Utahime's steps were heavy as she walked back to the spectator stands.
She still clutched the kitchen knife, her knuckles white from gripping it too tightly. Her face was expressionless, but anyone could tell that her carefully maintained composure was an act.
She stopped in front of Zhiyan.
"Sorry."
Her voice was hoarse. She kept her head lowered, unable to meet anyone's eyes.
"I couldn't beat my opponent from Kyoto Jujutsu High."
She paused, as though gathering herself.
"I let you all down."
Her head sank even lower after those words. She waited-for disappointed looks, for polite consolation, for the empty reassurance of "It's okay, you did your best," from eyes that plainly said, "If only you were a little stronger."
She thought Zhiyan and the others would be the same.
After all, they were geniuses. The Six Eyes, the Ten Shadows Technique, Blood Manipulation, Cursed Spirit Manipulation-they were the people who stood at the pinnacle of Jujutsu Society.
She had prepared herself for those looks.
Instead, she was greeted with a warm hug.
"Aww-"
Wana threw herself at her, wrapping both arms around Utahime's shoulders and pressing her head into the crook of her neck. Her embrace was tight, as though she feared Utahime might run away.
"It's okay, Utahime!"
Wana's voice was bright and clear, filled with unvarnished sincerity.
"You did great! Really! Super great!"
She loosened her embrace a little, cupped Utahime's face in both hands, and looked at her earnestly.
"Who knew she'd whip up a Gatling gun? That wasn't your fault! Kogi Rin was playing dirty! Right?"
Utahime froze for a moment with her face held in Wana's hands.
She looked into Wana's sparkling eyes-there was no disappointment, no empty reassurance, only pure, undisguised sincerity.
Those eyes said: *You're one of us. It's okay to