JJK: Wheel of Time

Shin Shuichi picked up the dried finger, feeling a strange sensation as he held it. It was bizarre... and seemingly indestructible. Certain special-grade cursed objects shared this characteristic, as they were often protected by powerful bindings in exchange for not causing harm unless provoked. Sukuna's fingers, however, were a unique case. Divided into twenty pieces, these cursed objects continued to attract curses even after centuries—true anomalies.

This was why Jujutsu High needed to retrieve them. If left unchecked, not only would they draw more curses, but if the right "vessel" encountered one, the King of Curses himself might be resurrected.

After wrapping the finger carefully in a talisman, Shin finished exorcising the curse, and the western section of the prison returned to normal.

Outside the barrier, Ijichi spotted Shin's figure emerging from the hall and watched as the barrier dissolved.

"Good work, Shin-kun. Did you manage to retrieve the target?"

Shin held up the wrapped finger with a slight grimace. "Is there any box or something we can put this in? Carrying it around feels a bit... unsettling."

Ijichi nodded. "We have some wooden boxes in the car, specifically for storing cursed objects."

"Alright, let's get out of here."

As they made their way to the car, the prison warden, Yamaguchi Takayoshi, suddenly appeared, eagerly bidding them farewell. Shin and Ijichi left the prison, driving away from the eerie atmosphere.

Through the car window, Shin gazed out at the sky, now covered in a soft white filter as snowflakes began to drift down. As they hit the ground or the car's windshield, they left faint traces of moisture before melting away. Something stirred in Shin's memory, and he muttered to himself.

"It's almost New Year's, huh?"

Ijichi, overhearing, smiled in surprise. "It's already the 30th, actually. A lot of people are planning to line up at shrines tomorrow."

In Japan, influenced by cultural traditions from across the sea, New Year's is a major holiday. While the country used to celebrate both New Year's and Lunar New Year, the shift to the Gregorian calendar meant that now, only the first day of January was widely celebrated. Many of the customs still carried echoes of ancient practices, with local traditions mixed in.

For example, on the last day of the year, many temples would ring their bells exactly 108 times. According to Buddhist teachings, these chimes represent the elimination of the 108 earthly desires that cause suffering. After the bells finish ringing, people would then flock to shrines and temples for their first prayers of the new year—a practice known as hatsumode.

Many people, hoping to start the year with good fortune, would line up on New Year's Eve just to secure a spot for their first prayers at the shrine. There were other traditions too, like eating soba noodles, but Shin remembered best the meals he'd shared with Fushiguro Megumi and his sister, Tsumiki, during past New Year's celebrations. Tsumiki's cooking—especially her soba—was always devoured by him and Megumi.

"Ijichi-san, are you spending New Year's with your family? Oh, by the way, are you married?" Shin asked casually.

Ijichi laughed heartily. "Not yet. You know, many Jujutsu sorcerers marry late—there are too many unpredictable dangers in this line of work. As a supervisor, I have it a bit easier. But yes, I'll be spending New Year's with my family. They've been pestering me to settle down too."

Knowing Shin's circumstances, Ijichi quickly shifted the conversation. After arriving back at Jujutsu High, Shin parted ways with him, as Ijichi went to turn in Sukuna's finger at the restricted storage vault.

When Shin arrived at the school, he met Principal Yaga, who took the wooden box containing Sukuna's finger. After Shin briefly reported the mission details, his responsibilities were done. All that was left was to wait for his reward.

On the way back to the dorms, Shin spotted Yuta Okkotsu and Toge Inumaki, along with White Wolf. They were carrying several bags, and when they saw Shin approaching, they waved him over. Helping them carry the load, Shin naturally asked what they were up to.

"Everyone's planning to spend New Year's at the school, so Inumaki-senpai and I went shopping for supplies. Gojo-sensei even said he'd make handmade noodles for us," Yuta explained.

"Salmon," Toge added.

Understanding, Shin tried to imagine Gojo Satoru making noodles but found it difficult to picture. In his memory, Gojo had never cooked before. Still, knowing Gojo's confidence, he probably wouldn't have trouble with it.

"What about Maki and the others?" Shin asked.

Yuta thought for a moment. "When we left, Maki-senpai was still training with Megumi. They're probably still at it now. Panda said he was cleaning a room; he wants to use it for a gathering later."

