Masamichi Yaga

The next morning, sunlight filtered through the thin mist, gilding the boys' dormitory window frames with pale gold.

Zhiyan woke a little earlier than usual. Perhaps he was having trouble adjusting to an unfamiliar place. He got up and pushed open the window. Cool mountain air rushed in, carrying the damp scent of grass and trees. Mountains rose and fell in the distance, veiled in morning mist, and flocks of birds could just be seen sweeping across the sky.

After washing up, he changed into his uniform. The dark jacket fit him well, making his shoulders look even straighter. He stood before the mirror for a moment, studying his reflection-the boyish immaturity had faded from his features, replaced by a young man's composure.

A knock sounded at the door.

"Zhiyan, are you ready?" Suguru Geto's voice came from outside, gentle and clear.

Zhiyan opened the door. Suguru Geto and Kamo Xian Di were already standing in the corridor. Both had changed into their uniforms. One had features as gentle as spring waters, while the other carried himself with the cool reserve of an autumn moon. Standing together, they made a strangely harmonious pair.

"Where's Gojo?" Suguru Geto asked, glancing toward the room next door.

Zhiyan fell silent for a moment.

"He probably hasn't gotten up yet."

No sooner had he spoken than a clatter came from next door, mixed with Satoru Gojo's wails.

"What's wrong with my hair?! Why does it get messier the more I fix it?!"

The three exchanged a glance, then all looked away.

Quite a while later, Satoru Gojo finally rushed out of his room with a head of unruly white hair. His uniform was on properly, but his hair looked as though it had just weathered a storm. A few stubborn strands stuck up, while others clung to his forehead, making him look even more like an oversized cat that had just crawled out of bed.

"Come on, come on!" He waved them along as he charged ahead. "We can't keep Wana and Shoko waiting! Or she'll come after me again."

Suguru Geto reached out and smoothed his hair, his movements gentle and natural.

"Gojo, did you not sleep well last night?"

Satoru Gojo answered with utter confidence. "I did! I just slept too well, and now my hair won't behave!"

Kamo Xian Di drawled, "Then you could try sleeping badly tonight. Maybe your hair will behave."

Satoru Gojo glared at him. He wanted to argue but couldn't find the right words, so he could only swallow his indignation and stride ahead.

The four headed downstairs and rounded the little bamboo grove. The girls' dormitory stood half-hidden behind several maple trees. Morning sunlight filtered through the branches, scattering patches of light and shadow across the ground.

Shoko and Wana were already waiting at the entrance.

Shoko wore a dark uniform, the flowing lines of her culottes making her figure look even more slender. Her hair hung loose as always, a few strands lifting gently in the morning breeze. She stood there quietly, her features carrying that distinctive serenity, like a gardenia blooming silently in the morning light.

The beauty mark at the corner of her eye was as striking as ever.

Wana bounced beside her, waving enthusiastically when she saw them.

"Zhiyan! Over here, over here!"

Her bright voice was like a mountain stream skipping over stones, shattering the morning stillness in an instant.

Satoru Gojo hurried over, looked at Shoko, then at Wana, and spoke with perfect seriousness.

"Did you sleep well last night? How's your dorm?"

Shoko nodded, her voice calm.

"It's nice."

Wana chimed in beside her. "Shoko's room is so pretty! The window faces the mountains, and you can see a sea of clouds in the morning!"

Satoru Gojo looked at her and raised an eyebrow.

"What about you?"

Wana blinked. "Mine's nice too."

Satoru Gojo huffed and turned his face away.

"I wasn't asking you."

Wana froze for a moment, then exploded.

"Then why did you ask me?!"

"I was asking Shoko! You're the one who jumped in!"

"You're picking a fight, aren't you, Satoru Gojo!"

Wana reached out and jabbed his cheek hard. Could this guy not get through the day without being a jerk?

The group headed toward the classroom building.

Morning sunlight covered the stone path. Neatly trimmed shrubs lined both sides, dotted here and there with early-blooming wildflowers. Mountain ranges stretched into the distance, and the mist around their peaks was slowly dispersing, revealing their green contours.

