Scene 3
It was mid-afternoon. Aimi prepared for her martial arts class, tying her black belt securely and setting up equipment. The faint sounds of her students getting ready filled the hall.
"Aimi-sensei, are we practicing a new stance today or continuing last week's?" a student asked.
"That depends on how well everyone performs today," Aimi smiled. "We'll recap last week's technique first. If the class does well, we'll move on to something new."
"Then we'll try our best!"
Excitement buzzed through the dojo. Just as the lesson was about to begin, the sliding door creaked open.
Gojo Satoru stepped in relaxingly, his tall frame casting a shadow across the room. He wore the same tracksuit-like uniform, his spiked silver-white hair gleaming under the afternoon light. His trademark eye mask secured in place.
Aimi froze for a moment, then sighed softly.
"Yo!" Gojo greeted with a carefree wave.
"Satoru."
Her students exchanged confused glances. Aimi-sensei was strict about intruders, and yet this man had walked in so comfortably.
"Aimi-chan, long time no see," Gojo sauntered closer. "I've been busy."
"Why are you here?"
"To watch you."
"Not now," her tone was firm. "This dojo is for martial arts students and instructors. You can't just walk in."
"Consider me an instructor then," he grinned. "I can help."
"Do you have a license or certification?"
"Don't need one if I can beat you, right?" he sounded condescending.
"Satoru," her patience thinning. "You can't beat me, and even if you could, you'd still need one."
"I can, though."
The students' gazes darting between the two. None dared to whisper.
Aimi remained silent for a moment. Finally, she spoke. "Fine."
Her students blinked in surprise.
"Watching a fight can help students learn better," she explained. "It gives them something to strive for."
She stepped into the center of the dojo and clapped her hands. "Everyone, form a circle."
The students moved quickly. Practice combat among instructors was rare. They gathered around as Aimi began stretching.
Gojo's smirk widened. This was exactly what he wanted—a chance to see her in action properly. Without saying a word, he stepped into the circle, his hands still tucked.
Aimi's stance was perfect. The tension in the room grew as the fight began.
The two clashed, their speed evenly matched. Each punch and kick seemed to cut through the air, creating gusts that rippled through the dojo. Despite the intensity, it was clear they were holding back to avoid damaging the property.
She launched a high kick aimed at the side of Gojo's head, but he blocked it just in time. His smirk widened, but inwardly, he was stunned. For the strongest sorcerer alive, being nearly overpowered in a physical fight was unheard of. Without the use of his cursed techniques, he was just a regular man, and Aimi was a force to be reckoned with.
Her raw strength and agility were beyond anything he could expect. She dodged his strikes with uncanny grace, jumping so high her feet nearly grazed the ceiling. What even is she? he thought. For one to be this powerful with no curse enhancement... She reminded him of Toji Fushiguro—but one that could nullify curse energy entirely. What a scary possibility. His smirk widened.
As the fight continued, Gojo pulled his blindfold down, revealing his piercing blue eyes. Aimi's presence was impossible to fully sense due to her lack of curse energy, so predicting her attacks was proving to be a challenge even for him.
Aimi noticed the change immediately. His gaze sharpened, and his movements became more precise. What exactly does he do? she wondered, struggling to process the sheer power. She had never met anyone this strong, and yet she could tell that he was still holding back.
Despite the apparent equality of their fight, it was clear to her that Gojo was stronger. His casual ease belied a power that she couldn't fully comprehend.
The fight reached its peak when Gojo sent a powerful kick her way. Aimi leapt onto his leg with impossible precision, countering with a kick aimed directly at his face. He barely dodged, the force of her attack blowing his hair back. For a moment, they both recoiled. Aimi was breathing heavily.
She straightened. "Enough."
The students erupted into whispers, unable to contain their awe.
Gojo grinned, his hands once again finding their way into his pockets. "You're done?" he joked. "Admit defeat already?"
Aimi didn't respond, her face composed. Inside, though, she was reeling. Tired, her body sore, and her mind racing. Who is this man? Is it even human to fight like that?
"Everyone stand up and get in line," she commanded, continuing the lesson. Gojo walked to stand next to her. "This is Satoru—he'll stay here and watch for today. Does anyone have a problem?"
"Gojo Satoru," he revealed his full name as if it meant something to her.
"Sure. Gojo Satoru." She nodded. "Does anyone have a problem with him joining?"
Everyone looked at Gojo. He was grinning.
"No, Sensei!" they shouted.
"Alright then, get into your stance! Show me what you've learned last week."
And so, their lesson resumed. Aimi's eyes glanced over at Gojo as she instructed the class. She noticed his hand was bruised, probably from blocking her attack earlier. The atmosphere of the class returned. Gojo watched quietly from behind. After 30 minutes, it was time for the students to self-practice. Aimi trailed toward Gojo, who was standing there with a cheery, relaxed expression. His blindfold was back to cover his eyes.
"Show me your hand," she asked.
"Hmm?" He placed his hand into hers. She pulled up his sleeve to check for the bruise just now, but it was gone. "???"
