Inside the Tomb of the Star Corridor.
Jinsuke and Yuki barged in without hesitation.
"Old hag! You're not coming out to greet us?"
Yuki had never liked Tengen, so courtesy was out of the question.
Hearing the familiar voice, one of the countless doors slowly opened.
Yuki and Jinsuke exchanged a glance.
"Let's go."
The two stepped inside and entered the room of the ultimate shut-in—Tengen. Just like years ago, nothing had changed.
"A troublesome person… and someone who finds me troublesome. You two came as a pair now?" Tengen raised her eyes toward them. Her expression didn't change at all.
Or rather, she couldn't change it. Compared to when Jinsuke last saw her, Tengen looked even more like a curse. Her face no longer carried any trace of humanity.
"So you've met before?" Yuki blinked. "But old hag… you're basically a curse now, aren't you?"
Seeing Tengen's altered state, Yuki immediately understood — Tengen had completely evolved into something non-human.
Riko never fused with Tengen all those years ago, and Tengen had found no alternative method to prevent her own evolution. The only thing keeping her mind intact was the barrier.
"You guessed correctly. The jujutsu world is in a very dangerous state. If Kenjaku finds out that I've become close to a curse, he'll act immediately." Tengen poured two cups of tea and pushed them toward the pair, her voice calm, almost resigned.
If she fell into Kenjaku's hands, the entire world would plunge into doomsday.
"Kenjaku is a lunatic. He's been preparing for over a thousand years. This era… he will make his move."
Kenjaku had spent centuries searching for a method to perfect either humans or curses. Every attempt failed. Only after a millennium of experimentation did he finally arrive at his "ultimate solution":
Throw humans and curses into one giant stew.
Using Tengen's ability, he intended to force all of humanity and all cursed spirits to evolve together into a new, perfect, ultimate lifeform.
"That's great. I've been trying to find him anyway." Jinsuke's expression was calm. He didn't care what happened to Tengen. He didn't care what happened to the world. But his niece lying in a bed—that he cared about.
"Boy, I know you're strong, but don't underestimate Kenjaku. That bastard never acts unless he's completely confident." Tengen disliked this rude brat, but she still offered him the warning. After all, he might very well become her trump card against Kenjaku.
"..." Jinsuke didn't reply. If he knew nothing about Kenjaku, he would certainly be cautious of a monster who had lived for a thousand years.
"Old hag, you've lived for over a thousand years too. How can you be scared of him?" Yuki countered.
Logically, both Tengen and Kenjaku came from the same ancient era. Shouldn't they be evenly matched?
"..." Tengen fell silent.
How could they possibly compare?
One had spent a thousand years sleeping in her room, being a hermit. The other had spent a thousand years plotting, scheming, moving pieces across the world like a professional manipulator.
They were not opponents on the same level.
"This topic ends here. Yuki, tell me — what did you come for this time?" Tengen shut down all conversation about Kenjaku. She refused to hear that name.
At her cue, Yuki crossed her legs, leaned back on the sofa like a mafia boss, and said:
"I found something strange overseas. It might be connected to this Kenjaku you mentioned."
"..."
An hour-long discussion later, Jinsuke and Yuki finally left—carrying an entire box of tea leaves with them.
Once they were gone, Tengen's expression darkened, her voice a quiet murmur:
"So… that day is really coming…"
"Where to next?" Outside, Jinsuke asked.
"Hmmm… still early. Let's get something to eat first." Yuki tossed him the motorcycle key, fully prepared to enjoy some couple time.
Jinsuke paused for two seconds after taking the key.
"Alright. I'll treat you to a feast. A free one."
He revved up Yuki's tiny motorcycle, and the two sped through the city.
The time had come to show Yuki's face. Given Megumi's mother's sake, Toji shouldn't be shameless enough to only offer them the cheapest set meal, right?
"You're driving this fast in the city? You'll get caught by traffic police." Yuki held onto his waist tightly, glancing at the speedometer.
"They'd have to catch me first." Jinsuke accelerated.
Being able to speed recklessly without the fear of dying was truly exhilarating.
And as for the police—Even if they stopped him, so what? He didn't even have a license. He'd just push responsibility onto Jujutsu High. Special personnel on special duty — small perks of the job.
Soon, they arrived at Toji's restaurant.
Seeing that Toji was indeed present, Jinsuke relaxed immediately. Today's luxurious feast was as good as stolen.
"Ahem. Boss, menu please." Jinsuke knocked on the counter.
Recognizing the voice, Toji didn't bother looking up.
"Kid, bring out yesterday's leftovers."
"Hey—HEY! Don't go too far!" Jinsuke raised his voice instantly.
Toji finally looked up, ready to scold his freeloading older brother—until he noticed the blonde beauty next to him, holding Jinsuke's arm.
He froze.
Yuki smiled sweetly.
"Hello, Toji. I'm his girlfriend, Yuki Tsukumo."
"..."Toji was silent.
A sense of impending financial doom washed over him. If he had known this was happening today, he wouldn't have come. This felt like the setup for a huge loss.
"Ahem… hello, sister-in-law." Recovering, Toji forced politeness and quickly turned to the waiter.
"Kid, tell the kitchen to prepare a full-course set. Highest tier."
He had no choice. If his shameless brother even brought his girlfriend, Toji — as the younger brother—had to give face.
But… Yuki Tsukumo? Why did that name sound familiar? Was she a sorcerer?
"Toji, I knew you were the best. Thanks!" Jinsuke accepted the feast without a trace of guilt.
Toji's face went dark with irritation.
"Don't listen to your brother. Simple dishes are fine." Yuki chimed in.
"It's fine. It's the least I can do."Toji smiled painfully.
"Alright, alright. Let's sit and wait for the food." Jinsuke said casually. "Oh, Toji, want to eat with us?"
"You enjoy yourselves. I already ate." Toji smiled… and ground his teeth.
He really needed Megumi to find this freeloading brother something to do. If he kept letting Jinsuke mooch off him, Toji might lose his sanity.
"This doesn't feel right… maybe we should pay?" Yuki looked at the magnificent spread and swallowed. She hadn't eaten this well in ages.Was it really okay to freeload?
"Then you pay. I'm broke." Jinsuke rejected instantly.
"…Then I won't pay either."She deflated.
Her travel money had come from Jinsuke. She definitely couldn't afford a meal like this. So freeloading it was…