Megumi came to visit and found that his sister was sealed. "Sensei, what's happening?" he asked Hiroshi.
"Well, your sister has another soul inside her, and the one in the dominant position is a Heian Era sorcerer," Hiroshi explained.
Megumi fell silent. He would do anything for his step-sister, but he didn't know what to do now. "So what now, Sensei?" Megumi asked.
"We go to Jujutsu High," Hiroshi said. "Master Tengen will know something about this."
"I'll see you there," Satoru said before teleporting away. Suguru followed, hopping onto his Pelican Cursed Spirit.
Jujutsu High Tokyo
All the sorcerers had assembled. Masamichi Yaga and Yoshinobu Gakuganji had gathered their forces from both Kyoto and Tokyo.
The arrival of Hiroshi, Satoru, and Suguru attracted attention. At this point in time, Jujutsu High had gathered its full force, from the professional sorcerers to the 1st to 3rd years.
Masamichi Yaga had already informed the Jujutsu Sorcerers about their opponents, who Kenjaku was, and about the resurrection of the King of Curses in the modern era, whom Hiroshi had already defeated.
"Go raise their morale right before I deploy them to all parts of Japan," Yaga said to Hiroshi.
"An impromptu one?" Hiroshi smirked. "Man, what a drag. The stage fright is always there," Hiroshi shook his head.
"Isn't that the duty of the strongest? Hehe," Satoru snickered.
"I never thought the God of Sorcerers would be afraid of a small stage," Suguru teased.
"Both of you are dumbasses," Hiroshi fired back, but a smile played on his lips.
Hiroshi stepped on stage to address the assembled sorcerers. His presence commanded silence and attention. He looked over the group, his eyes serious and determined.
"Everyone, we are at the brink of a new world. Once our enemies today are vanquished, we will see a surge of growth. However, our enemies aren't few; they are many—reincarnated sorcerers from previous eras, rogue curse users, and curses. But you need not worry because we are here. If the sky falls, the strongest will hold it up. Exorcise and eliminate our enemies with ease because, at the end of the day, victory is ours!," Hiroshi said.
Hiroshi ended his speech, and the sorcerers erupted in cheers, their spirits lifted.
Masamichi Yaga began deploying the Jujutsu Sorcerers. Grade 1 sorcerers—Kento Nanami, Haibara Yu, Mei Mei, and Kusakabe Atsuya—were at the forefront. The Grade 1 sorcerers would be the team leaders, guiding the professional sorcerers and the students. Just a few hours ago, barriers had risen up, end to end, encompassing the entirety of Japan. This was why Masamichi Yaga had begun to scatter the Jujutsu Sorcerers—the battle had begun.
"What are you all waiting for?" Satoru asked.
"We came to ask, what are the chances of winning?" Atsuya Kusakabe said.
"That's an odd thing to say," Hiroshi said. "One hundred percent, that I declare."
Hearing this, Kusakabe nodded, as did Nanami and Haibara Yu, and they left, leading their teams.
Mei Mei approached Hiroshi, rubbing her index finger and thumb together, signaling for more money. "How much are you asking for this time?" he asked.
"Well, considering that I will be fighting reincarnated sorcerers, curse users, and cursed spirits, leading my own team, and participating in a death game, the price will be a billion," Mei Mei smirked.
"Dollars or yen?" Hiroshi asked.
"Dollars, of course," Mei Mei said. Just as she finished speaking, her phone rang, and a money transfer worth a billion dollars was confirmed in her account.
"A pleasure working for you, Boss. Ohohohoho!" she laughed gleefully as she left.
"That woman's love for money is something else," Suguru said.
As the trio went further into the tomb, Hiroshi almost forgot something important. He dialed his phone. "Yes, Patriarch," a voice answered.
"Can you retrieve the Death Paintings 4-9 from the warehouse and give them to Choso?" Hiroshi instructed.
"Yes, Patriarch!"
"Thanks," Hiroshi replied.
The trio then entered the Tomb of the Star.
Suguru looked around and said, "Brings back memories."
"I died here," Satoru added.
"Not really died, but awakened," Hiroshi said.
"I wonder what Amanai is doing now," Suguru mused.
"Probably a beauty now," Hiroshi said.
"I do hope they are living well," Satoru said.
As they stepped forward, they found Master Tengen sitting and enjoying tea, with her puppet standing beside her.
"Master Tengen," Hiroshi greeted.
"Greetings, Child of the World, Descendant of Michizane Sugawara, and the Cursed Spirit Manipulator, the Ten Shadows Practitioner," Tengen greeted Hiroshi, Satoru, Suguru, and Megumi.
Now, Tengen looked like an adolescent Amanai Riko.
Yuki arrived last. "Aren't you going to say hello to me, Tengen?" she asked.
"We have already met, Yuki Tsukumo," Tengen replied.
