𝑴𝒖𝒕𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆 (𝑺𝒂𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒖 𝑮𝒐𝒋𝒐 𝒙 𝑶𝑪)

1.3 Snow Games and Lessons in Infinity

The dojo at Tokyo Jujutsu High was imbued with an atmosphere that was both serene and mystical. Thin sticks of incense burned slowly in wooden holders, releasing light wisps of smoke that drifted through the air, filling the room with a calming scent of sandalwood and cedar. The tatami floor was still slightly damp, a reminder of the snow that had fallen heavily the night before, covering the outside world in a thick white blanket. Through the rice paper windows, the morning light gently filtered in, softening the cold brilliance of the snow with a golden glow.

Chihiro entered the dojo, her black exorcist uniform perfectly tailored to her slender but determined figure. The fabric was soft against her skin, a strange and new sensation that made her feel both protected and exposed. She paused for a moment at the entrance, taking in the room. The walls of the dojo were adorned with calligraphy scrolls, each bearing ancient writings and prayers meant to protect and purify. She took a deep breath, letting herself be enveloped by the serene atmosphere of the place.

In a corner, she noticed a small section dedicated to novices, with wooden benches and shelves containing books on occult arts and exorcism techniques. She sat down gently on a bench, her hands resting on her knees, and her eyes instinctively focused on the figure dominating the other side of the dojo.

Satoru Gojo, dressed in black joggers and a fitted t-shirt that emphasized the definition of his muscles, was stretching. Despite the early hour, he seemed fresh and energetic, his movements fluid and precise. He wore a pair of dark sunglasses, another of his eccentricities, even though the light in the dojo was soft. Each stretch highlighted the underlying power of his body, his muscles playing under the tight fabric of his t-shirt.

Chihiro discreetly glanced at him, trying not to be too obvious as she observed her new mentor. She felt nervous, uncertain about what awaited her, but there was also a spark of curiosity piqued by the aura of mystery surrounding this man. Gojo, without looking directly at her, seemed nonetheless aware of her gaze on him. A slight smile formed on his lips.

He turned slightly towards her, his sunglasses slipping down his nose just enough to reveal a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Don't be so shy, Chihiro," he said in a soft but firm voice. "Come here."

She slowly stood up, hesitant but obedient. Her steps resonated softly on the tatami, the silence of the dojo amplifying each movement. She approached him, her hands nervously clenched at her sides.

Gojo watched her, his smile widening as she approached. "Today, we're going to start with the basics," he said, his voice filled with contagious energy. "You may have noticed that exorcism isn't just about fighting curses. It's also about understanding the occult energy around us and knowing how to channel it."

He extended his hand towards her, palm open. "Watch," he murmured. A small sphere of blue energy formed in his palm, swirling gently, an intense and pure light emanating from this occult core. "This is occult energy. To control it, you have to feel it throughout your body, concentrate it, and release it."

Chihiro watched in fascination, her eyes fixed on the sphere of energy in Gojo's palm. She could feel a slight vibration in the air, an almost palpable tension. Gojo closed his hand, dissipating the sphere of energy as quickly as it had appeared.

"Now, it's your turn to try," he said, stepping back to give her space. "Concentrate. Close your eyes if you need to. Feel the energy in your body and try to focus it in your hand."

Chihiro took a deep breath, briefly closing her eyes to concentrate. She remembered the strange sensation she had felt when she first saw curses—a kind of tingling in her veins, like a river of latent power just waiting to be released. She focused on that sensation, imagining the energy flowing through her, gathering in her chest before moving down her arm, then to her hand.