On January 5, 2006, in the Senju Palace's Clan Conference Hall, Hiroshi was deeply engrossed in reviewing documents pertaining to the economy of Japan.
"Regarding the Economy in Japan, thanks to the patriarch's investments in the past, it is safe to say that we are just behind the U.S in GDP, however there has been signs of recession of the U.S," an elder from the Auxiliary House explained.
Hiroshi remembers from his past life that next year, The Great Recession will happen, and he feels that his clan can leverage this. There have already been signs of it happening.
"Next year, I believe that the United States will enter the Great Recession, and Mexico, Russia, the Baltic states, and more will also be greatly affected. This is a chance for us to extend our hands across the world and make preparations," Hiroshi stated seriously.
"Yes, Patriarch," the elders nodded in agreement.
Hiroshi glanced at the world map displayed before him, simultaneously reviewing the paperwork requiring his approval.
"Patriarch, the Prime Minister has arrived," one of the Senju sorcerers informed from behind the door.
"Let him in," Hiroshi commanded.
The Prime Minister, a man in his forties named Senju Aoi, entered the hall, offering apologies for his tardiness due to unfinished business.
"Take a Seat. Now that you have arrived, tell me about your plans for the country in your term," Hiroshi requested.
Senju Aoi commenced explaining his vision for the future, which included expanding the military and investing more in various industries.
"So, generally, the direction I plan on leading Japan is for it to become not just a world power, but a world power that is essentially a leader in the world, comparable to the U.S., but more so in leading the charge for taking care of the natural world. And for this to happen, I need the full support of the Senju Clan," Senju Aoi emphasized. He was the son of the former Prime Minister, Senju Masayoshi, and had been raised in the Senju Clan. Aware of the true power wielded by the Senju Clan in Japan, he understood that their support was crucial for the successful implementation of his plans. Additionally, he recognized the Senju Clan's immense wealth and influence, understanding that with their backing, his goals for the country could be achieved successfully.
"Take Care of the Planet, Aoi. As long as you do this, you have my support. My power comes from the planet, and because of this, I am aware of humanity's damage to it, and I want to fix this. You do this, and no matter how expensive it is, I can pay for it. Money, at this point in my life, is just a number. However, if there is no improvement in the world, then prepare for the repercussions. Do you understand?" Hiroshi spoke with a grave seriousness.
"Yes, Patriarch!" Senju Aoi replied, fully comprehending the weight of Hiroshi's words. He knew that with the support of the Senju Clan, significant progress could be made in improving the natural world and minimizing pollution, even preventing it altogether—a task that required substantial financial resources, resources that Hiroshi was more than willing to provide.
Hiroshi understood that the Golden Rule effectively funneled the world's wealth to him, making Japan significantly wealthier than its original timeline. With this abundance of resources at his disposal, Hiroshi was committed to using his wealth to address the destruction humans had wrought upon the planet. Whenever he meditated, Hiroshi would see visions of this destruction, and while he could choose to ignore it, he felt compelled to take action. By utilizing his infinite wealth to heal the planet, the visions would dissipate, as if the planet itself were urging him to fulfill his role in preventing its decline.
"Now regarding the Modernization of Cursed Energy, how is the progress?" Hiroshi inquired of the Side House.
An elder then distributed documents on the topic.
"The Modernization of Cursed Energy is facing bottlenecks, especially in the conversion of Cursed Energy to other types of energy. While we've developed a Curse Energy Generator, its conversion rate falls short of diesel generators. It takes five Curse Energy generators to match the output of one diesel engine generator," the elder explained.
"I see. Continue the development," Hiroshi instructed. "What about the clan's equipment? Any updates?" he asked.
"The clan's equipment is progressing well. All Senju sorcerers, from Grades 2 to 4, are now equipped with various weapons according to their preferences. However, most clansmen prefer to have a machine gun and cursed energy-infused grenades," the elder replied.
"Right. Prime Minister Aoi, what about the certification for the Senju Clan to arm itself? Have you legalized it as a branch of the military?" Hiroshi inquired.
