Becoming Sukuna

"It's Yukino's turn to ask a question!"

"This is a Japanese language question. Please complete the following proverb: 'A strong wind blows, and then...'?"

Yui Yuigahama pondered for a moment, then replied hesitantly, "The Keiyo Line is suspended?"

"It's 'the barrel shops make a killing.' Did you think this was a Chiba trivia quiz?" Hachiman retorted with a deadpan expression.

Yukino continued without pause, "Next is a geography question. Please name two specialties of Chiba Prefecture."

"Peanut miso and... boiled peanuts?" Yui answered.

"Does our prefecture only have peanuts?" Hachiman couldn't take it anymore. At this rate, the study session would turn into a roast session.

Fortunately, before it could fully devolve into roasting, the study session was interrupted.

"Eh? Big brother?"

A pair of middle school students, a boy and a girl, stopped by their table.

Hachiman was stunned. "Komachi? Why are you here?"

"Well, my friend had something to discuss with me," the middle school girl replied with a smile.

Friend?

Hachiman's eyes narrowed, his sharp gaze fixed on the boy beside his sister.

A moment later, they were all seated together.

"Hello everyone, I'm Hachiman Hikigaya's little sister, Komachi Hikigaya. Thank you all for taking care of my brother!"

Komachi, with her short hair and a cheerful smile that revealed her small canines, looked nothing like her gloomy, dead-fish-eyed brother beside her.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Hachiman's classmate, Saika Totsuka," the androgynous boy said with a gentle smile.

"Whoa, so cute!" Komachi exclaimed, nudging her brother with her elbow.

"Yeah, cute, but he's a guy," Hachiman said with a vacant expression.

"Oh, come on, brother." Komachi giggled, then froze. "Eh? Really?"

"Yes, I'm a boy," Saika replied, a little embarrassed, touching his hair.

"My turn! Nice to meet you, I'm also Hikki's classmate, Yui Yuigahama. As for taking care of him, it's actually Hikki who always takes care of me," Yui said, waving her hand. "Speaking of which, how's your injury, Hikki?"

"Injury?" Komachi looked at Yui with a puzzled expression, then her eyes widened in realization. "Ahh, that! It's all healed now, of course."

"Eh, that was fast," Yui said, impressed.

"Well, it was just a fractured leg, and that was ages ago." Komachi chuckled, scratching her head.

"Eh? Wasn't it last week?" Yui blinked. "Last week, Hikki fell from the..." Her voice trailed off.

A strange image flashed through her mind, Hachiman being thrown from the hallway by someone. But the scene was blurry, like an old, ink-stained photo, the details unclear.

"Ahaha, maybe I was just sleepy!" Yui laughed awkwardly, confused.

"Hmm?"

Komachi was also confused. Wasn't Yui-san talking about the incident at the beginning of the school year when Hachiman was hit by a car after saving her dog?

Hachiman noticed his sister's questioning gaze. "No, don't look at me. I don't know either. Maybe Yuigahama had a dream."

He had already learned from Yukino about Yui losing her memory of that day, but it seemed her memory wasn't completely gone. It might come back to her someday.

"Ahem, are you done?"

Yukino Yukinoshita coughed, drawing everyone's attention. "Nice to meet you. I'm Yukino Yukinoshita, Hikigaya's club president."

"Oh, oh! So, brother joined a club? What incredible progress!" Komachi's attention was quickly diverted, and she nudged her brother again.

"That was because Hiratsuka-sensei forced me to join... It wasn't my own volition..." Hachiman mumbled, turning away.

"Um!" The middle school boy who had been silent finally spoke. "I'm Taishi Kawasaki. I'm in the same cram school as Hikigaya-kun. My older sister is also a second-year at Sobu High, like you all. Her name is Saki Kawasaki."

"And, well, Taishi's sister seems to have become a delinquent lately, coming home very late every night. So he came to me to discuss how to change her back to her old self," Komachi explained.

After everyone understood the situation, Yukino decided to accept Taishi Kawasaki's request on behalf of the Service Club. However, there was one important thing she needed to confirm first.

Sukuna, is it possible that the culprit who killed Ooka is involved in this case? Yukino asked mentally.

No way. We searched all of Chiba. We practically dug up the whole prefecture, Sukuna replied. But you can call Ijichi and ask him to investigate this Saki Kawasaki.

Is it really okay to casually investigate someone's identity like that...

Yukino seemed hesitant.

What's wrong with that? Are you going to use that personal information to do something bad? Sukuna retorted.

Of course not.

Then what's the problem? Hurry up and make the call! he urged.

Yukino snapped back to attention and excused herself to go to the restroom.

