[RULES FOR THE 1ST JUJUTSU HIGH EAST-WEST COMPETITION CONTEST]
1. Cursed charms used to activate Shikigami must be crafted from washi paper.
2. To ensure fairness, the cursed energy funneled into the Shikigami during matches shall be supplied via three fuel charms, into which both principals have jointly infused cursed energy.
3. If a student requests a trial run during the production period, both principals shall provide charms infused with the regulated amount of cursed energy.
4. Students are prohibited from interfering with a Shikigami once it is activated using their Innate Techniques, Barrier Techniques, or Shikigami Techniques (hereinafter referred to as "Various Techniques").
5. There are no restrictions on using Various Techniques during the manufacturing phase of the Shikigami; students are encouraged to be diligent and creative.
6. The installation of retrofitted weaponry onto the Shikigami is prohibited. However, the act of using a technique to create an "Armed Shikigami" does not fall under this prohibition.
7. The contest will be conducted in the following order: "Shikigami Introduction" followed by "Shikigami Showdown."
8. The overall winner of the contest will be determined by the outcome of the "Shikigami Showdown." The winning school's team will be awarded a certificate and a supplementary prize.
9. Separate from the overall victory, two additional awards will be established: the "Jujutsu High Award" and the "Judges' Award." These awards will be judged based on creativity and ingenuity. The "Jujutsu High Award" will be selected by both principals, and the "Judges' Award" by the panel of judges. The winning teams will receive a certificate and a supplementary prize.
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"Alright, so does anyone have any ideas!?"
Standing before the whiteboard in the new school building were Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto. Appointed as the captain and vice-captain of the Tokyo team, they faced their usual crew—Shoko Ieiri, Naoya Zen'in, Yu Haibara, and Kento Nanami—along with Masamichi Yaga, who was serving as their supervisor.
In the midst of this very student-like exchange, Naoya was the first to raise his hand.
"First off, we should aim for somethin' that stands out usin' a loophole in the rules. There ain't no specification for the size of the washi paper, right?"
"When thinking about how to embed a technique, carving a massive number of formulas onto a giant sheet of paper is certainly an option. But Naoya, isn't there a limit to that?"
"Well, yeah. It's just washi, after all. If we make the charm too big, it'll probably just tear."
"I mean, the biggest we could probably go is screen door paper size, right? If we're using the good stuff, maybe Honmino washi?"
"Then, for now, let's assume we're using Honmino washi screen paper. The question is, what kind of Shikigami should it be...?"
Suguru scribbled 'Charm: Honmino Washi Screen Paper' on the whiteboard. Responding to his prompt with an energetic hand in the air was the most spirited man in the group, Yu Haibara.
"Yes! I think it should be something cool!"
"Well, that's certainly true... Shoko, what do you think? It might be bad to only have the guys' opinions."
"Nah, I'm fine with something cool. Better than something lame. Besides, it's impossible for you guys to make something cute. You aren't cute yourselves."
Shoko's provocative remark was actually quite spot on. After all, the guys were all tall and muscular. They were far from "cute," and no matter how high the average level of their facial features was, they had no connection to the concept of cuteness.
However, there was one man present who didn't see it that way—or rather, a man who reacted to provocation with a knee-jerk reflex.
"I wouldn't say we aren't cute. Look—Kyaru-n! ♡"
"Gross... Satoru, there are things in this world you should do, and things you shouldn't."
"The fact that yer face is actually good makes it even more disgustin'. I could probably sue ya for battery."
"I'll sue you for indecent assault—no, for treason, Gojo. That level of grossness is like the President of the United States launching nukes."
"Gojo-senpai, you were definitely in the wrong just now."
"Ieiri-senpai, I will cooperate if there is a witness summons."
"You guys would go that far!?"
The rapid-fire insults in response to Satoru's antics were typical of student banter. To Yaga, the fact that they had developed this kind of relationship—something unimaginable for Satoru just a year ago—was quite moving.
However, if Yaga, the supervisor, stayed lost in sentimentality, the discussion would never reach a conclusion. He let out a sharp cough. Realizing they had gone off-track, the students refocused and began to seriously deliberate the Shikigami's specifications.
"Getting back on track, what's the concept besides 'cool'?"
"Let's see... I suppose the important parts are the offensive and defensive capabilities. Even if we load someone's technique effect onto it, I think one type for offense and one for defense is the limit when you consider fuel efficiency."
"True. Then Nanami, what would you do?"
"...How about a solid build? Use Barrier Techniques for defense and a Cursed Energy Cannon for offense."
"That's a bit of a plain design. We won't win any special awards even if we win the fight."
"Well, as soon as I said it, I realized Naoya is right. If creativity is a major point, an extremely safe method might be lackluster."
"But Suguru, I think Barrier Techniques are fine for defense. Fortunately, Haibara is an expert when it comes to barriers. I'm sure he can incorporate a great one."
"Thank you, Geto-senpai! I'll do my best!"
"Alright, so defense is Barrier Techniques. Now... offense. We want that to be flashy, right?"
"Yeah, being aggressive looks much better than just playing it safe, visually speaking."
"I wonder what kind of technique is suited for attack."
"Well, as a basic premise, my Limitless, Naoya's Projection, and Suguru's Cursed Spirit Manipulation are out of the question. I can't think of a way to make a Shikigami control those automatically."
"Then... Nanami's Ratio Technique?"
"No, my technique is also fairly complex, so..."
As everyone racked their brains over the difficulty of their own techniques, a single hand slid upward.
"I might be able to handle the procurement of the technique."
It was Suguru Geto who spoke. One half of the strongest duo stood there with a confident smirk, as if to say, 'I have a secret plan.'
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