Chapter Text
“Tsumiki, stop! No!”
Both Megumi and Satoru’s gaze snapped towards the screen at an instant at the distressed voice. Megumi was shown running around the counter with Tsumiki chasing him with icing in her hands and party hats on while laughing. Shoko’s laughter wasn’t far behind as well.
A sigh was heard, although the tone suggested it wasn’t unhappy. “Don’t hurt yourselves now.” Nanami started from somewhere behind the camera, making Tsumiki slow down a bit.
“Nanami’s right.” Yaga’s voice called out from behind as well, being the one holding the camera. “Be careful.”
“It’s Megumi’s birthday, it’s supposed to be fun!” Tsumiki responded with a big smile, turning towards Yaga for a second before still trying to chase down Megumi.
Satoru’s heart sank as he realized what was shown, his eyes growing wide. His grip on his crossed arms slightly tightened.
“Even if, you better be careful.” Nanami told as a slight warning.
She stopped chasing his brother and instead, she walked towards Nanami, the camera following her. He raised an eyebrow as she gestured that he’d kneel down. He did so, and not a moment later, she smudged icing on his nose with a firm look. “That’s for interrupting the fun.”
Shoko tried not to snicker at Nanami’s surprised look, even with his barely expressionless face, but to her and Yaga’s surprise, he made a soft smile. “Apologies. You’re right.” He stood up and wiped his nose. But not before Shoko managed to take a picture, making the man glare at her. “You are not.”
“I am. He would laugh his ass off.” Shoko told cheekily, making Nanami sigh.
Satoru swallowed. Normally, he would laugh at the situation, like he did the first time when he got the picture, but his gaze was stuck on the screen and on Megumi whenever he was on the screen. Shoko tried to comfort him, but he had turned Infinity on, making her unable to touch him. “Satoru.” She whispered, trying to get his attention, but he did not hear her.
On the screen, Tsumiki finally caught Megumi off guard and got icing on his brow while laughing. Megumi made a small smile, but his smile faded soon after, with a haunted look coming over his face.
“Megumi?” Tsumiki asked, worried.
Everyone looked at the kid, waiting for him to reply, only for him to stay quiet with his gaze lowered, slightly clenching his fists. The camera was given to Shoko and Yaga kneeled down next to him, putting a hand on his shoulder, hoping to provide comfort. The kid raised his head and looked at him. “I wish Satoru was here.”
Satoru swore his heart started to beat faster by the quiet and vulnerable tone of the kid. Even if he didn’t show it, it was clear that the kid was upset that Satoru wasn’t there on that day. Shoko tried to get his attention again, seeing his clenched fists, but was unable to reach him.
She then saw Yaga slowly put a hand on the sorcerer’s shoulder, making him look at his teacher, who nodded reassuringly. Shoko furrowed her brows, slightly offended that she wasn’t allowed in Infinity, but also concerned by the emotions he was probably feeling.
“Well, that’s why we have this, don’t we?” The screen shook a bit as Shoko spoke, moving the camera around. “I’m sure Satoru would tease you right about now.”
“And make you annoyed.” Tsumiki giggled, making Megumi scoff.
“Yeah.” He answered, looking down before back up again.
The screen then shifted and showed the 4-layered chocolate and vanilla mixed cake being finished, and Satoru almost wanted to comment on “Happy Birthday sea urchin!” on the cake, but kept his mouth shut.
Everyone then sang happy birthday to Megumi, who stood there, scowly and flustered.
“Come on, make a wish, Megumi!” Tsumiki’s eager tone was heard and Megumi looked at her, before at the camera and then at the cake. Megumi took a deep breath and blew out the candles. He then looked straight at the camera with a scowl before it turned black, the footage ending.
“Another example of Mr. Gojo being late, I assume?” Toji’s attorney told, glancing at Megumi, who furrowed his brows and glanced down. “The way I see it, he has a reputation for being late, as said by Fushiguro Megumi himself.” He turned towards the judge.
“Your honor, may I approach the bench?” Natoshi suddenly called out, making everyone look at him.
“You may.” The judge nodded and Natoshi walked to him, whispering something so only he could hear. The judge’s brow furrowed slightly at what he heard.
Satoru looked at Megumi, who found the ground to be most interesting out of everything in this room and Satoru couldn’t blame the kid. He couldn’t even blame himself.
“Alright.” The judge concluded after a while, turning towards the room. “Fushiguro Toji, please approach the stand.” He told, making the man raise an eyebrow, but complied anyway.
The attorney seemed confused by the sudden turn of events, but a glance from the judge made him back down. Natoshi went in front of Toji with a calm yet firm look. “Fushiguro Toji. From what we saw in the footage as well as what my client has told, you spoke to Gojo about the siblings. Did or did you not tell Gojo “Do what you want” with the siblings, when you last saw him?”
Toji seemed somewhat taken aback by the information and for a second, he just stared at Natoshi. His eyes were darting across the stand for a second, the gears in his head turning. Satoru saw the same look of realization on his face as he had earlier and wondered what was going on.