"Your bruise is gone."
"You noticed,"
"I notice everything."
"You don't seem too surprised."
"Well, it's not the first time I've witnessed something like this," she looked up at him. "I heal fast too."
"Is that so." His eyes narrowed a little. Hmm... It must have something to do with the overwhelming positive energy that embodies her existence.
"Now you don't seem too surprised."
"Hahaha," he chuckled childishly and shrugged.
"Why do you wear the blindfold anyway? Can you even see?"
"I can see everything—but you," he held her hand up. "I'm adjusting, though."
"Is this a training technique of yours—"
A group of students approached them and cut off their conversation.
"Excuse us, Gojo-san, but… how did you block that kick earlier? It looked so fast. We'd like to learn...if possible."
Gojo tilted his head, grinning. "That was reflexes mostly." He leaned down slightly. "Want me to show you?"
The students' eyes lit up. "Yes, please!"
Another chimed in eagerly. "And that counter! How did you pivot so quickly without losing balance?"
"You all have good eyes. All right, come closer." He motioned for them to gather around.
The students formed a tight semicircle as Gojo crouched slightly to demonstrate. "It's about keeping your center of gravity low. If your stance is solid, even the fastest moves won't throw you off balance." He shifted his weight, showing them the subtle motion.
The students nodded eagerly, some attempting to mimic his movements. Aimi watched from the side, arms crossed but with a faint smile on her lips.
"Your kicks are so powerful," another student said, still in awe. "How do you get that much strength?"
Gojo said, straightening up and tapping his temple with a finger. "Confidence," earning a mix of laughs and groans from the group.
He added more seriously, "It's also about using your whole body. Power comes from your core, not just your limbs."
"Can you please show us!?" the students chorused.
As Gojo guided them through a few techniques, his usual playfulness blended seamlessly with moments of genuine instruction. Despite his carefree attitude, the students hung on his every word, eager to learn.
As the session continued, the group around Gojo grew larger.
------
5 pm
The dojo gradually emptied as students filtered out, their chatter lingering faintly in the hall. Aimi stood at the front, packing away the equipment, her muscles aching from the earlier sparring session.
"Why are you still here?" she asked, her tone carrying a sense of exhaustion.
"Waiting for you," a grin tugging his lips.
"Don't you have work today?"
"Hopefully not," he said with a shrug. "My phone's been quiet."
"Convenient."
"I delegate," he hummed. "I've got others to pick up my slack."
Aimi brushed past him. "I'm going to shower."
"You don't have to," he teased. "I don't mind a little stinky—"
Without looking, she threw a pair of boxing gloves at him. They didn't hit, of course, bouncing harmlessly off the invisible barrier of his infinity and she didn't notice that.
The dojo's bathroom was modest but clean, and the warm water felt heavenly against her tired body. When she returned, refreshed and dressed in casual clothes, he was still there, sitting cross-legged on the floor, flipping a coin idly.
"Done?" he looked up with his trademark grin.
"Done with you." She packed her dirty martial uniform into her bag, her damp hair clinging to her face as she shifted around.
"Let's go eat," he suggested, standing and strolling toward her. As she shoved a towel into her bag, he reached for it and began drying her hair. "I'm starving."
He was surprisingly gentle.
Aimi's heart fluttered in silence. "You didn't need to."
"Need to what?"
"Dry my hair."
"Doesn't matter," he laughed it off.
They stepped out into the crisp evening air, the streets illuminated by warm streetlights. Aimi led the way, her steps purposeful, while Gojo fell into stride beside her, hands tucked into his pockets. For a moment, neither spoke, the quiet of the night settling around them.
They reached a small, bustling eatery tucked into a quiet alleyway. The savory aroma of grilled meat and spices wafted through the air.
"How modest," he commented as they entered.
The two found a table near the back. The cozy atmosphere was comforting, much like Aimi's presence.
They ordered, and as they waited for their food, he leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. "Do you like fighting?"
"No."
"Liar." His eyes glinting. "You love fighting." The grin she carried during the sparring session and the fire in her eyes when she found a worthy opponent—those were unmistakable signs.
"It's annoying how you act like you know me when you barely know anything."
"Heh…" He hummed, his tone unserious.
Their food arrived, and they ate in relative silence. At one point, Gojo suggested swapping dishes to taste each other's meals. It was an unusually forward request, especially considering Japan's cultural norms, but Aimi agreed without hesitation—simply because she wanted to try his.
They quickly finished their meal and left the restaurant.
"I'm going home now," Aimi said.
"How about a sleepover?" he suggested cheerily.
"No."
"Hahaha, okay. Then I'll just walk you home."
"It's fine. You don't have to."
"I never have to do anything."
"…"
They walked to her home together, the crisp night air quiet around them. Gojo didn't invite himself inside. Instead, he turned to leave when they reached her door.
"Bai bai~ see ya, Aimi-chan."
A small smile tugged at her lips. "See you." She stepped inside, closing the door behind her.