It was autumn. As the summer heat faded and the students of Jujutsu High began preparing for the Goodwill Event once again, the school was on the verge of a major turning point.
"Switching to a three-year system?"
Satoru Gojo let out a stunned, bewildered shout after being summoned and briefed by Masamichi Yaga. His classmates sitting on either side of him wore similarly surprised expressions.
"That is correct. Because of this transition, we will have an irregular graduation where both the current third-year and fourth-year students will graduate at the same time."
"But why—no, I suppose it makes sense. Is it because it is considered a waste to keep us as students?"
"Exactly. It is just as Suguru says. Rather than forcing the 'Strongest' and 'Elite' generations to endure a four or five-year moratorium of school education, they believe you should focus on your duties as sorcerers. With the start of the new elementary and middle school operations, it was determined that education up to the equivalent of high school graduation is sufficient for future generations."
"Ehh, so we're being kicked out of Jujutsu High?"
Shoko Ieiri asked with a troubled frown, but Yaga shook his head in response to her question.
"No, I have made arrangements to hire anyone who wishes to stay as a teacher. I have already heard about your future career paths, after all."
"Nice, Sensei! So we get all the benefits without the classes!"
"You always did look bored during lectures, Satoru," Suguru Geto remarked.
"Well, I guess I'm fine with it too. As long as I have a job, I won't starve. Oh, Sensei, since I want to get my medical license, can't you use your authority as principal to pull some strings for me?"
"Sigh... You three haven't changed a bit. I will look into Shoko's matter. And Satoru, there are still six months until graduation, so you will attend classes as usual until then."
"Ehh, why bother? Just let us graduate now."
"Absolutely not."
Yaga let out another sigh, but it was clear to everyone that his expression had softened. Everyone felt it: the time for parting was approaching for the Yaga class, who had spent four years together since enrollment.
---
Meanwhile, in another location, the Elite Trio—also known as the Kusakabe class—were discussing their own paths after receiving a similar explanation.
"Naoya, you're going back to your family home, right?"
"Well, yeah. I'm the next head, so that's how it goes. Once I graduate, I'm heading back to Kyoto."
"It's going to be lonely. Although, I suppose it sounds strange coming from me," Kento Nanami said.
"It's not strange at all. We're classmates."
"Nanami, you're going to be a freelance sorcerer like Mei Mei, right?" Yu Haibara asked.
"Yes. On the surface, I intend to call it a detective agency. I've spent so much time desperately searching for people lately that I should be able to manage a decent imitation of the job."
"A detective... that sounds like it would suit you, Nanami," Haibara noted.
"Speaking of which, what is Mei Mei's business on the surface?"
"That woman? Her main job is a fortune teller. I'm pretty sure she also holds licenses as a financial planner and things like that," Naoya Zen'in replied.
"Now that you mention it, when I consulted her about going independent, she said something that sounded like a prophecy. I didn't realize that was her actual profession."
"What did you ask her for advice on?"
"Just the location for my office. At the time, she told me, 'Go north if you want to become a new version of yourself; go south if you want to return to your old self.' Looking back, it did sound like a fortune."
"Whoa! So, what did you choose, Nanami?"
"I chose Tokyo."
"That's not north or south, that's east. Based on your current position, does that mean you're maintaining the status quo?"
"I suppose. I am naturally pessimistic, but I am enjoying myself enough as I am now."
"I see! I'm planning to stay at Jujutsu High, so if you're in Tokyo, maybe I'll get to see you often, Nanami!"
"Most likely. Besides, for Naoya, the distance between Tokyo and Kyoto might as well not exist. You can meet whenever you want, can't you?"
"That's true. And I'll probably have missions in the Kansai region sometimes, right?"
"Definitely! Once we're old enough to drink, we should have a drinking party!"
"I would be interested in that."
"Nanami, you've got Nordic blood, don't you? I bet you can drink like a fish," Naoya teased.
"Yeah, I can totally see that."
"Well, genetically speaking, the probability is high, but..."
As they talked about their future prospects, they maintained their discipline as sorcerers, but they were also, unmistakably, eighteen-year-old boys.
---
Later that night, at a tavern not far from Jujutsu High, the adults were sharing drinks.
"With only six months left until graduation, even I'll feel a bit lonely, despite those idiots being my students."
"Yeah... It is a rare thing for everyone to be able to graduate together like this."
"True. When I graduated, it was just me. What about you, Principal?" Atsuya Kusakabe asked.
"I was also one who graduated alone. A generation where everyone who was there on the day of the entrance ceremony stays until graduation... this might be the first time."
"Below the Sakata generation in Kyoto, there hasn't been a single student death. It's pathetic that we have to rely on the students for that result, but as a teacher, I can't help but feel a sense of relief..."
"We owe a debt of gratitude to Naoya. This wouldn't have happened with just Satoru and Suguru."
"Really? From the outside, Gojo and Geto just look like arrogant brats who think they're the strongest..."
"Having only two is surprisingly fragile. Suguru was too serious, and Satoru was too detached from reality. In that regard, Naoya is... how should I put it? He's 'grounded.'"
"Well, he's strict about getting stronger and his manners are solid, but at his core, he's a normal guy. A horny brat, too... it's obvious how he drools over Mei Mei."
"Exactly. That was likely good for Suguru and Satoru. Now, Suguru has become less stiff in a good way, and Satoru has become more human in a good way."
"I guess so."
Yaga and Kusakabe continued their conversation, tilting their cups. Two more figures opened the sliding door of the shop and joined them.
"Oh, you're already at it. I hope we didn't keep you waiting?"
"No, it's actually a bit earlier than the time you mentioned."
"Ah, you're here. How are Yuki Tsukumo and Fushiguro doing lately?"
"Are you drunk already, Kusakabe? Where's the subject in that sentence? ...Well, I guess things aren't too bad. Even Amanai is worth whipping into shape, in her own way," Toji Fushiguro grumbled.
"Right? As expected of my student. Her talent is overflowing."
"Ho. Maybe I'll take a crack at seeing what the former Star Plasma Vessel can do once those kids graduate."
"Oh! That sounds great! I taught her Simple Style, so you should treat her like a junior from the same school! After all, isn't Atsuya Kusakabe the strongest in modern Simple Style?"
"Who the hell is going around saying that!?"
"The Strongest generation, the Elite generation, and Mei Mei were all spreading it around."
"Those damn brats!"
The group of teachers laughed as Kusakabe held his head in his hands. Their quiet banquet, held by those who cherished the peace of the jujutsu world over the past few years more than anyone, continued late into the night.
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