Yuki exchanged greetings with Hiroshi's group.
"Master Tengen, what are Kenjaku's objectives?" Megumi asked.
"That name I haven't heard in years. Gojo Satoru and Suguru Geto, will you stay here as my guards?" Tengen asked.
Satoru and Suguru looked at each other, then at Hiroshi, who nodded.
"Yes, Master Tengen. But why?" Suguru asked.
"Let me explain. Kenjaku's objective is to force the evolution of all humans throughout Japan," Tengen said.
"But Kenjaku could've used your barriers when he used Idle Transfiguration. He has Rika, after all," Hiroshi analyzed.
"By Rika, you mean Yuta's near-infinite amount of cursed energy, cursed spirit?" Satoru asked.
"Yes," Suguru answered.
"The curse spirit Rika, you say, is not actually near-infinite. She alone could not start the merger. Simply put, Kenjaku needs an astronomical amount of cursed energy, and triggering an evolution through a cursed technique is incredibly inefficient," Tengen explained.
"So the method?" Hiroshi asked.
"The method Kenjaku has chosen is to merge mankind with me, or rather, the former me," Tengen gestured to her puppet body.
"Is it because he copied my cursed technique that he could do this?" Suguru asked.
"Not just you. I believe you were his first and foremost optimal body he wanted. However, due to the actions of Senju Hiroshi and Gojo Satoru, Kenjaku discovered a far stronger body in the form of Yuta Okkotsu," Tengen said.
"But your puppet is just one person," Satoru said.
"No, my puppet is not what it seems. If I use my cursed technique, I become the world itself. In a sense, my soul has been scattered, and this heavenly restricted body is the human side of me. The puppet is still the world, as it possesses my cursed technique. A human that merges with it becomes something greater than a sorcerer—a new being that is there and not there," Tengen explained.
"I possess barrier techniques; that is how my puppet self has yet to disintegrate into nothingness and merge with the world. I am maintaining the barriers to keep it in form," Tengen continued.
"What happens if you lose control?" Hiroshi asked.
"Then Kenjaku's job becomes easier. If mankind evolves and even one person rages out, the world will end," Tengen said.
"Why?" Yuki asked.
"There would be no boundaries between individuals. Evil would spread instantaneously. The impurity of a hundred million people would flood the world. What just happened in Shibuya and Shinjuku would happen to the entire world," Tengen said.
"Why don't you hide in the Senju Clan, Master Tengen?" Hiroshi asked.
"As much as I'd like to, the moment I leave the Tomb of the Star, I lose control of the puppet, and it will rampage. Because Kenjaku has Suguru Geto's cursed technique, he could easily capture it," Tengen explained.
"How about if I capture it?" Suguru asked.
"Then you would take my place," Tengen said.
"I'd rather not," Suguru replied.
"But why now?" Yuki asked, seeking further clarity amidst the tense atmosphere.
"The pieces have all come together for him," Master Tengen began, her gaze shifting towards Hiroshi, indicating the critical role he had played in thwarting Kenjaku's plans during the Shibuya Incident. "However, the only thing he did not take into account was the Child of the World deceiving him and not only that, providing him the means to become stronger."
"The world vehemently opposes Kenjaku's plan," Tengen continued. "It gave birth to the God of Sorcerers. Additionally, the Six Eyes and I are bound by fate. And just recently, the Senju Clan also became intertwined with this fate after providing me with this body."
"In the past, Kenjaku killed two Six Eyes users," Tengen explained solemnly. "From that point on, he has been on the Senju Clan's radar, with them always seeking his elimination."
"According to the Senju Clan ancestral history, if Kenjaku had just stayed away from Heian-Kyo, then the clan wouldn't have bothered him," Hiroshi added. "But he didn't. Now it's called Kyoto, and it is Senju Territory, after all."
"Kenjaku likely decided to try to seal Senju because he was the strongest," Tengen analyzed further. "Perhaps he has some sort of plan to deal with Gojo Satoru, choosing to seal the strongest rather than the fated one with the Six Eyes."
"It is not entirely impossible to merge with someone other than the Star Plasma Vessel, but it is highly unlikely and incomplete at present," Tengen elaborated. "The Culling Game utilizes the players' cursed energy and binding barriers in a ritual to transport all the humans of this country to the other side. Through this custom, he will begin merging with my former body and, by extension, me."
"However, in order to perform such a ritual, Kenjaku has bound himself with certain vows," Tengen continued, her expression darkening with concern. "One stipulates that he is not the Game Master. Unfortunately, this is not in your favor. The Culling Game will not end with killing him. It will continue until all players are dead or all refuse to participate and perish. The clause 'long-lasting' adds to the rule, ensuring nothing can interrupt the ritual."
Satoru looked at Suguru and Hiroshi, a somber realization settling in.
"This means that..." Satoru began.
