Days after the Kyoto Exchange Event and the subsequent attack on the school, the second part of the tournament was resumed. This time, under Satoru Gojo's whimsical decision-making, it was a baseball match between the Tokyo and Kyoto teams. Tokyo emerged victorious, clinching wins in both events of the tournament.
Now, on a sunny day in Tokyo, Hiro and Megumi were walking down the bustling streets. Megumi looked at Hiro with gratitude. "Thanks for inviting me out for lunch, Takashi-senpai. It means a lot."
Hiro, with a hint of a smile, responded, "You earned it after all that hard work, Megumi. Don't mention it."
Just then, Hiro glanced over his shoulder, slightly annoyed, "And you two, why are you following us?"
Kugisaki and Itadori, wearing matching grins, chimed in almost in unison, "It's not fair that you only invite Fushiguro. We want in too."
Hiro turned towards them, his tone mildly exasperated. "I invited Megumi because I've been training with him."
Undeterred, Kugisaki and Itadori began to teasingly chant, "Stingy! Stingy! Stingy!"
Hiro let out a sigh, his resistance faltering under their playful pestering. "Alright, alright. You can join us."
The group entered a cozy café, its warm and welcoming atmosphere a stark contrast to their usual high-stress environments. The interior was quaint, with wooden tables and chairs scattered around, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. Soft music played in the background, adding to the relaxed ambiance.
Hiro, leading the way, gestured towards a large table by the window. "Order whatever you want," he said, taking a seat.
Kugisaki's eyes lit up as she scanned the menu. "I'll have the double cheeseburger, a large fries, oh, and one of those chocolate milkshakes," she said, her enthusiasm evident.
Itadori, equally excited, followed suit. "And I'll have the club sandwich, extra bacon, a side of onion rings, and a cola, please."
Megumi, more reserved in his choice, simply said, "Just a coffee for me, thanks."
Hiro, watching Kugisaki and Itadori pile on their orders, let out a resigned sigh but couldn't help a small smile. "And I'll have an iced tea," he added, handing the menu back to the server.
As they were enjoying the casual atmosphere, an unexpected and unsettling event occurred. A mouth suddenly formed on Itadori's cheek, and Sukuna's voice echoed through the café, directed at Hiro. "Hey, kid, since you're in a generous mood, why not order a chicken burger for me?"
Hiro arched an eyebrow in surprise and mild annoyance at the intrusion. Itadori, embarrassed and frantic, slapped his cheek, trying to silence Sukuna. "Sorry, everyone. He pops out sometimes," he apologized.
Unperturbed, the mouth reappeared on Itadori's other cheek. "If you buy me one, I promise I won't kill you immediately when I break free," Sukuna taunted.
Hiro took a moment to consider the situation, then replied coolly, "For the King of Curses, you sure are a parasite." He then signaled the waiter and added a chicken burger to their order.
Kugisaki leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. "Does he always do that?" she asked Itadori, eyeing the mouth with a mixture of fascination and disgust.
"It's not exactly on a schedule," Itadori said, trying to downplay it, though the discomfort was clear on his face.
Megumi, used to Sukuna's occasional appearances, added, "It's part of the deal with him being the vessel. We just have to be cautious."
Hiro, looking at Itadori, said in a more serious tone, "You're handling it well, all things considered. But let us know if things get... out of hand."
Itadori nodded, grateful for the support. "Thanks, Hiro, Megumi. I'm trying to keep him in check."
As their meal continued, the mouth on Itadori's cheek reappeared, with Sukuna's voice once again breaking the calm. "Normally, I wouldn't bother asking for food, but this brat," he said, referring to Itadori, "never feeds me properly."
Itadori, looking slightly embarrassed, tried to argue. "I eat plenty! You're just greedy."
Hiro, finding the situation somewhat amusing despite the inherent danger of Sukuna, chimed in. "So, the mighty King of Curses has a craving for chicken burgers?"
Sukuna scoffed, "I have my whims. Besides, it's boring inside here. A little indulgence now and then doesn't hurt."
Kugisaki leaned towards Itadori, a smirk on her face. "You should take better care of your inner curse, Yuji. Seems like he's getting cranky."
