In philosophy and ethics, there is a classic thought experiment often raised—the "Trolley Problem."
It presents a difficult dilemma: faced with an unstoppable train, and two tracks ahead—on one, a single person is tied down; on the other, five people are tied down.
Would you let the train continue, killing one person? Or divert it, killing five?
…
As Tengen's destined compatible vessel—the Star Plasma Vessel—her existence was known shortly after birth, and her information disseminated through every level.
The machine called Jujutsu High began to move.
To ensure the vessel fulfilled her role, she was raised as a figure of importance from childhood.
The Kuroi clan, a family tied to Tengen, was tasked for generations with caring for her.
The higher-ups also prepared layers of precautions in case of accidents.
In secret, both Jujutsu High campuses dispatched their specialists, assembling powerful protection units.
Meanwhile, staff informed the vessel herself, restricting her movements and surrounding her with guards.
It was protection—but also surveillance.
Thus, from a young age, she knew her fate.
…
Assimilation was set for three days later, on the night of the full moon.
Soujun and the others gathered in the classroom early that morning.
Yaga Masamichi restated their orders: "Your mission is to protect the Star Plasma Vessel. In three days, before the full moon night ends, you must deliver her safely back to Jujutsu High, and escort her to Master Tengen."
"If this mission fails, ordinary society itself will be dragged into disaster. Do not take it lightly!"
His voice carried weight. He was caught in his own trolley problem—what choice was correct? He didn't know. No one did. The only option was to take it step by step, leaving the decision to fate.
"In addition, you are to fulfill all of the vessel's requests during the mission." He added a new instruction, fresh from the higher-ups.
But the classroom air was anything but tense. Gojo and Geto were still discussing Tengen's technique.
Soujun hopped off a desk, stretching lazily. Finally, things were about to begin.
The jujutsu world had endured for centuries, but naturally there were always more than one faction.
There were sorcerers who bore humanity's protection as their duty—and curse users who opposed them.
Light and dark, black and white. Without contrast, there could be no justice or evil.
Those who killed for pleasure or selfish desires, especially those who slaughtered non-sorcerers, were branded curse users, hunted by Jujutsu High.
Only the strong could claim justice.
And so, curse users and their organizations remained mobs, powerless before the upper powers.
History proved curse-user groups short-lived. Yet like a rash, eliminate one, another appeared. They could never be fully purged.
…
The vessel's identity was already exposed. Two main groups sought to take her life and stop assimilation:
First, the curse-user group Q, who aimed to let Tengen lose control and thereby overturn the jujutsu order.
Second, the religious cult Time Vessel Association, who worshiped Tengen in purity and refused to accept the "impurity" of the vessel's merger.
From now until three days later, the trio had to ward off every scheme to keep the assimilation on course.
Three Grade 1 sorcerers, including Gojo with his Six Eyes. Jujutsu High was committing its strongest force—clear proof of how serious this was.
After circulating the dossier, they prepared to depart immediately.
…
On the way—
"Honestly, the pressure's heavy. But Master Tengen himself appointed us…" Geto's words carried deep respect.
The other two, less respectful, muttered half-hearted agreement.
"Why make it so last-minute? Why not just raise the vessel at Jujutsu High from the start?" Gojo sounded annoyed.
"Before her identity was exposed, secrecy was critical. Once it was, the mission went out at once. That response is already as fast as it gets." Soujun, as a frontline bounty sorcerer, found the school's response time reasonable and even gave them credit.
"In any case, the Time Vessel Association is just a non-sorcerer cult. Nothing to worry about. Our real threat is Q." Geto reasoned, believing the mission not too difficult.
These groups might act bold, but every member's file was on record. Their histories were thorough. The higher-ups usually ignored them, but once they crossed a line, they could be crushed in an instant.
"Yeah, should be fine. After all, we're the strongest." Gojo smirked, one hand in his pocket.
Geto nodded. "That's why Master Tengen chose us."
Soujun stepped back slightly, more modest. He only considered himself very strong.
The mission had barely begun, and the other two were already waving death flags. Soujun could almost feel the debuffs stacking on him.
"My thoughts are the opposite," Soujun said, opening his hand. "With our strength, Q is nothing. The Time Vessel Association, though… even without combat skill, they have one thing."
He stared at his palm.
"What?"
"Money. And they don't hesitate to spend it." He smirked, pulling out his phone and logging into a hidden site, handing it over. "They've already placed a massive bounty online for the vessel's assassination."
Both Gojo and Geto leaned in. The Star Plasma Vessel's bounty topped the list.
Soujun pocketed the phone, blood thrumming, his hair shrinking short, close to a cropped cut. "We're no longer just fighting two groups. We're facing the entire curse-user underworld."
He clenched his fist.
"No one knows who's taken the contract, or how many will come. That's the real challenge."
Gojo and Geto both sobered, taking the mission more seriously.
But Soujun waved it off, smiling faintly. "Still… this 'fulfill all of the vessel's requests' clause? A bit unreasonable, don't you think?"
"Tch. Annoying." He glanced at them. "Why not just meet her and bring her straight back to Jujutsu High?"
Soujun suggested.
Gojo nodded instinctively.
Geto hesitated. "…Better to play it by ear."
Soujun shrugged, unconcerned. "Anyway, this vessel's only fourteen. Still a middle schooler at Renchoku Girls' Academy, right?"
Fourteen. The age of youth—stubborn, rebellious, headstrong.
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