After finishing his conversation with Satoru Gojo outside the principal's office, Akutagawa Shang turned and walked slowly toward the classroom.
When he opened the classroom door, the atmosphere inside felt a little strange. No one was speaking, and Maki seemed somewhat unhappy.
"What's wrong? Why the long face?" Akutagawa Shang pulled out a chair and plopped down beside Maki.
Panda swallowed at the sight and began telling Akutagawa Shang what had just happened.
"Gojo-sensei just came to give us our assignments. He said that on the day of the Night Parade of a Hundred Demons, all the students at Jujutsu High have to support the battlefront. The second-years already went on an expedition to Kyoto, and Inumaki and I are going to Shinjuku as backup."
"...Except for Maki and Yuta. Those two have to stay at Jujutsu High."
"For Yuta, he said it was to prevent Rika from accidentally manifesting during battle. But he didn't say why Maki had to stay." After finishing, Panda looked at Akutagawa Shang innocently.
"Damn it-!!!" Maki slammed her fist into the desk in front of her. The tremendous force left a deep fist mark in the wooden surface, nearly smashing the desk apart.
"Isn't it just because I'm a Grade 4 Sorcerer? That damned Zenin Clan. I've already beaten Suguru Geto up once, but they still won't let me onto the battlefield..." Maki's chest heaved, her eyes filled with resentment and dejection. Her simmering grievances nearly overflowed from the classroom.
Panda, Yuta, and Inumaki trembled off to the side, only able to turn pleading eyes toward Akutagawa Shang.
"It's all up to you."
"And here I thought something serious had happened. That's all?" Akutagawa Shang burst out laughing.
"What are you laughing at..." Before Maki could finish, Akutagawa Shang cupped her face in both