Chapter-261
Shoko's voice came from the other end of the phone, carrying a deep weariness and quite hoarse.
The next moment, the soft click of a lighter came from the other end of the phone. Shoko took a deep drag of her cigarette, her voice sounding slightly distorted by the static:
"Satoru, are you still listening?"
Gojo Satoru's fingers unconsciously rubbed the edge of his phone, his pale face reflected on the screen.
He opened his mouth, but found his throat too dry to make a sound. After a while, he finally let out a deep breath.
"Yes, I'm listening, Shoko. I'll go check on Nanami's situation, but don't expect me to be able to persuade him. Given Nanami's personality, unless Zenin Kiyoshi crawls out of her grave, I'm afraid no one can persuade him."
Gojo Satoru's answer was not unexpected. She nodded slightly and then said:
"It would be good if you could go and take a look. If the two of us had paid more attention to Geto back then, we might have noticed that the bastard was acting strangely sooner, and things wouldn't have gotten to that point."
"Phew~ Never mind, are you home now? I'll come over in a bit. I bought some beer and barbecue, let's eat together. I'm a little tired and want to talk to someone. Facing those familiar corpses all day long is really indescribably sad."
After listening to what the other person said, Gojo Satoru remained silent for a moment. The current Shoko was completely different from the one many years ago.
Her short hair has grown much longer, and her smoking habit has also increased significantly. According to her, if she were to perform an autopsy without smoking, she would definitely be unable to stop the tears from flowing.
After Geto left, Gojo Satoru wanted to try smoking, but Shoko firmly refused.
When Gojo asked Shoko why, she simply snatched the cigarette from his hand, stomped it on the ground, and said viciously:
"Because I promised Zenin Kiyoshi that he told me before that you and Geto, those two idiots, would definitely think about learning to smoke because you think smoking is cool, or for some random reason."
He begged me to make sure that while I quit smoking, I also made sure to monitor and prevent you two idiots from smoking. Don't follow my example. I quit because my body is constantly working on a Reverse Cursed Technique. You two are different. Smoking will really make you die young!
I don't want to be the only one still alive among the entire generation of college graduates, and I don't want to have to personally remove your blackened and shrunken kidneys from the dissection table one day!
So, smoking is harmful to your health. Kids, if you're having troubles, go for a run and burn off that extra energy! Oh, by the way, that's what that idiot Zenin Kiyoshi taught me.
Recalling these things, Gojo Satoru became even more silent. The world was no different from before, but he felt a sense of oppression from all sides.
Every inch of the place is so familiar, every shopping mall and building bears the footprints of myself and those people from the past.
Even though nothing has changed, why do I feel like I'm trapped in a world where I can't breathe?
Seeing that Gojo Satoru hadn't spoken, Shoko's voice carried a hint of feigned impatience as she said with a laugh:
"What's wrong? You haven't said anything. Are you not welcoming me? Then I'll go find someone else to drink with."
Upon hearing this, Gojo Satoru seemed to awaken from a dream. He came to his senses and softly comforted the person on the other end of the phone:
"No, I was just thinking about some things. I'm really happy that you came to have dinner with me, Shoko, since no one has come to my house in a long time..."
Gojo Satoru's answer surprised Shoko. If it were before, Satoru would have made some nonsensical jokes at this time, right?
Now he's said those things directly, just as I suspected. Those events really did have a huge impact on Satoru...
However, at that moment, seemingly to prevent further discussion of the past, Gojo Satoru asked Shoko first:
"By the way, Shoko, what were the findings of Haibara's autopsy? Was she really just killed because of a mistake in the mission data? I remember that before Kiyoshi died, she made an improvement to the entire mission verification system of the high school, didn't she?"
Since then, I've almost never heard of mission data malfunctions. Why is it suddenly happening to Haibara? Is there something going on...?
Gojo Satoru didn't finish his sentence, but the meaning was already clear. Moreover, by the end, the chilling killing intent in his words almost materialized and overflowed.
Shoko understood Gojo Satoru's emotional fluctuations, but she gently shook her head and then said:
"...I conducted the entire autopsy of Haibara." Shoko took a deep drag of her cigarette and then slowly said:
"There's nothing strange about the wound, and there's no residual Cursed Energy other than the mission's Cursed Spirit. I also went to see the mission's review process, and there were no problems. It's just that Haibara was unlucky. The Cursed Spirit in that place didn't appear out of nowhere."
In recent times, numerous instances of magical practices have witnessed traces of those Cursed Spirits in nearby cities. One can only say... it was fate.
Upon hearing this, Gojo Satoru seemed to have all his strength drained away. He lay on the bed, his phone slipping from his ear, his voice becoming hoarse and dry:
"Hey, Shoko, do you think the fate of us sorcerers is like a candle in the wind? No matter how beautiful and bright it burns now, it will be extinguished in an instant when the wind rises, leaving nothing behind."
If that's the case, then everything we've done has truly been meaningless... So it is for Zenin Kiyoshi, and it is for us too.
Hearing what Gojo Satoru said on the other end of the phone, she didn't answer immediately, but remained silent. She didn't hang up either, and remained silent for about three minutes.
Just as Gojo Satoru was about to apologize to Shoko, the sound of thick-soled shoes clattering on the stone bricks suddenly came from outside the door.
A knocking sound rang out, and then Shoko's voice came through:
"You idiot, Gojo, open the door!"
After Gojo Satoru opened the door in surprise, Shoko threw the iced cola she was holding at his head, and then said:
"Do you remember when Principal Yaga told us about Zenin Kiyoshi?"
"What is it?"
Gojo Satoru took the familiar iced cola, but a look of confusion appeared on his face.
Chapter-262
"What did you say?"
Shoko put the bag down, and with a slight push of her feet, kicked the bag of kebabs next to Gojo. Then she slowly said:
"You bastard, you really have a bad memory. A long time ago, before Zenin Kiyoshi joined the college, she was brought to the college for questioning because of a Cursed Spirit attack incident."
After they came out, for some reason, Principal Yaga and Elder Zenin Naobito of the Zenin Clan suddenly asked Kiyoshi a question. The question was...
What is the meaning of a sorcerer's existence? If death is the ultimate end, then do our actions truly have any meaning?
At this point, Shoko took a small sip of beer, then glanced sideways at Gojo and slowly said:
"Do you remember now? Zenin Kiyoshi's answer back then was something that Principal Yaga remembered for a lifetime."
Upon hearing this, Satoru subconsciously replied:
"There is no death without regret for a sorcerer. It is dark outside the streetlight, but it is still lit here. A corpse is not just a corpse, or rather, the soul that once resided in the corpse is the most important thing."
The words those souls wanted to tell us, the changes that piling up corpses could bring—that is the end of this road. The path blocked by corpses and chunks of flesh is the greatest curse upon the souls of the departed!
Hearing Gojo Satoru recite those words word for word, Shoko smiled and nodded. She raised her hand and handed Gojo Satoru a skewer of meat, then said:
"You remember things so clearly, don't you? Zenin Kiyoshi's words helped me a lot and helped me get through those days in the morgue."
