Satoru Gojo's efficiency was, as expected, insane—or maybe it's just that this world's construction speed was beyond normal logic.
The ancient Zenin family mansion, half-destroyed when Maki awakened her Heavenly Restriction, had been completely revamped in just a few days.
From the outside, it still looked like a historic Japanese estate, but inside? Fully modernized—smart home systems, underfloor heating, whole-house ventilation, even a bathroom decked out with a massage tub and voice-activated lighting.
When Gaio broke the news to the girls, their reactions were all over the place.
Marin jumped up, hands on her hips, declaring she'd turn an entire wing into her "Cosplay Sanctuary."
Kaguya, ever composed, quietly contacted the Shinomiya family's butler team, who started disinfecting and decorating a week in advance.
Rin furrowed her brow, studying the estate's barrier defense blueprints.
And Yukino? She just stood quietly by Gaio's side, her fingers subtly hooking onto the hem of his shirt.
On moving day, Gojo led the way in his flashy red sports car, with Gaio following in a silver MPV.
As the car rolled down the tree-lined path, Yukino, in the passenger seat, suddenly gripped her seatbelt—through the dappled shadows, she saw a grand estate gate, the words "Gaio Residence" in gilded characters gleaming under the sun.
"Whoa!" Marin practically climbed out the window from the back seat. "This is way cooler than the pictures!"
The car barely stopped before the heavy black-lacquered gates slid open automatically.
Gojo, sporting his signature blindfold, leaned against a porch pillar with the Itadori trio behind him, waving. "Welcome to—" he dragged out the words dramatically, "the Gaio Family Mansion!"
The courtyard was paved with fresh white gravel, crunching softly underfoot.
Artoria suddenly froze, staring at a cluster of cherry blossom trees on a grassy patch to the right. "That spot…"
"Was supposed to be a training ground?"
Gojo whistled. "Damn, how'd you know?"
He pointed to the west, where a bamboo grove hid a building. "The new dojo's over there. Brazilian rosewood floors. It's called a dojo, but it's basically a gym."
They passed through a winding corridor, the main house's sliding doors now replaced with smart glass that adjusted transparency based on light.
Marin cheered and bolted to her designated area—an entire floor of tatami rooms transformed into a dream space with a dressing room and photography studio, walls plastered with her anime poster collection.
Gojo, buzzing with excitement, led the group onward. After crossing an elegant corridor, the view opened up to a classic karesansui zen garden.
"This was designed by Kyoto's top garden architect!" Gojo boasted, arms spread wide. "The white sand's the sea, these rocks are islands…"
Gaio stood under the corridor, his brow twitching slightly.
The garden was refined, sure, but to him, it felt too rigid, lacking the bold, open vibe he preferred.
He glanced at Artoria, catching a hint of discomfort in her polite smile—those meticulously trimmed pines and orderly sand were a far cry from the vast plains and oak groves of her Camelot memories.
"Next up, the tea room!" Gojo, oblivious to their reactions, eagerly led the way.
The tea room was a traditional four-and-a-half tatami size, the fresh scent of tatami mats filling the air. The girls knelt gracefully, but Gaio lingered at the door, his expression stiff.
"What's up?" Gojo tilted his head.
"Nothing." Gaio forced a smile, about to grit his teeth and step in, when Marin suddenly sprang up.
"Hold on!" Her eyes sparkled as she bounced out of the room.
In the tea room, Kaguya knelt elegantly, her long skirt fanning out perfectly.
Rin, though poised correctly, was clearly fighting knee discomfort.
Sakura curiously scanned the room's decor.
Artoria maintained her knightly posture, but Gaio noticed her fingers tapping her knee—a telltale sign of unease.
Crash!
A weird clattering came from outside.
The tea room door slid open with a bang, and Marin appeared, proudly pushing a deluxe leather recliner. "Ta-da! Borrowed from my cosplay lounge!"
Gaio stifled a laugh, about to sit, when he caught Artoria's expectant look.
He got the hint and turned to her. "Artoria, wanna try it?"
Artoria's eyes lit up, but she hesitated, glancing at the others. "Is… that appropriate?"
"Totally!" Marin was already gone, returning moments later with a second recliner. "I've got a bunch more!"
In the tea room, Marin and Sakura were huffing and puffing, dragging in a third recliner.
