The evening sky was painted with soft hues of indigo, and the stars had already begun scattering their glitter across the velvet canvas above. The cool breeze swept gently through the grounds of Jujutsu High, whispering of the night's arrival. Satoru had just returned from his mission, brushing the dust off his white uniform jacket with the nonchalance of someone who carried the world on his shoulders yet treated it lightly.
The silence of the campus was suddenly broken by the echo of footsteps approaching the gates. His sharp senses immediately recognized the rhythm.... familiar, yet heavy, as though weighed down by something unspoken. He straightened, his blue eyes glimmering under the starlight, waiting for the moment he had anticipated all day.
The figures came into view, Suguru, Shoko, and Sana. Suguru's usual composed demeanor was shadowed by something unreadable, Shoko's head was bowed, and behind them Sana walked with eyes that shimmered with unshed tears. For an instant, Satoru's heart sank.
Did something go wrong? he wondered, his chest tightening.
He stepped forward, his tall frame blocking their path.
"Sana-san…" his voice carried a warmth, almost a gentle plea.
"Mm," Sana hummed faintly, barely lifting her eyes to meet his.
Suguru and Shoko moved aside, giving space. Satoru's gaze sharpened, his lips curling into a grin that was both playful and reassuring.
"Now then… show me the medal."
There was a beat of silence before the tension broke like glass shattering, Shoko burst into a quiet laugh, Suguru chuckled lowly, and Sana, her trembling lips curving upward, finally laughed as well. With teary eyes, she reached into her pocket and pulled out a small shining medal, placing it gently into Satoru's waiting palm.
He stared at it with exaggerated wonder, his grin widening.
"Ha! Just as I expected! You've been training with the Great Gojo Satoru-how could you possibly lose?" he said while leaning down, lowering his glasses to reveal the happiness in his eyes..
Sana's cheeks warmed, and for the first time in the long day, the heaviness in her chest lifted.
The group walked inside together, laughter echoing against the old wooden walls of Jujutsu High. That night, a celebration filled the halls---- Yaga-sensei himself had arranged it, his stern face uncharacteristically soft with pride as he looked at Sana. He had always favored her, quietly nurturing her growth, and tonight his eyes reflected the satisfaction of a mentor who saw his student bloom.
The food, the chatter, the warmth- it all created a memory stitched with joy. Yet as the night waned, one by one they dispersed, returning to their rooms with tomorrow's duties awaiting.
Outside Satoru's door, Suguru paused.
"Today," he began, his tone thoughtful, "she overcame her fear of the past."
Satoru raised a brow, unlocking his door lazily. "Hm? What do you mean?"
Suguru folded his arms, leaning against the wall. "The girl Sana defeated… she used to bully her back in middle school. I saw it in her eyes, the hesitation, the fear. But she didn't let it control her. She faced it. And not only did she win the race, she proved to herself how far she's come. That kind of victory… it isn't about medals. It's about healing."
Satoru stood in silence for a moment, his grin softening into something gentler, almost tender. He didn't reply with words, only gave Suguru a knowing smile before pushing his door open. Inside, he flopped onto his bed, staring at the ceiling. His thoughts lingered on Sana- the courage in her trembling hands, the tears that had turned into laughter. A faint smile curved his lips as sleep pulled him under.
The days rolled forward. Training, missions, study, rest—life at Jujutsu High settled into its usual rhythm. A week passed, and in that time, Sana's progress became visible to all. Now she had learned to channel the curse energy of the curse but it were just the remnants as she was a non-shaman so the curse had been sealed away. Her movements carried new confidence, and her once hesitant heart beat with determination.
So when she was assigned to a second-grade mission with Mei Mei, she accepted eagerly. "I'll do my best!" she declared, her eyes gleaming with resolve.
Mei Mei regarded her with her calm, calculating gaze, brushing her silver hair aside. "Stay close, and don't act without my signal. Efficiency is key."
"Yes!" Sana nodded, excitement bubbling inside her.
The mission was straightforward, eliminate a curse haunting an abandoned warehouse on the city's outskirts. When they arrived, the stench of rot and cursed energy filled the air. Sana shivered but steadied herself.
Inside, shadows clung to the walls, and distorted whispers slithered through the silence. A hulking curse emerged from the darkness, its body twisted and grotesque.
Sana's breath hitched, but she quickly drew her weapon. Mei Mei's voice was firm.
"Left flank. Don't hesitate."
Sana darted forward, her steps light and precise. The curse swung, its claws grazing the floor, but Sana countered with swift movements, striking where Mei Mei directed. With each blow, her fear melted into focus. Finally, Mei Mei delivered the decisive slash, and the curse crumbled into ash.
Sana exhaled heavily, her chest rising and falling. A small smile touched her lips.
"I… I did it."
"You followed orders well," Mei Mei said, a rare note of approval in her voice.
They left the warehouse, the night air cool against their skin. Sana's spirit soared, another step forward, another victory etched into her growth. But the feeling was short-lived. Mei Mei's phone rang, and after a brief exchange, her expression hardened. As more work awaited her.
THey both went back to school and the days passed as it.