Unlike you, although I know it might sound a bit shameless to say this, because of the nature of my Cursed Technique, I can't fight against Cursed Spirits outside like you, and I can never go to the front lines. I can only stay here in the logistics department, in a safe place in the rear, to treat your injuries, or rather... your corpses.
I know that I am much luckier than you, because I never have to face death, never have to face those terrifying Cursed Spirits, and never have to endure the fear that I might die at any moment.
But... sometimes I really hate myself for not being able to fight alongside you. Sometimes when I'm facing the corpse of someone I know, I feel like I wish I could lie there in their place.
I know it sounds sentimental, and I know I have no right to say such things, but whenever I see a friend who was laughing and talking with me just a few days ago, and then turns into a corpse when we meet again, I still feel a profound sense of fear and death.
Countless times, like you, I've had doubts about the meaning of sorcerers' existence, but Zenin Kiyoshi's words have saved me every time I felt pain.
Just as Zenin Kiyoshi said, the steps blocked by corpses and chunks of flesh are the greatest curse on the souls of the deceased!
Therefore, in order not to insult the bodies of those death sorcerers, I have endured until now.
Back when I was in school, I always felt like I was the one holding everyone back. You, Zenin Kiyoshi, and Geto, the three of you were like shields that stood in front of all of us.
At the time, I felt that no matter what happened, as long as the three of you were there, everything would be fine. But after Zenin Kiyoshi passed away, I started to feel worried and scared.
Because I suddenly realized that even someone as gentle and strong as Zenin Kiyoshi could die at any moment, so what about someone like me? Wouldn't I be even more likely to die at any time?
During that time, my disgust for the identity of a sorcerer, or rather... my fear of it, reached its peak. It wasn't that I was worried about dying, but rather that I felt an indescribable sense of powerlessness regarding my fate.
It's as if our lives are being controlled by someone's paintbrush; they can make us die whenever they want.
Everything about the future seemed somewhat powerless. It was during that time that I began to doubt and run away from myself. It was also because of this that I failed to notice the changes in Geto's situation in time.
Actually, Geto's departure was absolutely related to me. During that time, you were very busy with work, so you were rarely able to return to the college and rarely saw Geto.
But I was different. I was in the college almost every day and could see the changes in Geto's mental state. I was just being too presumptuous and thought that Geto's changes and depression during that period were to be expected. After all, Zenin Kiyoshi died and everyone's mental state had almost plummeted to its lowest point.
But... I never expected that Geto, who seemed the most sunny and gentle person, would undergo such a huge change during Zenin Kiyoshi's time. Many times, I hated Geto while also hating myself.
Given Geto's personality, how much pain must he have been going through when he had to endure such a drastic change... I failed to notice all of this in time, and instead shut myself off. Looking back now, if I had noticed it then, perhaps things wouldn't be like this now, with only the two of us.
If Geto were still here, he would be sitting on that sofa right now, because there's a full-length mirror opposite it, and Geto likes to check his bangs from there to see if they're messed up.
Zenin Kiyoshi likes to sit in the corner of the sofa on the right. According to him, that corner is the softest and has many cushions. He likes to bury himself in the cushions, saying that it makes him feel very safe...
Each word brings back vivid memories of the past.
Gojo Satoru listened to Shoko's words without responding. He simply picked up the iced cola next to him, which had already formed a layer of condensation on its surface, and silently took two sips.
He wasn't wearing an eye mask or sunglasses at this moment; instead, he had his eyes slightly open, as if he saw old friends on the two sofas.
"Hey... Shoko, I feel like I'm in a nightmare right now. I clearly remember that I was on vacation in Okinawa not long ago, I clearly remember that I was a student just the day before yesterday, and I also remember that bastard Kiyoshi had perfectly resolved the matter of Master Tengen."
Why... why did everything suddenly change after I woke up?
Do you think my life right now, everything happening before my eyes, is all a nightmare?
Upon hearing this, Shoko looked up at the night outside the window, then said softly:
"Ah... if only it really were a nightmare."
Chapter-263
Seeing Shoko's state, Gojo Satoru sighed helplessly.
"I'm not just lamenting about life to you, Shoko. I really feel like this world is a nightmare right now, and all my memories now seem unreal."
From my earliest memories of Zenin Kiyoshi, I feel like everything I've experienced is an illusion. I constantly suspect I'm trapped within some kind of magical Barrier. Do you think that's possible?
Hearing Gojo Satoru's words, Shoko paused for a moment, then looked into his eyes, which shone even in the darkness, and with a faint smile on her face, said softly:
"Just trust yourself, because I don't know if this place is a Barrier or not. But as far as I'm concerned, even if it is a Barrier, all my memories are quite clear, and there's no nothing wrong with them. All my choices and thoughts are my own, and there's no feeling of falsehood."
Just like now, I can feel the chill of this can of ice-cold beer in my hand, smell the cumin aroma from the barbecue, and see your eyes shining even in the dark.
All my feelings are very real to me, but they are just my feelings. You said that your memories from childhood are not very clear, so trust your feelings and understand that most of the time the choices you make will not disappoint me.
After Zenin Kiyoshi and Geto left, everyone's only support has been you. So, if this world is an illusion, I believe the only person who can decipher it is you.
Hearing Shoko's words, Gojo Satoru smiled and nodded. Then he downed his ice-cold beer in one gulp, wiped the white foam from his mouth, and grinned at Shoko, saying:
"Since you, Shoko, support my approach, then if it ultimately fails, you'll also have to take some responsibility, okay?"
Hearing Gojo Satoru's somewhat illogical words, Shoko rolled her eyes at him and said with a hint of helplessness:
"What kind of scoundrel would act like you? If I really fail, all I can do is put some offerings on your tombstone every year. Hmm, if I can dispose of your body, I'll make sure the final stitches are done beautifully."
The aroma of barbecue wafted over, and Gojo Satoru took a bite of the sizzling, oily grilled meat in his hand, saying nonchalantly:
"If you're really dead, there's no point in being so beautiful. You might as well use it for research."
Shoko spat, looking disgusted, and said:
"Stop talking nonsense, I have to go. Principal Yaga sent me a message, there are still some corpses waiting for me to deal with tonight. Ah, working overtime is so tiring."
"You're going there right after eating? Won't that be too tiring?"
"It's tough, but I don't really want to go to that place. Okay, I'm not going to talk about this anymore. I'm leaving now. Oh, by the way, there's still a lot of food here. You have to eat it all."
After Shoko finished speaking, she tilted her head back and drank the beer in one gulp. Then, without lingering any longer, she picked up her bag, put on her shoes, and left.
Gojo Satoru glanced at the still-steaming barbecue, smiled slightly, then turned on the TV and watched the boring programs while slowly finishing the barbecue.
Although she was somewhat different from the Shoko he remembered, after so many years of friendship, how could Gojo Satoru not know that Shoko had come here simply to take care of his emotions and comfort him?
