Chapter 22: The Teacher

About a year had passed since Sana's condition had worsened, and the hospital had become her second home. Despite the doctors' best efforts, her health continued to decline, leaving them able to provide only palliative care.

One afternoon, as Suguru sat by her bedside, Sana asked a question that had been weighing on her mind.

"Suguru, do you believe in the supernatural?" she asked, her eyes fixed on the ceiling.

Suguru frowned, caught off guard by the sudden shift in topic. "The supernatural? Like ghosts and spirits?"

"Yes," Sana replied softly. "Do you think there are things out there that we can't see? Things that might explain... all of this?"

Sana turned her head to look at him, her gaze intense. "Because sometimes I feel like there's something inside me, something that isn't just sickness. It's like a shadow, a weight pressing down on my soul."

Suguru's eyes widened. He had noticed the dark circles under her eyes and how her body seemed to weaken inexplicably. Ever since she had come out of that tunnel, something had felt off.

"I don't know," he said, his voice hesitant, as if concealing something. "But if there is something like that, we'll find a way to deal with it. Together."

Several weeks later, on a cool afternoon, Suguru wandered through a park near his neighborhood. The trees were ablaze with hues of orange and red, their leaves rustling softly in the breeze. Suguru often came here to clear his mind, especially when the weight of Sana's illness became too much to bear.

As he walked along a secluded path, he noticed a man sitting on a bench, watching him intently. The man had an air of authority about him, dressed casually in a jacket and jeans, with a stern yet compassionate expression. Suguru felt a strange pull towards him, as if he were meant to speak to this man.

"Excuse me," the man said, his voice gentle but firm. "Are you Geto Suguru?"

Suguru stopped in his tracks, a mix of curiosity and caution on his face. "Yes, I am. Who are you?"

The man smiled slightly, standing up and approaching Suguru. "My name is Masamichi Yaga. I'm a teacher, and I've been looking for you."

Suguru's confusion deepened. "A teacher? What do you want with me?"

Yaga's expression turned serious. "I know about the strange occurrences in your life, the way you've been able to see things others can't. You're special, Suguru, and I believe you have a gift—one that needs to be understood and controlled."

Suguru frowned, his mind racing. "A gift? You mean the nightmares and the shadows? How do you know about that?"

Yaga placed a hand on Suguru's shoulder, his gaze steady. "There are many things in this world hidden from ordinary people. You have the potential to see and interact with those things. I can help you learn how to use that potential."

Suguru's heart pounded. The nightmares he had been having, the strange sensations of being watched—could they really be something more than just his imagination?

"I need to think about it," he said finally, feeling overwhelmed.

Yaga nodded, his expression understanding. "Of course. But know this: the world is filled with dangers that ordinary people cannot comprehend. If you choose to learn, you can protect those you care about. Including Sana."

"How do you know about Sana? And if you're joking about this, I promise you won't live to see the next day," Suguru said, his expression darkening into a serious threat.

"I can't promise to heal Sana, but there's a chance she could get better. She's cursed, and no ordinary doctor can treat her, no matter how hard they try," Yaga replied in a grave tone, his words carrying an undeniable weight.

Suguru's eyes widened. "You mean... Sana can get well and live? I'll do anything it takes to save her," he stammered, barely able to believe someone was telling him they could save her.

"I can't guarantee it, but we can try. If Sana continues with normal treatment, she won't survive—I can assure you of that," Yaga said seriously.

"How do you know about us? And why are you helping me? What do you stand to gain from treating Sana?" Suguru asked, confused by Yaga's sudden offer.

"A window at the hospital informed me about you and Sana. And I'm not helping you or her—it's more of a deal. Either you come to Jujutsu High, and we attempt to heal Sana, or you refuse, and we'll be forced to take drastic measures," Yaga said in a dramatic tone, leaving Suguru stunned.

Suguru's face went blank. "I'm here so you don't have to choose the second option. I'll help you control your power, and if possible, we'll lift Sana's curse as well," Yaga continued, trying to lighten the mood, but it did little to ease Suguru's tension.

"I'm ready. Take me wherever you want. Just assure me of her safety," Suguru said, his tone serious and filled with concern.

Suguru was prepared to join Jujutsu High. His parents were informed that he would be attending a private school. Suguru planned to explain the truth to them gradually, but at the moment, he didn't want to disrupt Sana's treatment by revealing everything.

Suguru spoke to Sana's father, begging him to give Jujutsu sorcerers a chance to treat her. Her father agreed, on the condition that she would not be deprived of her current treatment.

Jujutsu sorcerers were appointed at the hospital to heal Sana, while Suguru had to bid her farewell and join Jujutsu High. Before leaving, Suguru looked at Sana and gave her a gentle smile. Deep down, he was relieved that there was a glimmer of hope for her. Then, he went home to pack his belongings.