A soft chime of the bell announced that the doors of the small café had opened once again. Through the wide window, snow fell as if creating an illusion of a cozy, enclosed world. Three young men sat at a corner table, enjoying the warmth of the room.
Yuta Okkotsu silently observed Megumi, unable to hide his surprise. The boy's response was far too unexpected.
"You agreed too quickly," Yuta finally noted, slightly tilting his head. His dark hair fell slightly over his forehead, giving him the appearance of a thoughtful yet kind individual.
Megumi, as grim as ever, simply shrugged.
"Why not?" he muttered, barely lifting his gaze from his coffee. "You're strong. I think I can learn a lot from you."
Yuta smiled softly, genuinely.
"Are you sure?" he asked, emphasizing the importance of the question. Choosing a mentor was no small matter.
"He's just saying that," Gojo interjected, lazily leaning on the table and watching the snowflakes outside. His white hair fell lightly on his forehead, contrasting with the bluish tint of his glasses. "In reality, he just doesn't want to admit you impressed him."
Megumi scowled at Gojo.
"I never said that," he replied dryly.
"You don't have to say it for it to be obvious," Gojo added with a grin.
Yuta couldn't help but chuckle quietly, which only made Megumi frown harder.
"You do know his technique is unique, right?" Gojo said, addressing Yuta as if ignoring Megumi's reaction. "The guy controls shadows. With his beasts, he can put on a show that even seasoned sorcerers would find shocking."
Yuta looked at Megumi with interest.
"Really?" he asked, his gaze lighting up with genuine curiosity. "That does sound impressive. I've always liked techniques that allow for that kind of creativity."
Hearing the compliment, Megumi hesitated, more embarrassed than he expected.
"Thank you," he finally muttered curtly.
Gojo clapped his hands together in satisfaction.
"See? Yuta's already recognized your potential!" he said as if winning a debate.
Yuta shifted the conversation, as if deciding Megumi would find it easier to listen than speak.
"My start was much less impressive," Yuta said thoughtfully, gazing into his cup.
Megumi frowned slightly, crossing his arms over his chest.
"What do you mean?"
"About how we tested his technique," Gojo quickly chimed in with a light laugh. "Do you know what he did?"
Yuta sighed heavily, as if he'd heard this story countless times.
"Sensei, let me explain—"
But of course, Gojo didn't listen.
"He bit off a piece of my skin!" Gojo declared with exaggerated tragedy, raising his hand as if showing an invisible wound. "Literally ate it, like some kind of cannibal!"
Megumi glanced between Yuta and Gojo.
"What?" he said, his eyes slightly widening.
Yuta awkwardly scratched the back of his head.
"It was an experiment," he quickly explained. "At the time, I couldn't use my technique. I had to try somehow, and I didn't bite Satoru-san. Shoko-san carefully removed a piece of his skin, and I ate it."
"And it worked," Gojo interrupted, beaming with pride. "He managed to copy my technique. Though without Six Eyes, he couldn't use it effectively."
Megumi slowly shifted his gaze to Yuta.
"You can copy other techniques?" he asked skeptically, ignoring the story about eating skin.
Yuta gave a slight, embarrassed smile.
"I can."
Megumi huffed, crossing his arms again.
"Hard to believe. That's the most powerful technique I've ever heard of. Infinity itself isn't that impressive without Six Eyes."
"Don't exaggerate," Yuta replied modestly. "I'm far from perfect."
"But you've already killed a special-grade curse," Megumi reminded him.
"It wasn't that strong," Yuta said, though he realized it sounded arrogant, even if it was true.
"You've killed a curse?" Yuta asked.
"Yes, under Gojo's supervision," Megumi replied.
Yuta nodded, having expected that answer, and continued.
"I also started purging curses under sensei's guidance. My first battle was terrible."
"That was just a year ago, your first fight?" Megumi asked curiously.
"Yes," Yuta confirmed.
"To go from killing your first curse to purging a special-grade in a year is a huge achievement. I'd be honored to be your student. Please take care of me," Megumi said with a polite bow.
"I'll take care of you," Yuta said firmly, as if affirming his commitment.
Megumi raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Alright," he replied briefly, though he felt a slight respect for Yuta's calm confidence.
