Ultimate Man [JJK X SOL]: Loading Golden Entries at The Start

The morning sunlight barely peeked through the windows as Mai limped out of the room, her disheveled hair swaying with each uneven step. Passing by Maki in the hallway, she slowed just enough to meet her sister's sharp, accusing gaze.

Maki's lips twitched, her brow furrowing as if she was fighting the urge to say something. Instead, her narrowed eyes spoke volumes.

Mai, of course, was unfazed. Her smug smile spread wider, her lips curving in a way that made Maki's hands instinctively clench into fists. She tilted her head ever so slightly, as though daring Maki to comment.

Suppressing a growl, Maki merely turned away, her teeth grinding audibly. She didn't care that Mai had spent the night with Ryuji. What truly grated her nerves was her sister's infuriatingly smug attitude, as if Mai had just won some unspoken competition.

Moments later, Ryuji emerged from the room, looking effortlessly composed as always. His casual greeting broke the tension lingering in the hallway.

"Good morning," he said, his voice as calm as the morning breeze.

Maki turned her head, her gaze simmering with thinly veiled resentment.

"Hope you had a wonderful night," she replied, her words dripping with sarcasm.

Ryuji chuckled softly, his grin widening ever so slightly. He gave her a lazy shrug. "It wasn't so bad," he said nonchalantly before striding toward the dining table.

The aroma of breakfast filled the air as he sat down. The table was set with breakfast, undoubtedly prepared by Maki. She joined him moments later, sitting across from him with a stoic expression.

They ate in silence, the clinking of utensils against plates the only sound in the room. The tension hung thick in the air, though neither of them acknowledged it.

Mai eventually joined them, plopping herself into a chair with an air of feigned nonchalance. The atmosphere became even more strained, the silence growing heavier.

Ryuji, sensing the awkwardness, decided to break the ice. "So, what's the plan for today?" he asked, his tone light as he glanced at Maki.

Maki sighed heavily, placing her fork down with deliberate care. "We'll be going to Jujutsu High together so that Gojo will take the transfer more seriously." 

"Need me to call him?" Ryuji offered, leaning back slightly in his chair. "Might make things faster."

Maki shook her head, her tone softening. "No, it's alright. Thank you," she said, a rare note of gratitude in her voice.

Her gaze then slid toward Mai, and her lips curled into a cruel smile. "In the meantime, I'll be training Mai to get used to her powers."

Mai stiffened, a shiver running down her spine as she felt Maki's predatory gaze settle on her. She swallowed hard but said nothing, her usual bravado fading.

---

After finishing breakfast, Ryuji excused himself and bade them goodbye. He had other matters to attend to before the day truly began.

Walking into his apartment, he immediately noticed an envelope sitting on the table. It was unsealed, with Hanako and Mimiko's names scrawled neatly across the front.

He unfolded the letter, skimming the contents quickly.

"We've decided to take a break from school and focus on tracking Kenjaku and Uraume. This is something we need to do, no matter how long it takes."

Ryuji's brow furrowed slightly as he finished reading. Even after everything that had happened, the twins still harbored a deep grudge against Kenjaku. It wasn't surprising. He sighed, shaking his head.

"Stubborn as ever," he muttered, folding the letter and placing it back on the table.

Pushing the thought aside for now, he began preparing for school.

---

Stepping outside, Ryuji barely had time to register the cool morning air before Miko appeared. She latched onto his arm without hesitation, her radiant smile lighting up her face.

"Ryuji! Good morning, I missed you!" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.

Ryuji chuckled softly, his usual composure intact. "Morning to you too, Miko," he replied, allowing her to cling to him as they began walking.

As they made their way toward school, Miko chattered away, filling the silence with her cheerful energy. At one point, she turned to him, her expression turning slightly serious.

"By the way, don't forget our exams are next week," she reminded him, her tone tinged with concern.

Ryuji shrugged nonchalantly. "Noted," he said, though his tone made it clear he wasn't particularly worried.

Miko pouted slightly, clearly unimpressed by his lack of urgency.

"You should take this seriously, Ryuji!" she said, poking his arm for emphasis.

Ryuji smirked, a mischievous glint in his eye. "How about we make a bet like last time?"

Miko's eyes widened briefly before she shook her head vehemently, a small laugh escaping her lips. "No way! I'm not as gullible as Yukino and Yumiko."