Itadori sighed, rolling his eyes. "I'm not his caretaker. He's just a pain."
Megumi, ever the pragmatist, added, "Just be careful, Itadori. We don't know what feeding him could do."
Hiro nodded in agreement. "Exactly. We don't want to encourage him too much. This is a one-time deal, Sukuna."
Sukuna's mouth curled into a sinister smile. "We'll see about that, Hiro."
Hiro seized the opportunity presented by the unusual situation. "Since I'm buying you a burger, Sukuna, you owe me an answer. Do you think I could defeat the so-called 'Child of Prophecy'?" he asked, referring to Yamada, though he was aware Sukuna wouldn't recognize the name.
Sukuna's expression, still manifested on Itadori's cheek, turned contemplative. "The Child of Prophecy, huh? I don't know this Yamada, but..."
Hiro leaned in, intrigued. "But what?"
Sukuna smirked. "Centuries ago, I encountered a soul with immense potential, a life steeped in prophecy and power. If this Yamada carries that soul's legacy, you might find him a formidable opponent."
Itadori, listening in, added, "So, you think Hiro has a chance?"
Sukuna chuckled. "This Hiro is strong, no doubt. But prophecy and destiny are tricky. They add layers of complexity to any fight."
Kugisaki, always eager to join the conversation, interjected, "So, basically, it's anyone's game?"
Sukuna nodded. "Exactly. It's not just about strength or skill. It's about fate, and sometimes, fate has its own plans."
Hiro, processing Sukuna's words, replied thoughtfully, "Then I'll just have to be ready for anything."
The dynamics at the table shifted as Sukuna, still manifested on Itadori's cheek, decided to pose a question of his own to Hiro. "Now, I have a question for you, kid. Do you think you can defeat me?" Sukuna asked, a hint of challenge in his tone.
A brief silence fell over the group. Hiro turned his gaze towards the window, contemplative. Finally, he spoke, his voice calm and measured. "I don't need to worry about that. That's what Master Gojo is for."
Sukuna let out a dark, amused laugh. "You're an interesting one, kid," he said. And with that, the mouth on Itadori's cheek vanished, signaling the end of Sukuna's presence for the time being.
Itadori let out a relieved sigh, glad to be free from Sukuna's intrusion. Kugisaki, shaking her head, commented, "That was... weird, even for us."
Megumi, who had been quietly observing the exchange, added, "It's always unpredictable with Sukuna. We need to stay on our toes."
Minutes later, while still seated in the café, Hiro's gaze was drawn to the window where he saw Maki outside. His usually stoic face shifted to one of concern. Kugisaki, noticing the change in his expression, asked, "What's wrong?"
Before Hiro could respond, Maki glanced toward the café and spotted Hiro with the others. Her face clearly conveyed annoyance. Sensing the impending trouble, Hiro muttered, "It was nice knowing you all, I'm dead."
Maki briskly entered the café and confronted Hiro. "So, you couldn't join me for shopping because you said you had things to do, but here you are, just wasting time," she accused.
Hiro, feeling the heat of the situation, began to sweat. Kugisaki and Itadori, sensing the tension, quickly ducked their heads under the table.
Hiro tried to explain, "Sorry, I had already promised Megumi..."
Maki cut him off, still visibly upset. "And what? Is Megumi more important than me?" she demanded.
In a quiet, desperate voice, Hiro whispered, "Help me, Sukuna." But there was no response from the cursed spirit.
Maki, not letting up, said sternly, "Look me in the eyes when you're talking."
Hiro, trying to defuse the situation, offered a compromise to Maki. "I'm sorry, Maki. To make it up to you, I'll bathe Panda for the entire year," he suggested, hoping to lighten the mood.
Maki, however, was not easily placated. She extended her hand and said firmly, "That's not enough. Give me your card, and I'll buy some nice clothes."
Hiro hesitated, "Maki, don't you think that's a bit much?" he asked cautiously.
Maki raised an eyebrow, challenging his reluctance. "Oh? What do you mean?"
Hiro, navigating the delicate conversation, explained, "Well, when we were dating, I used to buy you all the clothes you wanted, but now, we're not exactly a couple."
