Chapter Text
“Do you think Jujutsu sorcerers should protect the weak?”
Rena looked up from the book she was reading, staring up at her senpai. She’s not used to people asking her about her genuine opinion on something. She’s always been taught that the law was absolute, that nothing could be brought into question. That was what she was always told by her elders of her clan. However, she knew that the others deserved better. Those that haven’t been born with power couldn’t obtain it. Everything in Jujutsu Society was based on your social status, your cursed technique, and how loyal you were to the higher ups. However, that shouldn’t be true. Some people aren’t just unlucky. They’re rules that lead them to fruition.
Rena had always wondered if the stances of the laws in Jujutsu Society were a walkway for some people to become curse users. She’s studying law. Lord, she had studied the law, and usually it gave her some feeling of defeat. Was this really the best that humanity could do?
Sighing, Rena just needed to articulate her thoughts. There wasn’t anyone here that would silence her on this. She’s not in the confines of the estate that is called her home.
“They should, but oftentimes, they don’t protect the weak. They protect their power rather than doing what’s right.” A sigh, “Some sorcerers aren’t here to be heroes, and in reality, a lot of us aren’t.” She took a sip of her iced coffee, “They’re here to just ascend their power.” She put her coffee down on the table, “We should protect the weak, we should make life easier for those that aren’t as well off. Someone’s social status or power shouldn’t be what dictates their life.”
The person across from her nodded at her words, “Yes, I can agree with you on that. It seems those that claim to be role models in our society are more than just obstacles for society.” He put a hand on his chin, “They hold too close to their power because they’re afraid of change.”
Rena twirled a strand of her long red hair. She felt the tug of her black top hat on her scalp for a second, but didn't acknowledge it, “That’s kind of right. My theory is that as sorcerers become more and more self aware, they realize that age isn’t the only thing stopping them from losing power.” She took another drink of her coffee, resting it on the table. She blocked out the people that were chatting around them out, “The fear of losing the system that they’ve clung onto for years is there.” She’s seen power in action. Through her own clan, through the Zenins, the Kamos, and a lot more. Other clans had craved to be on the same level as the three noble ones.
She’s not usually this detailed. It’s only when she doesn’t feel like she’s not feeling judged that she acts like this. She’s able to show sides of herself that she didn’t know, that she even wasn’t aware of.
“There’s also the power balance that is at risk with the three main clans. The Zenins were on the top for a while until Satoru Gojo inherited Six Eyes.” And she knew that they hated that they got it taken away from someone like Satoru. From all the rumors she heard about him. He was so well known, but she’s never spoken to him, “There’s more moderate clans popping up, like the Sanadas and the Kamos and the Zenins aren’t the fan of reformers gaining power, but in recent years that has changed.” Sometimes having the knowledge of the law of jujutsu society opens your eyes to a lot of its flaws and also the potential for change.
“I can see why there would be such a fuss. It seems that the main three clans are holding in but Satoru’s family…”
“Yeah, the rumors must be true about Satoru’s family dumping nearly impossible responsibilities at such a young age.” Rena thought that she could relate that, but that’s something to think about in another time. She stirred her straw slowly, “Although, I don’t know how he doesn’t nearly die with his attitude; if I ever acted like that in a clan meeting, I’d probably get executed.” Even if she had her clan’s technique, she was still a woman.
“He’s an interesting case to say the least.” Her friend mumbles, taking a drink of his tea. He put the cup down and spoke to her, “So you’re saying that the only way to get society to work in favor of the weak is to break down the issues of jujutsu society?”
Rena took a sip of her drink, “That’s exactly what it would take, but that kind of action would take decades to make a reality.” She rested a hand on her cheek, “The only way to do it is through making a following and no one in Jujutsu society has been able to pull that. The Miyajimas have been able to make certain of that.”
“That’s the clan you are from, correct?”
Rena slowly nodded. It looked like Rena really didn’t want to talk about her clan in detail from the looks of her body language. Her companion had to have noticed that she was tense about talking to him about this. “It’s interesting you say this all, but yet you come from a clan that hails the law higher than anyone. They’re the ones keeping these laws around. Do you think there’s a way for them to change?”
