That Time My Anime Life Got Cursed by Outer Gods-Chapter 32 - 31: Don’t Call Me Senpai

Unable to sleep despite tossing and turning on the sofa, Shiro Sakamaki eventually gave up and got up to train.

He began with meditation—repeating a calming mantra to clear his mind. Practicing in a chaotic state could be dangerous. After all, the emotional impact of what had just happened was still too much for someone who'd been single for two lifetimes.

Once his mind settled, he slipped into a focused state and began training in earnest.

Time passed quickly. Morning light seeped into the apartment, and Yukinoshita Haruno slowly opened her eyes. After a full night's rest, her condition had visibly improved. She glanced to her side, where Hiratsuka Shizuka was still sound asleep. As Haruno lifted the covers, she noticed something odd—she hadn't changed into pajamas the night before.

That struck her as strange. In the past, whenever she got drunk at Hiratsuka's place, her friend would always help her change. But last night, Hiratsuka had been frustrated with her. She'd had more than a few drinks herself and hadn't bothered with the usual care.

Just as Haruno was getting up, Hiratsuka stirred. Her senses, still sharp despite the alcohol, kicked in—an instinct honed by her extraordinary nature.

When she stepped out of the bedroom, the warm sunlight and the lively scene outside the window lifted her spirits—until she heard sounds coming from the kitchen.

Haruno blinked in confusion. Only she and Hiratsuka had been in the apartment last night. So... who was cooking?

Her question was answered when Shiro Sakamaki walked out of the kitchen carrying a freshly prepared bacon omelette.

"Senpai, you're awake. Breakfast is ready. Could you please wake up Mrs. Hiratsuka?"

Haruno froze for a moment, then nodded. "Ah... okay."

The three of them soon sat at the dining table. The breakfast was modest—just bacon omelettes and milk from the nearby convenience store—but Shiro's cooking made it surprisingly good.

"Whew! I feel alive again," Hiratsuka sighed, impressed. "Didn't expect you to have such skills, kid."

Shiro offered a small smile. "I had to take care of myself and my old man. I learned to cook so we wouldn't starve."

Haruno remained quiet, still processing everything from the day before.

"Guess I really am unlucky," Shiro Sakamaki said, fishing something out of his pockets. "To meet a Teacher like you... Anyway, here—take this. It'll protect you in a pinch."

He handed them each two charms—the last of his stock.

The 𝘮ost uptodat𝑒 novels are pub𝙡ished on freeweɓnovēl.coɱ.

Hiratsuka accepted hers with a carefree grin. "If you ever run into trouble, come to me. I'll help—if I can."

Shiro rolled his eyes at that. If even I can't handle something, like she really could...

Haruno, on the other hand, took the charm more seriously. Yesterday's events had clearly left an impression. She now truly understood how precious the talisman Shiro had given her last time was. Just remembering the grotesque forms of those three victims sent chills down her spine. If she hadn't had the charm then... she probably wouldn't be here now.

"Thank you, junior. If it weren't for that talisman, I don't think I'd still be alive."

"It's nothing. Really, don't worry about it."

While the talismans were precious to others, they weren't too difficult for Shiro to make—as long as he had the materials.

"Also..." Haruno said with a teasing smile, "Don't call me 'senpai' anymore. Makes me feel old. Just call me Haruno. Or... I mean, if you really want to call me Senpai, I won't stop you."

Shiro chuckled. "Alright, Yukinoshita Haruno. Got it."

Hiratsuka, watching from the side, started to feel the faint sting of being a third wheel.

"Can you two save the flirting for later? We've got business to handle."

They quickly got back on track, speeding up their meal.

After taking a final sip of milk, Shiro turned to Hiratsuka. "By the way, Mrs. Hiratsuka, I need a small favor."

"Of course you do," she groaned. "What is it this time?"

"Just some supplies. Paper, cinnabar, and a few roosters—over two years old if possible. If their blood is infused with spiritual energy, even better."

She raised an eyebrow. "That's a weird shopping list. What do you need all that for?"

"I ran out of stock when I made those charms for you two. Gotta prepare a new batch."

"Alright, alright. I'll take care of it."

"Oh, and I already requested leave for you today," she added. "We're heading straight to the site after breakfast."

Shiro muttered to himself. A week into school, and I've already asked for leave twice. Guess I'm destined to be a legend...

Still, he didn't complain. He was actually curious about the methods of professional Jujutsu Sorcerers.

Hiratsuka had her reasons for bringing him. Though she had arranged for a Jujutsu Sorcerer to help, she wasn't about to leave her life—and especially Haruno's—in a stranger's hands. If things went wrong, Shiro was her insurance.

She'd considered leaving Haruno behind, but after yesterday, it was clear the entity they were dealing with would pursue intruders relentlessly. Keeping Haruno close—under protection—was the safer option.

By the time they were ready, Hiratsuka drove them through Tokyo's bustling traffic, heading toward the more isolated outskirts of the city.

Even in a metropolis as busy as Tokyo, there were still quiet, abandoned areas where darkness could thrive.

After two hours on the road, the car came to a stop in front of a house that seemed steeped in silence—like it was holding its breath.

As soon as Shiro stepped out, he noticed it—the unnatural cold. The sun was shining, but there was no warmth. It was as if the light itself was afraid to touch the ground here.

Both Shiro and Hiratsuka immediately sensed it. Haruno, still an ordinary human, felt it too. A chill seeped into her bones, and she instinctively hugged herself.

She had stepped into something ancient. And hungry.

---

Enjoyed the Chapter? Get early access to 100+ Chapters on Patreon!

→ patreon.com/Arthorain