Chapter:35 Strange Woman(2)

*Swish*

Renko's 'danger sense' jolted into action.

Almost as soon as her brain processed the words, she spun around, swiftly drawing the bayonet from her inventory, and thrust it into the side of the woman's head.

*Thud*

The bayonet seemed to have struck the side of Gojo's head, Renko could almost feel it through her hand that the hit connected, and yet, the skill 'danger sense' didn't stop ringing. Not only that, but no system notification popped up that stated that the attack did connect.

"Heh, not bad, Renko-chan. You've got quite the reflexes."

'That annoying voice!'

The white-haired woman, or rather Gojo, continued to taunt her with her playful tone, irritating her more and more by the second.

*Grunt*

She pushed the blade harder and harder, yet all it accomplished was to assure her that her attack didn't connect.

"Really, trying to stab me? That's not very nice, Renko-chan."

Gojo's voice sounded as though she was genuinely amused by the situation. Renko, however, was growing increasingly frustrated. 

Under her stunned eyes, Gojo raised her hand and flicked the blade. The metal dagger that gleamed under the streetlight shattered, its blade disintegrated into dust leaving nothing but a handle in her hand. 

[Warning: Inferior Cursed Bayonet has reached 0 durability]

[Inferior Cursed... handle?

Description: The remnants of an inferior cursed bayonet that was shattered with immense force.

Salvageable: 100g Steel]

She withdrew the handle and took a step back, eyeing Gojo warily.

Gojo continued to chuckle, seemingly unfazed by Renko's attempt at an attack. The shattered blade left Renko perplexed and slightly frustrated. She couldn't understand how Gojo effortlessly disintegrated the weapon.

Renko's 'danger sense' continued to ring, warning her of just how dangerous the woman in front of her was. She dropped the handle into her inventory and raised her hands in a defensive stance, keeping her distance from Gojo.

"Relax, Renko-chan. No need to be so tense. I'm just here for a friendly chat."

Gojo's blindfold concealed her eyes, but Renko could almost feel that this minx of a woman was having fun spooking the daylight out of her. Far from reassured, Renko wasn't even willing to let her guard down.

"Who are you, really? And what do you want?"

Renko's tone was assertive, demanding answers from the mysterious woman who seemed to enjoy the chaos she caused.

Gojo grinned, her blindfold giving her an enigmatic air.

"I already told you, Renko-chan. You can call me Big Sis Gojo. As for what I want, well, let's just say I'm interested in you."

Renko frowned,

"And spooking the daylights out of me is your way of flirting?"

Gojo burst into laughter at Renko's remark, her amusement echoing through the quiet streets. She composed herself and wiped away an imaginary tear from the corner of her eye.

"Oh, Renko-chan, you're a riot! I like that. But no, I'm not here to flirt. I'm just genuinely interested in individuals like you who have a unique set of circumstances."

Renko crossed her arms, maintaining her guarded stance.

"Unique set of circumstances? What are you talking about?"

Gojo chuckled and gestured towards Renko.

"Well, you're someone who can see curse spirits, right? Not everyone has that ability. It makes you special, and special individuals often find themselves tangled up in extraordinary situations."

Renko's frown deepened. The mention of curse spirits and her unique abilities struck a chord. She had been grappling with these newfound abilities and the mysteries surrounding them.

"How do you know about my ability to see these said 'Spirits'?"

Gojo tapped her temple, just above her blindfold.

"I've got my ways, Renko-chan. Let's just say I'm well-connected in the spiritual world."

Renko's skepticism grew. She wasn't convinced that Gojo's vague explanations were sufficient. However, she decided to probe further.

"Why are you interested in me? What's your angle in all of this?"

Gojo leaned in, her grin widening.

"Let's call it professional curiosity. I'm part of a community that deals with the supernatural. Think of us as... keepers of balance. We're made of folks like you and me, people who can see the curse spirits."

Renko eyed Gojo warily, her instincts telling her to be cautious. The mention of a community dealing with the supernatural interested her, but she wasn't ready to let her guard down just yet.

"So, what do you want from me, exactly?"

Gojo straightened up, her playful demeanor shifting to a slightly more serious tone.

