Chereads / Jobless Transportation - The Honored One / Chapter 50 - Gojo Satoru Is Not Simple

Chapter 50 - Gojo Satoru Is Not Simple

Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction based on multiple existing anime/manga series. The characters and settings used in this story belong to their respective owners and creators, and no copyright infringement is intended. This story is purely for entertainment purposes and is not intended to infringe upon any existing intellectual property. I do not own any of the original works that inspired this fanfiction, and I fully support the original creators and their works.

I'm also occasionally chilling in JaxWolf4's (Author of Nah, I'd Adapt) Discord Server. It's a chaotic lobotomy mess. Not for the faint of heart.

Here's the link:

Disc: HrPrTeam

-Story Start-

Sitting leisurely in front of Ariel, the sun peeking out of the glass window; a beautiful day outside as the sun loomed over Sharia.

Gojo Satoru was met with quite the offer.

And quite the bombshell...

Not only did Rudeus cheat on Eris with that Elf Girl!

He also married her!

...

Another letter to Alistair it is!

None shall escape righteous justice!

Ahem!

"A round trip to Biheiril on top of negotiations in only two months? Doesn't it roughly take two months just to get there?" Satoru inquired with a tilted head.

Smirking wickedly in response, Ariel lifted a finger, "It's a play of words... 'The entire ordeal shouldn't take more than two months' was meant for getting there. Returning and negotiations would take between 5-7 months with Sylphy~"

Mirroring her expression, prompting an agonized sigh from Luke who stood by Ariel's side, Satoru nodded approvingly, "I like the way you think~!"

'She's pushing it. But it's a good offer.' He thought momentarily, simultaneously impressed and disappointed by Ariel's manipulation attempt... Of Him.

...

Then, he lowered his head holding his chin in a serious and contemplative expression, "But... 5-7 months." He hummed as he tapped his chin rhythmically with his finger.

He still had to study teleportation magic, after all.

They were making incredible progress, they shouldn't stop their momentum.

But the prospect of finally getting out of this place and routine to explore another part of this wide world before he leaves for good does sound refreshing and enticing.

'Well, I could research on my own; after all, I don't need a Research Room for that.' Satoru's thoughts lingered for a moment, then shifted to a darker, more selfish corner of his mind:

'Nor do I need Nanahoshi anymore.'

Nevertheless, a twinge of concern flashed in his mind.

A sense of responsibility and care he wasn't yet aware of affected his judgment.

Quickly, it was veiled; replaced by a mischievous idea playing in his mind.

Lifting his head, he met Ariel's eyes through his shades, "I'll check on Shizuka-chan. You wouldn't mind her joining us, wouldn't you~?"

Ariel froze for a moment at that namedrop.

She couldn't even begin to describe the level of shock that coursed through her body at this moment.

Nonetheless, she blinked to collect herself, smiling broadly, "I'd be more than honored to have Miss Silent join us in our travels." She nodded yet her smile was clearly uneasy.

Gojo Satoru had, once more, seen through her.

It was without any further prompting, that Satoru clasped his hands together, vanishing from the cozy Student Council Room.

A moment of silence later, Luke voiced out his concerns:

"Weren't you certain of his immediate agreement?"

Ariel's smile cracked for a moment, as she replied, "I was..." She started.

Looking up at Luke, she felt slightly ashamed, "But, I misread his character."

He frowned, "It was my failure as well in that case, Lady Ariel-"

She shook her head cutting him off, eyes narrowing as she elaborated, "A man like him."

"The 6th Great Power. A man of power we aren't capable of comprehending. He's exceedingly selfish and flippant. Although capable of sympathy and care; he would ignore those in favor of his self-interest and whims... Or so I thought."

She paused.

"His decision to assist us... I couldn't help but view it any other way than a child playing with his favored toys. Begging for his assistance and receiving it was simply a miracle; perhaps he was feeling merciful. Nonetheless, I knew what we were to expect from the resulting relationship... We could be discarded at any moment."

She chuckled wryly, "Truth be told, it is not so strange for him to act this way, given who he is. I was simply thankful he's been with us this long."

