Time flew by, and before she realized it, it was already afternoon.
With the shrill ringing of the school bell echoing through the corridors, Sobu High was dismissed.
Students poured out of classrooms in a rush, chatting, laughing, and making their way toward the exits.
"Benio, Shiroha, Misaki, we'll go ahead. We've got some things to take care of this afternoon," Kitagawa Haimeng said as she packed her handbag, glancing toward Benio Adashino, who was quietly tidying her desk.
"Uh… okay," Benio murmured, slightly startled.
Though her expression remained calm and composed, a tiny pang of bitterness tugged at her heart.
The past few days had been a rare joy.
She had walked home with friends after school, chatting and laughing—simple pleasures she hadn't felt in years.
But today, unexpectedly, she was left alone.
Shiroha, noticing her friend's subtle shift in mood, hesitated.
She wanted to speak, to reassure her, but instead, she quietly made a mental note.
Sorry, Benio… this is the first and last time this happens.
Beside her, Mei Misaki pursed her lips, lowered her head, and continued packing her things in silence.
After the trio had left, Benio watched their backs for a moment.
Her chest felt tight, but she quickly straightened her posture and tried to shake off the melancholy.
"Don't… don't let yourself get attached to ordinary friends," she whispered to herself, her voice soft but resolute. "You're an Exorcist, Benio Adashino. You don't belong in their world… not really."
Taking a deep breath, she grabbed her bag and quietly left the classroom, stepping into the afternoon sunlight.
...
Benio made her way to a sparsely populated bridge overlooking the clear river below.
She leaned on the railing, lost in thought, the gentle wind tangling her long white hair.
Whoosh~!
Startled, she felt a soft weight on her shoulder. Looking down, she saw Kinako, her yellow-furred companion, sitting with his tiny arms crossed indignantly.
"If you want my honest opinion, Lord Benio, they are not worthy to be your friends! Leaving you alone like that… it's outright exclusion!" Kinakohuffed, his little face scrunched up in indignation.
Benio reached out and gently patted Kinako's head. "Don't say that… it's fine, Huang Fan."
"But… Lord Benio…" the cat protested, eyes wide and voice trembling.
Kinako's loyalty was unwavering; and when he witnessed the slight of his Lord being left out by her friends — it had sting him as much as it had her.
For a long moment, the two remained silent, letting the river's calm murmur soothe their thoughts.
The wind swirled, rustling Benio's hair.
For a brief moment, she felt at peace—but then Kinako's ears twitched sharply.
"NOT GOOD! Lord Benio… a lot of impurities are gathering in the southwest direction!"
"Southwest?" Benio's green eyes narrowed, determination flashing.
Without a word, she leapt forward, racing toward the disturbance.
Unbeknownst to her, a familiar white-haired figure had been silently observing from across the road.
Only when Benio disappeared into the wilderness did he vanish without a trace.
...
Evening at Gojo's House (Outside),
Benio finally dragged her tired body to the house.
Kinako equally exhausted, nestled on her shoulder.
As they began to open the door of the house.
A voice suddenly interrupted them—
"Yo, little Benio, and Kinako, Good evening," Gojo Satoru called out, greetings the warmly, smiling broadly as he walked towards them, carrying a beautifully wrapped box.
"Gojo-sensei… good evening," Benio replied tiredly, and Kinako chirped a small greeting, too worn out to argue.
She was so tired that she didn't get a proper look at the box.
Gojo's eyes softened as he stepped closer, putting the box aside (in the empty space) for a second — before placing a hand on Benio's head and another on Kinako.
Reverse Cursed Technique!
A subtle warmth radiated from him, washing away the fatigue and mental strain that clung to them.
"Thank you, Gojo-sama…at least you think of her...unlike her friends, who left her—" Kinako began, after he get heal (from his fatigue and mental stress), his anger rising, as he begin to complain about his Lord's friend and also to ask Gojo's help to fix his Lord's mood.
"Shh!" Benio quickly covered the cat's mouth, her lips pressed into a small, weary smile.