In the restroom, she called Kiyotaka Ijichi and asked him to look into Saki Kawasaki.

"Saki Kawasaki from Chiba? Has a younger brother named Taishi Kawasaki, right? Okay, I understand. I'll send you the information later."

The reliable adult quickly responded on the other end of the line.

That evening, Ijichi sent Saki Kawasaki's personal information to Yukino. After reviewing it, she quickly discovered the real reason behind Saki's late nights.

"Saki Kawasaki is working?"

Yukino frowned. "Working late at night isn't allowed at her age. Did Kawasaki-san lie about her age?"

"Heh, she's working hard. Seems like she's desperate for money," Sukuna chuckled. "Now that you know the reason, what are you going to do?"

"Nothing special. Just reason with her," Yukino replied calmly. "If she's a sensible person, she'll understand what I'm saying."

Sukuna simply chuckled at the confidence Yukino exuded, offering no further comment.

"You're saying that Kawasaki-san comes home late every day because she's working at a place called Angel's Ladder on the top floor of the Royal Oak Hotel? And she's even hiding her age!?"

In the Service Club room, Yui Yuigahama's eyes widened in surprise. "How did Yukino know?"

"I asked someone to investigate," Yukino replied, casually twirling a strand of hair, seemingly unwilling to elaborate.

She must have asked someone from Jujutsu High, right?

Hachiman figured Yukino wasn't the type to rely on her family's influence. It wasn't hard to guess that this was Sukuna's idea, but he had no objections. It saved them the effort of investigating themselves.

He took out his phone and searched for the place. "Angel's Ladder, huh? Seems like a high-class establishment. You even need to meet a dress code to get in."

"Anyway, let's meet there at nine tonight," Yukino said decisively.

After school, Hachiman Hikigaya dug out a white suit from his father's closet, while Yui Yuigahama, needing to borrow a dress from Yukino, went home with her.

That evening, dressed in his father's suit and with his hair styled neatly, Hachiman arrived at the Oak Hotel early to wait. The mature look made him appear older, but his dead-fish eyes somewhat ruined the effect, making him look out of place.

Ten minutes before the appointed time, Yukino and Yui arrived, dressed to the nines.

Yui wore a red dress that cinched at the waist, accentuating her curves. Even in such a mature outfit, her youthful energy couldn't be concealed, creating an alluring contrast.

Yukino donned an off-the-shoulder black gown, lace decorating the neckline and hem, making her fair skin even more dazzling. She resembled the snowy landscape of Lapland in December, the endless expanse of pure white snow reflecting the ever-present starlight. Her long black hair was gathered and pinned to her chest, adding a touch of elegant sophistication.

"Everyone's here. Let's go," Yukino said, ignoring the awestruck glances from passersby.

The three entered the hotel elevator and headed for the top floor, the 24th floor. As the numbers on the display ticked upwards, Hachiman and Yui, unaccustomed to such high-class establishments, grew nervous.

Ding!

The elevator doors opened, and they were greeted by the soothing melody of a piano. The calm music seemed to transport them to Switzerland's Lake Lucerne, a lone boat drifting on the moonlit water.

The elegant décor immediately captivated Hachiman and Yui. Yui even felt a slight urge to retreat, feeling out of place in such a sophisticated environment.

"You're saying that Kawasaki-san comes home late every day because she's working at a place called Angel's Ladder on the top floor of the Royal Oak Hotel? And she even lied about her age!?"

In the Service Club room, Yui Yuigahama's eyes widened in surprise. "How did Yukino find out?"

"I asked someone to investigate." Yukino casually twirled a strand of hair, seemingly not wanting to elaborate on the topic.

She must have asked someone from Jujutsu High, right?

Hachiman figured that Yukino wasn't the type to rely on her family's influence. It wasn't hard to guess that this was Sukuna's idea, but he had no objections. It saved them the effort of investigating themselves.

He took out his phone and searched for the place. "Angel's Ladder, huh? Seems like quite a high-class establishment. You even need to meet a dress code to get in."

"Anyway, let's meet there at nine tonight," Yukino said decisively.

After school, Hachiman dug out a white suit from his father's closet, while Yui, needing to borrow a dress from Yukino, went home with her.

That evening, dressed in his father's suit and with his hair styled neatly, Hachiman arrived at the Oak Hotel early to wait. The mature look made him appear older, but his dead-fish eyes somewhat ruined the effect, making him look out of place.

Ten minutes before the appointed time, Yukino and Yui arrived, dressed to the nines.

Yui wore a red dress that cinched at the waist, accentuating her curves. Even in such a mature outfit, her youthful energy couldn't be concealed, creating an alluring contrast.

