Chapter 20 — Twentieth Punch
"What… Saitama-sensei's total score for the test was only 120 points, and now he can't be promoted to the second year?"
In a first-year classroom at Tokyo Jujutsu High, Genos suddenly slammed his hand on the desk, making everyone jump in shock.
"There were three tests in total, right? Saitama-sensei's combined score is only 120 points? That means he averaged just 40 points per test!" Genos shouted.
Saitama's expression shifted from his usual blankness to awkwardness. "Hey, Genos… don't loudly calculate my scores like that. It's embarrassing…"
"There's no way Saitama-sensei could score this low. There must be some kind of mistake," Genos said, his eyes flashing. "That white-haired, broom-headed homeroom teacher—are they the one responsible for grading? I'm going to go complain to them right now!"
"No, Genos! Don't go! I really only got that score! It's true that I scored only 20 points on the written exam! Please, I beg you, don't go!" Saitama was drenched in sweat, his face collapsing in despair.
"And even if you went to see Gojo-sensei now, you wouldn't find him," Fushiguro Megumi added. "He's out of town on a business trip today. So today's class is a field assignment. The assistant supervisors will lead us to designated locations to exorcise curses."
The classroom was in a chaotic uproar when the door suddenly opened. Ijichi Kiyotaka poked his head in, his expression full of unease.
"Oh, Ijichi!" Itadori Yuji noticed the somber office worker at the doorway and immediately waved. "Are you ready to head out for today's field assignment?"
"As for that…"
Ijichi Kiyotaka lowered his head slightly. The reflection off his glasses hid his expression. "The situation has changed… Although you're only first-years, you're about to enter a battlefield."
"Unlike the usual field assignments, which have a certain safety buffer, this will be a real, dangerous battle."
When Ijichi finished speaking, the classroom went silent. Sensing the gravity, experienced students like Fushiguro Megumi and Kugisaki Nobara grew serious.
"A battle?"
As a trainee, Saitama, not wearing the high school uniform yet, stiffened his expression and carefully pulled a yellow bodysuit, red rubber gloves and boots, and his cape out of a plastic bag.
"I'll go change in the bathroom. I'll be back immediately."
…
"Time: half an hour ago. Location: Tokyo English Juvenile Institute. 'Window' has observed a curse embryo appearing above the institute's playground. Judging by its characteristics, once it fully mutates, it will become a Special Grade curse."
Ijichi Kiyotaka drove a black SUV toward the site, muttering to himself as he went.
In the car were the first-year students. Itadori Yuji sat in the passenger seat. Fushiguro Megumi and Kugisaki Nobara sat in the second row, their expressions serious. In the third row were the bald, cloaked Saitama, with his cape awkwardly tucked under him, and his disciple Genos.
"So… are we just assisting the curse exorcists this time?" Kugisaki asked.
"No," Ijichi said, tightening his grip on the steering wheel. "You've been temporarily assigned a mission: to handle the curse crisis at the juvenile institute."
"Huh?" Kugisaki's eyes widened. "But didn't you say that's Special Grade?"
"…Yes. According to the latest observation reports, the curse embryo at the institute is extremely likely to evolve into a Special Grade curse," Ijichi said quietly.
"Even so, it shouldn't be our job to exorcise it," Fushiguro asked. "If it's Special Grade, shouldn't a Special Grade sorcerer be dispatched instead?"
"Originally, Gojo-sensei, as a Special Grade sorcerer, would handle this curse. But he's currently out of town."
"What about other higher-level sorcerers? There should be more first-grade sorcerers who can handle this, right?"
Ijichi was silent for a moment, then lowered his head. "The higher-ups specifically ordered first-year students of Tokyo High to be sent."
"…"
At this point, even the most oblivious students should have realized. Kugisaki's expression darkened as she said coldly, "So… basically, we've been set up. That's the gist of it."
"…I'm sorry. I'm just an assistant supervisor. I can't change their decision," Ijichi Kiyotaka said, sweat beading on his forehead.
"I know. Sorcerers should judge whether to engage based on the curse's level. If the difference in level is too great and they can't contribute, they wouldn't normally join the battle. So even though this mission involves searching for survivors, if you encounter a Special Grade curse, escape immediately."
