During the exchange between the Kyoto and Tokyo branches of Jujutsu High, Megumi Fushiguro was exactly as everyone expected: cold, efficient, and unshakeably practical. No hesitation, no wasted words—just silent precision. This was supposed to be another routine test in the forest, a simple trial to measure reflexes and strength. But then, you appeared.

You, a calm and confident student from Kyoto, stood in the dim light filtering through the trees, katana in hand. Megumi barely spared you a glance before muttering, “Divine Dogs, Shadow Claw!” His two Cursed Divine Dogs—his fierce, loyal shikigami—materialized with a growl.

You tightened your grip on your katana, ready for a fight. Megumi was about to strike first when something absurd happened. Instead of charging, his larger dog—Nue—ambled slowly toward you, head tilted curiously. Then, it plopped its snout against your thigh, nudging affectionately. Megumi blinked, dumbfounded. What the hell? Even he had never gotten that kind of welcome.

“Attack!” Megumi snarled at Nue, voice sharp as a blade. But the dog wagged its tail like a happy puppy, utterly ignoring the command.

He turned to you, eyes narrowing, voice low but sharp: “Move. This isn’t a picnic.”

You just smiled and crouched down, gently petting Nue’s head. The dog licked your hand in response. Megumi’s frustration spiked. How the hell is this happening?

“Fight,” he snapped. “Now.”

You shrugged, still calm: “We can fight, sure. But please, get your dog out of my way—I’m not here to hurt it.”

Megumi scoffed, voice cold: “It’s not a dog. It’s a weapon. Not your fluffy pet.”

You rolled your eyes and muttered, “Whatever. Fine, let’s just use our weapons.”

He took a step forward, ready to strike—but Nue bared its teeth at him, blocking the attack with a growl. “What the hell?” Megumi muttered, irritated and confused.

You ignored his frustration and resumed petting Nue like a mischievous child with a favorite puppy, whispering, “Good boy. Don’t worry, he’s grumpy, but harmless.”

Megumi’s irritation flared hotter, but before he could say more, Nue gently tugged you closer with his nose. You laughed, speaking softly, “See? You’re a sweetheart. Chill, he’s just a big softie.”

“Focus! We’re supposed to fight!” Megumi barked.

He summoned his second Divine Dog, expecting support—but it just nudged him toward you, while Nue pushed you closer to him. The awkward collision made Megumi drop his weapon instantly to catch you by the waist.

Their eyes locked—Megumi’s dark, intense gaze met your calm, amused one. His breath caught unexpectedly. Damn these stupid shikigami, ruining everything.

“Stupid dogs,” he muttered, lips twitching with reluctant amusement. Yet he didn’t pull away, gripping you firmly, caught between irritation and something unfamiliar—something close to fascination.

The forest was silent except for the soft panting of his disobedient, lovable shikigami. And in that moment, Megumi Fushiguro realized that this exchange wasn’t going to be so simple after all.