"Yes, Patriarch. All Senju clansmen are now under the branch of the military known as the Supernatural Bureau of Investigation. It was approved just last November," Aoi confirmed.
"And regarding the working hours of the citizens of Japan," Hiroshi continued.
"What about it, Patriarch?" Senju Aoi asked.
"The population trend is declining, and it has come to my attention that reducing working hours for the workforce may be necessary to prevent further decline. Essentially, we need to encourage the 'sheep' to keep breeding," Hiroshi explained.
"But reducing working hours will also impact our economy significantly," Senju Aoi pointed out, as he and his assistant began to calculate.
"If we reduce the average working hours from 8 to 6, we will be losing 25% of our income," Senju Aoi stated.
"The 25% loss is negligible compared to the rest of the world. Data shows that we are currently ahead by an astonishing 300%. Even with a 25% reduction, we'll still be at 275%, which is a small price to pay for the population's well-being. Otherwise, we risk a population decline worse than what we're currently experiencing," Hiroshi emphasized, gesturing towards the downward trend.
"Now, moving on, I want you to focus on South East Asia to Australia. Despite our dark history in these areas, I believe it's time to set our sights there for economic expansion. The trade in this region accounts for one-third of the world's total, so gaining partial or full economic control over these countries is crucial. We should aim to hold at least 20% control of each country's economy, achieved through investments, treaties, and strategic partnerships. Do you understand my plan?" Hiroshi addressed his elders.
"Yes, Patriarch," they responded in unison.
"I'm also aware of the Dragon's recent movements across the ocean, attempting to assert dominance over trade in this region. As the richest country in Asia, we must counter this threat decisively," Hiroshi added.
The meeting continued for several more hours, discussing Japan's military expansion to secure its economic interests. Hiroshi realized that Japan was rapidly becoming the second wealthiest nation in the world, trailing only behind the U.S. His name consistently topped the billionaire's list, maintaining the first place in net worth.
---------------
March 3, 2006
Tomb of the Star,
Hiroshi was summoned once again by Master Tengen.
As Hiroshi entered the Main Shrine, he found Tengen waiting for him.
"Master Tengen, how may I be of service?" he inquired politely.
"Senju Hiroshi, please take a look at this," Tengen said, gesturing towards the massive tree in the center of the shrine.
Hiroshi's gaze fell upon a human-sized translucent fruit containing a woman in a fetal position. Quickly analyzing the situation, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing. "Something's Missing," he blurted out.
"Correct, indeed there is. That missing element is Amanai Riko, the most compatible Plasma Star Vessel today. It is time for you to retrieve her, Senju Hiroshi, so that I may begin my ritual," Tengen explained.
"Very well, Master Tengen. I'll retrieve her with the help of my companions," Hiroshi affirmed.
"I'll inform your mentor that the moment you achieve this, he will be promoted to Principal of Tokyo Jujutsu High. But remember, fulfill her wishes before you bring her to me," Tengen instructed.
"I'll be back swiftly, Master Tengen. Goodbye," Hiroshi bid farewell.
-------------------
Meanwhile, Satoru Gojo, Suguru Geto, and Shoko Ieri were tasked with finding Utahime and Mei Mei, who had been missing for two days after being assigned to a mansion in Hamatsu City.
"Don't forget the curtain," the assistant supervisor reminded them as he watched the trio head towards the mansion. He shook his head and waited.
"Is this the spot?" Satoru inquired, looking at the abandoned mansion.
"Yes, it is. Work your magic, Satoru," Suguru encouraged.
Satoru used Lapse Blue, drawing the debris towards the sky. Simultaneously, Utahime and Mei Mei made their escape in opposite directions. As the building began to collapse, Utahime found herself falling amidst the debris.
"I came to save you, Utahime," Satoru announced, looking down at her.
"Are you crying?" he teased, noticing her tears.
"I'm not crying! And use honorifics!" she retorted, annoyed.
