Yuta and Kiyotaka stood there as Yuta smiled and said, "Gojo-Sensei went out of his way to see me. He asked me to take care of you."
Kiyotaka's eyes widened before smiling, and he said, "I should have expected as much from that man."
Yuta's sweat dropped, and he said, "Well, I guess he was being a bit over the top. Considering how strong you are, I don't think that many people would be a threat to you."
"Before Shibuya, I couldn't use the Reverse Cursed Technique, and my Maximum Technique was untested. I also had less Cursed Energy. Also, I managed to hit several Black Flashes during that incident. I'm sure that I'm far stronger now than I was back then."
Kiyotaka said this as Yuta thought, 'Multiple Black Flashes? That's incredibly difficult!'
Yuta looked to Kiyotaka and said, "Gojo-sensei also told me you'd been sentenced to execution as I had once."
"I understand their reasoning. Sukuna's strength is overwhelming."
Yuta looked to him and said, "I once shouldered a power greater than I could bear. Though the power I thought was forced on me turned out to be something I brought upon myself. I'm not like you. The power you shoulder isn't your own power. You're not to blame."
Kiyotaka sighed and said, "I'm not the type to blame myself for things that I didn't do. It's alright."
Yuta looked surprised before looking embarrassed and saying, "Oh. Um, sorry then. I guess I went and said stuff for no reason."
"Still, thank you."
Kiyotaka said this as Yuta smiled as Megumi walked towards them, calling out, "Ayanokoji!"
Kiyotaka turned to him and said, "Hey. Are you doing alright?"
Megumi sweated and said, "I'm fine. Worry about yourself. Getting a scar all of a sudden. You probably got too excited fighting Special-Grades."
Kiyotaka smiled slightly, but then his face became serious, and he said, "You're trembling. Is it about Tsumiki?"
Megumi gritted his teeth and said, "[Noritoshi Kamo] set up a death game between those he granted Cursed Techniques. The Culling games. Tsumiki has been drawn into this game, too."
Kiyotaka's eyes sharpened as he said, "Alright. Let's get into the preparations."
Kiyotaka turned to Yuta and said, "Sukuna is plotting something regarding Fushiguro. I don't think that he'll be able to regain control even if I'm force-fed the remaining fingers, but there are always loopholes in everything. I don't think you could win normally, but if he has to squeeze through a loophole, he likely will be limited to some degree as a result. Try to do a factory reset. Kill me and then revive me with Reverse Cursed Technique Output. I should be able to regain consciousness if you do that."
Yuta simply nodded and said, "Alright. I'll do my best."
"One more thing. I have a binding vow that prevents the use of my Cursed Technique while I'm unconscious, so don't worry about having to deal with it if you end up fighting him in my body."
Kiyotaka said this as Yuta smiled, saying, "You're really smart, Ayanokoji-Kun. It's amazing."
Kiyotaka looked to Yuta and thought, 'It's like I'm looking at a bipolar person. When it's just a normal day, he's one of the nicest people I know, but in that fight, it felt like I was fighting a force of nature.'
Kiyotaka then asked, "Are there any plans that you have made yet?"
Megumi nodded and said, "We'll head back to Jujutsu High and contact Tengen-sama. We'll ask them [How can we release the seal of the Prison Realm?], [What is [Noritoshi Kamo's] actual goal?] and [What moves will he make?]"
The fire burned as Megumi said, "The Culling Game is an unprecedented act of Jujutsu terrorism, and we need answers to those questions to resolve the situation. I think Tengen-sama's the only one capable of answering them."
"What about Tsukumo-San?"
"I've already spoken with Tsukumo-san. This was her plan. She's also hiding away at Jujutsu High."
Megumi answered Kiyotaka's question quickly as Kiyotaka thought, 'Her plan. I see. There's no fault in her logic. It's a simple but obvious plan. The only thing to be wary of is being followed.'