The so-called "complaining to me" was just an excuse she used to show concern for herself.
Sure enough, even after so many years, the dishonest guy is still dishonest.
I took another bite of meat, and the splattering juices filled my mouth. The spiciness spread from the tip of my tongue to the back, making my mouth feel numb.
"Sizzle~ It's so spicy!"
As Shoko walked downstairs, she smiled and glanced up at Gojo Satoru's house. When she saw the room that had been lit up again, her smile widened.
Shoko patted her face, mustered her spirits, and continued walking towards the college. She had no time to rest today, and if she rushed over, the matters there wouldn't be finished.
The next morning, Gojo Satoru opened his eyes and looked at the mess around him, only to find that his mouth tasted bitter.
He drank too much beer and got up many times during the night; he couldn't even remember when he fell asleep.
I glanced at the time; it was only a little past six. The smell of barbecue still lingered in the room, and TV programs were playing. The sky outside was a bit dark, so it looked like it was going to rain.
Gojo Satoru took a deep breath and slowly sat up from the soft sofa. His hair was a little messy, and he smelled strongly of barbecue.
He rubbed his eyes, still feeling that everything before him was so unreal.
"Ugh... Is this a dream or reality? Damn it, what an annoying guy! If it really is a dream, then don't even simulate the feeling of going to the toilet!"
While complaining, Gojo Satoru walked towards the bathroom. He took a shower, changed his eye mask and clothes, and casually tidied up the barbecue on the table before heading straight for the Nanami family house from his memory.
In his memory, Nanami's personality changed drastically after Zenin Kiyoshi died. Although the guy was somewhat aloof and cold, it wasn't that obvious before.
After Zenin Kiyoshi died, Nanami almost always exuded a feeling of "keep away, strangers and acquaintances alike." It can be said that in the past few years, apart from Haibara Yu, almost no one has been able to exchange more than a few words with Nanami.
Recently, after finally teaching Itadori, this cheerful and optimistic girl, Nanami's personality has changed slightly.
Even Haibara told her recently that Nanami has changed a lot and smiles more often than before.
It's just that I finally made such a big change, and now it's back to this situation again...
Gojo Satoru sighed slightly. If he went to comfort Nanami, that guy probably wouldn't give him a good look.
No... I don't care about facial expressions, but can my own comfort really work?
In Nanami's eyes, is she really a qualified senior?
Gojo Satoru felt a little depressed. He didn't go to Nanami's house to find him. Zenin Kiyoshi had told him before that when Nanami was in a bad mood, he would often choose to read in the park.
Chapter-264
There weren't many people in the park this morning, perhaps because of the recent security incidents; it was quite deserted.
Gojo Satoru wrapped his clothes tighter around himself. Although there was still some lingering summer heat, it was still a bit chilly in the morning.
Thinking about where Nanami might be, Gojo Satoru decisively headed towards a more secluded spot.
Given Nanami's personality, if he were disturbed while reading, he would probably give the person a very cold look.
If that's the case, how should I greet him later?
How can we maintain a good atmosphere?
Ah...sometimes I really envy Zenin Kiyoshi and Geto. How did those two manage to win the hearts of all the younger generation?
However, just as Gojo Satoru was pondering these things, Nanami Kento's somewhat surprised voice suddenly came from behind him:
"Mr. Gojo? What are you doing here?"
Hearing the familiar voice behind him, Gojo Satoru subconsciously turned around and smiled at Nanami, saying:
"Um, I kind of miss you..."
Gojo Satoru's rambling answer made Nanami shake his head slightly. He put the book in his hand into his backpack, then said calmly:
"If you've come here to persuade me because of Haibara's situation, then let's not continue this conversation. There are some things I no longer want to insist on."
At this point, seemingly to further solidify her resolve, before Gojo Satoru could even speak, Nanami continued:
"Some things are not worth persisting in. If the road has no end from the beginning, then there is no need to continue."
I know what you want to say, Mr. Gojo, but the person who led me down this path is dead, and the person who continued to pull me along is also dead. Now, I have no reason to stay here any longer.
I have some prejudices against you, as you probably know, but you probably don't know that these prejudices disappeared many years ago.
Gojo Satoru had originally intended to try and persuade Nanami, but after hearing what she said, he instinctively asked in return:
"How did it dissipate? And what is your prejudice against me?"
Hearing this, Nanami Kento let out a slight sigh of relief. He glanced at his watch, pointed to the pavilion not far away, and then said:
"Well, it's still early, and this might be the last time we meet. If you want to hear more, sit down and have a good chat."
After saying that, Nanami didn't wait for Gojo Satoru's response. Instead, he walked to the pavilion, found a seat with a backrest, and sat down.
Seeing this, Gojo Satoru immediately followed. Looking at Nanami in front of him, he continued to urge her:
"It doesn't have to be the last time we meet, but please tell me the answer to my question first. I don't think I've offended you in any way, have I? Why did you have a bad impression of me before?"
Nanami didn't rush to answer. Instead, she took out a thermos from her backpack, took a sip of hot water, and then said to Gojo Satoru:
"It should be true that we met for the last time. I booked a flight to Finland tonight and I should be leaving here this afternoon. As for why I have a bad impression of you, it's not actually your fault, but rather my own values."
At this point, Nanami Kento shifted his gaze from the surrounding scenery to Gojo Satoru's face. He stared intently into Gojo Satoru's eyes and then slowly said:
"Mr. Gojo, I want to ask you a question. On the day Haibara sacrificed herself, were you able to take over his mission?"
Upon hearing Nanami Kento's question, Gojo Satoru paused for a moment, then recalled:
"I should have been free that day. I had just finished a task and it should have been my day off."
Hearing this, Gojo noticed that Nanami Kento's hand clenched the hem of his clothes slightly. He took a deep breath and then said:
"If that's the case, if I were you, I would choose to accompany the junior to complete the mission after knowing its difficulty. Because for a mission with a probability of death, I would rather be tired myself than let the junior die."
Unfortunately, Mr. Gojo, you didn't go. I don't mean to blame you. I know that everyone has different values, and I know that this is a responsibility we should bear. I also know that you are usually very busy.
You usually get less than three hours of sleep a day, and I really can't ask anything more of you, but sometimes this world is just so unreasonable.
Due to the principle of "balance," your birth caused the subsequent strength of Cursed Spirits to continuously increase, and sorcerers perished time and again in dangerous missions. The reason those Cursed Spirits became stronger was because of you...
I know it's awful to say this, I know it's irresponsible to say this, and I know even more that saying this is forcibly blaming you!
But sometimes, I can't help but think, if it weren't for you, would there be so many powerful Cursed Spirits in this world? Would that idiot Haibara have survived?
Hearing Nanami Kento's words, Gojo Satoru felt a tightness in his chest, making it hard to breathe. He looked at Nanami Kento but couldn't muster any anger; instead, he felt only sadness.
"Nanami...I...I'm sorry."
Gojo Satoru opened his mouth, but in the end, he could only squeeze out these two sentences, his voice weary and weak.