"If I cried, would you comfort me? I'd really like that," Mei Mei interjected.
"Miss Mei would never cry because she's strong," Satoru replied, further irritating Utahime.
"GOJO! LISTEN CAREFULLY! I DON'T NEED YOU TO SAVE—" Utahime's outburst was interrupted as a massive cursed spirit appeared behind her. With a worried expression, she turned around, only to find that Suguru had already captured it in a larger cursed spirit controlled by him.
"Don't swallow it. I'll absorb it later," Suguru instructed his worm spirit.
Satoru Gojo, ever the provocateur with his trademark mischievous grin, faced a mild rebuke from Suguru Geto. "Satoru, it's not good to pick on the weak," Suguru chastised.
This only succeeded in further agitating Utahime, but Gojo remained unfazed, retorting with a gleeful, "Which idiot would pick on the strong?"
"It's you who are stirring things up, Geto," Mei Mei interjected with a chuckle, her gentle words laced with amusement.
Utahime, already on edge, could barely contain her frustration. However, the atmosphere shifted when Shoko Ieri's voice cut through the tension. "Utahime Senpai!" she called out, her tone soft yet carrying a concern that was unmistakable. Upon hearing her name, Utahime's mood underwent a drastic change. "Are you alright?" Shoko inquired, her calm voice offering solace.
"We were worried about you; it's been two days since your last call," Shoko continued, her worry palpable.
At the mention of Shoko's concern, Utahime's defenses melted away. "Shoko!" she exclaimed, her voice a mixture of relief and joy, as she dashed towards Shoko and enveloped her in a tight hug. "Don't become like them," she pleaded, casting a reproachful look at Gojo and Geto, lumping them together as sources of her earlier aggravation.
Shoko responded with a laugh, "Ha! I won't become like them," her words offering a mix of reassurance and camaraderie as she returned Utahime's embrace, albeit slightly overwhelmed by the intensity.
Satoru, watching the scene unfold, couldn't resist adding, "The ground where Utahime stepped on will collapse!" his playful taunt aimed at lightening the mood.
"Shut up," Suguru retorted, a smirk playing on his lips, acknowledging the jest yet not indulging it further.
Shoko, curious and somewhat concerned, inquired, "Two days?"
"So the cursed spirit's barrier did have time distortion. It's rare, but not unheard of. Still, it feels odd, especially since Miss Mei was also affected," Gojo mused, piecing together the strange time dynamics at play.
"Seems like it," Mei Mei agreed, her tone casual yet hinting at a deeper understanding of their predicament.
"What?" Gojo blinked, surprised by her acceptance.
"Nothing. In other words, I've been working non-stop for two days. I think I need to ask for additional compensation," Mei Mei quipped, her statement hinting at her intention to leverage the situation financially.
"You're going to extort someone again," Utahime remarked, half in jest, aware of Mei Mei's knack for maximizing her benefit from any situation.
However, it was Mei Mei's next question that brought a sudden chill to the group. "Back to the topic, all of you. Where is the curtain?" she inquired, her voice carrying a weight that instantly sobered the mood.
The trio froze, the realization hitting them like a cold wave. In their focus on the rescue and their subsequent banter, they had neglected an essential part of their mission—the curtain.
Before they could even attempt to rectify their oversight, the news had already picked up on the incident, broadcasting it to the wider public.
--------------
In the aftermath of the unfortunate incident in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, the atmosphere was thick with tension and anticipation. The explosion, initially shrouded in mystery, was later attributed to a gas pipe that had fallen into disrepair. This incident, however, had further implications for Satoru Gojo, Suguru Geto, and Shoko Ieri, who found themselves under the scrutinizing gaze of their mentor, Masamichi Yaga.
The trio knelt in a somber line, each wearing expressions that ranged from remorse to apprehension, as they prepared to face the consequences of their actions. Masamichi Yaga, known for his wisdom and patience, was not one to rush to judgment, but the gravity of the situation demanded accountability.
