Deep within the Hoshigami Estate, Kamo Itsuki sat in silent meditation, his senses tracing the intricate flows of cursed energy that permeated the ancient stones. Across from him, Tengen—now bearing the youthful visage of Amanai Riko, a change Kamo was still adjusting to—concluded her praise for his handling of the recent crisis and began her instruction on Barrier Technique. Kamo listened with absolute focus, intent on learning everything the ancient being could teach.
A year passed.
On the sun-dappled campus of Jujutsu High, Haibara Yu walked alongside Nanami Kento, his voice bright with curiosity. "Nanami, any idea why Senior Kamo called us here? It's so sudden!"
Nanami adjusted his tie, a faint frown on his face. "No. And if it's not a good reason, I will be annoyed. We have a long-distance mission tomorrow. Today was for rest."
"It's so mysterious!" Haibara chattered. "We've been enrolled for ages, and this is the first time he's sought us out personally."
Their conversation was cut short by a calm, steady voice. "Hello. It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Kamo Itsuki."
Kamo emerged from the shade of the trees. A year of dedicated cultivation had honed his presence; he carried a new, quiet authority in his stance and a deeper reserve in his eyes.
Haibara jumped to attention. "Ah! Senior Kamo! I'm Haibara Yu, pleased to meet you!"
Nanami offered a more measured, alert nod. "Nanami Kento. Please guide me."
Kamo's gaze assessed them both. "I called you here because I have a request."
"Anything! We'll do our best!" Haibara declared instantly, back straight.
Kamo waved a hand, a faint smile on his lips. "It's not so serious. I'm not asking you to exorcise a Special Grade. I simply heard you have a mission in Hokkaido tomorrow. The local specialties are quite good. I was hoping you could bring some back for me. That's all."
Haibara's face lit up with a simple, earnest smile. "Understood! Should we get more sweet ones or savory ones?"
Beside him, Nanami's eye twitched. He called us here for souvenir shopping? His estimation of the revered senior dipped slightly.
Kamo, perceptive as ever, nodded. "Sweet ones, I think. Gojo has a sweet tooth, so it's mainly for him."
A playful voice sliced through the air. "If you want sweets, just say so. Using my name to avoid looking like you're bullying your juniors? That's not your style, Itsuki."
Gojo Satoru materialized before them, a grin on his face. Immediately after, Geto Suguru descended gracefully on a bird-like curse. "You two. Always bickering the moment you meet, especially in front of Shoko and the juniors. Have some dignity."
Ieiri Shoko walked up, sighing. "You two really haven't changed at all in over a year. Completely immature."
The playful, charged question from the blonde stranger cut through the lingering surprise about the evaluation. Haibara blinked, utterly derailed. Nanami's professional mask of doubt slipped into pure bewilderment.
Gojo Satoru, however, broke into a wide, delighted grin. "Oh? Straight to the point. I like that!"
Geto Suguru pinched the bridge of his nose, already looking weary. "Yuki-senpai. Must you start like this every time?"
Tsukumo Yuki, the lone Special Grade sorcerer, chuckled, her imposing aura mixing with clear amusement. "What? It's a vital question. Tells you everything you need to know about a person." Her sharp eyes swept over the group before landing on Kamo Itsuki. "So. You're the one who's been causing all the interesting ripples. The planner."
Kamo met her gaze with serene composure, giving a slight, respectful bow of his head. "Tsukumo-senpai. An honor. And to answer your question broadly, I prefer the… efficient type."
Yuki barked a laugh. "Efficient! Good answer." She then turned her scrutiny to Gojo. "And you, miracle child? What's your type?"
Gojo placed a finger on his chin, feigning deep thought. "Hmm… strong, obviously. Someone who can keep up. And doesn't bore me." He flashed a dazzling smile. "Got any candidates?"
"You're a handful," Yuki stated, though she sounded more intrigued than annoyed. Her gaze finally settled on the two stunned first-years. "And you two? Don't worry, it's not part of the test. I'm just curious."
Haibara, completely red, stammered, "I-I've never really thought about it…!"
Nanami, having regained his composure, pushed his glasses up. "Someone responsible. And quiet."
Yuki nodded as if filing the answers away. "Alright, enough fun." Her demeanor shifted, the playful glint hardening into one of professional assessment. "Let's get to it. The Higher-ups are waiting in the observation dome. They've prepared a little playground for you three." She gestured vaguely toward the training grounds. "The evaluation is simple: exorcise the curse we've prepared in the designated area. How you do it, how fast you do it, and the… manner in which you do it will all be judged. By me, and by them." She thumbed over her shoulder toward the distant, shielded building.
She looked at Gojo, Geto, and Kamo. "This is their way of taking your measure. To see if you're just powerful students or genuine forces of nature they need to officially codify—and fear." A wicked smile touched her lips. "So. Try to make it interesting for me, at least. I didn't come all this way to watch you swat a fly."
With that, she turned and began walking toward the observation post, leaving the trio and their juniors in the suddenly tense sunlight. The casual souvenir run had vanished. The real test—a performance for the most critical audience in the jujutsu world—was about to begin.
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