Luke nodded, "Dangle a toy in his face; a promise of fun and joy, and he'd agree immediately. That was your plan, wasn't it? Lady Ariel."

She nodded, "As long as we can still amuse him, we'll be kept by his side. He'll reward us with his indulgence." She shamelessly admitted, her determination brimming in her eyes.

...

Luke was confused, "Then... Why hadn't he agreed?"

Ariel nodded, "I had thought it was because of my arrogance in trying to manipulate him that led to his disagreement... It isn't that."

She failed to notice any clear annoyance in his expression, nevertheless, it might have been there.

As if viewing him in a completely new light, Ariel couldn't help but mumble, "He disagreed... Because he cares."

Blinking, Luke didn't quite understand, "I don't understand, didn't we establish he is capable of such emoti-"

Cutting him off, Ariel elaborated, "Yes, but always within the bounds of his self-interest and satisfaction. I never expected him to place anyone else above his own desires... This is the first time I've witnessed such unselfishness from him."

Her mind raced, as she recalled all the information and events concerning Gojo Satoru, puzzle pieces rearranging in her mind.

An even more absurd conclusion she had discarded the moment it had formed returned to her psyche.

"Could it be... That he agreed to help us... Because he truly cares?" Ariel's voice softened, and she looked up at Luke, her mind racing with disbelief, hoping for some confirmation or a different perspective from him.

"I... Do not know." He replied honestly.

It seems Ariel Anemoi Asura and her Faction have yet to truly understand Gojo Satoru.

---------------------------

"You're lucky I'm dressed, Gojo-kun." A tired voice exclaimed as it sluggishly arose from its cocoon of sheets, her silky long black hair the glaring feature.

Ignoring the tired voice, Satoru commented on the state of the room, "I'm impressed you've cleaned house since I've last been in your room, Shizuka-chan~!"

What once was a room filled with dirty laundry, sheets, bowls of scraps, and otherwise...

Is now a clean and tidy room that would have stereotypically fit a woman like Nanahoshi Shizuka.

A jolt went down Nanahoshi's spine at the embarrassment of having Satoru see her prior dirty room.

He didn't stop cackling for at least half an hour...

"...This is a clear invasion of my privacy." She pointed out as she slowly hopped off of her bed.

Waving her off, Satoru scoffed, "Oh, now you complain."

Approaching him, she looked up at him, her coal eyes visible without her mask, "Now then, any reason you're here to see me this early?"

Smirking, Satoru answered, "Cause I've missed you~! Shizuka-chan~!"

...

Unconvinced, Nanahoshi replied, "I doubt it. On with it, I want to go bathe."

For a moment, Satoru couldn't help but feel a great deal of amusement and satisfaction at managing to return proper hygiene to this formerly depressed Hikikomori.

With a smirk on his face, Satoru replied with a bombshell, "I'm leaving for roughly five to seven months. I'm going with the Princess and her lackeys to the Biheiril Kingdom. I'll be continuing our research without issue, don't worry~!"

Without giving her a moment to process his words, he lowered his head, his face dangerously close to hers, "Wanna join~?" He offered.

Such close proximity to a man such as Gojo Satoru would have made any normal woman flustered and unable to think straight.

It is inconclusive whether it is fortunate or not, however, Nanahoshi had lost the classification of - 'Normal' a few years ago.

Without any drastic change in expression except a small frown on her face, she lifted her hand, pinching Satoru's nose, a glare in her eyes.

"Yesh, yesh." Satoru's voice came out funny, as he adhered to Nanahoshi's glare; taking a step back and disengaging from his clear invasion of her personal space.

...

Her frown deepened as she noticed his easygoing expression, "Is there no way to convince you otherwise? I can't help but repeat this... Gojo-kun, you're delaying our return and I fear at this rate, you will not want for it."

Then... Surprise crossed her features at Satoru's following action.

He shrugged, "I'll stay if you don't want me to go." He declared nonchalantly.

"Huh?" She squeaked out, having expected him to dismiss her concerns or convince her otherwise clearly.

Amused by it, he pointed at her, "I have to set my priorities straight, after all~! Besides, Ariel's been pushing it with that one." He confessed the truth.

...

Lowering her head to think about it, Nanahoshi genuinely thought about Satoru's offer.

