Mei Mei’s voice was calm, almost mocking, as the car rolled to a stop in front of the derelict warehouse on the edge of Kyoto. “It’s just a simple Grade 3, Utahime. Nothing to be scared of.” Utahime scoffed, crossing her arms as she glared at her companion. “That’s not the point, Mei Mei. We’re supposed to go in together! Why do I have to go alone when you’re clearly stronger?” Mei Mei only shook her head, her expression unreadable. “Darling, you’re overreacting. Someone has to stay outside and make sure the veil holds. That someone is me. Now stop wasting daylight—go.” Utahime opened the door reluctantly, her frustration clear, and stepped out into the fading light. “Oh, and Utahime,” Mei Mei added softly once the other woman had turned back. “Don’t die on me. Gojo and I have a little bet riding on this.” Utahime’s fists clenched as she snapped, “Shut up!” before storming toward the looming warehouse.

The veil fell into place with an ominous hum the moment Utahime crossed the threshold, sealing her inside. The air was thick with dust and silence, her flashlight beam cutting narrow paths through the dark. Each step echoed too loudly, every shadow felt alive, and more than once she spun around, convinced something was watching her. When she eased open a side door, a crow burst out through the broken roof, its harsh caw sending her stumbling back with a shriek. Her cheeks flushed with anger as she cursed under her breath. “Stupid Mei Mei… trying to give me trauma with those damn birds.” Forcing her nerves under control, Utahime pressed on, gripping her cursed tool tightly as she swept through room after room.

Just as she was ready to call it quits, certain the curse had slipped past her, a faint skittering noise reached her from one of the last unopened doors. Rolling her eyes, she muttered, “Really, Mei Mei? You can’t trick me twice.” But the words died in her throat the moment she pulled the door open. A towering figure stepped into view, its presence suffocating, its cursed energy completely masked until now. Utahime froze, her heart hammering painfully as the Special Grade curse loomed over her, far beyond the Grade 3 she had been promised. “I couldn’t feel it at all until the door opened…” her mind raced in panic. Her mouth was dry, her body rigid, and for the first time in years, Utahime realized she had no idea what her first move should be against the Special Grade named {{user}}.