WARNING : I am not native speaker. One of my reasons to re-write this fict is because I want to practice my English even just a little. So, read it with a grain of salt and please enjoy yourself.

—OoOoO—

Jujutsu Kaisen by Gege Akutami

Oregairu by Wataru Watari & Ponkan8

Genre : Supernatural, Action, Freindship, Slice of Life, and Little Bit Romance

Summary : Not the romantic comedy of youth that he experienced, not the quiet and normal life of youth he had. He never missed his day-to-day cursing his strange and annoying life. He is Hikigaya Hachiman and this is all his complaints as a jujutsu sorcerer.

Chapter 4: Once again, Gojou Satoru stepped on Hikigaya Hachiman's gas pedal.

—OoOoO—

The cycle of living is essentially determined by nature. From birth to death, how to survive, how to breed, and their daily working hours. Every living thing has a different cycle, but strangely, there is no similarity in the life cycle between living things with one another. It is as if the life cycle sequences have been imprinted and act as guides that stimulate the creature's instinct for survival from the moment they are born.

Talking about the life cycle, humans have a slightly strange life cycle. I might say humans have an obscure biological clock, to be more precise. Generally, living things will be divided into two categories, active during the day or at night. Humans are naturally active creatures during the day. However, in reality, many humans are also active at night. In very extreme cases, even humans are active from day to night and only have two to three hours of sleep.

I mean, workaholic manga creators like Eichiiro Oda are people who go against the natural cycle of humans.

Even though it seems like it can work as a monster, that way of living is really far from feasible. Japan has suffered from human shortages caused by a workaholic environment. Therefore, the government should not only campaign for "proper work" but also campaign for "work less and rest more". In this way, Japanese people's life expectancy and happiness rate will increase.

Well, whatever it is, I am really sleepy, damn it!

As I had expected, we—Hiratsuka-sensei and I—arrived at Chiba City at half-past three in the morning after we finished exorcising the cursed spirits in Choshi City. If you add time for me to shower and relax, I can only really sleep at three in the morning. Because of the demands of daily exercise that I routinely do to keep my body in top shape, I also have to wake up at least at six in the morning. Even after finishing exercise at seven, I still have to prepare for my school needs and leave at eight.

In other words, I only got three hours of sleep last night. If you add the burden of tiring school lessons, it has made my brain work at almost maximum load.

I might have gone home long ago if I hadn't been caught by Hiratsuka-sensei. However, since I was caught going straight home after school hours were over, Hiratsuka-sensei dragged me into this unknown club room.

With the mood already ruined, I honestly didn't want to get involved with Yukinoshita. Because Yukinoshita is like a mini version of Maki. However, even though it was a mini version, the aura of hostility was clearly felt aimed at me.

However, since I entered the volunteer club room ten minutes ago, Yukinoshita seems to completely ignore me and prefers to enjoy her book and black tea.

well, I don't mind at all, anyway. I am actually very grateful because at least the atmosphere has become a little calmer.

As if God was mocking my naive mind, which thought Yukinoshita would just sit quietly, God made Yukinoshita start muttering something.

"Hi… Hiki… Hi… Hi…," she muttered to me while pinching his chin and showing a thoughtful pose.

What is that? Is she trying to remember my name? Whatever it is, fight, Yukinoshita-kun!

"Hiki …— Hey, you!"

Huh? Have you given up on remembering my name and decided to call me 'hey', Yukinoshita-kun? Seriously, really, is the name 'Hikigaya' so hard for someone like you to remember?

"Hn?" I replied reluctantly.

"Is it just me… or are your eyes really getting worse than yesterday?"

Ah, I guess, this is a sign of the end of my peaceful moments in this room, huh?

"It is a bit surprising, you really pay attention to my condition, huh?"

Instead of showing a cat-shy or awkward expression, Yukinoshita had a cold look in her eyes when she heard my reply. The temperature around her seemed to have dropped drastically, and her pair of black irises looked like ice needles ready to stab me whenever she wanted.

Wait, shouldn't you reply something like "i- it is i- it is not like i- I am watching you or something, duh!". Am I overreacting, expecting a tsundere girl reaction from her? Damn, I forgot that this Yukinoshita looks a bit like Maki.

Just as Yukinoshita was about to reply to my words, suddenly there was a knock on the door. Following the direction of the voice came from, Yukinoshita's and my attention was automatically turned to the only entrance to the club room.