Silence fell between the two of them. Rena didn’t really know the answer to that yet. She like to think yes, but everything she’s learned through her life has been in the lens of making their society “better”. She always tells herself they could do better, but could they? Is there a way to set things back.
Her friend offers her a smile, “You don’t have to tell me about them yet if you don’t want to. I’m sure that’s a question you’re trying to figure out on your own.”
Rena nodded, “Even with the knowledge that I have, I’m still someone that doesn’t really know how life really is for sorcerers like you.” She almost envied it in some ways. There’s so much she doesn’t know about the outside world. So much she still wants to know.
She marked the page in her book, closing it, “You know, you’re the reason why I have been able to get my thoughts together, Suguru. Having an outsider’s perspective outside the major clans is refreshing.”
Suguru nodded, “And having your thought process is interesting too. I’ve studied the law, but not to the extent that you and your family have.” He rose from his seat, stuffing his hands in his pockets, “Do you think anyone could make this turn?”
Rena had always thought that Suguru Geto wouldn’t like some of this information previously when she first met him, but there’s something about him that had interested her. She doesn’t know how to explain it, but she’s glad she’s been able to give him room to get close to her.
It’s people like him that give her hope.
“Suguru,” She speaks up again, taking her red sunglasses off and resting them in her sweater pocket, “if anyone can make that turn, it’s definitely you.”
Suguru chuckles, “I’m not too sure about that, but I appreciate how much you trust me, Rena.” He got up from his seat, “We should meet up more often. Once you get into Kyoto, you’ll be able to hang with me more.”
She likes that, she really likes that. Over the few months of knowing him, she’s enjoyed his presence. It’s nicer talking to him than the other clan members who would be enraged with her thoughts.
It’s going to be refreshing when they can hang out more.
XXXX
FOUR MONTHS LATER: Tokyo Metropolitan College
The start of the annual Tokyo-Kyoto exchange event had yet to begin. Rena looked at the blonde Zenin who was looking the most excited Rena had ever seen him.
“The exchange event is here.” He proudly beams, grinning brightly. He crosses his arms across his chest, “Today is the day that I put that spoiled Gojo brat in his place.”
Naoya Zenin had been practically bragging in advance about how he was going to beat Gojo Satoru. Ever since the school year started, he had been bragging about how much he wanted to be at the top. The principal never stopped him, really. In fact, he encouraged it.
It was like Naoya was his favorite. At least to Rena and her other classmates that is what it seems like.
Naoya looks over at Rena. His grin, widening, “You stay out of my way. A woman like you would only bring shame to the Miyajima name. Besides, I’m the only one here who can stand with someone like Satoru and Suguru.”
Rena resists the urge to scoff at him. Rena really didn’t find herself caring. Naoya and her never really got along as kids and she’s pretty sure it’ll stay that way.
“It’s going to be so good, wiping that smirk off that spoiled brat’s face.” Naoya grins, “I can’t wait for them to know just how much better Kyoto has gotten with a real genius around.”
Rena watches as Naoya takes a step forward, “You all just stay behind me like you’re supposed to. I’ll win the challenge from them both. Kyoto will be in a better position with me around.”
“He’s way over his head.” Akari Nitta, her classmate piped in, muttering to Rena, “He’s going to embarrass himself.”
“Wouldn’t be the first time.” Rena responds “Naoya always thinks he’s the more superior one when the ranks are different.” Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto have been the next in line to be the strongest, and Zenin really is from that.
“Weren’t you gonna challenge Suguru-senpai, Miyajima?” Akari asks curiously.
“Suguru? Well, it depends on how fast Naoya loses.” Rena scoffs.
“Don’t try to tell me you think you could take him down? That’s rich, Rena.” Laughter fell from Naoya’s lips, “You don’t have the gall to stand with anyone here, especially me.”
“Unlike you, I have goals that are reachable, Naoya.” Rena snorted, “I just wanna see how big the gap is between me and him.” It was a pipe dream for him to think that he could beat both Suguru and Satoru. They were the strongest, “It’s foolish to think you could take on the two of them alone.”
“You don’t have the right to lecture me.” Naoya narrows his eyes darkly at her, “You should stay silent. Like you do with your family.”