Maki's response was swift and pointed. "You say we're not a couple, but you didn't seem to mind last night when I was in your room. If that's the case, then I suppose you don't need my visit tonight, right?"
Hiro sighed, resigning himself to the situation, and handed his card to Maki. She smiled triumphantly and turned to Kugisaki. "Come with me," she said.
Kugisaki, sensing an opportunity for some shopping at Hiro's expense, quickly agreed with a grin. "Okay!"
After Maki and Kugisaki left, the atmosphere at the table lightened slightly. Itadori, ever curious about his seniors' lives, turned to Hiro with a question. "So, are you and Maki back together as a couple now?"
Hiro took a sip of his iced tea, his expression thoughtful. "Not exactly," he replied. "Let's just say I had a moment of weakness seeing her in that baseball uniform, and now I'm paying the price."
Itadori tilted his head, slightly puzzled by Hiro's explanation. He was still trying to understand the nuances of their relationship.
Megumi, who had been quietly observing the exchange, commented, "It must be difficult, navigating a relationship like that."
Hiro nodded in agreement, a faint smile on his face. "It's complicated. We have a lot of history, and figuring out where we stand now is... challenging."
Itadori, still trying to wrap his head around the situation, asked Hiro, "Doesn't it bother you to spend so much in one day?"
Hiro shrugged nonchalantly. "It's not a problem. I'll make up for it tonight."
Curious, Itadori leaned in. "Are you guys having a practice fight or something?"
Hiro looked at Itadori with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. "Are you an idiot?" he asked rhetorically. "Anyway, it's none of your business."
Just then, the mouth of Sukuna appeared on Itadori's cheek, chuckling mischievously. "He means he's going to have a lot of sex tonight," Sukuna said bluntly, enjoying the chance to stir up trouble.
Itadori's eyes widened in shock, while Hiro rolled his eyes at Sukuna's crude interjection. "Ignore him," Hiro said dismissively, trying to steer the conversation away from Sukuna's provocations.
Megumi, who had been quietly sipping his coffee, couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of the situation. "Sukuna really doesn't have a filter, does he?"
"No, he doesn't," Hiro agreed, looking slightly annoyed. "And he enjoys causing trouble whenever he can."
The group's lunch, already filled with unexpected twists and turns, had taken yet another bizarre turn with Sukuna's involvement. Despite the awkwardness, they managed to continue their meal, though the conversation remained lighthearted, steering clear of any further provocations from Sukuna.
__________
The first rays of the morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over Hiro's modestly furnished room. Hiro lay in his bed, the events of last night replaying in his mind. He turned slightly, his gaze settling on Maki, who was still asleep beside him. The morning light accentuated the softer contours of her face, a striking contrast to her usual tough exterior.
They were both covered by a thin sheet, the only barrier between them and the chill of the morning air. The room was silent, save for the soft, rhythmic breathing of Maki, creating a peaceful ambiance that was rare in their tumultuous lives.
Hiro quietly slid out of bed, careful not to disturb Maki. He sat on the edge, his feet touching the cold floor, and looked back at her. The tranquility of the scene was a stark reminder of the stark difference between their professional lives as sorcerers and these fleeting moments of personal connection.
As he sat there, lost in his thoughts, Hiro murmured to himself, "It's a hassle to train." The statement, while seemingly about their physical regimen, carried a deeper meaning. It reflected the emotional and relational 'training' he was navigating - understanding his feelings for Maki and how they fit into both their lives. Despite his words, there was a subtle undertone of affection and care.
These quiet moments were a respite from their usual chaos. They offered Hiro a chance to contemplate the normal aspects of life that often took a backseat in their world of cursed spirits and battles. Relationships, emotions, personal connections – these too were battles of a different kind, ones that Hiro was still learning how to navigate.
As Hiro sat on the edge of the bed, lost in thought, he felt a gentle tug on his hand. Maki, now awake, had reached out and grasped his hand, pulling him back towards the bed. Without a word, she wrapped her arms around him in a warm embrace, a rare display of affection from her.
"There's no need to train today," Maki whispered softly, her voice barely above a murmur. The usual firmness in her tone had softened, replaced by a tenderness that was seldom heard.
