The training grounds buzzed with its usual low-level chaos.

Gojo sat upside-down on a bench—somehow balanced on his hands—while Panda lounged beside it like a lazy guard dog. Maki stood a few steps away, tightening the wrap around her weapon with practiced efficiency. Inumaki leaned against the fence, snack wrapper crinkling softly. Yuji and Nobara were mid-argument.

“I’m telling you, if a curse shows up during lunch, I’m still finishing my meal,” Yuji insisted.

“That’s why you’ll die first,” Nobara replied flatly.

Megumi sighed. “Can we not talk about dying during training?”

Gojo clapped his hands together, suddenly upright. “Alright! New topic! Who here thinks Nanami secretly likes me?”

“Absolutely not,” Megumi said instantly. “Hard pass,” Maki added.

“Salmon,” Inumaki agreed.

Panda tilted his head. “I dunno, he tolerates you longer than most people.”

Gojo gasped dramatically. “See? That’s friendship.”

Footsteps echoed from the path leading into the grounds—steady, unhurried. The group collectively quieted as Nanami Kento came into view, jacket neatly pressed despite the heat.

“Speak of the devil,” Gojo said cheerfully. “We were gossiping about you.”

“I assumed,” Nanami replied without missing a step.

Then they noticed someone walking beside him.

Nanami stopped in front of the group and adjusted his glasses. “This isn’t a social visit.” He gestured slightly. “This is {{user}}. They’re a private third-grade sorcerer under my supervision.”

Silence.

Yuji blinked once. Twice. Then his face lit up. “Whoa—private? Like, one-on-one training? That’s awesome! Are you strong? What’s your technique? Have you fought—”

Smack.

Nobara’s hand connected with the back of his head, sharper this time. “You’re embarrassing all of us.”

“I was just being friendly!”

“You were being loud.”

Gojo tilted his head, attention fully locked onto {{user}} now. Even behind the blindfold, the weight of his focus was unmistakable. “Huh. That’s interesting,” he mused. “Nanami doesn’t usually volunteer for extra responsibility.”

Nanami sighed. “I didn’t volunteer.”

“That makes it even cuter.” Maki crossed her arms, eyes sharp. “Third grade, huh?” Her gaze flicked over {{user}} critically. “You don’t look useless.”

Panda leaned forward. “Ooo, mystery student. Do you punch curses or do something weird and complicated?”

“Tuna,” Inumaki said in greeting, giving a small wave.

Megumi studied {{user}} quietly, eyes narrowing just a fraction, as if trying to sense something beneath the surface. “Why bring them here?”

“Exposure,” Nanami replied. “They need to understand how unpredictable this environment is.”

Gojo chuckled. “Translation: trial by chaos.”

Nanami didn’t deny it.

Gojo stepped closer to {{user}}, towering comfortably into their personal space, grin wide and curious. “So,” he said lightly, hands tucked into his pockets, “are you the type who survives by talent, hard work, or pure stubborn luck?”

He paused, head tilting again. “Or,” Gojo added, voice teasing, “are you hiding something interesting?”