"One of you mentioned pulling down the curtain," Masamichi began, his voice steady yet laden with the weight of disappointment. His gaze, piercing yet not unkind, swept over the three, seeking to elicit not just a response but a measure of responsibility. "And then, you left the assistant supervisor... and ran away, correct?"
Masamichi Yaga then said, "Fess up."
Simultaneously, Shoko and Suguru pointed at Satoru, prompting him to say, "Sensei! Can we not find the culprit?"
"So it was you," Masamichi Yaga concluded, and with a fist, guidance was implemented.
--------
At Jujutsu High's basketball court, Satoru questioned, "But anyway, is it necessary to pull down the curtain? It shouldn't matter if ordinary people see it."
"They can't see Cursed Spirits or Jujutsu anyway," he muttered as he played with the basketball and threw it to the ring.
"Of course it's necessary. To suppress Cursed Spirits, it's crucial to maintain their peace of mind. For this, we must do our best to hide the threats that are invisible to them," Suguru said as he caught the basketball that Satoru threw and dribbled it.
"Not just that..." Suguru got cut off by Satoru as he stole the ball and dribbled towards the ring. "I get it, I get it. But it's exhausting to care for the weak," Satoru said as he threw the ball back to Suguru.
"The weak getting to survive is the way society should be organized. Keep the strong in check and support the weak," Suguru said as he held the ball.
"Listen carefully, Satoru. Jujutsu exists to protect non-sorcerers," Suguru continued.
"Is that being righteous?" Satoru questioned.
"I hate that stuff," Satoru said.
"What?" Suguru asked seriously.
"Imposing reasons or responsibilities on power. Isn't that a behavior only the weak have?" Satoru continued as he threw the basketball into the ring, where it went down with a swoosh.
"Don't get proud of yourself by spouting that garbage," Satoru said with a provocative expression. "Blegh"
"Better scram!" Shoko said, bumping into Hiroshi.
"Let's talk outside, Satoru," Suguru said, slightly opening a portal with a cursed spirit peeking out of it.
"Feeling lonely? Go by yourself," Satoru said.
However, both of them looked towards the door as they saw Hiroshi walk in.
"You know, both of you had good points," Hiroshi smirked.
"However, Suguru, it is true that the strong protect the weak. As Special Grade sorcerers, we are the ones on top of the pyramid, holding up the sky of the sorcerer world. But I'll take some words from Satoru. Although we protect the weak, if protecting the weak comes at the expense of us, that is where we draw the line," Hiroshi said.
"Now look at you with that balancing act, Hiroshi," Satoru said as he noticed Hiroshi applying both his and Suguru's logic. Hiroshi then approached both of them, taking them both under his arms.
"Hehe, One of my best friends likes to be a good guy and will do anything to protect the weak, the other does not care, literally the bad guy. It's only necessary that I am the balance between us three," Hiroshi said caringly.
"What about Shoko?" Suguru asked.
"Shoko is our doctor," Hiroshi said.
"Am I just a doctor, Hiroshi?" Shoko said as she stood in front of the trio.
"The most important aspect of a group: the prettiest girl in Japan and a healer in one," Hiroshi smirked.
"Eh, you sound like a playboy," Shoko shrugged and smirked in response to the compliment.
Then their mentor, Masamichi Yaga, opened the door. Seeing the group talking, he nodded.
"Good, you're all here."
____________________
"There is a mission for you three," Masamichi Yaga began, noticing varying expressions among the trio: Hiroshi smirking, Satoru unsurprised, and Suguru indifferent.
"What's with those looks?" Masamichi Yaga asked.
"Nothing," Hiroshi said nonchalantly.
"Frankly, I think this mission is too demanding for you guys."
"But Master Tengen named you three."
"The mission has two parts: Star Plasma Vessel, the suitable vessel for Master Tengen. You will guard the girl...and get rid of her."
"To guard and get rid of that kid?" Satoru asked.
"That's right," Masamichi Yaga confirmed.
