DISCLAIMER, JJK does not belong to me, all rights go to Gege Akutami

[Heyaaaa! It's your Scammer author here! I have no business being so cordial like nothin happened but the chapter is here!]

Hahahahahah!

It was dark.

Black veiled everything; cold and yet somehow warm.

Drifting… in what seemed like an endless abyss.

Senses rendered null

Slight sensitivity remaining sense of acute on and off awareness.

Yet, as comforting as this place was, the stray knew that he didn't belong. A hidden force continuously reaches for him, as if picking off the leeching parasite from its dent of its nothingness.

Perhaps, the unseen had come to assimilate him.

This was his end afterall, not surprising since he just died.

He hadn't accomplished anything meaningful in life, so this was what he deserved.

Well, it was for the best.

Even when he had the slightest chance for hope, he failed. He couldn't even properly avenge his mother and stupidly allowed himself to be tricked into believing that curse.

Junpei was worthless.

The void was forgiving, warm and even welcoming while life was anything but.

Perhaps he should let himself be consumed.

Sink deeper.

It was better to let himself drown in this pit.

He didn't need to try anymore.

No more expectations, fears and…

dreams

—

AN END TO A DREAM THAT HASN'T EVEN BEEN REALIZED, HOW PATHETIC INDEED.

The echoing voice reverberated through the emptiness, a strange mix of sternness and mockery. Junpei's consciousness stirred, shaken by the unexpected intrusion.

He tried to focus on the voice, to discern its origin, but there was nothing to see, only an impenetrable darkness.

SHE WAS A FOOL FOR SAVING YOU—

A surge of confusion swept through Junpei.

What is… this?

The voice, though harsh, held a peculiar cadence. Junpei felt a strange sensation, as if the very fabric of the void was pulsating with an unseen tension influencing his thoughts with its rash whispers.

BUT WHAT REDEMPTION CAN THERE BE FOR ONE WHO HAS GIVEN UP ALL? —

The words echoed, carrying the weight of Junpei's perceived failures. He couldn't escape the judgment that enveloped him, even in this formless expanse.

FATE HAS STIRRED ONCE MORE. YOU ARE CONNECTED TO HER AS YOU ARE NOW CONNECTED TO ONE.—

The weight of the voice's words settled heavily on Junpei's drifting consciousness. Images of his failures, the pain he had caused, and the people he had let down flashed before him. He felt the burden of a curse, an invisible thread tying him to a destiny he didn't understand.

A FRAGMENT OF ONESELF, YET, IT IS CURIOUS THAT WHICH SHE DECIDES TO SAVE YOU. A FLAW IN HER JUDGMENT, AND YET, ONE STILL REMAIN POWERLESS, UNABLE TO RECLAIM SHE WHO HAS BECOME HER OWN EXISTENCE.—

The void seemed to echo with the resonance of the unknown presence, each word an indelible mark on Junpei's desolate thoughts. He struggled to make sense of the connection mentioned, a tether to someone else's existence.

Junpei's mind swirled with conflicting emotions – everything and anything became unclear.

The voice he sensed spoke the truth.

This woman was becoming a real nuisance.

He didn't need this.

No one could hurt him again if he just stayed here. There was no need to be fearful anymore.

Why risk this solace to return to a hellish living?

Why save him when he had no future?

YES… WHY TRY AT ALL? OBLIVION IS THE FINAL DESTINATION FOR THE LIVING, STILL YOU ALL STRUGGLE.—

It paused for a while before speaking once more.

YOU CAN CHOOSE TO RETURN TO ME BUT THAT DOESN'T CHANGE ANYTHING. INTERTWINE WITH ONE'S SUCH AS HER, YOU ARE FORCED TO CARRY ON… HOW WILL YOU FAIR NOW?

WASTE AWAY OR FIND A NEW DREAM, IT SHOULD BE WITHIN YOUR REACH, AND BY YOUR OWN MEANS.

AND BEFORE YOU RETURN AGAIN TO ONE SUCH AS I, KNOW THAT THERE STILL MANY THINGS YOU CAN CHANGE.

—

The darkness around him stilled, as if awaiting his decision. The silent weight of the void pressed on, an infinite canvas upon which his destiny hung on his resolve.

Junpei grappled with his thoughts, torn between the desire to escape the weight of his failures and the caress of loss.

The darkness morphed into a kaleidoscope of fleeting images and emotions, a chaotic montage of his inner struggles.

