**Chapter 18: First, Achieving Financial Freedom! And Then, More Training!**
Iijichi paused.
"Wait, what?"
The domain had just been activated, and before anyone could fully process it, it was already deactivated.
Could it be that the people inside were instantly killed?
It seemed possible, though not certain.
"The domain was indeed lifted, the missing 'empty space' has returned," the "window" responded.
Everyone looked at each other, confused.
What just happened?
The opening and closing of the domain happened so quickly, almost as if it was a joke!
"Iijichi-san, should we continue retreating, or should we wait for a while?"
One assistant asked, stepping forward.
Iijichi, the assistant supervisor, was facing this unusual situation for the first time.
"Let's move back for now. After all, we can't do much," he replied.
---
**Meanwhile, inside the dormitory,**
'It's over.'
'But there are still some gains.'
'Two special-grade cursed spirits, they can be used to craft two special-grade cursed tools.'
'Even if I don't use them, I can keep them for myself.'
'Moreover, Sukuna didn't take advantage of this situation to establish the "contract." That's good enough.'
Itadori reflected on how the situation had unfolded.
He had healed his near-fatal wounds, so there was no need for Sukuna to take over, and the contract was avoided.
However, by altering the course of events, he had shortened the time by ten days.
Luckily, the earlier period of observation added ten days, keeping the time the same.
So in the end, there was no loss. In fact, he had even gained a bit.
"Being forced into self-defense didn't cut down much of the time I have left."
---
**Meanwhile, Kugisaki, Yuji, and Fushiguro were recuperating and processing everything.**
Itadori helped them digest the lessons as they moved out.
"The theory behind the Jōken Punch is simple. To deal effective damage, your physical strength needs to keep up."
"It can be used as an unexpected surprise."
"The Simple Domain..."
"You guys are sharp, so I'll teach you step by step. Just practice a few more times and you'll get it."
"Of course, that's just the basics. To fully master it, it takes more practice."
Soul resonance, enlightenment, and maximized focus.
With his help, their training speed could skyrocket!
"The deeper you learn, the more you can buy time when encountering opponents with domains."
He continued explaining the Simple Domain.
Sukuna, in his haste, hadn't fully taught them, but it had real value.
Although it was simple, it still counted as a domain.
A properly executed Simple Domain would increase its user's attributes, like cursed energy output, and improve hit accuracy for attacks.
"It's a small buff."
For example, Maki uses it for automatic defense, while Nobara uses it for offensive attacks!
Being a micro-domain, it can nullify the guaranteed hit of larger domains, but it doesn't cancel out the techniques themselves.
Simply put, you have the right to dodge and avoid being locked down, but the enemy's attack still exists.
"Of course, if you apply the Simple Domain to a higher level, there are variations like hardening the barrier to resist other attacks."
Nothing is absolute—it all depends on the user.
---
The moment Itadori finished speaking, he activated a Simple Domain around Kugisaki and Fushiguro.
"You treat me like a training tool, but don't think you've earned that right."
Sukuna glanced at Kugisaki and Fushiguro, sneering. "Let alone bringing baggage. It's incredibly foolish."
He activated his technique, and the battle escalated.
"Baggage? I know, but it doesn't matter. Right now, you're too weak."
Itadori gave a small smile as Kugisaki and Fushiguro stood nearby.
---
"Eh, wasn't the Simple Domain supposed to make us immobile?" Kugisaki was taken aback.
"Feigning a feint? Using 'Domain Extension'?" Fushiguro muttered.
"Domain Extension?" Kugisaki was confused.
At that moment, Sukuna turned to Itadori.
He understood, completely!
Only in a domain could Itadori be this composed. He had completely misjudged Itadori's strength!
It was at least three fingers' worth of power—or more!
Sukuna let out a resigned sigh.
He wasn't the type to deny reality or refuse to accept facts.
"Alright."
"Continuing this fight is pointless. Kid, you should enjoy yourself for now. Feel good about yourselves."
Sukuna suddenly gave up the fight.
With a flick of his wrist, he thrust his hand into his chest!
He intended to kill Itadori with a method that no Reverse Cursed Technique could heal from!
"Next time, think before you come out."
Itadori whispered in his ear, then opened his palm, "No need to trouble yourself, I'll handle it."
A flash of blood!
Blood spheres appeared in all directions, quickly taking the shape of sharp thorns!
"Whoosh! Whoosh!"
The piercing sounds echoed!
As Itadori brought his fingers together, the thorns pierced Sukuna completely!
Before Sukuna could react, he felt an intense pain, his eyelids twitching uncontrollably.
"You..."
"You really have confidence in your healing abilities, huh."
Wait, blood...?
Another technique? Reverse Cursed Technique?
*Or was that not a technique related to the soul?*
Sukuna lost consciousness.
The blood thorns dissipated.
Itadori held him with one hand.
Sukuna's consciousness faded, while Yuji's took over, seemingly realizing he was about to die, smiling as he said:
"This feeling..."
"Brother Ryoji, Fushiguro, Kugisaki, and even Gojo-sensei... you all live long..."
He slowly closed his eyes.
"Still don't trust my abilities?" Itadori shook his head.
One more Reverse Cursed Technique.
The nearly dead Yuji opened his eyes again, sluggishly but quickly waving at the others,
"Yo, back from the dead?"
He gave a thumbs-up. "I knew you could heal me, Brother Ryoji!"
Kugisaki and Fushiguro sighed in relief.
---
Iijichi and the suited men stood nearby, heart in their throats, waiting.
One of the cursed-energy-sensitive individuals, serving as a "window," sensed something and quickly reported:
"Iijichi-san, the other special-grade cursed spirit's domain has dissipated."
"Dissipated? Did it break on its own, or was it forced...?"
"Iijichi-san! Another one... another terrifying domain has opened, its presence is unlike anything we've seen before!"
The window sensed the situation inside the dormitory and quickly pulled back his perception, sweat trickling down his forehead.
He was afraid if he looked longer, he might get caught in the backlash.
"Explain it in detail..."
Iijichi held his breath.
At that moment, unnoticed, the dormitory and even the outside flashed briefly.
As if a larger "dark curtain" was descending, fleetingly appearing before quickly dissipating.
"It disappeared again!!"
"Uh."