She hears Akaza, the third year and a distant relative of Rena’s, groaning, “You know better than to speak up to Zenin, Miyajima. You, Nitta, and Zenin all should know you’re only involved in this year’s exchange event because it would make it fair.”
“How fair would it be though? We don’t have Mei Mei or Yuki here anymore. We were a lot stronger with those two around, weren’t we?” Akari asked.
“Yes, that’s correct, but Naoya here thinks he can make up for them alone.” Rena resists the urge to roll her eyes at her fellow classmate. It’s not directed at Akari, but rather at Naoya for thinking that he could beat them.
“They really thought they could make balance by putting us in front of Satoru in our first year, huh?” Akari whispered to Rena.
“Sounds like the principal.” Rena responds, arms crossed, across her chest, “He’s got a pretty bad vendetta against Satoru.” She rested her curse staff on her shoulder, “We don’t get long till Tokyo shows up for the exchange event.” Come to think about it, they should pop up soon.
She was really looking forward to showing Suguru what she got here. It would be a real bummer if Naoya put a stone in that plan. She hasn’t seen Suguru in action since the day they met.
“I don’t wanna get knocked out quickly. This competition is to show our skills.” Akari sighed, “I don’t want to deal with extra lessons with Principal Gaku if I don’t have to.”
“Oh look, there they are.” Rena looked at the group of students that were approaching them, all dressed in similar uniforms.
Akari rested a hand on her hip, “I was wondering when you all would make your dramatic entrance.”
“Same here.” Manami, a second year student, nodded, looking over at the Tokyo students.
“Well, we can’t make things fly through this school.” Satoru stretches his legs out, “Which is why Suguru and I aren’t annihilating you all quickly. We have to make this event fun, after all.”
“Oh you’re just going to assume you’re going to beat us all?” Naoya asks Satoru, “We all know no one here could take you besides myself.”
“Should we stop him?” One of the second years asks.
“No, no let it happen.” Rena whispers back, “Someone’s gotta put him in his place.”
“This will be the highlight of the show. I’m supposed to be the head of the Zenin clan next, meaning that you’ll have to answer to me.” Naoya points a finger at Gojo who immediately starts laughing.
“You can’t be serious, Naoya. You? I think you forgot who inherited Six Eyes. Don’t worry, I’ll make you cry when I’m done with you.” Satoru laughed, “I could embarrass you in front of your classmates, but I think everyone here wants to have fun here, and I’m just getting started.”
The rest of their classmates watched them all leave instantly to move to their fight.
“Damn, Satoru, you can’t leave me behind. I don’t care if you wanted to punch that guy in the face since you were five. I wanna kick his ass too.” Suguru left along with them, leaving the rest of the students to plan out who they were fighting.
The bowl cut kid beamed happily, “See, we just gotta have the spirit they do. It’s really cool.” He pointed a finger at the two other first years which were Rena and Akari, “Hey you two, do you wanna participate? It’ll be a good sport.”
That kid seems a little too nice. Rena mentally noted to herself. I don’t think I can actually hit him. He’s a little too innocent and happy for that.
It looked like the blond guy next to him with the bangs didn’t want to be here at all. He just waved at her and Akari.
“I said I had dibs on that snot nose, red headed first year.”
Rena suddenly found herself getting slapped in the face with some cursed weapon, sending her flying across the trees.
“Rena!”
Akari’s voice sounded distant than what it actually was. Did she take the hit that hard? Or was there something else happening.
The smoke clears, revealing a girl with white streaks and purple hair tied into a ponytail. She sets her scissors down on the ground, “Don’t worry, first year. I’m not out to kill. That would be such a waste of a performance.” Butterflies floated around the battlefield.
Rena stood on her feet, patting from the hit she just took. She gives out a smile, “Hm? Is that so? I would tell you the same thing.” This woman was fast but that hit alone wasn’t as powerful as her speed.
“What’s your name?” Rena wonders.
“My name’s Ryouta Kimura. I’m a second year student along with Shoko, Satoru, and Suguru. You’re Miyajima right? Suguru spoke highly of you.” Ryouta looked at the butterflies that were now morphing into illusions around her and Rena’s battlefield.
