The old woman, with a heavy, hate-filled gaze, watched me intently. Her face twisted into a sour grimace, making it clear that she did not appreciate my jibes. Likely, she was still seething over how I had not only foiled her cunning plan of revenge against the Sorcerers but also forced her into a binding oath, thrusting us both into an unexpected alliance. Clearly, her loss of humor in such circumstances suggested she wasn't mad enough to be a Sorcerer… Nobara, on the other hand, would have laughed boldly in my face!
"I agree," Ogami finally said after a long silence.
As soon as the words left her mouth, cursed energy sparked between us. With my "Spiritual Vision" activated, I could see the faint outlines of a chain, one end wrapped tightly around my heart and the other around the old woman's.
"And you're cheap," I hissed, feeling unfamiliar sensations. "I thought you'd try for better terms, but it looks like you enjoy being used. Are you submissive or something?"
"You!" Ogami's face contorted with rage. "Watch your mouth, you damn bastard! Insulting me to my face..."
Before she could say anything else, I instantly appeared in front of her and delivered a powerful right-hand blow. She hadn't had time to react or bolster herself with cursed energy, probably because no one in their right mind would attack someone they'd tried so hard to recruit. My strike knocked her out cold.
"You're so noisy," I muttered, deftly catching Ogami's falling body before leaping off the roof with Ashtamangala in tow.
I had promised — and sworn — to leave her alive, but I hadn't said I'd let her go easily. Even if she'd taken my words differently, that was her problem; old age sometimes muddles memories.
Landing smoothly at the entrance of the tower, I spotted three of my comrades standing over an old man's body.
"Take her," I tossed Ogami's limp body toward Megumi.
But he didn't catch it, and she landed at his feet with a thud. Clearly, she'd need medical attention once she woke up.
"So you're really here, senpai!" Itadori exclaimed joyfully.
"You didn't believe me?" Ino feigned tears.
"Hello again," I said with a smile, turning to Megumi. "My God, are you that indifferent to people? It's almost like a mental disorder."
"Would you catch the body of a seventy-year-old woman, covered in blood?" Megumi stared at me, his gaze emotionless.
"I think it's a normal reaction to catch a bloodied body," I replied, taken aback.
"You still didn't answer my question," Megumi sighed.
"You two should go help Mei immediately," I said to Ino and Itadori, ignoring Megumi, who was deep in thought. "While I was having a pleasant chat with the old lady, Mechamaru reported that Mei has encountered Suguru Geto."
"Mechamaru talks to you too?" Itadori stared at me in surprise.
In response, I silently pulled two more communicators out of my pocket and tossed them to Ino and Megumi.
"Now you're not alone in your 'hallucinations,' where a strange voice tells you this world isn't perfect and must experience pain," I quipped sarcastically.
Kokichi's indignant voice immediately rang through my earpiece, "Hey! Don't spout nonsense!"
"Head to the Tokyo Metro. Navigation might be unreliable, but according to Mechamaru, Mei should be somewhere between Meiji-Jingumae and Shibuya stations," I said, glancing at Megumi. "Send these two to Kiyotaka. Mechamaru will guide them."
"Sukehiro," Ino called out to me. "Wouldn't it be better if you went to help Mei… Suguru Geto is still a special-grade sorcerer."
I paused for a moment before slowly shaking my head. "In Shibuya, aside from the special-grade sorcerer, there are at least three special-grade cursed spirits lurking. Together, you three form a powerful team of first-grade sorcerers, even if not all of you are officially classified as such. It should be enough to fend off Suguru."
"What are you planning?" Megumi asked, his eyes narrowing in suspicion.
"I agree that protocol usually prioritizes neutralizing immediate threats over seeking out hidden ones," I continued, surveying the surroundings. "But this isn't a normal mission. Besides Suguru, there are at least three other curses roaming Shibuya that would be lethal to any sorcerer but me."
In reality, I knew well that Kenjaku, masquerading as Suguru Geto, could take down all three of them if he wanted. However, I was sure he wouldn't fight Itadori at full strength since the boy was a crucial part of his plan. A team of three first-grade sorcerers would be able to handle themselves and survive. I also had a gut feeling that they might not even need to fight… In the end, our brain-eating friend wasn't here to "exchange experiences" with sorcerers.
"It still doesn't explain why…"
Before Megumi could finish, I interrupted, "If you don't like something, you can go with them," I suggested calmly, locking eyes with him, "but only after you lead these two to Kiyotaka."
"Don't worry, Megumi, we've got this," Itadori reassured, flashing a confident smile.
"Alright," Megumi sighed deeply before glancing at Ino. "At least you're not alone."
"I'll keep an eye on him," Ino promised, patting the boys on the shoulders.
"I'm counting on you, senpai," Itadori said, beaming at the senior sorcerer.
"Good luck," I nodded before turning and heading toward the Inokashira line.
***
"Itadori, isn't Sukehiro amazing?" Itadori asked as he walked toward the Shibuya metro station.
"He's eccentric," Ino replied, glancing gloomily at the dimly lit streets. "But even Nanami respects him as one of the most competent sorcerers."
Itadori laughed at Ino's words, his light-brown hair swaying slightly as he moved forward, and the red hood of his jacket billowed behind him. "Every special-grade sorcerer I've met has been eccentric," he said with a smile.
