Chapter 158: Fireworks Part 6000
New Tokyo, August 8th.
Broad curtains suddenly appeared in Shinjuku Tokyo, where a multitude of cursed spirits were seen. Among them, there were two special grade cursed spirits.
Death toll including missing: 786 people.
Injured people: 2489 people.
Jujutsu sorcerer death toll: 12 people.
One high-grade Jujutsu sorcerer was declared dead.
One special grade Jujutsu sorcerer had gone missing.
The incident appeared to be another Oni Night Parade triggered by the user of the Cursed Technique. The last known Oni Night Parade trigger was a special grade cursed sorcerer, J.J. Shoko Nida.
The High Special Academy’s barrier was breached. Missing items included six roots of Sukuna and the Nine Picture Diagram.
…
Inside Yukinoshita Yukino’s apartment, Rinn Ki was sprawled out on the couch, playing games aimlessly.
To be honest, playing games alone was too dull.
He had previously invited Hikigaya Hachiman to join him in multiplayer games like Monster Hunter, but got an embarrassed yet enviable response, “We don’t have…”
He planned to ask for her company after she returned from wherever she had been.
However, before Yukinoshita Snow came back, he received a call from her instead.
“What’s up?”
“Um, What are you doing now?”
“Bored.”
“Would you want to go watch the fireworks together?”
Yukinoshita Snow invited Rinn to join. He agreed with enthusiasm, “Sure! Where are you? I’ll come find you now.”
However, the black-haired girl declined and replied, “Let’s meet at the station first.”
Rinn laughed gently, “Alright, I get it.”
After agreeing on a time, Rinn changed his clothes and started to walk towards the station. To respect the girl’s little ceremony, he chose to walk, enjoying the scenery along the way.
—
“So why not just meet right there? Why bother going to the station to join up?”
At the station, Hachiman usually dressed in a plain white shirt with Ichishi Kanji prints and shorts awaited alone at the platform. With his lackluster eyes casually surveying the bustling crowd, his hands stuffed into his pockets and slumped posture made him appear rather suspicious. Passersby who noticed his gaze became wary. Even some girls in yukatas took out their phones, ready to inform the station guards at any moment.
Komachi, who should have come with Hachiman, used test preparation as an excuse and canceled the invitation from Yui.
This led Hachiman to bear the strange looks of passersby alone.
After fiddling with his phone for a while, a somewhat urgent sound broke through the surrounding noise and reached his ears.
Hachiman lifted his gaze from the phone and looked up towards the steps leading to the platform.
The first thing that caught his eye was a familiar pink color, followed by flamboyant yellow yukata, and the figure of breasts tightly enclosed within it. The pattern of orange maple leaves on the yukata shifted due to the tightness.
“Sorry sorry! I was hurrying, so I came late.”
Yui arrived, running up breathlessly to Hachiman, causing a sharp sound as her wooden sandals clicked against the tiles.
“Have you been waiting long?”
Yui hunched over, supporting herself with her hands on her knees, and flashed an endearing smile with a hint of apology.
“Oh, oh…Not for long.” Hachiman muttered, his cheeks turning a light red as he gazed at the faint blush on her face.
He averted his gaze and internally reminded himself:
It was a close call. If a regular male high school student was stared at with such an expression, they would undoubtedly develop feelings for her. But, I, a master of being alone, will make no such mistake!
“Phew, good. Hehe…”
Yui composed herself, stood up straighter, and with trembling hands clutched her sleeve while she spoke, “How, how was it?”
“Huh? Oh… The yukata is quite nice.” Hachiman scratched his cheek, reluctantly complimented her and quickly changed the topic, “Since we’ve arrived, shall we start?”
“Uh-huh!” Yui nodded enthusiastically.
They would be seeing the fireworks show at Kanae River. They were preparing to take a train from Inage Station to Hanase Ward.
—
But a familiar voice reached their ears at this point. Hachiman froze instantly, feeling goosebumps all over.
“Hey, isn’t this the squinty-eyed kid?”
Sharp-eyed Rinn immediately spotted Hachiman and Yui in the crowd, especially the former’s aura exuded an obvious air of decadence, making his guilt-ridden appearance hard to miss.
Hachiman turned around mechanically like a puppet, and the familiar face of a pool surface entered his field of vision.
How come he always pops out wherever I am?
What’s with these NPCs suddenly appearing nearby!?
He shouted inwardly, but his face contorted into a half-hearted and awkward grin, “Teacher Rinn, what brings you here?”
“Oh, Yukino and I have a meeting here to see the fireworks show.” Rinn stepped forward, glancing at the bouncy-haired girl in light yellow yukata, raising his eyebrows, “Seems like you’re here as well.”
“Hello, Teacher Rinn.”
Rinn smiled in return, “Relax, treat me as Yukino’s friend.”
