In the original work, when Kenjaku negotiated with the US, he never mentioned the issue of obtaining Cursed Techniques for themselves. On the contrary, they didn't think much of Jujutsu Sorcerers; they only viewed them as a simple source of clean energy. In their minds, Cursed Energy, which could be born continuously just by providing negative emotions, was as convenient and clean as holy water bestowed by heaven.
Ultimately, for the US in the original work, Cursed Techniques were incidental. What they explicitly wanted was the energy source of Cursed Energy; they wouldn't consider anything else at all.
But now it was completely different.
The diversity of abilities allowed them to see infinite possibilities, especially immortality. They began to show the greed expected of a superpower. Especially compared to letting these abilities remain in the hands of outsiders whose depths were unknown, they wanted to use these abilities directly, so they could wield their violence more freely within immortality.
Mahito easily saw the greed for power and the determined arrogance of the people before him through his eyes that could see through the Soul.
Mahito did not answer immediately, but turned to ask Kenjaku:
"Was this also within your expectations?"
Kenjaku answered immediately without thinking:
"No, the person who made the introduction for me is this gentleman from the US Department of Energy: The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy and Environmental Affairs, Mr. Cyrus Will. My conversation with him was limited to the use of Cursed Energy as a new type of clean energy. At most, I mentioned your abilities, Mahito, but we didn't discuss anything else."
Mahito gazed at Kenjaku; his Soul did not waver in the slightest.
Kenjaku wasn't lying. Ever since he confirmed that Mahito's killing intent toward him had begun to spread, he really hadn't made any other small moves besides the matter with Uraume. On the contrary, he had become much more honest, because he knew clearly that Mahito was unlike anyone else; even death could not stop Mahito from torturing him. This was a genuine candidate for godhood, and he could truly step into that position at any time.
Mahito looked away, and Kenjaku breathed a sigh of relief.
Oh, he had made so many small moves in the past that Mahito would name him as the primary suspect at the slightest sign of trouble, which always kept him on edge. If he had known Mahito would grow so quickly, he would have just cultivated him honestly.
Kenjaku felt a rare sense of regret.
The President said cheerfully:
"Mr. Mahito, don't be so tense. We're just asking to see... I know the uniqueness of Cursed Energy in Japan and that it's hard to replicate elsewhere... but since you're already here, we can have an academic discussion about it."
"No, Mr. President, you misunderstand. It's not that I want to deliberately hide it, nor have I ever thought of monopolizing the phenomenon of Cursed Energy." Mahito said meaningfully: "I am advising you for your sake and the sake of your country—stay away from Cursed Energy."
Will, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Department of Energy, said in surprise:
"So, you're saying that if the conditions are right, Jujutsu Sorcerers could be born in the US just like in Japan?"
Kinji Hakari finally couldn't take it anymore and said earnestly in fluent American English:
"The cycle of Cursed Energy is not a good thing! Didn't Mahito just say so? This is very dangerous. Even if you go to Japan to capture Jujutsu Sorcerers for research, it would be a hundred times safer than letting the Cursed Energy cycle exist on US soil! Mahito isn't lying to you; this really isn't a good thing!"
Will frowned and looked at Kinji Hakari.
"And who might this be?"
"My diplomat, Mr. Kinji Hakari," Mahito said with a smile. "Though his speech is very colloquial and he doesn't seem very formal, he is one of the people I trust most. I bring him along for all my external activities, and all my contacts with the outside world must pass through his permission before reaching me. You can think of him as my Vice President."
Kinji Hakari was slightly moved. Even though he was the one in their camp with deep ties to the Jujutsu World on the surface, Mahito had never hidden anything from him. Even now, when he had interrupted somewhat impolitely, Mahito was willing to stand up for him. How could he not be moved?
Will said indifferently:
"Since he is Your Excellency Mahito's 'Vice President,' he shouldn't say such naive things. I'll just ask one extremely simple question: if a huge change occurs in your Japanese Jujutsu World and they demand the world recognize their status and are willing to use their violence to back it up, can the US withstand such a massive impact?"
Kinji Hakari remained silent.
Never mind the entire Jujutsu World; if he alone made up his mind to treat the world with violence, he could sweep across the US by himself!
In fact, any Special Grade Jujutsu Sorcerer in the Jujutsu World could do it. Yuki Tsukumo could sink a continent, Yuta Okkotsu's boundless Cursed Energy could kill all Americans in various ways, and don't even mention Gojo Satoru; he could take a bath in the center of a nuclear explosion.