Suddenly, he felt a jolt, a sensation of falling. The void dissolved, and reality rushed back to him like a violent redemption. Junpei's eyes snapped open, and he found himself gasping for breath.

The darkness had relinquished its hold, and Junpei was left with the echoes of an otherworldly encounter.

As he struggled to comprehend what had transpired, he realized one undeniable truth – he was alive.

The void had spat him back into the unfortunate reality he'd grimace over.

He was saved, his soul whole once more.

Junpei's eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the newfound brightness that surrounded him. He found himself lying onto a sinking surface, a stark contrast to the endless void he had been trapped in moments ago. The oppressive darkness had given way to a gentle, warm light as his eyes adjusted to the newfound brightness that surrounded him.

As his vision cleared, he realized he was no longer adrift in that desolate abyss. Instead, he was in a room.

The smell… perhaps a hospital?

In a way, he felt disappointed.

He was sure that Mahito killed him.

It was hard not to remember it clearly on how he was turned into an unrecognizable monster in front of his new friend before dying as his brain and heart gave out.

"Welcome back to the land of the living. It's a pleasure to meet you, Yoshino Junpei," Uttered a calm feminine voice from beside him.

Junpei turned his head to see an older woman, whose gaze was fixated on a small red book.

"Although this is the first time we've met, proper introductions will be postponed to another time," She got up from her seat in a fluid motion, tucking the gospel into her coat.

"For now, rest and recover."

As he lay on the rigid bed, Junpei realized that his body felt different. It wasn't just the sensation of being alive again; he felt stronger, as if some hidden potential within him had been awakened by his encounter in the void.

Olga's words about not wasting this second chance resonated with him. He knew he had a choice to make—whether to succumb to the despair that had plagued his previous life or to seize this opportunity for something better.

He pushed himself to sit up, taking in the sight of his current surroundings in a quick glance.

"I don't understand everything that's happened, but I get that it had something to do with you. Whatever you did… I'm not sure what to make of it, but… thank you." Junpei mustered the energy to speak, yet, he was out of breath and exhausted after managing those few sentences.

Olga looked at him, her eyes an unreadable expression as she lowered her head to him. "Don't think much of me. I'll pray for you, but what you choose to do now with your life is entirely up to you. Don't waste it."

As she left, Junpei finally took a deep breath.

His first thought was that she wouldn't be the type to sugarcoat things.

Her words were harsh and cold, but it should be for the best.

This time around, he wouldn't turn away from things as easily.

Besides, it was something to get used to as he sensed that this won't be their last meeting with each other.

As Olga made her way to the Principal's office, her mind was elsewhere. She's already prepared her materials and reports, excluding the details of Yuji and her meeting with that impostor.

Upon arrival, Olga knocked lightly on the door before entering. Principal Yaga was seated behind his desk, his expression the usual stern mug she'd grown accustomed to expect from him.

"Hello, Ms Olga." Yaga greeted as Olga moved in delicate steps into the room.

Once she stood a good distance opposite him, she bowed slightly and reciprocated his greetings. "Good evening, Yaga-san. Junpei has woken up,"

The principal's eyes, keen and observant, locked onto Olga's. "That is indeed good news."

Olga nodded. "Though his recovery is not the only reason I'm here."

Yaga leaned forward, his hands folded on the desk. "Of course, Ms. Olga. I assume it's about your latest proposal. I've thought about it and I see no harm in allowing your students to come here. I'm sure that they'll be a great help to us,"

"Then we've come to an agreement about the collaboration. But there also is another matter I wish to discuss before I turn in my report and leave." Olga said as she fixated her eyes on the principal.

Yaga inclined his head, a gesture that signaled Olga to proceed with her additional matter.

"Go ahead."

"With the nature of the higher-ups, they would try to execute Yoshino Junpei. After knowing his past involvement with a high level cursed spirit, it goes without saying that they'll see him as a threat," Olga was indifferent about the matter of death.

"Then, it would make my efforts to save him worthless. I won't allow it."

Principal Yaga listened intently as he contemplated Olga's words. The gravity of the situation hung in the air, and he understood the potential consequences of Junpei's past actions catching up with him.

This case was far more complicated than Yuji's.

Although the Higher-ups would not be as merciful as him. In order to solve the matter quickly, they would put Yoshino Junpei for immediate execution. Therefore, the secret of Jujutsu society would not be known to a civilian or anyone else.

