Junpei talked with his mother in the little room for a long time.
Junpei hid nothing-or rather, he could not hide anything from his mother.
Bit by bit, he told her everything that had happened recently.
Some parts came out incoherently; at others, he grew so emotional that he choked up and paused.
But his mother listened quietly throughout, never interrupting, simply holding his hand.
The initial shock in her eyes slowly turned to understanding, finally settling into a calm mingled with heartache and relief.
"To think something like that could happen..." his mother murmured after hearing him out, her voice dazed with disbelief.
Cursed Spirits, Jujutsu Sorcerers...
To someone who had always lived in the ordinary world, these things were far too remote, far too bizarre, like the script of some shoddily made fantasy movie.
But the person telling her all this was her son.
Her introverted son, whom she had watched grow up.
And there was the inhuman strength that black-haired boy-Madara Uchiha-had displayed earlier.
She had no choice but to believe it.
After Junpei finished, the room fell quiet for a while.
He leaned against his mother, feeling the warmth of her palm, his heart calmer than it had ever been.
Then he raised his head and looked outside the door.
Yuji Itadori and Madara were still waiting there.
Itadori was saying something quietly to Madara with a smile, while Madara nodded slightly, his expression calm.
Junpei remembered Itadori's earlier invitation.
"Come to Jujutsu High. There are teachers there who are as strong as monsters, and lots of reliable friends.
If we all work together, we'll definitely find whoever cursed your mom... and make them pay!"
"Let's fight together!"
That invitation had been full of hope for the future and trust in his companions.
And now, Mahito