Jujutsu Kaisen: The Forgotten Clan

Chapter 20- Let's Get Ready to Rumble

****A quick note: parts of the dialogue are in () and represent Blaze's inner thoughts. Now onward with the chapter :)****

The four of us settle on grabbing afternoon tea. Satoru and Suguru make efforts to get a hold of Utahime and Mei. I am relieved the place we picked is not full of people. Now to relax and not think about life for a few minutes. Satoru, Sakura, and I get in line while Suguru finds a spot for us to sit.

"How is your studying coming along, kid?"

A tug on my shirt forces me to answer Satoru.

"Do not call me kid! My studying is coming along well enough."

I see two sets of eyes look towards me as the line moves up. My temper is flaring up and Satoru is making me feel triggered.

"Next in line, please. What will you all have today?"

Ten minutes later, we find ourselves at a corner table looking out towards the street. The orange-yellow glow from the sun cascades the concrete. Sunsets and moon risings are my favorite parts of the day.

"What are you looking at?" Sakura's gentle voice rings in my ears.

"The sunset and the people walking about outside." Grumble

"It sounds like you need some food. What is with the worried look? Did Gakuganji rub you the wrong way this afternoon?"

"There is a curse at my apartment complex and the likely culprit of today's fires. Why it occurred, I don't know. And no, Gakuganji did not rub me the wrong way this afternoon."

I take a hard sip of coffee burning the roof of my mouth and throat. Sakura starts rubbing my back to calm me down. A lack of sleep, blood loss, and worrying about the vampire who is still on campus keeps me up at night. Heck two evenings ago, I woke up screaming and darn near attacked Sakura when she came to check on me.

"To answer your question from before, I have two jobs: tutoring and a barista. Three counting my babysitting gig. The tutoring is in English, French, and Biology…primarily with college-aged students….

I rub my face and look at my company before continuing my story. Satoru waves at someone coming into the store: I see Mei and Utahime.

"Continue, I like where this story is going." (What is with this white-haired sorcerer?)

Right, I needed the money and I have a knack for languages. Working as a barista helps me interact with non-sorcerers. Apologies for snapping at you in line."

I take another sip of coffee while avoiding eye contact with Satoru. He just gives me his signature grin after I apologize.

"It sounds as though you have a busy life outside of fighting curses. How is your adjustment to Jujutsu Tech?"

"Careful Utahime, she may bite your hand off if you ask her too many questions."

"I am not asking you Gojo!"

"Ooh, look who is getting mad now."

I can add Utahime to the list of people who can't tolerate Gojo's immature antics. If I don't get something to eat in the next hour, I may be the one to snap and break his face. Gojo and Utahime talk back and forth for a few minutes.

"Don't worry, this is how their relationship has been for as long as I have known them. Now, are you going to answer Utahime's question or not?" Mei's voice is calm, assertive, and non-judgmental.

She is looking at me and so is Sakura, and Suguru. Why not answer the question? I will be working with these people for the next few years or so. Utahime and Gojo are still bantering back-and-forth.

"I am adjusting very well. Satoru, Suguru, and I completed a mission together last month."

The other two are now listening to the conversation.

"We heard. Care to elaborate on what you all found and did?" Utahime and Mei ask together.

After finishing the story, I notice Sakura is frowning, and her eyes are half-closed. I censored out the number of people who went missing and how many vampires were discovered at the park. The shop is closing and the six of us get up and head outside.

"Well, I am open to getting dinner and hanging out. Anyone else interested?"

"Not tonight, Satoru. I need to figure out where Sakura and I are going to sleep. Plus, I need to get a hold of my neighbor." (I am sure she has tried calling me again)

Sakura is quiet.

"You can stay on campus. We have dormitories and can arrange a room for Sakura as well." Suguru.

Sakura clings to my arm for support.

"We will think about it and get back to you." I am staying calm and can tell it is feeding time for Sakura.

"Mei Mei and I can't stay. Gakuganji is looking for us and wants to head back to Kyoto before it gets too late. It was nice meeting you Santa-Clara and I am looking forward to learning more about you." Utahime says and she trails behind Mei Mei.