The car fell silent for a few seconds. Fushiguro and Kugisaki sighed. Itadori, though not fully understanding, sensed the worry on his classmates' faces.
"But…"
A voice suddenly spoke from the back.
Saitama asked, "But if sorcerers abandon the fight and run away just because of level differences, who will stand between curses and ordinary people?"
For a moment, Kugisaki, Fushiguro, and Itadori stared wide-eyed at Saitama, still sitting with his blank expression in the back. Next to him, Genos sat rigidly, hands clapping with precision.
"I see… Sensei's words are incredibly profound," Genos said earnestly. "I've learned something new again, Sensei!"
"After hearing Saitama's words, it feels like I suddenly understand so much. Everything I was worried about seems trivial now," Itadori said, dazed. "In that moment, I actually forgot my original purpose because of worrying about levels."
"I want to use my life to save more people. Even if I die, I won't have regrets. That's my original intention, and my grandfather's wish. And in that moment, I forgot that."
Fushiguro and Kugisaki fell silent as well, apparently deep in thought.
Saitama: "…"
Amid the quiet, Ijichi Kiyotaka took a handkerchief from his suit pocket and wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"There are some things I'll only say inside this car. Please don't spread them outside."
Ijichi spoke resolutely. "Although this mission came suddenly, when the higher-ups ordered first-years to be dispatched, they didn't know Saitama-sensei, a trainee, would be involved. So as long as everyone stays together, nothing the higher-ups planned should pose a problem."
Fushiguro's eyes flickered.
—This is the effect of Gojo Satoru keeping Saitama hidden as a secret weapon.
After a pause, Ijichi cautiously glanced at Genos through the rearview mirror.
"By the way… I've been meaning to ask. This blonde… who is he?"
…
Ten minutes later, the SUV arrived at the entrance of the juvenile institute.
The police handling the evacuation included Juichi Megure and Wataru Takagi. Ijichi spoke with them briefly and obtained the access pass.
Noticing Takagi's repeated, shifty glances at his bald head, Saitama's face darkened slightly.
Soon, Ijichi led the group inside, arriving in front of a slightly worn building.
"This is the mission location: the second dormitory of the juvenile institute. Five juvenile offenders are inside, their status unknown. After confirming their survival, escort the survivors out immediately."
Ijichi repeated his instructions: "I'll set up the 'Barrier.' Once inside, stay together. Do not split up. If everyone stays together, there's a high chance of evacuating everyone unharmed."
"Also, the team leader for this mission is Fushiguro Megumi. Please follow his orders."
No sooner had he finished than Genos suddenly turned and strode forward, pushing Ijichi into the corner.
With a clang, his steel arm slammed next to Ijichi in a solid wall-bang. The wall cracked slightly under Genos's strength. Ijichi, pressed against the wall, craned his neck to look at Genos' expressionless face and nervously swallowed.
"Why isn't Saitama-sensei the team leader?" Genos demanded, leaning close.
"W-well… Fushiguro is the highest-ranked second-grade sorcerer among you all, and he has the most experience dealing with curses…"
"I don't care," Genos said menacingly, his steel palm glowing orange-red. "Sensei is clearly the strongest here. He should be the leader. Can't you change your decision?"
"…This…"
Ijichi shivered, closing his eyes, silently groaning.
Why did a Gojo disappear only for Genos to appear, and both were so unreasonable? And why could someone like Genos, not affiliated with the school, wall-bang him like this?
Was Ijichi Kiyotaka doomed to stay at the very bottom of the Jujutsu High food chain for life?
As he nervously pondered how to respond, Saitama's voice suddenly rang out:
"Genos, forget it. I don't care if I'm the team leader or not."
"Yes, Sensei!" Genos immediately withdrew his arm, turning to stand beside Saitama, ignoring the stunned looks of everyone else.
Saitama remained blank-faced, flicked his cape over his shoulder, and strode confidently toward the Dormitory door. Behind him, his spotless cape lifted elegantly in the wind, perfectly complementing his gleaming bald head.
"Let's go." He walked in like it was a casual stroll, completely unbothered.