Toji sighed and answered the phone.
"What is it?"
"Uh, well… Toji-kun. I'm sorry it's so late. I was in a hurry, so please excuse me."
Naoya's voice came from the speaker. The speaker was loud, so I could hear him clearly.
"Alright. I wasn't sleeping, so go ahead."
"It's nothing else, but is that person there? You know, the pink-haired one…"
"You mean Koyanskaya? Yes, she's right next to me."
"Really? That's perfect."
Naoya's voice brightened. He probably had something to say to Dark Koyanskaya.
"I'm listening, so speak."
"Uh, uh. It's nothing else, but I called to see if I could meet her. I want to become stronger."
He called because he wanted to become stronger. I understand what he means.
"Master? What should we do?"
Dark Koyanskaya, Foreigner, asked. Since she was in charge of Naoya's training, if anyone should step forward, it should be her.
"I'm fine. Foreigner?"
"I… don't particularly mind either. So, should we accept?"
"It would be good to accept. It seems like something is improving, doesn't it?"
"Understood."
As Foreigner nodded, Toji opened his mouth.
"She says it's fine."
"Really?! Thank you very much!"
"You don't need to thank me. But, can you come quietly? We made a Binding Vow, didn't we?"
"I don't think it's possible right now. I also have to go to school."
Wow. Why does saying he's going to school sound so awkward? It's really strange.
Toji also blinked, as if dumbfounded. He probably couldn't argue with that.
"That's true. Then there was no need to call right away, was there?"
"But, isn't there a weekend?"
"You'll come and go during the weekend?"
"I'll tell my father I'm looking for Toji-kun. Isn't that a pretty good excuse?"
Naoya asked in a bright voice.
Naoya's father was the head of the Zenin clan. He was Zenin Naobito, who shone with a character score of 3.8 out of 5.
Like a Jujutsu Sorcerer, he was crazy, but not trash. He also had tolerance. That's why he shone even brighter in the Zenin family, which had many trashy individuals.
"Just don't get caught."
"Of course, I'll be moving alone, so don't worry. But where should I go?"
"Uh. Right."
Toji glanced at me sideways. Asking me to decide?
'Where would be good?'
After a moment's thought, I recalled a suitable location. After all, he'd be a face I'd see often.
"Toji. Could you guide him to the hotel where we're staying?"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. We've already made a Binding Vow, and he'll improve once we remodel him."
"If the boss has decided, I'll follow."
Toji spoke into the phone again. The hotel name, even the address.
"Ah, so I should go there?"
"Yeah. It's room 1201. Contact us through the lobby desk, or find us directly. Do as you see fit."
"Understood. Then, I'll see you then."
Naoya said a polite farewell and hung up. Had he really improved a bit?
I don't know. I'll know for sure when I see him in person.
Weekend. Naoya visited Room 1201 of the hotel, the agreed meeting place.
A while ago. His pride had been utterly shredded, and he had been wounded.
A dull yet burning pain. A stinging sensation as if his skin was peeling. His body had healed completely, but the pain of that day was still vivid.
However. The more he replayed the pain, the stranger the thrill that surged within him.
Naoya was intoxicated by that sensation, but it wasn't just that. He felt that he himself had improved somewhat.
His mind, senses, Cursed Energy manipulation. He sought hell himself for the sake of that improvement.
"Excuse me. Is anyone in?"
"Please wait a moment."
After Naoya knocked on the door and waited for a moment, Foreigner emerged from beyond the door.
"We'll move to the rooftop. Please follow me."
"Yes. I look forward to it."
Foreigner went ahead, and Naoya followed behind.
The hotel rooftop. As soon as he heard those words, Naoya's heart pounded.
Moreover, after arriving, it pounded even more fiercely. As if he had met his first love.
Foreigner sighed and cast a spell on the hotel rooftop. Now, all she had to do was swing.
'The arrogant light has been erased, but in its place…'
Foreigner tilted her head.