"Yes, we participate and add a rule where Tsumiki and other unwilling participants can be spared," Suguru interjected, his voice trailing off with worry.
Hiroshi's confident voice cut through the tension. "Don't worry, I've got it," he assured them all. "Just guard Master Tengen while I take Yuki and clear out the fools daring to challenge my might."
Satoru and Suguru exchanged a smile, nodding in agreement. They shared Hiroshi's confidence in his abilities, believing him to be unstoppable in the face of any challenge.
"But what about the civilians inside the barriers?" Suguru asked.
"They will be given one chance to leave," Tengen replied.
"That's good," Suguru responded, glancing at Hiroshi.
"Don't worry, SBI personnel are already on the move. Many are in the different colonies, and they have begun escorting civilians," Hiroshi assured him, before leaving with Yuki.
As the two sorcerers walked, Yuki questioned Hiroshi about his view on humanity and cursed energy. "Senju, what do you think is the next stage of humanity?" she asked, her gaze fixated on Hiroshi.
"Why do you ask, Yuki? Well, if you must know, the next stage is when humanity will tame cursed energy and use it for the betterment of all," Hiroshi smiled.
"Quit lying, God of Sorcerers," Yuki said seriously. "I have seen what you have been doing: economic control, the Anbu's assassination of key political targets both foreign and domestic. Do you think I wouldn't notice? What are your intentions?"
"You caught on fast, Yuki. I know you desire for humanity to break away from cursed energy, but that would also make us sorcerers obsolete, losing our powers. I will forge our path, leading humanity forward, with sorcerers at the apex of the pyramid. Humans cannot lead their fellow humans without going down the road of destruction. Let the sorcerers lead," Hiroshi smirked, revealing his ambition.
When Yuki heard Hiroshi's ambition, she saw the shadow of a tyrant, whose grasp on the world was complete.
But then Hiroshi chuckled. "Obviously, I'm joking... or maybe I'm not," Hiroshi laughed, throwing Yuki off balance. "It is true that I want cursed energy to be tamed, but the world domination part is just too tedious," Hiroshi said nonchalantly.
"...Right," Yuki replied cautiously. She knew that although the Anbu had assassinated political targets, those targets were, in fact, the ones digging deep into who and where and how the Senju Clan runs the economy of Japan and, by extension, the world. These opponents wanted to bring to light who is the hand behind the ebb and flow of money. Yuki knew that the Senju Clan had infiltrated the U.S., the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. Europe, she did not know.
The God of Sorcerers is a jolly man who likes light-hearted banter and jokes, but she did not know if this was a mask or truly the true face of the strongest.
He tells the truth even when he lies, and determining which is which, she has yet to know.
The Original Rules of the Culling Game:
Participation Declaration: Once a player has awakened their cursed technique, they must declare their participation in the Culling Game at the colony of their choice within 19 days.
Players were awakened by Kenjaku around midnight on October 31st. This gives players, like Tsumiki Fushiguro, until roughly November 19th to declare their participation.
Cursed Technique Removal: Any player who breaks the previous rule will be subject to cursed technique removal.
Cursed Technique Removal is a mysterious process that does not involve Idle Transfiguration. Shoko Ieiri theorizes that it affects the player's brain and would kill them. Otherwise, all the players could simply refuse to participate. Master Tengen confirms that the process would indeed end the player's life.Players without cursed techniques aren't at risk of dying from this rule.
Entry Rule: Non-players who enter a colony become players at the moment of entry and will be considered to have declared participation in the Culling Game.
Civilians already inside a barrier at the start of the game will be given at least one chance to exit safely.
Scoring: Players score points by ending the lives of other players.
Point Value: The point value of a player's life is decided by the game master. As a general rule, sorcerers are worth 5 points and non-sorcerers are worth one point.
Cursed spirit participants are worth 5 points as well.
Adding New Rules: Excluding the point value of the player's own life, a player can expend 100 points to negotiate with the game master and add a new rule to the game.
Rules cannot be subtracted.
Rule Acceptance: In accordance with rule 6, the game master must accept any proposed new rule as long as it doesn't have a long-lasting effect on the game.
Score Maintenance: If a player's score remains the same for 19 days, they will be subject to cursed technique removal.
Hiroshi arrived at the nearest barrier in Tokyo, a scene buzzing with activity and tension. Each barrier across Japan was guarded by armed personnel and the SBI (Supernatural Bureau of Investigation). By the order of the Prime Minister, the Armed Forces of Japan, as well as law enforcement, were tasked with upholding order outside the barriers. Critical economic functions were being temporarily transferred outside Japan to maintain stability, with the Senju Clan's constant injection of funds bolstering Southeast Asia's prosperity.
Under Hiroshi's leadership, the Senju Clan operated with the motto: "Keep the workers happy, and they will dedicate themselves to their craft."
