Mahito hadn't gone crazy. He genuinely believed he had acquired the power and the theoretical path to clash with Satoru Gojo.
He had finally acquired a physical body, but it was merely an unrefined vessel. His synchronization rate with it was far below one hundred percent. When it came to Incarnation, Kenjaku was the undisputed master. Every single ancient sorcerer bound by Kenjaku's Vows had been provided a meticulously prepared vessel, allowing them to exert their original, peak strength flawlessly.
In contrast, the sorcerer's body Mahito was currently inhabiting hadn't been carefully curated. It was just someone Kenjaku had grabbed off the street. The difference in quality was astronomical.
Incarnating via a cursed object is actually simpler than one might think. Take the Cursed Womb: Death Paintings, for example. You simply force a normal human to ingest it, and the cursed object's corruption automatically overwrites the host's flesh, completing the Incarnation.
If Mahito wanted to, he could easily do the same. In fact, his current vessel was the result of a very similar, crude process. All he cared about was acquiring the 'Construction' cursed technique. As long as the vessel's innate technique was satisfactory, the rest didn't matter.
But functionally, this method of Incarnation was incredibly sloppy. Kenjaku was an absolute authority on the subject.
Over the span of a thousand years, Kenjaku had continuously collected Binding Vows from immensely powerful sorcerers. Upon their deaths, he turned them into cursed objects. However, he didn't just casually toss them down the throats of random civilians to incarnate them. Quite the opposite. He meticulously selected the human pillars and spent years cultivating and carving their bodies. When the Culling Game finally commenced, every ancient sorcerer was resurrected at the absolute height of their power.
Well, Mahito would only realize later that things weren't nearly that simple. Kenjaku was far more ruthless than Mahito could ever imagine, employing methods so advanced they currently defied Mahito's comprehension.
This was especially true regarding Ryomen Sukuna. To forge a vessel capable of perfectly channeling Sukuna's peak strength, Kenjaku had personally taken the field—transmigrating into a woman's body and enduring pregnancy to birth a child himself.
—That child was Yuji Itadori, the protagonist of *Jujutsu Kaisen*.
Yuji Itadori executed his intended purpose flawlessly. He completely shattered the established laws of Incarnation that had existed since the creation of the Special Grade cursed object, Sukuna's Fingers. He successfully became Ryomen Sukuna's perfect vessel, serving as the core narrative drive of the original story all the way to its conclusion.
Mahito had an idea—an idea strikingly similar to Kenjaku's methodology.
He needed a vessel with a one hundred percent synchronization rate.
If he could achieve that, he was confident he could genuinely trade blows with Satoru Gojo.
He shared this idea with Kenjaku, hoping to gain the millennial sorcerer's validation.
Lounging on a beach chair in his monk robes, Kenjaku carefully turned Mahito's whimsical concept over in his mind.
He asked, "You are a Cursed Spirit born from the soul. When it comes to understanding the soul, even with my thousand years of experience, I am far inferior to you. So let me ask you: What exactly do you think a 'soul' is?"
This conversation took place three days after their Q&A session with Kokichi Muta.
Mahito, reclining in a beach chair beside Kenjaku, fell into deep thought upon hearing the question.
It was a phenomenal question. Until now, he hadn't given it much critical thought. Due to the memories of his past life, he still viewed the concept of a 'soul' through a somewhat mystical lens. But having transmigrated into Mahito, that filter had mostly eroded. To him, the soul and the physical body were functionally identical. Because of his technique, he actually felt the soul was easier to physically alter than flesh.
He answered cautiously, "A biological component driving human action?"
Kenjaku didn't deny it. Instead, he brought up a philosophical thought experiment: "A Western philosopher once proposed an interesting paradox. He said: Imagine a ship. As it sails, its wooden parts gradually rot and wear down, requiring constant replacement. Eventually, every single piece of the ship, even its most vital keel, has been entirely replaced. Tell me, is that ship still the same ship it was at the beginning?"
Honestly, Mahito had no idea what Kenjaku was getting at.
What did this have to do with Incarnation? His question had been purely about the physical mechanics of Incarnation, not the metaphysical realm of the soul. Mahito had assumed Kenjaku would discuss the biological logistics, as he usually did. He never expected Kenjaku to pivot to the soul, let alone invoke philosophical paradoxes.