However, Yaga was aware of exceptions. There were cases where executions were postponed due to a certain someone using his status and authority as leverage.

Even so, Satoru was not directly involved in this mission so hope that he would take special interest in Junpei's case seemed unlikely.

"I understand that you might feel that your efforts were wasted but this matters are delicate. How do you suppose we handle Yoshino-kun, when the higher-ups will pressure us if he becomes a student?" He inquired sharply. "Will you be asking Satoru for help?"

His following question was a dangerous one, however, Olga was prepared for it as she knew he intended to gauge her logic.

"He's my responsibility, therefore, Satoru does not need to get involved. And Jujutsu High will not be held liable to the charges against the young man."

.

That's why the collaboration was the first thing she mentioned.

Olga smiled with shallow eyes, an indication of her scheme. "I am willing to play by the rules of the higher-ups. I know that my situation is not the best either, so the collaboration with Jujutsu Tech will force them to make an exception,"

Yaga narrowed his eyes slightly as he processed her words. Her willingness to negotiate with the higher-ups rather than outright defy them was a calculated approach.

Deceptively leading them to believe that she intended to assist without gaining any personal advantages. She lured him into a false pretense, a clever tactic to ensure that they wouldn't refuse her when she eventually made this request.

Olga was far more shrewd than he anticipated.

"I am asking for your support, Yaga-san." She declared, as she skillfully entered her next point. "Junpei will legally be under Jujutsu Tech's protection as a student. That way, it'll ease his current position as a minor and orphan. However, instead of normally going for classes and missions, I plan to teach him personally one-to-one. While I am teaching him, as you know, I'll employ my two students to help with missions.

This, is the whole truth of what I am offering you,"

A persuasive exploitation, to which he admits almost swayed his decision.

He lets out a deep and heavy sigh.

"I see the layers of your plan, Ms. Olga," Yaga said, his covered eyes never leaving hers. He leaned back into his chair, considering their options. "Your concern for Yoshino-kun is evident and your plan for him has merit. Placing him under the care of Jujutsu Tech as a student offers him protection and a chance for redemption. I am all for helping the misguided into the right path, yet we must tread carefully as the Higher-ups will closely monitor this arrangement. It's fine if he's in the school compound, but if he goes outside into the city…"

There was no need to worry about them. Soon enough, their focus will be swiftly shifted to Yuji once he makes it known that he was alive all this time, allowing her some affordance to teach Junpei in peace.

While it may be cruel of her for using Yuji in such a way, he was the least of her worries. In an instance, if something unexpected were to occur, Yuji would be able to handle it.

Besides, Satoru and Nanami were immediately on his side if things ever came out poorly.

"I will be solely responsible for Junpei. But I cannot be his legal guardian. He is still quite young and not of age to be on his own. I've made my mind on giving him a choice, so he doesn't have the obligation to be a holy exorcist or a jujutsu sorcerer once he graduates. Still, I leave it to him if he does choose to pursue either. My only condition is to teach him to control his abilities and to help guide him through his personal conflicts,"

What a calculative point to bring forward about the request he had little hope for her to follow through with.

From his experience with interacting with the woman thus far, she hardly seemed interested in heartfelt conversations or getting involved in anyone's personal issues.

Olga isn't the expressive type but it works in her favor as she is keen and observant.

But, surprisingly Satoru made a comment to him that she always seemed to have the best interest for those younger than her. And it definitely checks out as Nanami had said it to him himself, that she doesn't benefit from doing any of this at all.

Yaga stood up from his seat. "Very well, Ms Olga. We shall proceed with your plan. I trust that there are no more secrets worth noting between us as you have stated. So, the next time we meet, I will be greeting you along with your students on the day of the event. But for now, I shall bring this matter to the higher-ups,"

Well, aside from Yuji being alive, Olga was transparent throughout about her intentions.

She supposed that when the truth about Yuji comes out he wouldn't be as disappointed in her as Nanami was also in on the ruse. The one who will receive Yaga's contempt would be Satoru as it was originally his idea.

"Although, you wouldn't mind accompanying me and bringing up this entire matter to them, will you?" He added, with a slight rise in his voice.

Olga bowed slightly, and shook her head sideways. "Another time, but I appreciate the suggestion. This matter has concluded."

But before she could fully turn her back, Yaga stretched out a hand to stop her.

