Kenjaku's lips twisted into a sinister, chilling grin.
"That one was truly strong, haha! I almost didn't make it back alive!"
To this extent?
Jogo shot him an incredulous look.
"That newbie is that powerful? Could she be stronger than Roy?"
Would their grand plan face yet another obstacle?
No matter what, their grand plan must not be hindered!
Whoever stood in their way had only death awaiting them. If killing proved impossible, they'd take hostages—capture bystanders, seize their parents!
A surge of violent malice rose in Jogo's heart.
"It's hard to compare her to Roy," Kenjaku mused after some thought, unable to provide a definitive answer.
"But in terms of threat level, Roy is still greater. It's more about determination or sharpness—that guy can detect our plans more easily and opposes us more resolutely."
"Hmph, what about Yuta Okkotsu then?"
At that moment, Okita Souji suddenly let out a meaningful chuckle.
"How does he compare to Yuta Okkotsu? Both are newbies, and both have beaten you up before. Might as well rank them."
Kenjaku's mouth twitched slightly, his expression thoroughly exasperated.
"If forced to choose, that pink-haired girl is stronger. But Yuta Okkotsu's mimicry technique is also troublesome—who knows what kind of technique he'll pull out next... Speaking of which, what technique does that pink-haired girl even use?"
"You nearly got killed by her, and you still don't know her technique?"
Jogo stared at him in shock, as if looking at utter trash.
"Haha, embarrassing as it is, I genuinely couldn't comprehend it."
Kenjaku laughed heartily, not a trace of shame on his face.
"I'll have my insider probe her later. At the very least, we need to figure out the effects and conditions of her technique. Next time, I won't lose to her again!"
Kenjaku cared nothing for dignity. Having lived a thousand years, he'd long discarded such trivialities. To achieve his goals, he would resort to any means necessary.
Even if it meant transferring into a woman's body to be used by men, he wouldn't bat an eye.
No—even if he had to engage in such acts in Suguru Geto's current body, he'd likely smile faintly and agree without hesitation.
But he had a premonition.
A sense of inevitability, as if fate itself dictated that he would clash with that ridiculous pink-haired girl again.
And that opportunity wouldn't be long in coming.
Before then, he needed to uncover the mechanics and weaknesses of her technique.
"You still have insiders?" Okita remarked casually upon hearing this.
"Quite a few, actually."
Kenjaku began counting on his fingers as if listing items.
"Mostly concentrated among the higher-ups, especially the conservative faction. They're truly easy to control—far more decayed than the reformists, utterly drowning in their lust for power."
"I have connections with several conservative elders in the higher echelons, including the chief director. We maintain a mutually beneficial relationship. Manipulating their minds is child's play with a little effort."
Kenjaku spoke with effortless nonchalance, as if discussing the weather.
But that also means, as long as he is willing, he could bring the entire conservative faction of the Headquarters under his control, even turning the Chief into his puppet!
"Previously, I had asked the Chief to help gather information about Mahito for me, but unfortunately, there wasn't much progress. Roy's lips are unusually tight—he probably wouldn't reveal his secrets to anyone. In the end, we'll have to defeat him to rescue Mahito," Kenjaku continued.
Roy, who overheard these words through Okita, felt everything click into place.
So that's how it is.
When he first joined the Headquarters, an elder had immediately demanded that he hand over Mahito.
Then, when the Chief appeared, he too had probed for information about Mahito.
Naturally, Roy had been suspicious—why would the Headquarters care so much about a cursed spirit? Were they just bored?
But if those people had been Kenjaku's inside men from the start, tasked with probing whether Roy had Mahito in his custody, then everything made sense!
Truly befitting a thousand-year-old monster—Kenjaku's reach was indeed far and wide!
"What about the Three Great Families?" Okita suddenly spoke up, asking, "Do you have any inside men there?"
The Three Great Families were to be Roy's vanguard in the future. Any impurities within them had to be purged.
"I have some contingencies in place within the Kamo family," Kenjaku replied, glancing at Okita with a smile. "Why? Are you particularly concerned about the Three Great Families?"
"Not really. I've just heard they're quite formidable," Okita said indifferently, her expression as cold as ever.
