Just then, a familiar, resigned voice came from the gym entrance, breaking the delicate atmosphere.
Masamichi Yaga had barely stepped into the gym when he froze on the spot, the corner of his eye twitching hard.
He had come specifically to send the four of them on a mission. Over the past two weeks, he had covered most of the basic coursework, practical jujutsu, and combat procedures. This was a good time to arrange a simple mission so they could practice working together and get used to the rhythm of official assignments.
But he had never expected that, instead of students training diligently, he would walk in to find backboard glass shattered all over the floor, a completely warped and bent hoop, and two people standing in the middle of the court with their hands on each other's shoulders, looking into each other's eyes.
The court was a wreck, a truly appalling sight.
Masamichi Yaga took a deep breath, suppressed his resignation, and asked in a low, weary voice, "...Who did this?"
Those few words instantly brought everyone's thoughts back.
All four snapped out of it at once.
Satoru Gojo reacted fastest. Almost reflexively, he abruptly pulled away and stepped back, hurriedly waving his hands to deny any involvement.
Suguru Geto also quietly moved aside and stood farther away, pretending he had merely watched the whole thing and knew nothing.
The next second, Satoru Gojo, Suguru Geto, and Shoko moved in perfect unison, raising their hands to point straight at Qingxiao, who stood ramrod straight in the middle of the court with a stiff expression.
They did it in one smooth motion, without the slightest hesitation.
The cool, unruffled, show-off air Qingxiao had worn just moments ago, as though first place were already his, instantly came crashing down.
Not knowing whether to laugh or cry, he looked at his three utterly disloyal teammates and said helplessly, "Seriously, could you three show a little loyalty?
You sold me out that fast?"
Satoru Gojo spread his hands and grinned without a shred of guilt. "Facts speak louder than words, Qingxiao. You're the one who shattered the backboard with a dunk. We're not falsely accusing you."
Suguru Geto nodded in agreement, his tone calm as he enjoyed the show. "Exactly. We were just playing basketball. We don't have that kind of destructive power."
Shoko also nodded lightly, a faint smile in her eyes as she silently took their side.
Seeing their united front, Qingxiao could only sigh helplessly, obediently step forward, and frankly admit his mistake. "Fine, I admit it. I did it. I accidentally shattered the backboard when I dunked."
Masamichi Yaga looked at the mess covering the floor, then at Qingxiao's completely open, utterly unrepentant expression, and fell into another weary silence. How did I end up with three problem children in this class? Should I go pray at a shrine?
"Let's put the backboard aside for now." Masamichi Yaga withdrew his gaze, put away his resignation, and turned serious as he got down to business. "I came to find you four because you have a mission."
"Over these past two weeks, you've finished most of the basic theory, practical jujutsu, and combat rules you need to learn. There's no need to stay cooped up at school training all the time. I've arranged a simple mission for you to get some practice and familiarize yourselves with off-campus procedures."
At the mention of a mission, Satoru Gojo immediately perked up. He leaned closer and raised an eyebrow. "What kind of mission? Taking down a special grade cursed spirit?"
Masamichi Yaga gave him a bland glance and poured cold water on his excitement. "You're getting ahead of yourself. It's nothing that extreme. Just a few scattered grade 3 cursed spirits on the outskirts of the city, with at most one grade 2 cursed spirit hiding among them. The danger is very low."
As soon as he finished, Satoru Gojo's face fell. Looking utterly disdainful, he complained, "Huh? That's it? With a stacked lineup like ours-me, Geto, Qingxiao, plus Shoko-you're sending us to clean up a few small fry? You're seriously underestimating us!"
Suguru Geto also raised an eyebrow slightly and quietly agreed. "True. Cursed spirits at that level could easily be dealt with alone."
Standing nearby, Qingxiao picked up the thread. "I could handle a mission that simple by myself."
Shoko also gave him a questioning look, clearly not quite understanding.
Masamichi Yaga had expected this response and explained calmly, "It's not difficult. The main point is to have you go through the entire process. From accepting the mission to surveying the site, exorcising the cursed spirits, and finally reporting back and wrapping things up, you need to know every step by heart.
Actual combat isn't just about fighting. Following proper procedures matters just as much. This simple mission is a good chance to work on your coordination."
At that, none of them argued further. They obediently nodded in agreement.
Masamichi Yaga briefly went over the mission location and precautions. The process was clear and the details simple-the most basic setup for a beginner's mission.
After explaining every detail, he slowly turned his gaze, fixing it squarely on Qingxiao, who had listened quietly throughout. "That's everything about the mission. Get ready. We leave in ten minutes. Also-"
He raised a hand and pointed at the shattered backboard and glass fragments scattered across the floor behind him, enunciating every word. "The full cost of the damage to school property will be deducted from your payment for this mission."
Qingxiao's pupils contracted slightly. He was dumbfounded on the spot, his face full of disbelief. "Huh??"
Qingxiao instantly lost his composure, his voice brimming with grievance and reluctance. "Teacher, it was an accident! Besides, I was just playing basketball normally. Who could've known the backboard was such poor quality? Why are you docking my pay?"
Masamichi Yaga remained unmoved, his stance firm. "Damage to school property must be compensated at its value. School rules apply equally to everyone. Accident or not, you broke it, so you're responsible."
Satoru Gojo immediately kicked him while he was down, laughing with delight. "Hahahaha, serves you right! That's what you get for showing off with a dunk. Your little stunt backfired, and now you have to pay!"
Suguru Geto's eyes curved as he chuckled, quietly enjoying the show without adding much.
Standing nearby, Shoko watched Qingxiao suffer a rare setback. She couldn't help smiling, her eyes crinkling as she secretly pressed her lips together to stifle a laugh.
Watching the three enjoy his misfortune, Qingxiao felt weary and helpless. He gave up arguing altogether and raised a hand to rub between his brows in resignation, saying quietly, "Fine, dock my pay. But remember to get a stainless-steel backboard next time, so I don't shatter it with another dunk."
Masamichi Yaga couldn't be bothered to trade quips with him and urged them flatly, "Stop dawdling. Hurry up and clean the court, get yourselves ready, and assemble on time to leave."
An extra chapter for Qizhiyin Zaixian. Thanks for supporting this book, brother.
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