'I am aware he can research on his own, and so can I... We could split our focus and once he's back we'll piece together our research. But... It's still far worse than him staying here and working with me.'

Nanahoshi was surprised that she was looking at a gift horse in the mouth.

Shaking her head, 'What am I thinking? He should just sta-'

Then, she paused, recalling that this was a golden opportunity to make that trip she wanted without Satoru's frustrating interference or him causing some kind of incident.

Lifting her head, she nodded, "You can go, I don't want to keep you here. But we have to discuss split research before you do."

For the first time in a long while, Satoru himself was greatly surprised.

His shades dropped to his nose, revealing the stunned glimmer in his Six Eyes.

Collecting himself, he shook his head with mirth, admitting, "I'd have expected you to be more clingy than that, Shizuka-chan~!" He chuckled.

Ignoring his statement, Nanahoshi lifted an eyebrow, "I'm not your girlfriend." She shook her head, "Do you want me to keep you here, then?" Not understanding what he actually wants.

A small yet genuine smile formed on Satoru's face, "Not at all. It's just I'm surprised with how lightly you're taking this."

Folding her arms, Nanahoshi replied, "I've researched for a long time on my lonesome... With you and Rudeus-san, I've finally made some progress. Half a year apart won't change much, it might even prove to be more effective if we split our efforts, Rudeus-san should be back any time now so I won't truly be alone." She gave it a second thought.

Nodding, she met his eyes with her own, a plea in her gaze, "Just... Promise me you'll be back as soon as you can?"

Shrugging, Satoru chuckled, "I can be back whenever I want to~" He arrogantly stated.

Nanahoshi's built-up Satoru Tolerance had finally cracked as she ground her teeth impatiently, "My goodness... You know what I mean!" She exclaimed with a hint of anger.

Smiling, Satoru nodded, "Yeah, yeah. I promise."

"Good." Nanahoshi nodded with a broad, satisfied smile herself.

...

Satoru advised, "Might be the tenth time I've said this, but it wouldn't hurt for you to get some friends. Nina's been trying forever despite how cold and mean you ar-"

She threw a chair at him.

...

Letting Infinity handle the chair, as it froze midair, Satoru's smirk widened, ignoring Nanahoshi's violent response, "Well, I'll inform the pervert that I'll be joining her then."

Without much further dialogue, Satoru left Nanahoshi to her devices, a hint of suspicion crossing his features.

It's as if... It was an opportunity for her.

---------------------------

In one of the many open courtyards of the Magic University.

A certain lovestruck duo of students leisurely watched over an ensuing duel, sitting together on a bench.

Truth be told, they couldn't help but cringe at the size discrepancy between the two parties:

A small, blonde girl with green eyes no older than 10 wielded a wooden sword steadfastly.

The grip on the tiny training blade was awkward and shaky, as labored sweat glistened her face.

The girl faced a herculean opponent - A tall bald man, a bandana on his head as he calmly held his spear.

He made no effort to strike the girl, nor go on the offensive.

After a moment, to the outsider's eye, it was evident that it was nothing more than a training session.

"HYA!" The girl roared loudly, running forward with all her might, her blade swung in an upward arch.

A small frown appeared on the tall man's face, as he easily blocked the swing with his spear.

The man hummed, "How strange... Your brother had no trouble with basic Sword God at your age."

With a swift motion, Ruijerd's spear twisted, disarming her and sending the sword clattering to the ground, "Norn, you're not ready," he said firmly, his eyes narrowing as he added, "Focus on your strength first."

Norn's grip strengthened, her knuckles paling.

Her lips quivered, barely suppressing a frustrated growl as her eyes stung, the anger and disappointment evident in her rigid stance.

For a ten-year-old, it was remarkable how much she held back.

She knew Ruijerd meant no offense by it, yet she couldn't help but be hurt by it...

She was... Inadequate.

"Yes... Mister Ruijerd." She agreed, barely holding back tears with a lowered head.

The Superd couldn't help but form a small smile at the girl's determination, he approached patting her hair gently, ceasing her self-loathing in an instant.