It could only be said that the Jujutsu World really did maintain world peace to some extent. As terrible as it was, its role was necessary. Preventing Jujutsu Sorcerers from running wild was its greatest function! And so far, it has maintained this most basic function very well.
Will said in the tone of an educator:
"I don't know why Japan has been so quiet after mastering Jujutsu Sorcerers, but I do know that once Japan truly unifies all the Jujutsu Sorcerers in Japan, the political map of the entire world will undergo a drastic change."
Kinji Hakari still remained silent.
Will let go of the naive diplomat and nodded slightly to Mahito.
"Mahito, Your Excellency, we accept the downsides of Jujutsu Sorcerers being born on American soil. Please tell us the method."
"You're not even going to ask what the downsides are?"
"Japan is still a developed country." Will said proudly: "But there are gaps even between developed countries. Since Japan has managed to keep it hidden until now, I believe the United States can do the same, and even better. After all, Japan is a nation of only about 100 million people, while the United States has 327 million! More than three times that of Japan. As Mahito just said, if Japan can achieve it with their population, the United States certainly can too!"
Japan's 100 million people could give birth to the four major intelligent Cursed Spirits of Earth, Forest, Ocean, and Humanity. Mahito really wanted to know what kind of things could be born from America's 300 million people.
(T/N: Definitely the Gun Curse. It'll be like Chainsaw man all over again)
Thinking of this, he couldn't hide his grin at all. He clapped loudly in admiration:
"Good, you have ambition."
All the Americans unconsciously straightened their backs, fully displaying the demeanor of a superpower.
"The reason why Japan can stably produce Jujutsu Sorcerers is simple. Since a thousand years ago, Japan has been enveloped by a massive, invisible barrier. You can imagine it as an alternative atmosphere. This atmosphere is limited only to the Japanese mainland. All the Cursed Energy evaporated by humans is trapped within this atmosphere to circulate. In this long cycle of Cursed Energy, even ordinary people have the potential to give birth to a sorcerer."
Mahito said slowly:
"It is also very simple to have Jujutsu Sorcerers born on American soil. Just find an excellent Barrier Technique sorcerer and cover the US mainland with a massive barrier identical to the great Japanese barrier. Before long, within a hundred years, native sorcerers will naturally be born, and in a continuous stream."
The President shouted:
"A hundred years? I only have a four-year term! Even if I get re-elected for the next term, it's only eight years! Besides, the Sleepyhead has been gaining a lot of momentum recently; I might not even be able to keep my term. A hundred years is too long!"
Everyone looked at the President. He froze for a moment, then said with a serious face:
"A hundred years won't do. Right now, is a critical period for global hegemony. A hundred years is enough for other countries to thoroughly research Jujutsu Sorcerers. We need to speed up the pace of action to keep up with the world's development."
Just by changing the wording, it sounded righteous and solemn.
Is this the mouth of a superpower President?
Kinji Hakari's mouth twitched, but he said nothing.
"There is a faster way," Mahito smiled.
"Please speak, Mr. Mahito." The President maintained a serious expression.
"The foundation remains establishing the American Great Barrier; that doesn't change. As I said, the key is the Cursed Energy cycle. The American Great Barrier ensures that Cursed Energy doesn't leak out, so how do we accelerate this cycle? Just have Jujutsu Sorcerers from other countries come to your country."
Mahito said with an unchanging expression:
"Let them fight as much as possible. In the most intense battles, the evaporation of Cursed Energy will be hundreds or thousands of times that of an ordinary person! This Cursed Energy will be blocked by the American Great Barrier and evolve within the atmospheric cycle, allowing it to integrate into America's atmosphere faster."
"The price is that you need to find so many Jujutsu Sorcerers. I think besides Japan, no other country in the world has such a density of Jujutsu Sorcerers. Oh, and also, Jujutsu Sorcerers are very strong. If you're going to kidnap them, it might involve bloodshed."
The President tilted his head.
"Still kidnapping?"
He didn't even mention the bloodshed; that wasn't a problem he should consider.
The soldier considering this question asked:
"What is the resistance of Jujutsu Sorcerers to bullets? Or, if I may be so rude... what is your resistance to bullets?"
Mahito could tell that this soldier was testing the resistance of the Jujutsu Sorcerers, led by Mahito, to modern weapons. In his heart, he was looking at Mahito with an evaluative eye, wanting to know Mahito's true abilities.