"The Three Great Families are indeed impressive, but they won't affect the bigger picture," Kenjaku chuckled, as if to reassure her.
"Alright, let's get down to business!" With that, everyone's attention was drawn to him.
"Although our plan to attack the school suffered a major setback this time, it wasn't entirely without gains," Kenjaku said, his face breaking into an extremely pleased smile under everyone's gaze.
"Even after infiltrating the school in this form, Satoru Gojo didn't show up. We can now confirm that something has happened to him—he's no longer in this world!"
Kenjaku was in an exceptionally good mood.
So good that he felt like jumping for joy, laughing for an hour, then diving into the ocean to dance with octopuses!
Gojo's disappearance wasn't just about losing a formidable enemy—it meant the most troublesome pair of Six Eyes was gone!
Among all the Six Eyes, Gojo's were the most troublesome by far. With him gone, Kenjaku's plans would proceed much more smoothly!
"As long as we find the other, still-immature pair of Six Eyes and seal them away, no one will be able to stop me!" Kenjaku thought excitedly.
Sealing a pair of Six Eyes that wasn't Gojo's would be child's play!
Who could possibly stand in his way then?
"Gojo Satoru—that's the so-called strongest sorcerer you mentioned, right? Well, if he's gone, he's gone. It doesn't change anything. I'm not even sure if he was really that strong," Jogo said dismissively, his attitude a stark contrast to Kenjaku's elation.
"The real issue is—what are you going to do about that guy Roy? His strength is no joke!"
In Jogo's eyes, Roy—who had once beaten him down in a direct confrontation—was far more troublesome than any Gojo Satoru.
Roy was the biggest and strongest obstacle standing in their way!
"Of course I've thought about that."
Upon hearing this, Kenjaku snapped his fingers with evident delight.
"With Gojo Satoru gone, we no longer need to proceed so cautiously with our plans—it's about time to fully resurrect Sukuna!"
"Let the fully revived Sukuna kill Roy!"
...
After finalizing the plan, the three of them left the beach.
Jogo watched their retreating figures in silence for a long time.
The beach was eerily quiet.
The final phase of the plan had been decided.
They would offer everything to Sukuna.
Let the fully resurrected Sukuna eliminate all obstacles.
Then, pledge allegiance to Sukuna, eradicate humanity, and usher in a new era for cursed spirits!
The feasibility of this plan was high.
In fact, it was the only plan they had with any real chance of success.
He would dedicate everything—his very life—to Sukuna.
The only regret was that Mahito and Hanami wouldn't live to see the day cursed spirits became the new dominant race.
"Jogo… Jogo…"
A towering figure, shaped like a wardrobe, wriggled toward Jogo on the beach like an infant.
"Where are Hanami and Mahito?"
"Dagon?"
Jogo stood up, stroking the cursed spirit's octopus-like body, his large single eye lowering.
"Gone. They're both gone… Now it's just you and me left."
"Gone… Hanami and Mahito are gone?"
"Yeah. Both of them."
Jogo raised his head, sorrow flickering in his lone eye.
"You need to evolve quickly—before the final battle. If you succeed, we can fight side by side… and avenge them!"
Meanwhile.
"Well then, until next time, Miss Okita."
Kenjaku waved cheerfully as he bid farewell to Okita.
Once her figure had vanished from sight and he confirmed she was truly gone, the smile on his face faded.
"Uraume, how long will it take to gather all of Sukuna's fingers?"
"At the very least, a month."
Uraume answered without hesitation.
"Can't it be done faster?"
Kenjaku frowned slightly in dissatisfaction.
"Who do you think you're talking to?"
Uraume scoffed, visibly irritated.
"I am Uraume. No one desires Sukuna-sama's revival more than I do! Blame yourself for scattering his cursed objects carelessly after sealing him! If you'd kept them properly stored from the start, we wouldn't be stuck hunting them down now! Though, I suppose this does make for a good show of loyalty…"
"Hahaha, you're right. That's on me—my apologies."
Kenjaku raised his hands in mock surrender, feigning remorse.
"Fine, one month it is. Use that time to gather as many of Sukuna's fingers as possible. Meanwhile, I'll track down the new Six Eyes and seal them away!"