"Nicely done, Norn!" Elinalise got up from the bench, approaching the worn-out Greyrat with a flask of water and a broad smile.

Turning to the tall elf woman who knows her father, Norn nodded appreciatively and politely thanked her, albeit quietly, "Thank you, Miss Elinalise." She took the flask and practically inhaled its contents.

Did she truly do well?

Norn knew the answer.

Elinalise couldn't help but smile at how polite and quiet Norn was, she found her quite adorable.

...Except for the fact she carried Paul Greyrat's genes.

Cliff wasn't too far away, as he fixed a look at Ruijerd, "You've been here for weeks. Don't you have anything else to do?" He genuinely inquired.

Cliff was appreciative of how caring and loyal Ruijerd was, however, something about this man rang alarm bells in his mind.

He and Elinalise were taking good care of the Greyrat Sisters fairly well in the absence of Rudeus, nevertheless... This Guard Dog kept a watchful eye.

However, he did seem to struggle with keeping track of the more talented sister.

Shrugging, Ruijerd replied evenly and stoically, "I made a Warrior's Promise. Until I witness them in Rudeus's hands, I shall carry on with my promised duty."

And that was that.

No elaboration.

Straight and to the point.

Cliff couldn't help but shake his head and sigh at that.

Turning to Norn, Cliff scrutinized her dirtied visage but noted no injuries.

Smiling, he lowered himself to her eye level, yet she kept a lowered head not meeting his gaze - she knew she lost the bet.

"Sorry, Norn. But I cannot let you enroll until Rudeus returns and makes a decision. Go clean yourself at the Hot Springs, Lise will go with you." He stated firmly, a note of sympathy crossing his features.

Norn couldn't help but bite her lip.

At the unfairness of it all.

Aisha managed to get permission to work as a Staff Member at the University.

Yet she can't enroll as a simple student?

Though... She knew the truth.

She was... Inadequate.

"Yes, Mister Cliff." She nodded, grabbing Elinalise's larger hand with her own dirty, calloused one.

Before they left, though...

"Yo!" A cheery, familiar voice rang aloud in the secluded courtyard.

All present heads turned to the source, a familiar and notorious man:

"Gojo." Cliff regarded the man evenly, calling his name with a note of suspicion and clear disdain in his glare.

Though a great note tamer than his previous seething glares.

'Whatever he's here for... It isn't anything good.' Cliff already concluded in his mind.

Without a moment's hesitation, Norn detached herself from Elinalise's grasp and hid behind Ruijerd.

Satoru couldn't help but blink at that little reaction, pointing at himself, "Do I have something on my face? Did my beat-up of her older brother send a tremor down the whole bloodline?" He asked with a note of amusement.

Waving him off, Cliff shook his head, "No, she's just shy around others. What do you want?" He cut to the point.

Satoru immediately pouted, approaching Cliff and wrapping his hand around the Milis believer's shoulder, "What? Can't I go and visit my good pal once in a while?"

Gently pushing Satoru away from their close and rather clingy proximity, Cliff replied firmly, "No."

"Gah, you wound me~!" He held his heart in faux hurt.

Immediately collecting himself, Satoru cut the chase, "Anyway, how's the Curse Removal Research going?" He inquired, pointing lazily at Elinalise.

Satoru had hit Cliff right in the weak spot.

A smile formed on Cliff's face as he beamed, "It's going steadily, I'm still trying to think of alternatives to fix the Mana Consumption of the Magic Tool. Its ugly appearance is only temporary, however. With my Genius Intelle-"

"Okay, okay. I got it... That's good to hear." Satoru stopped him there with a palm, chuckling wryly.

Turning his head and ignoring Cliff's annoyed glare, Satoru pointed to the distance, to a far-off section of the Academy, "Have you tried testing how it works on a Miko? Like the funny doll guy?"

"Zanoba Shirone."

"Same thing," Satoru confirmed.

Lowering his head, Cliff shook his head, considering Satoru's suggestion, "I haven't. It is a fundamentally different curse from Lise's, I see no need to test it on him."

Satoru hummed, stating nonchalantly, "Well, who knows? It might lead to a breakthrough, but good luck with your research~!"

