Trying to fit in

Miwa Chisei had enrolled almost a month later than the usual starting date, so she had also missed a month of General Studies classes.

But today's lesson covered cursed energy training rather than theory.

Masamichi Yaga had spoken to Eikura Yohei. The new first-year was still injured, so he was not to push her too hard during cursed energy training.

Today's exercise was to control cursed energy to split a piece of wood evenly into four with horizontal and vertical cuts, testing their mastery of cursed energy.

Several pieces of wood lay on the grass of Jujutsu High's athletic field. The difficulty would gradually increase: after splitting all the large pieces into smaller blocks, they would split those blocks again, requiring increasingly precise applications of cursed energy.

It was a basic but effective lesson.

The four first-years sat on the grass and watched Eikura Yohei demonstrate, smoothly dividing a large block of wood into four.

"You need to grasp the concepts of 'horizontal' and 'vertical,' rather than blindly striking the wood. Gather cursed energy in your palm, then visualize its shape and the direction of the attack."

Eikura Yohei divided one of the smaller blocks into another four pieces, his work clean and precise.

What came easily to the teacher proved much harder for the students. They could split the wood into four pieces, but the results were neither neat nor even.

Miwa Riona demonstrated her control over cursed energy on her first attempt. Although the cuts were slightly crooked, their surfaces were smooth.

Yu Haibara's attempt was much rougher. His block practically burst apart, though that kind of offensive power would be quite effective against a cursed spirit.

Kento Nanami's problem was insufficient force, but his aim was accurate.

Everyone's gaze fell on Miwa Chisei. Sitting on the grass in a kimono and wooden sandals, she looked like a middle-aged man attending a spring garden party.

Miwa Chisei barely even made a move to gather her strength. She raised her palm, and the block before her swiftly split into four.

The horizontal and vertical cuts were sharply defined. Her control over cursed energy was excellent.

Eikura Yohei was somewhat surprised. He knew Miwa Chisei had been admitted through "special recruitment." Was this the reason?

"You're amazing, Miwa!"

Yu Haibara was an enthusiastic boy, and his admiration for Miwa Chisei's ability was heartfelt.

A shadow clouded Miwa Riona's cherry-pink eyes.

Miwa Chisei said nothing. She was not a child who liked to show off-as long as no one provoked her, of course.

If Satoru Gojo's arrogance and flamboyance were passive skills, then Miwa Chisei's swagger and mockery were active ones.

"Those who have successfully divided the large blocks can start trying the smaller ones. Haibara, don't rush. Take your time. At this rate, I'll have to bring over more wood."

Eikura Yohei was a very gentle teacher, encouraging them with jokes.

Miwa Chisei looked up at the clear blue sky. Through her sunglasses, though, it appeared a deep, tranquil brown.

Miwa Riona had already moved past the large blocks and quickly begun trying to divide the smaller ones. She was a fast learner and soon finished splitting those as well.

Once she found the knack, it became easy.

Miwa Riona surveyed the pile of wood with satisfaction. Out of the corner of her eye, she glanced at Miwa Chisei, who was staring blankly at the sky, and could not resist calling out.

"Qianxing, why aren't you practicing on the smaller blocks? Are you tired?"

Miwa Chisei lowered her gaze. Looking at the small blocks Miwa Riona had split, she leaned forward and picked one up.

It was about the size of an ordinary eraser.

Then she tossed the tiny block into the air and raised her palm to target it-the little block instantly split into four pieces the size of fingernails.

She had exceeded the requirements. The size of those pieces went beyond the scope of Eikura Yohei's lesson that day.

Miwa Riona found the perfectly uniform miniature blocks before her painfully glaring. They were almost invisible among the grass, yet she had spotted them with unerring accuracy.

"If you have time to talk, you might as well practice."

The words were directed at Miwa Riona. Miwa Chisei spoke without any particular emotion, but Miwa Riona felt anger burning inside her.

She felt as though Miwa Chisei were mocking her.

Watching from nearby, Eikura Yohei understood. This student was probably no ordinary child, just like those three second-years.

Three particular second-years leaning over the corridor railing in the school building had seen everything that happened on the field.

With a cigarette between her lips, Shoko watched a certain figure on the green lawn, whose long silver hair shone almost dazzlingly in the sunlight.

"Oh, it's the kid Satoru picked up the day before yesterday."

Satoru Gojo chuckled, revealing the slightly pointed teeth at the corners of his mouth and looking rather cocky.

"Looks like she's back on her feet."

Suguru Geto watched quite intently. Something seemed to occur to him, and he could not resist teasing.

"Miwa must find this kind of lesson boring. It's beginner-level stuff, after all."

Satoru Gojo gave a soft snort. "She might've learned it while she was still in split-crotch baby pants."

Shoko Ieiri could hardly bear to listen. What were these idiots barking about?

Suguru Geto nodded in agreement, his tone actually sounding rather pleased.

"Mr. Eikura must be delighted. This is his first time teaching a kid with this level of cursed energy, isn't it?"

It seemed to be Mr. Eikura's innate buff. His students might not have monstrously exceptional talent, but they were all well-behaved, which suited his gentle disposition.

Masamichi Yaga, however, was envious-truly, from the bottom of his heart.

Shoko Ieiri turned to look at Suguru Geto. Are you just naturally underhanded? Mr. Eikura would cry if he heard that.

Two scumbags. Birds of a feather, all right.

Unwilling to join them in their antics, Shoko Ieiri stepped away from the windowsill and stretched.

"What's this, Shoko? Skipping class again?"

Satoru Gojo spotted his classmate moving away and mercilessly called her out.

Shoko Ieiri waved goodbye.

Satoru Gojo turned his gaze back to the figure on the field, then grinned and slung an arm around Suguru Geto's shoulders.

"Geto, I just thought of something fun."

Geto understood what Satoru Gojo meant almost instantly, his foxlike eyes curving into a smile.

"Let's go, then. But don't take it too far."

The two seemed to have reached an understanding and headed toward the stairs.