For everyone else at Tokyo Jujutsu High, today was the day the major incident shaking the jujutsu world finally came to an end.
Teachers and students alike were given a day of collective rest.
However, under Asou Akiya's cold observation, April 13th was destined to become the beginning of a catastrophic drain on Getou Suguru's wallet...
The reason lay in his extraordinary sense of justice, responsibility, and overwhelming desire to protect Amanai Riko.
At 1:00 PM, Getou Suguru left Tokyo Jujutsu High with Amanai Riko and took a bus into the city.
There, the two shared the first meal celebrating her newfound freedom.
"Riko-chan, from now on you're your own person," said Getou Suguru. "Carry Miss Kuroi's blessings with you and continue moving forward."
"Mm... Misato would be happy for me."
Amanai Riko had not yet emerged from the shadow of her grief, but she had begun learning to accept Getou Suguru's kindness.
Thinking of Kuroi Misato's body, which would most likely be cremated, Getou Suguru asked, "Do you want to arrange a burial for Miss Kuroi?"
A spark of motivation suddenly appeared in Amanai Riko's eyes.
"Yes! Please! I want Misato to rest in peace!"
Getou Suguru felt relieved.
In the future, there would be someone to visit the grave of Miss Kuroi, whom he had enjoyed so many conversations with.
While sending a message to Ieiri Shoko, Getou Suguru also gave Amanai Riko something worth looking forward to.
"We'll have to wait a few days. Once all the approval procedures are completed, I'll let you know when you can collect her ashes."
As the person paying for the meal, Getou Suguru displayed impeccable gentlemanly manners. Not only did he try to ease the girl's sorrow, but he also took responsibility for escorting her home afterward.
Extending his hand toward her, he said, "Riko-chan, let me take you home."
When Amanai Riko saw his outstretched hand, she remembered the words he had spoken while trying to persuade her that day.
Tears welled up in her eyes.
At last, she had obtained the freedom she had dreamed of for so long.
The two returned to the place where they had first met.
The luxury apartment building had been devastated by the attack of the curse users. It was now in such terrible condition that it was clearly uninhabitable.
Realizing that repairs and renovations would take time, Getou Suguru came up with a solution.
"How about I rent an apartment for you on another floor of the building?"
Amanai Riko did not understand why that was necessary.
Eager to reunite with her classmates as soon as possible, she said, "I can stay at the school."
When Getou Suguru heard that, he immediately thought it sounded quite economical and found himself sympathizing with Amanai Riko's desire to return to school.
He contacted the apartment management office to look for a renovation company, only to be informed of something unexpected.
"Mr. Getou, as of noon on April 13, 2006, Miss Amanai has already terminated her lease. The owner of this property is now someone else. If you wish to proceed with any renovation work, you will need to contact the current owner first."
[The property doesn't belong to little Riko?]
A bad feeling rose in Getou Suguru's chest.
Following the phone number provided by the management office, he contacted the previous owner.
The other party turned out to be someone from the jujutsu world and was familiar with the famous Cursed Spirit Manipulator. They replied politely,
"My apologies, Getou-kun. After your mission failed, the higher-ups decided to revoke the benefits previously granted to the Star Plasma Vessel."
Getou Suguru was already aware of the consequences of the mission's failure.
The higher-ups were currently locked in fierce disputes with the Three Great Clans.
This matter involved both the Gojo Clan and the Zen'in Clan. The two clan heirs, together with the Cursed Spirit Manipulator, had abandoned the mission to escort the Star Plasma Vessel, undermining the stability of the jujutsu world.
The offense could be interpreted as either major or minor.
If any one of them had borne the responsibility alone, the consequences would have been severe.
Fortunately, Asou Akiya had dragged Zen'in Naoya into the situation, ensuring that the burden of pressure did not fall solely upon the Gojo Clan.
Because the Three Great Clans presented a united front to the outside world, even the traditionally neutral Kamo Clan had ended up speaking on their behalf.
As a result, Getou Suguru—the only one among them from an ordinary civilian background—ironically faced the least pressure.
