One Wrong Turn

For all that the moment the fox arrived hailed back to his school days, to happy times, something motivated him to follow the fox. As he stares at the slip of paper before him, all the good drains away and leaves him with a foul, terrible truth. Nanami failed them. He's not a child anymore. It's his responsibility, no matter how exhausted, as an adult to prioritize their safety. The words alone are enough to make his anger flare—not at Satoru Gojo or the elders or cursed spirits but at himself.

When the woman, who feels like the fox, enters and explains the situation, it confirms the deep pit in his stomach. That's it. She's gone, and Nanami, much as he knows he did wrong, much as he is willing to face it, does not immediately turn to anyone with him and speak. He opens the notebook on the desk and stares at the blank page before him. While his mind whirs and processes his guilt, he picks up a pen, mindlessly, and starts to draw and color in large spots on the page. White on black, simple as can be. All of them the same size.

 Polka dots.

Deserves Another

Without anywhere in particular to go, Nanami wanders the streets of Epiphany until he feels the sense of something dangerous watching him. His pace stays the same, but he pulls up a map on the device provided to him and finds the quickest way out of town. Toward where doesn't matter so long as it's away from people. He memorizes the route, checks the time, and tucks the device away.

The dagger differs from his usual knife, but Nanami does what he can. He tears page out of hand inked page from the notebook tucked away in a pocket and wraps the polka dotted paper around the dagger until the blade is entirely covered. That feels better. He reaches the edges of the city, the area deserted, when the first beast shows itself.

The large wolf growls and snarls at Nanami, standing between him and the way out of town. He adjusts his glasses and carries forward toward the creature. He takes the measure of the creature, finding many critical points per his ability, and swings at the creature's leg when it attacks. The wrapped dagger, cloaked in cursed energy, slices through the leg.

"I have no quarrel with you," Nanami tells the creature, but it howls and advances closer. Other wolves howl, their calls growing closer, and the blond man sighs. It seems it's time to work.

Kids These Days

Nanami exits a cafe in Tides, having enjoyed an excellent meal, and returns to the hotel he's temporarily taken residence in while he sorts things out. He has no desire to move permanent residences repeatedly, so despite the various apartments and housing on offer, the hotel feels more appropriate. A man in transition. Time to ascertain the facts and act upon those facts. Back in a world of the living. Back in a world without—

A small frown. Outside the door to his suite is a box, clearly a present that would not survive outside conditions well. It's garish and draws attention to itself. Further, crouching, Nanami sees that the label is addressed to him. Someone has sorted out where he's staying and sent, what, a welcome gift? A holiday present? Regardless, Nanami doesn't want it outside his room drawing attention to both itself and to him.

He lifts—pardon, he attempts to lift—the box. Despite all his strength as a jujutsu sorcerer, nothing happens. The box stays exactly where it is, not even tipping up on one corner. Nanami stands to full height, extends his senses throughout this portion of the hotel, and shouts, "GOJO!"

Helpful Neighbor

Once he learns these gifts are everywhere, not merely a targeted prank at one person's hands, Nanami takes time out of his day when he sees someone arrive home with a gift on their doorstep. Politely as can be, he moves to close the distance, waves to get attention (much as he'd generally prefer not to grab attention), and stands a respectful distance away. In case they're merely humoring him.

"Pardon," Nanami says, "Is this gift yours? I received one earlier and needed help with it. I would be glad to offer my assistance." A small bow.

It isn't saving anyone from cursed spirits, but helping others is part of what he's tasked himself to do. And it's only polite.