"Please come in," Yukinoshita responded.

After Yukinoshita responded, the door slid slowly, slowly enough that you could barely hear its sliding.

"Hurry up, Yui. I don't want to waste time here. I am not even sure they are competent people."

"W- well, there is no harm in trying, right?"

There were two different voices from outside. Judging from their voices, they are both girls. The first voice has a very straightforward tone and pronunciation. I can imagine the owner's character of this first voice just by hearing the intonation and the way she speaks. While the second voice…, I don't know, it sounds like a pushover wherever you look at it.

Less than three seconds after the second voice was heard, two teenage girls walked in, each with a striking appearance.

"Excuse me," said one of them.

The one who had just excused herself was a girl who had the appearance of a bitch. She was wearing the same uniform as us. It is just that the blazer buttons are unbuttoned, and the top button of the shirt seems to be a little lower than the usual shirt buttons. Don't forget that the skirt of her uniform is slightly higher than the standard.

Her hairstyle and make-up make her look even more like a bitch. First, she dyes her hair a light brown color, which tends to turn slightly pink when exposed to the sun. On top of that, she also arranged her hair into a… bun?

What is that? She looked like an idiot. For now, I will call you Bitch 1.

As for the second girl, her appearance is geekier than the Bitch 1. She dyed her hair a bright blonde color with the ends slightly curled. Her skin was pure white. It was obvious that she often went to the salon for treatment.

If you look closely, the uniform seems tighter than it should be. At this rate, I wonder if the uniform is too small or what? If you go to Shibuya or hang out in Harajuku, bitches like this are what they call white gyaru.

Since I don't know your name, I will also call you Bitch 2 for now.

"Why don't you guys sit down first?" Yukinoshita said to the two bitches.

Apart from his appearance that looks like a bitch, this Bitch 2 does have a strong character. Her way of walking was more feminine than I imagined, but her every step was filled with intense confidence. If I look again, this Bitch 2 is like the feminine version of Maki.

She has a feminine side that will make you realize that she is the girl you want to protect. Still, on the other hand, she also exudes an air of independence that cannot be underestimated.

If Maki is like the big boss in a big-name criminal syndicate, this Bitch 2 is the person you would call "aneki" in the yankee group.

"What are you looking at?"

I was a little surprised when She suddenly barked fiercely at me.

"Ah, no," I replied curtly.

She just glared at me curtly in response and sat down on the chair She had taken earlier.

With this, there were four people in the room, and I was the only guy here. If this was a romantic comedy, I would probably be nervous and happy about this situation. But, unfortunately, I don't believe in a God of romantic comedies. So, I only thought about how I could get home as quickly as possible.

"You… that Yukinoshita, right?" asked the Bitch 2 curtly after the duo sat down opposite us.

"Hoo… it is good that you already know me. However, don't you realize that I don't know who you are? Do you know manners? No, do you even have one?"

Wo- wow… it is okay the atmosphere is already heavy like this?

I really don't know who this Bitch 2 is. However, was she here to challenge Yukinoshita to a fight? If so, it doesn't sound too bad. First, I can report to the teacher that two girls are fighting. Then, I will just go straight home. Even if Hiratsuka-sensei catches me again later, I can reason that the club's conditions are not conducive.

Hmmm… that sounds like a good escape plan.

"U- uuhhmm… I am sorry, Yumiko usually is not like this," said Bitch 1, trying to break up while bowing slightly, "My name is Yuigahama Yui. The one sitting next to me is Miura Yumiko."

You damn bitch, why did you break them up? Now, my escape plan is ruined, isn't it!

Yukinoshita, who heard the apology, just snorted in annoyance and then slightly pushed her hair back, showing her status as an ojou-sama.

"I think you already know me. However, since I am not a mannerless person, I will introduce myself. My name is Yukinoshita Yukino, nice to meet you, Yuigahama-san and Miura-san."

After she finished introducing herself, Yukinoshita glanced at me. Without needing an explanation, I knew that it was a gesture for me to introduce myself.

However, before I uttered an introductory sentence, the Bitch 1, whose name I finally found out was Yuigahama, cut me off.

"Oh, I know you! You are the guy who was summoned to the counseling room by Hiratsuka-sensei yesterday, right?" said Yuigahama enthusiastically, "If I am not mistaken, your name is Hiki… Hiki… Hi… Hikki!"