Getou Suguru turned to Amanai Riko.
"Riko-chan, do you own any other properties?"
Amanai Riko shook her head.
Looking dejected, she said, "Misato always handled all my daily affairs. She probably knew the details. I've never lacked a place to live, and sometimes I even stayed at school."
Getou Suguru searched through the apartment and found some of Kuroi Misato's personal belongings.
However, after seeking legal advice, he discovered that Kuroi Misato and Amanai Riko were neither mother and daughter nor relatives.
Because they had no legal family relationship, Getou Suguru could not use the status of guardian and ward to interfere with Kuroi Misato's estate.
Kuroi Misato's money did not belong to Amanai Riko.
Getou Suguru asked numerous questions about basic life matters, only to discover that Amanai Riko knew virtually nothing about any of them.
"I'll take you back to school and solve the housing issue first."
Getou Suguru shouldered the heavy responsibility of helping a fourteen-year-old girl learn how to stand on her own.
His gaze was sharp and resolute.
There were no ulterior motives, no distracting thoughts.
He wanted only one thing: help Amanai Riko return to a normal life as quickly as possible.
Renchoku Girls' Junior High.
In the middle school division, a second-year homeroom teacher received Getou Suguru and Amanai Riko.
This teacher was Amanai Riko's homeroom instructor and had a deep impression of the young lady. Back when Riko had enrolled, the school's administration had personally informed the faculty that she was a student who must be treated kindly and never allowed to suffer even the slightest hardship.
"Mr. Getou, may I ask if you're Amanai-san's older brother?"
"I suppose you could say that."
Getou Suguru temporarily accepted the role. After all, both he and Amanai Riko had long black hair.
"Amanai-san, there won't be any issue with your boarding application. You only need to pay the dormitory fees and tuition." The teacher handed over a dormitory application form. "Please give this form to your guardian. Once it has been signed, have the fees transferred into the designated account."
Holding the form, Amanai Riko looked completely lost.
"My guardian... she..."
"It's alright, Riko-chan."
Getou Suguru stopped her from continuing. His expression remained calm, and he showed no intimidation even when dealing with adults.
"I'll take care of these matters for you."
Amanai Riko naturally trusted him without reservation.
After all, he was an incredibly powerful jujutsu sorcerer.
Later, after the two left the office, Getou Suguru finally looked carefully at the amount listed on the form.
He frowned slightly.
"The tuition and dormitory fees are this expensive? Riko-chan, isn't this a private religious school?"
Compared to Tokyo Jujutsu High, which likewise operated as a private religious school while exempting students from both tuition and boarding fees, Renchoku Girls' Junior High looked more like an institution using its title to swindle people out of money.
"Is it a lot?" Amanai Riko stood on tiptoe and glanced at the contents. Her understanding of money was far from accurate. "Should I call one of my classmates and ask?"
Five minutes later, Amanai Riko contacted the classmate she was closest to and received a firm answer.
"Riko, our tuition has always been this much!"
"I... my distant cousin said it's really expensive."
Amanai Riko unconsciously used the cover identity Getou Suguru had assumed for himself.
"Riko, hold on a second... Okay! I was worried I might have gotten it wrong, so I asked my mom for you. She said this is an elite private school. The tuition is relatively expensive, but the security is guaranteed. A lot of people want to send their children here and can't even get them admitted."
"Thanks, Yuko!"
"Don't mention it. Riko, are you coming back to school tomorrow?"
"I am."
"I'm really looking forward to it. See you tomorrow!"
The girl, who came from a wealthy family and had never wanted for anything, chatted with Amanai Riko for a while before ending the call.
Getou Suguru had deliberately kept his distance and had no intention of eavesdropping.
Unfortunately, a jujutsu sorcerer's hearing was simply too good.
At last, he understood why the school's fees were so expensive.
This place was safe.
This place had ties to the jujutsu world.
