Satoru Gojo spoke to Shingen I, whom he had just set down: "Hey, welcome to Tokyo Metropolitan Curse Technical College. When you're a bit older, this is where you'll be studying."
Shingen I looked around. Among the tall, orderly rows of trees was a stone-paved path lined with numerous stone lanterns on both sides. In the distance, nestled in the mountains and woods, stood an old-fashioned building with flying eaves and curved corners, exuding a classical charm.
Gojo walked alongside him, explaining, "This place is protected by barriers. Ordinary people and most curses can't get in easily. You stay here for a while; I'll take care of some things and then arrange everything for you."
Passing through various buildings, Gojo eventually brought Shingen I to a tall, burly man. The man had a sturdy build, thick black hair, a neatly trimmed beard near his chin, and a determined look in his eyes — the perfect image of a tough guy.
"Gojo, what's up? Why are you bringing a kid along?"
Gojo briefly explained the situation, then said to Shingen I, "This is my former homeroom teacher and the principal of the next generation at the Curse Technical College, Masamichi Yaga. Teacher Yaga, I'm leaving him in your care for now. I'll be back soon."
After Gojo left, the two stared at each other — big eyes meeting small ones. Yaga crossed his arms and looked down seriously at the little boy who wasn't even as tall as his waist.
"Ahem..." Yaga was the first to break the silence — they couldn't just keep staring at each other like that; that would be way too awkward. Luckily, he had an idea. So, using his gentlest tone, he said, "Hey, do you like toys? I have a bunch of toys that move on their own. See if there's one you like."
Shingen I thought of the panda, realizing this tough guy probably knew how to make cursed corpses — basically, non-living objects infused with cursed energy that could move on their own. Intrigued by the idea, he nodded.
Yaga led Shingen I into a room filled with countless toys, mostly animal-shaped, along with various tools on the side.
Yaga picked up a round, fluffy white ball, about the size of a basketball but fluffier, with only a cartoonish pair of eyes and a mouth — no limbs. He handed it to Shingen I: "Gojo said you have cursed energy too. Just hold this in your hand, imagine making it move, and then slam it onto the ground."
Shingen I held the ball, squeezing it; it felt pretty nice. Then, following Yaga's instructions, he poured cursed energy into it. The eyes on the ball started to move, and it began trembling in his hands, almost slipping out.
He slammed it onto the floor, and the white fluffy ball bounced up at incredible speed, hitting the ceiling, then darting around the room in dazzling patterns.
Yaga was stunned. This thing was a toy he made in his spare time — a cursed corpse with strong elasticity when cursed energy was applied. Unfortunately, it had little offensive power, so it was just sitting unused. But now, the ball was moving at a terrifying speed! What was causing the cracks on the walls and ceiling?
As Yaga was about to stop the bouncing ball, he noticed Shingen I suddenly extending both hands, tightly grasping the ball. He realized something was off.
Gojo had only mentioned that this boy was special but hadn't explained much. The speed just now was so fast that even Gojo hadn't fully caught it, which shocked him.
Shingen I's eyes sparkled. Although he had lived as a human for a lifetime and his mind was mature beyond his years, some childlike innocence still lingered in him — perhaps due to his body. He threw the ball, watched it bounce rapidly, then caught it again. This supercharged bouncing ball brought him immense joy.
Yaga was about to say something but stopped, seeing how happy Shingen I was. While the boy casually played with the white ball, Yaga picked out a few relatively harmless cursed corpses for him to play with as well.
...
When Gojo returned, he saw Yaga sitting cross-legged with a big smile, and Shingen I nearby playing with a husky-shaped cursed corpse. The boy held the white fluffy ball, throwing it with lightning speed.
The husky excitedly chased after the ball, caught it, and ran back, tripping and tumbling on the way but quickly getting up and grabbing the ball again to run back to Shingen I.
Yaga noticed Gojo and stood up to greet him: "Gojo, you're back."
Gojo scratched his head, wondering what was going on. Yaga explained, "I was worried he'd get bored, so I let him play with some cursed corpses. You know, I've been researching giving cursed corpses some level of consciousness. This dog is one of my less successful attempts."