Damn it, what is that again? If you don't know, at least don't act like you know my name, you bastard! After all, what the heck is Hikki? You make it sound like I am a hikkikomori, damn it!

Yukinoshita, who heard Yuigahama's words, immediately chimed in.

"Hikki… Hikki…, ah, right, your name is Hikkikomori-kun, right?"

Now, this majestic Yukinoshita has added something strange to her dictionary to mock me.

"My name is Hikigaya Hachiman," I said curtly, trying not to be provoked.

"A- ah, so your name is Hikigaya, huh? Well, I am sorry, Hikki, hehe."

"I already said my name and you still call me that?"

My reply, which was slightly filled with annoyance, seemed to have irritated the Bitch—I mean Miura.

"Isn't that fine? we are in the same class, right?"

Wow, what kind of garbage logic is that? Just because we are classmates, then you can just give me a nickname?

She might say that it doesn't matter since we are classmates. However, suppose I called her 'Yumiko-cwhan' or 'Yumi-tan'. In that case, I'd probably be blacklisted, and my already low caste would be dropped even more. The worst route would probably be to be framed as a sex offender.

"So, what brings you here?" Yukinoshita asked, trying to cut through this nonsense.

Miura, who somehow disliked Yukinoshita, finally breathed out roughly. However, instead of directly answering her, she glanced at Yui with a faint tinge of red appearing on her pretty cheeks.

Yuigahama, who saw her friend's behavior, was about to take over the conversation. However, she occasionally glanced at me with an uncomfortable look. Finally, I realized that this would be a girl-to-girl conversation, a conversation that a boy like me had no room to enter into.

"Ah, I am going to go buy MAX Coffee for a bit."

I have to admit, this attitude of mine looks very caring, can read the situation, and act properly. If Maki saw my attitude like this, she wouldn't have any words she could come up with to criticize me. If I was a girl, I would have fallen in love with myself.

Just as my left hand touched the door and was about to open it, I heard Yukinoshita calling out to me in her soft voice.

Could she have fallen in love with my attitude?

"Please buy me a Yasai Seikatsu 100 Strawberry Mix,"

Tell people to buy something with an innocent expression and a soft voice. Yukinoshita-san, you really are amazing.

—OoOoO—

"You took so long," Yukinoshita said as she took Yasai Seikatsu's drink from my hand.

If you count the journey back and forth, it will take about ten minutes. It did seem long, according to Yukinoshita, who had memorized the ins and outs of this school. As for me, who just entered yesterday, the only vending machines that I know of are near the sports field, to be precise, next to the entrance hall near the bicycle parking lot.

Speaking of the drinks I bought, apart from MAX Coffee and Yasai Seikatsu, I also bought two Otoko no Café au Lait. It would be peculiar if only two people had drinks while two others ... well, maybe their mouths were already hot from dealing with Yukinoshita.

Although it makes me a little sad that I have to pay 460 Yen. This means the money I spend alone is already more than half of my daily allowance.

Miura took out her wallet as she was about to take her drink from my hand. Without being told, I understood what she was about to do.

"No need."

"What? I will pay you," replied Miura, who was quite adamant.

Since it would be very troublesome if I argued with her, I walked away from her and sat on my chair.

"So, is your conversation over?" I asked Yukinoshita.

"Well, kind of. Since you weren't here, our conversation became smoother. Thank you," she replied in a sincere tone.

However, it turned out to be the saddest thank-you I have ever received to my ears.

Not finished with her words, Yukinoshita added, "We will move to the cooking room. You also come with us."

"Cooking room?"

Noticing my confusion, Yukinoshita explained again, "It seems, the two of them wanted to give someone a cake. However, they are not quite confident in their cooking abilities."

After explaining that much, I understand the outline. However, for someone who wants to give cake to someone else, the expressions Miura and Yuigahama showed were different in my eyes. Yuigahama showed an awkward smile that looked like an idiot instead. Meanwhile, Miura, a typical outspoken girl like Maki, actually looks shy as a cat and still tries to maintain her demeanor to look authoritative.

Miura's behavior really reminds me of Maki's attitude when she was about to give Okkotsu "friendship" chocolates on Valentine's Day. Having the same reaction, I don't need another clue to be able to tell that this is about the guy she likes.

As for Yuigahama, she didn't show the reaction of a girl in love or anything like that. I don't know if she is the type who can hide her feelings well or not. However, from her stupid expression, I am sure Miura pulled her here so she wouldn't be awkward being alone.