"And while I'm at it, I should scout for a few more high-grade vessels."
Kenjaku muttered under his breath.
Sukuna's strength was beyond doubt, but Roy wasn't the only threat. That ridiculous pink-haired jester and Yuta Okkotsu were just as formidable. And who knew if Yuki Tsukumo would show up?
He needed to gather more allies.
Weaklings are out of the question—only powerful sorcerers capable of rivaling Special Grades are worth reviving in this era!
"Do as you please. Lord Sukuna will sweep away all enemies anyway!"
Uraume wore an expression of absolute reverence, declaring with indifference, "Lord Sukuna is the strongest!"
"By the way, you deliberately waited until that woman left before speaking. Don't you trust her?"
"Hm? Ah, you mean Okita Souji."
Kenjaku pondered briefly before responding.
"Well... even though the mole was confirmed to be Kokichi Muta, meaning my earlier suspicions about her were likely misplaced, it's better to be safe than sorry. If the two of us are enough to prepare for the final battle, I'd rather not involve her."
"As for whether she's truly trustworthy... honestly, I'm not entirely sure. We can make use of her strength, but we should remain cautious."
"You really are excessively careful."
Uraume shot Kenjaku a glance and snorted coldly.
"Still, Lord Sukuna's complete revival is our top priority. Until then, I'll be cautious as well."
Meanwhile.
"Master, it seems they still don't trust me. What should I do?"
After parting ways with Kenjaku and Uraume, Okita immediately reached out to Roy through telepathy.
"Don't worry. As long as he hasn't turned against you, just stay by their side."
Roy responded swiftly. "Don't force yourself to gather intel. Your safety comes first. I'd rather lose out on information than lose you."
"Understood, Master!"
Okita's cheerful voice echoed through their mental link.
Tokyo Outskirts, Jujutsu High.
In the attic, Roy opened his eyes, ending his shared vision with Okita.
"That old fox Kenjaku is even more cautious than I expected!"
Roy muttered under his breath, a hint of admiration in his tone.
He had deliberately exposed Kokichi Muta as the mole, hoping it would earn Okita Kenjaku's trust. Once the "real traitor" was revealed, Kenjaku should have stopped suspecting Okita, right?
Unfortunately, reality was far harsher than his expectations.
Kenjaku was excessively wary, leaving no openings for exploitation.
He had sent Okita away and left with Uraume alone—clearly intending to discuss something important without her knowledge.
Truly, a centuries-old fox wasn't so easily fooled!
"Whatever. No point dwelling on it. We'll handle things as they come."
Roy pushed back his chair and stood up.
"Let them revive Sukuna completely. I'm curious to see if a fully restored Sukuna is strong enough to make me go all out!"
At this thought, Roy actually felt a flicker of anticipation.
In a world where Satoru Gojo had vanished, Sukuna was the only one who could still pique his interest.
He almost hoped Sukuna wouldn't disappoint him!
Knock knock knock!
Just then, a series of brisk knocks sounded from downstairs.
"...Her?"
Roy paused slightly, as if checking something, surprise flashing in his eyes.
"Why would she come looking for me now?"
...
The exchange event had been suspended, and now this major incident had occurred.
The Kyoto School's lead teacher, Utahime Iori, rushed back to Kyoto overnight to manage the situation with the other faculty members.
The students were left behind, scheduled to return to Kyoto the next day.
"Mai, it's time to head back to the hotel."
In the attic, Momo Nishimiya found Zenin Mai and informed her that the group had decided to leave the Tokyo School grounds.
They had booked rooms at a nearby hotel when they arrived, and everyone was staying there.
"You guys go ahead. I still have something to take care of."
Zenin Mai declined Momo's invitation to leave together, her expression calm.
"Is there something else you need to do?"
"Just some personal matters. Don't ask."
"Alright then..."
Momo was full of confusion.
But Mai wasn't the type who liked others prying into her private affairs. Though puzzled, Momo didn't press further and left the Tokyo School grounds with the others.
Mai remained seated by the bed in her room.
Only after everyone had left and the entire attic had fallen silent did she finally stand up and walk toward the bathroom.
Soon after, the bathroom light flickered on, and the sound of running water could be heard.