As time passed, the active period for cursed spirits gradually subsided, and life at Jujutsu High became increasingly relaxed.
Eiji and Altoria were enjoying a rare moment of leisure together.
At this moment, Shuji Zenin brought an unexpected person before Eiji.
"What are you doing here, old man?"
Eiji looked at Naobito Zenin in surprise.
Calling him "old man" didn't mean Eiji disliked Naobito Zenin.
On the contrary, Naobito Zenin was one of the few people in the Zenin Family that Eiji respected.
This kind of address was merely a sign of their close relationship.
Calling someone you're close with "boss" or "family head" would instead highlight their status and make them feel less approachable.
"Hahaha, you don't welcome me, kid?"
Naobito Zenin was as boisterous as ever.
"You're not a beautiful girl, why would I welcome you?"
Eiji rolled his eyes.
"That's true."
With that, Naobito Zenin glanced at Shuji Zenin.
Shuji Zenin bowed slightly, and soon only Eiji and Naobito Zenin remained in the room.
"What is it? Something Shuji can't hear?"
Shuji Zenin was now something of a personal steward to Eiji, and sometimes knew more about matters related to Eiji in the Jujutsu World than Eiji himself.
"It is indeed something he cannot know."
Naobito Zenin abandoned his usual carefree demeanor and sat down opposite Eiji with a serious expression.
Seeing Naobito Zenin's demeanor, Eiji became curious.
What could make this old man, who was usually drunk, so serious?
"Jujutsu Headquarters wants to assign you a designated mission."
'A designated mission?'
Eiji pondered inwardly.
Since it was issued by Jujutsu Headquarters, it shouldn't be a matter concerning the Zenin Family.
The fact that Shuji Zenin couldn't know implied a high level of secrecy.
'The Jujutsu World has high secrecy nowadays, and it requires a Jujutsu Sorcerer of my strength. What mission fits both these conditions... Kenjaku?'
"That mysterious Curse User who attacked Jujutsu High? Have you found her trace?"
Eiji's interest was piqued.
If they could get a lead on Kenjaku, Eiji wouldn't mind bringing along three Heroic Spirits, Satoru Gojo, and Suguru Geto to deal with Kenjaku in advance.
However, Eiji thought this possibility was slim.
Kenjaku was an ultimate schemer who had been hiding for a thousand years.
Furthermore, there were definitely people loyal to Kenjaku within Jujutsu Headquarters.
Therefore, even if Jujutsu Headquarters found Kenjaku's whereabouts, Eiji would suspect it was a trap set by Kenjaku.
"Mm, you've guessed half of it."
Naobito Zenin chuckled and stroked his mustache.
"What's the other half?"
Eiji cooperated and asked.
"It's Master Tengen."
"Tengen?"
"That's right."
Naobito Zenin nodded, the smile disappearing from his face.
"We received news from Kurokoshi-gu that Tengen has come out of seclusion."
A hint of solemnity flashed in Naobito Zenin's eyes.
"After this seclusion, Master Tengen gives the impression of not being human, but rather more like... a Cursed Spirit."
Naobito Zenin emphasized the words "Cursed Spirit."
"A Cursed Spirit?"
Eiji closed his eyes slightly, and the image of that strangely shaped thumb came to his mind.
"Do you know Tengen's Cursed Technique?"
"The Immortality Technique requires assimilation with a Star Plasma Vessel every 500 years to reset the body's information."
"That's right."
Naobito Zenin nodded.
"According to Master Tengen, if the Immortality Technique isn't reset by assimilating with a Star Plasma Vessel, it will reconstruct Master Tengen's body, evolving it into a higher form of life. But..."
Naobito Zenin's gaze grew solemn as he looked into Eiji's eyes.
"Once it reaches that stage, human will will cease to exist. At that point, the barrier covering the entire Island Nation, reinforced by Master Tengen, and the Assistant Supervisors who use curtains with Master Tengen's blessing will all become useless. The Jujutsu World will be greatly impacted."
"And most importantly, if Master Tengen loses their human will and becomes a Cursed Spirit..."
Naobito Zenin didn't finish his sentence.
"It would be a disaster."
Eiji sighed, finally understanding the Jujutsu Headquarters' intentions.
Naobito Zenin produced an investigation report and handed it to Eiji.
"This is the result of Jujutsu Headquarters' investigation into that escaped Curse User. They've specifically assigned you to submit this report and observe Master Tengen's condition. If Master Tengen has already... use Mahoraga..."
Naobito Zenin left the sentence unfinished.
That's how it is with superiors. There are many things you absolutely cannot say out loud.
One wrong word could lead to someone blowing it out of proportion and holding you responsible, which would be a considerable hassle.
Eiji already knew this from his previous life.
In his past life, Eiji was just an ordinary citizen, and no one taught him these things.
That's why, during his first job, he could only be a junior employee because he couldn't understand some of his boss's hints.
Later, an old employee nearing retirement saw how diligent Eiji was and explained some of the inner workings to him.
In this life, when Naobito Zenin and Satoru Gojo discussed the Jujutsu World, they would also occasionally tell Eiji about the behavior and dealings of the Three Great Families. Eiji learned quite a bit about these matters.
Satoru Gojo wasn't unaware of many things; he simply disdained to act on them.
"Leave it to me."
Mahoraga's Demon-Slaying Sword is currently known to be the highest-grade special attack against Cursed Spirits.
Coupled with Mahoraga's ability to adapt to anything and gain the power to inflict effective damage on enemies.
For Jujutsu Headquarters, this was the most reliable method they could think of to deal with Master Tengen.
It would be best if Master Tengen remained fine. If Master Tengen lost control, then Mahoraga would have to exorcise them.
Eiji had no objections.
Although he knew Master Tengen wouldn't lose control, Master Tengen's continued existence was still a potential threat.
Eiji had always wanted to change the Jujutsu World. Currently, the most powerful governing body in the Jujutsu World is Jujutsu Headquarters, but even they couldn't ignore Master Tengen's existence.
If Master Tengen expressed an opinion on certain matters, even Jujutsu Headquarters would have to consider their stance.
Therefore, Eiji planned to talk to Master Tengen and understand their thoughts.
It would be best if Master Tengen was willing to cooperate. If not, Eiji would have a legitimate reason to act against them.
After Eiji accepted the mission, Naobito Zenin didn't linger at Jujutsu High for long.
After speaking with Eiji, Naobito Zenin found Masamichi Yaga and, adopting the demeanor of a superior inspecting the work of a new principal, toured Jujutsu High. Afterward, the two shared a few drinks at noon.
Masamichi Yaga simply believed that Jujutsu Headquarters had sent Naobito Zenin to inspect the situation at Jujutsu High after his appointment as the new principal.
However, he didn't know that Naobito Zenin's real mission had already been completed. Finding Masamichi Yaga to inspect his work was just an excuse to sample Masamichi Yaga's prized collection of good wine.
The work these past few days had been too serious, making even a seasoned drinker like himself feel embarrassed to drink openly.
Normally, he could only sneak a couple of sips. He was afraid the other two families would notice if he drank too much.
Now that his work was finally done, he hurried to have a couple of drinks to satisfy his craving.
He could leave the rest to that kid Eiji.
Content and satisfied, Naobito Zenin let out a drunken burp and took a car back to the Zenin Family.
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Translation by: randomtranslator.com
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