These words hit Hachiman’s ears like a trap. If he were to treat Rinn the same way he treated others his age, he’d be doomed to endure a painful Spartan training regimen.
“Seeing the fireworks, why don’t we wait for a bit longer since everyone can join us? You won’t be in a hurry, right?” Rinn smirked.
“Of course not!”
Yui’s face slightly reddened, shaking her head like a tambourine, “And there’s more fun when there’s company!”
“The festival is already lively enough, might as well say too lively,” Hachiman retorted, his voice low.
He really wanted to go home.
Before long, Snow arrived, not making the others wait much longer. Her usual look was completely different.
Her waist-length silky black hair was tied up with a silver hairpin behind her neck, revealing a delicate neck. Siding bangs framed her gentle facial features.
Typically bare-faced, she seldom wore makeup, but applied a light foundation and soft pink eyeshadow, subtly adding a touch of maturity and allure. Her cherry lips, coated with gloss, gleamed like luscious strawberry-flavored jelly.
She wore the same blue yukata as the others, with a subtle design of gardenias. Her slender neck was visible, showing off her tender skin; her sashes were tied perfectly, highlighting her petite figure. Underfoot, she wore wooden clogs, exposing ten cute little toes.
As the seemingly elf-like girl approached, everything around lost its brilliance, overshadowed in her presence.
Observing the casual attire of the black-haired young man, which still exuded an extraordinary aura, Snow’s eyes glittered brightly. Her clear aquamarine eyes contrasted elegantly with the dark blue yukata she wore.
“Wow! You look so beautiful today!” Yui exclaimed, glistening with excitement.
“It’s Hachiman and Yui-san…”
Snow blinked in surprise at the sight of the two schoolmates, then glanced at the black-haired young man beside her.
“We just met by chance,” Rinn explained, “as they’re also heading to the fireworks show, I suggested we join forces.”
“I see.” Snow nodded, and handed a gift bag to him.
“What is this?” Rinn opened the bag with some confusion.
“A gift.” A faint smile played on the girl’s lips, exuding natural charm and grace, “to thank you for helping me.”
“I accept it.” Rinn didn’t fuss over it, and inside he saw a set of white kimono, packed neatly in a box.
He couldn’t help but chuckle: “To think you’d give me a kimono and wear a yukata yourself?”
While a yukata could technically be considered a type of kimono, it was significantly less formal, and much more costly. The kimono, with its intricate design of golden gardenias adding an air of extravagance, represented the notion of eternal love and devotion.
“You know it’s cumbersome to wear a kimono,” he said humorously.
As soon as Rinn finished his sentence, Snow blurted, “I can help.”
“… How brave of you, Little Snow.”
Yui, unimportantly ignored for the moment but happy to watch the show, whispered into Hachiman’s ear, “She seems braver than usual.”
Snow wasn’t that easy to fool either.
The hint of red continued to deepen across her face until it washed over her entire neck in a rosy glow as she tried to explain away.
“Alright alright, stay here and wait a moment.”
Rinn smiled and walked to the restroom. In his crisp white yukata with his wooden sandals, he returned to rejoin everyone. Snow had another chance to admire the genderless beauty.
“Okay, let’s go.”
The skies gradually darkened as twilight was slowly consumed by nightfall. Moonlight and starlight mingled as a single flame lit the sky in the distance.
“Fireworks begin at seven-thirty; we’ve about thirty minutes. Shall we head back home?” Hachiman looked at the bustling crowd around them and checked the time.
“No way, why did you casually suggest going home again?” Yui complained loudly, “Plus, my sister sent a list of stuff to buy.”
She pulled out her phone and accessed Komachi’s email.
Most items looked normal except the last one: priceless memories of watching fireworks together!
How embarrassing could it possibly be, dear brother!
Hachiman thought inwardly.
“Let’s take a quick lookaround then? What did Rinn-sensei and Snow-san say?” Hachiman turned to find that he would receive no answer. Both figures had already vanished from sight.
Had anyone else done so, he would feel a tinge of sadness, but knowing that Rinn and Snow had left without notice only brought him relief.
“Could they be lost?” Yui noticed the missing pair and turned to Hachiman with a bashful smile, “Why don’t we wander around meanwhile, then communicate later via phone.”
“Good idea.”
Each of them harbored their own thoughts, neither suggesting meeting back up.
Near the riverbank, vibrant activity filled the air. Small stands and vendors set up stalls selling fresh ingredients. Loud chopping sounds mingled with casual greetings. Excitement built up rapidly as preparations took shape, setting a festive mood.
Overhead, lantern strings strung between buildings illuminated the streets with a warm glow, creating a lively atmosphere.
Rinn and Snow walked hand in hand amid the bustling crowd, each eating a popsicle. Their mouths clinked as cool sweetness melted in their mouths, refreshing the warmth of summer nights.