"Why don't you ask your friends to teach you?" I asked

"Shut up. The point is, do you want to help us or not?" Miura replied fiercely.

"Well, speaking of if you want to or not. Of course, I don't want to," I replied nonchalantly and immediately received deadly glares from Yukinoshita and Miura.

Feeling the gaze that felt like it wanted to skin me alive, I added.

"What? I am just trying to be an honest citizen here."

Yukinoshita sighed and said, "Let's just go straight to the cooking room."

—OoOoO—

The cooking room is generally used for cooking classes. It is obvious because the name alone has 'cooking' in it. Here, there are various kinds of quite complete equipment, such as knives, pans, stoves, pans, and ovens. In fact, this room also has a large enough refrigerator. A refrigerator gave off a sweet smell of vanilla and chocolate when Yukinoshita opened it.

Yukinoshita retrieved various ingredients from the refrigerator without the slightest confusion. She also prepared all the equipment one by one without missing anything. Unfortunately, I can't name them all because some of the materials and equipment looked unfamiliar to my eyes.

Watching Yukinoshita not having any significant difficulties in her preparations made me think that this Versatile Miss is truly multi-talented.

"Your apron tie is not right," she commented as she tried to fix Yuigahama's apron, "Can you even wear an apron?"

"Thank you," Yuigahama replied shyly, "Don't you now look like an older sister to me, Yukinoshita-san?"

"If I had a sister, I don't think my sister would be as bad as you, Yuigahama-san," she replied, tightening the knots of Yuigahama's apron.

To be honest, I slightly agree and slightly disagree with Yuigahama. Perhaps, they would look like siblings if the two had a slight resemblance. But unfortunately, Yuigahama's shy attitude and Yukinoshita's gentle and caring hand gestures made me think about things far from being siblings. If there were flowers in the background around them, maybe this scene would become a classic romantic scene in the yuri comics genre.

"Can we get started right away?" said Miura, who seemed annoyed by Yuigahama and Yukinoshita's closeness.

"Okay, let's do this."

With Yukinoshita's instructions, they began to prepare their respective ingredients. While Yukinoshita took the lead, they followed what Yukinoshita was doing closely.

As for me, I am not even sure why and what is my function here. All I did was sit and watch them from behind who were now doing the art of cooking, which was very foreign to me. However, trying to not be useless, I did my own evaluation.

Yuigahama, I don't know what she is doing, but her movements are so messy. In fact, it would look like a silly person wasting ingredients instead of cooking. She can cook like someone from another world. I mean by the other world here that it really is like the world you don't know about. You can't say what Yuigahama was doing right now was cooking or just moving her hands over the ingredients.

I, who was not familiar with cooking techniques, could conclude that Yuigahama's cooking abilities were far from that of a normal human.

Meanwhile, Miura, well, despite her hatred towards Yukinoshita—which I don't know the reason for—she was able to follow Yukinoshita's movements quite patiently. Even though her movements still look stiff in some ways, overall, her abilities still look more like normal humans than Yuigahama.

Considering her personality as smoldering like fire, I was surprised to see her standing so quietly in the kitchen. Her posture in cooking was quite good. The way she tied the apron didn't look like an amateur. In fact, when viewed from behind, the slightly tight ties of her apron made her curves more visible. In addition, her long legs seemed more pleasing to the eye every time she stepped her foot to pick up materials or equipment.

Realizing my evaluation was out of my proper job, I immediately averted my gaze. Instead, I massaged my temples as hard as I could.

No, it is not like I am a lecherous guy or anything. I am just a healthy teenager in general. However, the exhaustion and drowsiness that had accumulated so much must have affected my brain to think of something a little perverted.

Without realizing it, time had passed, and the cake they made was ready. I put my phone on the table and walked over to where the cookies were.

"Is it really like this?" said Yuigahama desperately.

"This… is not what I imagined," Miura added.

I was curious to finally see the results of their hard work after they stepped back a little and gave me space.

"What is this? Charcoal?" I commented curiously as I looked at the center plate and then shifted my gaze to the plate next to it, "As for this one…, it looks more like bark than cake."

Based on the order of the plates, I can tell who owns these cakes. In the very center, the charcoal that seemed to be a cake resulted from Yuigahama's hard work. On her left side, a cake that was more suitable to be called a bark was Miura's. While on the far right, the cake that looks the most perfect and emits a very fragrant aroma is Yukinoshita's creation.