Among Japan's wealthy circles, it was customary for affluent families to invest heavily in their daughters' education. Sending them to an exceptionally secure private religious school was money well spent. Over time, the institution had gradually become an elite girls' academy, earning its income from the wealthy.
Amanai Riko was widely recognized within the school as a "white swan"—a young lady of mysterious background.
Whether teachers or classmates, everyone was eager to befriend her and expand their connections.
Not to mention that Amanai Riko had Kuroi Misato, an all-capable maid.
Kuroi Misato claimed that her family had served Amanai Riko's family for generations and addressed Amanai Riko as her mistress. That alone elevated Amanai Riko's undisclosed identity into that of a young lady from an ancient and prestigious family.
Black lines practically appeared across Getou Suguru's face.
The problem was that little Riko was an orphan, not a rich heiress!
As for the young masters of ancient clans, he had never met a noble young lady from one, but he lived alongside a young master from an ancient clan every day.
And that particular person was the sort who would casually throw away vast sums of money whenever it pleased him.
After paying a full year's tuition and boarding fees, Getou Suguru silently cursed the higher-ups.
You people raised her with completely distorted standards and then washed your hands of the responsibility. Well done. Truly well done.
Back at Tokyo Jujutsu High, Asou Akiya was summoned by Ieiri Shoko for a meeting.
The young man and young woman walked side by side through a beautifully landscaped corridor.
Light and shadow interwove around them.
Their youthful figures blended seamlessly into the scenery of mountains and water, and even their ordinary movements seemed to add a touch of poetry to the tranquil setting.
"Why did you suddenly become interested in Suguru's affairs?"
"You told me not to lend him any money, and that immediately piqued my curiosity. Getou is a Special Grade sorcerer. Do Special Grade sorcerers actually run short on money?"
"Of course they do. It's not as though he's being financially supported by one of the Three Great Clans."
"Then who is he spending all his money on? No, wait, don't tell me. Let me guess. That little girl from yesterday?"
"Shoko is very smart."
"It's not that I'm smart... I just never expected him to be this soft-hearted..."
"That's Suguru's strength, and it's also his weakness. Unless he goes through hardships and learns to see the world for what it truly is, he'll never understand that some people..." Asou Akiya turned his head and smiled. "...have no princess's fate, yet somehow develop a princess's mentality."
Satisfying his classmate's curiosity, he gently explained the circumstances surrounding the Star Plasma Vessel.
Once the jujutsu world found a Star Plasma Vessel, they would place that person on a pedestal and treat them as someone precious.
They would explain why the Vessel was being cared for.
They would explain the price that would eventually have to be paid.
They would not demand an immediate answer, nor would they require the person to surrender their body right away.
Yet as time passed, people who had grown accustomed to a life of comfort and privilege found it increasingly difficult to escape.
Asou Akiya said, "She's merely one of countless young ladies who have been spoiled and ruined by the way they were raised."
Ieiri Shoko pondered this for a moment.
"Amanai Riko... can she see cursed spirits?"
A cool wind drifted down from the forested hills.
Asou Akiya stepped slightly in front of her, shielding her from it.
Smiling, Ieiri Shoko held down the hem of her skirt and listened as he replied,
"She can see cursed spirits, but don't worry. She has no desire to become a jujutsu sorcerer."
Ieiri Shoko looked puzzled.
"Now that she's lost that identity, isn't she going to think about her future?"
Asou Akiya could not resist teasing Getou Suguru.
"She loves the life she used to have with her classmates. Her wish is extremely simple, and hearing it does sound touching. That's how Suguru was gradually moved by her words and came to believe she possessed something rare and precious."
After all, Getou Suguru had never encountered a second little girl whom the jujutsu world was forcing toward death.
Ieiri Shoko clicked her tongue.
Asou Akiya continued, enunciating every word clearly:
"From beginning to end, her wishes and her plans for the future have all been built on the assumption that someone else will be willing to foot the bill for her."
"She has never once considered the issue of money."
"It's rather strange." This was the part Ieiri Shoko found hardest to understand.