"Has he finally lost it?" Satoru pondered.
"It's spring, after all," Suguru remarked.
"He must be too happy to become the next principal," Suguru added.
"He is, after all. Master Tengen said he will promote him once we finish this mission," Hiroshi added.
"Enough with the jokes," Suguru said.
"It's my decision whether to take it as a joke," Masamichi Yaga's stern voice echoed in the distance as they stood outside the classroom, with their mentor inside.
"Is Master Tengen's Cursed Technique about to be initialized?" Suguru asked.
"What does that mean?" Satoru inquired, prompting the room to look at him with a "you should know this" vibe.
"Although Master Tengen has the Cursed Technique of Immortality, she's not ageless. Aging alone isn't a problem, but when aging exceeds a certain level, the Cursed Technique will try to rebuild the body," Suguru explained.
"Evolution," Masamichi Yaga interjected.
"She will no longer be a human, but a higher-level being," Masamichi Yaga continued.
"Let me just establish this first," Hiroshi interjected, "Master Tengen is a she."
"So Master Tengen is a woman?" Gojo Satoru asked.
"Yes, she is, and quite a beauty too," Hiroshi complimented Tengen on her looks.
"No wonder you would establish Master Tengen as a woman; it's because she is a beauty. Typical of you, Hiroshi," Suguru remarked with dead eyes.
"I mean, beautiful people should be praised, no?" Hiroshi said matter-of-factly.
"Master Tengen is a woman," Masamichi Yaga repeated, pausing in deep thought for a moment before continuing, "Whatever the case, your mission stays the same."
"I still don't know why Master Tengen needs a new Star Plasma Vessel," Gojo Satoru pointed out.
"According to Master Tengen, once that stage is reached, her will is going to cease to exist, and she will no longer be Master Tengen," Suguru explained.
"For all the Jujutsu high schools, the barriers of the Jujutsu realm's strongholds, the barrier techniques of numerous assistant supervisors, they all rely on Master Tengen to increase their strength. Without her help, we won't even be able to carry out defense and missions.
In the worst case, Master Tengen might even become an enemy of humanity," Suguru continued.
"So, every 500 years, she has to merge with a Star Plasma Vessel, that is a suitable human for Master Tengen, and rewrite the body's information. As long as the body is rejuvenated, the Cursed Technique's effect will be restored and there will be no evolution," Suguru explained.
"Gotcha. It's okay to evolve into MetalGreymon, but not into SkullGreymon. So we have to start over from Koromon, right?" Satoru explained in Digimon terms that he can understand.
"You can think of it that way..." Suguru replied.
"How Satoru-like, using Digimon terms. Haha," Hiroshi chuckled.
"But the location of that Star Plasma Vessel girl was disclosed. Now there are two groups of people who want to kill the girl. They want Master Tengen to lose self-control, so they can seek to subvert the current Jujutsu realm. The Curse User Group Q. The other one is the Star Religious Group that worships Master Tengen, Time Vessel Association. Master Tengen and the Star Plasma Vessel will merge under the full moon in two days.
Before that day, you must protect that girl and bring her to Master Tengen. If the mission fails, it may even affect the general public.
You must be very careful," Masamichi Yaga explained as he showed images of said groups on his laptop.
"Star Religious Group..." Hiroshi muttered as he pondered deeply. "As I remember, we will first encounter the Curse User Group Q, then Toji will be paid by the Time Vessel Association to assassinate Amanai Riko. I better think of something," Hiroshi thought to himself, delving into his past memories as he observed his friends and mentor discussing the situation.
With that, Hiroshi, Satoru, and Suguru were assigned to protect the Star Plasma Vessel and escort her to Master Tengen. Tune in next time for more thrilling developments on Dragon Ball Z!
[A/N: Tell me your thoughts on the latest Chapter of the Manga: ]
1. Miguel is Cooked
2. He Running Sukuna's fade
3. M/I/G/U/E/L
4. Miguel vs Sukuna gonna have surprises.