To this, Nanami Kento shook his head and said:
"What are you apologizing for?! This isn't your problem at all! I've said from the beginning that these are just my own despicable nature acting up, five of them! This is just my almost unreasonable accusations, why should I apologize?!"
So that's why everyone hates you! You have such immense power, yet your mind is completely mismatched! If Zenin Kiyoshi were here, he would definitely slap me and tell me...
If you're not even prepared for death, if you can't even accept the rules of this world, then why did you come here? Why did you defile the deceased Haibara here?!
Haven't you realized yet? Almost everything I've said so far has been an insult to the deceased Haibara Yu!
If he were still alive, he would be so angry upon hearing my words that he would ignore me for the rest of the day!
Gojo! When will you finally wake up? When will you finally understand that we are not the flowers you cultivated?
Chapter-265
When Nanami got to this point, his face turned red. He no longer had his usual calm and indifference; instead, he was filled with an indescribable anger.
"I'm not getting angry at you, nor am I complaining about anything. It's just that you can't seem to realize the difference between you and Zenin Kiyoshi!"
The fundamental point is that Zenin Kiyoshi treated us as true companions, not as flowers that needed him to water and cultivate. You always treated us as flowers that were much weaker than you, that needed your constant care, as if we would die immediately without you.
If that's the case, why don't you do everything well?
With your superior attitude and the mindset of treating everyone like porcelain dolls, do you know why you, Mr. Gojo, were able to get along so well with Zenin Kiyoshi and Geto-senpai?
Because in your eyes, only those two possess the same strength as you, only those two are qualified to be your "comrades," and only those two are qualified to fight alongside you.
Hearing Nanami's words, Gojo Satoru felt a lump in his throat. He wanted to refute Nanami's words, but in a daze, he realized that he didn't seem to have any good reason to refute them.
Because deep down he was very clear that this was indeed what he thought, no... perhaps there were some differences, but he certainly did not regard anyone other than Zenin Kiyoshi and Geto as "comrades who could fight side by side".
To him, apart from those two, everyone else was like a porcelain doll; a slight touch could shatter them.
The difference in their strength was so vast that no one could treat them as equals.
But Gojo asked himself honestly, he had treated Nanami and the others quite well, so they shouldn't have such a big grudge against him.
Nanami Kento seemed to have seen through Gojo Satoru's current thoughts. He took a slight breath, calmed his emotions a little, and then continued speaking to Gojo Satoru:
"I know you may have some resentment towards me right now, but as I said before, this feeling is from a long time ago. Zenin Kiyoshi told me about your difficulties, and after that, I was able to understand your position a little better."
You are different from us. From the moment you were born, you have carried too much on your shoulders. Your family has not provided you with a good education. Growing up in one of the three great families, you have gained a lot, but you have also lost too much.
Zenin Kiyoshi once asked me a question.
He said, "If you were Gojo Satoru, could you treat you the way he treats you now?"
At this point, Nanami smiled slightly, looked up at Gojo Satoru, and slowly gave his answer in the other's slightly trembling eyes.
"I thought about Zenin Kiyoshi's question for a moment, and then I chose to tell him the truth."
I can't do it...
Gojo-senpai, if I were you, I could never do what you do. If I had your power, I would be a dictator. I would ignore everyone and not care about anyone's opinions or life and death.
I will only live the way I like. If I like someone, I will help them. If I don't like someone, or if someone has a problem with me, I may just kill them.
Therefore, Zenin Kiyoshi was right. If anyone in this world possessed the power of "Gojo Satoru," it would be a disaster. The fact that you have become what you are now is already a blessing in this world.
In the end, do you know how Zenin Kiyoshi evaluated you?
Hearing Nanami's words, Gojo Satoru felt that smiling face from the depths of his memory reappear before his eyes. He lowered his head, his voice slightly hoarse:
"What was his assessment?"
Nanami Kento stood up with a smile. As he packed his things, he slowly said:
"Zenin Kiyoshi said that you are simply righteous in a way that is evil."
After speaking, Gojo Satoru suddenly smiled. He didn't say anything, but just looked at Nanami Kento, who was packing his things, and asked with a light laugh:
"Really? That guy really overestimated me. By the way, have you decided to leave? You should know about Zenin Kiyoshi's conversation with Principal Yaga, right?"
Nanami nodded, gazing at the sky not far away, which was beginning to brighten, a hint of weariness in her voice:
"I remember those words were what kept me going until I got here. But sometimes we all understand certain principles, like studying hard, going to bed early and getting up early, and exercising. Everyone understands those things."
But how many people can actually persevere in the end?
One sentence sustained me for more than a decade after he left, and that was enough for me.
Every minute and every second here is torture for me, so I was ready to let myself go. But I just got news that my flight was delayed due to the weather, so tonight I'm going to spend Halloween with Itadori.
That child has no elders left, and I've already checked his situation; he doesn't have much money. For a holiday like Halloween, he must want to go out and have fun. I don't even have all the money I need, so I'll just spend it with Itadori.
"I need to go back and rest for a bit. I've been here all night. If there's nothing else, Mr. Gojo, you should go back. It might rain again soon, but at least you won't get wet."
After saying that, Nanami walked straight into the distance without looking back.
Gojo Satoru stood there, not continuing to stop or persuade her. As he watched Nanami's receding figure, a sentence suddenly came to mind.
"The process of gradually fading away is one that cannot be reversed even if you realize it."
It's like watching yourself grow old and move towards death.
He shook his head. If that was the case, then letting Nanami leave might not be a bad thing. As for Nanami's responsibilities, he would take them on later.
After sending a message to Shoko, Gojo Satoru returned home, turned off his phone, and took a long nap.
He was woken up by Itadori's phone call that night. Looking at the dark room, Gojo Satoru answered the phone, and the next moment, the passionate voice on the other end came through:
"Gojo-sensei! It's so lively outside today! Come on over! I'm already waiting for you downstairs!"
Chapter-266
The somewhat noisy noise from Itadori came from downstairs, while Gojo Satoru was still a little dazed.
Every time he wakes up, he feels like he's still dreaming.
This is too unreal...
After muttering something under his breath, he immediately stood up and called downstairs:
"Yuji, go across the street and buy me a can of iced cola. I'll be right down!"
Twenty minutes later, looking at Gojo Satoru leisurely drinking his cola, Itadori complained somewhat:
"Gojo-sensei, if we keep walking so slowly, we'll miss the movie. Kugisaki has already sent several messages urging us to hurry up. If we don't get there soon, she'll get angry."
In response to Itadori's words, Gojo Satoru replied with a smile:
"Yuji, didn't Nanami say she was coming to play with you today? Why haven't I seen Nanami?"
Itadori replied with a smile:
"As for Mr. Nanami, he's currently at the bookstore buying books. He said I can go find him after I finish watching the movie. And, Mr. Gojo, let me tell you, Mr. Nanami said he's going to treat me to a big meal today."