Kiyotaka's mind then wandered to a different Yuki, thinking, 'She became able to see Curses and judging from those memories, that man who calls himself my father can suppress Cursed Energy to the point that seeing Cursed Spirits is impossible. Could it be that he used his technique on all of us long ago and only recently released it? That would explain things. He's able to set timers, too, given the conditions that they stated for me. There's also a chance that some of the White Room Students have been given Cursed Techniques.'
Kiyotaka looked to Yuta and Megumi and said, "I'll have to deal with something soon. Some dangerous people have probably become Jujutsu Sorcerers at this point due to [Noritoshi Kamo]."
Yuta looked confused, asking, "Dangerous people?"
Megumi looked to Kiyotaka and asked, "What do you mean?"
"I'm sure you've heard of my relationship with [Noritoshi Kamo], right?"
Megumi sweated and said, "Your Mother right. Well, when they were in a different body."
"Yes. They are associated with my father, so they'll have access to the White Room."
They both looked confused, asking, "White Room?"
"It's an educational system. It's responsible for my intellect and physical ability."
Megumi's eyes widened before asking, "You mean he'll have access to people like that, and he'll give them Cursed Techniques or Revive ancient Sorcerers in them?!"
"Yes."
Kiyotaka answered with that as Megumi grimaced at the thought.
Kiyotaka sighed and said, "It's my responsibility, so I'll deal with it."
Yuta looked to him seriously and said, "Well, if you need help, please ask us."
"It'll be fine. None of the students from that place was on my level mentally or physically. What I'd be worried about is a Reincarnated Sorcerer."
Kiyotaka said this as Megumi deadpanned, thinking, 'Your strength is ridiculous.'
"There's a problem, though. Tengen-sama's concealment barriers. Out of 1000 constantly shuffling doors, only one leads to the Tomb of the Star where Tengen-sama resides."
Yuta said this as Kiyotaka thought, 'That will be problematic to deal with.'
That's when Choso appeared out of the darkness and said, "We might be able to do something about the concealment barriers."
Megumi turned in shock for a second as Yuta asked, "You were listening?"
Kiyotaka looked to him and said, "Go on, Choso," as Megumi slowly backed away from him.
"You remember when Mahito stole Sukuna's fingers and us Death paintings, right?"
Kiyotaka's eyes widened, asking, "So they were capable of that because of you. They used your connection to find the correct door."
Choso nodded, saying, "We'll do the same thing."
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Kiyotaka walked down the stairs to see Maki leaning on a stool, Yuki Tsukumo sitting on the couch with her back to the entrance, and Nobara sitting on a stool next to the bookshelf, her foot amputated.
Maki noticed him first, saying, "It's been... not that long, really."
Her hair was short, and there were a few burn scars, but nothing too serious. Kiyotaka sighed and said, "I suppose you're right, Maki-Senpai."
Nobara turned to Kiyotaka and shouted, "Where the hell have you been, you bastard?"
"Hiding from execution while exorcising Curses. Looks like you haven't changed at all."
Kiyotaka said this as Nobara shouted, "Damn right I haven't!" before her voice cracked and she asked, "About Mahito..."
"I wasn't able to exorcise Mahito, and that's why [Noritoshi Kamo] was able to absorb him. Sorry."
Kiyotaka said this, apologising as Nobara sighed and asked, "What did he face look like when you beat him?"
"Pathetic and terrified."
Kiyotaka said this as Nobara smiled and said, "That's probably good enough. Getting absorbed by that big bad guy is probably a fate worse than death anyway, right?"
"You're probably right."
Kiyotaka said this as Yuta rushed over to Maki, asking, "Maki-San! Is it safe for you to be up and moving already?"
Maki sighed and said, "It's fine. Really. I'm feeling stronger than usual."
Tsukumo smiled and said, "Your physical strength is incredible. Even if you feel unconscious, those burns didn't do nearly as much damage as they should have. It's remarkable. In fact, you're starting to remind me of a certain someone."
Maki looked to Tsukumo and said, "Huh? I have no idea who you're talking about."
"Zenin Toji."