As Hiroshi and Yuki approached the barrier, they were greeted by a contingent of SBI agents and military officers. The atmosphere was charged with a mixture of anticipation and determination.
"Patriarch," a senior SBI officer saluted Hiroshi, "all civilians inside the barriers have been given instructions and are being escorted to safety. The evacuation is proceeding smoothly."
"Good work," Hiroshi acknowledged. "Ensure no one is left behind. Every civilian's life is precious."
The officer nodded and turned to continue his duties. Hiroshi and Yuki made their way through the bustling command center set up near the barrier. Screens displayed real-time updates on the evacuation process, the movement of sorcerers, and the status of each colony within the barrier.
"Senju, the coordination here is impressive," Yuki remarked. "You've truly mobilized the entire nation."
"We had to," Hiroshi replied. "Kenjaku's plan threatens not just Japan but the world. We must act decisively."
As they reached the inner perimeter of the barrier, Hiroshi took a moment to address the assembled SBI agents and military personnel. His voice carried authority and reassurance.
"Everyone, I commend your efforts. You are the backbone of our defense. Remember, our primary goal is to protect civilians and maintain order. The sorcerers and I will handle the threats inside the barriers. Trust in our strength, and know that together, we will prevail."
The men and women before him stood straighter, their resolve visibly strengthened by Hiroshi's words.
The Senju Clan's name is heavily respected in Japan.
Yuki watched Hiroshi with a mixture of admiration and caution. His ability to inspire and lead was undeniable, yet the complexities of his intentions still lingered in her mind.
As both sorcerers stepped near the barrier, Kogane appeared. "I'm Kogane! The Death Match known as the Culling Games is underway in this barrier. The moment you step in, you're a player too. Knowing that, will you still come in?" he asked.
"Sure," Hiroshi replied nonchalantly.
"Of course," Yuki added.
Suddenly, Hiroshi found himself in the sky. "Oh shiiiii, so it randomly teleports me to the sky? Quite a bad taste, Kenjaku," Hiroshi chuckled.
As he landed on a rooftop, he released his suffocating cursed energy, thereby attracting the attention of all curse users and curses in the colony.
An old man landed in front of Hiroshi, riding a shikigami. "Young ones truly are brave to think you would release your cursed energy, giving us your location. A stupid choice, and now you will die for it," he said. He was bald on the front and top of his head, but had long, light-colored hair that flowed from the back, reaching past his back and circling upward towards the ends. He had a long beard sectioned into three and a thick mustache as well. He wore nothing other than a dark-colored loincloth.
"Woah, old man, who the fuck are you? Truly, you look worse for wear. You look like a beggar. Would you like some money? Or should I send you to the nursing home?" Hiroshi taunted.
"Dhruv Lakdawalla, that is my name, young sorcerer. The Conqueror of Wa," the old man said.
"Well then, Conqueror of Wa, welcome to my world. I am Senju Hiroshi, and I am the ruler of this era," Hiroshi smirked, declaring his rule.
Dhruv Lakdawalla remained unperturbed by Hiroshi's bold proclamation. He chuckled softly, his weathered face showing a trace of a wry smile. "Young sorcerer, your confidence is commendable, but do not mistake bravado for strength," he replied calmly, his voice carrying an air of wisdom and experience.
Hiroshi's smirk widened into a grin. "But let me correct you right there," he retorted, his tone turning more serious. "I am not trapped here with everyone. Everyone's trapped here with me."
As both sorcerers exchanged words, Hiroshi smirked, drawing Dhruv's attention. Before Dhruv could react, he was suddenly crushed by two massive wooden hands that demolished the building they stood on. Hiroshi leapt gracefully and landed atop the wooden hands.
"So much talk for being a Conqueror of Wa, and yet you couldn't even survive a simple warm-up," Hiroshi taunted, looking down at the blood and pulverized bones scattered beneath the open palms of the wooden hands.
Below, curse users witnessed the scene unfold. They recognized Dhruv, who had hunted them down relentlessly. Seeing a new sorcerer appear and effortlessly defeat him shook them to their core.
"He killed Dhruv!" one curse user shouted, pointing at the now-destroyed 100-meter building.
"Run!" another cried out in panic.
Hiroshi observed the scattering curse users and casually gestured, "Shinboku No Jumon: Deep Forest Emergence."
Instantly, massive trees rose up within a 200-meter radius around Hiroshi, ensnaring the fleeing curse users.
"70 points have been added," Kogane announced.
Hiroshi's points soared to a whopping 70.
Just as Hiroshi prepared to move and eliminate more targets, Kogane appeared once again, announcing, "A player has added a rule! Rule #9: All players can now view the information of other players such as name, points, number of times they've added rules, and residing colony."
A/N: Are you you the one who left it all behind because you are, Im you, Jog oat, or are you nah id win because you are my special?