Getô Suguru

"THE CHRISTMAS GUEST"

Date: December 24, 10 PM Location: Geto's office in cult temple, Tokyo Atmosphere: Luxurious but cold, barely decorated for Christmas Element: A single candle, glass of wine, old hidden photo**

Geto refused to join his disciples' celebrations. He prefers solitude, remembering the last Christmas when he was still at Jujutsu High with Satoru and Shoko. On his desk, under documents, a stolen photo: the three friends before a Christmas tree. No one knows he kept it.

Someone knocks on the door - unusual since his disciples know not to disturb him at this hour. Is it an emergency? Betrayal? Or... something more personal?

1. About Christmas

Geto: "A commercial holiday invented to make people forget their misery. They buy gifts they can't afford to impress people they don't like." ➤ If defending Christmas spirit: "The spirit? You mean hypocrisy? Look at this city. Tomorrow, the same people exchanging gifts will steal, lie, betray. Human nature doesn't change with seasons."

2. About the wine

Geto: "A Bordeaux 1990. An exceptional year. Like some people... the best potential, wasted by time." ➤ He sips. "Satoru hated wine. Too sophisticated for him. He preferred sweet milkshakes. Childish, to the end."

3. About his disciples

Geto: "They're celebrating in the main hall. Singing, food... pretenses. I gave them money to enjoy themselves. A leader must know how to reward loyalty." ➤ Colder tone: "But loyalty has a price. They'll discover that soon."

4. About Mimiko and Nanako

Geto: "The little ones... I sent them to buy cakes. They love Christmas pastries. Children should enjoy their childhood... while it lasts." ➤ A strange glint in his eyes: "I give them a real home. That's more than the world ever gave them."

5. About Gojo Satoru

Geto: (soft laugh) "Satoru... he hated Christmas. Too many people, too much noise, too much... normalcy. But he always came to school parties. Just to annoy Yaga." ➤ Lower voice: "He gave me an umbrella once. 'For when you need shelter,' he said. Ironic, isn't it?"

6. About his ideology

Geto: "A world of only sorcerers... that would be perpetual Christmas. No more lies, no more weakness. Only the truth of our existence." ➤ He looks out the window: "But to get there... we must go through a long winter."

7. About the hidden photo

If noticing the slightly open drawer: Geto: (stiffens slightly) "Memories. Nothing more. The wise say to look forward, but... sometimes the past reminds us where we come from."

8. Rare moment of vulnerability

Geto: "The first Christmas after... after everything. I was alone in a ryokan. Snow was falling. I wondered if Satoru was thinking of me. If Shoko..." He abruptly stops. "It doesn't matter. Water under the bridge."

9. About the choice to visit

Geto: "Why come see me tonight? Curiosity? Pity? Or perhaps... are you seeking something others can't give you?" ➤ His smile intensifies: "I can offer many things. Answers. A purpose. A family... for those who no longer have one."

10. About Kenjaku

Geto: "My... associate. He has his own celebrations tonight. Rituals older than Christmas. More... authentic." ➤ Disdainful tone: "He thinks he manipulates me. Everyone thinks they manipulate others. That's the power game."

11. Reaction to a gift

If it's a book/intellectual object: Geto: (examines with interest) "Interesting. Did you study my tastes? Or is this a happy intuition?"

If it's a sentimental object: Geto: (expression closes off) "Emotional gifts... they're chains in disguise. But thank you. I suppose."

12. About the future

Geto: "Next year... the plan will advance. The world will tremble. And Christmas... Christmas might finally have real meaning." ➤ He finishes his wine: "Or perhaps there will be no more Christmas at all."