Abuse, breeding, training. All were acts she enjoyed, but now it was ambiguously difficult to feel happy.
It was the Master's request, yes, but also his own doing. Because Naoya was happy.
A masochistic tendency to enjoy pain. As she tasted a fragment of it, Foreigner's mind cooled.
"Let's begin. I hope this time something is a little different."
"Yes!"
Naoya replied vigorously and unleashed his Jujutsu.
Even though excited, he was calm. Without arrogance, he persistently sought Foreigner's weaknesses.
"Ugh…!"
The third attack. Naoya, who had tried to get behind Foreigner, rolled on the rooftop floor.
On his bare skin, where his top had been removed, red whip marks were etched like an earthquake.
"Hoo…! Please continue."
"Alright."
The fourth time, he aimed for her leg but failed. The fifth time, he tried to grab her foot and spin her around but failed.
Entangled by the whip, struck by her foot. There was no humiliation quite like this.
However, the more humiliation he endured, the brighter Naoya's expression became. Flames also blazed in his eyes.
'I can feel his will, but this is truly…'
Foreigner wielded her whip with a troubled expression. The joy of growth? It would have been good if it was just that, but it wasn't.
A tendency to perceive pain itself as pleasure. The flower of masochism was blooming.
"Hah… Hah… T-Thank you."
After the training ended. Naoya, with flushed cheeks, smiled pleasantly.
That malicious brat was a masochist. It was absurd, but far better than being malicious.
'This, too, must be part of a human's transformation.'
Today, Foreigner learned more deeply about humans.
Naoya truly visited the hotel every weekend.
From Kyoto to Tokyo. Despite the long distance, he never missed a session.
With each visit, he became more humble, stronger. His demeanor also visibly became calmer.
To summarize this in one word, he was evolving. In a very good direction.
Though it was a bit strange how he got excited seeing the two Koyanskaya… Knowing the reason, I could only feel pity for him.
"I wish to serve you as my elder brother. Would that be possible?"
"What?"
Moreover, he even treated me with utmost respect. Even though it was absurd and unsettling, I couldn't hate him.
Thus, on a certain Thursday in December. As his personality modification neared successful completion, a call came.
The caller was Yaga Masamichi. The request was to go to Cape Ashizuri in Kōchi Prefecture, Shikoku.
"Special Grade?"
"Yes. According to the investigation, there's a high possibility it's a Special Grade Cursed Spirit. For now, it's information only I know. And of course, it's unregistered."
The current Yaga Masamichi was merely a Grade 1 Jujutsu Sorcerer. He wasn't a teacher at Jujutsu High yet.
Did he become a teacher when he taught Gojō Satoru? Or even before that?
"Thank you. I'll go and devour it deliciously."
"The thought of expressing it as 'eating Cursed Spirits' is insane. Very much like a Jujutsu Sorcerer."
"Thank you for the compliment. I'll excuse myself first."
Outside Kōchi Airport. I returned the phone Toji had lent me and hurried along the road.
A cape, simply put, is a cliff. Apparently, whirlpools had been forming and wave currents were abnormal for a while now.
So, I investigated, and it was a Cursed Spirit? And a Special Grade one at that, they said.
With a pounding heart, I got into the car. We arrived faster than expected.
The vast blue sea and sky. Sheer cliffs and a lighthouse visible in the distance.
"Welcome."
As I got out, admiring the beautiful nature, someone greeted us. It was Yaga.
"Oh? You called yesterday, but you're still here?"
"I stayed because I wanted to observe. It doesn't violate the Binding Vow, and I needed to confirm."
"You're diligent."
I paid my respects to Yaga's diligence. Was it because he was this kind of person that he was so stoic even at his death?
"Besides, I also needed to cast a Veil."
Yaga raised his right hand, bringing his index and middle fingers together. The other fingers were folded.
An indispensable process in Jujutsu Kaisen. It was the posture for casting a Veil.