Gojo Satoru nodded upon hearing this, then gently patted Itadori's head, and then said thoughtfully:
"Yuji, you go watch the movie first. There are some Cursed Spirits nearby. I'll go over after I've dealt with them. It might be a little late, but I should be able to catch the movie."
Upon hearing this, Itadori was taken aback, then said with some concern:
"Gojo-sensei, is it dangerous? Can you take me with you? Even though it's Halloween today, I'm still a sorcerer until then. Movies and such can be watched later, but if someone dies unjustly because of this, I feel like I'd be letting down my grandfather for what he told me back then."
In response to Itadori's words, Gojo Satoru simply handed him the cola in his hand and then said:
"Sometimes, Yuji, you need to have more faith in your teacher. They're just a few small fry, no problem at all~ Besides, they're all going in the same direction. If I took you with me, you'd just become a burden~"
After saying that, Gojo Satoru flicked Itadori's head with his finger. A faint stinging sensation came over Itadori, and by the time Itadori came to his senses, Gojo Satoru's figure had already disappeared from the spot.
Feeling the coolness of the cola in his hand, Itadori sighed softly, gazing in the direction where Gojo Satoru had disappeared, and murmured:
"Damn it, why does it have to be like this again? When will I ever stop being a burden to others?!"
Hearing Itadori's mutterings as he landed on the spot, Gojo Satoru's lips curled into a slight smile. No matter what, he would always have gentle guys like Kiyoshi and Itadori by his side.
So even if the others don't understand him, these guys alone are enough for him to do everything in his power to protect them.
Just as Gojo Satoru's figure disappeared into the horizon, a multi-layered, complex Barrier called "Curtain" descended upon the sky above Shibuya.
What happened next was just like always.
Ordinary people were almost completely slaughtered. The tram was crammed with ordinary humans who had been transformed by Mahito. Outside, ordinary Cursed Spirits were indiscriminately devouring and killing the people. Spellcasters and Assistant Managers also suffered countless deaths and injuries in this chaos.
When Gojo Satoru arrived, he was met with two faces that were extremely familiar to him.
He stood at the center of the Prison Realm, and in front of him were two faces that he knew all too well.
"Yo~ Gojo~ Long time no see!" x2
Zenin Kiyoshi...
Geto Suguru...
Those were two faces he would never forget in his life. The moment he saw those two people, Gojo Satoru was completely stunned.
Before its own thoughts could even process it, the corners of its mouth involuntarily turned up. It was a primal instinct; upon seeing those two faces, its body was already experiencing instinctive pleasure.
But before the smile could fully unfold, the remaining rationality in his mind had already stopped his body from moving.
His joy was torn apart, but the conclusion he reached after careful analysis with his Six Eyes left him stunned.
The flow of Cursed Energy, physical condition, type of spell... everything was exactly the same as the two people in my memory.
A real person?!
Reason and emotion were constantly trying to persuade Gojo Satoru that the two people in front of him were his former best friends, the two people in the world who could understand him the most.
But at that moment, his soul cried out to him!
"That's a fake!"
However, the cry of the soul was ultimately a step too late; the memories of those two people in the mind had already begun to circulate the moment they saw them.
Those were the bitter summers that trapped Gojo Satoru, and the ten years that have trapped him until now.
Memories flood back like a stream; they belong to the blinding sunlight on the beach, and the scorching, spicy air from the roadside fried noodles.
It's the coolness of having an iced drink placed on your neck while you're still half asleep; it's the tightness in your throat after being tricked into eating insanely spicy food at a barbecue stand; it's the joy of being blindfolded and led to a cake on his birthday.
Memories, bit by bit, kept replaying in his mind at this moment. How could three years be enough? Those days were memories he would cherish for a lifetime.
At that very moment, the Prison Realm activated. As the flesh-covered tentacles wrapped around his body, Gojo Satoru smiled. He looked at the two before him, a hint of displeasure in his voice:
"Hey, you two idiots, how long are you going to let this bastard control you?!"
The next moment, almost simultaneously, Geto Suguru's arm moved, and before Kenjaku could react, he had already tightly gripped her throat. The intense feeling of suffocation made her vision go black for a moment.
The situation was even more bizarre for Zenin Kiyoshi. Zenin Kiyoshi suddenly froze in place, motionless.
A moment later, he suddenly raised his head, and the smile on his face was all too familiar to Gojo Satoru.
"Satoru... I'm sorry for holding you back in this place, but... you're such an idiot for falling into such a trap. But you are Gojo Satoru, so I believe in you. I'm sure you can get out of here and find the best ending."
No matter what, I will come to find you. Just wait for me, whenever you need me. Until then, take care of yourself...
After saying this, Zenin Kiyoshi's body vanished in an instant, leaving not even a trace of ashes.
While Gojo Satoru was still stunned by Zenin Kiyoshi's words, Geto Suguru's figure outside the Prison Realm grinned maliciously at him:
"Satoru~ Goodnight~ See you in a thousand years~"
Chapter-267
Just as Gojo Satoru's consciousness fell into darkness, Zenin Kiyoshi, who was in the real world, slowly opened his eyes.
Just a moment ago, he felt as if he had been pulled into another body by some force.
Before he could even react to what was happening, what came into view was Gojo Satoru, who had already been taken into custody by Prison Realm.
Zenin Kiyoshi, who was extremely familiar with the original work, immediately recognized what this scene was.
But the scene before him still left him somewhat stunned. How could this situation still occur in a world where he was?
No, that's not the key point. The key question is, why is this Gojo Satoru looking like he will look ten years from now?!
The scene before him left Zenin Kiyoshi somewhat confused, but then he heard Gojo Satoru say:
"How long are you two going to be manipulated like this?!"
These words instantly put Zenin Kiyoshi aside his confusion. He knew that the most important thing right now was to rescue Gojo Satoru from this predicament and make him understand that he was not alone.
In the Canon, Gojo Satoru's stubborn choice to face Sukuna alone at the end was actually driven by a significant degree of "self-destruction."
Perhaps it was the content of those meetings that made Gojo Satoru somewhat desperate, after all, the only person he could somewhat understand, Shoko, actually agreed to the "corpse" plan.
Although there was nothing that could be done, it was still something that Gojo Satoru couldn't quite accept.
If even one more person had stood by Gojo Satoru's side during the final battle and cared about his mental health, perhaps things wouldn't have ended that way.
In the end, perhaps for Gojo Satoru, heading south, back to the high school era that could accommodate his willfulness and immaturity, back to that summer filled with regrets, was perhaps the best choice for him.
So, if you want to prevent Gojo Satoru from developing that kind of mentality, the best option is to prevent him from having those negative thoughts.
Even though Zenin Kiyoshi hasn't figured out the current situation yet, he can still come up with simple emergency measures.
At the very moment his body dissipated, Zenin Kiyoshi immediately used the remaining incantation to rewind time. With the [Six Eyes] and [Limitless] techniques that were almost identical to those of Gojo Satoru, Zenin Kiyoshi actually managed to pinpoint Gojo Satoru's current situation.