"Ordinary Jujutsu Sorcerers have no resistance to bullets at all. Although Cursed Energy reinforcement can significantly improve dynamic vision and physical fitness, they will still die if hit by a bullet." Mahito's expression remained unchanged, still maintaining a smile. "As for someone at my level, I suppose you could try it for yourselves?"
The soldier frowned.
"For ourselves?"
"Did you bring firearms?" Mahito said calmly. "Right here, shoot at me."
Everyone felt as if a huge pressure was forcing their hearts to beat faster, as if some deep-sea terror had submerged them. Mahito did nothing, but after he said those words, everyone could imagine him walking through thousands of bullets as if strolling through a courtyard.
If bullets were truly useless, wouldn't Mahito, who mastered the Spatial Gate, be the world's strongest assassin? He would only need to open a Spatial Gate and step into anyone's room. No matter how deadly and professional the traps and bodyguards inside the house were, they could not be a match for Mahito.
Just by asking a few random questions, a formidable monster was revealed.
The soldier sneered twice.
"How domineering, Mr. Mahito."
"I've never tested if nuclear weapons would be effective against me." Mahito said with a smile. "Perhaps this gentleman can satisfy my curiosity?"
The soldier's face changed.
The President hurriedly interrupted the tense atmosphere:
"Haha, Mr. Mahito is really joking. What's all this talk about nuclear weapons? Since 1945, when the US dropped atomic bombs on... cough cough, as a deterrent, we have never used nuclear bombs in actual combat again. How could we possibly think of using nuclear bombs to deal with you, Mr. Mahito?"
Turning his head, he asked the others:
"How about using incentives? It's just a matter of a green card. I think we have quite a bit of influence in Japanese politics. Even without relying on kidnapping, just relying on incentives should be attractive enough, right? After that, we set up a stage? Just let them go up and fight."
"It might be feasible." A white male said hesitantly. "Although recent acts of war have significantly lowered America's credibility, we are, after all, the only superpower on this planet with a truly global perspective. There are still many people who immigrate to our country out of admiration... We are an immigrant nation, after all."
"As for the stage, it's even simpler. There are countless underground arenas in the US. We can also set up an official one, and then package them as some kind of idol Jujutsu Sorcerers and let them fight on stage. I believe everyone likes to watch. The injury rate in football might even be higher than that of Jujutsu Sorcerers fighting on a stage."
The President complained:
"I told you we can discuss things; why go to war? The US goes to war every year yet wins the Nobel Peace Prize every year. Fuck, I'm the only President who hasn't gone to war, yet I don't have a Peace Prize!"
"This is the international policy set by the state." Someone reminded the President. "Both the Democratic Party and the Republican Party should maintain this tradition. Your Excellency, you are currently a member of the Republican Party, please be careful with your words and actions."
"This isn't the White House. Can we stop talking about this?" The President said impatiently. "Can we move on to the next topic?"
Didn't you bring up this topic yourself?
As expected of a President who came from real estate; his skin is thicker than a pure politician's.
A middle-aged white woman asked:
"Does Mr. Mahito know a Barrier Technique Jujutsu Sorcerer who can set up an American Great Barrier?"
"Yes," Mahito nodded and smiled. "A Jujutsu Sorcerer who has lived for a thousand years, the unquestionable 'Tengen' in the Japanese Jujutsu World. She is Japan's strongest Barrier Technique Jujutsu Sorcerer and the designer and maintainer of the current great Japanese barrier. If you want to set up an American Great Barrier, she is the only choice."
A Jujutsu Sorcerer who has lived for a thousand years?
The President suddenly realized and laughed:
"Mr. Mahito is being dishonest. You want me to use America's power to order Japan to hand over that Tengen? Or have us threaten the Japanese government to force Tengen to come to the US as a guest? You want Tengen to leave the Japanese mainland?"
"Your Excellency, how do you view 'God'?" Mahito suddenly asked.
The President was stunned.
How did the topic suddenly shift to the metaphysical realm?
No, from the beginning, the topic has been in the metaphysical realm! Aren't Jujutsu Sorcerers themselves metaphysical?
"Please speak plainly, Mr. Mahito. We are all on the same side here." The President frowned.
"Tengen will become a God at the end of this year." Mahito said meaningfully. "Perhaps you might look down on Japan's gods and view them as false gods, but a God is a God, a genuine ruler of the world's laws. By then, even if you want to threaten her, you won't be able to."
"If that Tengen becomes a God, will she stop caring about Japan? Why would she be beyond our threats?" the soldier asked.