Satoru Gojo and Wana bickered the entire way.

"It's all your fault for taking forever! You made us late too!"

"You're the one who wouldn't get out of bed!"

"I did not!"

"Then what happened to your hair? Did a cat claw it?"

Satoru Gojo instinctively touched his hair. Those unruly strands were still sticking up.

"It's called fashion! What do you know!"

Wana rolled her eyes.

"Fashion? More like a fashion disaster."

"You-!"

Suguru Geto walked beside them, the corners of his mouth lifting as he watched.

He stepped forward and slung an arm around Satoru Gojo's shoulders.

"All right, Gojo. You should be a gentleman and let the lady have her way."

Satoru Gojo pursed his lips, his gaze falling on the noisy figure beside him.

"Well, since you put it that way, I'll be merciful and forgive her."

Suguru Geto's smile deepened.

"It's rare to see the young master back down."

Kamo Xian Di added the remark in his unhurried way.

Satoru Gojo's sharp ears caught it, and he immediately turned around.

"Kamo! Say that again!"

Xian Di smiled faintly.

"Oh dear, you heard me."

The classroom building stood quietly in the morning light, its blue-gray tiles and white walls simple and dignified. A shaft of sunlight entered through the window at the turn of the stairs, casting a golden band across the floor.

The classroom door on the second floor was closed.

Zhiyan reached out and slid it open.

Sunlight flooded in.

It was a spacious classroom, much larger than those in ordinary schools. Distant mountains stretched beyond the windows, and sunlight poured in freely, spreading a warm blanket of gold across the dark floor.

Six desks.

Arranged neatly in pairs.

"Only six?" Satoru Gojo walked inside and looked around, sounding rather incredulous. "Don't tell me we're the only students in our year?"

Kamo Xian Di strolled over to a pair of desks by the window and sat at one. Sunlight fell beside him, bathing his profile in a soft glow.

"That's quite possible."

Suguru Geto followed him and sat down beside him with easy, natural movements.

"Then let's sit together, Kamo."

Xian Di nodded.

"Sure."

Holding Shoko's hand, Zhiyan walked over to another pair of desks.

Shoko took the window seat. Sunlight fell over her, dancing on her hair and illuminating the beauty mark at the corner of her eye with particular clarity. She narrowed her eyes slightly, looking as though she was enjoying the warmth of that moment.

Zhiyan sat down beside her.

The remaining two stood where they were, staring at the last pair of desks.

Two desks, pushed together.

Satoru Gojo and Wana exchanged a look.

Their eyes were filled with mutual disdain.

"I don't want to sit with him."

"I don't want to sit with her."

They spoke in unison.

Then both froze.

"Why are you copying me?!"

"You're copying me!"

Zhiyan spoke. His voice wasn't loud, but it silenced them both.

"Wana, Gojo, behave yourselves."

Wana pouted and reluctantly walked over to the pair of desks, taking one of the seats.

Satoru Gojo went over too and sat beside her.

The gap between them was wider than a desk.

Satoru Gojo tilted his head as he looked at her.

"Why are you sitting so far away? I don't eat people."

Wana glared at him.

"Who knows? You were like a starving wolf when you were snatching snacks yesterday."

"How is that the same? Snacks are snacks, and you're you!"

"I don't see a difference!"

Suguru Geto watched from nearby, unable to suppress his smile.

He looked at Kamo Xian Di.

"Kamo, do you get to watch this show every day?"

Xian Di nodded in wholehearted agreement. "Can't help it. It's a never-ending drama."

Suguru Geto laughed aloud.

Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, falling across the six desks and the six teenagers. Birds could be heard faintly outside, their calls clear and distant. The mountains stood quietly beyond, as though bearing witness to something.

Satoru Gojo leaned back in his chair and crossed his legs, settling into a languid slouch. His white hair gleamed faintly in the sunlight, and his face took on a bored expression.

"By the way, does anyone know who our homeroom teacher is?"

He yawned as he spoke, tears gathering at the corners of his eyes.

Suguru Geto picked up the conversation beside him, his tone gentle.

