Chapter 11

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Rin Morishita sat in the passenger seat of a sleek black sports car, her long dark brown hair loose and cascading in waves down her back. The vehicle hummed smoothly as it sped along the highway from Tokyo to Niigata, the city skyline gradually giving way to rolling hills and distant mountains. Beside her, Kento Nanami maintained a firm grip on the wheel, his usual stoic demeanor softened by the casual conversation they shared.

Rin’s caramel brown eyes flicked occasionally to Nanami. She kept her posture dignified, her hands resting gracefully on her lap, fingers occasionally brushing the hem of her elegant, dark-colored dress. Despite her composed exterior, there was a sense of readiness in her, a hint of the wild ferocity she displayed in battle lurking beneath the surface. The stress of recent events had her on edge.

In the backseat, Yuta Okkotsu and Yuji Itadori chatted animatedly, their youthful energy filling the car with a lively buzz. Okkotsu, with his serious yet gentle nature, balanced out Itadori’s exuberance. Their conversation occasionally drew a soft smile from Rin, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she listened to their banter.

Turning her attention back to Nanami, Rin broke the comfortable silence between them, "Nanami-san, if you don’t mind me asking, why did you choose to bring Itadori specifically on this mission?"

Nanami's lips curled into a slight, almost imperceptible smile as he continued to focus on the road. "I think Itadori has been spending too much time with Gojo lately," he replied, his tone polite but firm, "Gojo can be a bad influence, and I believe it’s important for Itadori to learn from different perspectives. Especially in this type of investigation."

Rin nodded thoughtfully, her eyes lingering on Nanami's profile, "That makes sense. It’s good for him to have varied experiences and guidance."

The scenery outside the car window changed from urban to rural, the lush greenery and open fields of the countryside providing a serene backdrop to their journey. The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the road ahead, creating a tranquil ambiance within the car.

"We're about an hour out," Rin said, glancing back at the young men in the back seat. Okkotsu and Itadori, sensing the shift in mood, quieted down, their expressions mirroring the seriousness of the task ahead.

As the sleek black sports car approached Niigata, the atmosphere inside grew tense with anticipation. The city's skyline loomed closer, a mix of modern structures and historical buildings reflecting the complexity of their mission. Nanami's focus sharpened, and he began outlining their plan for the investigation.

"We're heading to the drug manufacturing facility first," Nanami said, his voice steady and authoritative, "It's managed by the Kamo clan, so we need to be prepared. They have a reputation for appearing cooperative but hiding crucial information beneath that façade."

Rin nodded, her eyes locked onto Nanami's, "Their courtesy can be deceiving. We'll need to be vigilant."

Nanami glanced briefly at the rearview mirror, catching Yuji Itadori’s eyes. "Itadori, Morishita and I will handle the official side of things, speaking with the leaders of the facility. Your task will be to sneak in and see what you can find beneath the surface. The Kamo clan might be eager to show us certain areas while keeping the real operation hidden."

Itadori nodded, his usual cheerful demeanor replaced by a serious expression, "Understood, Nanami-san."

Rin turned in her seat to face Yuta Okkotsu, "Okkotsu, you'll join Itadori, please. Use your skills to help him uncover whatever they're hiding. Stay alert and watch each other's backs."

Yuta nodded firmly, "Got it. If needed, may I use Rika?"

Rin’s gaze softened slightly, understanding the gravity of releasing Rika, "Yes, you have my permission. Only if the situation demands it."

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