"Maybe it looks like this. However, we won't know the taste until we taste it, right?" Yuigahama said confidently.

"W- well, it is not what I expected. I don't want people to eat my bad cakes."

"Don't worry, Miura-san. The point of this request is to teach you how to make cakes," Yukinoshita replied, "tasting and knowing what your missing is part of the process."

Miura, who initially didn't want her failed work to be tasted by others, finally relaxed after hearing Yukinoshita's suggestion.

"Therefore, we have a taster here."

I was surprised to hear the words by that super-perfect-girl.

"Yukinoshita, you should call this tasting the toxicity of food," I replied and then glanced at the plate on the far left, "Well, maybe Miura's is still worthy of being called food, anyway. However, this one really looks like poison to me."

At the same time as those words, I took out a lump of coal—cake—that belonged to Yuigahama and looked at it closely.

"How can this be called poisonous?" Yuigahama protested and took her own cake. Then, she looked, "Uuumm… well, poisonous…, maybe it is really poisonous?"

"I think that is too much," Yukinoshita replied quickly, "At least, Yuigahama-san didn't use inedible ingredients. And… I will eat that thing too. So, I guess it will be fine."

"Serious? Are you actually a good person?"

"After I thought about it. Maybe you can eat and died by it," Yukinoshita retorted.

"Sorry, I was just a little surprised."

Having made up her mind, Yukinoshita started to take Yuigahama's cake from her plate and began to pay attention to her.

"We… won't die, will we?"

"That is what I want to know."

Quickly, Yukinoshita and I put Yuigahama's cake in our mouths and chewed it as fast as we could. If an outsider saw it, it would probably look like we have a big appetite. However, in reality, what we do is just so our mouths are not tortured with this unclear taste.

If this was a scene in a manga, Yukinoshita and I would have fallen ill and vomited. Yuigahama's cake tasted so disgusting, you wouldn't know if it was salty, sour, bitter, or spicy. This is probably the most disgusting food I will ever eat. So disgusted, I'd rather pass out and fall sick if possible than have to taste this cake.

I even thought about it. Did Yuigahama put fish intestines in or something? The only good thing about this cake is that you won't be killed instantly after eating it. However, if you continue to consume it, I believe it will be diagnosed as one of the causes of cancer.

Luckily Miura is a very understanding person. She had prepared two glasses of mineral water before we tasted this trash. So, Yukinoshita and I immediately finished the water in one gulp.

Next up is Miura's cake. After tasting Yuigahama's cake, I found Miura's cake much more human than I thought. When you eat it, the texture that feels really like a cake fails in general. I couldn't believe I could be this happy just from tasting an ordinary failed cake.

When compared to Yuigahama. The taste of Miura's cake was just a little burnt and not sweet enough for a cake—or maybe for mine, because I really like sweetness. Also, the texture is a little hard because the dough is slightly charred. However, this is the most natural failure that a beginner can accept.

"Miura's cake is not too bad. Maybe you just need to pay attention to the composition of the ingredients? As for Yuigahama…, I think it would be best if you stayed as far away from the kitchen as possible."

It was the most reasonable evaluation I could give, especially to Yuigahama. It is not like I am forbidding Yuigahama from cooking, but instead because I want to prevent Yuigahama from being accused of poisoning someone.

"I- I was immediately rejected?" Yuigahama replied.

"Hikigaya-kun, that is the last option," said Yukinoshita.

"So that is still an option?" Yuigahama replied again in a half-surprised tone.

At this rate, I think this scene is already like a comedy scene where Yuigahama plays a tsukomi.

"Hey, isn't that too rude? Especially you, Hikio. You shouldn't have said that to Yui," Miura protested, who didn't accept her friend being insulted, "I thank you for your opinion on my cake. However, can't you guys think of a better solution for Yui?"

Actually, what Miura said had some truth in it too. It would be cruel to forbid Yuigahama from going into the kitchen again. However, Yuigahama's abilities have already exceeded the limits of standard human reasoning. You should be lucky it wasn't Gordon Ramsey. Because if it was him, Yuigahama might have been charged with defaming food.

"Solution, huh?" I mumbled incoherently, "What if you buy cakes from a specialty handmade pastry shop, then remove the labels and take the cakes out of their packaging, then arrange them back into your container and according to your taste. That way, you can give the cake to the person you want to give it to."