The words Tengen had said earlier flashed through his mind:
"When the 'Balancing Mechanism' finds that it can no longer pose a threat to you, your friends and family will be manipulated to a certain extent by the 'Balancing Mechanism' as another means."
The current situation of Gojo Satoru is clearly due to the "Balancing Mechanism" playing tricks behind the scenes.
His figure vanished from the spot in an instant, and when Zenin Kiyoshi reappeared, he was already standing in front of Gojo Satoru.
At this moment, Gojo Satoru was sitting on a park bench, his body motionless, looking no different from being asleep.
However, no one or anything around him noticed his presence, and Zenin Kiyoshi discovered that there were wisps of mist-like things swirling around Gojo Satoru.
That layer of mist was somewhat similar to a "Curtain," capable of blocking the detection of ordinary people and some sorcerers, but it was different from an ordinary "Curtain." Zenin Kiyoshi could sense that as long as Gojo Satoru remained within that mist, there would be almost nothing in this world that could detect or observe him.
The reason he was able to break through the fog and observe Gojo Satoru was entirely because his aura, due to the "Absolute Imitation" ability, caused the fog to mistake him for the same being as Gojo Satoru.
Taking a deep breath, Zenin Kiyoshi took a step and walked towards Gojo Satoru. As he got closer, Zenin Kiyoshi felt his consciousness being gradually pulled out of his body by an inexplicable force.
A slight dizziness, similar to that experienced while traveling, came over him. Zenin Kiyoshi opened his eyes. He was in a dimly lit place, surrounded by a faint earthy smell and an indescribable musty odor.
It was dark and slightly damp around. Zenin looked up and bumped into something that looked like a wooden plank.
The next moment, he immediately realized that he was in a grave.
[Cursed Technique - Blue]
As the azure sphere flew from Zenin Kiyoshi's fingertip, it cleaned up the soil that had been blocking him.
The slightly cool moonlight flowed over her body, and Zenin Kiyoshi let out a soft breath.
He glanced at his clothes and body, which were almost identical to those in the real world.
It seems that when he came into this illusion, he used his own state at that time as the source of the projection.
Judging from Gojo Satoru's previous condition, we should be in the midst of the Shibuya Incident. Time is very tight, and Satoru should already be imprisoned in the prison. I must act quickly, otherwise someone may die every minute.
Without any hesitation, Zenin Kiyoshi sat up abruptly from the coffin, and in the next moment, his figure had already disappeared from the spot.
At this very moment, inside the Shibuya subway station, Gojo Satoru looked at Geto Suguru in front of him, then glanced in the direction where Zenin Kiyoshi had originally been, and a somewhat amused and exasperated expression suddenly appeared on his face.
Kenjaku's voice, tinged with a hint of sarcasm and astonishment, rang out once more:
"Oh my~ What an amazing friendship! I never thought that a dead person could suddenly unleash the power to resist me after your reminder. Geto Suguru's body and Zenin Kiyoshi's soul appeared at the same time!"
This is truly astonishing, especially from Zenin Kiyoshi! Can something like a soul really be triggered directly without the medium of a spirit summoning ritual? This is something unheard of in the last thousand years!
"Really! After witnessing these things with your own eyes, don't you still want to believe it? That guy named Zenin Kiyoshi truly is the most outstanding oddball in the world!"
Mahito, his face covered in stitches, raised his head slightly upon hearing Kenjaku's words, then smiled and said:
"I don't know much about these things, but someone who can kill two spirits of the same level as me must have something different about them."
Gojo Satoru ignored the two people who were talking; he simply looked in the direction where the Zenin had vanished, and a smile suddenly appeared on his face:
"Hey! Zenin Kiyoshi! You bastard, you promised me you'd do it, so you'd better keep your word! Otherwise, I'll give you a good beating as soon as I get out of this broken box!"
Chapter-268
Looking at Gojo Satoru, for some reason, a strange unease suddenly rose in his heart.
The image of Zenin Kiyoshi's face flashed into her mind. Even though he had been dead for ten years, that face still left an almost indelible shadow on her heart.
In the course of a thousand years, he had never encountered such a troublesome being as Zenin Kiyoshi.
All his plans and ideas always failed in front of Zenin Kiyoshi for various reasons.
Even Zenin Kiyoshi's strength is improving at a visible rate.
The feeling of being almost completely seen through, the feeling of not seeing any hope of victory in the other party, still makes Kenjaku deeply wary.
If it weren't for Zenin Kiyoshi's forceful intervention in Tengen's affairs, which triggered the "Balancing Mechanism" and caused his death in the Star Plasma Vessel Incident, Kenjaku wouldn't know how much of a threat Zenin Kiyoshi would be if he were still alive today.
But... even though the other person had been dead for so many years, the moment he heard Gojo Satoru say the other person's name, Kenjaku still felt a sudden chill and panic in his heart.
Whether to bolster his own courage or simply to discourage Gojo Satoru, Kenjaku, controlling Geto's body, said expressionlessly to Gojo Satoru:
"If at this point you're still hoping a dead person can salvage the situation for you, then frankly, you really disappoint me, Gojo Satoru."
Even after ten years, have you still not realized the reality that Zenin Kiyoshi is completely dead?
That brat's body is probably already rotten; he can't possibly come back. The guy you saw earlier was even a physical body I created using magic.
I saw his own body a few years ago; it had rotted away to the point where only bones remained.
Hearing Kenjaku's sarcasm, Gojo Satoru's face remained completely expressionless. He merely grinned, looked at Kenjaku, and spoke to the two before him with an almost absolutely confident tone:
"Hey! Let's make a bet. Although I don't know your true identity yet, you seem to know a lot about me and Zenin Kiyoshi."
To be honest, even I don't know why I trust Zenin Kiyoshi to this extent, but I can tell you that he will definitely come here in a little while and ruin all your plans!
"Keep a close eye on him! You damned Cursed Spirit!"
After Gojo Satoru uttered those words, Kenjaku, already somewhat agitated, immediately activated the Prison Realm, and countless disgusting, sticky chunks of flesh swarmed forward, instantly covering Gojo Satoru's entire body.
But those bright eyes were fixed on him until the very end.
The near-absolute calm and confidence in those eyes made Kenjaku feel somewhat flustered at that moment.
Although the name Zenin Kiyoshi has been silent for ten years, every time it appears, it makes Kenjaku's eyelids twitch slightly.
The events of ten years ago had already given Kenjaku some PTSD about Zenin Kiyoshi. Even though his reason told him that these were just Gojo Satoru's psychological tactics, the emotional impact they had had was indeed difficult for Kenjaku to shake off in a short time.
Looking at the now-closed Prison Realm, Mahito turned to Kenjaku, a smile that was hard to tell whether it was a joke or a genuine expression on his face:
"Oh my~ You seem really nervous. Can that guy named Zenin Kiyoshi really put that much pressure on you?"
"When you mentioned Gojo Satoru before, you didn't seem to have such strong emotional reactions or fluctuations."
