Chapter 4

Weeks passed by and Kyouka busied herself with training her two students while Gojo was preoccupied with Itadori. The two teachers hadn't spoken since their fall out in Kyouka's cabin and their missions were dealt with individually. However, rumblings around the Jujutsu world made Kyouka believe that Nanami Kento had taken a new student under his wing. She had a feeling that Itadori had been passed over to him by Gojo which made her wonder what Gojo was even up to. With that said, Kyouka took over training the other two first years in his absence.

"I know you both have been through a lot recently. With Itadori and the Sakuna situation still fresh, I don't want you to ignore how that made you feel." Kyouka spoke to Nobara and Megumi. They sat on benches near their training grounds in the early morning hours while the second years trickled in to begin their training. "Use whatever experiences you've gone through to strengthen your training. Emotion is power; don't let anyone else tell you otherwise." She told them.

"Kyouka?" Nobara piped up. Her body was looking stronger since their last mission and Kyouka felt the swell of pride within. "I appreciate your teachings; however will Gojo ever teach us too? I feel as if the strongest sorcerers at our disposal would be an advantage."

"Be grateful that Kyouka spends her free time with you kids at all. She has plenty of other responsibilities to attend to; she chooses to be here." A familiar voice sounded from behind. Iori Utahime walked up to the group with her standard scowl directed at Nobara. The younger teen gulped vocally and lowered her head.

"Thank you Utahime. Nobara, he will return to teach you both. I do not keep tabs on him. He is not a child." Kyouka responded, locking her jaw in annoyance. "That being said, continue your training with the second year students; I'll join you both shortly."

"You're still babysitting that pain in the ass?" Utahime asked her once the students were out of ear shot. Kyouka rolled her eyes and shook her head. "You deserve better than that ingrate."

"Utahime, enough. He's still my friend even though he's a pain." Kyouka warned, her eyes daring Utahime to continue her insults. "We were friends once too."

"A lot changed when you left Kyoto."

"Just because I left, doesn't mean we had to stop being friends." Kyouka reminded her, walking closer to the training grounds. "You're here for the event?"

"My students are prepared. Are yours?" Utahime nodded, looking at the students in front. Maki took down Panda before turning her attention onto Inumaki. "She seems in control."

"The blood of the Zenin Clan is powerful; even in those that rebel." Kyouka nodded, analyzing Megumi's movements against Nobara's.

"Where is your annoying counterpart anyway? That girl did have a point; he is their teacher." Kyouka shrugged her shoulders in reply, glancing at a glowering Utahime. "What happened?"

"Nothing. Just a little argument. Knowing him, he probably got over it the minute he left my cabin." She mumbled, tying her hair into a braid to ease the heat on her neck. "I assume he will make an appearance for the exchange event." Utahime narrowed her eyes but chose to stay silent. "Tell me about your students…for training purposes."

Hours had passed and the exchange event was starting to come together. Both schools squared off with each other in the courtyard when the all too familiar sound of Gojo came bounding. "Sorry I'm late, I stopped to pick up some things." Utahime and Kyouka shared the same disgruntled look as Gojo passed out souvenirs from his latest mission. "Sorry, nothing for you Utahime!"

"I didn't want one!" She snapped, trying to keep her temper in check. Kyouka scoffed at their interaction while Gojo returned to the cart he had brought.

"Also…a nice big surprise for everyone." Too late did Kyouka catch up to what Gojo was about to do before he revealed Yuji Itadori. Megumi and Nobara's reactions froze Kyouka in her place and their gazes zeroed in on their former classmate. Gojo's introduction of him to the other school sounded muffled as blood pounded in Kyouka's ears.

"I'm guessing you didn't know about this?" Utahime whispered, nudging her curtly. Kyouka shook her head and stole a glance at a white Megumi.

"Sukuna's vessel lives? Who is responsible for this outrage?" Principal Gakuganji called out from behind Kyouka. "Kyouka, there better be a reason for this." Kyouka groaned outwardly as Gojo brushed past her to greet the elder.

"Thank goodness you're alright. I was worried that you would keel over dead, you know? From the shock." Gojo smiled, seeing the glare from the elder.

"God damnit Gojo." She whispered, rubbing her eyes roughly. "Students, please find your way to each team's meeting spot. The exorcism event will begin at noon. Principal Yaga will explain the rules…after he's done with Gojo." Kyouka explained, seeing the Principal and Gojo in an arm brace.

Leaving her students and fellow teachers behind, Kyouka found herself in the teacher's viewing area alone. The look of shock on Nobara's and Megumi's faces were still etched into her memory. "I really hope that they take Itadori in without restraint…poor kid."

"Let me guess, you're still mad at me?" Gojo's voice sounded. Kyouka turned to see the sorcerer leaning on the doorway with his signature smirk. "You couldn't run fast enough away from me."

"You should have spoken to me about when you were planning on revealing Yuji; I could have warned the kids."

"Would that have made a difference to them or to you?" Kyouka growled at his question before sighing heavily. "I have something for you." His feet shuffled towards her slowly, digging into his pocket.

"I don't want a tribal doll." She mumbled, playing with her braid.

"I think I know you better than that." He held out his hand to show a silver bracelet with azure jewels entwined in the chain. The jewels reminded her of a treasure she doesn't get to see much anymore; the treasure behind the blindfold. Words failed her as she tentatively ran her fingers over the jewelry. "Before you say it's too much; don't. It's part apology gift and part birthday gift." Kyouka's eyes shot up to the taller sorcerer in front of her and showed the dust of a blush on his cheeks.

"You remembered?" She whispered, allowing Gojo to clasp the jewelry around her wrist.

"Duh. I am sorry for upsetting you at the cabin though." He said, admiring the silver on Kyouka's wrist.

"I'm sorry for telling you to leave. I didn't want you to; I was just…upset." She sighed, placing her hand on Gojo's hand that still lay on her wrist. "Friends?"

"Always." He whispered, before clapping his hands together. "The event should be starting soon; let's get some tea and claim our spots!"

As quick as serious Gojo came; he left and returned to the goofy guy that Kyouka liked so much. The bracelet was a sweet gift that she never thought Gojo was capable of conjuring; but he was a man full of mysteries. Gojo returned with two cups of tea and showed Kyouka to their seats with his signature smile on display.

"Oh one more thing. We need to tell Utahime about the curse users we've come in contact with." Gojo piped up, handing Kyouka the tea. Her face looked puzzled as she sat down next to him.

"Why?"

"She needs to look into everyone at the Kyoto School." He answered her, sipping on his tea. "We have a spy in our midst."