I Sealed Sukuna’s Finger#423+424: Little Sister's Special Time, Matching Outfits

While Bokue Keikain was making one of his rare trips home to spend time with his little sister, elsewhere—after spending thirty minutes on a bus ride—Saeko Busujima arrived at her destination.

Standing at the base of the crowded stone steps leading up to Kiyomizu-dera Temple's main entrance, Gojo Satoru and his three students were already waiting.

"Yo! Busujima-san, your timing's perfect!"

Perhaps thanks to his ridiculously powerful Six Eyes vision, Gojo spotted the swordswoman emerging from a street corner through the dense crowd almost instantly. Completely disregarding any semblance of dignity, he raised his arm high and waved enthusiastically.

This overgrown man-child—pushing thirty yet still acting like an oversized teenager—looked exactly the same as he had a few months ago.

"...Good morning, Gojo-sensei."

Saeko hesitated briefly before walking over and offering a polite greeting.

"Though, didn't you message me earlier saying you'd already arrived at Kiyomizu-dera? Have you been waiting out here this whole time?"

As she spoke, her gaze drifted toward the three students standing nearby—Yuji Itadori, Megumi Fushiguro, and Nobara Kugisaki—all of whom looked completely burnt out. She mentally face-palmed.

Honestly, she wasn't the type who liked owing people favors. When Gojo had messaged her earlier saying they were at Kiyomizu-dera and asking her to meet them, Saeko had assumed they'd already gone inside to explore. She'd figured she'd call them when she arrived, and they'd finish up and come out, conveniently handing over the boat ticket then.

But looking at them now, they'd clearly been roasting under the blazing sun waiting for her, practically on the verge of heatstroke!

"Ah, no no no, it's not like that at all."

Gojo waved his hands dismissively with a grin.

"We actually just finished exploring all the shopping streets around here. Man, just wandering the outer shopping district alone made this trip worth it!"

Shopping streets?

Saeko raised an eyebrow in surprise.

She'd walked through those same outer shopping streets on her way here. Like most tourist destinations around the world, both sides of the street were lined with local specialty goods, souvenirs, and food vendors.

And because Kyoto was famous for its confections, nearly ninety-nine percent of the food stalls around Kiyomizu-dera sold sweets—matcha desserts, wagashi, yatsuhashi, and the like. Walking through felt like the very air itself was saturated with sugary sweetness.

At that moment, Nobara—who'd been on the verge of losing consciousness alongside Yuji and Megumi—seemed to have a keyword triggered. She barely managed to regain a sliver of awareness, trembling as she raised one shaky finger to point at the still-energetic Gojo.

"Next time you buy sweets... just get them for yourself, Gojo-sensei. I'll pass."

"Same here..."

"Me too..."

Like a chain reaction, the moment Nobara finished speaking, the two boys collapsed beside her echoed her sentiment.

"Huh? What, the sweets weren't good?"

Faced with his students' protests, Gojo scratched his face in confusion.

"They should've been pretty tasty though. I even paid extra to have the shopkeepers triple the sugar content."

Triple... sugar content.

Saeko suddenly understood why all three of them were sprawled on the ground.

After all, sweet things naturally created a sense of fullness. And to sample every single shop along the entire commercial street, with triple the sweetness no less—

Yeah, no human being could handle that.

Actually, scratch that—even a cursed spirit would probably tap out.

"Oh right, here you go, Busujima-san."

After chatting for a bit, as if suddenly remembering why he'd called the swordswoman here in the first place, Gojo smacked his forehead and pulled a paper boat ticket from his clothes.

"Here. The departure's in a week. Good thing we bought the tickets last night, otherwise if we'd waited until today it would've been delayed another day."

"...Thank you."

Though she still couldn't wrap her head around why Itogami Island had mysteriously moved next to Kyoto, at least he'd helped her buy the ticket. Saeko sincerely expressed her gratitude.

"But Gojo-sensei, why did you all come to Kyoto anyway?"

The swordswoman looked somewhat puzzled.

The Jujutsu Association wasn't hurting for money, after all. Tokyo Jujutsu High, which had been blown up during that cursed spirit invasion, had been fully renovated ages ago.

She'd come to Kyoto because the Jujutsu Association had specifically assigned her to continue monitoring Bokue Keikain. But Gojo and his students had no reason to go to Itogami Island.

So what were they here for?

Was it simply because they wanted to visit the legendary Demon District before summer vacation ended?

"Well, explaining that's a bit complicated. Long story short, it's about Itadori-kun's situation."

Gojo pulled out a pair of sunglasses from somewhere and slipped them on.

"Anyway, forget about that for now. It's almost lunchtime, and we still haven't explored inside Kiyomizu-dera yet. Busujima-san, want to come with us?"

"I'll... have to pass."

Saeko shook her head, declining politely.

Gojo looked genuinely surprised. "Huh? Don't tell me you're not into temples, Busujima-san? I would've thought someone with your elegant vibe would love classic sites like this."

