Convergence

Part 2 : chapter 6

Mid-March 2005

Professor Gakuganji summoned Utahime and Mei Mei to his office to discuss an important matter.

At first, Utahime thought—finally—that their teacher was going to give them some news about Kashimo, who had disappeared at the beginning of the year.

She had tried calling his legal guardian several times, but no one had ever answered.

Professor Gakuganji: "This year, a new mentoring system has been introduced for first-year students. You will now mentor the group composed of Geto Suguru, Gojo Satoru, and Ieiri Shoko. They will accompany you on your missions for the next month."

Utahime nearly screamed.

This was absolutely not the kind of news she had been expecting.

A new mentoring system for the first-years? Fine. But did it really have to be that group?

Well, at least Shoko was in it, but still... did Gojo Satoru really intend never to leave her alone? What had she done in a previous life to deserve this?

Mei Mei: "Are we getting paid extra for babysitting?"

Professor Gakuganji: "No, Mei Mei. This is not babysitting. I expect you to teach them the fundamentals of exorcism during your missions."

Utahime: "But why did they suddenly decide to introduce a mentoring system?"

Professor Gakuganji: "It is one of the new regulations imposed by the headmaster. Several parents from prestigious families complained that their children were being sent on missions alone during their first year, despite lacking experience. As a result, first-years will now be supervised by their seniors during their first assignments."

Utahime: "I see... Excuse me, Professor Gakuganji, but have you heard anything about Kashimo?"

Professor Gakuganji: "Why are you still worrying about him? He left school."

Utahime was not satisfied with that answer.

But what could she say? She couldn't exactly tell him that she simply had a bad feeling.

At that moment, Geto Suguru, Gojo Satoru, and Ieiri Shoko entered the office.

Professor Gakuganji: "Allow me to introduce your senior teammates: Iori Utahime and Mei Mei. They are among the best students in this school. You will accompany them on missions for approximately one month."

Suguru and Shoko bowed respectfully to their seniors.

Only Satoru inclined his head very slightly.

Utahime was not even surprised.

Once the introductions were over, Professor Gakuganji excused himself and left for an important meeting with the other teachers.

Geto Suguru: "How about we have dinner together and get to know one another a little better?"

Gojo Satoru: "Yeah, great idea Suguru!! I'm literally starving."

Mei Mei: "Fine by me, but I'm not paying for everyone."

Shoko Ieiri: "We could split the bill?"

Mei Mei gave a small wave of approval.

Utahime, meanwhile, did not know what to say.

She just hoped Satoru would not spend the entire evening annoying her.

..........

The group headed to a Japanese restaurant near the school that specialised in tempura. They ordered large platters of fried food and several rounds of soft drinks.