The corners of Kenjaku's mouth curled up. Whenever he saw that look of sheer bewilderment on the face of the arrogant King of Curses, it brought him immense joy. He knew perfectly well that as time passed, Mahito's physical specs and intellect would only approach absolute perfection. Eventually, even Kenjaku wouldn't be able to teach him anything.
On the contrary, in the future, Kenjaku would be the one asking for guidance. Therefore, while Mahito was still growing, Kenjaku deeply cherished these moments where he could play the role of a teacher.
Kenjaku tapped his own temple. "According to modern medicine, the most crucial component of a human is the brain. Because a human's memories and sensory inputs are all localized there. Let me ask you, Mahito: Does the human soul also reside within the brain?"
"It does not," Mahito stated with absolute certainty.
"Then where is it?" Kenjaku asked.
Mahito pointed to his chest. "Here."
Kenjaku knew that although Mahito pointed at his heart, he didn't literally mean the soul was housed inside the cardiac muscle.
Sure enough, Mahito elaborated: "The soul perfectly overlaps with the physical body. Every single inch of the flesh contains the soul. They are two sides of the same coin, entirely inseparable."
This was exactly why, whenever Mahito used Idle Transfiguration to alter the soul, the physical flesh was violently dragged along to match the new shape. Because the soul *is* the body. Pulling one invariably moves the other.
Because humans can see flesh but not the soul, they arrogant assume the soul is something noble and transcendent. The truth is the exact opposite. The soul is profoundly mundane. It is so mundane that it is completely fused with the flesh. Cutting off a piece of the body is, in a very real sense, no different from cutting off a piece of the soul.
Kenjaku nodded. "Returning to my previous question: Regarding the components of that constantly repaired ship, which piece do you believe constitutes its 'soul'? Don't misunderstand me. While this sounds like a philosophical debate, we are discussing reality, not philosophy. Treat this as a medical diagnosis."
Treat it as medicine?
If he dug deep enough into this philosophical paradox, would it actually relate to the mechanics of the soul?
Mahito thought critically, then answered hesitantly, "I suppose... all of it is the soul."
Kenjaku looked deeply at Mahito and smiled. "No need to sound so unsure, Mahito. As I said, your research into the soul far exceeds my own. I will take any conclusion you offer very seriously. You said 'all of it,' correct? Then let us proceed under the assumption of 'all of it.'"
Mahito sighed internally. His theoretical foundation in this specific area was genuinely lacking. He was being completely led by Kenjaku.
But he couldn't be blamed. He had absolutely no other avenue to learn these ancient secrets; he had to rely on Kenjaku. Fortunately, because of their Binding Vow, Kenjaku was compelled to provide truthful information—or at least, information he genuinely believed to be true.
Mahito asked, "What was the answer you originally intended to give?"
"The human," Kenjaku smiled, his expression unchanging. "The soul of the ship is the captain steering it. No matter how many times the planks are swapped out, the captain remains the same. The soul of the ship isn't the 'keel' representing the heart, nor the 'helm' representing the brain. It is the man holding the wheel."
Mahito suddenly understood.
That was an incredibly on-brand answer for Kenjaku. It was exactly how he operated his own cursed technique.
Kenjaku pivoted seamlessly. "However, since the grandmaster of the soul says otherwise, I concede that you are likely the correct one. 'The soul and flesh are one' is the true answer.
"Hmm. I occasionally sense faint fluctuations from the original consciousness of my host bodies. I always assumed it was a random anomaly. But if your theory of 'flesh and soul unity' is correct, then it isn't an 'anomaly' at all. Rather, 'as long as I inhabit this shell, the backlash from the original owner's soul is biologically unavoidable.'"
This was Kenjaku musing on his own issues. He didn't dwell on it, steering the conversation back to the main topic:
"If you intend to manufacture your own vessel, the absolute first hurdle you must overcome is preparing the physical site where your soul will reside.
"Unlike standard Incarnation, the most critical aspect of a dedicated, perfect vessel is that the synchronization rate must be tuned to exactly 100%. Therefore, its soul must be altered accordingly—just like the ship."
*Adjusting the synchronization rate between soul and flesh.* Mahito fell into thought.
Kenjaku beamed. "And the absolute best method for achieving perfect synchronization is, without a doubt, a completely fresh conception. That is to say: Reincarnation."
Mahito frowned deeply. "Reincarnation?"
"Do you know how I prepared the perfect vessel for Ryomen Sukuna?" Kenjaku asked.
