That Time When I Fell Down the Stairs and Became a Jujutsu Sorcerer

Chapter 38 - Trial

Akie crouched down in the courtyard of JJT, watching a marching trail of ants. Her little lips were pursed, deep in thought about whatever it was toddlers had to think so hard about. Her silky blonde hair was falling out of its pigtails and her blue shirt was already dirty somehow. They never stayed clean long with a child this wild.

It was captivating to observe her intense concentration on the little insects, quietly murmuring to herself. Satoru and I stood by, silently observing. It was truly intriguing to witness how toddlers immerse themselves in their own world. These little individuals were truly remarkable, with their own important tasks at hand.

Stepping out from the faculty office, Yaga walked out with his sunglasses pushed up high. Stoic as always, it was hard to read his current mood. His hands were in his pockets  and as he approached us, he took a hand out and held it up on greeting.

“Morning Yaga!” I said as the older man joined Satoru and I, right on time.

We stood under the awning of the faculty building, all of us in our uniforms. Today was going to be a big day, and hopefully one that would change the future for Suguru. The tension was obvious.

“Good morning.” Yaga nodded, then smiled at Akie for a moment before looking back at us, “The higher-ups should be arriving soon in their chamber. Are you prepared?”

I nodded, “We've gotten all the proof and documents together. We all have a back-up escape plan if we need to get him out of here quickly.”

Satoru grinned, “Yeah, they can't ignore everything we have. Besides, it's me that’s supposed to do the execution anyway, and if I won't, no one else can.”

Akie gently nudged a rock onto the path of the ants using her fingertips, lying on the ground to observe their unwavering march. However, she appeared quite offended by their ability to maneuver around it. Expressing her frustration with a slight grunt, she kicked her tiny feet and scrunched up her face in annoyance.

“What do you think?” I asked, showing Yaga the folder with all of our collected evidence, “With all of us vouching for him, do you think they'll lower the sentence? Suguru has been really helpful lately. I know he shouldn't escape punishment for his crimes, but he can definitely atone for them.”

“I'll be his parole officer!” Satoru laughed, only for Yaga to stare at him from over his sunglasses.

“I would be extremely cautious.” Yaga said carefully, “I personally believe this should suffice in reducing the sentence, but I would not be surprised if they agree and then attempt to have him executed anyway.”

“It took Okkotsu with Rika to almost kill him before.” I said with a little smile, “I hope they know it will be a hell of a fight. Suguru has quite a few curses he's been storing, and I know at least one or two is a special grade.”

“Be that as it may, it won't stop them from other more cowardly methods.” Yaga said, “They could try to use anyone connected to him as well. I would say we redouble our efforts to keep everyone accounted for until we know what they'll do.”

“That's very true…” I said looking at Akie, “I wouldn't put it past them to try something with his daughters…”

Satoru scowled, walking over and squatting down by our own daughter as she let the ants crawl on her hands, “Those bastards.”

“Bastards.” Akie immediately said not even looking up from her quarry. I shot a look at Satoru and he shrugged with a little smile, “She's right though."

With a sigh and a shake of my head, I looked back at Yaga, “We'll just have to hope for the best. Suguru deserves a chance even if it's risky.”

“Speaking of whom.” Yaga said, looking up at the sky.