“There are so many people, be careful not to get separated.” Rinn chuckled.
He felt something unusual for him in such a lively environment. The heat and humidity often overwhelmed his desire to participate actively in festivities which seemed to lose meaning beyond their noisy chaos.
For festive occasions like the New Year, as he grew older, the joy diminished, leaving the harsh realities of daily life. He even had to endure days off which felt ridiculous to him.
The vibrant festival atmosphere only existed in childhood memories, vivid despite the years of reality weighing on them.
In the crowd, a man accidentally bumped into Rinn. The man apologized profusely, though visibly in pain. Meanwhile, Snow was about to be swept away by the crowd. Before panic could set in, a hand shot through, grabbing her wrist lightly and pulling her back.
“You see, I told you it’d be easy to get lost.” Rinn shrugged, unsurprised.
Warmth flowed between them, becoming increasingly intense.
“Stay close,” he whispered holding her hand.
“Mm-hmm.” Snow nodded gently, her face suffused with the light of the lanterns into a blush.
They continued walking. Suddenly, Rinn stopped to purchase two crystal-clear apple candies, handing one to Snow before smiling, “I only knew this from anime; never imagine tasting one myself.”
“Do you eat apple candies often, Rin?” Snow thanked and enquired curiously.
“Not really,” Rinn said, biting into the candy. Its texture resembled that of an ice lollipop, the outer layer shattering to reveal sweet and sour fruit flavor when broken.
“It’s enjoyable,” Rinn commented.
They paused by a goldfish scoop game. It was a tradition at festivals and fireworks events.
Noticing Snow’s eager eyes, Rinn led her over.
“One try for 500 yen,” the vendor in a white kerchief greeted warmly.
Rinn paid and the man handed Snow a paper net.
Glancing at the fat goldfish swimming leisurely in the white basin, doubt surged if this thin material could hold them, let alone when they wriggled.
The answer was apparent.
With a splash, the colored fish ruptured the paper and splashed back into the basin, its tail fluttering mockingly.
Snow’s expression tightened with determination. She paid more and tried again, her movements swift and precise like lightning, attempting to slide the fish into a blue plastic container for success.
Despite her efforts, the fat fish escaped, springing out of the white plastic bucket.
This time with a bigger splash, like Philippine divers.
Seeing this, Rinn intervened, paid again, and with咒力 boosting, scooped the fish smoothly, flailing the fat black-and-white fish dizzy before dropping it into the blue container.
The stall owner watched in awe.
“Is this cheating?” Snow remarked slightly annoyed.
“He didn’t catch it?”
“Won’t this make him a sore loser?”
“Should I lose if I can win? Having jujutsu power is my strength.”
As they bickered, the night grew steadily deep, dusk faded entirely, and a cool evening breeze blew in from the riverside, scattering clouds and revealing stars.
Time crept closer to the fireworks’ scheduled start.
At the riverbank’s grassy area where most spots suited for fireworks viewing were taken, Snow was unfazed and said, “Reach out to Yui.”
“Not necessary, they’re right there,” Rinn pointed toward a busy spot where Hachiman and Yui stood, seemingly uncomfortable with the crush.
“Let’s join them.”
For once Snow took Rinn’s hand, leading him until finally, she released her grip behind her back.
“Oh, Snow! I was wondering where you guys went; about to call you.”
Seeing them arrive, Yui broke into a delighted grin.
“The timing’s nearly there, I’ll take you to the paid area.”
“Paid area?”
“Don’t worry, free for us, since father’s a prefectural assembly member.”
“Top-tier society indeed,” Yui marveled.
Snow just smiled indifferently.
Walking to the paid area, fewer tourists meant fresher air. Comfortable seating awaited along with drink stands.
“Wow, more alive than expected!”
Behind them, a flirtatious voice sounded, Yukinoshita Yuno waving a fan, approaching gracefully.
Her gaze lingered on Rinn, who wore a white kimono, her eyes glowing as she moved closer, examining him closely and nodding appreciatively, “Indeed, personal contact trumps any photo.”
“Perfect fit!” Yuno said, nodding.
“Sister!” Snow’s eyes darkened, regarding her, “Aren’t you hosting guests?”
“Well, let me sneak away for a bit. Working hard till now, you know.”
Complaining inwardly, Snow resignedly accepted her sister’s constant company, though their company had grown beyond her expectations, from just Hachiman and Yui to now include Yuno.
Five people sat on a bench, admiring the shimmering Hanase River.
Next, a firework burst into the sky, signaling the beginning. Fireworks launched in sequence, streaking across the night like shooting stars, underlining the sky with vibrant colors.
The crowd below bathed in glowing reflections.
Cheers drowned out the explosions as the summer season officially bid farewell.
Suddenly, Rinn’s phone buzzed with a call from Ijichi Kiyotaka.
