Chapter 39: They Can't Hurt Me
Strictly speaking, Satoru Gojo had been looking forward to this day for a long time.
Since that day long ago, he had anticipated when a true variable might appear in the Jujutsu world, allowing this place filled with the stench of decay to usher in reform and, at the same time, become less boring.
He had made many attempts and met some great students, but it still wasn't enough. If they were bound by the rigid rules and regulations of the Jujutsu world, this place would never see real change.
Then, about ten days ago, Gojo saw Emiya.
The bodily signals that were both bizarre yet perfectly appropriate, the ability that completely transcended the Jujutsu world, and the Cursed Energy that was pure to the extreme... All of it suggested that if there were a special error or paradox in this world, it had to be Emiya standing before him.
But at that time, he could also tell that Emiya's condition wasn't good, so he wasn't impatient.
He investigated Emiya's background, found it to be a complete blank slate, and then unhesitatingly fabricated a past for him, without ever mentioning his effort.
Gojo could see that Emiya was the kind of good person who shouldn't belong to the traditional Jujutsu world, much like his best friend once was.
So, he was entirely willing to help Emiya, instead looking forward to what kind of person Emiya would grow into and what changes he would bring to the Jujutsu world... even though the boy never asked anything of him.
Moreover, Emiya's growth speed was much faster than anticipated; in just over ten days, he could already completely overwhelm Grade 1 Cursed Spirits, likely reaching the domain of Special Grade. This made Gojo wonder if the process could be even faster.
"A fight... what's the reason, Gojo-san?" Emiya truly considered Gojo, who had substantively helped him, a friend or a comrade, and he was genuinely curious about the true strength of the "Strongest." But to agree to a fight based only on this invitation seemed a bit too rash.
"Reason? Let's just say I'm incredibly curious about your true current skill level.
And if you can satisfy me, I can also teach you some new knowledge and techniques... I am, after all, a teacher at Jujutsu High."
Emiya never said he wanted to join Jujutsu High as a student, and Gojo never brought it up, because he knew Emiya's combat experience and technique were formidable. But when it came to the domain of Cursed Energy and Cursed Techniques, he was the supremely professional teacher.
Gojo had already observed that Emiya's combat skills were undeniable, but he was merely treating Cursed Energy as a form of power to injure Cursed Spirits, without learning or developing its use in other ways.
Although Emiya has not yet awakened his Innate Technique, there are many useful Cursed Techniques and skills involving Cursed Energy.
For a Sorcerer, this is completely putting the cart before the horse. Gojo admitted that Emiya was formidable even without the enhancement of Cursed Energy and Cursed Techniques, but wouldn't it be natural to become even stronger by integrating the entire Cursed Energy system?
Gojo was truly looking forward to that scenario!
"To test my current strength, and then provide instruction?
In that case, please guide me, Gojo-san." Emiya didn't believe he was currently stronger than Gojo, so this opportunity to learn new things shouldn't be missed.
Moreover, with the support of numerous Noble Phantasms, the current Emiya was no longer limited to the somewhat singular combat style he had before.
Emiya stood up, intending to follow Gojo out the door, but the latter turned and walked over to the curry rice on the counter, running his hand over the rising steam a few times.
"Perfect, perfect~ The temperature is just right. I'll still get to eat Emiya-kun's warm food after we finish fighting."
"...." 'So arrogant?!'
He was essentially saying he'd be back in less than ten minutes, and that's even including prep time.
At this point, Emiya couldn't simply treat this as instruction; he had to take it seriously. At the very least, he couldn't let himself be underestimated, could he? The person standing here now represents not just himself, but also EMIYA the Heroic Spirit and EMIYA Alter.
.
.
.
Afterward, Gojo took Emiya to the vast, open hillside behind the Jujutsu High grounds. Jujutsu High actually has a dojo for combat practice, but such a place wouldn't be large enough for the two of them to truly unleash their abilities and test their real strength.
For several kilometers around, the empty back hill contained only Emiya and Gojo. This was their battleground. At the foot of the hill, Ijichi and an Assistant Supervisor named Akari Nitta
were waiting to handle any sudden incidents, but for their own safety, they wouldn't dare to venture up the mountain.
"If you're ready, Emiya-kun, we can start any time now.
Just attack me however you like; don't worry about hurting me." Gojo stood about ten meters in front of Emiya, his tall, lean body performing leg stretches to warm up. As the self-proclaimed instructor and the arrogance of the "Strongest," Gojo generously offered Emiya the first move.
'Attack however I like?' Even though Gojo said that, there was no way Emiya would immediately launch a full-scale Noble Phantasm attack.
"Trace on." For Emiya, when he can't ascertain the opponent's true strength or whether they have special methods, engaging in preliminary combat allows for better judgment. Thus, Emiya naturally summoned Kanshou and Bakuya.
"Oh right, the intelligence shows you almost always use these two to eliminate Cursed Spirits. Are you that fond of these two married swords?
But if it's them, they won't be able to hurt me, you know." Gojo sounded boastful, but as the "Strongest," he seemed to genuinely have the reason and confidence to say such a thing.
Emiya would have to test that confidence himself to find out where it came from.
Boom—!
The sound of his feet crushing the ground echoed. Emiya's speed was so great that it briefly stirred up a thin sound barrier. In terms of sheer physical strength, he was already similar to the Heroic Spirit EMIYA in his Servant form.
Facing the incoming rush, Gojo remained standing, completely unmoving. Emiya observed his behavior, yet his attacking motion didn't waver in the slightest. He knew that when facing this opponent, he shouldn't consider such things. To lack that level of resolve and judgment would mean he was truly unsuited for combat.
CRASH!!
The blade came right up to Gojo's chest, yet he still stood there without moving his feet even an inch. The loud sound was merely the huge shockwave leaving a distinct projectile-shaped ripple behind Gojo, scattering leaves everywhere.
Gojo smiled faintly.
"Just like I said, they can't hurt me, you know."
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