Sincerity

Watching Maki walk away, Hisagi said from a distance, "The truth is, I don't know you all very well. I am someone determined in my mission to exterminate cursed spirits, and I'm still not sure if you're people worth protecting."

Hisagi's words came out in a different tone—direct, with a clear intent behind them.

Panda turned around to look at Hisagi seriously, his usual playful expression fading as he said, "Watch your words."

"They said I should be honest, and now I'm being honest. I don't know you, and just like you've made things clear, I will do the same. I am someone determined, focused, committed to what I do, and with a strong will—something very few people have."

For a moment, Hisagi's eyes changed, revealing an ancient fire of desire to destroy something, no matter how long it would take to achieve it.

Maki felt her soul tremble, and Panda could also sense an ancient beast within Hisagi's eyes that made him stay on guard.

"My focus in this world is only to kill cursed spirits and save those who deserve it along the way. If I'm here, it's because of my limited knowledge in certain areas, and if I'm going to have comrades, I need to know if they're truly worth protecting."

Hisagi looked Maki directly in the eyes and said, "The first cursed spirit I killed was when I was seven years old. Back then, I didn't even know what they were. Fortunately, I almost divinely obtained the sword I held in my hand."

"A few weeks ago, the only person I cared about died at the hands of a cursed spirit. I couldn't protect them, so I haven't found a way to feel anything other than anger." This time, Hisagi was sincere. He had hidden his feelings because if he was always himself, he would be seen as someone he wasn't.

Panda was the first to respond. His expression had softened as he said, "We won't be a burden, I can assure you. Besides, we have no one but our schoolmates. If you manage to stay, you'll have to answer to a new family."

"Well, let's go. We're running late." Maki had learned more about Hisagi in those ten minutes than she had about many other people she'd known for years.

Like everyone, Hisagi's life had been gray for most of his time. Perhaps that's why he always focused on cursed spirits and how to kill them.

Forming emotional connections with people isn't something many love, but you do need comrades you can trust.

Maki had to admit she also felt more comfortable being with friends. Both she and those around her would give their lives to save each other.

She hoped Hisagi would find that here. At least it would be better than fighting until one day he found death in one of those missions.

On the way, Panda spoke a lot about the sorcery school: "There aren't many of us. Some die on missions quite often, and it's not like the headmaster accepts many sorcerers."

"Is he strict?" From what Hisagi was hearing, he would likely face a character evaluation by the headmaster of this school.

"He was only promoted a few years ago. Honestly, as long as you share a bit of your story, he'll accept you without hesitation." Panda knew the headmaster well, as he was like a father to him.

"Hurry up, guys. The headmaster should be getting pretty impatient by now." Gojo appeared not far away, having climbed endless steps that led to the top of a hill structured like an ancient temple.

As Hisagi was about to leave with Gojo for his evaluation, Maki, feeling guilty for forcing Hisagi to share his life, said, "Hey, we need a stronger comrade. I could use someone to train with."

When Hisagi heard this, he was surprised. He didn't understand much about subtle hints, but he knew Maki hoped he would stay at the school. So he replied, "Thanks for that. I'll do my best to be accepted."

"I didn't say that."

"It's too late to take your words back, Maki. Looks like we'll have another comrade, besides the one Sensei Gojo told us about," Panda said with a big smile.

Maki frowned and said, "I just hope this one has a happier life than ours. I'm sick of sad stories."

"I knew you had a kind heart."

"Shut up…"

...

Gojo looked at Hisagi and asked as they approached a large building, "Why were you so late?"

"I went to buy a few things."

"Well, it doesn't matter now. You're about to meet a very grumpy old man, so I hope he's not as stubborn with his values as he's always been."

Just as Hisagi was about to ask if Gojo knew the headmaster, they both entered the dimly lit building.

"You're late, Satoru. Eight minutes late!" The man inside spoke as the door behind them closed, and the surrounding environment grew darker. "It's not really about scolding you, but I've told you a thousand times to fix that bad habit."

This man, around thirty years old, sat at the top of the open space. Many puppet-like objects surrounded him, looking strange yet cute.

"Stop making such a fuss. Quit scolding me, dear headmaster. Eight minutes late is nothing. Besides, you're just making dolls." After Gojo finished speaking, he looked at Hisagi. "This is Headmaster Yaga Masamichi."

Inside, there were a few more people waiting, all seemingly the ones to be recruited this season.

"Satoru, is this the boy you recommended to be a special-grade sorcerer?" Headmaster Yaga Masamichi looked very strict with those sunglasses.

"Oh, this serious guy next to me is very powerful, though he doesn't look like it right now." Gojo gave Hisagi a push on the shoulder.

Hisagi, having been pushed, immediately bowed and said, "My name is Hisagi. I don't like many things besides eating, sleeping, and killing cursed spirits. Nice to meet you!"

One of the boys next to him felt uncomfortable. This guy even dared to tell the headmaster his likes so openly, as if it were a joke. Who would like killing cursed spirits?

"You'll speak more later. I'll first ask the others where I left off!" Headmaster Yaga Masamichi thought it best to save Hisagi for last.

"Ah, very well." Hisagi realized he had been too blunt. But seeing the bigger picture, there were a few students who seemed to be interviewed.

"What are you doing here?" Headmaster Yaga Masamichi asked as he looked at the young man standing in the middle.

"Uh, I want to join this school to become a powerful sorcerer." The boy came back to reality and looked at Headmaster Yaga Masamichi with a serious expression.

"Aside from that, what will you do when you've learned about curses and how to eliminate them?"

"What will I do?" The boy hesitated for a moment and said, "I'll do whatever it takes to fulfill my duty as a sorcerer, even if it costs me my life."