The other butterflies that hadn’t morphed went towards Rena, moving faster than the eye could see. Rena spun her staff around to stop them. However she was knocked backwards from the explosion.
She spotted Akaza in the distance. Thinking it was him for a split second before scissors stabbed the tree branch she was leaning again.
“Don’t get distracted now~” Ryouta grinned, “You can’t be that boring now.”
The scissors came swinging towards Rena, intending on knocking off her feet again and towards some of the butterflies. Rena had more time to react this time around. She used the metal brace in her wrists to channel her curse energy, turning it into a blade to block it.
Rena pushed Ryouta back. She used her other hand to manipulate some metal around her so she could create some protection.
“Rena!”
That was Akaza’s voice. Wait…
She barely avoids Ryouta scissors. She finally managed to put two and two together: Akaza was an illusion to distract her.
So that’s how her ability worked. She uses curse energy to create butterflies. Some of them explode on contact for a quick escape. While others can morph into illusions.
“So that’s what you’re trying to do. Use any illusions you can to throw me off guard then use your speed to your advantage.” Rena knew Ryouta didn’t have the strength she did. If she mixed it with her defense, she might gain the upper hand in this fight.
She’s gotta admit, this second year is really cool.
“Looks like you’re smarter than you thought.”
A blast moves in her direction. Rena jumps out of the way to see swarms of the butterflies speeding towards her. She let out a deep breath, throwing up one of her metal bracelets into the air. She swung her staff, channeling the curse energy to put up a shield above her. Rena quickly ran, using the explosion to her advantage to gain speed. She pushes herself forward. She coats her fists with her metal curse technique. She got behind Ryouta. Her metal fist connected with Ryouta’s face. The second year was knocked back into a tree.
Not giving more time for Ryouta to use her illusions, Rena slams her hands into the ground, sending metallic spikes to freeze Ryouta in her place. It would stop her from being able to overpower Rena with her speed.
“You almost had me for a second there. Your illusion would’ve given you the victory if I didn’t react in that moment.” Ryouta’s speed really made up for it, “You’re actually really crazy.” Rena smiles.
“You’re calling me crazy. You know that this fight hasn’t ended, right?” Ryouta asked as one of the spikes went towards her throat, barely touching her.
“I’d dismiss them.” The metal melted and hardened around Ryouta, as if threatening her.
The purple haired girl sighed, dismissing them, “Fine, you can get this one. Only if I can see Naoya getting decked.”
Rena tilts her head to the side. She stares in silence before she starts laughing. A hand rose to her forehead, “I wasn’t expecting that kind of a response.” The red head can give her a deal, but doesn't Ryouta want to fight more?
“I thought you would want this to be a better fight.” Rena chuckles, “but if you’re offering me that, then I guess I can’t deny a request.”
Rena puts her staff away, dismissing her metal so that Ryouta could get up.
“I thought you were gonna be some snob like the other higher clans, but it seems like you’re not just some snot-nosed rich kid like Naoya.” Ryouta says, putting her curse weapon away.
Rena laughs, “I’d take offense if you said I was like that nutcase.” She didn’t know half of how Naoya was. It’s the curse of knowing him her entire life.
“If I thought about it, you would probably be beaten to a pulp.” Ryouta remarks.
Rena shrugged, “Shame, I was really looking forward to a better fight-”
She was suddenly tripped over, landing on the ground when Ryouta's blade pointed at her, “Oh? Was that a joke?” The sun shines on the left metal bracelet, it reflects brightly, causing Ryouta to stumble back, covering her eyes.
“Hey!” Ryouta yelps, “I was joking with you.”
Rena sighs, “You’re really wild, you know that?” Rena stood up, “We should go see what those three idiots are up to.”
XXXX
“Oi is that really all you got, Zenin?”
Satoru spun around, looking at the blonde sorcerer, “It would be more fun if your attacks weren’t so basic.”
Naoya’s eyes widened, spotting one of the Tokyo first years that were running onto the scene, “I’m getting a point regardless.” He’s better than him. He at least has the guts to go berserk and take the necessary steps to become the best.
