Chapter 40 - Encounter and Words

When Hisagi walked towards the training field to check on his friends, he found a boy with a nervous look, having a duel with the energetic Maki, who was not only facing the newcomer but also Toge, who had been following the advice he had received from him.

Yuta's eyes were dark blue, with noticeable bags under them due to the evident lack of sleep. His body language made it easy to tell that he was very fearful, with his posture mostly hunched over.

Looking at his outfit, which consisted of a white shirt, black pants, and shoes as a uniform, Hisagi thought it now seemed less normal compared to his own uniform.

"Hisagi, my dear brother-in-arms, let me introduce you to our new companion." Panda, who saw Hisagi from the other end of the field, raised his hand to greet him.

Only then did Yuta notice the presence of a tall man with bandages on his arms, and his calm gaze indicated that he was extremely strong.

"Is this the one they told me about?"

"Salmón." Toge was the calmest one; now that he knew Hisagi's strength, he respected him as much as Sensei Gojo.

Maki slightly furrowed her brows and said, "Just don't be a hypocrite with him; he's not a bad person."

Yuta swallowed hard, as if making his best effort to appear normal. He wiped the sweat from his forehead, and just when he thought Hisagi would take a few minutes to reach them, he felt a gust of wind, and then a figure appeared behind him.

"What speed…" Maki's eyes widened as she saw Hisagi standing behind Yuta, staring at him intently.

Panda, who was acting as usual, fell silent, knowing that things could get out of control if Hisagi made decisions that would affect Yuta.

"You're the new one," murmured Hisagi while looking at the intense cursed energy in Yuta's chest, which was manifesting strongly.

Yuta turned around and extended his hand with a stiff smile. "I heard you were injured. I'm glad you've recovered."

"Well, I suppose you're just another victim in this world." Hisagi extended his hand without hostility but then added, "I know it's not your fault about the cursed spirit that's with you, but if you want to resolve it, I can take care of it for you."

Maki glared at Hisagi and said sternly, "Hisagi, it's not your place."

"Maki…" Panda didn't want there to be a fight between them now that they were more united than ever.

Hisagi looked at Maki and said, "If that's the issue, I don't see a problem in removing the cursed spirit that's with him and exterminating it. I just want to hear what Yuta thinks about it."

Of course, he knew that cursed spirits could be used for good. Some sorcerers used cursed spirits to exterminate others.

In that regard, he had nothing more to say, but considering that Yuta's situation was very different, he offered to be the one to take that burden off him.

"Why are you acting so differently?" Maki knew it was because of the cursed spirit, but she wanted Hisagi to come to his senses and not confuse allies with enemies, avoiding a mistake.

Hisagi raised his hands and said, "Alright, I'll take back what I said."

But at that moment, Yuta stared directly at Hisagi and said determinedly, "No."

"Huh?" Hisagi frowned at the boy's attitude.

"I would never allow you to do that. I will free her from her curse myself." Yuta would not allow anyone else to do what was his responsibility.

"I see the determination, but you lack strength."

"Then teach me; I'll learn quickly." Yuta would not be ashamed of being weak, especially not in front of people who hadn't been born strong like Maki or Toge. They all had their stories of overcoming challenges, and he wouldn't be any different.

Hisagi sighed and said thoughtfully, "Maybe I will, later. But remember this: if that thing gets out of control, I'll take care of it."

"Don't worry, that will never happen."

"Well…"

Maki, who saw Hisagi walking away, asked, "Where are you going at this hour?"

"I'm not training with you, not now. I have some calls to make." Hisagi wanted to get in touch with Aoki to see if he had any new information. Above all, he wanted to tell him that he hadn't died.

Once Hisagi left, Panda let out a hearty laugh and said, "You were brave; I admire that, but I wouldn't dare after seeing his state in the last battle."

"Is he strong?"

"Strong? He's more than that. He's definitely at Sensei Gojo's level in terms of destructive power. It's no wonder he's a special-grade sorcerer." Panda couldn't stop bragging about Hisagi's abilities on the battlefield.

"Salmón." Toge was next to him to confirm it.

Maki then furrowed her brows and shouted, "Let's continue with the training."

"Yes!"

Yuta remained thoughtful. How could he be special-grade when he didn't know how to do anything? But then he remembered Rika, and any concept of power became obsolete. After all, this power was borrowed.