Rumors (1)

The soft sunlight streaming through the towering windows bathed the room in a warm glow. Yet the air was thick with tension as men and women sat gathered around a long, dark wooden table.

At the head, Yaga Masamichi surveyed the group with a somber expression, his broad shoulders slightly slumped. His brows knitted together as his gaze swept across the room.

"Clearly," he said, crossing his arms, "we're missing someone."

A collective sigh rippled through the group. Mei Mei, standing slightly apart and utterly indifferent, chuckled softly as she adjusted her braid. But before anyone could respond, the door burst open with a resounding bang.

"Ah, were you talking about me?" a confident voice rang out.

Satoru Gojo strolled in, making an entrance as flamboyant as ever. He kicked the door open with exaggerated flair, shooting a playful wink at the group. As usual, he wore his trademark sunglasses, unbothered by the annoyance radiating from the room.

Kusakabe rolled his eyes.

"Of course. The star of the show," he muttered, lacing his words with irritation.

Gojo merely grinned, flopping into a chair and tilting it dangerously onto its back legs.

Yaga rubbed a weary hand over his forehead, visibly straining to maintain his composure. Taking a deep breath, he spoke with deliberate weight:

"Now that everyone is here… we can finally begin."

But before he could get more than a sentence out, Gojo raised his hand with agonizing slowness, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.

Yaga's patience snapped. His voice boomed, "What now? Just say it already!"

Gojo cleared his throat obnoxiously, dragging the moment out before finally leaning back and announcing:

"I know why the curses have been acting up lately."

The room fell into silence. Every eye was on him. Clearly reveling in the attention, Gojo puffed out his chest slightly, adding an unnecessary flair to the drama.

Yaga's voice was low and sharp.

"Explain."

Gojo straightened in his seat, lifting a finger as though giving a lecture.

"Exorcists and curses," he began, "have always existed in a delicate balance. A natural order, if you will. Opposing forces, constantly in motion. But," his grin widened, "when an unexpected power tips the scales—chaos ensues."

"You're suggesting there's some overpowered new exorcist on the scene?" Kusakabe interjected, eyebrows arching in skepticism.

Gojo didn't answer immediately, letting the weight of the idea linger in the air.

Shoko, visibly unimpressed, stepped closer, raising her hand as if to smack Gojo on the back of his head.

"And you decided to tell us now, you idiot?" she snapped.

But her hand froze in mid-air, halted by an invisible barrier.

Gojo chuckled softly.

"Me? Delay telling you? Come on, Shoko, that's not really my style," he replied, clasping his hands behind his head, his grin never faltering.

Yaga, trying to wrest the conversation back on track, leaned forward.

"And who, exactly, is this exorcist?"

Gojo tilted his head, his voice laced with amusement.

"No idea," he admitted, utterly nonchalant. "But… I do think they're in Kyoto right now."

At that, Nanami sat straighter, his face grave.

"In that case," he murmured, "the balance has shifted… in our favor."

Ijichi sprang to his feet, his voice trembling with alarm.

"We need to find this… this 'exorcist' immediately! Train them before—"

Gojo erupted into laughter, cutting Ijichi off mid-sentence.

Yaga's frown deepened, his frustration barely concealed.

"Satoru," he began with deliberate calm, "is there anything else you're not telling us?"

The grin on Gojo's face faded abruptly, replaced by an unexpectedly serious expression. Sitting up straight in his chair, he replied:

"This isn't some baby we're talking about."

Kusakabe folded his arms, his irritation plain in his voice.

"Satoru, quit dancing around the point. This isn't a sideshow, it's serious business."

Gojo shrugged casually.

"I have told you everything," he replied, unbothered. "And about training this new prodigy, I've already spilled the tea: they're in Kyoto."

Nanami straightened slightly, locking eyes with Gojo.

"I see where this is going. If what you're saying is true, then we're looking at a rare opportunity. A new generation of exorcists… and among them, someone who could disrupt the balance of power. It's a potential game-changer."

Mei Mei, who had been idly wrapping a strand of hair around her finger, tilted her head with a bored look.

"That's all well and good," she drawled, "but I hope it won't interfere with my payments."

Everyone turned to her, their expressions a mix of disbelief and annoyance. Yaga glared at her, his exasperation almost palpable.

"You'll get your money, as always," he growled.

Satisfied, Mei Mei smirked, leaning back with a self-assured air.

Yaga turned his attention back to Gojo, whose perpetually carefree demeanor was starting to wear thin. Rubbing his temples, he sighed heavily.

"Fine," he declared at last. "I'll contact Kyoto and request information about this person and the situation over there."

Gojo was the first to stand, sliding his hands into his pockets with practiced nonchalance. Pivoting on his heels, he glanced over his shoulder at Yaga.

"Perfect. Mission accomplished," he quipped, pausing theatrically before adding, "Meeting adjourned."

The room remained silent, though no one moved. Pausing near the doorway, Gojo turned back one last time, his voice teasing.

"Oh, and Principal?"

Yaga's eyes narrowed, his patience nearing its limit.

"What now?"

Feigning concern, Gojo inspected the door he had kicked in earlier, shaking his head with mock disapproval.

"You really ought to invest in stronger doors. These are way too flimsy."

Without waiting for a response, he strolled out, whistling a cheerful tune.

Yaga clenched his jaw, but he bit back his retort, instead letting out a long, weary sigh.

---

A gentle breeze made the cherry blossoms dance, their petals catching the sunlight.

Utahime watched as Todo and Ryosuke's figures disappeared down the main pathway.

"Your nephew must be something extraordinary," she finally said, turning toward Yuki.

"Of course," Yuki replied, her enigmatic smile faint but confident. "He's got a bit of my blood, after all."

Utahime raised an eyebrow, a glimmer of amusement in her gaze.

"That's a bit arrogant, don't you think?" she teased, folding her arms.

"Arrogant? Me? Never!" Yuki placed her hands on her hips in an exaggerated display of mock indignation.

Shaking her head, Utahime chuckled softly, half-exasperated, half-entertained.

"Then why bring him here?" she asked, her tone more serious. "You have a plan, don't you?"

Yuki's expression hardened slightly, though her smile remained.

"Ryosuke needs guidance," she said evenly. Her voice was calm but carried an undeniable weight. "His power is beyond comprehension. If he's not given structure, if he's left unchecked… well, let's just say it wouldn't end well for anyone."

Hearing this, Utahime's brows knitted together. She murmured thoughtfully, "So we've got a new Satoru on our hands…"

At the mention of the name, Yuki rolled her eyes in an overly dramatic fashion, her irritation plain.

"My nephew will be far beyond that narcissist," she shot back dryly, spinning on her heels to leave.

"Wait—you're already leaving?" Utahime called after her, disbelief in her voice.

Yuki glanced over her shoulder, one hand resting casually on her hip.

"I've got someone to meet. I'm already late, and trust me, this person hates waiting. Ryosuke knew the deal. I told him I wouldn't stick around."

She added with a playful wink, "Take good care of him. With him on your roster, who knows? Your little school might actually win next year's championship."

Before Utahime could respond, Yuki was already walking away, her confident stride carrying her down the path.

Left alone, Utahime stood in silence for a moment. Then, almost to herself, she muttered, "What kind of whirlwind have you just unleashed, Tsukumo Yuki…"

TO BE CONTINUED!

Next Chapter: Rumors (2)