Yaga looked at Gojo and added, "This kid's got a great talent. Where did you find him, and what do you plan to do with him?"
Gojo rubbed his chin as Yaga gave a grim expression and said, "Oh? Didn't I tell you before?"
After Gojo detailed Shingen I's background, Yaga squinted, impressed: "That's incredible..." Gojo smiled as he watched the husky running around, then said, "I've already handled the paperwork for the orphanage. We'll find him a place to live, maybe even a nanny. At his age, he should be able to live somewhat independently."
Yaga sighed, "He's only seven or eight. Even if he's precocious, you can't be so careless. Didn't you adopt another kid before? Don't you have any experience?"
Gojo suddenly remembered and slapped his left hand with his right fist, "Right! We'll have him live with Megumi and the others. They're about the same age, so he'll have some companions! That's settled."
Yaga shook his head, no longer expecting anything different from Gojo's scatterbrained personality. He gestured for Shingen I to come over.
Shingen I, holding the white fluffy ball and the husky, walked over. Gojo waved and grinned, "I've sorted out your paperwork at the orphanage, and found you a good place to live."
"Thank you," Shingen I politely replied, turning to return the white ball to Yaga, who waved it off: "These two cursed corpses are yours — consider them gifts. The white ball isn't very useful, but the dog here is called 'White Wolf.' It has some combat power and might help you someday."
Shingen I looked down at the wagging-tailed White Wolf, then looked up seriously to thank Yaga. He hadn't expected this kind-hearted man to give him such gifts.
This fierce-looking yet gentle and caring man was truly a good person.
"I'll take him now," Gojo said, waving goodbye.
Ignoring Shingen I's reluctance, Gojo picked him up. White Wolf and the ball were both held in Shingen I's arms. With a wave, Gojo vanished with him.
When they reappeared, Shingen I found himself on a wide-open street. Gojo led him to a standalone house by the roadside and handed him the keys: "This will be your home. We'll find a nanny later. Now, I'll take you next door to meet your future friends — also my future students."
They went next door, where Gojo knocked on the door and called out in a cheerful, drawn-out tone, "Megumi, Tsumiki, open up! It's me, Satoru Gojo!"
With rhythmic knocking, the door unlocked. A quiet, polite girl opened it and greeted Gojo.
"Megumi's in his room. I brought you a new friend," Gojo said.
Tsumiki nodded toward the boy behind Gojo.
Gojo, hands in his pockets, walked upstairs like he owned the place, about to open a door when it suddenly opened first. A boy with spiky black hair stepped out.
"Teacher Gojo, aren't you going to knock?"
Gojo waved dismissively, "I did knock, didn't I?"
Young Megumi sighed, "I wasn't talking about that door... never mind."
Gojo ruffled the boy's hair, flattening his spikes, only for them to spring back up when he let go.
Gojo struck an exaggerated pose: "Ta-da! Let me introduce your new friend. His name's Shingen I, and like you, he's got the talent of a sorcerer. He's already awakened his technique. You might even be classmates someday."
Shingen I sized up the still young Megumi, who looked much as he remembered, especially their similar hair. Megumi's innocent face held a usually expressionless look, somewhat charming in its contrast.
To Shingen I, Megumi seemed a bit like someone who deserved a good punch — but of course, he was a good kid who didn't hit people randomly. Back at the orphanage, everyone respected him enough to make him the leader.
He wondered how things were at the orphanage now. With official support and professionals around, it should be fine. He'd visit when he was older.
As Shingen I studied Megumi, the latter also examined him. Upon hearing Gojo's words, Megumi's face darkened: "I don't want to become a sorcerer."
Gojo pretended not to hear, cheerfully continuing, "Well, at least you know each other now. Oh, and school's starting soon. Chances are you'll be elementary school classmates too!"
"You two get acquainted first. I've got some things to take care of, so I'm off." With that, Gojo disappeared, leaving the three alone.
(End of chapter)
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