Jujutsu Kaisen- The Forgotten Clan
Chapter 9: Transfer Time
I head towards the Biology Classroom before heading to gym class. Miss Akawa is the only educator I respect at Abitha. She sees me as an individual and not a delinquent. I knock on the biology classroom door, expecting Miss Akawa to answer. Instead, I am met with…
"Miss Santa-Clara, what is the meaning of this? You should be heading to gym class. Or have you forgotten your schedule since returning to campus?" Madam Daikon.
"I am heading to gym class, but I wanted to see Miss Akawa first. Where is she?"
"Miss Akawa is no longer with us. She was asked not to return after the New Year Holiday. Now leave." She shuts the door in my face. My heart sinks to my stomach and I continue.
A few seconds later….
"What do the four of you want? And tell me your name, individual with the glasses." I turn around and come face-to-face with Shoko, Suguru, the spiky-haired dude, and a person with glasses.
"Ugh. Ugh…hmm." The individual with glasses is hesitant to answer my question and seems intimidated by the spiky-haired dude. Shoko speaks up.
"We have been instructed to bring you to Tokyo Curse College. And we don't intend to leave this campus without you." She puts a cigarette to her lips.
More students have started moving around the campus grounds. Norika, Ren, Ayumi, Ryo, Chiko, and Emi walk past the Tokyo Curse College students and me. They are heading to gym class as well. Norika gives me a smug look that says, 'look at me, I have a boyfriend and you don't.' I address the Tokyo Curse College students.
"I will consider coming with you after school. What do the four of you plan on doing the rest of today?"
"We will be sticking around campus and keeping a close eye on you. Your ability to slip away and hide has not gone unnoticed. For the record, my name is Satoru Gojo, her name is Shoko, this is Kiyotaka Ijichi, and I am sure you are familiar with Suguru." Spikey hair dude has a name, and it is not to be taken lightly. He gives me a half-smile and radiates cockiness. I turn around and walk to class without saying goodbye.
"Was it necessary for you to act so arrogant, Satoru? You have probably scared Santa-Clara off!" Suguru says as he and his classmates walk in the same direction as me.
Inside the Women's Locker Room
"I can't believe the purple eyes freak decided to come back to campus. The reason why she left in the first place is obvious." Emi, talking with three other girls at my school. Norika and Ren are on the field already.
"Really, why did she leave?" Says Saki, a first-year student who will do anything to stay friends with Emi.
"I was tired of being bullied and bored with school, Saki. Those are my reasons for leaving." I smile wide and start putting on my gym clothing.
"Is that so, Santa-Clara? My understanding is you were with the child. Honestly, I am surprised you have a boyfriend in the first place." Emi gets in my face and tries to intimidate me.
"Emi. Grow up and think for yourself! You of all people know I am single and have never been in a relationship." I turn around and head out to the field.
"You are single because nobody in their right mind would…" I am out the door before Emi can finish her stupid thought.
Once on the field, I head towards the bleachers where the rest of the class is gathering. Coach S, the sports director and physical education teacher for Abitha is talking with Coach R, the physical education teacher for our brother school. Murmurs are coming from most of the girls regarding Satoru and Suguru's presence. I sit on the far end of the second row of bleachers…away from Norika and her 'friends. The trio of bullies gets up and moves towards me. I take out my sketchbook and continue drawing…Chiko and his crew join Norika.
The two physical education teachers have stopped talking with each other and address the class.
"Welcome back everyone please calm down." Coach Q.
"Yeah, welcome back runaway. What are you drawing, purple eyes?" Norika getting in my face and making me uncomfortable.
"Back away Norika you are too close and making me uncomfortable." I tuck my sketch into my chest and gently push Norika away with my left elbow. Ayumi takes it upon himself to grab my sketchbook and flip through it.
"Hmm…let us see here. We have a rose, a raven, and a skull. And the sketch of a face? Wow. Have you no life Santa-Clara?" He keeps flipping through and starts tearing out my face sketch. I grab my sketchbook by one end and Ayumi has a tight grip on the other.
"Unhand my property Ayumi!" We are in a tug-of-war with my sketchbook. He lets go and I fall backward off my seat. Chiko and everyone else starts laughing.