Hiro, taken aback by her initiative, allowed himself to be drawn back into the warmth of the bed. As he settled beside her, he felt the tension in his body begin to ease. He wrapped his arm around Maki, returning her embrace.
"We could use a day off," Hiro agreed quietly, his usual stoicism giving way to a gentle acknowledgment of their need for rest and connection.
Maki nestled closer to him, her head resting against his chest. The room was enveloped in a comfortable silence, the kind that comes from deep understanding and mutual respect.
For a moment, the world outside - with all its battles, curses, and responsibilities - seemed distant. Here, in the quiet of Hiro's room, they found a haven, a brief escape from the demands of their lives as sorcerers. It was a chance to be just Hiro and Maki, two people finding solace in each other's presence, away from the expectations and roles they had to play in the outside world.
The peaceful moment between Hiro and Maki was abruptly interrupted by the sound of the door swinging open. Itadori burst into the room with his usual lack of restraint. "Hiro! You promised to teach me how to use the sansetsukon today!" he exclaimed, completely unaware of the intimate scene he had just disrupted.
Hiro, caught off guard by Itadori's sudden entrance, quickly sat up, a look of mild annoyance crossing his face. "Itadori, ever heard of knocking?" he asked, trying to maintain some semblance of composure.
Maki, equally surprised, quickly pulled the sheet up to cover herself, shooting a glare at the intruder. "Yuji, have you lost your mind? You can't just barge in like that!"
Itadori, realizing his mistake, turned beet red and stammered out an apology. "Oh, I'm so sorry! I didn't... I mean, I wasn't thinking..."
Hiro sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's fine, Itadori. Just give us a moment, okay?"
Itadori, still apologizing, quickly backed out of the room, closing the door behind him.
Once he was gone, Hiro turned to Maki with an apologetic look. "Sorry about that. We can take the day off as you suggested, but I should probably deal with Itadori first. He's enthusiastic, if nothing else."
Maki, though still a bit flustered, nodded in understanding. "Go ahead. We can take a rain check on our day off."
Hiro got out of bed and quickly dressed, ready to address Itadori's training request, a reminder of their responsibilities waiting just outside the door. Despite the interruption, the brief moment of tranquility they shared lingered in the air, a testament to the connection they had rekindled.
Hiro made his way to the training field where he found Itadori enthusiastically swinging the sansetsukon around, albeit somewhat clumsily. The weapon twirled in his hands, occasionally getting tangled as he tried to mimic the moves he had seen Maki perform.
Megumi, standing off to the side, noticed Hiro's arrival and walked over to him. "I tried to stop him from waking you up," he said, a hint of apology in his voice. "He was really excited about learning the sansetsukon."
Hiro watched Itadori for a moment, a small smile forming on his face despite the earlier disruption. "It's fine, Megumi. Itadori's enthusiasm is hard to contain," he replied, his tone light.
Itadori, noticing Hiro, quickly straightened up. "Hiro-senpai! I'm sorry for barging in earlier. I just got carried away with wanting to learn this," he said, holding up the sansetsukon with an awkward grin.
Hiro approached him, taking the sansetsukon in his hands. "This weapon requires patience and a lot of practice. It's not as easy as it looks," he explained, demonstrating a few basic moves with a fluidity that spoke of his experience.
Itadori watched intently, his earlier excitement tempered by a newfound respect for the weapon's complexity. "I'll try my best to learn," he said earnestly.
Hiro handed the sansetsukon back to Itadori. "Let's start with the basics. Pay close attention to your grip and posture."
As the training session began, Hiro took on the role of teacher, guiding Itadori through the fundamental techniques of wielding the sansetsukon. Megumi observed from the sidelines, occasionally offering his own insights. The field, usually a place of intense physical exertion, took on a more instructional atmosphere, reflecting the camaraderie and mentorship within their group.
As Hiro was carefully instructing Itadori on the proper handling of the sansetsukon, they were interrupted by the arrival of Yazu. He strode confidently onto the training field, his eyes fixed on Hiro.
Yazu's approach was direct, his demeanor one of determination. "Hiro, I've heard about your skills, and I've seen what you can do," he began, his tone earnest. "I want you to teach me everything you know. Will you be my sensei?"