"Emerge from darkness, blacker than darkness, cleanse and purify that which is impure."
Immediately after Yaga's voice resonated, a black dome descended over a wide area, including the cape.
Not just the land, but even part of the sea. It was truly vast.
'Is his body alright?'
I glanced at Yaga and he seemed perfectly fine. There was no sign of fatigue.
Perhaps because he's a Grade 1 Jujutsu Sorcerer, casting a wide Veil doesn't hinder him. Or perhaps the Veil itself has nothing to do with Cursed Energy. I'm not sure.
"It'll come out soon."
Immediately after Yaga lowered his hand, something writhed beneath the indigo sea.
The shadow grew larger and clearer. It was rising from the deep sea to the surface.
A whale? Or some other creature?
I don't know what it is, but I should poke it before it fully emerges. It's best to beat it before its grand entrance.
"Assassin."
"Yes, Master."
"Let's use a Noble Phantasm. Prepare it."
I called Assassin and prepared the Noble Phantasm. Foreigner stepped up in the tunnel, so this time Assassin should use it.
"Oh my? It's been a long time since I've used a Noble Phantasm."
As expected, Assassin's eyes sparkled. She seemed excited at the thought of putting on a firepower show after so long.
The current Assassin, Light Koyanskaya, is the Minister of Armaments. She can literally become a god of armaments.
Goddess Metamorphosis. Because she possesses a skill that literally allows her to become a god.
However, being a god does not mean omniscience and omnipotence. Zeus, etc., as the gods of the Fate universe were.
"Alright, then… shall we begin?"
Assassin smiled and projected a smoke bomb. She immediately dropped it onto the floor.
Shhhhiii. Instantly, thick smoke billowed up and covered the area.
'It's coming.'
The moment I anticipated the Noble Phantasm's activation, Thud! A heavy roar struck the cliff.
Yaga Masamichi was astonished.
Modern weaponry. Moreover, it was the first time he had seen a Cursed Technique that summoned a grotesque tank.
'No… is it even a Cursed Technique to begin with?'
A pink tank with steel spider legs. It was absurd, but the phenomenon itself was closer to a Cursed Technique by Jujutsu.
Jujutsu is talent. There could be a Jujutsu that summons such modern armaments.
However. The most important Cursed Energy for a Cursed Technique was not felt.
Just like that man standing with a sword.
'The man clearly has no Cursed Energy but is strong. So it's likely a Heavenly Restriction that enhances physical abilities. But what on earth is that…?'
While Yaga hesitated, Light Koyanskaya, Assassin, leaped onto the tank.
The tank had one main cannon. Missile launchers were attached to both sides of its legs and and body.
Assassin stood on the tank, casting her gaze downwards. An ominous sea breeze blew strongly.
"Uwooooh…"
Beneath the sea. A large, whale-like shadow slowly surfaced.
Its overall shape was that of a whale. Countless eyes were densely packed on both sides. And an ominous Cursed Energy emanated from its entire body. It was undoubtedly a Special Grade Cursed Spirit.
"Bow down. Worship. This is my divine authority, my grand speech."
Assassin spoke. It was a necessary procedure for True Name Release.
True Name Release means revealing the Noble Phantasm's name to unleash its true power. It is the act of aligning the wavelength.
Naturally, most Noble Phantasms absolutely required such True Name Release. Like Dark Koyanskaya, Foreigner.
"Let those with wisdom prostrate themselves and bow."
The cannon that had been pointing upwards stopped. The missile launchers on each leg and body aimed at the Cursed Spirit.
"Uwoooooh…"
The Cursed Spirit also seemed to sense this, and manipulated its Cursed Energy.
It generated water within its body and compressed it. It was an offensive posture, ready to shoot it towards a distant target.
"Kik, kikik…"
Just before Assassin released her Noble Phantasm. Miscellaneous Cursed Spirits slowly crept up from behind.