After dropping off the groceries, the three headed over to Panda. When they arrived, they found him in an apron, holding a broom and tidying up. The room wasn't particularly dirty—just a bit dusty. More than anything, Panda seemed to be doing it for symbolic reasons, to make the place feel fresh.

With their help, the cleaning was finished in no time. They then made their way to the training grounds, where Maki and Megumi were sparring intensely. By the time they arrived, Megumi had been bested once again by Maki.

"Take some time to review what you've learned," Maki told Megumi as he caught his breath.

After that, Maki greeted the others and asked, "Did you guys finish everything already? I was going to help out with Megumi later."

Panda chuckled. "Shin's technique made things go a lot faster. We're all set."

"Tuna mayo," Inumaki added.

Shin suddenly remembered something and turned to Toge. "Are you staying at the school for New Year's too?"

"Salmon."

Panda explained, "Toge already told his family he'd stay here. He plans to go home on the 1st."

Among the group, Shin and Megumi had no particular place to go, so staying at the school for New Year's made no difference. Yuta, after resolving his issues with his family, had also decided to stay at Jujutsu High for the New Year before returning home. As for Maki, she had no intention of returning to the suffocating "home" of the Zen'in family. New Year's, for her, was about joy and freedom. And for Panda, Jujutsu High was his home, so staying here felt natural.

All things considered, the upcoming New Year seemed like it would be quite lively.

"Hey, if none of you have plans for today, how about we go out for dinner? Ijichi-san recommended a place earlier, and it sounds like the food is pretty good," Shin suggested.

Panda scratched his head. "Actually, the sukiyaki you made last time was really good too, Shin."

At the mention of that meal, everyone's expressions shifted slightly. The flavor had indeed been excellent, but the intense spiciness left some mixed feelings—both love and dread.

"Don't worry. We can make it again tomorrow. We can even invite more people this time. Didn't Principal Yaga really enjoy it too?"

With that, the plan was settled. After getting the restaurant's location and contact info from Ijichi, Shin reserved a private room. But then, a new issue came up: none of them had driver's licenses, and they didn't know how they'd get there.

In the end, they had to trouble Ijichi and Nitta Akari, who happened to be free, to give them a ride. Since they'd need a lift back as well, both drivers were enthusiastically invited to join the group for the gathering.

"It feels like as the New Year approaches, everyone's more relaxed. It's as if the world is becoming a better place," Akari said with a contented sigh after enjoying the meal.

Maki adjusted her glasses and agreed, "Yeah, curse activity has decreased a lot. Plus, people's emotions tend to shift toward more positive feelings around New Year's. I've only had one mission in the past two days."

Everyone chimed in, except for Shin Shuichi, who wore a sour expression. "Huh? Why have I been running around doing several missions over the past few days? I've even encountered two special-grade curses!"

Panda scratched his head. "You've been that busy, Shin? No wonder we haven't seen much of you lately."

Maki snorted. "It's definitely because that blindfolded idiot has been assigning you missions, isn't it?"

Shin had no real comeback. He didn't mind too much, though. He had only mentioned it because it fit the conversation. The group soon shifted to discussing the cursed spirits Shin had encountered during his missions.

While the information wasn't particularly vital, there were no outsiders around, so it was just casual talk. Anyone who overheard would probably have no idea what they were even talking about.

"A stitched-up face and a humanoid curse that can speak?" After hearing Shin's description of Mahito, everyone began to speculate. A technique that could manipulate souls was indeed incredibly dangerous—just one mistake could be fatal. Even reverse curse technique wouldn't work against that kind of damage.

"Tactical retreat!" Panda declared solemnly. After considering the situation, he concluded that it would be the best course of action. Maki frowned, wanting to argue, but ultimately had to admit that, without a weapon capable of harming souls, retreat might be the best option.

"By the way, Yuta, are you really planning to go abroad?" Shin asked, turning the topic to Yuta Okkotsu.

Yuta smiled. "Yes, Gojo-sensei has assigned me a long-term mission. I might be abroad for a while. I'll bring back some local souvenirs for everyone. Is there anything in particular you want?"

Shin shrugged. "It has to be something unique to the area, or it's meaningless. If it's something you can buy online, then it's not worth it."

Maki overheard this and countered, "I think it's more important to bring back something that aligns with the recipient's preferences. That way, both parties will be happy. Local specialties are sometimes just novelties that people don't really enjoy after the initial surprise wears off."

