"That’s right! He’s cursed by the one who loves him the most—Rika!”

“This is Okkotsu Yuta, everyone! Please take care of him!”

Gojo Satoru was enthusiastically introducing Yuta to the group. Everyone—including Panda—was sporting large bumps on their heads, except for Fujino, who had emerged unscathed.

“If you attack Yuta, Rika might retaliate! So keep that in mind, everyone!”

Maki hugged her cursed tool and muttered, “Why didn’t you say that earlier?”

Gojo chuckled at her complaint before turning to Yuta, who stood beside Fujino. “They’re still in their rebellious phase! Let me introduce them properly now.”

“First, Maki Zen’in!” Gojo gestured toward Maki, and Yuta followed his gaze. Maki, however, wasn’t exactly welcoming and gave him a cold look.

“She specializes in using special weapons that can dispel curses.”

Next, Gojo’s attention shifted to Toge Inumaki, a white-haired boy covering his mouth.

“Toge Inumaki, a cursed speech user. He only speaks in onigiri ingredients.”

“Do your best to communicate with him!”

Unlike Maki, Toge politely raised a hand in greeting. “Seaweed,” he said.

Gojo nodded approvingly and continued. “And this is Panda!”

Panda, being polite, introduced himself. “I’m Panda. Nice to meet you!”

Finally, Gojo’s gaze landed on Fujino, who stood beside Yuta.

“And last but not least, we have Fujino-chan! Yuta, you already know her. She uses cursed tools similar to Maki’s, but her main technique involves cards!”

Fujino raised an eyebrow. “How do you know so much about me?”

Gojo paused for a moment, then smiled. “I know everything!”

“He’s got the Six Eyes!” Pink-chan’s voice chimed in. Fujino hesitated, then reluctantly nodded as she walked over to Maki. Yuta saw her move and decided to follow.

“All right! That makes five first-years now!”

More like four people and one panda… Fujino thought, slightly exasperated.

Maki, curious, asked, “Fujino, why were you so late today?”

Fujino froze, feeling the curious stares of the group—plus Panda. She didn’t want to explain, but…

“Oh~ Fujino-chan got lost and was saved by her super-handsome teacher—me!” Gojo interjected cheerfully.

The room fell into silence. This guy…

“HAHAHA! Fujino, seriously?!” Panda and the others burst out laughing, even Maki couldn’t suppress a smirk.

Fujino glared at Gojo angrily, then smirked mischievously. “Yeah, I got lost and ran into someone with a few screws loose!”

...

“Hahaha! A few screws loose?! Fujino, where do you come up with this stuff?”

“That’s so mean, Fujino-chan,” Gojo pouted dramatically, pretending to be hurt.

“Well then, this afternoon’s task! You’ll split into groups: two people in one group, and three in another!” Gojo crossed his arms and flashed a victory sign with both hands.

“Toge and Panda, you’re together!”

Panda gave Toge an encouraging thumbs-up. “Let’s do our best!”

“Maki, Yuta, and Fujino-chan, you’re a team! Play nice!”

Maki, however, looked less than thrilled, while Yuta cast a worried glance at Fujino. Noticing his concern, Fujino smiled reassuringly at him.

“This feels like me babysitting two kids,” Maki muttered, exasperated.

“That’s why I’m counting on you, Maki! I believe in you!” Gojo said encouragingly.

“Let’s do our best together, Maki, Yuta!” Fujino said cheerfully. Yuta hesitated but nodded, while Maki scoffed in response.