"Not quite cutting it."
Facing the pressure exuded by Sukuna, Gojo Satoru offered this assessment.
It was completely different—not just in the volume of cursed energy, but the very nature of the oppressive aura was on another level.
If Sukuna killed freely because it brought him pleasure, then that other 'Seele' didn't consider him, or humans in general, as anything worth noticing at all.
Just as that other Seele had called him a toy, it perfectly illustrated the disdain a higher being holds for a lower one.
That said, his attitude toward Seele herself was entirely different.
Remembering the stubborn, sharp-tongued curse currently possessing his student, Gojo couldn't help but let out a chuckle.
A curse that cared about nothing, yet was utterly fixated on its own vessel. What a strange creature.
"What are you laughing at?"
Sukuna, who had been blocked from killing the two bystanders and was now faced with his opponent's amusement, wore an even darker expression.
Damn it, how did waking up land him in such a weak position? If he had just a few more fingers' worth of power, he wouldn't have to endure this infuriating white-haired bastard acting so carefree.
"Haha, it's nothing. Don't worry about it."
Gojo could tell Sukuna had misunderstood, but he had no intention of explaining. Instead, he seemed to relax even further. "Just thinking about what to eat on the ride back later. I've been busy with some pretty big stuff today, you know. And judging by the time, it should be about time to switch back now."
The two hadn't moved much since their initial exchange. Sukuna knew that engaging now would only mean humiliation, and he wasn't in the habit of seeking out a beating. Gojo, having already gauged Sukuna's current combat power, simply didn't see him as a threat.
If Sukuna's vessel was the only special grade around, Gojo would have taken it more seriously—after all, this was the Ryomen Sukuna. But… well, you see?
With a point of comparison, Sukuna's current strength just didn't worry him much.
As twenty seconds passed, the cursed markings on the pink-haired boy rapidly receded. The extra pair of eyes on his cheeks slowly closed, and his previously maniacal expression returned to its usual simple and slightly dazed look.
"So you can switch back after all."
Gojo let his killing intent fade.
"Ahh…" Yuji nodded, then irritably patted his own head. "But I can still hear him talking in here. It feels really weird."
"If that's all, consider yourself lucky."
Gojo reached out and tapped the boy's forehead. Yuji's eyes rolled back, and he passed out instantly. Hoisting Yuji over his shoulder, Gojo finally turned to look at the other two.
By now, Fushiguro Megumi had mostly stopped bleeding. Amber was standing quietly to the side, having witnessed the entire spectacle.
"Since you're alright, let's head back quickly. We need to get you treated," Gojo said, studying Megumi's condition and rubbing his chin.
"What are you going to do about him?" Megumi forced himself to focus, asking the question.
"Hm? You already know the answer, don't you?" Seeing how serious Megumi looked, Gojo felt a playful urge and answered with a smile of his own.
"According to jujutsu regulations, Itadori Yuji is sentenced to death. But… I don't want him to die." Megumi, pushing through his exhaustion, stated, "I know it's personal, but I'm asking you to find a way."
If anyone could openly defy the jujutsu establishment, Gojo Satoru was universally recognized as the one most capable—not just capable, it was common knowledge that if Gojo willed it, he could single-handedly purge the entire jujutsu world in a day.
So, if anyone could protect a condemned person like Itadori Yuji, it was undoubtedly Gojo Satoru.
"Haha, since my adorable student is begging me, of course this teacher has to give it his best shot." Gojo gave a thumbs-up. "Don't worry, I've got experience with this. I just got out of a meeting with the higher-ups today, after all."
"Huh?"
Just got out of a meeting with the higher-ups?
Megumi was taken aback. He looked at Gojo, then at Amber, who had just finished bandaging his wounds.
It couldn't be because of this girl, could it? Does she have something special about her too?
But his mind was too exhausted to pursue the thought. All he wanted right now was some rest, so he didn't press further.
"Perfect. Megumi, you take Seele-chan back to Jujutsu High first. I need to make another trip to see the higher-ups," Gojo said. "Oh, that's right, Seele-chan, you haven't packed your things yet, have you?"
"Um, Seele doesn't really have any luggage to pack." Amber was essentially alone in the world.
"Even better. We'll see you at Jujutsu High tomorrow, then." Without waiting for a reply from either of them, Gojo vanished from the spot, taking Yuji with him.
Megumi swayed as he got to his feet. "He's unreliable most of the time, but right now it's better to listen to him… By the way, did that teacher fill you in on everything you need to know?"
"About the jujutsu world?" Amber thought for a moment. "He explained everything to Seele. He even managed to get her transfer sorted in a single day. He seemed pretty reliable?"
She'd initially thought Gojo might be irresponsible, based on anime stereotypes, but after actually spending time with him, she found he was actually very thorough, considering nearly every possible situation for her. After a day in his care, she held a fair amount of respect for her new teacher.
Even if Amber was aware he sometimes pulled outrageous stunts on his students.
"Just trust him when it comes to matters about being a jujutsu sorcerer," Megumi advised, gently pressing a hand to the wound on his head to suppress the pain. He started walking toward the edge of the building. "Can you keep up?"
"Mm." Amber nodded. The two of them leaped down.
The distance to Tokyo Jujutsu High was considerable. Getting back required taking transportation. With the trains no longer running this late, Megumi bought tickets for both of them on the shinkansen.
Finally seated on the train, Megumi let out a sigh of relief. He looked at the girl sitting across from him, who didn't look like she could easily adapt to the world of jujutsu, and asked, "Did that teacher cause you any trouble? Like making you take on responsibilities you shouldn't have to?"
"Eh? No, nothing like that." Amber was surprised by the question.
"As hard as it is to believe, he really is the strongest in the jujutsu world. His judgment of people isn't wrong. Unless something's off, you must have talent," Megumi stated. "But having talent doesn't mean you have to enter this world. Maybe because he's so strong, he sometimes overlooks things that matter to ordinary people."
"As you saw earlier, this world is brutal. It's normal if you can't adapt to it."
Amber finally understood. He was looking at her introverted personality and worrying she wouldn't be able to handle the atmosphere full of crazies.
"It's alright…" Amber said shyly. "Seele might not seem very reliable, but Seele has her own reasons for entering the jujutsu world."
"Seele wants to use the resources here to investigate something. And… Seele is actually quite strong!"
Though her tone was still somewhat timid, Megumi could see the determination behind her words. If that was the case, pushing further wouldn't be kindness, but just self-satisfaction.
"I see." He said no more.
--+--
T/N: Seele slams Fraudkuna. Also, Senti might actually be beyond op in this world as the Herrscher of Sentience.
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.