"Hikigaya-kun, that… is too horrible even for a rotten person like you," Yukinoshita replied.

Unlike Yukinoshita, who spat out her words of disapproval without further ado, Miura and Yuigahama were silent at my solution. However, her eyes showed how trashy I was in front of them.

"I mean this, you know. If you can't make it yourself, why don't you just use your money to show your sincere feelings?"

This advice comes from my own experience. So, I can guarantee its effectiveness.

I've also tried to make handicraft for Komachi in the past. However, since the results were poor and far from satisfactory, Komachi's reaction was relatively flat, and the only thing she appreciated was my hard work. So, unfortunately, what I want to give is not hard work or anything, but something that can make her happy.

Since something like crafts was beyond my capacity, I gave Komachi a portion of my salary from being a jujutsu sorcerer and let her buy something that pleased her herself. Of course, once in a while, I also give her things that I choose myself.

"That… is even more despicable, Hikio. Do you want to equate someone's feelings with the value of money?" Miura said with fierce eyes.

"Then, by giving a handmade cake, isn't that the same as you measuring someone's feelings with sugar content?" I replied.

Wow, it sounds like you want to make the person obese instead.

I continued with a soft snort, "You know, you don't have to throw away the label and take the cake you bought out of the container. Basically, guys are pretty simple creatures. As long as you show your sincerity and he knows your hard work, it is enough for guys to misunderstand your attitude. In that case, saving your money and buying something for that person, it has become your sincerity and sacrifice."

If it was me, the money I set aside for Komachi was a form of my sincerity. It wasn't the money I earned from asking my mother, but the money I made from throwing myself at the boundary between life and death while exorcising the cursed spirits. Honestly, I really want to beat and even kill people who say that money symbolizes stinginess.

I, who was terrible at arts, crafts, and cooking, left me with little choice to express my sincerity. My most impressive skill is exorcising cursed spirits and killing disturbing illegal sorcerers. If it wasn't for Ieri-san, I might have lost some limbs or even my life.

Because of that, I really value the money I make from putting my life on the edge of a sharp knife.

As the room fell silent at my words, a voice suddenly rang out in the room.

'Fuutarou-kun? … Uesugi, Okinasai yo! … Fuutarou ~~ … Uesugi-saaan! … Uesugi-kun, okite!'

After the five different voices are finished, a pleasant musical melody begins to sound.

I know this song. The opening of the Five Stupid Waifus anime aired earlier this year. However, who is the idiot who suddenly plays this music?

My question—as well as the question of everyone else here—was finally answered after Yuigahama spoke up.

"Gojou Satoru called. …Hikki, is this your phone?"

Hearing those words made my eyes feel like they would pop out of place. It is not just about why my ringtone changes to the anime's opening song, but I usually just vibrate it. However, what surprised me, even more was the name Yuigahama spoke.

I hastily retrieved my cell phone, which I had left on the table behind me.

"I am going out to pick up the phone first."

—OoOoO—

"The most handsome man and the all-time favorite teacher, Gojou Satoru-sensei is here~~."

I couldn't react when I heard his narcissistic speech right after I picked up the call.

I went back to confirm that there really was no one around me. Just to make sure that my identity as a jujutsu sorcerer was not exposed if Gojou-sensei suddenly brought up the subject of jujutsu.

"What is it?"

"Without the spirit as usual, huh? This Gojou-sensei afraid you will turn into a cheerful teenager I didn't know after entering public high school," Gojou-sensei replied with his dregs, "By the way, how are your mother and Komachi-chan doing?"

"I will hang up if you ask about my mother again."

I could hear Gojou-sensei laughing from the other side, and it made my head spin even more.

This is not the first time Gojou-sensei has acted too close to my family. If I am going to be blunt, I even feel that Gojou-sensei acts like a guy who tries to get close to the opposite sex every time he meets my mother.

Well, actually, that is a claim based on my assumptions only, though. However, I am not an old-fashioned person who can't tell which one is close to mere necessity and which one is approaching because there is an attraction to the opposite sex.

To be honest, I don't mind if another man approaches my mother. My mother is a widow and has taken care of Komachi and me since we were kids. So, she has full right to her happiness too. Moreover, me being an active sorcerer and having my own income, at least my mother doesn't have to worry about me.

However, of the many men, Gojou Satoru was the last person I expected to approach my mother.

