Gojo Satoru: The Strongest Sorcerer Among Exorcists

Akatsuki Café.

Ichika stirred her coffee, now mixed with milk, her mind clearly elsewhere as she scanned her surroundings.

"How strange... Where's Nino?"

She frowned, puzzled.

Nino had definitely entered this café, so why wasn't she anywhere to be seen?

"Miladies, here are the desserts you ordered."

At that moment, a maid approached with a tray holding four small cakes.

Ah! A perfect chance to ask.

Ichika's eyes lit up, and she quickly spoke up.

"Excuse me, may I ask something? Did a girl with long hair in a black dress, someone who looks a lot like us, come in earlier?"

"A girl who looks a lot like you?"

The maid paused, momentarily confused. She set the cakes down and studied Ichika's face closely, then glanced at the other three sisters.

Her eyes widened in shock.

"You all look so similar! Are you quintuplets?"

Quintuplets?

There were only four of them here, which could only mean… Nino had entered this café!

Seizing the moment, Ichika asked again.

"Yes, we're quintuplets. So, did she leave, or is she still here?"

"Oh no, milady, she's still here. She's upstairs on the second floor."

The second floor?

Noticing Ichika's confusion, the maid smiled and explained softly, restraining her own curiosity.

"The second floor of our Akatsuki Café is a bit hidden. First-time visitors usually can't find it. Would you like me to take you upstairs to find her?"

"No, no, that won't be necessary."

Ichika waved her hands quickly, refusing the offer.

They weren't here to meet Nino—they were following her.

If Nino found out they were stalking her, she'd definitely be furious.

…Though she'd probably calm down if they all apologized together.

"Understood."

The maid nodded politely and left after setting the remaining desserts on the table.

However, Ichika noticed her whispering excitedly to another maid nearby, her face animated and curious. It seemed she was sharing the fact that there were beautiful quintuplets in the café.

Upstairs.

Nino took a sip of her coffee, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts.

She wanted to ask Gojo Satoru about the monsters and the strange world she had encountered before, but she hesitated. What if it was something secretive, part of some hidden world?

She debated with herself for nearly a minute before—

"If there's something you want to ask, Nino, just go ahead."

Gojo stirred his coffee lazily, propping his chin on his hands as he spoke nonchalantly.

Nino?

Hearing the nickname, one only her sisters or foster father would use, Nino's cheeks flushed. However, she didn't dwell on it too much and steeled herself to ask.

"Gojo-kun, I want to know… what exactly was that other world I ended up in a few days ago? And… those monsters?"

When she mentioned the monsters, her eyes betrayed her fear.

Clearly, the experience had left a deep scar—something she wouldn't forget for the rest of her life.

As expected…

Setting his spoon aside, Gojo took a slow sip of coffee before replying.

"That world you entered is called Magano. It's a realm closely tied to this one, though a barrier separates the two. However, when a large number of Kegare—or exceptionally strong ones—gather, like that monster that targeted you, they can destabilize the space between worlds."

"People with cursed energy, especially strong ones, are often drawn into Magano. And, Nino, you happen to be one of those rare individuals born with immense cursed energy."

The air grew still.

"But there's no need to worry too much," Gojo added, shrugging nonchalantly. "Humanity has its own defenders—Onmyoji—who handle these kegares."

Magano… Kegare… Onmyoji…

The flood of information overwhelmed Nino.

To think that for 17 years, she had lived her life completely unaware of this hidden reality—a world of monsters that could threaten the real one at any moment.

How was she supposed to process this?

As she sat there in a daze, a large hand reached out suddenly.

"Alright, don't overthink it. The world isn't in any immediate danger," Gojo said gently, ruffling her soft, silky hair. His voice was warm and reassuring.

Of course, when dealing with a "wife," he had to be gentle.

The soothing touch and his comforting words snapped Nino out of her thoughts. Her face turned bright red, and she clumsily picked up her coffee cup, lowering her head as if trying to hide her embarrassment.

"Oh, by the way."

Gojo suddenly remembered something, reaching into his pocket.

"Here, take this."

A talisman?

Nino blinked at the small charm he handed her.

"It's a protective talisman that can shield you from cursed energy," Gojo explained casually.

Hearing this, Nino's face lit up with joy. She reached out to take it, but her hands paused mid-air.

"Wait… is this talisman really valuable?"

Her expression turned hesitant.

"Don't overthink it. I've got plenty of them," Gojo replied lazily, tossing the talisman lightly toward her.

Nino quickly caught it in mid-air, staring at the pale red charm in her hand for a few moments. Then, her gaze shifted back to Gojo, who lounged casually in his seat.

In that moment, a decision crystallized in her heart.

Mom… I've made up my mind…

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