Lobsters, crabs, fish, and so on. Since the beach was right there, many were in the form of seafood.
"I'll take care of these small fries. Don't mind them and just shoot."
Toji, who had been still, rushed towards the Cursed Spirits. Although some Grade 1s were interspersed, most were Grade 2.
Tearing, splitting. Toji massacred the Cursed Spirits, crisscrossing through them.
Foreigner watched that scene, then turned her eyes to the seaside. Soon, it would be time for the cannon to fire.
"Istula, Seven Drive (Fictitious Heavy Caliber. Type-79 Incineration Ordinance)!"
Boom, Bang! Eventually, the cannon fired with the True Name Release.
"Ugh!"
Yaga grimaced and covered his ears. The roar of the cannon and missiles was so loud it felt like his eardrums would burst.
Assassin's Master was no different. Even though I was used to it, it was uncomfortable.
Eventually, the rain of shells struck the Cursed Spirit. A deafening roar. The shock, which even shook the sea, made the air tremble.
"Uweeeeh…!"
From afar, the whale's cry broke through the sound of explosions. A direct hit. It was a sound expressing the pain caused by it.
Holes were blasted all over the whale's body, and its wounds were burning. It was clearly a severe injury.
Nevertheless, the Cursed Spirit was regenerating its wounds. It was a recovery speed befitting a Special Grade Cursed Spirit.
"Not yet."
Assassin muttered as if whispering. The gigantic pink tank hunched and then extended its spider legs, leaping.
High, fast. It tore through the air like a missile and crashed down onto the Cursed Spirit.
Boom! Once again, a loud roar echoed, and the sea surged.
"That's absurd."
Toji eliminated the approaching Cursed Spirits and returned.
He had watched the scene of firepower spitting flames. He had also watched the tank flying down and smashing.
The tank slowly pierced a huge hole and was disappearing, turning into light. It was proof that the Noble Phantasm's use had ended.
Tap.
Just before the tank disappeared, Assassin leaped, powerfully stepping on its cannon barrel.
A trajectory describing a beautiful curve. Speed. She reversed the parabola of the falling tank.
"It's too big to die in one hit. Should I use another Noble Phantasm?"
Thud. Assassin landed beside the child and asked. She was as light as a feather settling down.
"No. You worked hard."
The child came to a conclusion without hesitation.
An enemy that wouldn't die in one Noble Phantasm. Its regenerating appearance. Various elements reminded me of a game.
At the same time, I also knew that reality wasn't a game. The sheer power itself was incomparable.
"Foreigner."
The child muttered, looking at the whale.
If once isn't enough, then twice. If even that isn't enough, then just hit it more.
"Yes, Master."
"The target is big, and the space is wide. Give it a big one, please."
"About 80% should be enough, right?"
Foreigner smiled and leaped into the sky.
High, higher. Only after leaping to the ceiling of the Veil did she deploy her Noble Phantasm.
Just like the day it fell into the Innunaki Tunnel's Innate Domain.
"Wow."
With someone's exclamation, a meteor crashed. It was several times larger than the one deployed in the dark Innate Domain.
Whoom!
Huge, spectacular. A heavy mass pierced the whale's back and exploded.
I caught my breath, watching the disappearing whale. It felt like using an anti-army Noble Phantasm in a game after a long time.
If facing one, it's Anti-Unit. If facing many, it's Anti-Army.
Besides that, there are many types, such as Anti-Fortress Noble Phantasms that target castles, and Anti-World Noble Phantasms that target the world.
Both Koyanskaya's Noble Phantasms are Anti-Army. Both are good Noble Phantasms for dealing with multiple opponents.
In the game, Assassin's Noble Phantasm was virtually nonexistent. Foreigner's wasn't used much due to affinity and damage issues…
But using them in reality, they belonged to a very strong category. Like other Noble Phantasms.
'It's over.'
