"Hmm, I see. A tough battle, Sol found an opening and landed the finishing blow, Itadori swallowed a Finger, Sukuna appeared, and then Sol suppressed him..."
Gojo Satoru stroked his chin and leaned closer to Sol, grinning like a cat that had found a fresh supply of fish.
"It seems your physical abilities and special techniques are even more impressive than I thought. Exorcising a Special Grade Cursed Spirit and suppressing Sukuna? Looks like Gojo-sensei really found a treasure."
The Six Eyes revealed far more than anyone else could perceive.
Within Itadori's body, Sukuna's power was firmly restrained by an immense yet subtle force. At the same time, the flow of Cursed Energy inside Sol appeared even more condensed and refined than before.
Everything looked reasonable on the surface.
Yet every detail was extraordinary.
Faced with Gojo's probing gaze, Sol simply looked back and gave a noncommittal hum.
"Alright!" Gojo clapped his hands together. "Mission accomplished. Time to celebrate! Gojo-sensei is treating everyone to sushi tonight! For now, go get some rest, take a shower, and change your clothes. You all smell like Cursed Spirit blood."
He herded the four students toward the dormitories as though he were nothing more than a delighted teacher celebrating a successful field exercise.
Itadori and Nobara immediately cheered and ran toward the dorms.
Megumi glanced at Sol, then at the departing Gojo, who was humming cheerfully to himself. After a moment of silence, he headed back to his own room.
Sol returned to his dorm and closed the door behind him.
Outside the window, the setting sun bathed the mountains and forests in a warm orange glow.
He walked over and looked out at the peaceful scenery.
A Special Grade Cursed Spirit.
Sukuna.
The quality of the nutrients in this world was proving more interesting than he had initially expected.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
A gentle knock interrupted his thoughts.
"Sol? Are you there?"
It was Itadori's voice, carrying a hint of hesitation.
Sol opened the door.
Itadori stood outside holding a plate with several rice balls and a bottle of water.
"I noticed you didn't come to the cafeteria tonight, so I figured you might not have eaten." He scratched the back of his head with his usual bright smile. "They're leftovers, but they still taste pretty good."
Sol's gaze shifted from the rice balls to Itadori's sincere expression.
A faint softness flickered across his dark red eyes.
"Thank you."
He accepted the plate.
"Hehe, no problem!" Itadori replied happily. "And thanks for today, Sol. If you hadn't been there, we probably would've been finished."
He rubbed his stomach, still feeling lingering fear.
"Even though swallowing that Finger felt awful, you were right. It was the most reliable solution."
Sol nodded.
"Your physique is unique. Being able to contain Sukuna is both an advantage and a responsibility."
"I know."
Itadori clenched his fists, determination filling his eyes.
"I'll keep that guy under control. I won't let him cause trouble again."
Then his expression immediately collapsed.
"Although writing the mission report is going to be a nightmare. Gojo-sensei said we have to make this one especially detailed..."
Watching Itadori scratch his head in frustration, Sol spoke casually.
"If you need help, you can ask me."
"Really?"
Itadori's eyes lit up.
"That's awesome! But I can't keep relying on you for everything. I'll do my best to write it myself. You should get some rest. I won't keep bothering you."
After sending off the energetic Itadori, Sol closed the door and placed the plate on the table.
He picked up one of the rice balls and ate it slowly.
The rice had cooled somewhat, but it was still acceptable.
After finishing the simple meal, he set the empty plate aside.
Ordinary food was unnecessary for maintaining his strength, but he accepted the gesture from his classmate.
The next morning, sunlight spilled across the city like scattered gold.
At a busy intersection near an elegant commercial building, crowds had already gathered.
People stood chatting quietly or walked along the streets, carrying both the sluggishness of early morning and anticipation for the day ahead.
Warm yellow light shone from storefront windows, reflecting against passing pedestrians.
More people continued to arrive, their footsteps and conversations blending into the rhythm of the city.
Amid the bustling commercial district, a small group stood out.
At the front was a man wearing a dark blue robe secured with an elegant golden sash.
His eyes remained closed, and a faint smile rested on his lips, as though the noise around him belonged to a different world.
Beside him stood three unusual figures.
The largest possessed a body resembling weathered bone, wrapped in powerful, coiling muscles. Loose white cloth draped across its frame, giving off an aura of primal strength.
Next to it stood a strange being dressed in yellow-green clothing marked with dark spots. A fluffy white collar encircled its neck, while a miniature volcano rose from its head. It appeared slightly puzzled by the lively atmosphere around it.
On the far side stood a bizarre red octopus-like creature partially concealed beneath a white cloth. Large eyes stared out from beneath the covering, while thick tentacles protruded from above and below it. Its vivid crimson appearance contrasted sharply with the surrounding crowd.
The group moved silently through the sea of ordinary people.
They seemed less like pedestrians and more like visitors from an entirely different world, quietly observing human society while carrying an unsettling presence.
Eventually, they entered a modest coffee shop.
The glass windows blocked out much of the city's noise.
Inside, the rich aroma of roasted coffee beans mingled with the sound of soft jazz.
Suguru Geto sat in a booth by the window, slowly stirring his coffee as he watched the latte art dissolve into the surface.
A gentle smile rested on his face.
Beneath it, however, lay unwavering obsession and cold determination.
Across from him sat Hanami, completely motionless.
Nearby, Jogo rested in his seat, a hostile fire burning within his lone eye as he occasionally clicked his tongue in irritation.
Dagon remained quietly beside them. His bulky body looked cramped within the limited space, and the eyes beneath his covering blinked blankly.
"In summary, the key is the Prison Realm."
Geto set down his spoon, his voice measured and steady.
"It is the core of our plan. At the proper moment, even Gojo Satoru will be unable to escape its seal."
"Hmph."
Jogo scoffed and glanced out the window with his magma-like eye.
"So in the end, we're still relying on an object like that. I'd rather tear his head off myself."
"Patience is essential, Jogo."
Geto's expression remained unchanged.
"Our goal is not satisfying momentary impulses. We are creating a new world. To accomplish that, removing the greatest obstacle is a necessary step."
Hanami released a low sound resembling the creaking of ancient trees, expressing agreement.