Kyonshi Ani stood silently in the corner, a childlike figure barely a meter tall. His snowy white hair shimmered under the room's dim light, and his sharp golden eyes peeked from beneath silver bangs. Dressed in a sleek black and gold hunting robe, he carried himself with surprising solemnity for his size.
Beside him was Kyonshi Imoutol, a quiet, petite girl with raven-black hair cascading to her shoulders. Her wide blue eyes held an innocent blankness, while her white and gold tsubo-shōzoku added a ceremonial flair to her otherwise doll-like presence.
The moment the two caught sight of Akiyama Ren, they dropped to their knees in unison, their voices soft yet reverent.
"Master!"
"Hey, no need for that," Ren said warmly, reaching out to help them up. "You don't have to kneel anymore."
He crouched down to their level, a gentle expression softening his usually calm face. They were low-level Shikigami, sure—but something about their small forms and unwavering loyalty stirred a rare warmth inside him.
"Thank you, Master!" they chirped together, joy lighting up their youthful faces.
Ren chuckled. "Alright, tonight, Hotarugusa and Kyonshi Imouto will sleep in my room. Kyonshi Ani, you'll have the sofa."
The three Shikigami nodded obediently, though two of them looked less than thrilled.
"Master, we want to sleep with you!" Hotarugusa and Kyonshi Imouto pouted in unison, stepping forward with expectant eyes.
Ren immediately crossed his arms and shot them a firm look. "No. Boys and girls shouldn't share a bed like that—especially when you're still kids."
Despite their protests, he remained unmoved. If it were someone like Demon Sword Princess or Takiyasha hime, he might have reconsidered.
"Okay… We'll listen to Master," Hotarugusa said, visibly disappointed but obedient. Kyonshi Imouto nodded quickly as well, trying her best to hide her sulky pout.
Ren's expression softened again. "Good. Being obedient is important. Now go get some rest."
"'Kay!" Hotaru Gusa grabbed Kyonshi Imouto's hand and led her into the adjacent room.
Ren turned to Kyonshi Ani. "Sorry to make you take the sofa."
Kyonshi Ani smiled earnestly. "Not at all, Master. I'm honored!"
---
The night passed quietly, and morning arrived with golden rays filtering through the curtains.
A rich aroma wafted through the apartment.
Ren rubbed his eyes and stepped out of his room, following the scent into the kitchen. To his surprise, the scene before him was heartwarming: Kurahashi Kyoko was at the stove, stirring a pot of miso soup, while Hotarugusa cut vegetables on the counter beside her. Kyonshi Ani was setting the table, and Kyonshi Imouto was carrying plates—albeit slightly unsteadily due to her short stature.
"You're awake?" Kyoko glanced back at him, her tone casual but warm. "Go wash up. Breakfast will be ready soon."
Ren smiled faintly. "Thanks. Looks like I'm being pampered today."
He headed to the bathroom. When he returned, the table was already set, and breakfast was steaming.
The sight made him pause.
He'd lived alone for years. His home had always been quiet, cold, and still. Mornings were usually a blur of vending machine coffee and pre-packaged meals. But now—he had company. Familiar voices, warm food, the clinking of utensils. The place felt alive.
So this is what a warm morning feels like, huh?
Strength really changes everything.
After finishing breakfast, Ren left the apartment with Kyoko. The others remained behind. Their destination: Soubu High School.
The walk took about ten minutes. The air was crisp, and their footsteps echoed down the quiet residential streets of Chiba City.
But as they approached the school gates, something felt off.
A barrier of yellow tape and men in black tactical gear had cordoned off the area. Dozens of students and teachers stood outside in confusion. At the front, the school principal was engaged in a tense conversation with a woman in a black coat, her back to them.
Kyoko's expression turned serious. "Those people… they're Windows—agents working under the Jujutsu Alliance. Their presence here means a Curse Spirit has appeared on campus."
Akiyama Ren gave a calm nod, signaling his understanding.
His eyes scanned over the group of uniformed Jujutsu Alliance personnel standing near the cordon. Among them, one figure stood out immediately—short hair, glasses glinting in the sunlight, and a confident air about her.
Maki Zen'in.
Ren stepped forward and called out, "Yo, Maki. Got a minute?"
Maki's sharp expression softened into a rare smile when she saw him. Without hesitation, she jogged over.
"A Curse Spirit appeared inside Soubu High late last night," she said without waiting for him to ask. "Its residual cursed energy was detected early this morning. I've been assigned to handle the exorcism."
Ren raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Inside the school itself? That's... unexpected. I didn't sense anything yesterday."
"It probably manifested overnight," Maki replied, adjusting her glasses. "Based on the readings, it's likely a Grade 2 spirit. But the exact classification hasn't been confirmed yet. We're still scanning the scene."
Just then, a familiar voice chimed in, laced with sarcasm.
"Well, if it isn't the Zen'in clan's failed prodigy. Didn't expect to see you here, Maki."
Kurahashi Kyōko had joined them, arms folded, a smirk tugging at her lips.
Maki's eyes narrowed. "And if it isn't the Onmyoji heiress herself. What brings the Kurahashi family's little flower all the way to this backwater city? Don't tell me your family's academy couldn't hold your attention anymore."
"Hmph. Like I need to explain myself to someone who couldn't even inherit her clan's techniques," Kyōko shot back, clearly irked.
Maki scoffed and turned back to Ren. "Wanna check it out? I can bring you in."
Ren nodded casually. "Sure. It is my school, after all. I'm curious."
"I'm coming too," Kyōko declared instantly, grabbing Ren's arm with a look of defiance.
But Maki didn't back down. She stepped forward, grabbed Ren's other arm, and retorted, "Curse Spirit exorcisms are official business of the Jujutsu Alliance. Outsiders aren't permitted beyond the barrier."
"I never said I'd interfere," Kyōko said, holding her ground. "I'm simply staying by Ren's side for his safety. If that bothers you... too bad."
Maki didn't reply. Instead, she tugged Ren forward, crossing the cordon line. The assistant supervisors immediately stepped in to block Kyōko from following.
"Tch." Kyōko bit her lip, visibly annoyed but unable to cause a scene in public.
Ren glanced back. "Just wait for me here. I'll be out soon."
Reluctantly, Kyōko gave a small nod.
Meanwhile, near the school gates, Hiratsuka-sensei and several students—including Yuigahama Yui, Miura Yumiko, and Kawasaki Saki—stood frozen in surprise.
They had known Akiyama Ren as the cool, aloof heir of the prestigious Adagaki Family, a transfer student who kept mostly to himself.
But now... he was casually walking past a police cordon, accompanied by elite Jujutsu Sorcerers? Even their homeroom teacher looked dumbfounded.
"Wait, Ren-kun knows them? Like, personally?" Yui whispered.
Miura leaned closer. "The police aren't even stopping him... Who is he, really?"
"Rich, mysterious, and now apparently connected to the supernatural," Saki muttered, arms crossed.
The image of Akiyama Ren in everyone's minds began to shift. He was no longer just the handsome and quiet new guy. Today, in front of the entire school, he had stepped into a different world—one wrapped in danger, secrets, and power.