Megumi and Maki's eyes widened, thinking, 'That guy?'
"You still have Cursed Energy, though. But your physical abilities are getting closer to his level day by day."
Tsukumo said this as Maki thought, 'But why? That guy was on another level, and I was stagnant for so long. Why am I getting stronger now?'
Tsukumo then said, "It's a shame that the Zenin Clan Head didn't make it."
Maki sighed and said, "It's not a competition between me and the old man."
She turned to Megumi and asked, "Megumi, how goes it with Tengen-sama's barrier?"
"Well."
Megumi started his reply, but Choso walked in, putting his hand on Megumi's shoulder and saying, "I'll explain."
He walked in, showing a slight glare towards Nobara for a second before calming himself and saying, "On the way to the Tomb of the Star is the forbidden vault holding Jujutsu High's Cursed Tools and Cursed Object, right? The remains of my brothers- Noranso, Sho-oso, Sanso, Kotsuso, and Shoso-are in the forbidden vault. Even if it's just their remains, with all six together, I should be able to sense their presence using the side effect of my technique."
Tsukumo gave a thumbs up, saying, "Good!"
Maki looked to Choso, saying, 'That's great to hear, but who's this?"
Kiyotaka sighed, asking, "Can't you tell?" while pointing to the scar across his nose bridge.
Most just tilted their head in confusion as Kiyotaka sighed and said, "Due to our connection via [Noritoshi Kamo], he's my older brother."
Many deadpanned at this as Choso simply smiled happily.
Kiyotaka looked to Maki and said, "Maki-Senpai. Let's handle that first."
She nodded as the two of them headed off.
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Kiyotaka stepped towards a door as Maki tapped his shoulder and said, "I get you're the clinical type, but if there's nothing good to say, then don't say anything."
"That's the type of person I am anyway. I won't sugarcoat anything."
Kiyotaka said this as they entered the room to see Mai in a bed with burn scars as she groaned in pain.
Kiyotaka walked over as she looked up to him and said, "I really got overconfident, didn't I? I thought I could just follow your advice, and then I could stop hating myself for being born so weak. I... what was the point of all of this Ayanokoji?!! In the end! I'm still weak!"
Her last words shot out from her throat as she cried tears.
Kiyotaka looked to her and sat down on the stool next to her bed, wiping the tears from her eyes and saying, "You did well. You are strong."
Mai looked to him in shock, saying, "You... don't mean that."
"I have no reason to lie to you."
Kiyotaka said this as tears fell from her eyes again as she said, "For the first time... I felt so happy. I was with Nee-chan again. The Zenin Clan started treating me better. I thought everything would resolve itself. I... was so naive."
"What do you want to do from here on? Your injuries are bad, but you'll be able to heal and move just as well as before."
Kiyotaka asked this as Mai looked up at the ceiling and said, "I want to get stronger."
Kiyotaka smiled and said, "Stronger, huh? You've earned my respect. Well done. I suppose this is something I should reward you for, right?"
Mai looked to Kiyotaka in shock as he planted a kiss on her forehead and said, "There's your reward. Now. Leave the rest to us."
Mai's eyes widened as she watched Kiyotaka walk out of the room, and Maki was waiting there as she elbowed him in the side, saying, "Don't go making moves on my sister while she's recovering."
"I wasn't. Showing affection and romance can be similar, but they are different things, you know."
Kiyotaka said this with a sigh as they went to meet up with everyone.
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The group walked towards a door with Nobara following behind them in a wheelchair as she said, "I really don't like using this thing. It makes me feel like an old lady."
Tsukumo sweat-dropped and said, "Sorry, but it'll take a while to get you a prosthetic."
Choso looked to the door and said, "This one. I'm certain. My younger brothers are resting beyond here. I'm opening it."
He opened the door, revealing a vast expanse of glowing blue branches, and Tsukumo then said, "Let's head down."
They walked past a storehouse as Tsukumo said, "There's an elevator leading to the Tombs of the Star further in."
