Chapter 34: Ramen and Politics (1)

[Third Person's Point of View]

Autumn breeze swept through the streets, carrying a faint chill and a promise of winter's approach. It was November in Tokyo's Minato Ward, the streets a fusion of modern and traditional architecture. Skyscrapers stretched towards the sky, their long shadows casting a stark contrast against the bright sunlight.

As the clock struck noon, the city came alive with the hum of the lunchtime rush, filled with the rhythmic tapping of salarymen's shoes on the pavement.

Restaurants lined the street on both sides with neon panels ready to be lit as soon as the night struck. The air on the street carried a mix of scents - the savoury aroma of traditional Japanese dishes being served for lunch, the fresh scent of flowers growing in the small canals, and the faint smell of exhaust from the many cars and buses that navigated the roads.

"Ne, how far is it?", August asked, growing increasingly impatient as he followed Satoru to the hidden ramen shop he had been raving about.

"Just around the corner" Exploring different ramen joints had become a tradition for the silver-haired man, who now sported a custom-made Ray-Banned sunglass instead of his usual blindfold. The duo looked striking as they strolled down the bustling streets of Minato, with both of them getting their fair share of head turns.

Satoru's hair glistened in the sunlight, each strand seemingly shivering as if alive. His aquamarine eyes sparkled behind the dark glasses, the colour reminiscent of the boundless sky. His well-chiselled strong, muscular body was covered by a stylish blue shirt and crisp white pants which exuded an aura of confidence and style, a true epitome of the Japanese male species.

While his counterpart had deep black hair, shining like onyx under the streetlights. His eyes glimmered bright purple, captivating anyone who looked into them. His jet-black henley shirt accentuated his well-built physique, rolled up to show off his strong arms, and his off-white pants and boat shoes, which completed the sophisticated look.

"You said the same thing 15 minutes ago."

For a change of pace, both of them agreed to take a stroll to the restaurant. Along with its famous ramen, the restaurant was also known for its delicious Macha ice cream.

As they rounded the corner, they found themselves facing a charming one-story ramen restaurant that looked like it stood the test of time. The sign above the entrance was hand-painted in red and read "Hideki Ramen Minami-Aoyama."

The sliding door of the small Japanese ramen restaurant glided open, revealing a narrow interior. A long, shiny wooden counter stretched across most of the shop's length, with chefs working diligently behind it. Their movements were precise and synchronized as they tended to pots of boiling noodles and expertly poured broth into bowls.

"Irasshaimase!" The chef slash owner greeted them warmly as they walked up to the right end of the wooden counter and sat at the very end of the row, with one empty seat left beside them.

The shop was fairly full, with nearly three-quarters of the seats filled, but the middle-aged owner immediately approached them to take their order. 

The menu, scribbled onto a chalkboard, made for a quick decision on what to order. As they awaited their meal, the chef disappeared into the kitchen, but they could still catch glimpses of bustling cooks preparing dishes as they chatted amicably with each other.

As they discussed August's experiences in Japan, Gojo chimed in, "This place may not be popular among tourists, but it's a hit with the locals."

"Satoru, you didn't bring me here just for ramen, did you? Not that I'm complaining," August quipped. He could guess that his white-haired teacher had something important to discuss with him.

"Wow. I am strangely hurt that you think I can't just invite my student just for lunch. And why are you calling me straight by my name without any honorifics?"

"You do the same to me. And besides, I'm American."

"That...weirdly makes sense. But yes, you're right in assuming I have an important topic to discuss with you."

August nodded and their conversation lulled for a moment as the owner approached them with their order.

August nodded as their conversation briefly paused when the owner brought their food to the table. The aroma of mouthwatering bowls of ramen filled their noses - Satoru ordered the classic Tonkotsu ramen while August opted for the restaurant's speciality, Tsukemen. They also ordered some gyoza and melon soda on the side.

Satoru was the first to speak, reaching for a napkin to clean any broth that may have clung to his lips while he devoured the noodles. "You're already a Special grade and you'll only get stronger from here," he said confidently.

August couldn't help but ask, "Does that mean my employment at Jujutsu High is confirmed?" The news of his special grade evaluations didn't shock him - It was stated in the anime that a 'Special Grade can take on a country alone', making them the top end of the high class in terms of strength. But the books provided by Satoru quoted, 'A Special-Grade Sorcerer can potentially devastate a continent' cementing their place as an Ultimate class. 