If Amanai Riko became a jujutsu sorcerer, she would at least have the means to support herself financially and a place to live.
Asou Akiya suddenly remembered a domestic film he had watched in his previous life. The movie portrayed a heroine who regarded money as dirt. She despised flaunting wealth and disliked receiving expensive material gifts from rich men.
In the end, however, a billionaire who celebrated her birthday with fireworks across an entire city managed to move her deeply.
The heroine truly did not love money. She viewed material possessions as insignificant.
And yet, every grand gesture that touched her heart—every piece of "romance" she cherished—was built upon staggering amounts of money.
Asou Akiya lowered his voice.
"Shoko, I find that disgusting."
In countless Jujutsu Kaisen one-shot fanfics from his previous life that sympathized with Amanai Riko, once she survived, ninety-nine percent of the time it was Gojo Satoru who paid to support her for the rest of her life.
And Amanai Riko's gratitude never seemed to extend beyond superficial gestures.
No—sometimes there wasn't even that much.
Asou Akiya could not remember ever hearing Amanai Riko say a sincere "thank you."
He wanted to ask her:
Why?
Is it because Gojo was a convenient benefactor?
Because the future she described to Suguru sounded so beautiful?
"She can pursue her freedom all she likes."
When dead, she was the unattainable "white moonlight" in Suguru's heart.
When alive, she became nothing more than an ordinary grain of rice stuck to his sleeve.
A faint smile tugged at Asou Akiya's lips, making him resemble a villain taking a leisurely stroll between acts.
"To be honest, I find Kuroi Misato's death regrettable. If she had survived and been freed from the master-servant relationship, that might have been far more interesting to watch..."
With no family ties and no obligations binding her, why should Kuroi Misato spend her entire life serving Amanai Riko merely out of compassion?
Was Amanai Riko exceptionally talented?
Was she extraordinarily grateful?
Was she willing to become self-reliant?
Did she possess any remarkable skills that truly stood out?
In the original story, Amanai Riko's intelligence was average, her physical abilities were poor, and as for her appearance—
Well, Tokyo Jujutsu High was hardly lacking in attractive people.
Even Zen'in Naoya, whom Asou Akiya disliked more than anyone else, was more beautiful than Amanai Riko.
Asou Akiya held a fan of premium bank cards that did not belong to him between his fingers and flicked them briefly in front of Ieiri Shoko's eyes. His tone carried deeper meaning as he said, "Gojo wouldn't care about losing money, but I do. And I won't let Gojo play the role of a sucker. Since Suguru chose to involve himself with this troublesome girl, then I'll make sure he fully experiences what it's like..."
The wind brushed across the black-haired boy's handsome face, stray strands of hair catching against his pale lips.
"...to save someone all the way to the end."
Suguru, when Heaven is about to entrust a great responsibility to a person, it must first temper his spirit, wear down his body, and empty his wallet.
...
Ieiri Shoko: Ah… I see. This time, you just want to enjoy Getou's misfortune.
...
Meanwhile, all of Amanai Riko's privileges had been revoked.
A minor with no parents, no inheritance, and no place to live would ordinarily be sent to a children's welfare institution.
That realization also made Getou Suguru understand something.
Even if he helped little Riko collect Kuroi Misato's ashes, she did not have the money to purchase a burial plot.
At that point, it might be better to let Kuroi Misato's distant relatives claim the ashes instead.
After paying a year's worth of tuition and boarding fees for Amanai Riko, Getou Suguru organized his thoughts and finally spoke.
"Riko-chan, you're fourteen this year. Next year, you'll be exactly the right age to enroll at Tokyo Jujutsu High. Our admission requirement is simple—you must be able to see cursed spirits and possess cursed energy."
His voice carried unmistakable anticipation.
"Do you want to become a jujutsu sorcerer? Someone like me and Satoru, someone who protects ordinary people?"
All he needed was for little Riko to nod.
Then he would gain a new underclassman.
After all, she was a Star Plasma Vessel!
Perhaps she possessed talent comparable to Yuki Tsukumo's.
