Cherreads

Chapter 12 - Chapter 12

Kyoto Sister Exchange Event

.

In a black car with the Benz logo on it, the length of it clear to the public that it's a Maybach , it glided smoothly across the road, its polished surface reflecting the passing city lights. Its destination was Tokyo, and the quiet hum of the engine filled the cabin like restrained power. Inside, in the front row, sat an older man late into middle age, his posture stiff and rigid, with a constant frown carved deeply into his face as if it had long since become permanent. Beside him sat a shy girl with long black hair, partly braided, wearing a traditional miko outfit. Her hands rested neatly on her lap, fingers slightly tense, and after a moment of hesitation, she spoke up, breaking the silence.

Utahime Iori:

"Gakuganji-sensei, why do we have to fight the Tokyo High students?"

Another voice, lazy and unbothered, spoke up immediately after Utahime's question, the tone casual enough that it almost clashed with the gravity of the situation.

Kusakabe:

"I don't see why you're so worried."

Utahime turned to him with a shocked expression, her eyes widening slightly as disbelief crossed her face.

Utahime:

"What do you mean, don't be worried… they have both the Gojo members there."

Kusakabe ignored her entirely, his attention fixed on the katana resting across his knees. With slow, practiced movements, he continued sharpening the blade, the soft metallic scrape rhythmic and oddly calming, as if he had done this countless times before moments of conflict.

Kusakabe:

"You really have that little faith? So what if Satoru was born with everything. Just look at Mizuki—she was hailed as having an extremely complicated and supposedly useless technique, but through hard work and talent, she changed the perception of her cursed technique to the jujutsu higher-ups."

Utahime looked at him with contemplation, her gaze drifting slightly as she thought deeply about his words. The confidence in his voice lingered, making her reconsider her assumptions.

Utahime:

"But you were not born with a cursed technique, so no matter how hard you work, it wouldn't amount to much."

Kusakabe paused for just a fraction of a second. The sound of sharpening stopped. His tone shifted—no longer lazy, but firm, grounded, and serious in a way that immediately caught Utahime off guard.

Kusakabe:

"Do you know of the strength of the ancestor of the Kurai Clan?"

Utahime straightened slightly, surprised by the sudden gravity in his voice.

Utahime:

"Yes, he was a very strong sorcerer."

Kusakabe:

"Yes, but did you know he had no cursed technique? For most of the forty years of his life, he was born of the Kamo Clan without a cursed technique. Being born into one of the Three Big Clans is one of the worst fates for men."

Utahime nodded slowly, already familiar with the unspoken cruelty of clan traditions.

Utahime:

"Yes, I know. As tradition goes, women can marry off into rich non-sorcerer families or become maids, but men are forced to hunt curses for money or leave the clan to form a branch clan."

Kusakabe:

"Well, the ancestor Kurai Zaitsu was also the son of the greatest swordsman to ever live."

Utahime's eyes widened immediately, disbelief written clearly across her face.

Utahime:

"No way, you're lying to me."

Kusakabe:

"They say Miyamoto Musashi's sword mastery was so high that he was able to grasp the essence of cursed energy itself, giving him sensory abilities at the absolute Peak of humanity."

Utahime leaned back slightly, stunned by the implication.

Utahime:

"So you're saying you'll reach the level of Special Grade with pure sword mastery?"

Kusakabe:

"Later, his son Zaitsu was able to evolve those senses, and in the Edo Era, Falling Blossom Emotion was created. And later, with the use of binding vows, it formed the now-lost cursed technique of the Kurai Clan, which allowed them to gather information from sorcerers, non-sorcerers, and even cursed spirits."

Kusakabe's grip tightened subtly on his katana as his gaze hardened with resolve.

Kusakabe:

"I'm currently the next heir of the New Shadow Style School. I believe that with hard work, I can achieve something similar to what Kurai Zaitsu did."

Kusakabe:

"If not… then I'll train a successor who can."

Utahime smiled at last, finally understanding what truly drove Atsuya Kusakabe—the most powerful Semi-Grade 2 sorcerer. It wasn't pride, nor arrogance, but quiet conviction sharpened through years of effort.

She then puffs out her cheeks with a pout .

Utahime:

"Well, you have my support, as long as you—and that Zenin jerk—can teach Satoru a lesson."

Kusakabe:

"Speaking of the devil… where is Naoya?"

.

.

In another car, already stopping in front of the walkway to Tokyo Jujutsu High as it's revealed a maiden had opened his car door, a young, tall teen stepped out from the already-open door. A maid knelt in front of him, finishing putting his shoes on his feet and carefully tying them. His hair was black, his dark eyes sharp, and his facial features refined to the point of arrogance. As he stood, many women nearby fawned over him—a natural ladies' man, or as he was known in the modern era, a pretty boy.