He was about to fire his move on the bowl kid before he was suddenly picked up by the collar and thrown to the ground. Looking up, he sees Suguru towering over him.
“Oh so you’re as cowardly as Satoru said you were.” Suguru smirks, “How does it feel looking up at someone who hates you?”
Naoya’s glare grew, “You little brat, do you have any idea how out of line you are?”
“Your clan status doesn’t matter to me. You’re the one who wanted to fight with the strongest.” Suguru winked, “So maybe you should choose your fights next time.”
“You didn’t win, I can still fight.” Naoya flipped backwards, aiming to punch Suguru. Suguru side steps out of the way, twisting his arm. He pins him to the ground, “Ah-Ah, say uncle.”
Suguru hears laughter coming out from a familiar person. Looking up, he spots Rena and Ryouta, “Oi hey there, Rena. Just in time for the show.”
“You better make your worth, Miyajima. Help me get away from him. You said you wanted to see how strong you were against him right?” Naoya grins, “Then show me right here you’re not as useless as you’re-”
Naoya was cut off by a weapon hitting him in the head, knocking him unconscious instantly. The group looks over to see the bowl cut kid and the blond hair guy with bangs running over to him.
“You ruined my fun Kento.” Ryouta pouts, a hand resting on her chin, “I was looking forward to him screaming.”
The blond, Kento, raises an eyebrow, “I was tired of hearing him talk. Who talks to their classmates like that?”
Rena groans, “He probably wouldn’t have let me help him, anyways. It would kill his entire pride if someone like me helped him out.”
“Oh that’s not a good attitude.” The bowl cut kid says, offering a hand for Rena to shake, “You’re a first year right? I’m Yuu Haibara. The blond guy who hit your friend is Kento Nanami. It’s nice to meet you!”
Rena was still thrown off with how nice this kid was but she shrugs it off, taking his hand, “Rena Miyajima. It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”
“I was supposed to get the hit on Naoya to finish him!” Satoru’s whines caused the group to look over at him, “You’re no fun Nanamin~”
“Maybe if I ignore him, he’ll go away.” Kento mummers. His voice is low but it’s enough for Rena to pick up.
She giggles, “If only it was that easy.”
“You’re probably right, if it was that easy, Gojo and Zenin wouldn’t be here anymore.” Kento nods at Rena’s comment.
XXXX
After finishing the exchange event, Rena sits on a bench, taking a sip of bottle water. She’s a little tired from the day but she’s ultimately enjoyed the day. She didn’t think the exchange event was going to be that fun, but she’s happy nonetheless.
“Would you like something?”
A rice ball wrapped in a napkin is offered in her view. Looking up, she sees Yu standing there with a smile, “I always bring extra so consider it a meeting gift. You don’t know when someone is going to need to pick me up, and I think food does that well. Especially after a long event like this.”
Rena takes the ricecake, taking a bite out of it, “Did you make this yourself? It's really great!”
“Yeah, my aunt has this really cool recipe. I got it from my mom. It’s been a long family recipe.” Yu beams, “It’s nicer when you share it with a new friend.”
Rena almost jerks at that in surprise. She’s not used to making friends instantly and the only real friends she’s had are Suguru and maybe Satoru if you count him. She didn’t think people offered friendships that easily.
Still, it isn’t repulsing at all just…different.
Rena takes a sip of her water, “It’s a nice offering.” God, why is she so awkward all of a sudden? She doesn’t really know how to present herself.
“Is something the matter, Rena-chan?” Yu questions, looking as if he might’ve done something wrong.
Rena feels suddenly bad if she managed to upset him, “Don’t worry, you didn’t do anything.” She tucks her red strand behind her hair, “It’s nothing.” She offers a smile to him, “I’m not really good at making friends.”
“Nonsense!” Yu beams, “You’re doing great, Rena-chan! I know it’s sudden, but I’m usually a really good judge of character. Besides, you’re friends with Suguru. You have to be really cool if you’re friends with him.”
Rena sighs, not being able to turn the guy away at all. As she thought about earlier, Yu was different. He was nicer than the average person.
“You…hold a lot of respect for Suguru?” Rena wonders.
“I sure do! He wants to protect the weak! That’s something I can get around too. We have to make life easier for those that are unfortunate.” Yu clenches a fist.