“I did.”
The affirmation took everyone aback, especially the attorney and the judge. Natoshi was as calm as a feather, as he had a slight hunch about this already. “Why did you tell him that?” Natoshi asked.
“Objection, your honor, relevance.”
“Objection overruled.” The judge didn’t even let Toji’s attorney finish when he cut him off. “Fushiguro Toji, answer the question.” The attorney glared at Natoshi.
Toji looked at Natoshi straight in the eye and, with no hesitation whatsoever, answered. “I told him that because at the time, I thought I was going to die.”
Satoru looked at him with wide eyes, his heart fastening its pace in his chest. He wasn’t going to say that, was he? Yaga and Shoko were now a little nervous as well about how the outcome would turn out.
“And why did you think you were going to die?” Natoshi, still as calm as before, felt the tension from the direction of the three, but wasn’t fazed by it.
Toji eerily glanced at Satoru with a slight smirk and Satoru held his breath, waiting for the worst to happen. But to his and everyone else’s surprise, he told something completely different.
“Because I work as an assassin.” Toji looked back at Natoshi, still with that small smile. “And you could say that I miscalculated my last hit at the time and I knew that they would come after me.”
“So, you left your own children alone for years as you killed people, you thought you were going to die when you met with my client, and you told him to do whatever he wanted with your kids, whom you abandoned, correct?” Natoshi’s tone showed no mercy and was as blunt as possible.
“Yes.” Toji confirmed, making Natoshi nod and turn towards the judge.
“Your honor, I rest my case.” He told with a slight smile, seemingly satisfied with himself and how the case ended.
There was a tense silence for a couple of seconds before the judge looked up. “By these sudden turn of events, it is evident that Fushiguro Toji isn’t fit to parent.” He glanced at the papers on his desk for a moment. “You will be charged of child abandonment and neglect, as well as charged for murder. You will be sentenced to 35 years in prison. The custody of Fushiguro Megumi and Tsumiki hereby goes to Gojo Satoru.” The judge concluded, tapping the gavel against the desk.
When those words were said, Satoru felt he could finally take a breath of fresh air and let out a deep sigh of relief. Before Yaga or Shoko had even the thought of putting a reassuring and comforting hand on his shoulders, he bolted out of the sitting area, getting swiftly to his kids and hugging them tight, with Tsumiki giggling happily and Megumi huffing out in both annoyance at the hug, but also in relief.
Satoru smiled so brightly, and he felt this was the happiest day of his life as he held onto the kids tightly. Whatever happened to Toji, whether he had a change of heart or what, it didn’t matter. He had his kids back. And he wasn’t going to let anyone else take them again.
“Fushiguro Toji, you will be escorted to- where is he?” The judge glanced around the room, being surprised to see Toji not there, seemingly vanished into thin air. Toji’s attorney scowled and gritted his teeth. How did things go so bad when he was sure he had the case set to his favor?
“Come on.” Satoru grinned at the siblings, breaking the hug and wiping Tsumiki's tears. “Let’s go home.”
Both of the kids nodded, Tsumiki more eagerly than her brother. He picked up Tsumiki and set her on his hip and smiled at his teacher and friend, who also smiled back, both happy for him.
“Natoshi!” Satoru called as they were out of the courthouse, making the lawyer turn towards him. “Thank you. I wouldn’t have these two angels without you.” Satoru furrowed Megumi’s hair as he spoke, making the kid squirm away from his hand.
“It’s my pleasure, Mr. Gojo.” He responded with a soft smile. “I’m always happy to help.” He nodded before he turned away.
“Well, what are we going to do now? Celebrate with cake? Going out for fast food? Or to an amusement park?” Satoru told eagerly, suggesting places as he looked at the kids.
“How about we relax at your place.” Shoko suggested, and it seemed that Satoru almost wanted to protest, but sighed and nodded.
“You might be right. That works too.” He hugged the kids once more, chuckling happily as they walked back home. “Boy, was this an adventure or what?”
“This wasn’t even an adventure. It was horrible.” Megumi commented with a glare at the sorcerer.
“Oh, that’s right! You have a new Shikigami, don’t you?! A snake one?” Satoru turned towards him with a proud grin, as if suddenly remembering it. “When did you tame that? How come you didn’t show me before?!”
Megumi glanced away, furrowing his brows. “I was going to show you this weekend.”
“Ah, I can’t be mad at you! Good job!” He laughed, ruffling the kid’s hair again.
“Satoru, stop!”
Yaga sighed. “He’s back to normal.” He grunted, seeing Satoru’s antics and Megumi yelling at him.
Shoko laughed at that. “It was weird seeing him sulking so much.” Her smile softened, looked at her friend and his kids. “He found his family.” Yaga nodded in agreement, looking at the sorcerer and his two kids with fondness.
Toji walked along the empty sidewalk with his hands in his pockets and his head down. He thought about what had happened just hours before, and a soft smile came to his mouth. Everything else considered, he didn’t regret anything he did or said. He was happy, even if things didn't go how they were planned. He then suddenly stopped, seeing someone in front of him. Toji raised his gaze to look at the figure calmly, the smile slightly fading from his face.