Naoya:

"My father is right. There is no difference between going to Jujutsu Tech and staying in the clan."

He walked up the stairs as maids followed behind and in front of him, one unrolling a carpet beneath his feet as he moved. The path carried him through a secluded forest where the Goodwill Event would be hosted, every step treated as if it were ceremonial.

Naoya:

"Well, at least I get to see Mizuki… but that hāfu ,Kamo Aoi will be here."

His expression darkened slightly at the thought of Aoi—and worse, the fact that he was somehow close to Mizuki.

He reached a cabin from where the Kyoto students would meet up, and brain storm ideas for the event.

Naoya:

"If I defeat him… will I have a shot with Mizuki?"

A brief flicker of pain crossed his eyes, subtle and fleeting, but it vanished just as quickly as he shrugged it off. A door opened for him.

And standing on the other side was the very person he did not wish to see.

A tall teen with a mask in hand and a small smile on his face, as both their gazes met with the sun rays glinting of the light brown braided hair of the teen .

Aoi:

"Looks like even the Zenin heir is here for this Goodwill Event. Today's already feeling like my best day."

A mocking grin spread across Kamo Aoi's face, full of open amusement, as Naoya's expression darkened further, cursed energy unconsciously leaking and clouding the room with pressure.

Naoya:

"Why can't we just skip the whole event and get to the part where, I just beat the grin off your face."

.

.

Near a distant place under the lights of the city floats a single black feather, slowly drifting as neon signs flicker below it. The distant cry of a bird echoes through the night, followed by the rapid sound of flapping wings cutting through the air. But it is already too late. Space itself pauses—an unnatural stillness, like the world holding its breath—and then resumes a second later. In that instant, the bird is reduced to nothing but shredded feathers, scattered violently as if reality itself had rejected its existence.

The angle turns to the person responsible: a kid walking alongside another kid, accompanied by a tall, broad-framed man with spiky hair. Their footsteps are casual, almost lazy, as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred. The kid slows, then turns his head slightly toward the direction of the precious remains of the bird. He lifts his blindfold just enough to reveal the fading glow of a single crimson eye, the lingering sign and trace of cursed energy still dispersing through the air. After a brief moment, he moves his blindfold back into place, pulls his hoodie higher, and mutters under his breath.

Kai:

"Crow manipulation… did they pay her to keep an eye on me."

Then the girl twirls playfully into the side walkway next to Kai, her steps light and almost rehearsed, before slipping her hand into his. Her expression is shy, her fingers tightening slightly as if testing whether he would pull away.

Emi:

"I normally hold onto my mama's hand when walking in the city."

Kai freezes for half a second, then looks down at their joined hands. His lips twitch before he breaks into laughter.

Kai:

"I get that but… are you blushing? No way."

His laughter is light and teasing, the sound echoing faintly off the buildings. Emi turns red immediately, her face heating up as she glares at him with a mix of embarrassment and defiance.

Emi:

"I'm not… that's just the sun, it's just a hot day… why are you being weird, ugh."

Her words come out fast, defensive, but the way she squeezes his hand betrays her.

The man walking beside them finally speaks, his voice low and rough, carrying the weight of experience and danger.

Toji:

"You both should get ready, and pay attention to the Goodwill Event… you just might learn something. And the current strongest will be there."

Kai's expression doesn't change outwardly, but his thoughts begin to race the moment Toji finishes speaking. The words echo in his mind, refusing to fade.

Kai (thoughts):

"The current strongest…"

Kai:

"Now I'm interested. Who could it be—Yuki, or someone I don't know from the canon."

They stop in front of a blacked-out car with heavily tinted windows, its presence subtle yet imposing. The door opens smoothly, and a woman steps out. She has white hair tied neatly into a ponytail, long black eyelashes framing sharp eyes, and an amused smile that suggests she already knows more than she lets on.

Mei Mei:

"Never thought all this time you were with the legendary Sorcerer Killer."

Shock flashes across Kai's face as realization hits him all at once. His eyes widen slightly when he understands that he—and Emi—will be taken by Mei Mei to the Goodwill Event.

Toji doesn't react outwardly, but his tone carries a quiet warning.

Toji:

"It would be best you keep the knowledge of you seeing me to yourself."

Mei Mei:

"I would not dare to do otherwise."

The gaze of Mei Mei and Kurai Kai meet, and for a split second, a strange pressure passes between them. Kai shivers involuntarily, instinct screaming at him, before he quickly turns to Emi.