This was something never explicitly detailed in the original story. Mahito was intensely curious. "Please, tell me."
"I took the reincarnated soul of Ryomen Sukuna's twin brother, implanted it into the womb of my previous host body, and let it gestate naturally," Kenjaku stated without batting an eye.
Mahito was stunned. *Did the manga ever actually say that?*
"Very few people know that Ryomen Sukuna actually had a brother." The corners of Kenjaku's mouth curled up in a look that was equal parts mocking and tragic. "Except, Sukuna's younger brother was never born. While they were still gestating in their mother's womb, Ryomen Sukuna actively cannibalized his own twin."
Mahito felt a chill run down his spine. A monster that actively hunted and devoured its own blood relative before it was even born. That was the King of Curses from a millennium ago: Ryomen Sukuna.
"That is the ultimate, absolute, most flawless vessel in existence," Kenjaku said, locking eyes with Mahito, his voice drifting like dandelion fluff. "Mahito, if you wish to forge your own vessel, you must adhere to this highly specific rule. You must take the reincarnated essence of a fraction of your own soul, implant it into a human mother's womb, watch it gestate, and then—devour your other half to claim mastery over the flesh."
Even though Mahito had been a Cursed Spirit for a month and a half, he still found the sheer depravity of the method revolting.
Unable to suppress his curiosity, he asked, "Are the vessels you prepared for the other ancient sorcerers manufactured the same way?"
"Of course not—" Kenjaku was about to continue, but abruptly stopped. "You know about my Binding Vows with the ancient sorcerers? You even know I've prepared vessels for them? How exactly did you acquire that intelligence?"
"I have my own information networks," Mahito said nonchalantly. "After all, as their creator, even if they lack free will, my creations share their sensory data with me."
Kenjaku asked hesitantly, "The transfigured Curses? They actively investigated me? Even though you never ordered them to?"
Transfiguring Curses was Mahito's casual side project. In the original story, Mahito had explicitly stated that compared to humans, the souls of Curses were far more durable and receptive to transfiguration. This proved that the original Mahito had conducted similar experiments. In this timeline, Mahito felt absolutely zero guilt treating Curses as his personal lab rats. He categorically refused to view those mindless beasts as his peers.
As a side note, after initiating mass experiments on Curses, he finally resolved a minor plot hole from the original manga.
During the Shinjuku Showdown in the original story, several sorcerers complained: *"We can never find Special Grade Curses on a normal day, so why are they all suddenly popping out of the woodwork now? What the hell is going on?"*
It was mostly a throwaway line to establish that sorcerers outside the main cast were also actively fighting disasters. But where did all those Special Grade Curses actually come from? Now Mahito knew the answer.
He was the one who transfigured them!
All those Special Grade Curses were the direct products of Mahito's experiments, entirely bound to his absolute command.
"It's not exactly a state secret." Kenjaku shrugged slightly. "Yes, those dormant individuals are the vessels I have prepared for the ancient sorcerers.
"Allowing them to perfectly execute the techniques of ancient masters is no simple feat. I had to spend an exorbitant amount of time cultivating them. To be frank, it was an incredibly tedious and exhausting endeavor."
"Could I use that method for my vessel?" Mahito asked.
"Impossible," Kenjaku declared. "Don't forget, no matter how tedious preparing a vessel for an ancient sorcerer is, the ancient sorcerers were still *human*. Since they were human, I only needed to prepare human vessels.
"But you are a pure Cursed Spirit. There is no human body in existence capable of perfectly synchronizing with you. If you want a 100% synchronization rate, the only path forward is to emulate Ryomen Sukuna and cannibalize your own 'brother.' There is no second option."
Kenjaku paused, then added cryptically, "At least, that is what my accumulated knowledge tells me."
The phrasing heavily implied a loophole.
Mahito immediately pressed, "So, you're saying there's an alternative theory?"
"That theory originates from you," Kenjaku hinted pointedly. "Have you forgotten? Your innate technique is literally the manipulation of the soul. Since a human body cannot adapt to you, why don't we flip the equation? Can *you* adapt yourself to a human body?"
Mahito didn't answer.
Following his Incarnation, he was currently capable of using his Innate Technique and Reverse Cursed Technique. He operated almost identically to a human sorcerer... *almost*.
Every single time he activated a technique, he felt a distinct, undeniable friction. He knew exactly why: this wasn't his original flesh. At the end of the day, it was just the body of a random Curse User. Even the original Curse User's soul was still dormant inside, unpurged.
