In just a few minutes, Jinsuke had already eliminated every Grade 1 or higher curse across Kyoto.
"That should be all of them."
He flicked the purple ichor off his blade, scanning the surroundings.
Only faint, low-level cursed energy signatures remained.
"Thanks to Toji's blade."
He admired the Split Soul Katana in his hand—it felt just right.
The sensation of cleaving through curses one after another… intoxicating.
Unfortunately, it was borrowed.
And knowing how stingy Toji was, there was no way he'd ever give it to him.
"Forget it. No need to steal the guy's treasure."
He'd already snatched Playful Cloud once — taking Toji's toys too often would be going too far, even for him.
Just then, a sharp voice called out behind him:
"Cousin! Why are you in Kyoto?! Shouldn't you be in Tokyo — conspiring with her?"
Mai had finally found him.
Even though she'd sworn to herself she wouldn't forgive her cousin or sister until she defeated
Maki, now that she saw him—her resolve faltered.
Jinsuke smiled faintly at her pouting face.
"Conspiring? Do you even hear yourself talk?"
"Hmph! You always take her side anyway."
Mai crossed her arms, looking away with a huff. Her sister always teamed up with him against her—it wasn't fair.
"Maki's my student. Of course I side with her. What's this, are you jealous? Since when did you turn into such a little vinegar jar?"
Not only jealous of her sister, now jealous of her brother too.
That was Mai these days.
"Y-You—!"
"So you are admitting it?" Jinsuke teased. "You've always cared more about your sister than you'll admit."
Mai's face flushed red with anger. She'd completely forgotten why she came here in the first place.
Click! Click!
Ignoring her outrage, Jinsuke pulled out his phone and snapped several photos of her puffed-up cheeks.
"Nice expression. I'll show this to Maki later."
"Y-You!!!"
Mai jumped up, trying to snatch his phone, but with her small height, she barely reached his chest.
"Alright, alright—how old are you now? Still acting like a kid."
He pocketed the phone and ruffled her hair with one large hand, rough but gentle.
"So, how's Kyoto? Anyone giving you trouble? Tell me, I'll take care of it."
"No one would dare… except you and her."
Mai muttered under her breath, fingers fidgeting, face red with embarrassment and frustration.
At that moment, a cheerful voice interrupted.
"Hello, mister! You must be Mai's cousin, right? I can't believe she's been hiding such a handsome cousin from us!"
Momo floated down on her broom, eyes sparkling with curiosity.Aoi and the others—having cleared the area of curses—approached as well.
"Hey, old man!" Todo shouted boldly, bare-chested grin wide. "What kind of woman do you like?!"
Jinsuke turned to the group with a faint smile.
"Mai's probably been a handful. If she's done anything wrong, I hope you'll be patient with her."
"Don't talk about me like that! I'm not a problem!"
"Hehehe, what's this? Is Mai actually shy? I've never seen that before." Momo giggled behind her hand.
"Momo! I'll get you for that!" Mai's entire face turned crimson as she chased after her laughing friend.
Jinsuke chuckled quietly. Aoi, watching the scene, sighed in admiration.
"Ah, youth. So full of passion."
Then, turning back, he asked again, undeterred,
"Old man, you still haven't answered me—what kind of woman do you like?"
At that, Jinsuke's smile deepened. He looked straight at the enthusiastic young man — the student of Yuki herself.
"You want to know what kind of woman I like?" He smirked. "Go ask your teacher."
Because if it was about types, there were many. But if it was about the woman he liked—there was only one.
"I've got business to take care of. I'll be heading back." He glanced one last time at Mai, still bickering playfully with Momo, then vanished from sight.
"Aw~ he just left?!" Kasumi peeked out from behind the group, pouting. She'd heard so many stories about Jinsuke and Gojo — both her idols. And now she'd met one in person… without getting an autograph. What a waste.
"'Ask my teacher,' huh…" Aoi rubbed his chin, still thinking over those words.
"A man on the same level as my master—impressive."
He had no idea that only the higher-ups and the Zenin sisters knew the truth — that his teacher, Yuki, and Jinsuke shared far more than a professional relationship.
If Aoi ever found out the man he'd just questioned was his teacher's lover, he'd probably be stunned—not least by the fact that even she, a self-proclaimed broke drifter, had managed to get a boyfriend.
Meanwhile, back at Tokyo Jujutsu High—
By the time Jinsuke returned, it was already over. The fight had ended long ago.
In the silent courtyard, Geto sat slumped against a wall, his right arm severed, blood pooling beneath him. Gojo stood before him.
"Geto, you were right" Gojo said evenly. "I sent Inumaki and Panda back to trigger Yuta's potential. I knew you wouldn't kill them."
His expression was calm — but his heart was heavy.
Geto smiled faintly, a look of tired relief crossing his face.
"You got me. I hate those monkeys… but I never hated the students."
From beginning to end, he'd never despised anyone at Jujutsu High. His hatred was for the non-sorcerers alone.
"Well, well — Geto boy, you look like hell."
Jinsuke appeared, Split Soul Katana slung over his shoulder, to pay his last respects. After all, he'd reaped plenty of benefits from Geto—it was only fair to see him off.
"Heh, you too? What, didn't get enough killing in?" Geto gave a weak grin. He hadn't expected this annoying guy to show up here of all places.
"Not quite. You could release a few more Special Grades for me to play with. They're just going to waste otherwise."
Jinsuke's tone was light, almost playful.
"You bastard," Geto sighed. "Curses probably have nightmares about you."
"If I had the strength, I'd give them all to you, sure. But I've got nothing left."
"Shame. Guess I'll have to wait for next time." Jinsuke stepped forward and clapped Gojo on the shoulder. "Take care of him, Gojo"
And with that, he strolled off toward the main building — probably to check on his student.
Gojo exhaled slowly, shaking his head. "What a pain in the ass."
He hated being told what to do—especially by that guy.
"Hahaha… looks like I'm not the only one who finds him annoying," Geto laughed weakly. Even in his final moments, he found comfort in that — two best friends, united by the same irritation toward the same man.