"Same outcome as always, huh." Panda rubbed his chin nearby, his round face calm and unsurprised.
"Tuna." Toge Inumaki pulled his collar up until only his eyes showed, his reply brief.
"Hey there, everyone~"
All three turned at once. A tall blonde woman stood at the edge of the field, sunlight shining on her pretty face.
After Rika returned to Yuta Okkotsu's ring, Kashimo tilted his head to look over as well.
"Little Kashimo, long time no see. What kind of woman do you-"
"No. Don't ask again, Tsukumo," Kashimo interrupted.
"All right~" Yuki Tsukumo shrugged, her face clearly saying, I knew this would happen. She was used to it by now. Every meeting followed the same routine. He would cut her off whether she asked or not, but she would still ask next time.
"What brings you back?" Kashimo took two steps toward her.
"A commission from Jujutsu High." Yuki Tsukumo tilted her head, a hint of confusion in her voice. "It's strange, though. They made quite a fuss." Her gaze passed over Kashimo and settled on Yuta Okkotsu, the corners of her mouth lifting slightly.
"Oh, is this the cursed little boy mentioned in the commission? He's quite cute."
"Huh?" Yuta Okkotsu froze for a moment.
"Let's get to the point," Kashimo cut in. His voice wasn't loud, but it was enough to bring everyone's attention back.
"Ahem." Yuki Tsukumo cleared her throat and raised an index finger. "There's a mission specifically assigned to Inumaki, but Gojo told me it would be best to have Okkotsu go along to support him."
"Me?" Yuta Okkotsu pointed at himself, looking somewhat surprised.
"You'll be fine, Yuta," Panda said calmly from beside him. "Toge is the only Grade 2 sorcerer among the first-years. With him there, you shouldn't have any trouble."