In the relaxed and comfortable environment around her, Amanai Riko answered with complete honesty and immediately rejected Getou Suguru's invitation.
"Can I stay at my current school instead? I like my classmates. I don't want to become a jujutsu sorcerer."
Having finally escaped the jujutsu world, Amanai Riko absolutely had no intention of returning to it.
Getou Suguru: "..."
For a brief instant, an uncontrollable surge of disgust rose within him.
No. No, he could not allow himself to develop negative feelings simply because she had refused. This had always been little Riko's wish.
Getou Suguru spoke with concern, "Little Riko, after I leave... will you really be able to live on your own?"
Amanai Riko answered with her usual energy, "Of course! I'll do my best to take care of myself. You don't have to worry about me."
Getou Suguru did not believe a word of it.
The last young master who had claimed he could live independently was still being fed three meals a day by Akiya.
Unable to harden his heart, Getou Suguru gave Amanai Riko another allowance.
After resolving her most immediate survival concerns, he walked toward the school gates with heavy steps, continuously pondering how to solve her long-term financial situation.
In Japan, minors were legally allowed to work part-time once they turned fifteen.
In other words, if he supported Amanai Riko for one year, she would then be able to find a job. But would she actually be capable of earning enough to pay her tuition?
No.
Japan imposed strict limits on the working hours of minors to ensure that employment did not interfere with their studies.
Among part-time jobs that offered relatively high income, modeling was perhaps one of the few options available.
Getou Suguru involuntarily imagined Amanai Riko desperately searching for work. His heart softened.
Little Riko was someone he and Satoru had risked everything to save.
The jujutsu world had abandoned her.
How could he abandon her as well?
How could he stand by and watch her fall into hardship after losing Kuroi Misato?
"If only she had a home she could return to whenever she was tired... Even if she were poor, at least she wouldn't end up sleeping on the streets or being bullied in a children's welfare institution."
A house?
He was a Special Grade sorcerer with a substantial income.
The thought of buying a property crossed Getou Suguru's mind. He began searching along the streets for a suitable real estate agency, hoping to find a reasonably priced single-person apartment that offered good value for the money.
Unfortunately, apartments in Tokyo were never cheap.
Night fell, and Getou Suguru, who had quietly snuck back, knocked on the door of Gojo Satoru's dorm room.
"Satoru, I want to borrow some money from you. It might take me until next year to pay it all back."
Always a man of action, Getou Suguru had come to seek out his friend. For perhaps the first time in his life, finding himself short on funds, he was asking Gojo Satoru for a loan.
Under the dormitory lights, Gojo Satoru was dressed in loose, casual clothing. He wandered over to a mirror and casually replied, "I don't have any."
Getou Suguru laughed.
"Come on, stop joking."
If there was anyone in the world who would never be short on money, it was Gojo Satoru. His unlimited allowance was hardly a myth.
"I only have ten thousand yen."
Gojo Satoru's mind was completely occupied with figuring out how to remove his scars. Seeing that Suguru did not believe him, he turned out the pockets of his pants for inspection.
They were empty.
His wallet contained nothing except his student ID and ten thousand yen.
Getou Suguru's eyes widened in shock.
"No way. Where did all your money go?"
Scratching his white hair, Gojo Satoru answered, "Akiya took all of it."
Then he immediately grinned and launched a counterattack.
"Suguru, lend me some money. I'll pay you back ten times as much next time."
Getou Suguru: ...
So this was the dependable best friend who supposedly never cared about money?
Satoru!
Grinding his teeth inwardly, Getou Suguru found another reason to laugh at him.
"Serves you right. Having Akiya keep an eye on you is probably a good thing. It'll stop you from spending money like water."
The loan request had failed.
Getou Suguru left in defeat, looking rather miserable. For some reason, he suddenly felt reluctant to face Akiya.
As for the matter of the apartment...
Forget it.
He would think of another solution.
If all else failed, Getou Suguru remembered that he also owned an apartment in Tokyo under his name. The renovations were nearly complete already.