"Kenjaku?"
At the mention of the name, a flicker of surprise flashed through Tengen's eyes. She lifted her head to study the impolite man standing before her.
"You know about Kenjaku? That's not someone an ordinary person could dig up information on. How did you find out about him?"
Tengen set down her teapot, her tone turning serious.
"Maybe I just did my research more thoroughly."
Jinsuke Zenin shrugged, then casually picked up the teapot from the table and poured himself a cup.
"Doesn't matter how I know. Just deal with my niece's situation first."
He tapped the table pointedly.
"If it's something Kenjaku did, then even I can't help you," Tengen said after a pause. "You should be looking for him instead—he's probably the only one who can undo it. But let me warn you—he's a dangerous one, with ambitions that reach far beyond what you can imagine. Be careful."
Jinsuke took a sip of tea, then glanced up at her. "So, where is Kenjaku?"
If he knew where that bastard was, he wouldn't be wasting time here.
By this point in the timeline, Yuji Itadori's mother—Kenjaku's current vessel—should've vanished without a trace. Otherwise, tracking him down would've been simple.
"Do you think I'm omniscient? How would I know where he is?" Tengen snapped.
Kenjaku had been her enemy for over a thousand years—sometimes a man, sometimes a woman. How could she possibly keep track of his whereabouts?
"So I came all the way here for nothing?" Jinsuke muttered.
He'd assumed that after centuries of clashing with Kenjaku, Tengen would at least have some clue about his movements. He should've known better than to expect anything useful from a shut-in who hadn't left her cave in a millennium.
"It's not a total waste," Tengen said calmly. "At least you got to drink tea brewed by me."
There weren't many who could say that and live.
"Oh, what an honor."
Jinsuke snorted, setting down his cup. "So tell me, what are you now? Still human—or a Cursed Spirit?"
He eyed her inhuman features, wondering what grade she'd be classified as if she were a Cursed Spirit. At least Special Grade, no doubt.
"You could call me half-human, half–Cursed Spirit," Tengen said evenly. "But in a few years, I'll complete my evolution. By then, I'll be a full-fledged Cursed Spirit. If you still haven't found Kenjaku by that time… you can come to me."
Because when that day came, Kenjaku would come looking for her himself. His grand millennium-long plan would inevitably require her power.
"Heh. You want me to play bodyguard for free? Dream on."
Jinsuke stood up, not bothering to argue further. On his way out, he swiped the half-full bag of tea leaves from the table.
The old hag really did have good taste—living for a thousand years probably gave her plenty of time to refine it.
Tengen didn't stop him, though a muscle twitched in her face.
"This man… he knows far too much."
They had never met before today, and yet he'd acted like they were old acquaintances—plus, he seemed aware of things he shouldn't possibly know.
If the Higher-Ups hadn't told her about the Zenin brothers, she might've suspected this one was just as ancient as she was.
Leaving the Tombs of the Star Corridor, Jinsuke ran into Satoru Gojo returning from an exorcism mission.
By now, Gojo was widely acknowledged as the strongest Jujutsu Sorcerer of the modern era.
Jinsuke eyed him—bandaged eyes, tall frame, casual posture—and smirked. "What kind of Curse needs the strongest sorcerer to deal with it personally?"
"Oh? You're here for a mission too?" Gojo asked.
Even with his eyes covered, his perception was sharp as ever. He noticed the half-opened bag of tea in Jinsuke's hand and raised an eyebrow.
"I don't take anything below Grade 1 missions," Jinsuke replied lazily. "Just came to visit an old hag."
Gojo chuckled. "You're a weird one, you know that?"
The two were colleagues at Jujutsu High—not exactly close, but on friendly enough terms. Technically, Jinsuke had become a teacher earlier, which made him Gojo's senior.
"By the way," Gojo said suddenly, "I heard from Riko once that Geto turning into a Curse User had something to do with you. That true?"
He removed his bandages, revealing his piercing, star-like eyes, and stared directly at Jinsuke.
During his latest mission, he'd picked up traces of Suguru Geto. The discovery had brought back Riko's offhand comment from years ago—and now, here was the man himself.
"You really think that's possible?" Jinsuke sighed, exasperated. "You've been holding onto that for years?"
"Yeah, you're right," Gojo said with a small smile. "Geto wasn't the type to change his beliefs because of a few words."
To Gojo, Geto had always been the one protecting the weak. Funny, how they'd ended up switching places—Gojo had grown more detached, while Geto had been consumed by his ideals.
"Speaking of which," Gojo said, his tone shifting as a grin crept across his face, "we've never sparred, have we? How about it? Feel like trying?"
He locked eyes with Jinsuke, excitement flickering behind his calm expression.
Of course, it wasn't just idle curiosity—Gojo genuinely wanted to know how strong this man was.
Surely stronger than the assassin who'd once targeted Riko.
There was something about Jinsuke—his composure, his stillness—that hinted at a power Gojo couldn't quite read.
"You're joking, right?" Jinsuke stared at him in disbelief. "The strongest sorcerer of the modern era wants to spar with someone who doesn't even have a Cursed Technique? Did you hit your head?"
He half-wondered if the Higher-Ups had sent Gojo to test him—but knowing Gojo's personality, that seemed unlikely.
"Don't say stuff like ordinary person. You'll hurt my feelings."
Gojo raised one hand, forming a blade with his fingers. "Just a friendly spar between teachers. Don't be so uptight."
There weren't many people left who could make him want to fight.
"Here I come."
In an instant, Gojo vanished from sight. He reappeared behind Jinsuke, finger aimed like a gun, a crimson glow of repulsive energy building at the tip.
"What a pain in the ass, kid."
Before Gojo could release the blast, Jinsuke's voice came from behind him.
Boom!
A massive fist slammed into Gojo's head, the shockwave cracking the ground beneath them and sending him flying.
Jinsuke glanced at his own hand, still holding the tea leaves. "Bare-handed, huh? Guess I'll just have to wing it."
No weapon, no Playful Cloud—what a hassle.
Gojo landed smoothly in the distance, completely unhurt—his Limitless Cursed Technique had taken the blow. But even so, he looked genuinely impressed.
"Your strength and speed… both way beyond that guy's. You really are strong."
Ever since mastering his technique, Gojo's speed, power, and defense had all reached absurd levels—even long-distance teleportation was easy for him now. And yet, he couldn't fully keep up with Jinsuke's movements.
"What a shame," he said softly. "If you had Cursed Energy, I wouldn't have to be so damn lonely in this era."
Jinsuke sighed. "What a rude junior."
Tengen had just called him impolite earlier—and now he was getting a taste of what she meant.
Next time he saw that old hag, maybe he'd show her a little more respect.