"Not so fast, Ms. Olga."

"As you know that you are not a legal Japanese citizen and that Yoshino-kun does not have any immediate family that can properly become his legal guardian. How would you propose to solve this issue? Jujutsu Tech can only do so much,"

Gojo Satoru pulled strings in order to legally allow Yuji to enroll in the school. However, Olga does not have that sort of authority. Simply asking Satoru for help was not going to cut it as he had no business helping Junpei.

Her next option was to rely on that "ordinary" man.

Although she was sure that Yaga could already follow her line of thoughts with that question.

"Nanami is the best option." She responded without hesitation. "While I expect him to strongly disagree, that man has never been fully honest to himself. He wouldn't turn down helping Junpei as he knows the circumstances and won't turn a blind eye to someone who needs help."

Yaga observed Olga carefully, contemplating her response. The mention of Nanami as a potential legal guardian for Junpei seemed to resonate with the pragmatic nature of both individuals. He also sensed that Olga rightfully chose the man as she saw some sort of compelling quality during their short partnership.

"I see. Nanami is indeed secretly a compassionate man, as you've pointed out. When he agrees to take on that shared responsibility, it will certainly help with Junpei's guardianship." Yaga acknowledged. "Now we can conclude our meeting here. I am very certain that you would succeed in convincing Nanami as he already has a positive opinion on you,"

Olga inclined her head in acknowledgment. "Once again, you have my gratitude, Yaga-san. May the Lord smile faithfully for you,"

"Amen"

With a final nod, Olga turned to leave the principal's office, her mind already shifting to the next steps of her plan. As she closed the door behind her, she couldn't help but feel a sense of relief that Principal Yaga was receptive to her proposals.

The only other places that she's been to outside of her work were to the students dormitory and the terraces where her smoking was less likely to be a bother to anyone.

Thinking about it now, it really would be nice to go for another puff.

However, she perished that thought as she did come here for another matter.

From a briefing by Satoru that was absolved into excessive chattering, Olga remembered him bringing up the matter of other students attending the school.

There were a total of nine students attending Jujutsu Tech. She's met all the first-year and most of the second-year students but the other kids had yet to be introduced.

But going by Satoru's description, the girl standing in front of her was not one of them.

He didn't mention anyone with striking light blue hair such as the young lady in front of her. Her slant bangs were also in an peculiar placement which wasn't the usual conventional style for most girls. She had large round inquisitive deep blue eyes.

She formally approaches Olga the moment their eyes meet, her steps stiff and uncomfortable. It was obvious that she was untrained in such mannerisms but Olga surmised that the young girl wanted to come off as respectful to her peers.

"Hello, Ms." She graciously bowed in a full ninety degrees. "I seem to be lost. I somehow got separated from my group while looking around. Could you guide me back to my group?"

"..."

"Uh… I'm here for the Kyoto Sister-School Goodwill Event."

"..."

"Umm," She hesitates, retreating her gaze to the floor.

Aside from Tokyo Jujutsu High, there was another school in Japan that taught young jujutsu sorcerers, such as the Kyoto branch, Kyoto Jujutsu High.

Olga did not utter a word of response and in a confident stride, began to walk.

But she did make a motion to the girl to follow alongside her.

"My name is Kasumi Miwa. It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms!" She politely said as she bowed slightly.

Yet, Olga did not immediately reply.

Truth be told, although Olga was quite familiar with the layout of the institution, she hasn't quite narrowed down the important facilities.

So she was leading Miwa around the compound without a proper lead.

While Miwa chatted amiably about her anticipation and anxiety for the Goodwill Event, Olga remained mostly silent. She took note of the girl's polite demeanor and earnest nature, which reminded her of Yuji.

For a moment, Olga's mind snakes into a vile territory and she wonders if such high spirits were to be crushed. She couldn't entertain the idea for long as she found these people endearing in a way that she can never be.

Eventually, Olga brought Miwa to a spot where she could see some students gathered in a courtyard. It appears that the Kyoto Jujutsu High students have gathered there.

"They should be your fellow students," Olga said, gesturing toward the group. "You can join them here. I have other matters to attend to, so I'll leave you in their company."

Miwa quickly dips her head down, thanking Olga. "Thanks… Ms?"

"Olga,"

"Then, thank you very much Olga-san!" She said energetically.

With this complete, Olga can finally go for a smoke.

