Life’s Purpose

"Carrying a sword everywhere is impractical. It draws too much attention."

Walking on the sidewalk, Eiji could feel the gazes of pedestrians directed at him.

Combined with his handsome appearance and carrying a genuine katana wrapped in a bag, he became the center of attention.

Eiji didn't like the feeling of being watched like a monkey in a zoo.

He just strolled aimlessly, enjoying the sense of freedom and lack of constraints.

As time passed, unnoticed, he had been walking steadily for over four hours, and it was already midday.

Eiji noticed more office workers on the streets, looking for lunch.

"So, what should I have for lunch..."

Feeling a bit hungry, he decided to find a place to eat.

"Is that you, Kamiki-kun?"

Hearing someone mention his name, Eiji turned and saw an office worker behind him.

"You are... Nanami-san?"

It took him a while to determine the identity of the man in front of him because the other party's appearance had changed drastically from what he remembered.

If it weren't for the Six Eyes seeing the Cursed Energy of the other side, Eiji wouldn't have recognized him at all.

Kento Nanami is a Grade 1 Jujutsu Sorcerer, and he is Satoru's junior.

Eiji knows him because Satoru dragged Nanami to the Gojo Family Residence to show him off.

"Long time no see, Kamiki-kun. Are you alone?"

"Yes, I'm alone. I was allowed to act freely. So, I'm just taking a stroll."

"I see."

The conversation stopped.

Both of them were not the talkative type from the beginning.

Looking at his watch, Nanami didn't want to waste precious lunchtime. He didn't want to work overtime. Before he could bid farewell, Eiji spoke first.

"Then I won't disturb you. I also need to find a restaurant for lunch. See you, Nanami-san."

"Wait, Kamiki-kun. I know a restaurant with delicious lunch; want to eat together?"

Before Eiji turned around, Nanami invited him to lunch.

"Sure. If it's not too much trouble."

"The place is not far, let's go."

Seeing him agree, Nanami walked ahead, and Eiji followed behind.

Just a few minutes of walking, and they already arrived at a Chinese restaurant, sitting on chairs, the waitress was a Chinese woman studying in Japan.

She was fascinated by Eiji's appearance; even though the others were still kids, it added to her liking.

After Nanami called her a few times, the waitress realized, took their orders, and continued with her work.

"You're just like Gojo; you can charm women with your appearance alone."

"Women falling in love with a man just because of appearance, I don't like shallow-minded women like that."

Eiji responded to Nanami's subtle sarcasm without changing his expression.

"That's good. At least you're different from your cousin who often teases a group of girls by showing his face."

Compared to Satoru, Nanami has a higher impression of Eiji.

"Is that a Cursed Tool?"

He saw the item next to Eiji.

"Yes. Special Grade Cursed Tool, Grass Sword. I just got it a few hours ago."

"Oh, that means you're officially a Jujutsu Sorcerer? What's your rank... No, no need to answer; I already know the answer."

Realizing his foolish question, Nanami was sure the 12-year-old teenager across from him was a Special Grade Jujutsu Sorcerer.

"Nanami-san looks like an office worker." Eiji said even though he already knew the answer.

"I am an office worker. More precisely, a stockbroker for an investment company." Nanami said calmly.

"So you've stopped being a Jujutsu Sorcerer, huh." Eiji's reaction was flat, not surprised by this development.

"Being a Jujutsu Sorcerer indeed has a high salary, but the job's risks are also very high. The death rate is higher than Jujutsu Sorcerers who graduate from high school. Moreover, Cursed Spirits are stronger than ever because Gojo disrupted the balance of the jujutsu world. Plus, with you, Cursed Spirits are even harder to eliminate. Of course, I don't blame you; don't get me wrong."

Nanami stopped as the waitress brought the food they ordered and placed it on the table.

"Itadakimasu." [Japanese expression before eating]

After that, the two of them started lunch.

Eiji ordered fried rice, while Nanami ordered Peking duck.

"So, Nanami-san quit because of this?" Eiji asked, not feeling guilty about the imbalance in the jujutsu world. Even without him, the situation would remain the same.

Without looking up, Nanami replied, "That's one of the reasons. Anyway, I'm a person without a 'life goal' or 'something worthwhile to do,' the only thing I want is money. Moreover, money makes the world go round for some people."

"So, for money, huh... It's a life pursuit for many people. Since it's Nanami-san's choice, I won't say anything. Hopefully, someday you'll determine your 'life goal.'"

Eiji didn't give advice to change the other's mind. He's not a Shonen protagonist and not good at heart-to-heart talks.

"What about you, Kamiki-kun, do you have a life purpose?"

This time, Nanami asked. He was quite curious about what Eiji wanted to do in the future.

"To become stronger." Eiji's answer was the same as he gave to Suguru.

"..."

Nanami stared at him in amazement. According to him, Eiji was already very strong. Otherwise, he wouldn't be given a Special Grade ranking.

*Bip Bip*

The alarm on his watch rang; Nanami checked the time and hastened his eating. Quickly, he finished the Peking duck.

Drinking a glass of water to the last drop, he wiped his mouth with a tissue and stood up.

"Lunchtime is almost over; I have to get back to the office soon. And for the bill, let me pay."

"No, I can pay for myself."

"As an adult in society, paying the bills for kids' meals is normal."

"I'm not a kid anymore!"

"For me, 12 years old is still a child."

Ignoring Eiji's refusal, Nanami went to the cashier and paid the bill. After that, he left the Chinese restaurant.

"Nanami-san is a proud and polite man who follows rules and regulations, unlike Satoru Nii-san who breaks rules and acts as he pleases."

After that brief meeting, that's the impression Eiji had of Kento Nanami.

"Sooner or later, he'll return to the jujutsu world by himself. No need for flowery words to convince him."

Finishing the fried rice on the plate, Eiji carried the Grass Sword on his shoulder and left.

Looking at the trash bin in front, he threw away the paper with the email address and phone number given by the Chinese restaurant waitress.

"Auntie, how much is this ring?"

On the side of the road, Eiji stopped at a small kiosk selling cheap accessories.

"Not expensive, only 100 yen." The aunt raised one finger.

"I'll buy it."

"Thank you, please come again."

After paying, Eiji took the silver ring, put it in his pants pocket, and intended to go home.