Yukino donned an off-the-shoulder black gown, lace decorating the neckline and hem, making her fair skin even more dazzling. She resembled the snowy landscape of Lapland in December, the endless expanse of pure white snow reflecting the ever-present starlight. Her long black hair was gathered and pinned to her chest, adding a touch of elegant sophistication.

"Everyone's here. Let's go," Yukino said, ignoring the awestruck glances from passersby.

The three entered the hotel elevator and headed to the top floor, the 24th floor. As the numbers on the display ticked upwards, Hachiman and Yui, unaccustomed to such high-class establishments, grew nervous.

Ding!

The elevator doors opened, and they were greeted by the soothing melody of a piano, the calm music seeming to transport them to Switzerland's Lake Lucerne, a lone boat drifting on the moonlit water.

The elegant décor immediately captivated Hachiman and Yui. Yui even felt a slight urge to retreat, feeling out of place in such a sophisticated environment.

"Stop gawking and stand up straight, chin up," Yukino instructed Hachiman, adjusting his posture to make him look less awkward.

"Oh... oh!" Hachiman quickly obeyed.

"Ah, that bartender is Kawasaki-san!" Yui looked around and quickly spotted Saki Kawasaki in her server uniform.

"Kawasaki-san."

Saki Kawasaki, wiping down glasses, looked up at the sound of her name. She froze when she saw Yukino and the others.

"Yukinoshita Yukino, Yuigahama, and... I don't recognize this one... are you looking for me?" Saki eyed them with confusion. She didn't think she had any connection to these three. Why were they here?

"Never mind... What can I get you?" Unable to figure out their motive, she pushed the drinks menu towards them.

All three were underage and couldn't drink alcohol, so they ordered the cheapest item, lemonade.

"You come home late every day because of this job, right?" Yukino said after they placed their order.

"That's none of your business," Saki replied flatly, preparing their lemonades.

"Even if it causes conflict with your family?"

Yukino's expression remained cold, her demeanor bearing a slight resemblance to Saki's. "Your brother, Taishi Kawasaki, is worried about you."

"Taishi, meddling in things that don't concern him..." Saki frowned at the mention of her brother.

After sighing, she continued, "I don't know what Taishi told you, but just ignore him. Stop bothering me."

"You're not going to give up?" Yukino asked.

"Of course not," Saki replied bluntly.

"Well, I also work part-time when I need money, but I wouldn't lie about my age," Yui chimed in.

"It's not a big deal. I just need the money," Saki said, continuing to polish glasses. It seemed she wouldn't change her mind no matter what.

"Sacrificing your studies and worrying your family for a part-time job... isn't that putting the cart before the horse?" Yukino said, annoyed by her stubbornness. "You're being irresponsible towards your own life."

"I'm not working to waste money on frivolous things, don't lump me in with those idiots." Saki's voice rose with frustration. "You can preach all you want, but can you give me the money I need? Can you provide what my parents can't?"

Isn't this fine? Sukuna suddenly spoke up in Yukino's mind.

What's fine about it? Effort in the wrong direction will only lead to the wrong result, Yukino retorted mentally.

Wrong direction? Who defines right and wrong? You? Sukuna questioned.

Sacrificing sleep to work all night will affect her concentration in class and damage her health. I don't know her reason for desperately needing money, but this will only negatively impact her family and her future, Yukino analyzed calmly.

Don't tell me you think this is the right way?

You can see someone's future just from their decision to work part-time? Sukuna chuckled. Life isn't that simple. Don't impose your standards of right and wrong on others. That's just arrogance.

Since Kawasaki insists on this after hearing your advice, it means she has her reasons and is prepared for the consequences.

To be honest, I quite like this girl, he said sincerely.

From Taishi Kawasaki's words, they knew that Saki's family wasn't well-off, and she had younger siblings. It wasn't hard to guess why she would risk lying about her age to work here.

Who wouldn't like a hardworking and responsible girl?

For a high school student, finding a high-paying job like this wasn't easy. Saki must have put in a lot of effort to get this opportunity.

It wouldn't be right to casually destroy it.

The mental conversation was brief. From the others' perspective, Yukino had merely spaced out for a few seconds.

Saki Kawasaki was just talking about Yukino's privileged background when the black-haired girl suddenly flinched, accidentally knocking over her glass of lemonade. Everyone was startled.

Yui Yuigahama thought Saki had stepped on Yukino's toes and immediately jumped to her friend's defense.

However, Yukino wasn't paying attention to Saki's words at all. Sukuna's words echoed in her mind.

I quite like this girl.

Quite like this girl..