The chill beneath the bridge seeped into them. Afternoon sunlight filtered through gaps overhead, scattered by the wind into tiny patches that swayed slowly across the thin layer of dust on the ground.
Satoru Gojo held an orange-flavored lollipop between his lips, one hand tucked into his uniform trouser pocket. His sunglasses had slipped to the tip of his nose, exposing half of his azure eyes.
"The higher-ups are seriously overreacting. We're just escorting a little girl to Jujutsu High. Did they really need to send all three of us?"
"We're dealing with a group of jujutsu sorcerers and curse users, and they mean trouble." Suguru Geto leaned against the opposite wall. "It never hurts to be careful. She's the Star Plasma Vessel, after all. We can't afford any mistakes."
Qingxiao stood deep in the shadows with his arms folded, barely joining the conversation as his gaze swept the street.
Misato Kuroi stood nearby, clutching her skirt in both hands. Worry she couldn't conceal lingered in her eyes, and she kept looking up toward the school gates.
They chatted on and off, drifting from their assignment to last night's mission report, then back to Jujutsu High's terrible cafeteria food.
Just as Satoru Gojo was complaining about Masamichi Yaga's taste in dolls, Suguru Geto's smile vanished, and his brow furrowed slightly.
"Something's wrong." He looked toward the school building, speaking a little faster. "Go find Riko, now. Two of the cursed spirits I stationed around the campus perimeter have been exorcised."
The atmosphere instantly grew tense.
The lollipop in Satoru Gojo's mouth snapped between his teeth. He straightened and brushed his trouser legs.
"Oh? Someone actually had the guts to come knocking."
"Satoru, you and Qingxiao go into the school and get Riko." Suguru Geto made the decision immediately, turning toward