"So, even though this mission seemed dangerous, everything was actually under my control!"
"Especially that final strike—it was a stroke of absolute divine brilliance!"
In the Jujutsu High canteen, Yuji Itadori was gesticulating wildly as he bragged to Panda and Maki Zenin about their experiences during the Yasohachi Bridge mission.
Although Yoru had strictly ordered them to keep quiet about the Cursed Womb: Death Paintings, Megumi Fushiguro's Domain Expansion was very much real!
"You mean..."
Maki raised an eyebrow as she wiped her cursed tool, Playful Cloud, looking toward the spiky-haired boy who was eating silently.
"This kid... actually managed to learn a Domain Expansion?"
"Even if it was just an incomplete version," Panda added from the side, unable to hide his own surprise.
To reach the threshold of a Domain as a first-year was a feat seen only in the rarest of geniuses throughout the history of the jujutsu world.
One might even say it was a level of talent only possessed by those of Satoru Gojo's caliber.
Megumi Fushiguro set down his chopsticks, a flicker of awkwardness crossing his usually stoic face.
"It was just luck..."
As he spoke, he subconsciously glanced toward the figure sitting in the corner.
The man always carried a guitar bag and possessed a gentle expression that was impossible to ignore.
Yoru was unhurriedly drinking his miso soup, seemingly oblivious to the gazes directed his way.
But only those who truly knew him understood.
Beneath that calm exterior, a terrifying power was hidden.
"But speaking of which," Maki said, lowering her voice, a spark of battle intent in her eyes.
"Ever since the Goodwill Event, Yoru seems to have become even stronger."
"I used to think he was just a physical monster, but now it feels like there's something more to him, something unfathomable."
"Is it a Breathing Technique?"
"No, it's more than just that."
Panda rubbed his chin, looking thoughtful.
"That strike that could sever a Special Grade Cursed Spirit's Domain, and those flames that can purify curses..."
"It's almost as if..."
While everyone had their suspicions, no one would truly pry, because they were comrades.
They were comrades who could trust each other with their lives.
...
Time passed quickly.
In the blink of an eye, the first semester ended amidst those seemingly peaceful yet undercurrent-filled days.
Sukuna's Finger had been successfully recovered.
The curse of Yasohachi Bridge had been thoroughly exorcised, and everything seemed to be moving in a positive direction.
However, on the very day before summer break was set to begin, Satoru Gojo suddenly called Yoru to his office.
The atmosphere was somewhat somber.
The strongest jujutsu sorcerer, who was usually grinning cheekily and would even take his students to buy Kikufuku, had uncharacteristically put away his smile.
"Take a seat."
Gojo pointed to the chair across from him and pushed a thick file toward Yoru.
"This is an urgent mission that just came in from the General Headquarters."
Gojo leaned back in his chair, his long fingers lightly tapping the desk.
"Since I have to go overseas for a business trip for a while, Jujutsu High is a bit short-staffed."
"Therefore, this mission has been specifically assigned to you."
Yoru picked up the file and flipped it open.
The mission description was simple:
[MISSION LOCATION: ABANDONED NUCLEAR POWER PLANT, FUKUSHIMA PREFECTURE]
[MISSION OBJECTIVE: ELIMINATE THE CURSED SPIRIT SWARM RESIDING WITHIN]
[DANGER LEVEL: GRADE 1 (SUSPECTED SPECIAL GRADE CURSED SPIRIT PRESENCE)]
Yoru calmly closed the file and looked at Gojo.
"A business trip?"
"That's right. There are some troublesome curses over there that need handling, and only I can do it."
Gojo spread his hands, his tone as casual as ever, though his eyes held a hint of seriousness.
"Even though it's just a Grade 1 mission, the cursed energy environment at a nuclear plant is extremely complex."
"Add to that the fact it's been abandoned for years, it's very likely to have birthed some troublesome mutated cursed spirits."
"Yoru, this is your first nominated mission since enrolling. It's also a formal assessment of your strength by the higher-ups."
"No problems, right?"
Yoru touched the Shiranui at his waist, his expression flat.
"I understand."
"I'll handle it."
Gojo looked at Yoru, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
"I knew you'd say that."
"Then I'll leave it to you. Remember to make it quick; I'll be waiting to have celebratory drinks with you when I get back."
Gojo stood up and patted Yoru on the shoulder.
"Even though I won't be around, don't force it if you run into something you can't handle."
"Contact Ijichi directly. He'll take care of the aftermath for you."
Yoru nodded slightly and turned toward the door.
His back was as straight as a pine tree.
"Don't worry."
"It's just a clearing mission."
As Yoru's figure departed, a sharp light flickered within the azure eyes hidden beneath Gojo's blindfold.
It was a sign of trust in his student, and anticipation for the future.
'Well then, let me see.'
'A man without cursed energy like you... just how much of a storm can you stir up in this jujutsu world?'
...
Stepping out of the office, the sunlight outside was perfect.
Yoru looked up at the sky where the blazing sun radiated a gentle glow.
He didn't think much of it, simply treating this mission as an ordinary trial.
He touched the hilt of Shiranui, feeling the familiar cold sensation against his fingertips.
It was his partner and his source of confidence.
"A nuclear plant, huh..."
Yoru walked toward the school gate with large strides.
There, Assistant Supervisor Ijichi was already waiting.
Though Ijichi looked somewhat nervous, Yoru didn't pay it any mind.
He simply said one thing:
"Drive."
"To the nuclear plant."
As the vehicle slowly pulled away from Jujutsu High, Yoru had no way of knowing.
Inside the ruins of that silent nuclear plant, the malice of the higher-ups had already woven a massive web.
A death trap specifically designed for the Cursed-Energy-Less Sword Saint had officially begun!