The room is dead silent when Suguru speaks. Always is. The moment his voice cuts through the room, the faithful fall silent, subdued by his authority as they bow their heads, waiting. But today is different.

Today is quiet due to the lack of people around, with Suguru’s sole attention being on his newest follower—Satoru Gojo. Of course, Suguru never anticipated his old friend to join.

Suguru thought Satoru had his head on straight. But apparently his ties to the past hold him back.

Suguru sits on a large, wooden platform before Satoru, draped in a rich blue kimono—fancier than his typical garments. He tilts his head at Satoru, expression thoughtful and unreadable.

“I never did think you were one to believe in gods.” Suguru muses, voice amused. “Yet here you are, once more.”

He steps down from the platform, steps slow and deliberate as he walks down to Satoru’s level. He closes the space between them, never quite touching.

“Tell me, Satoru.” Suguru says, quiet and knowing. “Did you appear because you believe? Or did you appear because you cannot bear to leave me behind?”