Geto, as if possessed, charged towards Zoro, who had been pushed back. Zoro calmly analyzed Geto's relentless sharp attacks.
"He hasn't lost his mind."
He was merely focused on this duel and his own victory.
Currently, Geto was unconsciously fine-tuning his energy to ensure Zoro was not hurt while still feeling threatened enough to draw his sword.
And Geto's attacks were gradually approaching that threshold.
"Interesting."
Zoro hadn't expected a swordless fight to be this enjoyable. A smile crept onto his lips.
"If it keeps going like this, I'll eventually lose."
Not that he truly believed he would be defeated.
Geto didn't know something about Zoro. In many battles where Zoro had emerged victorious, he hadn't been in an advantageous position from the start. In fact, there were times when he was overwhelmingly pressed during the early, middle, and even late stages of the fight, including one where he had failed to land any effective hits except for one.
Yet, Zoro had won those fights because he had dealt irreparable damage to his opponents with just one strike.
In situations where defeat or death seemed almost certain, he exhibited remarkable growth and exceeded his limits.
Even now, after having 'died' once and reborn, Zoro's talent had not faded.
Whish.
A dark aura spread around the area where Zoro stood. It seemed as if it had flowed out from the depths of hell, mixing with brilliant golden and distinct green hues, rising from Zoro's feet.
Ssssh.
As Geto continued his assault, he hesitated upon meeting Zoro's calm grey eyes.
"What?"
For a brief moment, just a very brief moment, it seemed as if Zoro had six eyes.
Seizing the moment of Geto's distraction, Zoro, with a burst of speed, aimed a hand strike at Geto's arm from the right.
Due to the aftereffects of successfully executing a Black Flash, which allowed for faster manipulation of energy than usual, Geto blocked the hand strike without any damage. A second hand strike came from the left, and then...
...another hand strike targeted Geto's head.
'What?'
Geto's eyes tracked Zoro's hands. They should have stopped counting at two, but they didn't. Three, four, five...
Six.
A faint aura of gold, green, and black momentarily formed a shape behind Zoro before blurring again.
Those farther away couldn't see this, but Geto and Toji, who had excellent physical capabilities and were right in front of Zoro, clearly saw it.
A curse with three heads and six arms.
Geto knew its name. It was impossible not to learn about this being in the deeply religious context of Jujutsu, as it originated from Hindu mythology. In some myths, it was considered a malevolent deity, and in others, a benevolent one. Later, it was incorporated into Buddhism as one of the Eight Divisions that protect the Dharma.
Among the Six Realms, in a world where Asuras live, constantly repeating battles, literally a ghost obsessed with fighting.
"Asura."
A red light flowed from Zoro's gray eyes. Geto, feeling chills from seeing Zoro's bright red six pupils, unconsciously summoned the Red Dragon.
As the Red Dragon's head emerged from the black hole in the air, Zoro smirked. The dark aura washed away from Zoro's body, leaving only the appearance of an ordinary child.
Zoro, dodging the Red Dragon's attack with ease, playfully tapped the dragon's head with the palm of his hand.
"My victory. You lose if you summon a curse."
"…Huh?"
Geto blinked and then realized too late that he had lost.
"Winner, Zoro Zenin!"
"Wow! Brother, you're the best!"
"Hehe, the best!"
As Gakuganji declared, Tsumiki and Megumi cheered and jumped around. Zoro approached them with a brisk step and hugged them tightly.
"...."
Toji looked at Zoro with a slightly troubled expression.
Not being a sorcerer doesn't mean lacking knowledge about sorcery. The figure that had appeared behind Zoro was famous enough to be recognized even by those who aren't sorcerers.
Zoro looked up at the silent Toji, puzzled.
"What's wrong?"
"…No, it's nothing."
Well done, 'my son'.
Toji quickly erased the troubled look from his face and emphasized the words 'my son' more than usual.
"Take care of Zoro and Megumi."
Remembering an unforgettable saying, he reached out and stroked Zoro's head more vigorously than usual. It seemed normal, but the motion was strangely forceful, as if filled with anxiety.
Gojo sprang up to Geto.
"Suguru, congratulations on the successful Black Flash! Even I can't do that."
"Thanks, Satoru."
Although it had been difficult, Suguru had gained a lot from this fight.
Following Gojo, Shoko approached Geto with a slightly worried expression.
"But, are you sure it's okay to hit Zoro with the Black Flash?"
It would probably be fine with Zoro, since he doesn't hold grudges over things that happen in a contest, but it might be different with Teacher Toji.
"...."
Oops. Geto quickly turned his head towards Toji. Feeling his gaze, Toji looked back at Geto with an evil smile and moved his lips.
"Let's see you later."
None of the second-year students failed to understand the chilling meaning behind those words. Geto was shaking all over. The future terrified him.
"Shoko, can you hide me in the infirmary when we get back?"
"No way. Survive on your own."
Shoko cut him off coldly. Gojo patted Geto on the back.
"Cheer up, Suguru. Who knows, maybe someday you'll be able to hit that gorilla with the Black Flash?"
"Don't tease me, Satoru."
"Ah, you caught me."
...
In the final match, Satoru Gojo and Zoro Zenin faced each other.