Faced with Mahito's probing, Kenjaku didn't have much intention of hiding anything at this moment. She looked at Mahito and explained with a slight smile:
"If you were to encounter an opponent who is equal in strength to Gojo Satoru, but who is several levels above him in every other aspect, including intelligence, caution, and methods, what would you choose to do?"
Hearing Kenjaku's words, Mahito replied in an almost comical and exaggerated manner:
"No way~ Does such a guy really exist in this world? Could it be that you've been defeated by him too many times, and that's why you've developed a different kind of filter when you look at him?"
After all, for someone as outstanding as you, repeatedly losing to the same person would naturally cause some psychological trauma, wouldn't it?
Kenjaku merely smiled slightly at the words of Mahito, and then said:
"Do as you please, Mahito. There are still some sorcerers over there that haven't been dealt with. Do you want to go to Itadori? If not, I'll send the other sorcerers over to kill him."
Although he knew that Kenjaku was changing the subject, Mahito had to admit that his hatred for Itadori Yuji far outweighed his curiosity about the dead man named Zenin Kiyoshi.
Without any hesitation, Mahito's legs were slightly modified, transforming them into something almost like a leopard's:
"No~ That brat can only be killed by me! Hehehe, I can't wait to see him witness ordinary humans being chopped and minced right before his eyes~ Ah~ I wonder what kind of exciting expression he'll make~"
The smile on Mahito's face gradually became somewhat unrestrained, and the corners of his mouth even cracked due to excessive excitement.
Looking at Mahito's expression, Kenjaku's eyes revealed a faint look of disgust, but she didn't say anything, and simply turned around and left.
Since the death of Zenin Kiyoshi and his four Sukuna fingers, the use of the Itadori has become quite limited.
The Sukuna with twenty fingers is vastly different from the one with nineteen fingers.
Not to mention that now, due to Zenin Kiyoshi's death, he has taken away a few more fingers.
It's just a slightly stronger Special Grade opponent; Kenjaku could handle it all by himself, he doesn't need Itadori at all.
However, the cane was a tool she had painstakingly created over many years, and it was hard to just destroy it like that.
As she pondered the matter, she slowly walked deeper into the tunnel. At the end of the tunnel, a tall, beautiful woman stood still, her expression somewhat cold. She held a huge axe in her hand, and her braid covered half of her face.
Itadori was following behind her, a faint, indescribable fear on his face.
Ever since Gojo Satoru shouted "Zenin Kiyoshi!", Mei Mei's expression has undergone an almost earth-shattering change.
Chapter-269
Looking at her older sister, who seemed to have completely changed, Ui Ui felt a strange mix of jealousy and bitterness in her heart.
The name "Zenin Kiyoshi" is like a curse that has been lingering in my heart since I was old enough to understand things.
Her own sister, a sister who was almost perfect in her eyes, was only lost in front of this name, only after hearing this name...
Although Ui Ui is young, he has seen his sister, who is like a god in his eyes, shed tears in front of that person's photo countless times.
Almost every year, her older sister gets drunk one day, and on that day, Ui Ui knows very well that it is the birthday of a man named "Zenin Kiyoshi".
Ui Ui couldn't understand how his sister, who was like a god, could be so saddened by a man who had been dead for many years.
He never imagined that his sister would resort to getting drunk to relieve her emotions.
That's the kind of behavior that only a weak person would do, in Ui Ui's eyes.
But... whenever her older sister showed that expression, Ui Ui felt an indescribable sadness, or rather, an even stronger sorrow.
Every time Ui Ui looked at her sister's sorrowful face, she felt so uncomfortable that she could hardly breathe.
And now, the expression on my older sister's face has changed to that posture once again.
No, to be precise, at this moment, in addition to that familiar sorrow, there was also an almost tangible anger in my sister's eyes.
"Desecrating corpses is something that will always be utterly disgusting, no matter the context!"
Mei Mei's voice was cold, filled with disgust and hatred.
To this, Kenjaku, who was controlling Geto Suguru's body, smiled slightly and then said:
"Don't put it so harshly, Mei Mei. Actually, I'm quite regretful. After all, besides this body, I used a lot of materials and methods to finally find Zenin Kiyoshi's body, but I couldn't let you see it. It's really a pity."
If possible, I wouldn't hesitate to let you reunite with Zenin Kiyoshi's corpse for a while, since it's been more than a decade since you last saw that guy, right?
You want to see him, don't you? You want to hear his voice again, don't you? If possible, you'd probably like to talk to him again, wouldn't you?
The other person's voice was filled with undisguised sarcasm. Although Mei Mei knew that the other person was using an extremely obvious provocation, she still found it difficult to control her emotions when she thought of Zenin Kiyoshi.
Taking a deep breath, Mei Mei raised the giant axe high without any hesitation. In the blink of an eye, the giant axe was about to touch Geto Suguru's neck.
But at that very moment, a pitch-black Cursed Spirit suddenly appeared beside Geto Suguru. The Cursed Spirit resembled a huge catfish, and the giant axe was being blocked by the catfish's skin.
"It seems that some things have indeed touched a nerve with you, but in any case, it's best not to rush things. Zenin Kiyoshi's death happened ten years ago. Haven't you let it go yet?"
Ah~ that's really a sad thing. But think about it, Mei Mei. If Zenin Kiyoshi were still here, would he want to see you like this?
Have you forgotten what he told you a long time ago?
Mei Mei, your spells are excellent, both in terms of reconnaissance and attack capabilities. They are top-notch. Although you look beautiful wielding an axe, for your own safety, it would be better to use a crow to scout ahead when encountering a strong enemy.
After all... more than defeating the enemy, I'd much rather see you safe and sound, Mei Mei.
When Kenjaku got to this point, he even sighed in a mocking manner, saying with a fake smile:
"Ah~ How pathetic. No matter how much influence I had on you while I was alive, have you already forgotten all of Zenin Kiyoshi's words less than ten years after I died?"
If Zenin Kiyoshi were still alive, what would he think if he saw you all like this?
Looking at Kenjaku, who was controlling Geto Suguru's corpse, and listening to the words coming from the other party, the veins on Mei Mei's forehead were already bulging. With another swing of his giant axe, he actually managed to withstand the outer shell of the Cursed Spirit and continued to chop towards Kenjaku's head.
"Don't use this body of yours to say those kinds of things to me. Whether I remember Zenin Kiyoshi's words or not is none of your business, but there's something you definitely don't know: before he died, he told me that he had speculated about your identity."
Although Master Tengen hasn't revealed your identity for some unknown reason, Zenin Kiyoshi has already guessed it: the thousand-year-old scoundrel hiding in the Kamo family, Kenjaku!
Hearing Mei Mei's words, Kenjaku's smile vanished instantly. He controlled Geto Suguru's body, and his voice turned cold:
"Oh dear~ This is truly a pity. I didn't originally intend to kill you here, but now it seems you've given me a reason to kill you."
Well... I guess I did something good. Zenin Kiyoshi's soul might be waiting for you and her to reunite in that world!