Gojou-sensei is basically a playboy, not a few women who only become the material for realize his lust. That is why I can't let that man touch my mother, even if it is just a hair.

"Oh, come on Hachiman, I was just trying to be friendly to Asuka-san."

"Okay, I hang up."

Just before I clicked on the red icon in the lower right corner of my smartphone, I heard Gojou-sensei's pleading voice again.

"Just kidding, just kidding. There are a few things I want to tell you."

Hearing him, which had changed the intonation of his voice to be a little more serious, finally made me return my attention to him.

"First of all, I want to congratulate you," he said casually, "Hiratsuka gave me a report that she was impressed by your actions."

I was a little surprised to hear that Gojou-sensei had gotten a report about me. I did think that Hiratsuka-sensei would give the report. However, I didn't know that it would be this fast.

"Secondly…, aren't you interested in becoming even stronger?"

This question left me speechless for a moment. Gojou-sensei might be a playful person. However, he was not one to twist words or hide his intentions behind a single word. If he said A, he meant it was definitely A. However, what was always a question was the reason behind his words.

Or, for this case, when Gojou Satoru asked, 'do you want to become stronger?', it meant 'stronger' in the truest sense, not leveling up to strengthen your position within the organization.

However, why did he ask such a question? Gojou-sensei already knew that my goal from the start was to become a first grade. In terms of strength, he also knew that my current abilities were on par with a first grade jujutsu sorcerer. Stronger than first grade…, it was clear that Gojou-sensei meant by this to offer—challenge me—to become a special grade.

While thinking about the various reasons that made him offer me to go further than just a first grade, I suddenly remembered my conversation with Hiratsuka-sensei last night.

"Does this have anything to do with the association's massive search?" I asked to be sure.

Gojou-sensei chuckled before finally replying, "You are sharp as usual huh, Hachiman? By the way, how much do you know about this?"

"I only know that much and please don't give me any information, I don't want to get involved in anything troublesome," I replied firmly.

In the world of jujutsu, emotions are not the only thing that is the source of curses. Anything that has weight tends to curse those who hear or know about it. This also applies to the last words before the breakup and things like important information.

In this case, something that made Gojou-sensei frankly want to push me to become a special grade, a "massive searching" that the association was doing would definitely have a big impact in the future. Basically, with Gojou-sensei and Okkotsu around, he didn't have to worry too much about the future that might come. However, with him trying to push me forward, Gojou-sensei seemed to be anticipating a future where he wouldn't be able to get involved.

"I know… I know," replied Gojou-sensei who didn't seem willing to give any information from the start, "So what about my offer just now?"

Hearing him insisting that I want to go further than my current level, it seems that the original purpose of contacting me was for this matter.

"It is not like I am interested or not, but I've reached my limit, you know? After all, my original goal was to advance to first grade, nothing more."

"Your original goal was not to advance to the first grade level. It is just a conclusion you draw from your true desires," Gojou-sensei replied quickly, "Your original goal… or your true wish is to create an environment where you don't have to beg for justice and safety for your family."

All the words I had prepared I had to swallow back, and my tongue felt numb when I heard Gojou-sensei's reply. It brought me back to the memory of where I first met Gojou Satoru and declared my wish. Becoming a first grade level is a solution to my desire. That is what I thought from the start.

However, Gojou Satoru seemed to have a different answer to that.

"Besides, you should know that too, Hachiman. I won't push my students down a path they can't pass," he added, "When I say that you have the potential to reach the level the special grades are at, that is not a word of consolation."

I paused, contemplating his words again. As bad as Gojou Satoru as a human, he would never come up with a piece of crap.

In fact, in Maki's case, Gojou-sensei might be the first to openly say that Maki can kick all Zen'in's ass alone. As for me, I was one of those people who was skeptical about Maki's potential until she actually beat me in a duel. After that, her strength, agility, speed, and reflexes were truly at an insane level for a person with very minimal cursed energy.

As for Gojou-sensei, it was as if he had seen a vivid picture of the true potential that Maki could achieve.

"Even if you say so, I no longer have a mentor now. I also don't know what I should do to surpass my current limit."

Gojou-sensei chuckled and replied, "Why don't you start by continuing to practice Ryoiki Tenkai again?"

I was silent for a few seconds before finally replying, "That is impossible for someone like me. You know I gave up practicing Ryoiki Tenkai after failing so many times, aren't you?"