Hiro, slightly taken aback by the direct request, paused for a moment to assess Yazu. He noted the serious look in Yazu's eyes, a clear sign of his dedication to becoming stronger.
"You're asking for a lot, Yazu," Hiro replied, weighing his words. "Teaching isn't just about showing techniques; it's about shaping someone to be a better sorcerer overall."
Yazu nodded, his resolve unwavering. "I understand that. I'm ready to learn, not just techniques, but the mindset and discipline that come with them."
Itadori, watching the exchange with interest, chimed in. "You should do it, Hiro-senpai. Yazu is really strong, and he could learn a lot from you."
Hiro looked from Itadori to Yazu, then back again. After a brief moment of consideration, he nodded. "Alright, Yazu. I'll take you on as a student. But expect no shortcuts. We'll start from the basics, just like with Itadori here."
Yazu's face lit up with a mix of gratitude and excitement. "Thank you, Hiro-sensei. I won't let you down."
As the training session progressed, Yazu found a moment to speak with Hiro privately. There was a seriousness in his demeanor that went beyond the usual focus of their training.
"I need to become stronger," Yazu started, his voice carrying a weight of urgency. "It's not just about me. My sister... she's still living with our father, and the conditions there are terrible. He kicked me out two years ago, and since then, I've been trying to give her a better life, but it's hard."
Hiro listened intently, understanding the depth of Yazu's motivation. It was more than just the desire to be a powerful sorcerer; it was about family and the need to protect and provide.
Yazu continued, "Becoming a sorcerer... it wasn't just a choice; it felt like the only way I could make things right. I want to give her the life she deserves."
Hiro nodded, his expression one of empathy. "I see. That's a heavy burden to carry, but it's a noble cause. We'll do everything we can in training to make you stronger."
Yazu's eyes showed a mix of gratitude and resolve. "Thank you, Hiro-sensei. I'll put in all the effort it takes."
As they resumed training, Hiro's approach to teaching Yazu took on a new level of significance. Every technique and lesson imparted was not just about making Yazu a better fighter but also about empowering him to change his sister's life for the better.
The training field, often a place of physical and mental challenge, became a ground for building hope and aspirations. Hiro, understanding Yazu's personal stakes, dedicated himself to guiding Yazu not just in mastery of cursed energy and combat but in the resilience and determination needed to face life's challenges.
As the training session continued, Maki approached Hiro, a slight hesitancy in her stride. "Hiro, I need some money to buy a few things for our beach trip this weekend," she said.
Without hesitation, Hiro reached into his wallet and handed her the cash. "Sure, get what you need," he replied.
Itadori and Yazu, overhearing the conversation, immediately perked up with excitement. "Are we going to the beach?" Itadori asked eagerly, his eyes lighting up at the prospect.
Yazu chimed in, equally enthusiastic. "A beach trip sounds great! When are we leaving?"
Hiro, looking at their excited faces, shook his head with a small smile. "It's not a group trip. Just Maki and me this weekend," he clarified.
The news visibly deflated Itadori and Yazu's enthusiasm. "Oh, just the two of you?" Itadori asked, a hint of disappointment in his voice.
"Yeah," Hiro confirmed. "It's been a while since we've had some time to ourselves."
Megumi, who had been quietly observing the exchange, added, "It's important to take a break from training and missions. Even for a weekend."
Maki, holding the money Hiro had given her, nodded in agreement. "We all need some time to relax and unwind. Maybe we can plan a group trip some other time."
Itadori, still looking a bit let down, managed a smile. "Yeah, that sounds good. Have fun, you two."
Yazu, now understanding the situation, nodded. "Enjoy your weekend. We'll hold down the fort here."
As Maki walked away to make her purchases, Hiro turned his attention back to Itadori and Yazu. "Let's get back to training. We have a lot to cover today."
As Hiro demonstrated the intricacies of wielding the sansetsukon, he also explained how to imbue it with cursed energy. However, Itadori and Yazu seemed distracted, their minds wandering off to thoughts of the beach.
"Focus, you two," Hiro reminded them. "Channeling your cursed energy into a weapon like the sansetsukon takes concentration."
