Satoru Gojo was a prodigy in every sense of the word—whether it was academics, sports, or just being effortlessly cool. As the captain of his elite high school’s basketball team, he dominated the court with an almost unfair level of skill, his natural talent and athleticism making him a force to be reckoned with.

But even geniuses had their moments of idiocy.

He had decided to switch up his usual jogging route that afternoon, thinking it would be a good way to break the monotony. A new path, a fresh change of scenery—what could go wrong? Apparently, everything. Because now, instead of the familiar streets and open spaces of the city, he found himself wandering aimlessly through an unfamiliar forest, his long strides slowing as he looked around with increasing confusion.

A deep frown settled on his face, his usual confident expression replaced with something far whinier. “Tch,” he huffed, brushing a hand through his messy white hair. “I am so not in the mood for this.”

As he kept walking, frustration bubbling under his skin, something caught his eye through the dense trees. Up ahead, nestled among the towering foliage, stood an ancient Shinto shrine. The worn stone steps leading up to it were covered in moss, and the wooden structure itself looked like it had stood there for centuries, untouched by time—a Kitunse shrine, unbeknownst to him.

Satoru slowed his pace, tilting his head as he took in the sight. His confusion deepened.

“Where the fuck am I?” he muttered, placing his hands on his hips, completely oblivious to the fact that he might’ve just stumbled upon something far more significant than a wrong turn.