"Principal Shirakawa said it was Mr. Masamichi Yaga."

Satoru Gojo blinked.

"Masamichi Yaga? That's a weird name."

At that, Kamo Xian Di lifted his head slightly.

"So it's him."

Satoru Gojo immediately turned toward him, moving so abruptly that even his chair rocked.

"Kamo, you know him?"

Xian Di nodded and set down his teacup.

"I've heard a little about him."

He paused, then began explaining in his usual unhurried tone.

"Masamichi Yaga is a veteran sorcerer in the Jujutsu Society. His Cursed Technique is Puppet Manipulation-he can create and control cursed corpses. He's quite an unusual figure in the Jujutsu Society."

Understanding dawned on Satoru Gojo.

"Oh, cursed corpses. I've seen those. They're sort of like stuffed dolls."

He propped his chin on his hand and put his vivid imagination to work.

"Someone who likes making cursed corpses... probably wouldn't look very imposing, right? He spends all day with stuffed dolls. He might even be a bit scrawny."

The more he spoke, the more animated he became, his eyes lighting up.

"He's probably gentle too, speaks softly, and hardly makes a sound when he walks. Yeah, that must be it."

Wana muttered beside him.

"You've never even met him. Why are you making wild guesses?"

Satoru Gojo turned his head.

"It's called a reasonable deduction! Get it?"

Wana rolled her eyes.

"You call that a reasonable deduction? You're just making things up."

"Huh?"

Just as the two were about to go to war, the classroom door suddenly slid open.

Whoosh-

The sound wasn't loud, but it was as though someone had flipped a switch, making everyone stop moving.

Someone walked in.

It was a man.

A very large man.

He wore a black suit, impeccably tailored and immaculate. He was powerfully built, with broad shoulders and a wide back; as he entered, even the doorframe seemed a little narrow. His steps were steady and forceful, each planted firmly, carrying a presence that was impossible to ignore.

He wore sunglasses, hiding his eyes.

Yet somehow, no one dared meet the gaze behind those lenses.

He walked to the lectern and stopped.

For a moment, the entire classroom seemed to fall silent.

Satoru Gojo's expression froze.

He hadn't even had time to straighten up from his sprawl in the chair. His crossed leg still dangled in midair, and he remained frozen in that same lazy pose.

The things he'd just said still echoed in his ears.

"He probably won't be all that big and imposing..."

"He might even be a little scrawny..."

"The mild-mannered type..."

The man at the lectern took off his sunglasses.

A pair of sharp eyes came into view.

Those eyes weren't fierce, but they held an authority that discouraged anyone from stepping out of line. His gaze swept across the classroom, lingering briefly on each student's face, as though sizing them up-or confirming something.

Then he spoke.

"Masamichi Yaga. Your homeroom teacher."

His voice was deep and resonant, echoing through the classroom like a bell in the mountains.

Satoru Gojo's sunglasses slipped.

Yes, he was wearing sunglasses, and right now they were slowly sliding down his nose.

His mouth fell open.

Wide open.

As though he'd been struck by lightning, he stared blankly at the tall, imposing man at the lectern, who couldn't have been further from the "scrawny and mild-mannered" figure he'd imagined.

A disgusted voice came from beside him.

"Satoru Gojo, close your mouth."

Wana frowned at him, her face full of disdain.

"You're about to drool."

Satoru Gojo instinctively raised a hand to wipe the corner of his mouth.

There was nothing there.

He turned and glared at Wana.

"You tricked me?"

Wana blinked innocently, looking as blameless as could be.

"I didn't trick you. I was just giving you a reminder."

Satoru Gojo was left speechless, but he didn't dare make a scene in front of their homeroom teacher. He could only swallow his indignation.

The look on his face was priceless.

Suguru Geto lowered his head, his shoulders trembling lightly.

Kamo Xian Di raised his teacup, hiding the curve of his lips behind a sip.

Zhiyan remained as composed as ever, though his grip on Shoko's hand tightened a little.

Shoko turned to look at him, understanding in her eyes. What a stiff old stickler.

Masamichi Yaga watched the scene and raised an eyebrow slightly.

