Chapter 7: Chapter 7: A Promise Under Starlight
Chapter 7: A Promise Under Starlight
.
.
The evening unfolded within the grand dining hall of the Gojo estate, where elegance met tradition in a seamless blend of modern luxury. A long, polished mahogany table stood at the center, adorned with pristine silverware and delicate porcelain dishes. The golden glow of a crystal chandelier bathed the room in warmth, reflecting off the refined décor that spoke of generations of prestige.
Seated at the table were two of Japan's most influential families—The Gojos and The Yaoyorozus. The conversation between the heads of the households was fluid, filled with mutual respect and shared history.
"Your company has been making waves internationally," Gojo's father, Gojo Satoru Sr., remarked with a relaxed smile, lifting his wine glass. "Global expansion is no easy feat."
Yaoyorozu's father, Yaoyorozu Kenji, gave a courteous nod. "We've been fortunate. Our family's Quirk has been an invaluable asset in research and development. The right connections, the right resources—it all comes together in time."
Gojo Sr. chuckled. "Ah, the careful balancing act of business and legacy. The burden we pass down to our children."
The conversation carried on in a warm and respectful manner, drifting between anecdotes of past ventures and the expectations placed upon those born into privilege. It was a meeting not just of two families, but of two dynasties.
Then, amidst the gentle hum of conversation and the soft clinking of cutlery, the atmosphere shifted.
Gojo Sr. placed his glass down with measured care, his tone adopting a quiet sincerity. "To be frank, finding a suitable partner for my son has not been an easy matter."
Kenji, intrigued, leaned slightly forward.
"The Gojo lineage is... unique. Satoru will inherit more than just our wealth—he will carry the name into the future, and with it, the expectations of an entire empire. But more than anything, I wanted a kind-hearted daughter-in-law, someone who would walk beside him, not behind him. Good people are not so easy to find."
At this, Kenji's expression softened. "That is a sentiment I understand well." He exhaled, glancing briefly at his daughter. "From the moment Momo was born, I knew her ability would make her valuable to many—but not always in a way that would benefit her. There are those who would see her as nothing more than an asset, a tool to be exploited." His voice grew firm. "I could not allow that. I needed to find someone who would respect her for who she is, not just what she can do."
Their wives, who had been listening attentively, shared a glance.
"This is all well and good," Gojo's mother said with a knowing smile, "but in the end, these are just formalities. What truly matters is what the children themselves think."
Kenji's wife nodded in agreement. "We cannot decide their future for them. The final choice is theirs to make."
At this, all eyes turned toward the two youngest at the table—Gojo Satoru and Yaoyorozu Momo.
A hush fell over the room.
Momo's dark, intelligent eyes met Satoru's striking blue ones. This time, neither looked away.
For a fleeting moment, thoughts passed between them unspoken.
"She's... actually really cute." The realization struck Gojo as he observed her properly for the first time. Her refined posture, the way her fingers rested lightly against her lap, the sincerity in her gaze—there was a quiet elegance to her. "I don't think I'd mind this at all."
Breaking the silence, he finally spoke, his tone calm and assured. "I have no objections," he said easily. "But only if Yaoyorozu-san's wishes are respected."
Momo blinked, slightly taken aback. She had expected him to accept without hesitation, without consideration. Yet here he was, acknowledging her choice as the most important factor.
She hesitated, thinking, "I won't deny that he's handsome. But more than that… he's composed. Confident. I, on the other hand, feel completely out of my element."
Then, after a moment of thought, she turned to her father and spoke with steady resolve. "As long as this engagement does not interfere with my dream of becoming a Pro Hero… then I will accept."
A warm wave of approval swept through the room. Both families exchanged pleased smiles, glasses were raised in celebration, and a sense of harmony settled over the gathering.
Yet, for Satoru, something felt... off.
His fingers curled slightly against the table.
"She wants to be a hero? Yaoyorozu Momo? Why does that feel... important?"
A sudden flash of blue light pulsed across his vision. The system's interface appeared, cold and clinical.
[DATABASE WIPE COMPLETE – MEMORY BLOCK APPLIED TO PRESERVE GAME INTEGRITY.]
His pupils dilated slightly.
[ONE HOUR REMAINING UNTIL PENALTY. PLEASE COMPLETE DAILY TASKS.]
Satoru inhaled sharply. "Again?" His thoughts churned, but outwardly, his expression remained unreadable. He shut the screen away, dismissing the intrusive message.
"No one gets to decide what I do."
—
Hours later, under the cool embrace of the night sky, the Yaoyorozu family stood at the grand entrance of the Gojo estate, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight.
Parting words were exchanged, handshakes and bows given, as the two families bid their farewells. Kenji led his wife toward their car, leaving Momo standing near the entrance.
Satoru remained by the doorway, watching the scene unfold in silence.
Then, unexpectedly, Momo turned and approached him.
Her steps were measured, composed, as she retrieved her phone from her pocket. Standing before him, she met his gaze and spoke with quiet finality.
"You're my fiancé now," she said plainly. "You can call me whenever you need to. And…" She hesitated for only a fraction of a second before continuing, "I'll make sure not to talk to other boys unnecessarily."
Satoru blinked, caught off guard by her blunt honesty. "That's… a bit extreme, don't you think?"
Momo shook her head. "No. It's necessary."
For the first time that night, Gojo truly observed her—not just as a wealthy heiress, not just as his fiancée, but as a person. Her unwavering resolve, the quiet intensity in her eyes…
"She's serious about this. About everything."
After a brief pause, he pulled out his phone, exchanging numbers with her.
She gave him a small nod before turning away, walking toward the waiting car.
As he watched her leave, Gojo lifted his gaze to the sky—where stars scattered like dust across an endless canvas. A cool breeze swept through the night, rustling his white hair.
A small, amused smile played at his lips.
"I think I might actually be lucky."
—
Elsewhere, in the darker corners of the city…
A figure emerged from the shadows, moving with an easy, unhurried gait.
Sukuna pocketed the last of his earnings, a small wad of crumpled bills—the only reward he had managed to extract from selling the stolen goods he had taken earlier. The merchant had eyed him warily, questioning the origin of such odd items, but money was money.
It was just enough to buy himself dinner.
He sighed, tilting his head back to stare at the night sky, his crimson eyes gleaming under the moonlight.
"I think I might actually be cursed."
And with that, the two fates walked their separate paths, unaware of the forces that would soon draw them together.
.
.
More Chapters always on;
Patr eon. com/Sakana0