"Blaze, if you don't mind…I would like to get going." (Yep, it is feeding time.)

"We will see you two later. Have a nice evening."

Sakura and I walk away, and round a corner. I want to renavigate us back to the apartment or a secluded area where she can drink. We wind up in an abandoned parking lot, three stories high. Sakura is leaning most of her body weight onto me.

"Just a few more steps, then we can feed you. Hang in there."

We make it to the second floor and tuck ourselves away in a corner.

Back Outside the Cafe

"Are you thinking what I am thinking, Suguru?"

"Following Sakura and Blaze to see what they are up to."

Both of my classmates smile at each other.

"To think vampires are rare in Japan. But here is our newest, Jujutsu Tech edition, playing house with one of them. And the one we have in custody at the school…is a bit much" There is a playfulness in Satoru's voice.

"Try not to overthink what is happening. Sakura will not take more blood than necessary, and Blaze is capable of eliminating a vampire."

"Once again dude, I am not the one to worry about Blaze. That is your line of duty…I am more concerned with the Elders and Higher-Ups."

"You are just as concerned with her too. It may be for a different reason, but it is still there." A smug, yet gentle smile crosses Suguru's face.

"If you say so, Suguru. Come on, we should get going."

Inside the Parking Lot

"Would you prefer the left or right wrist?"

"Neither Blaze. Is my brother alive or aware that I have been found? And how many other people were recovered from Disneyland?"

I don't respond to her questions right away.

"Blaze!"

"I hear you. Your brother is alive, but we told him you went missing. On our official report, it is stated you ran away from Disneyland and were never recovered. Five people were recovered from Disneyland, including your brother."

"Why has not my brother been informed that I am alive?"

"I don't know what to tell him." (Hey, your sister is a vampire, and might drink your blood)

"But you have a way to reunite us." Sakura's voice is cheerful and stern.

"I am working on it, yes." (And it had better work or we will both be in hot water.)

After ten minutes of feeding, Sakura and I make our way out of the parking lot. I notice Satoru and Suguru waiting for us outside the entrance.

"Come on, you two. We need to get to campus. Don't worry, your secret is safe with us."

(Damn you Satoru, mind your own business) I rub my face and keep quiet.

By the time we arrive on campus, it is six o clock. It feels a lot later than six. And to make things even better…

"There you three are. And who is the hooded individual behind you?"

"She is…."

"My question was directed to Gojo and Geto. And what happened to our wrist, Santa-Clara? Come over here person with their hood up." Gakuganji gestures for Sakura to walk towards him.

She looks at me and refuses to let go of my arm. I nod my head at her and pull her towards me. Suguru steps in between Gakuganji and me while Satoru stands behind Sakura.

"My roommate is shy. We will see you later…" I step to the left and walk away.

"Get back here, young lady. We have a meeting to attend and your…roommate can wait for you at the dorms. Some of your personal belongings have been brought to campus."

"Why don't you make me?" I glare at the Kyoto Principal and squint my eyes.

"Do not cause a scene. This is not Abitha School for Young Minds. Your former principal may have tolerated your, questionable behavior. But I assure you things run differently here at Jujutsu Tech."

"Is that a threat?" After saying this, I push Sakura behind me and face Gakuganji head-on.

"Ok, ok. I think we are all a bit emotional right now. Suguru escort Sakura to the dorms. The kid and I will be attending this, meeting together." The way Satoru says meeting makes my skin crawl. And him staring at the principal does not help either.

"And what makes you think…."

"I was not made aware that a meeting would be taking place. Should the Zen'In…. (Choose your words carefully dear) …folk… (How old am I, eighty? What modern-day teenager refers to other people as folk?) …be in attendance, I would feel more comfortable having someone there to support me"

(I am not going to hear the end of this from Gojo. Heck, he is already starting to smile.)

"What reservations do you have regarding the Zen'In, my dear"

"Do not call me dear! We are not related to each other. When and where is this meeting taking place?"

"Same place as the meeting from when you first arrived at Jujutsu Tech. You have ten minutes to show up. And don't think about running away, we will come and find you."

Once Gakuganji is out of sight, I turn around and talk with my present company.

