This New Year, like always, was spent with Mr. and Mrs. Minamoto.
The first day after the New Year.
The whole family went to the temple to pray for blessings.
Clap, clap—
Sōjun Minamoto pressed his hands together in front of him and stood silently for a moment.
"What did you wish for, Jun?" Mr. Minamoto leaned over, curious.
"I wished for everyone to stay healthy and happy. That Mrs. Minamoto would always stay young and beautiful. And that Mr. Minamoto would finally become mature and dependable." Sōjun Minamoto shot him a glance. "That's it."
Mrs. Minamoto beamed and hooked her arm around his, but then her expression shifted. She turned to Mr. Minamoto and snapped, "Now it won't come true! It's your fault for asking!"
Mr. Minamoto quickly stepped forward, putting on a fawning face.
But Mrs. Minamoto wasn't letting him off the hook so easily.
Helpless, Mr. Minamoto kept shooting Sōjun pleading looks. When he saw he was being ignored, he gave him a discreet elbow nudge.
"It's fine. I made the wish twice," Sōjun Minamoto said with a smile. There was one he hadn't said out loud—so maybe that one would come true?
Mrs. Minamoto smiled again.
Mr. Minamoto gave a thumbs-up.
None of them actually believed in that kind of thing.
What mattered was the feeling of togetherness—doing something as a family, sharing favorite foods, bickering over little things, and then quickly making up.
...
"Happy New Year, Sensei!" Sōjun Minamoto greeted Masamichi Yaga as he arrived.
As usual, he'd come early—but the first day of the year always felt a little different.
"Here." Masamichi Yaga nodded at Mr. and Mrs. Minamoto, then handed over a notebook.
Sōjun didn't even need to open it—he already knew it was the final volume of Advanced Cursed Technique Study – New Edition (Part Two).
"This is the last one," Masamichi Yaga said with a hint of gravity.
Since Sōjun had turned ten, he'd worked through nine volumes, replacing one every six months on average.
Now that the New Year had passed, he'd be turning fifteen. Yaga had been teaching him for nearly five years.
"There's not much more I can teach you," he said, with a mix of pride and regret.
When they first met, the kid had barely reached his waist. Now, Yaga actually had to look up a little to meet his gaze.
He sighed, casting a glance at Kiyoyasu Minamoto, then back at Sōjun.
The Minamoto family might be small in number, but every one of them was remarkable—whether in temperament or appearance. It made sense, given that their family technique refined either the soul or the body toward perfection.
But the one in front of him was something else entirely—possessing both, and sometimes exuding a subtle but undeniable pressure. Or rather, a strange charisma that could stir people's emotions with ease.
The thought unsettled Yaga. If Sōjun Minamoto ever strayed down a dark path...
He had to get him into Jujutsu High—at least there, Yaga could keep an eye on him.
"You've finished all your high school coursework, right? Any plans for what's next?" Yaga asked, snapping himself out of his thoughts.
"I'll stay home and keep working on technique development for a few years. When I'm old enough, maybe go to university," Sōjun replied. After thinking for a moment, he added, "Could also take on more missions and make some money."
He spun a pen between his fingers, sounding casual.
His goal had always been the same—getting stronger. Everything else was just a means to that end.
University, for him, was a chance to dive deeper into biology and cursed technique development. If things went smoothly, he planned to keep studying long-term.
Two heads are better than one.
And what better environment for research than a university or an institute?
"You've never considered... joining Jujutsu High?" Yaga asked, calmly.
"There are two major Jujutsu schools in our world: Tokyo Metropolitan Jujutsu High and Kyoto Jujutsu High," he explained.
"Tokyo focuses purely on ability. Kyoto is more conservative."
"You could come to Tokyo High, study for four years, and upon graduation, transfer into a regular university as a third-year. Or you could temporarily affiliate with the school and enroll formally when you turn eighteen."
He gave a straightforward comparison, clearly favoring one over the other.
Seeing that Sōjun didn't seem interested, he added,
"Jujutsu High isn't just a school. It takes on missions, offers support, and holds a key place in the Jujutsu world.
People with similar skills and paths eventually cross. Whether you like it or not, you'll have to engage with this world.
Many sorcerers start their careers through the school. It's a hub for intel, mission assignment, and bounty distribution—with a fully developed system in place.
You're strong enough now to work on your own. But instead of doing it all solo, why not come to Jujutsu High? There, at least, you'll have a support team to watch your back."
"So, what do you say?"
It was as close to a direct invitation as Yaga had ever given.
Sōjun fell silent in thought.
He'd been asked this before.
Should he join Jujutsu High?
Back then, he had reservations—and had politely declined.
He didn't have a great impression of the school.
Outside, the only real danger was during exorcisms. Daily life was relatively safe—especially in the current era.
But in Jujutsu High, you didn't just face cursed spirits—you had to deal with politics, the schemes of the higher-ups, and constant vigilance against betrayal.
No one could keep their guard up every single day.
At the time, his power wasn't enough to draw attention—as long as he had no ties to Yaga.
But Masamichi Yaga was his sensei. His uncle. If he joined Jujutsu High, he'd be seen as taking Yaga's side. Back then, with his strength not yet sufficient, all he could do was avoid risk. Volunteering himself? Out of the question.
Now though, Yaga was asking again—and with more insistence. This was probably the last time he'd ask.
Sōjun didn't want to dodge the question anymore.
He had to give a clear answer—yes or no.
He weighed the pros and cons carefully.
Masamichi Yaga was a true teacher—dedicated, selfless, committed to his students.
Just like his name. A moth following the righteous path. A creature that would chase even the faintest light through darkness, forging ahead even if it meant self-immolation.
His flame... was education.
Sōjun genuinely respected people like him.
And with his current strength, he could protect himself. At the very least, he wouldn't be Yaga's weak link—no one would use him to target his teacher.
So finally, he nodded. "Alright."
Yaga's position wasn't exactly safe right now. Having someone trustworthy by his side would help shift the balance.
And truthfully, Sōjun was curious about the school's inner workings—those two institutions stood at the top of the Jujutsu world.
Besides, he really needed the money.
Sure, doing missions paid well—but he spent even more.
Without Yaga connecting him to jobs, it was tough to get assignments as a free agent.
He wasn't planning to enroll as a student anyway—he was going as a bounty sorcerer.
...
Mr. and Mrs. Minamoto brought the dishes to the table.
The group sat down and ate together.
During the meal, Yaga mentioned the school matter, but the two parents didn't show much concern. They just told Sōjun to decide for himself.
He'd always had a good head on his shoulders. They'd never needed to worry about him.
Their family dynamic was a bit unconventional.
Yaga didn't really understand that—hence why he'd even bothered asking for their opinion.
Sōjun quietly ate, his bowl overflowing with food that Mrs. Minamoto had piled in.
Who'd get it?
Even he had moments when he was just a kid.