"Excuse me, what is going on that is so funny Ayumi, Chiko, Norika?" Coach Q has stopped explaining what we are doing in class and staring at my group. I sit up just in time for Coach Q to see me.
"Agh, I see. Santa-Clara, what brings you back today? And why are you disrupting gym class?" Her arms are folded across her chest, and she will not stop staring at me. I clear my throat.
"Ahem. I was minding my own business when Ayumi here decided to steal my sketchbook. I went to take it back from him and we got into a fight. Will you kindly stop staring at me." My tone of voice is calm and not defensive.
"Bring the sketchbook here first." Now Coach Q has extended her, I roll my eyes and continue talking.
"I don't think so. My sketchbook belongs to me. Why is it so difficult for you or any educator in this school to address the bullying problems in front of your eyes? The individuals sitting closest to me (I point to Norika, Chiko, and their respective friend group) are the ones you should talk with. Not me!" I sit back down and slam my sketchbook on the bleachers.
A few students give a wide eye look to the ground and gasp in unison. Norika tries to goading me again.
"Suit yourself Santa-Clara. As for your outburst, you earned detention. Everyone come to the field and form three lines…we are running today before our Lacrosse lesson." Coach Q continues talking while everyone does as they are told.
I put my sketchbook inside my bag, and Ayumi kicks my bag under the bleachers as I descend the bleachers. I let out an audible grunt and hear Ayumi running towards me.
"That will teach you a lesson to snitch Santa-Clara. And for the record, I will be playing the Phantom, not you." Ayumi points at me and laughs. He walks over to Norika, grabs her waist, and kisses her. She does not resist and kisses him right back.
Once I make it to the field and lineup, Ryo stands behind me. My body prepares for a fight. He tries taping me on the shoulder, but I dodge his advance.
"I said not to touch me without consent, Ryo. That includes taping my shoulder. Back the heck off!"
"Why would I back off from something as beautiful as yourself, hmm? You know we are meant to be together…or are you still hung up on your ex? The one who knocked you up and caused you to leave school for two months?"
For the record, I have neither been in a relationship nor have I ever been pregnant. Norika thought it would be funny to spread a rumor about me before the holiday break. I put on weight to the point where I looked three months with a child and Norika told half our school I was pregnant. The reason for my weight gain was stress and depression. Ryo suddenly grabs my waist and pulls me towards him!
"There is no ex-partner in my life. And I said not to touch me!" I turn around and punch Ryo between his eyes. He falls backward, hits his head on the ground, and yells out loud. I punch him two more times before Coach S and Coach R start running towards Ryo and me. A group of students has circled us.
"What is the meaning of this, Miss Santa-Clara? Why is there blood on your right knuckle? Answer me!" Coach Q raises her voice at me. I can sense Shoko and her group is keeping their distance. I appreciate this since I am used to handling myself against bullies.
According to most sorcerers, hardship, suffering, and pain make a sorcerer stronger. It is not uncommon for most sorcerers to have a tragic backstory. My parents did not shy away from disclosing uncomfortable truths regarding sorcery and how some persons in our community think. I believe a normal amount of hardship and suffering coupled with support, love, and practice make a sorcerer stronger.
"I said answer me Santa-Clara!" I look Coach Q straight in the eyes and respond.
"This piece of trash grabbed my waist without my consent. I have told him multiple times today NOT to touch me without consent…as a result, I punched him in self-defense." I am pointing at Ryo this whole time. Coach Q squints her eyes in suspicion.
Then I turn my gaze towards Ayumi who has rushed to Ryo's side.
"And you Ayumi are no better than Ryo!" Ayumi looks at me like I have three heads.
"Umm, what do you mean Santa-Clara?" Ayumi acting unaware of his actions.
"Taking my sketchbook and flipping through it without asking first. Kicking my backpack under the bleachers to prove how 'strong you are. That is what I mean." Madam Daikon has been summoned and a school guard.
"That is enough from you Miss Santa-Clara. Come to my office now. You have two options, quietly walk with us or have the school guard use force. It is your choice." Miss Daikon has an uncanny way of making situations worse. I am about to go off and decide to follow Madam Daikon. I have embarrassed myself enough today.