I closed my eyes, watching the disappearing whale. Perhaps because it was Special Grade, my capacity instantly expanded greatly.
Was it because it was a high-ranking Special Grade? I felt an immense sense of distance.
Of course, it wasn't just thanks to the Special Grade Cursed Spirit. It must also be due to steadily hunting and accumulating experience until now.
So, I regulated my breathing for a long time before opening my eyes. The Veil had already disappeared.
"Yaga-san. Please report this Cursed Spirit as Grade 1."
"You mean, credit it to me."
"Yes. I only need the experience points gained from hunting Cursed Spirits, more than the credit. It's good for both of us, isn't it?"
"Thank you. If you hadn't been here, I would have had to retreat and then call in more Jujutsu Sorcerers."
Yaga gave a dispirited smile. It was huge, and its location in the sea would have made exorcism difficult.
"Alright. Since the agreement is all done, shall we disperse? Please return safely."
"Wait a moment."
As I turned my back, Yaga stopped me.
"Yes? What is it?"
I turned my head back and asked. Even with sunglasses on, his flustered expression was clearly visible.
"I want to know one thing. What exactly is your purpose for hunting Cursed Spirits?"
"Didn't I tell you?"
"You did not."
Oh, right? Since he asked, I should answer him.
"Because it's necessary."
However, I didn't answer sincerely. There was no need to, after all.
We parted ways with the somewhat bewildered Yaga and returned home. Toji went to his house, we went to the hotel.
"Hoo…!"
I showered in the hotel bathroom and came out. Perhaps because I had just showered, my head felt clear despite the dark night.
"Everyone worked hard. I said we'd rest for a while, so let's get some good rest."
"We're fine, but what about Master? Could it be that your magical energy ran out from continuous Noble Phantasm use, or…"
"I'm perfectly fine."
I smiled, looking at the two worried Koyanskaya. It wasn't a bluff, but the truth.
"Just tired from a long car ride? Nothing else. Don't worry."
"That's a relief."
Both simultaneously sighed, patting their chests. They jiggled quite heavily.
"And, I think I can summon one more."
"Really?"
Foreigner's eyes widened as she asked. She seemed very surprised.
"Yeah. But I'm not going to summon it right now."
Assassin tilted her head. It was natural to find it strange that I was postponing it when the opportunity had come.
"It's because I think it would be inconvenient if it gets more cramped. And we can't stay in a hotel forever."
"Can't one of them just go into spirit form?"
"It's because I feel bad having them wait in spirit form again after they just barely came out. And it keeps reminding me of the Chaldea days."
In Chaldea, almost all Servants materialized. It was rare for them to go into spirit form.
"In other words…?"
"I'm thinking of looking for a house to live in soon, what do you think?"
"I'm all for it."
Assassin's eyes sparkled as she sat beside me. Foreigner did the same.
Both were happy, with no signs of objection. I guess we can proceed right away.
"By the way, do you have anything in mind? Or a place you like?"
Foreigner also sat beside me and asked. With heavy things on both sides, my gaze wavered.
This was good, that was good. Both were so good that my thoughts briefly stopped.
"Hmm… just a moment."
I composed myself and started thinking again.
There are 23 districts in Tokyo in total. I want to avoid the central districts among them.
House prices are expensive, so I prefer the outskirts. The opposite side of where Jujutsu High is located would be good.
The central area is for the higher-ups and politicians. And near Jujutsu High, there's a high chance of being noticed coming and going.
Nevertheless, I want to find a house in Tokyo. Because if it's too far, it'll be inconvenient to make use of Toji.
"Do you have a map?"
"Yes, Master."
Foreigner put her hand into her cleavage and pulled out a thin, small booklet. Was it really Doraemon's pocket?
Or did she read my thoughts and prepare it in advance? Either way, it's surprising.
"Thank you."
I took the small booklet and opened it. Tokyo's districts were briefly marked.
Perhaps because Foreigner's warmth lingered? It felt a little warm.