It would make sense, given that there were only 46 of them in the entire world, with Japan boasting the sixth-highest number of them, possessing 4 Special-Grade.

"I'll talk to Headmaster Yaga about that. But it won't be a problem." That statement did catch him off-guard; Satoru was willing to give a teaching position to someone he had only known for less than a week, essentially a stranger.

August's surprise was palpable, causing the man to chuckle and pat him on the back. "Don't let getting the job go to your head," he advised with a smile. "You still have much to learn." 

"But Hmm, let's see....Ah, I have an idea!" Satoru comically hit his right fist into his left palm and continued, "I noticed that you have a strong grasp on Hand-to-Hand combat. Does this also carry on to your weapon-wielding skills?"

Nodding in agreement in response to his teacher's question, August went back to slurping the thick noodles dipped in the rich Tsukemen broth.

"So it's decided! You'll teach physical self-defence and weapons classes. The latter is an optional course, though."

"That sounds good to me."

They continued to enjoy their meal, engaging in conversation and having a pleasant time together.

The ramen bowls were empty and both of them were enjoying their Macha ice cream when Satoru spoke up.

"Picking up where we left off, you must remain cautious of those who seek to exploit you." Seeing that his student was fully engaged, he pressed on with his warning.

"What do you know about Japan's current political situation?"

"It is a constitutional monarchy?" August replied with a playful remark, lifting the mood in the room.

"I'm referring to the supernatural aspect," Satoru laughed and rephrased his question.

"A supernatural society where one's power determines their rank and influence." It was a textbook answer, but also an accurate one.

Encouraged by Satoru's nod, he continued, "The Jujutsu Headquarters holds authority over all sorcerers in Japan, making them the highest level of government and centre of politics."

"A good answer," Gojo nodded, "But superficial at the same time. That is expected since you are new to this world. So let sensei explain everything to you!"

He gave August a thumbs-up and flashed a nice-guy smile before diving into his explanation.

"Led by the Jujutsu Commander, the council of leaders from Jujutsu Headquarters is responsible for overseeing the actions of Jujutsu sorcerers and implementing laws for them to follow. The Prime Minister chooses the Jujutsu Commander based on recommendations from the Eight Great General Houses."

"And conveniently, the council members are chosen either by the recommendations of Eight Great General Houses or are direct members of it. So it is not wrong to say that the Hachidai Shogunke controls the entire country."

"Even you?" August couldn't help but ask, even though he already knew the answer.

"I am Gojo Satoru," he replied confidently. "Do you honestly think they would have the audacity to try and control a Transcendent Grade like me?"

They both exchanged knowing grins at his bold-but-true statement and continued their conversation with further elaboration.

"The Hachidai Shogunke may rule with an iron fist, but there is constant politics and pressure within its ranks. The eight houses are unofficially divided into two factions - The Orthodox Faction consists of five houses: Kushihashi, Doumon, Shinra, Himejima, and Nakiri; while the Unorthodox Faction only has three members: Zenin, Gojo, and Kamo."

"The unequal distribution of houses on each side has led to intense rivalry among them over the years..."

August interrupted Satoru as an important question popped up in his mind.

August interrupted Satoru as a pressing question came to mind. "Why is the number of houses uneven? And what exactly divides these factions in the first place?"

Gojo let out a heavy sigh and took a deep breath before answering the question with a tone that hinted at his annoyance with the constant issue causing the division.

"The Orthodox factions are all skilled in using natural elements, with similar inherited techniques. For instance, the Kushihashi clan uses Wood-based techniques, while the Doumon clan specializes in Water manipulation. The Shinra clan has a mastery over metal, while the Himejima clan can control Fire, and the Nakiri clan has power over Earth. This stands in stark contrast to the Unorthodox clans of Zenin, Gojo, and Kamo, who control unnatural elements such as Shadow, Space, and Blood; Thus leading to frequent conflicts between these two opposing factions due to their conflicting beliefs and powers."

"And the reason for this imbalance you ask? Well, it all started a millennia ago with an individual known as the 'Daten'...."

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Author-san here!!!

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