Itadori, snapping back to reality, apologized. "Sorry, Hiro-senpai, just thinking about the beach got me distracted."
Yazu, with a sheepish grin, added, "Yeah, it's hard not to imagine what it would be like, all of us hanging out at the beach."
Hiro shook his head but with a hint of understanding. "I get it, the beach sounds fun. But right now, you need to focus on this. There will be time for the beach later."
Megumi, who had been practicing on the side, chimed in. "Maybe if we all train hard enough, Hiro-senpai will reward us with a beach trip."
Kugisaki, who had just joined the group, overheard the conversation. "A beach trip? Count me in! But only after we master this."
Hiro looked at his enthusiastic students and smiled slightly. "Alright, deal. Master the basics of the sansetsukon, and we'll talk about the beach."
As the training session progressed, Itadori suddenly looked concerned. "I just realized I don't have enough money for a beach trip," he admitted. "I kind of spent it all on food. Hiro-senpai, could you..."
Before he could finish, Yazu also joined in. "Actually, I'm in the same boat. I don't have much to spare for a trip."
Kugisaki, not wanting to be left out, chimed in, "Me too, Hiro. Can you cover for us?"
Finally, even Megumi, usually the more reserved of the group, sheepishly added, "I could use some help as well."
Hiro, overwhelmed by their requests, raised his hands in exasperation. "You guys are going to bankrupt me one day! I can't keep covering for everyone's expenses."
Seeing their downcast faces, Hiro sighed and then proposed a solution. "Okay, here's what we'll do. There's no training tomorrow. Instead, I'll find you all some part-time work. You can earn your own money for the beach trip."
The group perked up at the idea, the prospect of earning their own way adding an unexpected but welcome twist to their plans.
Itadori grinned, "That sounds fair. I'm up for it!"
Yazu nodded in agreement. "Me too. It'll be good to earn our keep."
Kugisaki chimed in enthusiastically, "Let's do it! It'll make the trip even more rewarding."
Megumi, ever the pragmatist, added, "It's a good opportunity for us to be responsible for our expenses."
With a plan in place, the group's spirits were lifted. The training session ended on a high note, with everyone looking forward to their new challenge and the eventual reward of a well-earned beach trip.
As the evening unfolded, Hiro and Maki found themselves lying in Hiro's bed, watching a movie on his laptop. The room was dimly lit, creating a cozy atmosphere. However, as the movie progressed, Maki seemed to lose interest.
Turning to Hiro, she stifled a yawn and said, "I'm getting bored of this movie."
Hiro glanced at her, noticing a mischievous glint in her eyes. Maki wore a playful, coquettish smile as she moved closer to him. "Do you want me to make things a bit more exciting?" she whispered.
Hiro, understanding her insinuation, felt a mix of anticipation and affection. He knew Maki well enough to recognize the shift in her mood. "And what exactly do you have in mind?" he asked, playing along with her teasing tone.
Maki's smile widened as she leaned in, her voice a sultry murmur. "I can think of a few ways to spice up the evening."
Just as Maki leaned in to kiss Hiro, her hands deftly moving to unbutton his shirt, the intimate moment was abruptly interrupted. The door burst open, and Itadori stood there, completely oblivious to the scene he had just walked in on.
"Hey, Hiro-senpai, do you have a tie I can borrow?" Itadori asked, his tone casual and unaware of the gravity of his interruption.
Maki and Hiro immediately pulled apart, a mixture of surprise and annoyance on their faces. Maki quickly grabbed the sheet to cover herself, while Hiro, his shirt half-unbuttoned, shot a glare at Itadori.
"Itadori! Ever heard of knocking?" Hiro exclaimed, frustration evident in his voice.
"Oh, sorry! I didn't realize..." Itadori stammered, finally taking in the scene before him. His face turned beet red as he awkwardly stepped back. "I'll just come back later..."
Maki, though slightly flustered, couldn't help but let out a small laugh at the absurdity of the situation. "Maybe next time you'll learn to knock," she said, trying to lighten the mood.
Hiro, still annoyed but trying to regain his composure, sighed. "It's fine, Itadori. Just... give us a moment."