Choso and Kiyotaka stopped by the storehouse as Choso touched the door and said, "I'll come back for you later. Please wait a little longer."
They walked over and got into the elevator.
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They got off the elevator as they walked towards a tunnel, and Kiyotaka noticed bloodstains, asking, "Why are there bloodstains on the floor?"
Tsukumo stopped walking and said, "It was twelve years ago. Thinking back, all of the distortions may have started back then," as she looked at the bloodstains.
She sighed and said, "I'll explain it to you all if Tengen-sama doesn't."
Kiyotaka nodded as Tsukumo turned back to the tunnel and said, "All right, everyone, the main hall is up ahead."
They walked through the tunnel as they eventually came across a white expanse, and Megumi asked, "This is the main hall?"
"No. They're rejecting us."
Tsukumo said this as she put her hand on her hip and then said, "Tengen won't interfere with reality, but... I thought it would be possible to reach them now while the Six-Eyes are sealed away, but my prediction was naive."
She then paused before questioning, "It's not all of us being rejected... but just me?"
Yuta looked to Tsukumo and said, "Let's head back. Tsumiki-san doesn't have time to spare."
Everyone turned around, leaving, when a voice asked, "You're leaving?"
Everyone stopped in their tracks as the voice continued saying, "Nice to meet you. Children of Zenin, Descendant of Michizane, Cursed Womb Death Painting, and... Vessel of Sukuna."
Tsukumo looked to Tengen and asked, "No greeting for me, Tengen?"
Everyone's eyes widened, wondering about Tengen. Their form was humanoid but very alienlike, with four eyes and a completely white appearance.
Nobara nodded, shouting from her wheelchair, "That's right. What about me, too?"
Megumi chpopped her on the head lightly, saying, "Don't shout at the person we need to help us."
Nobara sighed as Tengen looked to Tsukumo and said, "This is not our first time meeting, Tsukumo Yuki."
"Why did you close the Tombs of the Star?"
Tsukumo asked this as Tengen answered, saying, "I was wary of you being aligned with Kenjaku. I can't tell what's going on in people's hearts, after all."
Tsukumo looked confused, asking, "Kenjaku?"
"What was once [Noritoshi Kamo]. The sorcerer currently inhabiting Suguru Geto's body."
Tengen said this as Tsukumo asked, "A net of compassion and rope of salvation, huh? He didn't even try for sarcasm with that name."
Megumi lifted his hand, saying, "Excuse me," to get Tengen's attention.
Yuta then said, "We came here to learn Kenjaku's goal and how to open the Prison Realm", before asking, "Could you tell us what you know?"
"Of course. Or so I'd like to say, but I must impose one condition. Okkotsu Yuta. Tsukumo Yuki. Ayanokoji Kiyotaka. Cursed Wob Death Painting. I'll need two of you four to remain here and guard me."
Tengen said this as Yuta asked, "Guard you? But you're immortal, right?"
Maki then asked, "Are you afraid of being sealed or something?"
Tsukumo raised her hand, saying, "That's not fair."
Kiyotaka raised his hand and said, "Give them a chance to explain, Tsukumo-san."
Tsukumo sighed as Tengen nodded, and a floor of ripple patterns appeared.
"In that case, let me speak of Kenjaku."
Tengen said this as lines appeared above everyone as well.
"That man's objective is to force the evolution of mankind throughout all of Japan."
They said this as an image of Japan appeared in the sky.
Megumi then said, "I heard about that. But how does he actually intend to do it? Why didn't Kenjaku use your barriers to turn everyone in Japan into Jujutsu Sorcerers with Idle Transfiguration back then?"
Tengen answered, saying, "Because he simply lacked the Cursed Energy to do that. The Cursed Energy refined through Uzumaki can't return to the sorcerer. Also, evolving people one person at a time with a Cursed Technique is far too inefficient. So the method of evolution that Kenjaku has chosen is to assimilate Mankind with me, starting with Ayanokoji Kiyotaka."
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To Be Continued
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Rating Out Of 10 For This Chapter?
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