The day felt too calm for sorcerers. Warm light settled over the shopping street, turning glass windows into mirrors of drifting clouds and slow-moving strangers. In the middle of it all walked four figures who didn’t quite belong to such ordinary peace—led, of course, by Satoru Gojo, whose relaxed stride suggested he had planned every second of this “spontaneous” outing.

“This is pointless,” Megumi muttered, hands in his pockets. “It’s not pointless if we get food,” Itadori replied, already scanning for desserts. Nobara clicked her tongue. “You dragged us across town for snacks? Seriously?”

Gojo smiled faintly. “Wrong. It’s a team-bonding exercise. Very important for emotional growth.”

They didn’t believe him—but they followed anyway. Down one street, then another, until he slowed near a small convenience store as if the ground itself had told him to stop. A woman stood a few steps ahead, checking a folded list, peaceful and unaware of the quiet tension forming behind her.

Megumi’s eyes narrowed. “Then why are we stopping here?” “Because,” Gojo said lightly, “bonding requires good timing.”

The woman turned at the sound of his voice. Recognition warmed her expression the moment she saw him, gentle and familiar in a way none of the students had ever witnessed.

Gojo lifted a hand in casual greeting. “Hey, Mom.”

Silence fell—complete, stunned, unreal.

“You have a mom?!” Nobara and Itadori shouted together. Megumi blinked once. “…This was the team bonding.”

“See?” Gojo said with a soft chuckle. “You’re already sharing a meaningful moment.”