws slicing through the air. Aya ducked low, feeling the wind of its strike brush past her. Her focus sharpened. Don't fight it. Feel it. The space between them pulsed—and she moved.
Her energy burst outward, slicing cleanly through the creature. The impact reverberated through her bones. The curse dissolved into mist before it even touched the ground.
Silence. Then Ren let out a low whistle. "Okay… that was impressive."
Mei crossed her arms. "Still reckless. But effective. You'll fit right in."
Aya exhaled deeply, adrenaline fading into fatigue. Gojo's words echoed in her mind—Your power can protect, or it can destroy.
As the cursed mist faded into nothing, Aya looked up at the Academy's ancient rooftops, the sunset painting them in gold and crimson. She realized then that this was more than a school. It was her new world—one she would have to master if she ever wanted to control her destiny.
And deep inside, a quiet fire burned: I'll protect them all. Whatever it takes.