Since this was just an informal meeting between students, none of the teachers were present, and the atmosphere quickly turned awkward.
Maki and Jin Genichi didn't seem to care at all. Toge Inumaki couldn't speak even if he wanted to, and Panda just shrugged as if to say, "I'm just a panda. I don't understand what you're all talking about."
Yuta Okkotsu, being the honest and well-mannered type, didn't know how to react. Should he explain that the upperclassmen couldn't make it due to other obligations? Would that sound like a lazy excuse?
The Kyoto students were quiet as well, perhaps agreeing with Aoi Todo's words. But then Noritoshi Kamo coughed lightly and said, "Todo, maybe they really did have something come up."
Aoi Todo leaned over the table, exuding pressure as he said, "Doesn't matter. As long as I get to fight to my heart's content, I'm satisfied."
Maki raised an eyebrow, about to speak, when Jin Genichi stepped forward with a cheerful grin. "Hey, big guy. Do you really think strength is determined by what grade you're in? I could've sworn jujutsu sorcerers are ranked by grade, not year. I'm a kind guy, so let me warn you in advance… You guys are gonna lose."
Before the Kyoto students could erupt, Genichi casually pulled Yuta over and added, "After all, our buddy Yuta here is a Special Grade! Oh? Don't tell me you've got a Special Grade on your side too?"
Todo, who had been on the verge of losing his temper, suddenly froze, his expression turning serious. A Special Grade—that was no joke. His own mentor, Yuki Tsukumo, was a registered Special Grade sorcerer. And now this guy too?
"Huh? Seriously?"
Yuta, suddenly the center of attention, was completely flustered. Panda stepped forward to back Genichi up. "That's right! Yuta's super strong!"
Maki, catching on to the duo's antics, smiled and added, "Good luck. Don't get scared before the fight even begins."
"Salmon!" chimed in Toge Inumaki.
Yuta looked at Toge in disbelief. Even you, Inumaki-senpai? Maki-senpai he could understand, but this? He had no idea how to explain that although he was registered as Special Grade, most of it was because of Rika…
"Haha!"
After a brief silence, Todo lifted his head and unexpectedly broke into a hearty, genuine laugh. He stared at Yuta with intensity and declared, "I'm looking forward to it! A fight with you will be glorious!"
"Yuta Okkotsu, right? Let me ask you something…"
Todo's face turned serious. "What kind of woman… do you like?"
Yuta was dumbfounded by the absurd question. Genichi, of course, knew exactly what Todo was doing.
There was no deep meaning behind it—this was just Todo's way of deciding if someone was worthy of being his friend. A quirk possibly influenced by his mentor, Yuki Tsukumo. He had even once synced wavelengths with Yuji Itadori over this question, instantly declaring him a close friend. By the way, both Todo and Itadori preferred tall women with big butts.
Genichi patted Yuta on the shoulder and said, "Yuta already has a girlfriend. I'd advise you not to pry… You might regret it."
Yuta immediately knew Genichi was referring to Rika. She's probably about the same height as me now, huh?
"Tomorrow! I'll see for myself what a Special Grade can do!"
With that, Todo shoved his hands into his pockets and walked away. The students had all become roughly acquainted with one another. The teachers were now arriving—Genichi spotted Shoko Ieiri and Mei Mei, whom he hadn't seen in a long time.
The two were chatting with Utahime Iori, while Satoru Gojo had wandered over to Principal Gakuganji, whispering something that visibly soured the old man's mood.
Principal Masamichi Yaga then stepped forward to announce the rules for the next day's exchange event: a team battle. A classic format. A mix of Grade 2 and Grade 3 cursed spirits would be scattered throughout a designated area of the campus. The team that exorcised the Grade 2 spirit first would be the winner. If no winner was decided before sunset, the team with the higher exorcism count would be declared the victor. No other rules applied.
"This means obstructive behavior is permitted," Yaga said. "However, remember: you are all allies in the fight against curses. The purpose of this exchange is to help you understand your teammates—and yourselves. Do not kill your opponents or cause them irreversible harm. The match will begin tomorrow at noon sharp."
Before heading back, Genichi went over to say hello to Mei Mei and the others. Utahime, finding him polite and well-mannered, liked him far more than that disrespectful brat Gojo.
Genichi didn't bother asking Shoko about his questions regarding reverse cursed techniques. She honestly wasn't much better than Gojo in that area—and he'd already asked all the important things anyway. This was just a courtesy visit.
Back in the dorms, there was no further training. Rest and recovery were now the top priority.
---
The Next Day
Once everyone was ready, both teams were transported to their respective starting points following a speech by Principal Yaga. Genichi and his group found themselves in a forest.
