Deep within Jujutsu High's old school building.
In an unremarkable Japanese-style room.
"Don't be so nervous. It's not like I'm going to operate on you."
Okkotsu shook his head, his Adam's apple bobbing.
"Mr. Wangchuan... I, I just..."
"You've just waited too long, right?"
Okkotsu nodded hard.
He lowered his head, his bangs falling to hide half his face.
"Rika... has stayed with me for so many years."
"In that form... as a curse."
"She's never complained."
"But I know she must want... want to go back to how she used to be, too."
"Back to the Rika who laughed and played, who would grab my hand and start running just because a butterfly flew past."
He raised his head, his eyes slightly red, but the resolve in his gaze was firm.
"So please! Whatever price I have to pay, I'll..."
"All right, all right."
Wangchuan waved a hand, cutting off the rest of his grand declaration.
"You've already helped me earn plenty of money."
"For now, there's something I need you to do."
"Call Rika out."
Okkotsu froze for a moment, then nodded hard.
"Yes!"
He closed his eyes and clasped his hands before his chest, seemingly steadying his breathing.
A few seconds later, he opened his eyes.
"Come out, Rika."
The air trembled faintly.
No oppressive aura of a curse surged out of Okkotsu's body.
A slender figure slowly materialized.
She wore a white dress with tiny blue flowers embroidered along its hem.
Her hair fell smoothly over her shoulders.
She tilted her head and blinked her round eyes.
Then her gaze passed over Okkotsu's shoulder and settled on Wangchuan.
She quietly studied Wangchuan for two seconds, then gave him a proper bow.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Wangchuan."
"My name is Rika Orimoto."
Her voice