Gojo Satoru: The Strongest Sorcerer Among Exorcists

Evening, 7:30 PM.

The bright sky gradually shifted from day to night as streetlights illuminated the city. The streets grew busier with workers returning home after their long shifts.

Nino Nakano and Gojo Satoru walked side by side on a bridge overlooking the river.

Having just finished dinner at a sushi restaurant, they decided to stroll for a bit, enjoying the night view while letting their food settle.

The two walked in silence, neither speaking a word. Around them, only a few scattered pedestrians passed by.

"Gojo-kun," Nino finally broke the silence.

"Even though I've said this many times already, I want to say it again—arigato (thank you)."

Gojo didn't respond immediately but lowered his gaze slightly, watching the girl speak.

"Thank you for saving me that day. If it weren't for you, I would've been eaten by the monsters in Magano, right? Haha…"

Nino forced a weak laugh, trying to lighten the mood.

"Ah, geez… If I had died, I think Ichika and the others would've been devastated. After all, without me to cook for them, they'd probably survive on takeout—or worse, Ichika might try cooking herself."

"She's so hopeless in the kitchen. I remember one time she nearly blew up the kitchen. Back then, I—"

Gojo remained silent, quietly listening to her words.

By the time she finished, Nino's sapphire eyes were brimming with tears, her voice choking with emotion.

"I… I could accept my own death, but I couldn't bear for Ichika, Miku, Yotsuba, Itsuki, or my father to feel heartbroken. I—"

"Ah? Why am I crying? I'm so sorry, Gojo-kun, for showing you this side of me."

Realizing her blurred vision, Nino wiped her eyes instinctively, feeling the wet tears streak her fingers.

Still, Gojo didn't say anything. He simply pulled a tissue from his pocket and handed it to her.

Taking the tissue, Nino dabbed at her tears and sniffled.

"The fact that you showed up that day and saved me—I'm truly, deeply grateful, Gojo-kun."

She wasn't saying all this to earn Gojo's pity.

For days, she had suppressed her emotions, and now she just wanted to let it all out to someone who would understand.

And who better to confide in than the person who had saved her life—Gojo Satoru?

Having voiced her feelings, Nino felt a sense of relief.

Meanwhile, behind them…

Ichika and the other sisters continued their stealthy pursuit.

"Nino's crying? Why is she crying?" Miku asked worriedly.

She was fine just a moment ago. What had happened to make her cry?

"Damn it! It's definitely that man's fault. I'm going to give him a piece of my mind!" Itsuki declared angrily, already stepping forward before Ichika grabbed her and held her back.

"Calm down, Itsuki. Look at Nino's expression—it's not one of anger, but gratitude. Relax."

As the eldest sister, Ichika felt a surge of anger seeing Nino cry, but upon closer observation, she realized that Nino's tears weren't of sadness.

"She's… thanking him?" Yotsuba murmured, her lips trembling with concern.

Not knowing the context, seeing Nino cry made her heart ache too.

Back on the bridge…

After regaining her composure, Nino turned to Gojo with a slightly shy expression.

"Gojo-kun, could you… bend down a little? There's something I want to tell you," she said, her voice trembling ever so slightly.

Gojo blinked, a hint of suspicion crossing his mind.

But still, he leaned down toward her—

"Mua—"

Without warning, her soft pink lips landed on his cheek.

At that moment, time seemed to freeze.

Behind them, the four Nakano sisters were utterly stunned, their arms flailing as they tried to process what had just happened.

About two seconds later, Nino pulled back, her face as red as a ripe apple. She brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and stammered nervously.

"D-don't get the wrong idea! That was just a kiss to express my gratitude. Nothing more!"

Being able to kiss his cheek was already the limit of her courage.

Standing upright again, Gojo's lips curled into a small smile. He reached out and gently ruffled her hair.

"Alright, alright. I won't overthink it. It's almost 8 PM; let me walk you home. Your sisters are probably starting to worry about you."

This bashful, tsundere demeanor—now this was the Nino he knew.

As he spoke, Gojo's gaze shifted meaningfully to the back.

There, hidden among the bushes, the four sisters crouched in hiding. However, a small green ribbon peeked out from the corner, revealing the "stealth master"—Yotsuba.

Satisfied, Gojo and Nino left the bridge, disappearing into the night.

The four sisters, now left behind, were buzzing with excitement.

"So bold! Nino was so bold—she actually kissed him!" Yotsuba exclaimed dramatically, her eyes wide with amazement.

"I-it was… definitely…" Itsuki's words stumbled as her eyes spun in disbelief.

Miku said nothing, but her flushed cheeks betrayed her thoughts.

As for Ichika, she remained deep in thought, a calculating look on her face.

She was wondering if it might be time to have a little chat with Nino and encourage her to come clean.

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