One hour later…
The sparring space had gone quiet, dust settling where their movements had torn through the floor. Takeru stood still, breathing steady, when something shifted—cursed energy aligning in a way it hadn't before. In his hand, a gavel formed. Not summoned by instinct. Not borrowed. New. His eyes narrowed slightly as realization started to form—but before he could speak, a voice echoed through the air.
Not from any direction. Not from any person. A narrator—detached, absolute: "Copy. If Takeru fights or trains with someone for one hour, he gains their abilities. A clean slate ability moveset, capable of mastery through repetition. Brother to Yuji Itadori, Choso Kamo, Satoru Gojo, and more… He has gained abilities from those bonds and from those he has faced. For example—after sparring with Megumi Fushiguro twelve weeks prior, he acquired the Ten Shadows Technique and has since tamed all ten shikigami."
Silence.
Yuji blinked.
"…What?"
Megumi's eyes widened slightly.
"…You WHAT?"
Hana stared at the gavel in Takeru's hand.
"…That's… Higuruma's…"
Angel spoke, quieter than usual.
"…This confirms ability replication through sustained engagement…"
Higuruma didn't move at first.
His eyes locked onto the gavel.
"…So that's what this was."
Takeru looked down at his hand.
Turned the gavel slightly.
Testing the weight.
"…Copy."
Yuji stepped forward.
"…You're telling me you can just—learn someone's whole technique by fighting them?!"
Takeru answered simply.
"…After one hour. Yes."
Megumi ran a hand through his hair.
"…That explains way too much…"
Hana was still staring.
Not at the gavel—
but at Takeru.
Angel added:
"…This also implies exponential growth potential."
Higuruma exhaled slowly.
"…And I just gave you mine."
Takeru looked up at him.
"…Correct."
A pause.
Then—
Higuruma gave a faint, almost disbelieving laugh.
"…Unbelievable."
Takeru tightened his grip slightly.
The gavel pulsed.
Not fully mastered.
But real.
And now—
his.