The sun rose over Tokyo Jujutsu Academy, painting the training grounds in pale gold. Aya stepped through the gates, her uniform crisp but dusted with remnants of her rooftop battle. Her limbs ached pleasantly, her mind still alive with the thrill of victory and the weight of responsibility. She could feel the hum of Infinity within her, a steady rhythm that now pulsed in time with her heartbeat.
Gojo was already waiting, perched lazily atop a wooden beam, hands in his pockets, blindfold reflecting the morning light. "You look alive. And tired. Good signs. Now let's see if we can sharpen that tiredness into something useful."
Aya grinned faintly. "I'm ready."
Mei-sensei appeared at the edge of the courtyard, her presence calm yet commanding. "Aya. After yesterday, you've made progress. But we must refine your control. Today, you'll train under both guidance and constraint. Discipline first, instinct second."
Aya nodded, feeling the weight of the lesson. She remembered the rooftop battle and the shadow that had observed her. Whoever it was, it had tested her without revealing itself. That awareness fueled her determination. I need to be stronger. Not just for myself, but for everyone I care about.
Ren approached, brushing dust from his uniform. "Morning, Aya. Ready for more chaos?" His grin was mischievous but carried genuine respect.
Mina followed, calm and measured. "We'll train together. Try not to break anything."
Arata remained at the edge of the courtyard, arms crossed, eyes unreadable, yet his attention lingered on Aya. There was tension in his posture, subtle but noticeable. Aya could sense the silent challenge radiating from him, a test unspoken.
Mei-sensei clapped sharply. "Form pairs. Aya, you will alternate between guiding and countering attacks with your classmates. Observe, adapt, and control. Ren, Mina, Arata—support without overstepping. Aya's growth affects all of you. Treat her as the threat and ally she is."
Aya's pulse quickened. She felt the threads of energy in the courtyard, subtle vibrations of cursed energy from each student. Each of them moved with intent, and Aya realized that her control had to extend beyond herself. She needed to perceive and manipulate not just her own power, but the dynamic flow of energy around others.
Ren charged first, fast and impulsive, his energy flickering unpredictably. Aya dodged with fluidity, the Infinity barrier bending his strike harmlessly aside. She countered with a subtle push of energy, redirecting his momentum, sending him tumbling across the courtyard with a laugh.
Mina approached next, precise and deliberate. Her attacks were slower but calculated, testing Aya's anticipation and perception. Aya adjusted instinctively, weaving the threads of Infinity around Mina's strikes, redirecting and containing them without causing harm.
Arata finally stepped forward. His movements were calm, methodical, almost surgical. Every step, every feint, every attack was measured, probing Aya's defenses with subtlety and precision. Aya felt the Six Eyes flare, revealing the hidden patterns in his cursed energy. She adjusted, countering with refined control, feeling the interplay of instinct, perception, and deliberate manipulation.
By the end of the session, Aya was exhausted but exhilarated. She had managed to anticipate, counter, and manipulate the energy of three skilled classmates simultaneously, a feat few first-years could achieve.
Mei-sensei nodded, approval in her sharp gaze. "You are growing, Aya. Your instincts are strong, but your awareness of the environment, your allies, and your opponents is what will distinguish you. Remember, power without perception is danger to yourself and others."
Aya exhaled, sweat dripping down her forehead. "I understand. I need to see the whole picture, not just react."
Ren smirked, wiping his brow. "Not bad, Gojo's sister. You're getting scary."
Mina's eyes softened slightly. "Scary… in a good way."
Arata remained silent, but Aya caught a faint nod—a quiet acknowledgment of her skill and potential.
As the training wound down, Aya felt the familiar tingle of an unseen presence. The shadow that had observed her rooftop battle lingered, closer now, probing. She didn't speak of it; she didn't need to. She simply acknowledged it with a quiet tightening of her resolve.
They're coming for me, she thought, but I'm ready to face them. I will protect this place, and everyone in it.
Gojo's voice broke her thoughts. "Good. Today, you learned not just to control your power, but to integrate it with the flow of others. That's the start of true mastery. Keep this in mind—the world will never let you fight alone, Aya. Your strength is only as strong as your awareness of what surrounds you."
Aya nodded, determination solidifying in her chest. "I won't forget."
The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the courtyard. Aya's eyes flicked toward the horizon, sensing the subtle tremor of energy that heralded the arrival of something larger, more dangerous than anything she had faced yet. The unseen antagonist was no longer just observing—it was preparing to act.
Aya clenched her fists, feeling the pulse of Infinity align with her heartbeat. I will not be caught off guard. I will not falter. I am Aya Gojo, and I will face whatever comes.
The evening air carried a faint chill, but Aya felt a fire inside her, burning steady and bright. She would protect her friends, her school, and the city from the shadows that threatened them. And she would grow stronger with every challenge, no matter how formidable the enemy.
Tomorrow, they will see my true power, she whispered softly, eyes glinting with resolve.