Tokyo had fallen into turmoil.
Mahito, a Cursed Spirit born from human fear and resentment, was among the Four Great Calamity Cursed Spirits. His current strength wasn't exceptional, but his potential was immense.
His Cursed Technique, Idle Transfiguration, allowed him to reshape a target's soul through physical contact. He could erase a soul entirely or transform humans into Transfigured Humans, creatures akin to Cursed Spirits. Only those whose souls were reinforced with Cursed Energy could resist Mahito's technique, and very few were capable of sensing their own soul.
At this moment, Mahito surged into the crowd, turning ordinary humans into Transfigured Humans in seconds.
Kenjaku and Uraume were no less active. Uraume's Ice Coagulation technique paralyzed traffic and inflicted mass casualties, while Kenjaku used cursed objects radiating intense Cursed Energy to attract countless Cursed Spirits from across Tokyo. Step by step, the once-thriving streets transformed into a living nightmare.
The Jujutsu World Higher-Ups were far from passive. They dispatched elite squads, each led by a Grade 1 Sorcerer:
First Division: Led by Zen'in Naoya, heir to the Zen'in Family, with members from the family's guard, the Hei.
Second Division: Led by Aoi Todo from Kyoto Jujutsu High, with Mechamaru Kokichi, Zen'in Mai, Momo Nishimiya, Kamo Noritoshi, and Kasumi Miwa.
Third Division: Led by Kento Nanami, with Yu Haibara and his devoted follower Takuma Ino.
Fourth Division: Led by Mei Mei, with Ui Ui as her sole member.
Fifth Division: Led by Amanai Riko, with Nanako, Mimiko, and Nigi Riku.
Confusingly to the Higher-Ups, Shion personally ordered Grade 4 Maki Zen'in, Quasi-Second-Grade Panda, and Quasi-Grade 1 Inumaki Toge to form the Sixth Division, with Maki Zen'in as leader. Though they didn't fully understand, the Higher-Ups complied, perhaps assuming Shion was simply grooming his students' reputations.
Jujutsu High
After everyone else rushed to the battlefield, Kusakabe remained. Ieiri Shoko approached him, waving lightly.
"Miss Shoko?" Kusakabe Atsuya asked, confused.
Shoko nodded faintly. "Do you know why you weren't appointed to lead a squad?"
Kusakabe scratched his head. "Uh… maybe I'm not capable enough?"
Shoko sighed. "Shion was right. You really do love slacking off, don't you?"
Kusakabe twitched and turned his head awkwardly.
She toyed with her hair, speaking with a hint of helplessness. "Shion asked me to tell you: for this mission, you're acting alone."
Kusakabe's eyes lit up at the thought of working solo—but Shoko's next words crushed that fantasy.
"You must exorcise at least one Special Grade Cursed Spirit and ten Grade 1 Cursed Spirits this mission, or he'll deduct your next three months' salary."
"…No!"
Despair filled Kusakabe's gaze.
Gojo Family
"Rika, I'm leaving. You'll be safe here at Teacher Shion's residence."
"Mm! Be careful!"
"I'm Special Grade now; I can handle myself."
Yuta Okkotsu slung the dojigiri Yasutsuna over his back. Before leaving, Rika grabbed his face, pressed her lips to his in a quick kiss, and whispered, "Go on."
She watched him leave with a protective gaze.
Kyoto Jujutsu High Gate
"You two are my proudest disciples. Don't embarrass me!"
Aoi Todo and Amanai Riko nodded in unison.
Yuki Tsukumo smiled faintly. Raising two top-tier Grade 1s made her satisfied, though none rivaled the monster Shion had trained.
"Alright, I'm off!" Yuki disappeared into the Tokyo night, accompanied by her shikigami, O-rin.
Fushiguro Family
Toji Fushiguro ruffled his daughter Tsumiki's hair.
"Dad, I'm not a child anymore!" she said, puffing her cheeks.
"Yes, yes~" he replied perfunctorily.
"Is what you're doing dangerous?" Tsumiki asked.
Toji paused, then smiled. "You worry too much. It's just some post-dinner exercise. Stay home; the Fushiguro residence is within the Sorcerers' area, so you'll be safe. I'll be back soon."
He stepped out, pulling Cursed Tools from Ushi's mouth: Inverted Spear of Heaven in each hand, heavenly rope draped over his shoulders with a clang. A bloodthirsty gleam lit his eyes.
Jujutsu High Division
Nanami watched the three new recruits—Itadori, Megumi Fushiguro, and Nobara—approach his squad. He sighed.
"First, I am Kento Nanami, a Grade 1 Jujutsu Sorcerer. I will consider your inclusion recognition of my work. Even if Shion forced you onto my team, I will prioritize your safety. Praise or belittlement does not exist with me; facts, self-discipline, and reasonable criticism are my principles. That is all."
Itadori and Nobara blinked, half a step back. Megumi nodded in agreement.
Yu Haibara, sensing tension, tried to ease it. "Don't worry. Nanamin's personality is strict, but he's good."
The trio understood immediately: this uncle was easy to get along with.
"Alright, let's do this!" Takuma Ino punched his left palm with his right fist.
Crack
The ground split. Nanami lunged to pull Ino back. Where Ino had stood, a humanoid Special Grade Cursed Spirit erupted, its Cursed Energy radiating violently.
"A… Special Grade Cursed Spirit?!"
The three froze, shocked. Their mission had barely begun, and they already faced a Special Grade.
"Haibara!" Nanami commanded calmly. Yu Haibara performed hand seals.
Amplification Cursed Technique: Beyond!
Nanami felt his Cursed Energy surge. Yu Haibara's technique, refined over time, now amplified a single target rather than an area.
Nanami shot forward like an arrow, reaching the Cursed Spirit almost instantly.
Ten Shadows Technique!
Analyzing the Cursed Spirit's weaknesses, Nanami struck decisively with his short sword infused with Cursed Energy.
Bang!
The Special Grade Cursed Spirit was sliced in half at the waist, its limbs collapsing and dissipating slowly.
Nanami sheathed his sword, calm as ever. The three young sorcerers, recovering from their shock, gaped.
"Is… is this a Grade 1 Jujutsu Sorcerer?"
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