As Gaio moved to sit, Gojo sidled up with a sly grin, his blindfold pulled down to reveal his piercing blue Six Eyes, catching Gaio's earlier frown.
"What? Not impressed?" Gojo nudged his shoulder, smirking. "Too small? Or too 'Japanese vibe' for you?"
Gaio shot him a look, not denying it.
"Tch, knew it." Gojo grinned, jerking a thumb toward the deeper parts of the estate. "This is only a third of it! Maki trashed most of the Zenin grounds, so this was the quick fix."
Gaio raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
"Figured," Gojo said, shaking his head smugly, "your old man's a proper Dongda guy, and your mom's from the Ubone side. Kneeling and sitting cross-legged? Not your thing."
He recalled the modern house they'd set up. "Saw it when we fixed up your Suginami place—chairs are more your speed, right?"
Gaio snorted, silently agreeing.
Gojo pointed emphatically to the cordoned-off area deeper in the estate. "The other two-thirds? That's the real deal! I got a big-shot architect from Dongda to lead it. The blueprints…" He shook his head with an exaggerated "it's a headache" face. "The timeline? Nearly made me pop my shades off!"
Gaio's eyes narrowed, a satisfied glint flickering. "Dongda architect?"
"You bet!" Gojo thumped his chest. "The real deal! Pavilions, rock gardens, winding paths… it'll feel like 'home' for your roots. For now," he gestured at the Japanese garden, "this is just temporary. Make do."
Gaio nodded, genuinely pleased.
A Dongda man deserves a Dongda garden. Kneeling? Cross-legged? A house without proper chairs? Unacceptable.
He gave Gojo a solid pat on the shoulder. "Nice work."
Gojo winced, rubbing his shoulder. "Ow, easy! Still sore from that last beating!" he griped, but his eyes gleamed with a triumphant grin.
Gaio nodded approvingly, scrapping his plan to shoo Gojo off after the tour.
He turned to Kaguya. "Kaguya, can you call in some help from the Shinomiya household? Lunchtime—barbecue."
"Barbecue!" Yuji Itadori leapt up first, fists clenched, eyes sparkling.
"Ah…" Artoria let out a soft gasp, her posture snapping even straighter, eyes locking onto Gaio like she'd heard a divine decree.
Kaguya nodded immediately. "Of course, Gaio-kun. I already told Ai to prepare ingredients before coming."
Her voice was calm, but the slight upturn of her lips betrayed her quiet joy at fulfilling the task.
Gaio smiled, ruffling Kaguya's silky hair, then glanced at Gojo, still rubbing his shoulder. "Gojo, good job. Stay for lunch."
Gojo's face lit up with an exaggerated expression. "For real?! Gaio-Gaio!"
His voice shot up, fake tears in his tone as he dramatically lunged at Gaio. "I knew you cared! Waaah, Gaio-Gaio's the best—"
"Get lost!" Gaio didn't even blink, kicking out.
Thud!
Gojo went flying in a theatrical arc, landing in the white gravel outside the corridor, kicking up a small cloud. Clutching his stomach, he wailed dramatically, "So cold, Gaio-Gaio~ Using me and tossing me aside, my heart hurts so bad~~~"
The heavy black gates slid open silently, breaking the estate's initial calm.
Ai Hayasaka, in her crisp maid uniform, led the way with steady steps.
Behind her, the Shinomiya household's professional staff filed in, moving in perfect sync, silent but efficient.
They carried elegant food boxes covered in pristine white cloth, a portable barbecue grill, a charcoal crate, full sets of dining utensils, and even folding picnic tables and chairs.
Following them were chefs in spotless white uniforms and tall hats, carefully hauling massive coolers.
Condensation on the cooler lids silently boasted the freshness and quality inside—thick-cut wagyu, marbled ribeye, premium beef tongue, plus boxes of high-end seafood and fresh vegetable salads, far beyond a typical barbecue spread.
"Lady Kaguya, Mr. Gaio, apologies for the intrusion. The ingredients and equipment have been delivered as requested," Hayasaka said with a slight bow, her voice clear but unobtrusive.
Her eyes flicked across the courtyard, pausing for half a second on Gojo, still whining in the gravel, before moving on like nothing happened.
"Good work, Ai," Kaguya said with a nod.
"Over there," Gaio pointed to the open area—the former Zenin training ground Artoria had noticed. "Today, that's our picnic spot."