Maki, carrying her long naginata, looked at the team and said, "You all remember the plan, right? Toge and I will sweep out the low-level spirits and look for the Kyoto students. Toge's cursed speech might help us take one or two of them out early."
"Yuta and Panda, take White Wolf and go for the Grade 2 spirit placed near the central zone. Genichi, you'll act solo—same target, and reduce their numbers if possible. If we find that spirit first, we win. Or… we just eliminate them all!"
White Wolf was allowed into the match because the Tokyo side only had five people, and they were all first-years. Even though Yuta was a Special Grade, much of his power came from Rika.
The higher-ups were clearly aware of that, which was why White Wolf was permitted. His role was mainly to track and assist.
The key to this match was locating and exorcising the spirits—while also dealing with opponents along the way.
"Got it!"
With that, the team split up. Though the Grade 2 spirit had originally been placed near the center, it wasn't stationary, so its location was bound to have shifted.
Genichi opted not to bring Zhumie this time. The forested terrain offered poor visibility, and unlike Gojo, he couldn't fly or see everything with Six Eyes. It would be smarter to engage in close combat rather than fumble with a bow. So he brought only a sword.
Elsewhere, Maki and Toge navigated through the woods, encountering a Grade 3 spirit that looked like a cross between a toad and a lizard.
Not wanting to waste time, Toge lowered his collar and issued a single command: "Stop!"
Cursed Speech Technique: Activated.
His soft words carried the weight of iron laws, binding the spirit in place. Maki, already prepared, dashed in and swiftly eliminated it.
Meanwhile, back at the monitoring station, the principals and teachers watched from behind a wall of monitors. The screens displayed various parts of the battlefield, thanks to Mei Mei's Cursed Technique: Crow Manipulation. The birds shared their vision, which Mei Mei projected onto the screens.
Of course, hiring Mei Mei didn't come cheap—she was a freelance jujutsu sorcerer now, though she still collaborated closely with the school and the Jujutsu Headquarters.
And since Gojo Satoru, the head of the Gojo clan and the school's main benefactor, always paid on time and had known Mei Mei since their student days, their relationship remained strong.
While Gojo was chatting casually, one of the paper talismans on the wall suddenly ignited with red flames.
These talismans were used to track which side exorcised which cursed spirits. All the spirits had been marked beforehand, and the students' cursed energy had been registered. If a Tokyo student exorcised a spirit, a red flame would appear. Kyoto was blue. For unmarked eliminations—thanks to Maki's participation—red was the default.
Tokyo had just taken the lead. Gojo clapped excitedly. "Nice! We're up by one!"
Utahime rolled her eyes. "How old are you? Grow up!"
Just then, another talisman flared—this time blue. Utahime smiled, raising her hand in celebration, but froze mid-motion and slowly lowered it.
Stay calm. Don't show your emotions. This is nothing...
She turned slightly—only to find Gojo right beside her, grinning. Then he retreated and said mockingly:
"Aw, come on, Utahime! You were clearly happy. No need to hide it. Suppressing emotions like that ages you prematurely. You wouldn't want to end up like Principal Gakuganji, would you?"
Utahime finally snapped. "I'M YOUR SENIOR! SHOW SOME DAMN RESPECT, YOU BASTARD!"
Gojo, managing to annoy two people with one comment, sat back down grinning ear to ear. Utahime could only fume. Hitting him was useless—his techniques blocked everything—and verbally, she couldn't outmatch him either. So frustrating!
"Alright, alright. Don't stoop to his level," Shoko Ieiri comforted her.
"Thank god you're here, Shoko~" Utahime sighed, hugging her.
Meanwhile, Gojo continued watching the match with his usual carefree smile.
---
Flashback: The Night Before
The Kyoto team was discussing their strategy. Noritoshi Kamo addressed the group:
"I've confirmed with the principal and Utahime-sensei—the first-year really is a Special Grade. But there's likely more to it. Let's stick to the plan. Nishimiya will handle aerial recon. Mai, Mechamaru, and Kasumi will exorcise spirits while disrupting their operations. Try to eliminate their dog—it's their key to information."
"As for Todo…"
Todo stood with arms crossed, scoffing. "Don't lump me in with all this nonsense. I'll find that Special Grade first-year and have an epic battle with him!"
Noritoshi nodded. "Yes, Todo. That's your job."
Todo clicked his tongue in irritation but didn't argue further.
"I'll find and exorcise the Grade 2 spirit as quickly as possible. No matter the reason behind that Special Grade rank, don't underestimate them just because they're first-years. Avoid direct conflict. Use our intelligence advantage to win."
Mai hesitated. "Won't that make us look weak?"
Kamo responded sternly, "No. Never underestimate a Special Grade. In some areas, they are absurdly powerful."
(End of Chapter)
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