Hayashi kept a close watch on the battle, contemplating whether or not to intervene. However, he was also thinking about something else: if he stepped into the fight now, more of his trump cards would be revealed.
If he couldn't kill Mahito, the enemies would become far more cautious, possibly leading to more unpredictable changes in the future.
The situation had already shifted subtly. What had started as a battle between Nanami Kento and Mahito now involved another Grade 1 curse spirit.
In this scenario, if Hayashi didn't step in, Nanami would be in grave danger. He couldn't let Nanami fall right in front of him.
So, should he alter the course of events or stay out of it?
"Shikami, come on out," Mahito said, stopping five meters away from Nanami and smiling.
From a seemingly empty dark corner, a humanoid curse spirit with antlers on its head emerged. Its body was covered in thick, tawny fur, and its muscular frame made it look powerful, though its head was unusually small compared to its massive antlers.
After glancing at Nanami, who was restrained by the Grade 1 curse spirit, Shikami turned to Mahito and said, "Is this why you called me? Do you think I have nothing better to do?"
"Come on, Shikami, it's a critical time. We need to eliminate as many of Gojo Satoru's allies as possible. Otherwise, we'll have a lot of trouble in the future," Mahito said with a sly grin.
Nanami was already stunned. When he arrived here, he had only sensed Mahito's residual cursed energy, but now there were three of them.
"A Grade 1 curse and two special grades. What's your goal?" Nanami, though restrained, spoke with his usual calm demeanor, displaying his composure and analytical mindset.
Based on his assessment, it seemed that the stitched-face man in front of him knew a lot. The enemies had planned this from the start, almost as if they had expected him to come.
"Who knows?" Mahito shrugged, not intending to reveal their purpose. Even if Nanami was about to die, Mahito wouldn't say. "Once we transfigure you, we'll have a powerful ally on our side. Let's hope this one doesn't fail~."
"You seem overly cautious. You two could handle this by yourselves. Why involve me?" Shikami grumbled, clearly annoyed. Although recently recruited, Shikami had formidable strength and didn't entirely submit to Mahito. But for the sake of the overall plan, Shikami didn't act recklessly.
Their group wasn't just Mahito; there were others like Jogo, Hanami, and the enigmatic Geto Suguru. As their ranks grew, it became harder to manage them all.
Mahito was likely trying to assert dominance in front of Shikami, given that altering the body and soul was something only Mahito could do.
"Don't be mad, Shikami. Your escape skills are top-notch. It's just safer to have you around, just in case," Mahito said, now concerned that if he delayed too long, reinforcements might arrive. He walked toward Nanami, extending his hand.
Shikami, annoyed, wanted to punch Mahito. Was its only value its ability to flee in case of danger? Mahito was underestimating it.
"You don't need to say anything. But don't think controlling me will be that easy." Suddenly, an even stronger surge of cursed energy enveloped Nanami. "Looks like it's time for some overtime!"
Boom!
Nanami broke free from the giant hand gripping him, flipping his cursed tool and slashing the Grade 1 curse spirit, forcefully creating a weak point at a 7:3 ratio and causing it to explode.
"This cursed energy is fascinating," Mahito said with excitement. If they could successfully transfigure Nanami, he would make for a perfect test subject, perhaps the best Mahito had ever created.
"Three curses, two of unknown strength. Today is going to be a tough day. I wonder if I'll make it through this overtime." Nanami's eyes grew cold. To get out of here, he had to take out at least one of them—and it had to be an instant kill.
First, he decided to target the deer-like curse spirit. He wasn't sure of its abilities, but approaching Mahito would be far more dangerous.
Nanami tore off his patterned tie and wrapped it around his right fist. His cursed energy flared as he charged at Shikami with incredible speed.
"So, you're going for Shikami? Interesting choice," Mahito observed, unsure of Shikami's true strength. It would be a good opportunity to find out.
"You chose me?" Shikami laughed, raising its arm. Its thick fur suddenly expanded, spreading out to engulf Nanami.
Faced with the soft attack, Nanami slid under the brown fur and delivered a punch to Shikami's stomach.
"Ratio Technique: Collapse!"
Boom!
Shikami felt a powerful cursed energy surge that seemed to tear its stomach apart, but its thick fur absorbed most of the damage. In retaliation, the long brown fur wrapped around Nanami.
Nanami felt like he had punched cotton. Although he had inflicted damage, it wasn't enough. His legs and arms were quickly bound by the fur, and within moments, he was hoisted into the air.
Shikami looked at Mahito and said, "Stop dawdling and finish him off. I don't want to stay in this damp, dark place any longer."
"Impressive, really impressive," Mahito clapped, impressed by Shikami's abilities. The attack resembled Hanami's tree branch techniques, though Shikami's fur was far more flexible.
"Well then, it's time to end this. Your body and soul are merely temporary, but soon, you'll be free," Mahito said, grinning grotesquely as his hand reached for Nanami's back.
His face twisted into a disgusting expression, so hideous it could make anyone nauseous.
Nanami closed his eyes. Facing two special grades and a Grade 1, he couldn't win.
Everyone's cursed techniques were different. He had strengths and weaknesses, and Shikami's abilities were his weakness. It was impossible to counter something so soft and flexible with just his fists.
"If only I had my cursed tool…" Nanami thought. Without it, there was no way to fight off Shikami's fur.
"I wish I could see their faces one more time…" Nanami's mind replayed memories like a slideshow. Scenes from the past flashed by, and finally, an image of the entire group came into focus. Gojo Satoru stood to his left, arm draped around Nanami's neck, grinning.
The scene was so beautiful, like a frozen moment in time. It was a memory he would never get back.
"Idle Transfigura—"