"Hehe, you are all bark and no bite, Miss Santa-Clara. By the way, when is your due date? I would love to come to your baby shower." Norika's mouth running a mile a minute. I stop walking and turn around, staring her in the face.
"My bite is way worse than my bark. Your jerk of a boyfriend, he is all bark and no bite. As for you and your smug face…" I step my right foot in front of my left foot and lunge towards Norika while staying in place. She jumps backward.
"Let's go Miss Santa-Clara. My office now!"
I roll my eyes and head to the bleachers for my bag. By the time I reach the bleachers, the class has stopped staring at me and started running. Good. My bag is far enough out of reach that I crawl under the bleachers to fetch it. An overwhelming presence of cursed energy hits me…and it is coming from a spot close to the field.
Inside Madam Daikon's Office
"What are we going to do with you, Santa-Clara? Two detentions in one day, missing school for three months, and punching a student."
"What are you going to do about the bullying issues I have raised three times since transferring to Abitha? What will happen to Ryo?"
"The bullying issues have been dealt with. What is the contact information for your parents?"
My mouth is gaping open, and I am trying not to laugh at Madam Daikon. The bullying issues have been dealt with. Really? In what parallel universe is this woman living in?
"You honestly think the bullying has stopped. Today Norika, Ayumi, and Ryo made it clear bullying is still an issue! Have you stopped to think of why I stopped attending school?" I am defensive and holding back tears. This is not the first time I have been to Madam Daikon's office.
"No, I don't have the time or energy to stop and think about why a trouble-making student has stopped attending school. Now, what is the contact information of your parents?" She is cold, dismissive, and staring at me. I look away from her face and pull my ski cap over my ears. I start fidgeting in my seat and my face heats up.
"Sigh. Why are you not looking at me, Miss Santa Clara? I will ask the front office for your parents'…" I answer her question while staring at the wall.
"You should know already I don't live with my parents. Or have you forgotten that bit of information?" My tone is flat, a single tear rolls down my face. Madam Daikon continues talking.
"I will be right back. Stay here and don't move. If you leave, I will have the school guard drag you back inside my office. Do you understand?" Her voice is stern and unwelcomed. She leaves the office and walks to the front desk attendant. I pull my ski cap over my eyes and curl up into a ball: placing my arms over my knees, trying to comfort myself.
Two minutes later…
"Sit up Miss Santa Clara! I have had it with your fussy attitude. According to our records, you were assigned a caseworker and lived in a group home. We were not able to get a hold of the worker or your…I said to sit up Miss Santa Clara."
I can tell Madam Daikon is staring at me, but I am not responding. When put in uncomfortable positions with persons in authority, I shut down. I stay in the same position and start talking.
"I have not been to that hole of a group home in years. And my caseworker…they have never checked in on me. Not once since I was assigned to them. For the past few years, I have been living on my own."
"That is rubbish Santa-Clara. How are you able to afford to live on your own? Answer me, young lady."
"That is none of your business, Rubitha Daikon!" At this point, I sit up in my chair and glared at the woman sitting in front of me. The bell rings indicating the lunch period has started. A knock on the door makes both of us turn our heads to see who is disrupting our conversation. It is Norika.
"What do you want Norika?" I am not pleased with her being in Miss Daikon's office.
"That is none of your business Santa-Clara. Miss Daikon, our guest students are looking to talk with you." Norika has a fake smile on and acting as though nothing happened during physical education class.
"Where are they Norika? I am in the middle of something with Santa Clara." Before Norika can answer, I sense Suguru and Satoru walking down the hallway.
"They are heading this direction Norika and Daikon." I am looking at the wall again. Madam Daikon looks at Norika and starts talking.
"Miss Martella, I will be out in a moment to talk with our guest students. Run along to lunch. As for you Miss Santa-Clara, stay here. I am not finished talking with you."
Miss Daikon gets up from behind her desk and walks over to Norika. The two women leave the office. I settle back down in my chair and calm myself down. I can hear some of the conversations between Madam Daikon, Satoru, Suguru, and Norika.
The main Hallway outside Madam Daikon's Office
"Gentlemen. What happened to the young lady and young man from this morning? They mentioned you two would be on campus as well...but, they are nowhere in sight." Madam Daikon being hospitable.