Itadori quickly closed the door, leaving Hiro and Maki alone once again. The mood had shifted, the spontaneity of their moment disrupted.
Hiro turned to Maki, a wry smile forming on his face. "Well, that was unexpected."
Maki nodded, still smiling. "Seems like we can't catch a break."
Despite the interruption, the two shared a quiet laugh, their bond strong enough to withstand even the most awkward of intrusions. The night continued, albeit a bit more tamely, as they settled back to watch the movie, their earlier plans put on hold.
___________
Itadori, Yazu, Kugisaki, and Megumi stood in their waiter uniforms in a bustling café, ready for their first day of work. The café had a cozy ambiance, with the aroma of fresh coffee and pastries filling the air. The owner, a middle-aged man with a friendly demeanor, was giving them a rundown on how to serve the tables.
"Remember, always smile and be polite to the customers," he instructed, handing them each a notepad and pen.
Kugisaki, adjusting her apron, looked curiously at the owner. "So, how do you know Hiro-senpai?" she asked.
The owner's face lit up with fondness. "Ah, Hiro was dating my daughter a while back. He was the best son-in-law I could have asked for," he said nostalgically.
Itadori, intrigued, leaned in. "Really? Hiro-senpai seems so... reserved."
The owner chuckled. "He may seem that way, but he's a kind-hearted young man. Always helped around the café and treated my daughter like a queen."
Megumi, listening intently, added, "That sounds like Hiro-senpai. He's always looking out for others."
Yazu, who was quietly observing, finally spoke up. "It's interesting to hear about a different side of him."
Kugisaki, busying herself with arranging her notepad, said, "It's nice to know our stoic Hiro-senpai has a softer side."
The owner smiled warmly. "He's a good lad. I was sad to see them part ways, but life goes on. Now, are you all ready to start your shift?"
The group nodded, each of them carrying a newfound appreciation for Hiro's character. As they began serving customers, their conversation turned to more practical matters, but the owner's words about Hiro lingered in their minds, painting a more nuanced picture of their enigmatic friend and mentor.
Disguised to blend in with the other patrons, Hiro and Maki sat inconspicuously at a corner table in the café. Hiro wore a simple cap and glasses, while Maki had her hair tied differently and donned a pair of shades. They both wore casual attire that wouldn't draw much attention, yet their presence still had a certain air of intrigue.
Leaning across the table with a mischievous glint in his eyes, Hiro promised Maki, "This is going to be fun, watching them handle their first day."
Maki, a slight smirk playing on her lips, responded, "I can't believe you talked them into this. They're going to be so surprised to see us here."
Hiro watched the group bustling around, trying to manage their tasks. "It's good for them to experience different things. Besides, it's entertaining for us."
Maki, observing Itadori's enthusiastic yet clumsy attempts at waiting tables, chuckled. "I never thought I'd see Itadori and the others like this. It's a nice change of pace."
Hiro nodded in agreement, his eyes following Megumi, who seemed to be the most composed of the group. "Megumi seems to be handling it well. He's always so focused."
Their attention then shifted to Yazu and Kugisaki, who were bickering over who would serve the next table. Maki leaned back in her chair, thoroughly amused. "This is better than any movie."
Hiro, sipping his coffee, nodded with a small smile. "Definitely. But let's see how they handle a rush hour."
As Hiro and Maki watched, the situation at the customer's table escalated. Yazu, already flustered from his mistake, grew defensive under the customer's harsh criticism.
"Look, I said I was sorry about the mix-up," Yazu retorted, his patience wearing thin.
The customer, unappeased, continued to berate him. "This is unacceptable! How hard is it to get a simple order right?"
In a moment of frustration, Yazu made an ill-advised comment. "Maybe if you weren't so busy glaring at me with that shiny bald head of yours, you'd see I'm trying to fix it!"
The customer's face turned a deeper shade of red, anger boiling over. "How dare you! Your service is terrible, and now you insult me?"
At this point, Itadori, attempting to help, accidentally tripped and sent a tray of drinks crashing onto the customer. "I'm so sorry!" he exclaimed in panic.
The customer, now soaked and furious, stood up abruptly. "This is ridiculous! I'm leaving and I'm not paying for this!"
