Following the black-clad boy, Gojo Satoru could feel the unmistakable presence of cursed energy. There was no doubt—this was Geto Suguru.
But what had changed? Why was Geto missing from the entire world of sorcerers?
The boy moved through the crowded station, scanning the faces around him.
Gojo activated his Six Eyes, surveying Shinjuku Station for any unusual cursed energy. Nothing—just weak spirits lurking in the shadows. In other words, Geto wasn't looking for a cursed spirit.
"Master Suguru!"
A child's voice called out.
"Nanako, Mimiko!" Geto's voice was affectionate but tinged with reproach. "I told you to follow me after getting off the train. Don't run around!"
Two little girls with pigtails ran into Geto's arms, their faces bright with joy.
Gojo's mood instantly soured.
If he remembered correctly, last time, Geto slaughtered an entire village because of these two girls.
Had that event happened earlier this time? Was this why Geto never showed up at Jujutsu High?
Pulling out his phone, Gojo scrolled through the news while keeping an eye on Geto with his Six Eyes.
A few minutes later, a smirk tugged at his lips—there was no news of a massacre.
So Geto had met Nanako and Mimiko for a different reason this time.
Without hesitation, Gojo stormed toward the trio.
"Geto! How could you adopt two kids without telling me?"
Nanako and Mimiko looked up at him, blinking in confusion.
"Master Geto, is this your friend?"
Still holding the girls, Geto straightened up, his sharp, deep-set eyes full of wariness. "Who are you?"
"Ah!" Gojo clutched his chest dramatically. "Geto doesn't remember me? And you're raising kids behind my back?"
Geto's shoulders stiffened. "Sorry, I don't know you."
Gojo grinned, unfazed. "No problem! Let's start over. I'm Gojo Satoru, a high school sophomore. What school do you go to?"
Geto: "..."
How was this guy so shameless?
"Master Geto, let's go to the movies!" Nanako chimed in. "It's my first time in Tokyo!"
"I want sushi!" Mimiko objected.
Gojo casually raised his hand like the girls. "I know a great sushi place with amazing desserts. Sushi first, then movies!"
Mimiko pouted. "Master Geto said he doesn't know you!"
Nanako frowned. "Why would we bring you on our date with Master Geto?"
Gojo smirked. "Because I'm paying."
Nanako turned to Geto. "Master Geto, I heard Tokyo is really expensive."
Mimiko nodded. "We could save money for souvenirs for Master Geto's parents!"
Gojo clapped his hands. "Then let's go! If we wait too long, there'll be a line at the restaurant."
Before Geto could protest, Gojo grabbed his arm and led the group out of Shinjuku Station.
At a sushi restaurant near the station, they settled into a window seat.
After ordering every dessert on the menu, Gojo passed the menu to Geto. "You used to love the sushi here."
Geto hesitated before responding. "You must have me confused with someone else. This is my first time in Tokyo."
"Nope!" Gojo leaned back, unbothered. "You're just younger than I remember."
When Geto didn't order, Gojo casually picked out the dishes he knew Geto liked.
His phone suddenly rang—Yaga Masamichi.
The moment he answered, a furious voice roared: "Gojo! Where are you?! The first-years have been waiting at the station for two hours!"
Gojo, completely guilt-free: "I sent Nanami the location of Jujutsu High. They'll find their way."
"How do you even know Nanami's number?"
"He hasn't changed it in years. And I have a good memory."
"That's not the point! His file didn't even include his—"
"La la la… sensei, bad signal. Gotta go."
Gojo hung up before Yaga could continue.
Geto, calmly placing a piece of salmon sushi on Mimiko's plate, said, "Gojo-kun, if you have things to do, you don't have to stay—"
"No, no, it's Satoru."
"Huh?"
"Call me Satoru, not Gojo-kun."
"Uh… if Satoru-kun has things to do, then—"
Gojo waved him off and stuffed a piece of cake into his mouth. "I'm free. At least until Geto tells me where he's studying."
Geto sighed. "I transferred to Teitan High School this year. Now can you leave?"
Gojo's grin widened. "Teitan High? Eh? Why should I leave? We still have a movie to catch."
Pulling his sunglasses down just enough to reveal his pale blue eyes, he added, "Didn't you say we were going to the movies?"
Geto: "..."
An hour later, Geto walked out of the restaurant with two happy four-year-olds in tow—and one annoyingly persistent white-haired boy trailing behind.
The city was settling into the evening, the moonlight slipping through thin clouds, casting soft light over the bustling streets.
To get to the movie theater, they had to pass through a quiet alleyway. The yellow glow of streetlights flickered against the pavement.
Halfway through, a faint energy fluctuation sent a shiver down Gojo's spine.
His carefree expression disappeared.
Without turning his head, he glanced at Geto.
The other boy looked normal, his gaze fixed ahead.
But his hands, gripping Nanako and Mimiko's shoulders, had tightened ever so slightly.
Something was coming.