"Do you two have any idea what is going on? I turned my phone off earlier and might have missed something." I am keeping my mood in check.

"I don't know as I said, I am going with you. Whatever these folks want to talk about, you will have an extra pair of ears for support."

"Would you prefer I accompany you, Blaze? I don't mind."

Sakura is back to holding my arm, while Suguru is giving me a calming smile.

"Ugh, it is up to you. Sakura, who would prefer hanging out with?"

My question causes Sakura to hold onto me tighter. What is going on with her? Is it the vampire we have in custody?

"I want you to stay with me Blaze. Being on this campus makes me uncomfortable. Can't I come with you?"

"I don't feel that is a wise idea. And if you are worried about the other vampire that is here, he is behind bars. The probability of him breaking out is low. Besides, I trust both Suguru and Satoru."

(Stop talking Blaze, you will make things worse!)

"Fine, I will stay with the dude with glasses. Just don't do anything dumb, Blaze."

Sakura's amber eyes are glistening in the moonlight. I smile as she lets go of my arm.

"Can't make any guarantees. Come on Suguru, we should get going."

The four of us part ways. I am lost in my mind while walking to this spontaneous meeting.

"Since when did you trust Satoru and me?"

"Huh?"

"Hmm, hmm. I asked since when did you trust Satoru and me? You always seem buttoned up when other sorcerers are around, but I have noticed you seem more relaxed around the two of us. Heck, you even seemed at ease with Mei Mei and Utahime."

"After our mission last month. As you said, I clam up around certain individuals."

We are outside the doors to the meeting room. I am sensing the two Elders who interviewed me last month. Naoya is not around, but his father is present.

I take a deep breath, open the door, and walk inside. Naoya's father starts talking.

"Hmph. We were worried you would run late. Why is the curse user with you?"

"Geto volunteered to accompany me because I am not a fan of surprises. Should I expect your offspring to join us, or is he busy harassing someone else?"

"Watch your mouth young lady! You're in the presence of two clan leaders and two Jujutsu Tech elders."

"Then should I expect the third clan leader to join us? My understanding is the Zen'In, Kamo, and Gojo clans are the prominent figures in the jujutsu community. I have met you before, Zen'In, and I assume you are Kamo."

I gesture to an older man with thick black hair, a shaved face, and a scar across his forehead.

"Glad to know you can conclude from the information presented before you," Kamo says with a flat tone.

"And I am glad I get to meet with everyone this time around. Thanks for the invitation."

Everyone in the room turns around and is greeted by Satoru's grandfather. Good gravy! The genetics are strong in the Gojo clan.

"Kamo, Zen'In, Elders, pleasure seeing you all again," the disdain in Gojo's voice is potent.

He walks into the room, sits next to Suguru, and addresses me.

"And you are the infamous Santa-Clara. How are you doing?" His voice is calm and non-judgmental.

"Save the pleasantries for another time, Gojo. We are not getting any younger."

"I will take my time addressing the room. After all, the Zen'In are not the only important people in this room."

(Now I understand why mother and father moved us to Canada. The Zen'In and Kamo clans are nothing but trouble, while the Elders have an agenda involving me and the Special Grade fingers. Two of the Gojo clan members seem approachable, and I am in the heart of what is to come.)

"Zen'In and Gojo. Please refrain from cutting each other's heads off."

"I want to know what on earth you four are doing interrogating a jujutsu tech student like this. Without me being here."

Gojo places a strong emphasis on him not being present.

"Gojo, sit down and stop making a scene." Gakuganji is trying to manage the meeting.

Suguru taps my shoulder to see how I am doing. I smile at him and stare at the ceiling. The bickering adults calm down and silence fills the room.

"And what are you looking at, Santa-Clara?" Elder Two

"Nothing. But I got you all to stop fighting like children. Are we having a meeting or not? I have not eaten in several hours and I am tired."

Giving blood the Sakura is not a problem but going for prolonged periods without food makes me hungry-angry. I stop looking at the ceiling and notice the perplexed looks on everyone's faces.

"Don't worry, when my eye color changes it means my emotions are running high or low."

I grin and brace myself for what is to come.