"Our comrades had an errand to run." Suguru responding to Madam Daikon.
"What is she doing here? And how about we continue our conversation in private." Satoru pointing to Norika while addressing Madam Daikon. He sounds calm and mad at the same time. I can't put my finger on his mood.
"Miss Mizuno, thank you for your assistance. Please run along now." Madam Daikon hamming up the nice personality. "Right this way gentlemen. Just a heads up, Miss Santa-Clara is in one of her moods. I am sure she will be on her best behavior while the four of us chat. May I offer either of you a beverage?"
Madam Daikon opens her office door and walks inside. Satoru and Suguru are right behind her. I guess there is no point in trying to run off. I sit up and adjust my ski cap. Madam Daikon walks behind her desk and sits down.
"Come on in gentlemen and make yourselves comfortable. Miss Santa-Clara, I take it you have calmed down enough for us to continue our conversation?" She is smiling at me and calm. Underneath the surface, she wants to scold me.
I shrug my shoulders and keep my mouth shut. I don't appreciate Madam Daikon painting me as a moody teenager. Sure, I have my outbursts and I stand up for myself.
"What do the two of you want?" I say this while Satoru and Suguru sit down. I feel Suguru is more in tuned with other people's emotions, while Satoru has a personality like mine.
"We are from Jujutsu Technical College and wanted to discuss having you transfer to our high school" Suguru responding to my question. Madam Daikon looks up from her desk and gestures for someone standing at the door to come inside.
"I am not sure you would like to have Miss Santa-Clara as a student. She can be a handful and will most likely cause a disturbance within your school." Emi says while walking inside the office. She is smiling towards the two male students. I am certain Norika went and talked with Emi about the two boys inside Madam Daikon's office. Ren will be joining us in a few minutes.
"Miss Santa-Clara can speak for herself, Miss Emi. And why are you...and Ren here? This conversation does not concern either of you. Now beat it!" I am keeping my eyes forward and temper in check. It is just like Emi to take a jab at me.
"Miss Santa-Clara, that is enough from you. Where are your manners and sense of respect?" Madam Daikon.
"Where are my manners and sense of respect? My manners are right here in front of your face." I stand up from my chair, causing it to squeak on the floor. I point to myself from head to toe while continuing my speech.
"Wait, I am not done talking Madam Daikon. As for the respect part, I show respect to those who have earned it. Ever since I transferred to Abitha, the only individual who showed me any respect or treated me like a human being is Miss Akawa! And you told me earlier today she is no longer teaching here!
I have raised my concerns about bullying and harassment for almost a year and nothing has changed. The little fight I got into with Ryo today highlights what I am saying."
"Miss Santa-Clara, please calm, yourself..." I cut Madam Daikon off.
"I am still speaking, stop interrupting me. Norika, Ren, Emi, Ayumi, Ryo, Chiko, are the primary bullies. If you think I am the only person they have targeted, you are delusional. Before I stopped coming to school, at least three other students came to me... not you...raising concerns for their safety."
Madam Daikon is getting frustrated, and Emi is starting to feel uncomfortable. My tone is calm and low. And I am trying to suppress tears, again. I sit back down.
"Ugh, what are you talking about Santa-Clara? I have never once bullied you. You must be feeling tired or sick to think I would hurt you on purpose." Emi, making herself look innocent.
"Oh, is that so Emi. Care to tell us all what you said to me before gym class? Or why don't you fill Madam Daikon in on the dumb-ass rumor you started before my hiatus!" I turn around and look Emi right in the eyes. She takes a few steps back and almost walks out the door. I have not raised my voice and remain seated.
Silence fills the room. Twenty-Seconds pass before Madam Daikon starts talking again.
"I do apologize, for Miss Santa-Clara's outburst. As you can tell, she is one of our more...out of control students."
"There is no need to apologize on my behalf. I have already made my decision to transfer out of Abitha. It is clear to me nothing is going to change regarding the bullying issues, creating a safe learning environment for all students, and living up to the school's mission." I stand up and walk out of Madam Daikon's office.
"Thank you for your time and have a nice day Madam Daikon. Come on Satoru let's go." Suguru says sheepishly while walking after me.