But right before she could take a step away from the congregation of students, a large buffed young man approaches her with a crazed expression.

"OVER THERE! LADY! WHAT'S YOUR TYPE?!" He bellowed, as if using his coarse voice to alert the other Kyoto students of her presence.

She wanted to avoid direct confrontation with these kids but because of his outburst, there was no other choice but to face this situation head on.

"Olga-san…?" Miwa crooned her head to Olga.

Olga sighed, turning to face the one who was being rude.

"You, what is your name?" She asked in a piercing-sharp tone.

He points towards himself with his large hands and with a proud beam, he introduces himself. "I am Todo Aoi. So, Ms, what's your type?"

Judging by how he hadn't changed his stance and that he was actually expecting an answer from her. And, for someone as unkempt as him would need a good explanation for doing as he pleased or why would anyone else permit such behavior?

But if there was a way of controlling his roguish manners, then, he would've been hammered into place by now.

As for the question…

"I assume that you're asking me about my standards for a lover."

Perhaps she would humour him with a response?

"I've forgotten."

Well, the best response was to deflect it in its entirety.

A person like her should never expect anything from anyone.

"Sorry?" He blinked his eyes several times before a frozen expression remained for a few seconds.

Miwa turned pale at the older woman's answer. She was aware that her upperclassmen had an eccentric personality that most adults couldn't control, so what he would do next was beyond her.

The woman was definitely going to be in danger so she should warn her before—

"Ah… I see!" He said cheerily. "No shame in that, Ms! We all need time to carefully think about our types!"

Olga stared at him with her empty eyes, pressing her lips down into a line. The large young man was more thoughtful than he seemed which caused his other fellow classmates to go wide-eyed.

Judging by their expression, this response was out of the ordinary for him.

"I will get going now. Though we'll meet again briefly on the day of the competition. So, may God bless you." She said quietly before moving away without looking back at the gawking students.

(Elsewhere)

Stepping out of the ventilated confines of the airport, two foreigners took their first breaths in the new environment as it was their first time in the country.

"So this is Master's homeland." The girl spoke first in English.

The other, a slightly older young man, nodded in agreement. "Yes, it's quite different from what we're used to. But we're here for a reason, Misha."

The girl's expression was quick to change as she puffed her cheeks and knotted her brows at her partner's rigidness. Well, the Brother was always trying to emulate their master when it comes to getting straight to the point of things.

She scans their surroundings once more, as she senses something amidst. Suddenly, a sickened feeling passes through her. Brother Raphael felt it too and could not hide his disdain as his face contorted into a terrible scowl.

"I understand why Ms Olga initially chose to never return. This country… It is overwhelmed by the stench of the devil's power," The Brother remarked as he covered his nose with a handkerchief.

Misha decisively smacks his shoulder.

"Eek!" He shrieks.

"And that's the reason why we're here. To learn from the other exorcists who are much stronger than us. Master Olga made us come here to learn, and that's what we're going to do," Misha scolded the Brother who was quick to make judgements.

Still, rubbing his back, he forced a cough before reassuming his composure. "Ahem! Miss Misha… that was uncalled for. You could have very well pointed that out,"

Misha rolls her eyes at her senior. "For the time being, she told us to explore Tokyo City and familiarize ourselves with the area. She'll find us soon as she finds out we've arrived in the country. Also, if we were to encounter the devil's spawns, remember what she said,"

Raphael immediately nodded his head. "While I am not too fond of the idea, she is right. We must run,"

The two holy exorcists came at the request of their Master who was also their Grand Holy Exorcist, Olga, as they will not tolerate disrespecting the very woman who had taught them so much.

It was a simple request; To assist another organization in exorcizing these unseen unholy creatures.

Although, they were much more interested in finding out about what made their Master change her mind about staying in this country when she originally had planned to come here for a short trip.

Knowing her, it was quite shocking to hear her make a change of plans out of nowhere.

Maybe it had to do with the sinister aura they sensed permeated the air.

The feeling of dread in this nation was far more than the two foreigners could anticipate and they wondered if their Master was aware of just how deep-rooted the darkness ran in Japan.

(A/N) I deserve death to keep ya'll waiting but alas life is unpredictable!

Hope y'all are doing well!

P.S if you really wanna complain and fight me frfr, pls check out my Art instagram, /ewinaenae where I am more active.

Toodles and I hope you enjoy reading~!

Until the next chapter!