An invitation to the bar

Terunobu Gojo bowed deeply.

"I understand. Then, Lord Dio, do you have any further instructions regarding the functional layout?"

Dio did not answer immediately. Instead, he gazed out the window, seemingly gathering his thoughts.

So Yuki Tsukumo stepped into her role ahead of schedule and spoke for him:

"The aboveground floors will primarily serve as administrative offices, meeting and reception areas, and an intelligence processing center.

On the top floor, I would like an integrated curse-specific 'radar' system for wide-area, high-precision monitoring of cursed energy fluctuations and early warnings.

The first and second basement levels are planned as cursed tool storage, standard training grounds, and an equipment maintenance center.

The third and fourth basement levels should be designed as a heavily reinforced 'sealing block' and 'isolation observation area,' for safely containing special cursed objects or temporarily detaining dangerous targets.

The fifth basement level... will provisionally remain empty as a 'strategic reserve floor.' However, its structure and barrier foundations must meet the highest standards, with provisions for further downward excavation and expansion, in preparation for more secretive or specialized uses that may be needed in the future."

Terunobu listened attentively. At some point, he had taken out a leather-bound notebook and was rapidly taking notes with a fountain pen, its nib scratching softly across the paper.

He asked no questions about the unusual nature of the "fifth basement level," demonstrating his professionalism.

Dio suddenly added, "There are no issues with the barrier design. Use the multilayered nesting approach we discussed.

But one thing needs special attention-the dining facilities must be large enough.

Not just ordinarily large. They need to accommodate at least five thousand people eating at once.

Jujutsu Society will inevitably expand its recruitment in the future, and the number of personnel permanently stationed at headquarters will increase substantially.

I also plan to make the assembly of all sorcerers a regular annual event. Headquarters will be crowded when that happens.

Meals are a major issue affecting efficiency and morale. We can't cut corners."

Terunobu's writing hand paused. Clearly, the figure of "five thousand" had come as something of a surprise.

But after a moment's thought, he quickly offered a suggestion. "In that case, perhaps we could consider a 'distributed multilevel dining' concept.

Rather than placing one enormous dining hall on a single floor, we could set aside medium-sized dining areas on several floors of the office building-for example, in the southwest corner of each floor.

These dining halls would form a vertically distributed network, and each could have counters offering different types of food.

The advantage would be to distribute the flow of diners, reduce elevator congestion, and shorten the distance personnel need to walk to collect and eat their meals, improving efficiency.

At the same time, from the standpoint of the building's utility layout, distributed kitchens and dining areas would also allow more economical and efficient use of water, electricity, gas, and other resources."

After listening, Dio pretended to ponder the suggestion, then nodded. "That approach works. Include it in the detailed design considerations."

Terunobu closed his notebook, carefully returned his fountain pen to his jacket pocket, and stepped back. Leading the team behind him, he bowed deeply to Dio and Yuki.

"Thank you both for your clear instructions.

I will take the team back immediately and devote our full efforts to refining the second proposal based on today's discussion, incorporating the requirements for the functional layout and dining facilities.

In three days, we will present complete, detailed design drawings and a budget report for your review."

Dio nodded to Terunobu. "Thank you for your hard work. I look forward to seeing the results."

Once those necessary administrative matters had been settled for the time being, he left with Yuki Tsukumo as promised.

The two entered a retro-style bar on a quiet street corner.

It was still daytime, and with no other customers inside, the bar was exceptionally quiet.

They ordered two chilled draft beers from the bartender and sat side by side in a semicircular booth upholstered in dark velvet beside the window.

Yuki took off her motorcycle jacket, revealing a daring off-the-shoulder tank top that outlined every breathtaking curve of her figure.

Viewed from the side, those curves were tantalizingly half-visible, making for a striking sight.

"You're wearing... a little too little." Dio's gaze rested openly on her as he stated this calmly.

"Even after becoming the jujutsu director, you're still a young man." Yuki propped her chin on one hand, her smile teasing. "You're practically staring. Don't try to act like those stuffy old hypocrites and deny it."

She tilted her head slightly and gave him a quick, playful wink with her right eye. Her fingertips brushed her lips before sweeping gracefully toward Dio in a languid, suggestive blown kiss.

"Because you're exactly my type," Dio admitted without hesitation, then tactically glanced out the window. "I'm merely appreciating the view."

"Mr. Director," Yuki leaned forward slightly, undisguised curiosity sparkling in her eyes, "don't tell me... you're still single?"

Dio turned back, a rare flicker of bewilderment crossing his eyes:

"Single...? I'm not entirely sure.

In my hazy memories, it feels like... there's someone very important who's been waiting for me.

But she and I don't seem to be a couple in the traditional sense?

It's just... a very strange feeling I can't quite explain."

"Wow..." Yuki drew out the word, her interest deepening. "You even have an amnesia storyline? That dramatic, huh? Tell me about yourself."

As she spoke, she casually shifted closer, instantly bringing them to the very edge of polite social distance.

"...I'm from Zhengguo," Dio stated, trying to keep the conversation on conventional ground.

"And? And?"

As though she had not heard him, she nonchalantly edged closer again, crossing that social distance and moving straight into the "personal space" reserved for friends-or someone even closer.

"...And I have a doctorate in physics. I'm a typical science guy, and I've been in two relationships." Dio turned sideways, making a slight tactical retreat.

Looking at the radiant face almost pressed against his, he changed tack and tossed the question back at her. "...Are you single too, at the moment?"

The question seemed to flip a switch. Yuki Tsukumo's brilliant smile instantly faded, her shoulders drooped slightly, and a hint of genuine frustration entered her voice:

"Yep... just an aging spinster. Sorry about that."

"Unbelievable..."

Dio's voice dropped a little as he replied.

He stopped avoiding her. Instead, he straightened his back and looked directly into Yuki's eyes, mere inches away.

"Even I'm feeling a little drawn to you... Maybe it's because... I've seen Geto and Satoru both embrace their own love."

Yuki suddenly widened her eyes and raised a hand. "Wait-who are the Suguru and Satoru you're talking about?!

Don't tell me you mean... Suguru Geto and Satoru Gojo?!"

"Yes."

Dio nodded openly, his tone carrying a hint of Was there ever any doubt?

"Given the context, those should be the only 'Geto' and 'Satoru' we both know."

"What?!"

Yuki Tsukumo let out an incredulous cry, planting both hands on the edge of the booth so abruptly that she nearly sprang out of her seat.

"So of the three special grades from ten years ago, I'm the only one still single?!"

Her eyes went round, her face filled with a mixture of disbelief and intense curiosity.

"Who on earth did Gojo end up with? His personality is so awful that everyone under heaven hates him!"

Dio calmly revealed the answer:

"Utahime Iori. They only made it official last night. Didn't you see the post?

Satoru said, 'When I'm with her, I never have to worry about life being boring.'

Then Shoko left a comment congratulating them."