The two exchanged glances, as if sparks were flying between them. Shin smirked and began debating whether local specialty gifts or personally thoughtful ones were better.

"Uh… couldn't there be something that's both unique to the area and something you all like?" Yuta cautiously interrupted, bringing their argument to a halt.

Shin coughed awkwardly and asked, "Do you know which country you're going to yet, Yuta?"

Yuta shook his head. "Gojo-sensei hasn't told me yet. I'll find out later."

After enjoying the meal at the restaurant Ijichi recommended, Shin felt that the food was on par with, if not better than, some of the more heavily advertised brand-name establishments.

Upon returning to Jujutsu High, there wasn't much left to do except some early preparations. They hung up shimenawa ropes and other traditional decorations to welcome the New Year.

With some free time, Shin dragged Panda to play video games together. Soon enough, the New Year arrived.

On December 31st, Gojo Satoru appeared with a smile and handed out otoshidama (New Year's money) to everyone. Even here, the tradition of giving money was alive, though it was called otoshidama in Japan. The meaning was essentially the same.

Of course, being the wealthy heir of the Gojo family, Gojo's envelopes were thick and generous. After thanking him happily, everyone couldn't help but wonder what he was planning.

"What are you all getting ready for?" Gojo asked curiously.

"We're making hot pot for lunch and noodles for dinner. We've already prepared everything for you, Gojo-sensei," Panda replied.

Gojo gave a confident thumbs up. "No problem! You can look forward to my amazing culinary skills!"

Shin had just finished helping with the kitchen preparations and overheard Gojo's words as he came out. He immediately rolled his eyes and quipped, "Gojo-sensei, I've never seen you cook before. Don't disappoint us."

Gojo waved off the remark. "Relax, I'm a man of many talents. Oh? Something smells really good."

"Haha, before that, why don't you try my cooking first?" Shin suggested.

"Did you make enough food? I might as well invite Shoko and the others too. They're probably still at school," Gojo said.

Shin nodded. "We've made plenty. Call Principal Yaga, Nanami-senpai, Shoko-san, and anyone else who's around. New Year's is meant to be lively, after all."

…

In the end, the last day of the year became a lively gathering. The room they had set up was almost full, with everyone sitting around a steaming hot pot. Shoko Ieiri and Nanami Kento even began a drinking contest.

Principal Yaga, Ijichi, and a few others had a glass or two as well, while Gojo continued eating and drinking along with the students, though he stuck to non-alcoholic beverages like them.

"Ah… this is the perfect way to enjoy winter—spicy food to warm you up," Shoko commented, surprisingly good at holding her alcohol.

"Isn't it a bit too harsh on the stomach, though?" Ijichi remarked, stuck between wanting to enjoy the food and being overwhelmed by the spice.

Yuta and the others had gotten used to it, though. Their tolerance had improved over time.

After a satisfying lunch, Gojo made handmade soba noodles for dinner, and to everyone's surprise, the noodles were actually quite good.

Later, the group planned to visit Asakusa Shrine for hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the New Year. Not everyone went, though. Gojo quickly said his goodbyes and disappeared, leaving most of the students to go on their own.

Asakusa Shrine was packed with people, as expected of such a famous location. The line stretched on for what seemed like forever, but the bustling atmosphere made the wait enjoyable rather than annoying. While standing in line, Shin, Megumi, Toge, and Yuta attracted the attention of several shy girls, who came up to chat with them.

It seemed that if Maki and Panda hadn't been standing nearby looking as unique as they did, even more people would have approached.

"Huh? What did you say?" Maki growled, ready to fight, but Panda held her back.

Amid their playful bickering, the New Year's bells finally began to ring.

The group was fortunate enough to get a chance to ring the bell themselves. After making their wishes, they sent their hopes for the future off with the sound of the bell, welcoming the new year.

Even though Shin was an atheist, the atmosphere of the New Year made it easy to participate in the tradition of praying to the shrine's gods. To him, it felt more like a symbolic gesture than anything truly spiritual.

As they walked back through the soft snow, Panda instigated a snowball fight, and Toge and Shin immediately joined in, dragging the others into the chaos.

Maki's precision was unmatched—she never missed her target, and her throws were so accurate that she could land a snowball down your collar without hitting your face.

Watching from the sidelines, Shoko sighed nostalgically. "This… this is what youth is about. Having friends."

°°°

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