"It's not that..."

Saeko smiled somewhat helplessly, stepping aside to gesture at the suitcase behind her.

"I'm actually quite interested in these kinds of attractions. It's just that I came here straight from getting off the bullet train, so I'd like to drop my luggage off at the hotel first. Even I'd find it exhausting to tour a whole site while dragging all this stuff around."

"Ah, that makes sense."

Gojo's mouth formed an exaggerated O-shape.

"In that case, you should head to your hotel first, Busujima-san. Itadori-kun and I will go ahead inside. If there's time tomorrow or the day after, we can explore together."

"Sounds good. I'll be going then."

After exchanging polite farewells once more, Saeko nodded with a smile, turned, and left while pulling her suitcase behind her.

Once she'd gotten a bit farther away, she glanced back at Kiyomizu-dera Temple one more time.

The crowds really are massive right now. I'll come back later when it's quieter.

❁❁❁❁

Meanwhile, at the Keikain family estate in Kyoto.

Inside the family head's residence, Yura had just finished bathing and emerged from the bathroom. Seeing her older brother still sitting in the outer living room, tilting his head as he watched her, her face flushed slightly. She quickly raised a hand to fix her slightly disheveled hair, damp from the bath.

"Brother, you're still here."

"Hmm? Why do you say it like that? Don't you want to see me?"

"...It's not that. It's just... every time you come home, you usually only stay for a little while before leaving again."

The young Onmyōji girl's voice grew quieter as she continued.

"So I'm a bit... surprised, that's all."

"What's so surprising about it?"

Sitting at the table in the living room, Bokue Keikain shrugged.

"I came here today specifically to spend time with you, Yura. I don't have anything else planned. Hey, want to go out together this afternoon? I don't think we've hung out in forever."

"This afternoon... I can't. Because of our partnership with the Jujutsu Association, I've got a ton of things to handle every day lately."

Yura thought for a moment, then quickly added:

"But tonight works."

"Tonight it is, then."

<><><><><><><><>

For the entire afternoon that followed, Bokue Keikain basically stayed at the family head's residence, keeping Yura company while she handled official business.

After all, she was the heir apparent. Though she hadn't fully taken over as clan head yet, considering the current head's advanced age, most matters had already been delegated to Yura for handling—essentially giving her practice to slowly familiarize herself with the responsibilities.

Time flew by, and soon evening arrived.

As the sun sank below the horizon, the twilight that had been absent all day finally blanketed Kyoto once more.

Inside the family head's study, Yura finally signed and annotated the last document of the day. She let out a long breath, closed the file, set down her pen, and raised both arms high above her head in a stretch.

"Mmm... finally done."

"Yup yup, congrats on finishing."

The moment she spoke, light applause came from her right—Bokue Keikain clapping gently.

"So can we head out now?"

"Huh? But we haven't had dinner yet..."

Yura blinked in surprise, instinctively touching her stomach.

But Bokue looked completely unconcerned.

"Then we'll eat out. Kyoto's got so much good food, we'll be stuffed just walking around."

Yura hesitated, glancing at the neatly stacked pile of completed documents on the desk.

"But I still need to deliver these files..."

"Eh, whatever. Just take them over tomorrow morning."

Their conversation was like watching a straight-A honor student being corrupted by some delinquent who skipped class, jumped fences, pulled all-nighters gaming, and had every bad habit in the book.

Yura was the honor student.

And Bokue Keikain was the delinquent.

In fact, Bokue wasn't satisfied with just verbal persuasion—he directly took action, half-forcibly lifting up the young Onmyōji girl whose legs had gone numb from sitting at the desk all day. At the same time, golden magnetic field energy began glowing around his body.

But just then, Yura—lying in his arms—called out to stop him, her voice somewhat panicked.

"W-wait a second..."

"Hmm? What's wrong? Something else you need to do?"

Bokue had already prepared to teleport away, but he still looked down to ask.

"It's just..."

The moment their eyes met, Yura immediately looked away, a light blush appearing on her fair face.

"Earlier, when summer vacation started and you came back, I specially ordered you a custom yukata from a famous shop in Kyoto. I wanted you to try it on to see if it fits... and this seems like a perfect opportunity..."

Two minutes later, having changed into the custom yukata, Bokue Keikain returned to the study.

The moment he reached the study doorway, an expectant yet nervous voice came from inside the room.

"H-how is it? Does it fit?"

"Pretty good. I like it."

As Bokue spoke, he was still looking down, adjusting the garment.

He had to admit, Yura knew his preferences. She hadn't picked anything too flashy—just simple pure black, with cherry blossom patterns embroidered in gold thread. The size and style fit him perfectly too.

Though now that he thought about it... how did Yura even know his measurements?

Just as Bokue was pondering this, the next second the young Onmyōji girl who came into view made him stop thinking entirely.