Around mid-July last year, I started training to create Ryoiki Tenkai after understanding the theory Gojou-sensei gave me. However, applying the theory was really much more difficult than I thought. I ran out of my cursed energy many times before I even managed to expand my domain.

In fact, Ieri-san repeatedly scolded me because many of my organs were injured because I was forced to expand my domain. It was like I was in a half-dead state just to cast the spell.

Up to two months without the slightest progress, it frustrated me, and I finally gave up on doing it.

"No, you never really give up," said Gojou-sensei quickly, "I mean, come on, Hachiman. How long do you think I've known you? Even though you are like a rotting corpse drying up in the sun, you are the one who hates doing things by half, aren't you? When you say you've given up, it just means you stop going and take one step back to evaluate everything and prepare everything from scratch again. Until then create your momentum and step your feet back."

Hearing him say something about me that straightforward honestly embarrassed me. My face felt a little hot, and I unconsciously rubbed my cheeks with my fingers.

When I was about to reply to Gojou-sensei's words, the Strongest Sorcerer preceded me first.

"You always practice your cursed energy control every day, training it harder than anyone. It already proved that you were doing your own preparations to take a step to a much higher level. The problem with you always failing to create your domain, maybe it comes from me not being able to give good directions."

"If you can't, then who?"

In response to my question, I could hear Gojou-sensei snorting. I can't see his expression, but I am sure he is smiling right now.

"There are few people who can use Ryoiki Tenkai besides myself. However, as for this one, I believe she is capable of teaching you domain techniques much better than I am."

Anyone else who can use Ryoiki Tenkai? The only name that popped into my head was Tsukumo Yuki. I've heard rumors of a special grade who has never done any missions and prefers to travel the world. However, I am not sure that Tsukumo-san is the person Gojou-sensei referred to. I mean, I never even met her. So, it would be impossible for Gojou-sensei to suddenly recommend that I train under her tutelage.

I unconsciously held my breath with considerable curiosity while waiting for the name that came out of his mouth.

"Her understanding of jujutsu is better than mine, but she has always considered herself unfit to be a mentor for some reason," Gojou-sensei continued, "Hiratsuka Shizuka, beg her to train you, Hachiman."

I was surprised to hear an unexpected name that came out of his mouth. Then, unknowingly swallowed my own saliva to moisten my slightly dry throat.

"… Say it again?"

That was the only reaction I can come up with for now.

-Continued-

Author Note: Hello, I'm back again. Well, I hope this chapter doesn't have typos, and if there is one, please let me know so I can fix it right away.

Okay, first of all, I don't know what Mrs. Hachiman's name is. Hachiman's mother appeared several times on LN, and her visuals once appeared in the manga. Since his name wasn't confirmed, I decided to name her Hikigaya Asuka.

Then, Hiratsuka Shizuka has a domain expansion? She had a better understanding than Gojou? Don't worry, there's a reason, and I will explain it in the next chapter. What is clear this Gojou is a true genius, a person who, from birth, has been labeled as a special grade. So, understanding something vaguely and putting it into practice right away was like for Gojou. In fact, when he failed to understand the reversing technique described by Shoko, he was able to come up with his own theory to activate the reversal cursed technique. So, for matters requiring a high level of understanding, such as domains, Gojo will tend to find it difficult to explain in language easily understood by ordinary people.

Besides, I gradually want to have Hiratsuka mentor Hachiman. Yes, in the previous chapter, I knew she would only act as a supervisor, but no one said that was the final conclusion. Like what Gojo noted at the end of this chapter, Hiratsuka's decision can change depending on how Hachiman acts. Of course, it will also affect several things, and I will write the details in the next chapter.

Then, I already said, some scenes in this fic will still adopt some important events in the Oregairu series. So, with a note, I will rewrite them and include elements of jujutsu in them. For example, like this chapter, I still introduce Yuigahama, like what happened in canon. However, there was no trigger in the form of a car accident incident from the start. So, I slightly adjusted the incident by including Yumiko as the driving force for the plot for this cooking learning event.

In the future, I will include several events in Oregairu as a plot driver for the original arc that I will make until finally, the timeline of this fic can reach the main timeline of the Jujutsu Kaisen.

Okay, that's all from me. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read, review, and favorite this fic. Please leave a trail in the form of reviews and suggestions because it will be very useful for my encouragement to write this fic. Once again, thank you, and see you in the next chapter.