Dismissing Cliff quickly, Satoru turned to the trio of Elinalise, Ruijerd, and Norn.

Rujierd, as per the norm, nodded respectfully in acknowledgment of Satoru's presence.

Satoru waved to them, having finished his business here, but froze as a fun idea popped into his mind.

Approaching Norn and Ruijerd, he started, "You sure picked quite the far-off spot for a little spar." He noted the sword.

Eventually reaching in front of Ruijerd, a disarming smile made its way to Satoru's face at Ruijerd's tensed limbs and hardened gaze.

Lowering himself to Norn's height, the girl shivered at the shaded man's leisurely look settling on her.

Yet, a sense of safety calmed her nerves; Ruijerd was watching Satoru's every movement like a hawk.

With a playful smirk and wicked grin, he advised the young Greyrat, "If 'Big Brother' bothers you... Kick him in the balls." He bluntly and uncouthly stated, mockingly mentioning Rudeus's blood relation with Norn.

Blinking in surprise at the rather unexpected statement, Norn couldn't help but nod automatically.

Lifting a finger, Satoru suggested, "If that doesn't work... Call me~! I'll gladly discipline him! Hehe~!"

Without a chance for her to respond, Satoru clasped his hands together and promptly disappeared without a trace or sound.

As if he had never been there.

It was a familiar yet still absurd phenomenon to bear witness to, but as the saying goes:

Expect the unexpected when The Anomaly is involved.

Elinalise couldn't help but shake her head, "That man has an almost childish dislike of Rudeus, I can't truly grasp it. Hadn't they settled their business?" She titled her head, wondering aloud.

Ruijerd gave his aged advice, his tense stature relaxing at Satoru's disappearance, "I know not the grievances between Rudeus and Gojo Satoru... However, some men can have petty misgivings with one another for centuries."

Elinalise shrugged with a small smile, "Boys will be boys."

Norn broke out of her bewildered trance from Satoru's sudden teleportation, her eyes glittered with curiosity at Ruijerd disclosing more of his past, "Are you speaking from experience, Mister Ruijerd?"

A sad, aged smile formed on the Superd's face, ruffling Norn's hair, "Yes." He nodded, indulging the innocent question from the girl who didn't know any better.

...

Amid the comfortable silence, Cliff's eyes fixated on the spot Satoru was prior to leaving.

Sensing his unease, Elinalise questioned, "What's wrong?"

He shook his head, "It's nothing." Plastering a smile.

He noted, 'This is the third time he's been checking on my research and giving me subtle advice... What does he want?'

Internally, Cliff was thankful Satoru hadn't used his superiority to force anything out of the former.

However...

Why not just be blunt and request whatever it is he wants from him?

Wouldn't that be far more simple?

It's not like... They're on completely bad terms.

...He just dislikes him slightly.

--------------------------

Following his Afternoon research with Nanahoshi, Satoru found himself outside the Detoxification Magic Lecture, arriving just as Students were leaving and clearing their way for him to pass through.

Having met up with a specific person of interest:

"You're leaving for Biheiril?" Nina repeated with a note of perplexion at the sudden news.

"Yup~! For half a year or so!" He confirmed with a goofy thumbs-up.

Silence enveloped the two of them amid the rather rackety and stuffed hallway, as students went about their day and whispered as usual about Satoru.

Having appeared to reach some conclusion, Nina nodded, plastering a warm smile, "Enjoy yourself, Gojo. I'll be staying here, I still have much to learn before I go home."

Satoru's eyes widened imperceptibly once again, noting the slight distance in her tone this time around.

Nodding in acknowledgment, he asked a rare favor from her, "Mind making sure Shizuka-chan doesn't get back to her dirty state while I'm gone?"

Nina froze, her hand stilling mid-motion as her eyes flickered with something unreadable before she shook her head, a small, almost melancholic smile tugging at her lips, "You truly are shameless, aren't you?" She muttered, though there was a deeper edge to her tone.

The mood warmed up in spite of her complaint and undertone.

Satoru smirked, "Is that a no~?"

Regarding him with one eye open, Nina huffed her shoulders slumping with disappointment, "Only if you bring me a souvenir from there... I heard the Fighting Pits are quite the spectacle..."

