บท 39: The First has become the Last?

The figure straightened up slowly, his back ramrod-straight, rising from the crater he'd just created as if it were the most natural thing in the world. He was a young, hulking guy with an impressive build, wearing a dark jujutsu uniform that highlighted his muscular frame. Arms crossed, he looked even more imposing. His short, thick hair was neatly trimmed. A dazzling grin lit up his rugged features as he fixed his gaze on Yuki, eyes twinkling with amusement, and boomed:

"Well, well! Planning to leave without even saying goodbye to your dear disciple?"

Yuki sighed, rolling her eyes. "Oh, if it isn't my little Aoi... I thought you had better things to do than scare the visitors by dropping from the sky."

Todo burst into laughter, placing a hand on his hip. He glanced over at Ryosuke, raising an eyebrow. "So, this is him? The famous prodigy nephew?"

Ryosuke, who'd been watching the scene, gave a slight bow. "Nice to meet you, Senpai."

With a playful wink, Todo replied, "Call me Aoi. We've got the same mentor, after all."

Ryosuke nodded, smirking a bit.

Aoi Todo. A big name in the manga. Initially just an antagonist of sorts, he eventually became a top-tier ally. Seeing him in the flesh gave Ryosuke the distinct feeling he wouldn't be having any calm days here.

Yuki, amused by the exchange, patted her nephew's shoulder and turned to Todo. "Good timing, Aoi. Take good care of him. I'm entrusting him to you, but don't be surprised if he ends up surpassing you."

Todo let out a booming laugh. "Perfect! A gutsy disciple is just what I need!" Then, with a solemn tone, he turned to Ryosuke and asked, "Tell me, Ryosuke, what type of woman do you like?"

Ryosuke, unfazed by the question, sighed and shot a glance at his aunt, who was trying (and failing) to suppress her laughter.

"Broken girls are the best."

Aoi froze for a moment, eyes wide, mouth slightly open. It wasn't every day he met someone who'd say "broken girls are the best" without batting an eye. Usually, Aoi was the one asking the awkward questions, but this time, he was the one left speechless.

Then, suddenly, a roaring laugh erupted from him, echoing throughout the school's entrance. His laughter, loud and hearty, broke the otherwise respectful silence of the place.

Beside him, Utahime was stunned, staring at Ryosuke with wide eyes before glancing at Yuki with a mix of amusement and bewilderment. "Well, Madam Tsukumo… Your nephew has... unique tastes!" she said, laughing nervously.

Yuki burst into laughter, genuinely amused and visibly proud. "Oh, don't worry, Utahime. He's the real deal, my nephew! A bit twisted, but a genius nonetheless!" She placed a hand on her stomach, delighting in Utahime's horrified expression and Aoi's even louder laughter.

Finally regaining his composure, Aoi nodded, still grinning ear to ear. "I have to say, I expected nothing less from my master's nephew. That kind of boldness is rare!" Then, with a mischievous look, he turned to Utahime. "Mind if I give him a little tour around the school? Show him what he's in for?"

Utahime, still slightly shaken from the exchange, nodded. "The principal will see him tomorrow anyway. With Madam Tsukumo's reputation, it'll probably be a formality... and he might as well get familiar with the place." She looked at Ryosuke with a slight smile. "By the way, Madam Tsukumo wasn't lying about you. You're... special, to say the least."

Delighted, Aoi placed his hands on Ryosuke's shoulders and, with a friendly slap on the back, led him toward the school interior. Ryosuke, amused by this explosive welcome, followed without resisting, a smile creeping onto his face, almost eager to discover what this place had in store.

Utahime and Yuki watched them walk away, and Utahime let out a sigh, shaking her head. She threw a sideways glance at Yuki, who looked back with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Honestly, Madam, I expected Todo to rush him from the start. He's got this habit of proving his strength whenever he senses a rival. But he's been… careful, for once. That's not like him."

Yuki shrugged with a satisfied smile, her eyes sparkling with pride. "You're underestimating him, Utahime. Aoi's not just some brute chasing challenges. He's a studious disciple who knows how to listen to his master's advice. I've always told him never to charge at someone stronger without thinking first. He listens more than people realize."

Utahime nodded, her expression softening. "Well, I have to agree. Todo may be a phenomenon, but he might've found a worthy rival in Ryosuke. Who knows, with these two, the school might just get its spark back."

They exchanged knowing smiles.

Aoi strode energetically, leading Ryosuke down the main pathway of the academy. The dark wooden buildings, surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens, exuded a timeless serenity.

"You'll see, Ryosuke. This place has everything to transform you," Aoi said with a mischievous wink. "But mostly, it's the perfect place to... have a little fun."

Ryosuke raised an eyebrow. "Fun? In a jujutsu academy?"

"Why not? It's not just training and lessons; it's a place to discover who you really are... and, most importantly, who's the strongest!" Aoi let out a hearty laugh.

Ryosuke followed Aoi's gaze to the right, where a dojo stood with large, intricately crafted sliding wooden doors.

They continued along, passing through a bamboo garden, where a gentle breeze rustled the leaves. Aoi pointed to a small building set off to the side.

"That's the library. For the... studious types." He shrugged. "Let's just say some people spend more time there than others. But watch out! The caretaker's a real terror—the kind who'll glare at you with eagle eyes if you dare to cough too loud."

Ryosuke chuckled, amused.

"And here are the dormitories," Aoi announced, pointing to an understated yet elegant building. "This is where you'll be staying. You'll be in your first year, along with three other students."

Aoi raised an eyebrow. "Not surprised by the small number?"

Ryosuke smiled. "Not many people can wield jujutsu energy, I guess. It's the same on your end, right?"

Aoi studied him for a moment, impressed. "Not bad, kid! You've got good instincts. Yeah, sorcerers are the minority. But trust me, that peace won't last long."

They continued down to a wide field below, bordered by stone pillars and banners in the academy's colors. Aoi stopped at the top of the staircase leading down to what looked like a training ground.

"Here it is, Ryosuke—the heart of the action! You'll be spending most of your days here." He pointed to two figures further down. "And those are your future classmates."

Ryosuke squinted to get a better look.

TO BE CONTINUED!

Next Chapter: Meeting Classmates