Maki, watching the scene unfold, whispered to Hiro, "This is turning into a complete mess."
Hiro, observing the chaos, replied with a hint of concern, "They're learning the hard way how to deal with difficult situations."
The chaotic situation in the café escalated further as Yazu, now completely losing his composure, confronted the customer. "You want to fight about it?" Yazu challenged, his frustration boiling over.
Megumi and Itadori, realizing the gravity of the situation, quickly intervened. They each grabbed one of Yazu's arms, trying to restrain him as he struggled and continued to hurl insults at the customer.
"Yazu, calm down! This isn't the way to handle this!" Megumi urged, struggling to keep Yazu under control.
Itadori, equally firm, added, "Dude, you can't start a fight in the middle of a café!"
The customer, taken aback by Yazu's aggressive stance, took a few steps back, his anger turning into concern. "You people are crazy! I'm reporting this place!"
Kugisaki rushed over to apologize to the customer. "Please, sir, we're very sorry about all of this. Let us make it up to you."
From their table, Hiro and Maki watched the unfolding drama with a mix of disbelief and concern. Hiro shook his head, murmuring, "This went downhill fast."
Maki, biting her lip, added, "Yazu's temper got the best of him. They're learning the hard way about customer service."
Hiro, sensing that the situation was getting out of hand, stood up and removed his sunglasses, revealing his identity. He approached the customer with an apologetic expression.
"I'm really sorry about all this," Hiro began. "My friends are still learning, and things got out of control."
The customer, who had been furious just moments ago, paused and took a good look at Hiro. Recognition dawned on his face, and his anger quickly faded into excitement. "Wait a minute... Aren't you Hiro Takashi, the 'Lightning of Tokyo'? The former boxer?" he asked, his tone shifting from anger to awe.
Hiro nodded, a bit surprised by the customer's change in demeanor. "Yes, that's me."
"I can't believe it! I'm a huge fan of your boxing matches!" the customer exclaimed, his earlier grievances seemingly forgotten. "I used to watch all of your fights. You were incredible in the ring!"
Hiro smiled, relieved that the recognition had defused the tension. "Thank you, I appreciate that. Let me make it up to you. Your meal is on me today."
The customer, now beaming, graciously accepted Hiro's offer. "That would be fantastic! Thank you so much!"
As Hiro handled the situation with the customer, Itadori, Yazu, Megumi, and Kugisaki watched in amazement. Hiro's unexpected celebrity status had turned a potential disaster into a fan encounter.
Returning to his friends, Hiro couldn't help but chuckle. "Well, that was unexpected. But let's try to avoid any more scenes like that in the future."
The group nodded in agreement, a little embarrassed but relieved that the situation had been resolved peacefully. Hiro's intervention not only saved the day but also provided a valuable lesson in handling unexpected challenges.
After an eventful and educational day at the café, Hiro and the group made their way back to the school as the afternoon sun began to wane. They walked together, their uniforms slightly disheveled from the day's work, but their spirits were high from the experience they had shared.
As they walked, Itadori animatedly recounted the day's events. "I never knew waiting tables could be so intense! And that guy turning out to be a fan of Hiro-senpai was totally unexpected!"
Yazu, a bit more subdued after his outburst, chimed in. "Yeah, I guess I let the pressure get to me. Sorry for causing a scene."
Hiro, walking alongside them, replied, "It's alright, Yazu. We all have our moments. Just take it as a learning experience."
Megumi, ever the observer, added, "It's interesting how different skills are required for different jobs. It's not just about being strong."
Kugisaki, who had enjoyed the change of pace, said, "I think we did pretty well for our first day, all things considered. And it was fun seeing another side of everyone."
As they neared the school, Hiro looked at his companions with a sense of pride. "You all did well today. Remember, being a sorcerer isn't just about fighting curses. It's about dealing with all kinds of situations."
The group nodded in agreement, each of them reflecting on the day's lessons. They arrived back at the school with a deeper understanding of themselves and each other, their bond strengthened by the challenges they had overcome together. The day at the café, though filled with unexpected hurdles, had been a valuable experience, teaching them the importance of adaptability, teamwork, and patience.