People from Tokyo Jujutsu High were not surprised as they half expected it, but some students from KyotoJujutsu High seemed somewhat frustrated that not a single one of their students made it to the finals.
"Isn't it obvious? Zoro and Satoru are way stronger than any of us. What's there to be frustrated about? They're just jealous."
Naoya's comment was lightly ignored by everyone.
In the open field where Zoro and Satoru stood off, Gakuganji announced the rules of the match in a clearer voice than in any other game.
"Self-harm, suicide attacks, or attacks intended to kill the opponent, and techniques that harm non-competitors are prohibited. Violating any of these rules will immediately disqualify the offender."
Gakuganji glared at Gojo disapprovingly.
"Especially if you destroy buildings or forests, you'll be disqualified. Such acts would mess up the jujutsu high and cause trouble for people. Got it? This isn't your playground, Gojo."
"..."
"Are you listening?"
"Yeah, yeah. Got it."
Of course, that was a lie. Gojo had mostly ignored Gakuganji's words.
Zap. A clear triangle mark appeared on Gakuganji's forehead, realizing his words were ignored, but Satoru didn't care. He was too excited.
"Hmm-hmm."
Gojo hummed a tune and tucked his sunglasses into his pocket.
His blue eyes stared intently at Zoro. Although a normal non-sorcerer appeared in his plain sight, Satoru knew better than anyone that something terrifying lurked behind that facade.
"Hey, Zoro."
"?"
"There's a technique I really want to try. Can I use it?"
"Go ahead. When have you ever told me in detail about what technique you're going to use before fighting?"
Unaware of the purpose of the question, Zoro tilted his head.
Gojo scratched his head.
"It's my first time using this, so I can't predict the damage."
Honestly, he wasn't sure if even Zoro could withstand it. But with Shoko around, it shouldn't turn into a huge disaster.
Zoro shrugged his shoulders.
"Do whatever you want. If something happens, it's on me, not you."
"Ah, as expected, no hard feelings!"
That's an attitude even that gorilla should learn from. Gojo gave a thumbs up.
"Then I'll use it right at the start."
"Do whatever you want."
With that said, Zoro was a bit curious. What technique would it be?
Ziiiiiiiing. Gakuganji made a noise like a guitar sound and shouted louder than in any other match.
"Start!"
Satoru raised his hand and twisted his middle and index fingers. Then he declared confidently.
"Domain Expansion."
"Unlimited Void."
.
.
.
.
.
In the vast clearing, only the rustling sound of leaves rolling could be heard. Gojo still stood motionless in front of Zoro, his hand signs intact.
Surprisingly, nothing happened.
Gojo crumpled his face in dissatisfaction.
"Huh, this shouldn't be happening? Unlimited Void, Unlimited Void!"
Watching Gojo repeatedly shout "Unlimited Void" as if cursing, Zoro opened his mouth with an incredulous tone.
"What are you doing?"
"...Teehee, failure☆"
I thought it would work with this body. Gojo stuck out his tongue and punched himself on the head.
Zoro shook his head disapprovingly. This is definitely not normal.
"Should I try Black Flash like Suguru did first?"
"Black Flash?"
"The thing earlier, with the black flames bursting out and increasing in power."
"Ah."
So that's called Black Flash.
"Unfortunately, I'll just do what I always do. Cursed Technique Lapse - Maximum Cursed Energy Output."
Blue.
The appearance of a huge, blue gravitational mass in the sky alarmed the people of Kyoto Jujutsu High. Is that... supposed to happen? It doesn't seem right.
Creeeeeak.
Part of the forest belonging to Kyoto Jujutsu High was sucked into the Blue, disassembling it piece by piece. Yaga, shocked, jumped up from his seat.
"Satoruuuuuu!!!"
What are you doing in someone else's jujutsu high!
Ignoring Yaga's outcry, Satoru continued to use his technique. The Blue, pulling in everything around it, even crushed a nearby empty building, rounding up the debris.
Gojo extended his hand toward Zoro. The swiftly launched Blue shot precisely towards Zoro.
Screeeeech!
Zoro gripped his two swords firmly. Despite the attack that seemed to suck in everything, Zoro did not dodge.
"Twin Blade, Quick Draw."
Clash!
The two swords cleanly created a single strike that collided with the Blue.
"Rashomon."
Swoosh.
Like an apple split exactly in half, the blue shattered into two pieces, flying out into the forest behind Zoro, scattering splinters.
"Kugugugugu!"
Seeing the mess of the forest, Gakuganji gripped his guitar tightly.
"...Yaga."
"I have nothing to say. I apologize."
Yaga walked steadily towards Gojo. Gojo was fuming.
"Well, I suppose the test was too weak, wasn't it? Well then, let's get serious—"
"No, stop right there. You're disqualified, Gojo."
"What? Why?!"
"Why? Just look at what you've done! You've flagrantly violated the rules!"
Even the headmaster, Gakuganji, had pleaded not to destroy the building! Yaga berated Gojo with a vein pulsing in his neck.
With his eyes rolling back, he charged at Gojo like a wild bear.
"Today, either you die or I die, you damn disciple!"
"Aaaah! I'm sorry!"
As Yaga charged like a flaming dragon, Gojo began to fend him off fiercely. Nanami, accustomed to such chaos, turned away from the senior being beaten up and gazed at the clear sky.
It was a damn fine day.
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