At his word, the Shinomiya staff sprang into action with stunning efficiency.
Folding tables and chairs were set up in the center of the clearing.
The portable grill was assembled with precision, charcoal ignited with soft crackling sounds.
Chefs began slicing and arranging the premium meats, their movements like clockwork.
Soon, a fully functional, sizable outdoor barbecue area was ready, the mouthwatering aroma of grilling meat already wafting through the air.
The magic of barbecue ignited everyone.
Yuji Itadori charged the grill like a soldier hearing the battle horn, eyes glued to the sizzling thick-cut wagyu, throat bobbing. "So… so good! Fushiguro! Kugisaki! Get over here!"
Megumi Fushiguro, despite his exasperated look, was drawn by the scent.
Nobara Kugisaki excitedly directed the chefs: "Hey, uncle! Slice that beef tongue thinner! I want it crispy!"
Artoria maintained her knightly composure, but her gaze was locked on the ribeye, dripping fat sparking flames as the chef flipped it.
She casually strolled closer, her path calculated to catch the richest aroma from upwind.
When the first plate of grilled ribeye hit the table, she practically teleported to it, her knife and fork moving so fast they blurred.
"Gojo-sensei! Your piece is gonna burn!" Nobara shouted.
Gojo, still "heartbroken" in the gravel, sprang up with a carp-like flip, teleporting to the grill and snatching a nearly charred prime rib with tongs.
"Phew, saved it! Almost wasted Shinomiya-grade stuff!" he exclaimed dramatically, taking a huge bite and hissing from the heat. "Mmm! Delicious! Gaio-Gaio, this meat's way gentler than when we sparred!"
Marin dragged Sakura and Rin to the veggie and seafood table, chattering away. "Sakura-chan! These grilled scallops are awesome! Rin-chan, don't just stand there—try the mushrooms!"
Rin dropped her tsundere act, her eyes curving happily as she popped a mushroom in her mouth.
Kaguya, attended by Hayasaka, delicately sampled a perfectly cooked filet mignon, her posture impeccable.
Gaio didn't crowd the table or grill.
He sat casually on the grass, leaning against a newly planted cherry blossom tree.
In front of him was a plate of perfectly grilled meats, specially delivered by Hayasaka.
Yukino quietly approached, ignoring the lively crowd and gourmet food, sitting naturally beside him.
A breeze rustled through, her dark hair brushing lightly against his arm.
She didn't speak, just watched the bustling scene, the grill's smoke curling up in the afternoon sun.
Gaio picked up a skewer of golden, slightly charred chicken cartilage and handed it to Yukino.
She took it, eating carefully, her cheeks puffing slightly, softening her usual icy demeanor into something rare and gentle.
Gaio watched it all: Yuji and Nobara fighting over the last piece of meat, Megumi playing reluctant referee; Artoria silently clearing another plate; Gojo darting between the grill and table, trying to snag more food; Marin's bright laughter, Sakura gently passing out drinks, Rin grumbling but not refusing; Kaguya occasionally murmuring to Hayasaka, her gaze drifting to him…
A faint, relaxed smile tugged at his lips.
This noise, this liveliness—it never annoyed him.
Amid the warm, bustling background, a faint, rhythmic tapping echoed, like metal tools chiseling stone, coming from the cordoned-off area deep in the estate.
It was the Dongda garden project Gojo mentioned, still under construction. The sound was distant, faint, nearly drowned out by the laughter and sizzling meat.
But Gaio heard it.
The far-off construction, the nearby barbecue aromas and chatter, and Yukino's quiet presence beside him.
Old and new, motion and stillness, past and future—they wove together oddly in this afternoon sunlight, on this land newly christened "Gaio Residence."
Yukino finished her skewer, wiping her mouth with a napkin, and said softly, "This… it's home now."
Gaio turned to her. She wasn't looking at him, her gaze on Marin running and laughing in the courtyard, but her tone was certain.
"Yeah." He nodded lightly, reaching out to hold her hand resting on the grass.
Yukino's fingers twitched slightly, then gripped his tightly.
In this courtyard, steeped in ancient family history yet brimming with a fresh future, the barbecue's heat rose, carrying the scent of food, youthful energy, and the quiet warmth of something called "home," drifting slowly into the clear sky.