Chapter 45: Gojo's Open Conspiracy
With Gojo Satoru's help, Okkotsu Yuta gradually regained his confidence and began integrating into life at Jujutsu High.
Under the guidance of his three first-year classmates, Yuta trained hard and grew at a rapid pace.
Meanwhile, Geto Suguru, now running the cult to line his pockets, caught wind of Rika's existence. The cursed queen became his next target.
Inside the cult's headquarters, the floor was still smeared with blood. Geto, dressed in loose monk's robes, sat at the head seat, surrounded by sorcerers who shared his ideology.
He had just finished squeezing the last drop of wealth from a local tycoon. Now he sat, student ID of Okkotsu Yuta in hand, contemplating how best to lure the boy in.
The Queen of Curses… If he could claim her, his plans would advance dramatically.
After all, the very fact that Yuta was designated a special grade by the higher-ups—solely because of Rika—proved she was far from an ordinary curse.
A thin smile curled across Geto's lips.
"Let's go. Time to meet this kid face-to-face."
He already had a plan.
If Yuta was willing to side with him, then there would be no need for violence. If not… then he'd take Rika by force.
Geto summoned a flying curse, mounted with his followers, and set off for Jujutsu High.
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At that same moment, within Jujutsu High itself, a different discussion was taking place.
Several faculty members gathered as Gojo voiced his newest proposal.
"I think sorcerers should be trained comprehensively. Techniques are important, sure—but so is taijutsu.
When cursed energy runs dry, a sorcerer who has no physical skills is as good as dead. But if they've honed their body, they can still fight.
Look at history—every strong sorcerer had solid fundamentals in hand-to-hand combat. So rather than letting students slowly figure it out in life-or-death battles, why not introduce a dedicated taijutsu curriculum here at the school?
Lay the foundation now, and they'll master it much faster in real combat. That way, Jujutsu High will produce stronger sorcerers overall. What do you think, Principal Yaga?"
Gojo spoke with conviction, sounding every bit like he was earnestly considering the future of Jujutsu High.
Riko Amanai sat nearby, struggling not to burst out laughing.
Principal Yaga rubbed his temples. He glanced at Gojo, then at Riko barely holding it in, and finally at Zen'in Shinsuke—who looked ready to throttle someone.
It wasn't hard to tell what was going on here. Gojo clearly just wanted to force some work onto Shinsuke, who was too laid-back for his taste.
"…Nanami, what's your opinion?"
Yaga turned toward Kento Nanami, who had recently returned to Jujutsu High as a sorcerer.
Nanami looked far more polished than during his student days—hair combed immaculately, suit crisp, posture straight. Among those present, he alone looked like a respectable professional.
He sipped his tea calmly, then caught Shinsuke glaring at him with a look that seemed to say, "Agree to this, and you're dead."
(Or maybe that was just Nanami's imagination.)
"…I think this is something the principal should decide. I'm just an ordinary sorcerer here."
Yaga's lips twitched. What a perfectly useless answer.
"In that case," Yaga said, turning at last to the man in question, "what about you, Shinsuke? If we do open a taijutsu course… you'd obviously be the one teaching it."
When it came to taijutsu, Zen'in Shinsuke was the undisputed specialist—a master of pure close combat.
"Principal Yaga will decide. I'm a teacher here, so naturally, I'll follow the principal's arrangements," Shinsuke said calmly, his tone flat.
"Huh?" Gojo blinked in surprise. He hadn't expected that. This guy didn't refuse?
It didn't really matter either way—Gojo had already decided that the taijutsu course would happen. Still, Shinsuke's total lack of resistance gave him a strange, uneasy feeling. Wasn't this guy supposed to hate troublesome responsibilities?
Yaga coughed lightly and seized the moment. "In that case, it's settled. Shinsuke, you'll take charge of the taijutsu course. Don't worry, I'll report it to the higher-ups and arrange for your salary to be increased… threefold."
He didn't give Shinsuke a chance to object. The truth was, while Gojo's motives weren't exactly pure, his argument did make sense. Sorcerers shouldn't just rely on techniques—taijutsu was essential too.
And with a living taijutsu master on staff, it would be a waste not to use him.
"I have no objections," Shinsuke replied simply.
He wasn't against teaching—it was only Gojo he disliked. With Maki now at the Tokyo campus, Mai off to Kyoto, and Fushiguro Megumi soon to enroll, sticking around Jujutsu High didn't sound so bad. Besides, he'd have a better excuse to stay involved in the main events to come—and squeeze a little more "wool" out of the higher-ups while he was at it.
"Wow, Uncle, you're actually taking this seriously! You didn't even complain!" Amanai Riko said, genuinely surprised.
"Wait a second—that's not fair!" Gojo shot up, glaring at Yaga. "Principal, you're giving him a raise? At this rate, he's going to make more than me, the strongest sorcerer alive!"
"This matter is decided," Yaga said flatly, ignoring him.
Gojo's protests bounced off harmlessly. The principal might not be able to overpower Gojo in combat, but as his former homeroom teacher, Yaga didn't need to give him any face.
"Hey! Principal! Did you hear me? I'm officially protesting!" Gojo nearly slammed the table in frustration. He had wanted Shinsuke to take on more work, not more money!
"Immature brat. Learn from Nanami—he's far more composed than you."
Shinsuke smirked as he looked at Gojo's helpless rage.
"You—what's that supposed to mean? Say that again! Let's fight, right here, right now!"
"Do it, Uncle! Fight him!" Riko cheered from the sidelines, eager for drama.
Shinsuke waved it off. "Still such a child. Who even settles things with one-on-one duels anymore?"
Nanami straightened his tie and calmly continued sipping tea.
Yaga pressed a hand to his forehead, exasperated. Honestly, these people… they're supposed to be teachers. If the students saw this circus, what would they think?
"—Hm?"
All at once, everyone stiffened. A surge of twisted cursed energy seeped into the barrier of Jujutsu High.
"…He's back."
Gojo's eyes narrowed as he recognized the familiar aura. In the blink of an eye, he vanished from the meeting room.
"Geto?" Riko and Yaga exchanged looks, then hurried to follow.
"Geto Suguru, here to make a statement, huh?" Shinsuke mused as he stood, stretching lazily. "Figures. Harvest season's almost here."
He turned to Nanami. "Want to go greet your beloved senior?"
Nanami glanced at his watch, then shook his head. "It's past my shift. I'm off duty."
"…Fine."
Shinsuke chuckled and strolled out at an unhurried pace, muttering to himself, "Another poor soul driven mad by the grind."
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