Chapter 43: Nao Hayasaka and Haruno Yukinoshita
Todo Aoi, with his slicked-up topknot, combined with the scar near his eye and his muscular physique, gave off an impression of a rugged tough guy.
He was a second-year at Kyoto Jujutsu High, the sister school of Tokyo Jujutsu High, and already a Grade 1 Jujutsu Sorcerer.
However, those familiar with him knew he was surprisingly flighty and not serious at all.
His catchphrase, which he picked up after learning bad habits from his master, became, "What kind of woman do you like?"
He could proudly express his preferences in front of everyone:
"I like tall women with big butts the most!"
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"Why is Mr. Todo here as well?"
Mei Mei asked.
She had not been informed by Shinomiya Oko that he had also invited Todo Aoi.
Todo Aoi didn't hide it, his face filled with happiness, completely contrasting with his previously fierce expression.
"I'm here to see Takada-chan. I was planning to sneak in just now."
"Takada-chan?"
Mei Mei's tone was somewhat confused.
"Sister, that's an entertainer."
Ui Ui, who had been completely invisible until now, finally had a chance to express himself.
He said,
"She is currently one of the popular idols of Seiryu Entertainment."
"Exactly. Todo Aoi is a massive fan of Takada-chan."
Hikigaya Hachiman added, Todo Aoi, with his thick eyebrows and big eyes, was actually a frantic fanboy.
He was the most knowledgeable about his idol Takada-chan's schedule. Takada-chan would probably perform at this banquet.
"That's not fair, Great Author, you know me best.
Not only do I love Takada-chan, but I especially admire you."
Todo Aoi was a fanatic enthusiast of the Warhammer series of books.
The heroic sacrifices, the continuous struggle against the Xenos, Chaos Daemons, and alien races—shedding blood and guts for the Emperor and for all mankind—
these storylines often moved him to tears. He found it incredibly touching.
In Todo Aoi's words, he cried every time he read it, as he had a different experience each time.
As a result, Hikigaya Hachiman's Warhammer series of books became second only to Takada-chan in his heart.
Hikigaya Hachiman was originally a low-key person, but what could he do when Todo Aoi used his resources as a Grade 1 Jujutsu Sorcerer to track him down?
With only three Special Grade Sorcerers, one of whom had defected, the only practically useful Sorcerers the association had were the Grade 1s.
Therefore, Grade 1 Sorcerers held considerable authority.
But Todo Aoi used this authority for fangirling.
However, experiencing this kind of real-life exposure was enough for Hikigaya Hachiman.
Hikigaya Hachiman's information had now been locked down by the Kamo family, rendering a Grade 1 Sorcerer's access useless for investigating him.
"Great Author, if you ever hold a book signing, I'll definitely be the first in line."
Hikigaya Hachiman smiled helplessly.
"Thank you for your high regard."
Hikigaya Hachiman had no intention of hosting any book signings; they felt as awkward as handshake events.
"We have accepted a commission from the Shinomiya family to exorcise a Curse. Are you joining us?"
Todo Aoi's Cursed Technique was quite useful in a certain sense.
"Leave it all to me, Great Author."
Todo Aoi was immediately thrilled to hear he could help Hikigaya Hachiman.
He forcefully patted his chest. The black suit he was using as camouflage looked precarious, as if it might rip open.
"You just need to write the manuscript for the Great Heresy, and we readers have so many things to consider: when to catch up on the latest chapter, what music to play while reading...
But first, let me watch Takada-chan's performance."
Todo Aoi's small wish did not conflict with their plan to eliminate the Curse; the action was already scheduled to take place after the banquet.
The invitation given to Mei Mei was special. After passing security at the entrance, the news of their arrival was immediately relayed to the reception desk.
Once Mei Mei had parked the car, the assigned greeters immediately came forward.
The two were both short-haired women.
"Welcome, esteemed guests."
The gentle blonde woman, wearing a white casual outfit and a hat, bowed respectfully. She introduced herself:
"My name is Hayasaka Nao, and I am fully responsible for all matters concerning Lord Oko"
'Hayasaka.'
Upon hearing the surname, Hikigaya Hachiman immediately thought of his former deskmate, Hayasaka Ai.
Furthermore, their appearances were remarkably similar, making it hard not to connect them.
Could she be Hayasaka Ai 's mother?
Considering Ai Hayasaka served as Kaguya Shinomiya's maid, her mother serving Kaguya's older brother, Shinomiya Oko, as a sort of assistant seemed plausible.
The other young black-haired woman in business attire who introduced herself was also very familiar to Hikigaya Hachiman.
"Hello, I am Yukinoshita Haruno, currently Nao-san's secretary."
Hikigaya Hachiman recognized her instantly: she was Yukinoshita's older sister, Yukinoshita Haruno.
Hikigaya Hachiman already knew the Hayasaka family was an auxiliary to the Shinomiya family.
But since when did the Yukinoshita family get involved with the Shinomiya family—no, the Hayasaka family?
Hayasaka Nao, seeing Haruno had completed her self-introduction, continued:
"Your attendance is the Shinomiya family's honor. Haruno and I will now lead you to meet Lord Oko."
"Miss Mei, and gentlemen, please follow us."
Meanwhile, in front of an ostentatious desk, a balding, middle-aged man in a yellow kimono, who looked "brilliantly bald," was watching the screens.
He was Shinomiya Oko, the eldest son of the Shinomiya family and rumored to be the next successor to the Shinomiya business empire.
The man with the small mustache watched the figures on the large screen, his expression constantly shifting.
The screen feeds were live images captured by a tiny camera hidden in the corsage Nao Hayasaka wore.
"Grade 1 Sorcerer Mei Mei. Hmm? Grade 1 Sorcerer Todo Aoi, why did he come? I didn't invite him."
Both of them were active on the front lines of Sorcery and prominent figures in the Jujutsu world, so it was no surprise Shinomiya Oko recognized them.
"And the most important main event, 'The Emperor's Cleaner.'"
He certainly looked very capable.
"But isn't he too young? He looks about the same age as that girl Kaguya.
This is the person the old man wants me to figure out how to recruit?"
Shinomiya Oko recalled the specific task requested by Shinomiya Gan'an, the current head of the Shinomiya family.
'The Emperor's Cleaner, S-Rank confidential status in the Jujutsu Sorcerer Association, assessed as a Special Grade Sorcerer, helped the Jujutsu Sorcerer Association resolve several unknown grade Curse incidents, including XXX (access denied).'
The Shinomiya family's intelligence network struggled for years and only managed to find sparse information.
"But, whatever."
Shinomiya Oko looked at another file placed on the table.
"We'll find out whether he's a good investment or not. The trouble I'm dealing with here is caused by at least a Special Grade Curse.
If he can solve it for me, it proves the old man was right.
Damn it, I'll secure him even if it means marrying Kaguya off to him."
A hint of madness flashed in Shinomiya Oko's eyes.
'Kaguya, don't blame your big brother for being heartless and sacrificing your happiness.'
This investment was absolutely worthwhile.
After all, the prophecy the old man sought from Master Tengen was: "Obtaining this person will ensure the Shinomiya family's eternal prosperity."
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