"Because after she becomes a God, she can destroy all the US troops stationed in Japan. The great Japanese barrier can withstand all of America's nuclear weapon stockpiles, and if she becomes unhappy, she can raise massive sea waves to swallow the coastline of US territory." Mahito smiled. "Of course, what I'm saying now is very exaggerated, and Mr. President doesn't have to believe it. However, since I've explained it in advance, please don't blame me for not giving you a warning if US territory shrinks as a result."
Fuck! This is forcing us to make a choice.
The President and his subordinates looked at each other for a while.
"Perhaps... are there other options?" Will asked hesitantly.
A Jujutsu Sorcerer who has lived for a thousand years—just hearing that title makes one not want to provoke her!
"There are." Mahito immediately held his head high and recommended himself. "I am also a Barrier Technique Jujutsu Sorcerer. Although I am far inferior to the thousand-year Jujutsu Sorcerer Tengen, I consider myself top-tier. I can also design an American Great Barrier and guarantee its stable operation."
"And what is your experience?"
"None at all." Mahito said frankly. "After all, a national-level great barrier is something that no other Jujutsu Sorcerer besides Tengen has ever worked on. If you want me to do it, I might be a bit out of practice."
Fuck, you want to treat our country's Eternal Prosperity Plan as your guinea pig!
The middle-aged white woman immediately said:
"I will issue an inquiry to Japan tomorrow! Really, to think a human who has actually lived for a thousand years exists. This is a treasure of humanity; she absolutely cannot stay in a backward place like Japan. She must come to the United States for the most meticulous protection."
It's done.
Mahito smiled.
"In addition," the middle-aged white woman introduced the soldier to Mahito, "this is the Commander of the Joint Special Operations Command, Army Lieutenant General Gary K. Johnson. He commands the most determined and professional special forces in this country, who are also protecting us right now... Could you show us the methods of a Jujutsu Sorcerer?"
The soldier did not decline and nodded.
"That is exactly my intention. Does Mr. Mahito need to prepare?"
Mahito laughed.
"Are you aiming directly at me?"
"The Jujutsu World should be a place where strength is respected, right?" The middle-aged white woman looked at Mahito and asked tentatively. "Since you can sit in the main seat, it means you are the strongest among them. Through a battle with you, we can gain a deeper understanding of Jujutsu Sorcerers, which will also help us judge how many people we should send if we go to Japan to kidnap Jujutsu Sorcerers."
"In that case." Mahito didn't mind.
"Let me do it." Kenjaku said. "My ability is perfect for a demonstration."
Chisato took a step forward of her own accord.
"Please remain seated, Master and Master's Sensei. If it's just a sparring match, let me handle it."
Mahito turned his head to look at Chisato. Although the Cursed Spirit girl still maintained an expressionless face, Mahito could see the flames of anger burning in her pupils.
Kinji Hakari grinned. "It seems the fire in the young girl's heart has already exploded; it's just that her expression management is more qualified than mine, so it hasn't broken out yet."
Mahito instructed, "Don't kill them."
Kenjaku shrugged and took a step back. "As you wish."
Chisato lowered her head.
Army Lieutenant General Johnson's mouth twitched. "I've really been looked down upon."
The soldier stood up abruptly. "There are 15 guards I brought outside the door right now. All of them are the most elite counterterrorism team among special agents, and all 15 are equipped with bulletproof vests and high-performance rifles."
"Not only that, besides the assault team I brought, there is also the CIA's Paramilitary Organization, the world's number one secret mission unit. All members have over eight years of military and special operations experience—three squads totaling 30 people."
"A total of 45 highly skilled professional soldiers!"
"Since you have the ability, come and try it!"
The soldier shouted majestically, "I'll be blunt: the Japanese should honestly build cars and draw animations! Other little schemes shouldn't appear, including Jujutsu Sorcerers!"
"What thousand-year-old Jujutsu Sorcerer? If she were really that powerful, she should have stood up when we dropped the nuclear bombs in 1945! The fact that she didn't shows she can't beat modern armies either. Even that thousand-year-old Jujutsu Sorcerer fears the United States, so you'd better behave!"
"It's better to say less of such stereotypical words!!" The President looked at the expressions on Mahito's side and quickly interrupted.
"It's okay." Mahito supported his chin with the back of his hand and smiled. "Expressing one's feelings directly is also a sign of honesty. I don't mind."
After a pause, Mahito said nonchalantly, "Chisato, as long as they don't die."
As expected, he was still angry!
Chisato straightened her back and accepted the order in a clear voice:
"Yes!"
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