She frowned, admitting, "I would go with you, but... I want to complete a year's worth of education before heading back to training, at least reach Intermediate in Detoxification."

Satoru frowned as well, "Yeah... At this rate, you're eating Eris's dust-"

A punch flew to his face, which he promptly caught, "Touchy, are we~?"

"It's the last time I get the chance to do this before you go... When are you leaving?" She inquired.

"A week at the latest. The Pervert needs to get her things prepared and whatnot." He waved in dismissal.

Lowering her head in thought, Satoru noticed Nina's clear hesitation, "Well, you've got a couple of days to make up your mind... It's all on Ariel's tab so don't worry about costs~!" He chuckled.

He turned away to walk to his next destination, looking over his shoulder, he met her gaze, "Wanna grab a bite? I'm heading to Rang's Tavern."

Beaming, she smiled and quickly ran up and joined him, walking by his side as they leisurely strolled through the hallway in comfortable silence.

...And a bit of tomfoolery in between.

--------------------------

It was a beautiful afternoon over the outskirts of Sharia.

The snow had melted thanks to the Magic Tool at the center of the city, allowing for clear and clean cobblestone-paved streets.

Our focus shifts to a warm tavern nestled within one of the many alleys of the city.

It appeared to be a fine day for some midday drinking...

Or so some Magic University Students thought.

"I can't help but pity your parents. I wonder how hellish it must've been to raise such a goblin of a brat?"

She spat rather uncouthly, "I find it immensely detestable that Lady Ariel will be sharing a carriage for months with a vermin like you." Clarice hissed, pointing at Gojo with a drunken fervor, cursing his very existence.

The reason for such sophisticated insults?

...

He sneaked a booger into her mead...

A chug of mead was promptly thrown into his cackling figure, Infinity stopping it and the loosely flying liquid in their track.

The Inn's staff amazed at Satoru's casual display, stood on standby in case things got dicey between the students.

"Wow, the insults are just flying today, huh." Nina couldn't help but exclaim in dry amusement.

She admitted with a sweatdrop, "He's done much worse back home..."

To Nina's surprise, Satoru was much tamer in the University than back in the Holy Land Of Swords.

Though, if one were to ask Satoru, he'd admit:

"They knew how to take a joke that lot! BAHAHAHAHHA!"

"I'D STRANGLE YOU IF I COULD!" Clarice stood in clear defiance of the Great Power.

Ladies and Gentlemen...

The true face of Gojo Satoru's Number 1 Fan - The cunning Clarice Redbat.

Having been seen through and thoroughly bewildered, the Asuran Noble banished all subtleties, and truth be told...

Satoru liked her more this way.

Though, for a split second, thousands of old memories flashed in Satoru's mind at Clarice's 'innocent' question.

A reminder of his childhood.

The childhood of the first Gojo to be born with both the Six Eyes and Limitless Cursed Technique in over four centuries:

Those same, repetitive and nagging phrases...

"As expected of you, Satoru-sama. Mastering Falling Blossom Emotion on your first attempt."

"Do not meet their gazes, Satoru-sama, they are not worthy of you."

"A 1st Grade Level Curse should serve no challenge for you, even at six years old."

"You truly are and will be... The Strongest."

...

"Can I go to that city?" A child Satoru pointed to the city at the edge of his Six Eyes vision.

Blinking, his aide replied, "You need not concern yourself with those lesser, weaker beings. You are of a greater purpose."

...

"Strength is absolute in Sorceror Society. Remember this, Satoru-sama."

...

Then, one day...

He turned to his much taller aide, his gaze piercing, sending shivers down her spine:

"If strength is absolute... If I'm the strongest..."

...

"Why do I have to listen to you?"

...

He went to explore the city of his own volition, that fateful day.

Satoru had yet to realize that...

That day was the first of many seeds that would eventually sprout to free Gojo Satoru from the fate of his birthright.

...

Snapping back to reality, Satoru shook his head as he lazily returned the cup and floating liquid to an orderly manner, he replied with a faux hurt pout, "How rude! I'll have you know I was a good brat!"

Nina chimed in with a giggle, "Somehow, I doubt that."