“You were supposed to take the kid away.” The man told, low and dangerous, narrowing his eyes at Toji, who just smirked.
“I want what’s best for Megumi.” He answered, almost glaring at the man. “If it means him being in custody of Gojo Satoru, then so be it.”
However, it seemed that the answer wasn’t the right one the man wanted to hear. “We brought you back so you could do one simple job.” The man spoke low and in disdain. “You were given one single order.”
“Well, I don’t work for anyone, Gojo Sayama.” Toji responded, still with that subtle smirk. “I am a freelancer.” He just shrugged his shoulders.
Sayama sighed, hearing footprints come from behind him. “Then you have failed.” He told, voice low. He raised his hand to his side and in a blink, was next to Toji. “And I don’t tolerate failures.” His voice dropped lower, a hint of danger in it.
Sayama placed a hand on Toji’s shoulder, gripping it before turning around and hitting Toji’s back with his other hand, making him stumble a bit. His now limp body started to turn into mist, but there was a slight smirk on his face.
Sayama sighed in disappointment, watching the mist slowly disappear into thin air. “That was your great plan?” Sayama asked, turning towards Naobito with a raised eyebrow, a hint of disapproval in his tone. “I thought that the Zen’in would have more tricks up their sleeve.” He shook his head slightly in disappointment. “But what should I expect from your clan anyway?”
“It was supposed to work out fine.” Naobito bit back, furrowing his brows. “The resurrection was a success, and he complied with the order almost to the very end. I don’t understand what happened. But it seemed that we underestimated them.” He glared at Sayama. “I’m not seeing you having any better ideas.”
Sayama looked at him with a frown. “If you want to get the Ten Shadows back, you have to take care of Satoru first. Then the Jujutsu Tech. I told you the first time, it’s not as easy as it seems, but of course, you wouldn’t listen.” He lowered his brows.
“I would never listen to someone as arrogant and full of himself as you.” Naobito clenched his fists, looking at him in fury as he raised his voice a bit.
“Gentlemen, please. Let’s be civil about this.” A woman’s voice came from the side as she walked closer to Sayama, putting her hands on his shoulders as she kept her gaze on Naobito. “We have time, don’t we? What’s the rush?” She told with a fake innocent tone and a small smile.
“The Ten Shadows is our clan’s technique and our heir.” Naobito told through his teeth. “If Gojo Satoru wants to use him for his own gain, what’s to say it’s not against us, or you yourselves, for that matter?”
Sayama couldn’t help but snicker at how sure he seemed to be. “Satoru going against us?” He mocked in amusement.” He wouldn’t dare. We're family. He wouldn’t go against his own family.”
Naobito narrowed his eyes but didn’t argue with the man. It was possible, but he wouldn’t think Satoru was that stupid to go against his entire clan anyway. Noabito shook his head with a sigh. “In any case, we need to separate him and the Shadows.” He told, furrowing his brows in thought.
“There is one more.” A voice suddenly called out, and the three looked at the new voice as he came closer.
“Minho, so nice for you to join us.” Sayama greeted. “I hope you bring some good news, unlike the last one?”
“Indeed, Sayama.” He bowed to Sayama before looking at the three calmly, but his eyes showed intensity. “Megumi has a sister. A non-sorcerer.”
Naobito’s eyes widened, and his gaze hardened, looking at Minho with disdain.” A non-sorcerer? As a Zen’in?! Preposterous! I refuse to believe such a thing!” He gripped his fist, gritting his teeth in anger.
“Well, he does.” Minho continued, unfazed by Naobito’s sudden anger at the news, turning towards Sayama. “With the court case now done, it’ll be even more difficult to get Megumi.”
Sayama's eyes narrowed, a hint of disdain in his eyes.
“But fret not, I have a way for both of you to get what you want.” Yamada continued, looking at Naobito and Sayama, the latter gesturing for him to continue. “The school is going to go on a field trip, however, I can turn it into an overnight camp instead. I’m certain that I can get Satoru to come as well. There, I can immobilize him with the twins’ help and get the kids to you.” He told calmly, looking at Naobito in the end.
Sayama thought about the idea. He believed in Minho and knew he was the only one who could make it happen. Minho was powerful, and with his cursed technique, it would make it plausible.
“Alright. I have faith in you, brother. Do not fail me.” Sayama looked at Minho as he spoke firmly, making him nod.
“I will not, that I promise you.” He answered with a slight smile. “By the end of August, you’ll have Gojo Satoru home, and you-” He turned to Naobito. “Will have Fushiguro Megumi and Tsumiki as your own.”
They both nodded, agreeing with the idea. “Oh, but don’t hurt Sato too much, will you?” The woman smiled softly.
“Of course not, madam.” Minho bowed once more before he turned around and left the area. As Minho walked away, he grinned at the idea of how long he had managed to deceive Satoru. He was plotting right under his nose without the sorcerer even knowing.