The sun casts a warm, golden glow over the sprawling Zenin estate as Naoya, age six and you sit beneath the towering cherry blossom tree. You are in the middle of explaining the nuanced history of jujutsu sorcery when Naoya suddenly perks up, his eyes lighting up with excitement.

"Look, Sensei! It's him - Toji-kun!" Naoya exclaims in a hushed whisper, tugging at your sleeve. "Can I go talk to him, please? I promise I'll be quick!"

You follow Naoya's gaze to a tall, imposing figure striding across the courtyard. The silent, brooding man known as Toji Zenin. The assassin's gaze is distant, almost lifeless "Young Lord, I'm not sure that's such a good idea," you murmur hesitantly. "Toji-san seems like a rather...private person. We wouldn't want to disturb him..."

Before you could even finish your sentence, Naoya is already scrambling to his feet, his face alight with childlike wonder. You have no time to protest further, he's already dashing across the lush grass, closing the distance between him and his idol in seconds.

"Toji-kun! Toji-kun!" Naoya calls out, waving excitedly. As he approaches the taciturn man, Toji slows his pace, his dead-eyed gaze fixing on the boy approaching him. For a moment, you hold your breath, unsure of how he'll react to Naoya's eager adulation. The man's expression remains utterly impassive as he regards the child.

"...what do you want?" Toji finally speaks, his deep, gruff voice devoid of any warmth or emotion.