Rena nods at his words, biting the rice ball. “I can agree.” Rena responds.
There’s silence between the two of them as they finish the rice balls they share. Rena asked for a couple more which Yu was happy to provide. They talked here and there about small things, like school, and their favorite foods. Rena even chuckled here and there with Yu. It threw her off how nice he was, but he’s actually a pretty good person.
Guess she’s not used to being around more relaxing people, but she’s happy Yu extended their offer. She can’t really call them friends yet but she wants to be around him more, talk with them.
“You’re enjoying yourselves, I see.”
Rena and Yu looked up to see Kento standing there, “I was wondering where you ran off to, Haibara.”
“Oh, I just wanted to get along with one of the Kyoto first years. She was pretty fierce in the exchange event!” Yu offered a con, “I have more riceballs if you want some. You can sit with us for a bit.”
Kento took the container, grabbing a rice ball, “Sure.”
He leans against the bench, sitting in between Rena and Yu, “So, how do you like Kyoto school, Rena?”
Rena shrugged, “It’s school.”
Kento stares at her, seeming like he didn’t expect getting a response like that, “It sounds like you hate it. From the exchange I saw earlier from your classmate, it makes sense.”
“Naoya? Yeah.” She crosses her arms across her chest, “It’s fine though. I’m not really in Kyoto to be nice to him.” She really didn’t want to talk about her so-called rival, “I’m not really in the mood to talk about him though. How has Tokyo been for you two?”
“It’s not been too bad. The exchange event is a lot more fun than I thought.” Yu straightened his posture.
“It’s…school.” He admits as Rena snickers.
“Sounds about right with Satoru around.” She doesn’t really know the Six Eyes kid well, but she knows him enough to know that he’s a nightmare. She remembers when she first met Satoru and how much he wanted to meet Suguru’s ‘lady friend’.
Annoying as hell, but there’s a lot about him that interests Rena still. There’s at least some redeeming qualities with Satoru, even if he’s spoiled. Then again, weren’t her, Naoya, and Satoru sharing that in common?
Although, she’s glad Kento wasn’t an asshole. Especially with the way he stood up for her when Naoya was going off. Anyone that could hit him was someone she respected.
She tried making conversation here and there with Kento but it was mostly Yu who brought up a lot of what they were talking about earlier. He went on about how he likes spicing up rice and making it into a various of items. It seemed like cooking was something both Yu and Kento had in common, but Kento was more into baking. Rena was more of a baker herself but she wasn’t the best at it. She had different hobbies away from food so she wasn’t interjecting much.
Still, their company was nice. The time came for her to head out and Yu had frantically offered his number and she even got her number from Kento.
“I’m not much of a texter so I might be quiet if we’re all in a group chat.” Kento says.
Rena offers him a smile in reassurance, “It’s fine. You’ll get more voice memos with me if I’m in a place where I can actually talk.”
“That’s what I usually do with Yu.” Kento replies, “Hopefully your ride back to Kyoto won’t be too bad.”
“I’m sure it’ll be fine.” Rena scratches the back of her head, “You guys be safe as well. We can figure out when to meet up soon.”
XXXX
On the train ride home, Rena looked over at the scenery, wondering if she was going to get any time with her clan duties. Things had gotten a little lighter with moving away from the estate, but that doesn’t mean she still doesn’t have excessive clan duties. Principal Gaku might be an asshole, but he at least gives her more than a few hour breaks a day.
She wanted to get ahead so she could spend more time. Not just with Suguru but with Kento and Yu too.
She got bombed with some texts from Satoru. He was showing off some of the chocolates he got from the candy store as well as asking her how she liked talking to Haibara and Nanami earlier. She rolled her eyes a bit and Suguru occasionally sent a few texts. Today seemed like it was going to be nerve racking with her family but she’s gained a couple of friendships in the middle of this.
Yeah, she’s not sure if she could call them friends too, but she let Suguru in, and looked how much that had helped. Maybe she would be able to hang with Ryouta at some point too?
She thinks maybe the school year would be way more refreshing now with the new changes. She hopes so.
She really wanted things to work out with her new friends.