"What is it?" Gojo asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Nothing, Gojo-sensei," Benio replied softly, shaking her head, a small smile tugging at her lips.
Kinako's tiny face was covered by Benio's hand, but that didn't stop him from complaining, as he tried to speak again.
"Mmmph! Mrrrff! "
Gojo amused, started to walk forward towards the door — without saying anything, while Benio silently following behind Gojo to the room.
As he open the door.
....
Inside the house, the rooms were unusually dark and quiet, today.
As Gojo carefully placed the box aside, and started guiding Benio and Kinako through the dark.
"Benio, check for the emergency switch. I'll find a torch—it should light things up," he instructed calmly.
With her strong perception, Benio navigated the darkness confidently.
As she reached the switch…and turn it on—
Click!
As the house erupted in bright light — Streamers, confetti, floating balloons shaped like weirdly adorable cats —fluttered around her hair, casting brilliant patterns across the room.
"Happy Birthday, Benio!!!"
The chorus of voices rang out—Umaru Gojo, Kitagawa Marin, Shirakawa Shiroha, and even Mei Misaki were all there, cheering with smiles.
Benio froze, as tears welling instantly in her green eyes. Crystal tears rolled down her cheeks, catching the light as she whispered, choking with emotion, "You… you remembered… my birthday?"
Gojo stepped closer, placing a comforting hand on her head. "Don't blame your friends for leaving you today. I told them it was your birthday… that's why we prepared this surprise."
Benio shook her head, tears slipping faster. "No… it's not that. I… I'm so happy… I really don't know what to say. Thank you… truly, thank you."
Her sobs grew quieter but more heartfelt, droplets falling onto her clothes.
For years, her life had been filled with duty, revenge, and the weight of being an Exorcist.
Even birthdays had become forgettable—except for her mother-in-law and Kinu, who always ensured a cake for her every year.
This year… others had remembered, too — her friends, Gojo-sensei, peoples who cared enough to celebrate with her.
Kitagawa Marin quickly walked towards her and wrapped her arms around Benio in a gentle hug.
"It's okay… don't cry. Today is your day."
Shiroha, teasing as usual, stuck out her tongue. "Even when crying, you still look cute~, Benio."
Mei Misaki smiled softly. "Come on, let's cut the cake. We made this ourself."
Umaru Gojo pushed a small cart forward, revealing a three-tiered cake.
In the center, it read: "Benio Adashino, Happy Birthday!" A small, cartoon version of Benio's smiling face was painted on the cake with care.
At that moment, the doorbell rang.
Gojo, already knowing who it was, walked over and opened the door.
"Lord Benio, happy birthday."
Benio turned sharply, and her eyes widened.
At the doorway stood a short, elderly woman carrying another cake—her beloved mother-in-law.
Tears spilled anew.
"Mother-in-law!" she cried, rushing forward.
The apartment was filled with laughter, warmth, and the scent of cake, candles, and friendship.
In that moment, Benio felt a rare, unburdened joy—a memory to treasure amid her busy life as an Exorcist.
.....
Epilogue — The End
Later, as the night wind blew through the balcony —
Benio stood beside Gojo, looking over the city.
"Sensei, Thank you for going through all this trouble for me"
Her voice was small.
Gojo turned to her — removing his glasses. His sky-blue eyes gleamed, full of sincerity.
"Benio… You're strong. Brave. And too stubborn to ask for anything."
He smiled gently. "So I'll just have to do it in secret. And you deserve to be happy every day."
Benio's heart skipped, at his words.
Then she looked at her new friends through the window — the happy smile, the way the behave, their expression, and the laughter that they share.
Who would have thought…
A serious Exorcist like her would find joy
in such ordinary warmth?
Tonight — that loneliness she used to wear like armor
finally cracked.
And from that crack — light spilled in.
The first birthday of many.
The beginning of a new story.
.....
{T/N: The End.... Yea the original raw only has 100 chapters, (why 99 chapters here then, just because it is a good number 😂) anyway, i search for it for can't find anymore chapters so I decided to end The Chaotic journey in a heartfelt moments, Thank you for reading it up until now 🙇♂️}