"Cursed Spirit Manipulation - Maximum: Uzumaki!"
As the sound of the lute faded, a terrifying torrent of Cursed Energy surged from Geto Suguru's body. The twisted Cursed Spirits transformed into a blood and flesh millstone, and the groaning, distorted faces coalesced into a dark vortex capable of devouring everything in the world.
The axe blade, seemingly out of nowhere, suddenly stopped just inches from Geto Suguru's neck. The dark vortexes of Cursed Energy spun wildly around Geto Suguru, and the wails of countless Cursed Spirits tore through the air.
The reinforced concrete of the subway tracks began to crack, and gravel was caught in the vortex and turned into dust.
"elder sister!"
Ui Ui stared at the scene before him and cried out in shock. He activated his Cursed Energy, trying to teleport to help Mei Mei escape danger, but it was too late!
Her white hair danced wildly in the storm of Cursed Energy. She looked into those eyes that belonged to Geto Suguru but were filled with unfamiliar malice, and suddenly laughed.
"You're right…" Her voice pierced through the hoarseness of the Cursed Spirit:
"Zenin Kiyoshi did remind me of those conservative tactics, but if I can kill you here, perhaps when I see that guy again, I can tell him in person not to worry about the rest of his companions anymore."
Chapter-270
At this point, Mei Mei's face revealed a smile that was almost self-deprecating:
"Although that guy will probably blame me first after hearing the news, blaming me for not taking good care of myself, it doesn't matter. Ever since he died, I've been trying to convince myself to keep living."
And you, Kenjaku, the bastard that Zenin Kiyoshi once tried so hard to kill, your existence has become the pillar that keeps me alive. I think all the time that if I had killed you, perhaps Zenin Kiyoshi wouldn't have died back then.
He told me that he was constantly on guard against you. If Zenin Kiyoshi had been able to focus more on dealing with the situation with Master Tengen, he might have survived!
So... let's die here together! I've waited too long for this day!
Black Bird Manipulation Technique: Dead Swamp!
As the voice of the Dark One faded, countless black feathers slowly emerged from his side, each feather containing a spell power that made Kenjaku's heart tremble. Kenjaku was very familiar with the Dark One's spells, so he naturally knew what this move represented.
"Are you out of your mind? You want to use the properties of the Bird Strike bomb to take me down with you in a place like this?! I won't die! This is just Geto Suguru's body!"
Mei Mei ignored Kenjaku's words. She simply reached out, grabbed Geto Suguru's wrist tightly, and called out to those behind her:
"Ui Ui, take Itadori and leave this place! This is my order!"
Hearing Mei Mei's words, Ui Ui could no longer hold back his tears. Gazing at his sister's retreating figure, his heart felt as if it would stop beating from overwhelming grief. He looked at Mei Mei and cried out:
"No! Sister! I don't want to leave here! I don't want you to die either! Didn't we agree that once Gojo Satoru was sealed away, we would leave here together, leave Japan, and go live in another country?! Why did it turn out like this?!"
Is that guy named Zenin Kiyoshi really more important than me? What makes him so deserving of your utmost devotion, sister?!
Hearing Ui Ui's words, Mei Mei only sighed slightly. The power of her curses increased rapidly, and the suppressed power was about to explode at any moment. However, she didn't turn her head and said to Ui Ui:
"I'm sorry, Ui Ui, but there are some things that I have to do. Itadori-kun, please take Ui Ui with you and leave this place."
Just as the voice faded away, Ui Ui was about to turn around and get away from Itadori when Itadori hoisted her up and carried her away at an extremely terrifying speed.
"Hey! You bastard! Put me down right now! I don't want to leave my sister! I don't want to leave there! What's wrong with you?! Why are you acting like a coward and running away when your companions are fighting and risking their lives?!"
"Put me down right now, I need to save my sister! Damn it! Damn it! You bastard! Coward! Wimp!"
Ui Ui was crying and struggling, tears blurring his vision. He opened his mouth and bit down hard on Itadori's shoulder, blood even flowing through his clothes.
As Itadori felt Ui Ui struggle and sensed the impending explosion of the Cursed Energy behind him, while recalling Mei Mei's previous teachings, his inner pain had reached its peak.
His shoulder was bitten and bleeding profusely, but the arm supporting Ui Ui remained completely still.
The soft sobs pierced his heart like knives, but he remembered the final look in Mei Mei's eyes—the last entrustment of someone determined to die.
Just like the look in his grandfather's eyes when he died, a look that could not be changed by the will of others!
Itadori knew that people with that kind of gaze were absolutely unstoppable.
All he could do was fulfill Mei Mei's request.
"I'm sorry!" Itadori's voice sounded somewhat broken in the wind.
"I know it's a jerk to say this, and I know you won't want to listen to anything I say right now, but this is Mei Mei's choice, something she wants to stick to until the very last moment!"
I'm too weak, I'm sorry! I'm sorry! If I could be stronger, if I could be more...
The roar of the explosion swallowed up any further words. The massive shockwave sent the two flying to the ground. In mid-air, Itadori turned to protect Ui Ui, taking the brunt of the impact with his back.
The rough ground had worn down Itadori's back, leaving it covered in blood. His clothes had long since been torn to shreds, and even the bones on his back were exposed.
As they crashed to the ground, Ui Ui frantically scrambled to her feet and looked in the direction from which the explosion had come.
Its original location had now become a deep pit, and countless crow feathers were scattered on the scorched earth.
The smell of burning blood and flesh filled the air, accompanied by a chilling stillness.
"Sister... Sister!"
As Ui Ui watched that scene, he stumbled and tried to rush back, but was held back tightly by Itadori.
"Let me go! You bastard, I'm going to find my sister!"
Ui Ui cried out, angrily tearing at Itadori's hand, trying to rush towards the direction of the explosion.
"It's...too late."
Itadori's voice was choked with emotion, and the blood streaming down his forehead made his voice even more strained.
"Mei Mei, she..."
But at that moment, Ui Ui's cries came to an abrupt halt.
He stared blankly at the center of the pit, where a broken axe lay quietly, and beside the axe were two familiar figures.
No, to say I'm familiar with them is an understatement; I've only ever seen them in photos.
Mei Mei stood frozen in Zenin Kiyoshi's arms. She looked up at the incredibly familiar face before her and smelled the familiar scent she had heard countless times in her dreams. For a moment, her mind went blank.
Only her body, as if by instinct, clung tightly to the hem of Zenin Kiyoshi's clothes, her fingertips turning white from the force, as if afraid that he would disappear from her sight again in the next moment.
Zenin Kiyoshi gazed at Mei Mei, who was now lying in his arms, his eyes filled with an undisguised sense of guilt:
"I'm sorry... I'm a little late, I've kept you waiting."
When that familiar voice came, Mei Mei felt herself fall into a daze. She couldn't say anything, and just kept burrowing into Zenin Kiyoshi's arms. She hugged Zenin Kiyoshi tightly, and her sobs were covered by his clothes.
"You bastard, you bastard! Why, why..."