Yura, who should've been waiting in the study, had apparently taken advantage of him changing clothes to change outfits herself. She'd shed her usual hunting robes that marked her as an Onmyōji, instead wearing a white yukata embroidered with cranes.

One black, one white—flowers and cranes complementing each other beautifully.

"Th-this outfit... when I went to order yours, I also got one made for myself..."

As Yura explained, she seemed somewhat nervous. Her already slightly flushed cheeks appeared even rosier against the white yukata.

"I don't really get many chances to wear something like this. Since we're actually going out together like this, I figured I might as well change too."

"Oh, looks great."

Bokue didn't overthink it, simply nodding in approval.

"Though if we walk around together tonight, we might scare some people."

"...Scare them?"

"One black, one white—we kind of look like a pair of grim reapers."

"..."

Yura instantly fell silent.

Then the young Onmyōji girl quickly stepped forward—tap tap tap—and grabbed her older brother's hand.

"Alright, let's go."

"Have you decided where you want to go?"

Bokue let her lead him, following along obediently.

Yura hummed softly in confirmation: "Kiyomizu-dera Temple. There should be fewer people there by now, and it's on the way."

"On the way?"

Bokue found this phrasing a bit confusing.

Weren't they just going to Kiyomizu-dera to hang out? What did she mean "on the way"? It sounded like this outing had other destinations too.

"Because on the way back tonight, we also need to visit Fushimi Inari, Chūgū, Ryūen-ji, Seigen-ji, Saihōgan-ji..."

Yura rattled off about ten different location names in one breath. With each one she mentioned, Bokue's expression grew more complicated.

Because if he remembered correctly, all these places were shrines belonging to various branch families of the Keikain clan—also the locations used to disperse and seal Hagoromo-Gitsune's power.

And judging by how smoothly she recited them, like reading off a menu, inspecting all these shrines had clearly become part of Yura's daily routine.

Honestly, being the heir apparent was rough.

Though now that he thought about it, if everything went according to plan, Hagoromo-Gitsune should be making her move tonight too, right? Wonder if they'd run into her?

❁❁❁❁

Meanwhile, at the entrance to Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto.

Standing on the mountaintop plaza, watching the last rays of sunset fade beyond the distant horizon, Hagoromo-Gitsune—still dressed in her black-stockinged high school uniform—remained expressionless, her eyes betraying not a ripple of emotion. Only the mountain breeze gently stirred her pleated skirt.

Behind her came the blonde beauty's inquiring voice.

"Are you ready to depart?"

"Of course, sister."

Her response brimmed with confidence. The Lord of Darkness who'd once ruled Kyoto four hundred years ago turned her head, a smile curling at her lips.

"Your arrogant child didn't take advantage of my sealed powers to destroy me. Instead, he practically invited me to reclaim my sealed strength piece by piece. So I will honor my promise—once I've reclaimed all my power, I will wipe out every last drop of that detestable Keikain bloodline!"

As her words fell, Hagoromo-Gitsune's form dissipated into the air.

Witnessing this, Yasaka could only sigh softly, closing her eyes to channel her demonic power, further reinforcing the barrier blanketing the entire Kansai region.

❁❁❁❁

The scene shifted.

Hagoromo-Gitsune had already appeared within Fushimi Inari Shrine, the deepening twilight coalescing to form her figure, as if she'd stepped out of an ink painting.

It was currently dinnertime, so Fushimi Inari Shrine had almost no tourists, but there were still Onmyōji from Keikain branch families stationed to guard it.

Seeing someone appear so abruptly, the guards immediately raised their vigilance, surrounding her while gripping their talismans.

"Stop right there. We've closed for sightseeing today."

The lead branch family Onmyōji scrutinized the girl who'd seemingly materialized from nowhere.

The only reason he hadn't attacked immediately was because he detected no demonic energy. Plus, in this world, demons weren't the only ones who could appear in weird and unusual ways.

What if she was from some other allied faction? Starting a fight by mistake would be trouble.

There'd definitely be a whole mess to deal with afterward.

However, the unfamiliar high school girl before them acted as if she hadn't heard their warning at all. She raised one hand to lightly touch her lips, tilting her face upward arrogantly.

"Keikain Onmyōji? No matter how many years pass, you're still just as revolting."

"What did you just—!"

Hearing those words, the branch family Onmyōji realized something was wrong and moved to activate his talisman.

But it was already too late.

Like a heavenly fox, nine massive tails suddenly swept out from behind Hagoromo-Gitsune. In just an instant, all the branch family Onmyōji in the shrine were torn to pieces, blood and flesh scattering in every direction.

Having finished this, Hagoromo-Gitsune didn't even spare them a glance. She walked straight into the shrine's interior and casually yanked up the wooden post that had been covered in talismans and bound with thick ropes.

"Good. Now part of my power has returned..."

Just as Hagoromo-Gitsune was thinking this, the next second, a massive form as huge as a mountain burst up from beneath the shrine's underground.