It wasn't his body, so naturally, he couldn't unleash his full power.
With such incomplete power, defeating Satoru Gojo was a pipe dream. That was exactly why he needed a body that was entirely, exclusively his.
"What are you two discussing?" Hakari strolled over, looking thoroughly refreshed.
Mahito snapped out of his reverie and looked at Hakari. "Did you finish taking care of your business?"
"Nothing major to handle," Hakari replied casually, flopping down onto a pre-arranged beach chair. "I left Kirara in charge. She'll call me if anything pops off. Me being gone for a bit isn't a big deal. If there's real trouble, just open a portal and I'll be back in a flash."
"We were discussing the issue with my current vessel. This body restricts my maximum output. If I want to fight Satoru Gojo, I need a body that allows me to operate at 100% efficiency," Mahito explained.
Mahito had no intention of keeping secrets from Hakari. Because Mahito knew that regardless of whatever schemes Hakari might be harboring right now, it was physically impossible for him to betray Mahito.
—*Surprise, kid. Thought Imprint!*
That's right. While Hakari hadn't consciously pledged his absolute loyalty to Mahito yet, it was only a matter of time.
Ever since transmigrating, Mahito had relentlessly researched the 'Thought Imprint' application of his technique, and he finally had a working prototype. While Hakari was unconscious, Mahito had embedded the Thought Imprint directly into his soul.
Hakari hadn't noticed a thing, but functionally, his cognitive processes were already heavily skewing toward Mahito's massive, villainous syndicate. Take his current actions, for example. Consciously, Hakari probably believed he was leaving his territory to keep a close eye on Mahito. But purely based on his actions? He had rushed through his territorial administration just so he could hurry back and report to Mahito. Objectively, it was the behavior of a fiercely loyal subordinate.
His fundamental cognitive framework was already shifting, yet Hakari himself remained entirely oblivious. That was the terrifying power of the Thought Imprint.
While Kenjaku didn't understand why Mahito placed such absolute trust in Hakari, since Mahito had opened the floor, Kenjaku smoothly summarized their previous conversation.
Hakari listened intently, his brow furrowing deeply.
"So, you're saying your current vessel acts as a hard cap on your potential? You need a body that perfectly synchronizes with your soul, but you don't want to use Kenjaku's method of eating your own 'brother'?" he summarized.
Mahito nodded.
Hakari turned to look at Kenjaku. "Honestly, compared to actual Cursed Spirits, you seem way more like a Curse! Cultivating a 'brother' just to cannibalize it... I can't even fathom how twisted your brain is. Are you really Suguru Geto?"
Kenjaku just smiled, offering no confirmation.
"Oh, right, you weren't aware," Mahito casually chimed in. "He's not Suguru Geto. He's just a Curse User piloting Geto's corpse. He calls himself Kenjaku. He's a Curse User who's been alive for over a thousand years."
Kenjaku facepalmed. "Is it really wise to share that? That intelligence is quite critical if we end up fighting Satoru Gojo. You're just handing it over to Hakari-san?"
"Oh, it's fine. Because Hakari is worthy of my absolute trust," Mahito said with a beaming smile.
Hakari's heart gave an involuntary flutter. He actually felt a bizarre surge of emotion.
*He's a Curse, but his charisma as a leader is undeniably magnetic. Even a human boss probably wouldn't place such blind trust in someone as rebellious as me, right? Yet Mahito does it without a second thought. That just proves how massive his ambition is.*
A stray thought drifted through his subconscious: *If Mahito actually ascends to the throne of God and rules the world... maybe that wouldn't be so bad?*
Hakari spat and laughed. "Relax. I'm not gonna leak it to Gojo-sensei. Because whatever you throw at him, I'm fully confident Gojo-sensei can handle it... Anyway, back to the main topic. Mahito, you need a perfect vessel, right?"
"Do you have a brilliant suggestion?" Kenjaku asked dismissively. He highly doubted this modern meathead possessed a solution that had eluded *him*.
Hakari genuinely didn't. In terms of classical Jujutsu theory, Kenjaku's grotesque method was unequivocally the 'correct' answer.
The accumulated knowledge of a millennial Curse User completely eclipsed Hakari's.
With one crucial exception.
His understanding of the modern world.
Hakari asked, "Have you guys ever heard of... cloning?"