"I want to offer you guidance, Renko-chan. You're new to this world of curses and spirits, and I can help you navigate through it. Trust me, it's a lot safer with someone who knows the ropes."

Renko remained skeptical. The idea of getting guidance from a mysterious woman who appeared out of nowhere and started to prank her didn't sit well with her. However, a part of her acknowledged the challenges she faced. 

Initially, she had just bulldozed her way through most of the situation related to the supernatural. Before she could even adapt to one change, another would pop up, making her life increasingly difficult.

But now she had an offer she couldn't resist. Someone was willing to guide her into understanding her newfound abilities and introduce her to a whole new community.

'It's a good offer, too good in fact. This woman must want something in return.'

"Why would you help me? What's in it for you?"

Gojo shrugged, her expression nonchalant.

"Call it a mentorship program. I'm genuinely interested in young ducklings like you. Besides, I am not entirely altruistic you know, there are several benefits to having connections with capable individuals. It's a win-win situation, Renko-chan."

Renko pondered the proposition. On one hand, the idea of guidance in navigating the supernatural world was appealing, but on the other hand, she didn't know shit about this so-called 'community' except for the self-deduced fact that they were most likely called 'Jujutsu Sorcerers.'

Also, she characterized Gojo as one of the annoying but powerful types, which left her uneasy.

"Why me? Why not someone else?"

Renko questioned, trying to understand the motive behind Gojo's interest.

Gojo tilted her head before chuckling,

"Oh dear, you really don't know much about our world, do you?"

Renko's frustration grew. The cryptic responses from Gojo were not providing the clarity she sought. The mention of an unknown world and the implication that Renko was a novice in it only fueled her curiosity.

"Cut the crap. If you want my cooperation, give me straight answers. Who are you? What's this community you speak of? And why do you care about someone like me?"

Gojo's mischievous grin persisted, and she sighed theatrically before answering her questions.

"Alright, Renko-chan, I'll give you the basic rundown. But are you sure you wanna talk out here? People are starting to stare."

Indeed, Renko noticed that the street was starting to fill up and people were staring at the two of them. Well, it can't be helped.

Who wouldn't stare at a pair of hotties? 

Renko considered Gojo's point and gestured for them to move to a quieter place.

"Let's go to my apartment, it's just across the street."

Gojo chuckled, seemingly amused by the idea,

"Oh my, are sure you wanna invite a complete stranger into your house? What if..."

Renko interrupted her question,

"What if you tried to assault me? Is that what you wanted to ask?

Gojo raised an eyebrow, her playful demeanor slightly abashed.

"Well, not necessarily. I was thinking more along the lines of what if I turned out to be a vampire or a werewolf or something? You'd be inviting a monster into your home."

Renko sighed, realizing that Gojo was intent to keep on bullshitting.

"You... a vampire or a werewolf? I highly doubt that. Let's just head to my place, and you can answer my questions."

Gojo chuckled, seemingly delighted by the idea.

"Lead the way, Renko-chan."

They walked across the street, attracting some curious glances from passersby. Renko felt a mixture of apprehension and curiosity at allowing a total stranger into her home. Once they reached Renko's apartment, she noticed a pair of men standing before the apartment which was occupied by the dragon this morning.

The two men were dressed in casual clothes, except for the fact that they were trying to lockpick the apartment door.

*Pfft*

"Looks like you've got company,"

Gojo remarked, her tone playful.

Renko looked at her in scorn,

"That's my neighbor's apartment."

Renko approached the two men trying to break in, her irritation evident on her face.

"What do you think you're doing?"

The two men looked startled, caught off guard by Renko's sudden appearance. They quickly straightened up, attempting to act casual.

"Oh, uh, we were just... um, trying to help. We heard there might be a problem inside," one of the men stammered.

Renko raised an eyebrow, skeptical of their explanation. She noticed that the lock was intact and there didn't seem to be any signs of a problem from the outside.

"Help? By breaking in? Who are you, and why are you trying to enter my neighbor's apartment?"

*Sigh*

"You know what, I don't even give a fuck about it. Do whatever, just make sure you two don't die."