Kai:

"Emi, ladies first."

She looks at him with a baffled expression, head tilting slightly as suspicion creeps into her eyes.

Emi:

"You were not this gentleman-like before. Why the change all of a sudden… you're up to something, but I just can't prove it. You're definitely up to no good."

Kai sighs quietly, defeated, as Emi gets into the car first. He follows, deliberately sitting closer to her, subtly increasing the distance between himself and Mei Mei.

The car drives off smoothly, disappearing into the flow of the city. Toji remains where he is, watching it fade into the distance. A small, almost imperceptible smile forms on his face before he turns and begins to walk away.

Suddenly, he bumps into someone holding an umbrella, knocking it slightly out of position. As the umbrella tilts, Toji catches a glimpse of the person's face—stitches running across their forehead, dark, unreadable eyes beneath them. The man doesn't stop walking, his presence heavy despite his casual pace, and he mutters quietly as he passes.

Renji:

"The one not recognized by fate."

Toji pauses for a fraction of a second. By the time he turns his head, the man has already blended into the crowd, completely gone as if he had never been there at all.

Toji continues walking, hands in his pockets, but something lingers. He doesn't know why—but purely through instinct, he knows those words were a warning for the future but he could not fear what's to happen, since this is apart of the life he is living.

Toji:

" Live by the sword, die by the sword."

.

.

In the current school grounds of Tokyo Jujutsu High, the air felt heavier than usual, as if the barriers themselves were anticipating what was about to unfold. The campus was quiet, but not peaceful—more like the calm before something explosive.

Walking through the school toward the other side, along the elevated walkway leading to where this year's Goodwill Event would be hosted, three familiar figures moved at a relaxed pace.

Geto:

"Shoko, you will be the medic for both schools."

His tone was calm and matter-of-fact, like he had already accepted that this was inevitable. Beside him, Gojo stretched his arms behind his head lazily.

Gojo:

"That's a little unfair, don't you think."

Despite his words, the grin on Satoru's face was full of cocky arrogance, completely undermining any claim of concern. It was the kind of smile that suggested he was already bored.

Geto:

"Yes, Satoru, but I honestly don't think it will change much."

He glanced at Gojo briefly, clearly implying that regardless of fairness, the outcome wouldn't shift in any meaningful way.

Shoko:

"To be fair, I heard there will be someone on the Kyoto school helping me."

She spoke casually, exhaling a small cloud of smoke as she did, her expression relaxed but observant.

Gojo:

"It doesn't matter how many there are. Heck, with our duo we can take on the third-year students."

His confidence was absolute, almost irritatingly so, like the concept of losing simply didn't exist in his mental dictionary.

Suddenly, a car screeched softly as it stopped near their path. The abrupt interruption pulled all their attention. The door opened, and a small kid wearing a hoodie and blindfold hopped out first, his movements light and casual. A girl with long black hair and striking green eyes followed closely after him, clearly younger as well. Lastly, a tall woman stepped out, white hair tied neatly, amusement dancing across her sharp eyes.

Kai:

"Hey, Geto. Finally."

Geto's expression softened slightly when he saw him.

Geto:

"Kai, you're going to be watching the Goodwill Event."

Shoko walked over toward Mei Mei, her gaze briefly flicking down to Emi. Emi stared back instantly, her eyes sharp and fierce despite her young age, as if daring Shoko to say something.

Shoko:

"Oh, I see."

A knowing smile appeared on her face as Mei Mei met her gaze. Without a word exchanged, both women immediately understood the situation.

Gojo:

"Wait—you never told us you had a girlfriend. Is this why you've been gone for months, not training with us?"

Kai didn't even hesitate, turning his head slightly toward Gojo.

Kai:

"You know, Gojo, why do I act more mature than you despite you being eight years older?"

Shoko raised an eyebrow, clearly entertained.

Shoko:

"Kai, that is a good question. Why is it, Gojo?"

Mei Mei:

"Oooh, this is getting good. A little spicy."

Almost instinctively, they all crowded around Gojo, waiting for his response, clearly enjoying his discomfort.

Gojo:

"Come on, Geto, back me up here—wha… Suguru? Where did he go?"

Geto had already walked a few steps ahead, pretending not to hear him.

Farther in the distance, the faint cry for help from a teenage boy echoed through the grounds. But in the ears of Geto, Kai, and Emi, it was filtered out entirely—just another sound blended into the environment, nothing urgent enough to draw their focus.

Geto:

"So tell me, is she the one that's been your martial arts training partner?"

Kai:

"Yes. She has helped me a lot in the last couple of months."