"You don't understand," Ino said, shaking his head. "Compared to Satoru, Sukehiro might seem more… human, I guess. But anyone who completes more missions in a year than I have in my entire life clearly can't be all right. You've got to wonder if all the gears are working properly."
"I understand your doubts," Itadori mused. "But Sukehiro… he doesn't just do his job. He lives his mission. There's something about how he approaches his role as a sorcerer that makes him stand out. His skills, his determination… it's like he's from another world."
"True, his power and abilities are impressive," Ino agreed, watching the flickering neon signs pass by. "And he doesn't use them for fame or recognition. He genuinely believes in what he's doing—protecting people and fighting curses. That's commendable, but sometimes his attitude toward danger makes it feel like he doesn't care if he dies."
"Don't you think that makes him the perfect sorcerer?" Itadori asked Ino, genuinely interested. "We often talk about sacrifice as a virtue, but when we see it in a living person, we start to question it."
Ino sighed, his gaze darkening with thought. "You're right, but it also reminds me of the limits every sorcerer must set for themselves. Sukehiro… he doesn't seem like the kind of person who knows his limits. His ferocity and confidence in fighting curses sometimes seem like recklessness, so much so that I don't think it's just because of his duty as a sorcerer. There's something else. And it's frightening."
Itadori nodded, seriously considering Ino's words.
"It's the risk of our work, but you're right. Gojo-sensei once said that Sukehiro doesn't just bend the rules, he outright ignores them. But you know, that's part of what makes him so admirable. His determination and ability to push through to the end, despite all the dangers, are inspiring."
Ino nodded, a confident smile crossing his face. "Yeah, his example is motivating. But I still think there's something behind his confidence and motivation… Do you think he's fighting his own demons? Like he finds solace in this endless battle against curses."
Itadori thought for a moment, his gaze dimming. "It's possible," he said slowly. "We all have our own demons, Ino. Maybe for Sukehiro, it's the only way to preserve his humanity, to keep fighting a battle that many of us wouldn't be able to endure. As strange as it sounds."
"Living a life far removed from human experience just to maintain one's humanity?" Ino stared at Itadori.
"Like I said, 'as strange as it sounds,'" Itadori replied, frowning slightly.
Both fell silent for a moment, contemplating the complexity of a sorcerer's life. They continued moving through the quiet, dark streets of Shibuya, lost in thought about what awaited them ahead.
***
At the same time, on the rooftop of an unknown building in Shibuya:
"Sukehiro tasked me with bringing them to you," Megumi said, carefully laying two bound prisoners at Kiyotaka's feet.
Kiyotaka, known for his composure and formality, nodded in gratitude and gave Megumi a slight bow. "Thank you," he replied succinctly.
The young sorcerer had already turned to leave but stopped at the last moment, glancing back at Kiyotaka.
"Something feels off with Sukehiro," Megumi confessed unexpectedly, his voice filled with doubt and concern.
Kiyotaka slowly looked up at Megumi, his face remaining impassive. "We are not to judge his emotions," he replied, studying the young sorcerer closely.
"Now, with every tiny mistake potentially leading to catastrophe or worse…" Megumi paused, clearly struggling with inner turmoil. "Can we trust his judgment without question?"
Kiyotaka pondered for a moment before answering. His tone remained steady, but a flicker of contemplation passed through his eyes. "If there's anyone we can trust, it's Sukehiro," he said confidently. "But your concern is understandable. Sukehiro has always walked a fine line, and while his methods are effective, they sometimes appear risky. However, as you said, the situation is critical right now, and it's in these moments that Sukehiro has never let us down. That said, no one is stopping you from being vigilant. Just… don't give in to doubt without good reason."
Megumi nodded, recognizing the wisdom in Kiyotaka's words, though his expression remained troubled. The senior sorcerer's advice gave him something to think about, but it didn't entirely dispel his doubts.
"I understand that Sukehiro prefers working alone and is accustomed to taking risks," Megumi continued, sensing his uncertainties aligning with Kiyotaka's words. "But his actions… they seem more desperate since we… lost Gojo."
Kiyotaka nodded slowly, his eyes narrowing in bitter reflection. "Sukehiro felt the pain and weight of this loss like no one else," he said gently. "Satoru was more than just a colleague or close friend. They were the strongest sorcerers. One challenged the other, and the other accepted, hoping to find a worthy opponent. In a way, they shared the loneliness that only the strongest feel. This undoubtedly affects Sukehiro's methods, making them riskier. However, he's always cared for the safety of others and tries not to put anyone in unnecessary danger."
Megumi absorbed Kiyotaka's words, trying to see the bigger picture. "But how can we be sure he won't cross the line? That his personal feelings won't cloud his judgment?" he asked, unwilling to leave the question unaddressed.
"That's always a risk, Megumi," Kiyotaka said seriously. "But Sukehiro knows how to control his emotions on the battlefield. He doesn't let personal issues interfere with his decisions. That's one of the reasons he's so highly regarded as a sorcerer."
The two sorcerers fell silent for a moment, reflecting on their conversation. Megumi realized now wasn't the time to let his worries deepen or unjustly accuse Sukehiro. He nodded at Kiyotaka in gratitude for his insights and, with renewed confidence, headed toward Itadori and Ino, ready to continue his mission.