Gojo Satoru: The Strongest Sorcerer Among Exorcists

In a dilapidated building, Nino Nakano curled up in a corner, trembling.

After hours of running and hiding, her pajamas were filthy, her once smooth and pale face smeared with patches of dust and grime, making her look like a soot-streaked kitten.

On any other day, Nino would have found even a speck of dirt unbearable.

But now?

She couldn't care less. Survival was the only thing that mattered.

Thud… thud…

Heavy footsteps echoed from outside.

Nino's heart tightened, and she instinctively hugged her knees closer, her body trembling uncontrollably.

Don't find me. Don't find me…

She silently prayed over and over again.

It seemed like her prayers were answered.

The footsteps lingered for a minute before gradually fading into the distance. The creature had left.

Letting out a shaky breath, Nino slumped against the wall, drenched in sweat, as if she'd just run a ten-kilometer marathon.

I'm still alive. For now.

Carefully dusting off her hands, Nino leaned back against the wall, her eyes gazing at the rotting black ceiling above her.

Her thoughts began to wander.

If I don't return—if I never make it back—will they be sad? They must be… after all…

We're quintuplets, five inseparable sisters.

Her chest tightened as she tried to suppress her emotions, but eventually, the dam broke, and tears spilled down her cheeks.

Droplets of sorrow fell onto the dusty floor, soaking into the wood beneath her.

Throughout her desperate escape, she had clung to the hope of survival. But now, despair crept in, forcing her to accept the grim reality.

There were so many things she regretted—so many experiences she would never have.

I'll never have a boyfriend… never attend my sisters' weddings…

She bit her lip to stifle a sob and began speaking as if her sisters could hear her.

"Ichika, as the eldest, you'll probably be the first to come to terms with me being gone. Please take care of everyone from now on. And I guess you'll have to take over the cooking… even if it doesn't taste great."

"Miku, you really need to stop reading all those Sengoku-era books and playing those games. What's so fascinating about that stuff, anyway?"

"Yotsuba, you're way too helpful and kind to everyone. You should spend more time with us instead of always running around helping strangers."

"Itsuki, I'm sorry for calling you a pig this morning because you ate so much. I take it back. I'm sorry, really."

"And Dad… leaving without a word like this… I'm sorry."

Her voice cracked as she continued.

"When I'm gone, please take care of yourselves. Promise me… please."

As if reciting her final will, Nino broke down into uncontrollable sobs.

She was just an ordinary girl—a sister, a daughter. She felt fear, she was emotional, and she was fragile.

To have been dragged into another world and hunted by monsters—it was a miracle she hadn't completely broken down yet.

After crying for a couple of minutes, Nino wiped her tear-streaked face and stood up, shaking the numbness out of her legs.

She resolved to find another place to hide.

But then…

Huff… huff…

A familiar, chilling sound filled the air.

Nino froze. Her head turned mechanically toward the window, her eyes widening in terror.

The Kegare.

It had returned.

No—it had never left. It had been toying with her the entire time, like a predator playing with its prey.

Now, the predator's patience had worn thin. Its hunger could no longer be contained.

Tilting its head unnaturally, the Kegare grinned, its twisted smile filled with malice.

For a moment, the two stared at each other.

Then Nino ran.

She ran without hesitation, her instincts screaming at her to survive.

Even if she had already lost hope, she wasn't going to let herself be devoured without a fight.

Bursting out of the building, Nino came to a halt, her fleeting hope shattered.

She froze, her eyes wide with horror.

Monsters.

Everywhere.

The Kegare swarmed the streets, standing in dense clusters like black dots on a canvas.

And in the distance, more were coming, drawn by the commotion.

"Ha…"

Nino let out a hollow laugh, her lips curling into a bitter smile.

Ahead, to her left, to her right, and even behind—every escape route was blocked.

Mother… I'm coming to join you.

She closed her eyes and whispered softly.

But it's not fair… I don't want it to end like this!

The True Snake-Class Kegare leapt behind her, its massive black hand reaching out to claim its prize.

But just as it was about to make contact—

Bang!

Its arm exploded.

The Kegare froze, confusion etched on its grotesque features.

Why did my arm just explode?

"Yo, young lady. Giving up already?"

A calm, unfamiliar voice echoed.

Nino's heart skipped a beat. The despair clouding her mind gave way to a spark of hope.

She opened her eyes and turned toward the source of the voice.

There stood a tall man in black, his snow-white hair gleaming even in the dim light.

Though he had his back to her, her instincts told her one thing—this man had to be incredibly handsome.

Wait, why am I thinking about how handsome he is?

"Are you okay?"

The man glanced over his shoulder and asked softly.

Nino's heart thudded in her chest, and for a moment, she couldn't breathe.

Mother… I think I just fell in love.

That man, who appeared out of nowhere to save her, was none other than…

Gojo Satoru.

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Author's note: Well, well, we all love clichés... No?