Emi tightened her grip on Kai's sleeve slightly, her curiosity finally boiling over.

Emi:

"Why have you never told me about all these people, Kai?"

Geto glanced down at her, his expression serious for once.

Geto:

"You're keeping secrets from her. I would advise you not to do something like that."

Kai opened his mouth to respond, then paused.

Kai:

"No, but—wait. Is Onna with you? Can you bring her out? I want her to meet Emi."

Emi narrowed her eyes.

Emi:

"Are you trying to change the subject? But fine—I want to know who this Onna is."

The shadows behind Geto rippled unnaturally, stretching and folding as cursed energy flowed. From within them emerged a tall female curse spirit, wearing a long white dress. Her long black hair draped over her face, hiding her features entirely.

Kuchisake-Onna:

"Kurai… Kurai! Onna not seen Kurai in long time."

Kai smiled faintly.

Kai:

"Yes, it has been some time. Onna, I would like you to meet someone important… this is Emi."

The moment their gazes met, the air shifted. Even without visible expressions, the tension was undeniable—sharp, electric, like the first second before a fight breaks out.

Emi:

"Yes, we are very close. And how are you?"

Multiple eyes opened beneath Kuchisake-Onna's hair as she stared deeply into Emi's eyes. The atmosphere thickened, and it genuinely felt like a catfight was about to erupt.

Kuchisake-Onna:

"Am I… pretty?"

Before the Simple Domain could fully manifest, Kai moved. His body was instantly covered in cursed energy, a dark aura layered with faint red glowing through it as he stepped in front of Emi, shielding her without hesitation.

Kai:

"Falling Blossom Emotion."

The pressure dispersed just enough to break the tension.

Geto sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

Geto:

"From one fight to another… I guess it will be a long day.

.

.

On a plane flying over the ocean nearing its destination, Tokyo, it finally lands with a low rumble as the wheels touch the runway. A woman with long white hair and pale blue eyes steps off the plane. From the expression on her face alone, you can tell she carries the heavy burden of expectation on her shoulders, the kind that never truly fades no matter how far you travel. Her posture is straight, controlled, refined—someone used to being watched, measured, and judged.

She walks forward to collect her suitcase and bags, her movements calm and precise, only to stop when she realizes they aren't there. Her pale blue eyes narrow slightly as she looks around, scanning the area with growing irritation. For a brief moment, she considers whether she should really use her cursed technique over something so trivial. The thought alone feels ridiculous, yet tempting.

Before she can act, she hears soft giggles nearby—light, amused, unmistakably teasing.

A tall woman with long blond hair steps into view. Her soft, warm brown eyes contrast sharply with the mischievous grin on her face. A chain rests between her teeth as she bites it casually, staring back at the white-haired woman with an expression that makes her intentions painfully obvious—like she wants her right then and there, no hesitation.

Yuki:

"Rrraw, look at you looking all hot and bothered… are you looking for this?"

The white-haired woman turns her head sharply, only to see her suitcase and bag sitting casually near Yuki Tsukumo's feet. Relief washes over her face despite her attempt to hide it, her shoulders relaxing just a fraction as she confirms her belongings are safe.

Yuki:

"I know it's been a long time, but even then you're still not made of ice, princess."

She turns fully toward Yuki, lifting her hand to put on her blindfold with smooth familiarity. A cold smile forms on her lips—sharp, restrained, unmistakably hers.

Mizuki:

"I only want to see Aoi. It's been a year."

Yuki:

"So you don't want to see me? Your best friend?"

Mizuki doesn't hesitate, her voice flat and dismissive.

Mizuki:

"Who would ever dream to see you."

Yuki clutches her chest dramatically.

Yuki:

"Ouch. Maybe you're mad about the stealing-the-suitcase thing."

Mizuki sighs softly, already done with the conversation.

Mizuki:

"Anyways, my cousin—he should be a first year, right?"

Yuki straightens slightly, her teasing tone shifting just a bit.

Yuki:

"You mean Satoru. Yes, he is, and he'll be a part of the first phase of the Goodwill Event with the other first years."

She glances at Mizuki carefully, watching for any reaction.

Yuki:

"Well anyway, how was your time overseas, Mizuki?"

Mizuki pauses for a brief moment, her expression unreadable behind the blindfold.

Mizuki:

"I learned a lot."

Her tone is calm, but there's weight behind those words—experience, battles, growth.

Mizuki:

"Even enough to finally take your title as the strongest sorcerer."

The air between them shifts subtly, charged with excitement, rivalry, and —anticipation for the sister Exchange Good will Event .

More Chapters