Clarice huffed in a rather gruff and unladylike manner, "I shouldn't have joined you two... Especially when this idiot doesn't even drink."

Satoru sat back down, shrugging, "They've got good pie here." He gave a thumbs-up to the staff, who smiled back at him.

Turning to the Sword Saint, Satoru inquired, a knowing look on his face, "By the way, Nina. How's figuring out my Abilities going for you?"

There was a light humor in his tone, yet the query was genuine.

He was asking her again, wasn't he?

Flashing an uncertain smile, the mood turned slightly melancholic, Nina replied:

"I still need to figure things out."

A distance was there.

A distance that should have been there from the start...

That might, simply be, Nina's weakened resolve speaking.

--------------------------

Just like that, five days flew by.

Preparations proceeded swiftly, and Ariel talked things out with Principal Georg and Vice Principal Jinas about the Student Council's Inactivity and Gojo Satoru's departure.

Needless to say, the sudden news sent a whirlwind of varied reactions among the student party.

Sadness at the Ariel Party's prolonged departure.

Mixed feelings at the Great Power that had contributed much to the University's prosperity?

Actually, when looking at it objectively, he's done a lot of good for the University!

Like Hotsprings!

A colosseum that will be used for tournaments and other miscellaneous showmanship activities!

More traffic!

Increased sales for sweets?

...

Weird, it isn't as if he'd exerted a makeshift prank terror regime or something of that manner.

Nope.

Never happened.

Anyway!

With the sun looming over the wide blue canvas, the Ranoa Magic University was abuzz with people standing at the main road and gate leading into the educational institute.

The sheer crowd that formed simply conveyed the respect, love, and admiration these students or otherwise held for the departing party... Satoru excluded?

A beautifully decorated carriage that was a surprising gesture of wealth from the 'banished' Second Princess Of Asura was tied to two mighty steeds.

Beside the carriage, stood Luke and Kleene.

And, of course, Ariel Anemoi Asura herself.

Three out of the Four individuals who are heading to the Kingdom Of Orcs and Adventurers - Biheiril.

The last member is...

A tick mark formed on Luke's forehead, "He's got a lot of nerve making royalty wait on purpose..."

Kleene reminded, "This is his 23rd time making Lady Ariel wait, you shouldn't be surprised. Sir Luke."

Ariel giggled lightly, enjoying the situation as a whole.

Truth be told, her mood couldn't get any better with this ideal outcome.

"Oh, speak of the devil." She called out, pointing at Satoru approaching with his 'Secret Agent Suit' or so he called it.

And a gigantic backpack on his back, filled to the brim with what seemed to be parchment and writing material.

The crowd obviously parted to let him pass through, as he arrived, "Not sorry I'm late~!"

"We figured," Luke replied quickly amid the racket surrounding them.

"Shut it! Useless Luke!"

Before he could retort, Ariel smiled toward Satoru, "Did you say your goodbyes?"

He nodded, quickly shifting his attention from the fly beside him named Luke, "Sorta, I will be back after all, only had to tie up some loose ends, you get me?"

A wicked grin formed on his face, "Speaking of which..."

Dropping his gigantic backpack, Satoru quickly turned to the crowd, posing at them:

"DON'T MISS ME TOO MUCH~! I'LL BE BACK AS SOON AS I CAN MY DARLINGS~!"

"GET OUT!!"

To Be Continued!

-Author Note Start-

Indeed, it has been too long, I very readily agree.

However!

I will be locking IN on this fic.

I've plotted out the next arc and am pretty excited about it, so I need to write a few chapters quickly to kickstart it properly.

It'll be in the Biheiril Kingdom and, since the worldbuilding there is quite lacking - Rudeus only gets there for the Spoilerino Final Battle Arc, and it isn't very expanded with the exception of a certain forest.

So, if there are any discrepancies from Canon in this Arc in terms of the Worldbuilding of THAT SPECIFIC KINGDOM, then I do apologize.

But I've crafted it so that it makes sense even presuming it had existed in Mushoku Tensei Canon (Without Gojo).

On that note, Love ya and hope the chapter's been to your liking!

Appreciate your patience!

Have a good one!

Bu Bye!

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