There was something rather knowing about his gaze.

His eyes lingered on Satoru Gojo for a moment before moving to the others.

"Satoru Gojo."

Satoru Gojo instantly sat up straight, as fast as if he'd been fitted with a spring.

"Yes!"

Masamichi Yaga nodded without saying anything more.

He looked at the others again.

"Naoya Zenin."

Zhiyan bowed slightly, his manner earnest.

"Yes."

"Kamo Xian Di."

Xian Di nodded, still looking every bit the veteran bureaucrat.

"Yes."

"Shoko Ieiri."

Shoko raised her eyes, her gaze as nonchalant as her voice.

"Yes."

Masamichi Yaga gave her a second look.

Reverse Cursed Technique.

His gaze then settled on Wana.

"Wana Zenin?"

Wana flashed a broad smile, her eyes curving into crescents.

"That's me!"

Masamichi Yaga nodded, then finally turned to Suguru Geto.

"Suguru Geto."

Suguru Geto bowed slightly, his manner calm and gentle.

"Yes."

Masamichi Yaga nodded and withdrew his gaze.

He stood before the lectern with his hands resting naturally at his sides, like a silent mountain.

"I'm Masamichi Yaga. Starting today, I'll be responsible for teaching this class."

His deep, resonant voice echoed through the classroom.

"The fact that you're here means you all possess a certain degree of talent and ability."

He paused.

"But talent and ability aren't everything."

His gaze swept over them, calm and profound.

"The path of a jujutsu sorcerer isn't an easy one. You'll face many dangers and many difficult choices. What I can teach you is how to confront them."

He paused again.

"But whether you can keep walking that path is ultimately up to you."

The classroom fell quiet.

Sunlight still streamed in, falling across the six desks and the six boys and girls.

But the atmosphere had changed.

Under the scrutiny of those sharp eyes, something slowly settled into place.

Satoru Gojo stole a glance at Zhiyan.

Zhiyan's gaze was as tranquil as a deep pool.

Satoru Gojo then looked at Kamo Xian Di.

Xian Di sat upright, his expression calm, still holding that cup of tea. (Gojo's thoughts: Why does he love drinking tea so much?)

Satoru Gojo looked at Suguru Geto next.

Suguru Geto met his gaze and smiled faintly, something reassuring in that smile.

Finally, Satoru Gojo looked beside him.

Wana sat perfectly straight, her expression serious.

Satoru Gojo froze for a moment.

She... actually had moments when she was this serious?

As though sensing his gaze, Wana turned her head slightly and pulled a face at him.

Satoru Gojo: "..."

Never mind. He'd imagined it.

Masamichi Yaga said a few more words about the class schedule, his voice still deep and resonant. He explained the morning theory lessons, the afternoon combat training, and the things they would need to keep in mind from now on.

Then he looked at them all.

"That will be all for this morning. You'll have combat training this afternoon, so be prepared."

With that, he put his sunglasses on.

He turned.

He headed out.

At the doorway, he stopped again.

He looked back.

His gaze settled on Satoru Gojo.

"Satoru Gojo."

Satoru Gojo instantly sat up straight, as fast as if he'd received an electric shock.

"Yes!"

Masamichi Yaga looked at him.

He was silent for a second.

"I heard everything you said earlier."

Satoru Gojo's expression froze.

Masamichi Yaga said nothing more.

He opened the door and walked out.

The moment the door closed, Satoru Gojo collapsed into his chair.

"I'm doomed, doomed, doomed..."

Beside him, Wana gloated over his misfortune.

"Serves you right! That's what you get for making things up!"

Satoru Gojo glared at her.

"Shut up!"

Wana stuck out her tongue and fell silent.

But there was no hiding the smug look on her face.

Suguru Geto turned to Kamo Xian Di.

"Kamo, why didn't you tell Gojo what Mr. Yaga was like?"

Xian Di leisurely set down his teacup.

"He didn't ask."

Hearing that, Satoru Gojo felt even more disheartened. Their seven-year brotherhood had faded. Fine, let him bear all of this alone.