Gojo stood up and said, "Alright, kids, you talk here. I've got things to do." He waved them goodbye.
Yuta smiled and waved back, while Megumi just glanced at him and noticed he hadn't paid the bill. Before he could mention it, Gojo was already gone.
Yuta turned to Megumi and said, "I think we should exchange numbers first."
"Good idea," Megumi agreed, pulling out his phone and handing it to Yuta. Yuta handed him his phone in return.
"Sensei always took you on missions, right?" Yuta asked.
Megumi nodded.
"I think our interactions will follow a similar pattern," Yuta continued. "I'll ask Satoru-san if he informed the higher-ups about his decision—which he probably didn't," Yuta smiled. "So, I'll head to the office today to let them know and request assignments for second-grade curse exterminations. I'll message you once a suitable mission comes up."
Megumi, who was listening attentively, nodded and said, "Alright. I'm looking forward to working together."
Yuta nodded and called over a waiter. "Excuse me, can you come to our table? I'd like to settle the bill."
Megumi began to pull out his wallet but was stopped by Yuta.
"No need. It's my treat today," Yuta said.
Relief flashed across Megumi's face; he hadn't expected to come to a café today, nor had he anticipated Gojo leaving without paying.
Yuta paid for all three of them, stood, and grabbed his coat from the back of his chair.
Megumi also stood, putting on his dark puffer jacket.
They walked out together. By then, the snow had stopped falling.
The street was bright, sunlight reflecting off the white snow.
Megumi nodded to Yuta and said goodbye, "See you."
Yuta nodded back. He watched as Megumi walked further away. Then he took out his phone and called a sorcerer assistant he knew.
A calm, slightly raspy voice answered, "Yes, Mr. Okkotsu?"
"Hello, Otto-san. I need to visit the higher-ups' office. I'm near the Doppo residence. Could you pick me up?" Yuta asked.
"Alright. I'll be there in five minutes," Otto replied.
A black, tinted car arrived in front of a large real estate trading building five minutes later. A middle-aged man in a sharp black suit stepped out of the car and opened the back door for Yuta.
The car moved through Tokyo's busy 9 AM weekday traffic with ease. The experienced driver navigated around jams like a professional. They traveled in silence.
When they reached their destination, Yuta politely thanked Otto and entered the office of the higher-ups. The building was old-fashioned, surrounded by various powerful barriers. Ordinary people couldn't even see it.
Yuta stepped into the traditional Japanese council hall. It resembled an old-style chamber: the floor was covered in tatami, and the walls were paneled with wood. The space was minimalistic, but the strict symmetry and neatness created an atmosphere of formality. The lighting was dim, soft light emanating from old paper lanterns, emphasizing the somber and tense mood.
The room itself symbolized the outdated system that kept the magical society bound by dogma and rules. The oppressive atmosphere and the veil concealing the elders underscored the gap between Gojo's progressive approach and their conservative views.
A distorted, raspy voice spoke.
"Yuta Okkotsu, what brings you here today? I don't recall us inviting you."
Yuta ignored the rudeness and greeted them politely. "Good morning. I'm here regarding Megumi Fushiguro, who has officially become my student—"
A harsh voice interrupted him. "What are you talking about? Since when did Megumi Fushiguro become your student? I don't recall issuing such an order."
Remaining calm, Yuta continued. "I was informed this morning that, from today, Megumi Fushiguro is my student."
"And who informed you of this?" another voice asked.
"Gojo Satoru," Yuta replied. After pausing to ensure he wasn't interrupted, he added, "I wanted to notify you and request missions involving second and third-grade curses."
The distorted, raspy voice that had greeted him delivered the verdict.
"We did not make such a decision. Whether Megumi Fushiguro becomes your student is still under review. We'll inform you of our decision later."
Yuta nodded and left. He knew they were merely being petulant and wouldn't overturn the decision. His main purpose in coming was to request missions involving second and third-grade curses.
At the exit, Otto, who had been waiting for him patiently, greeted him. "How did it go?" Otto asked.
"As usual. They'll inform you soon," Yuta replied. He had done this to spare Gojo from an unpleasant conversation. Yuta was no stranger to such arrogant attitudes toward him, so it neither bothered nor affected him.
He glanced at the building he had just left and thought, "I hope Fushiguro and I get along
."