Chapter 29: Star Plasma Vessel — Riko Amanai
The target, protected by a Barrier capable of withstanding a full-force strike from a Grade 1 Jujutsu Sorcerer, was sliced open with ease, like a hot knife through butter. The cross-section was as smooth as a mirror.
The residual scarlet Cursed Energy continued to corrode the edges of the Barrier, emitting a faint "hissing" sound.
"Such sharp sword energy."
A look of astonishment flashed across Masamichi Yaga's eyes.
He could tell that Toho Hiroshi hadn't used much Cursed Energy; the sheer power of the blade itself was already this terrifying.
Toho Hiroshi looked at the katana in his hand with satisfaction. He could feel that this "scarlet blade" was like an extension of his own arm, perfectly in sync with his thoughts.
The blade was slowly and continuously absorbing his Cursed Energy, undergoing some form of nourishment and growth.
And the risk of that vicious backlash, which had existed before, had vanished entirely in the face of his absolute strength and will.
It had completely submitted.
"This is the one."
Toho Hiroshi sheathed the sword. The eerie red light instantly receded, returning the blade to its rustic, dark red appearance. Only by holding it could one feel the terrifying power contained within.
Looking at Toho Hiroshi's calm expression and the vicious blade that was so docile in his hands, Yaga finally nodded: "It seems it has found its true master. Let's go, the paperwork is done."
When Toho Hiroshi walked out of the storage room with the scarlet blade, Satoru Gojo, who had been waiting outside, immediately whistled: "Yo! You picked such a vicious blade? Not bad taste~"
His Six Eyes easily saw through the massive, vicious Cursed Energy contained within the dark red scabbard, as well as the traces of it having just been forcibly tamed.
Suguru Geto also raised an eyebrow slightly: "This aura of the Curse... it's quite unusual."
"Just a handy weapon," Toho Hiroshi said indifferently, casually hanging the scarlet blade at his waist.
The vicious blade was silent, as if it were merely an ordinary accessory.
Having attained the title of Special Grade, recovered one of Sukuna's fingers, and obtained the powerful, growth-capable Cursed Tool "scarlet blade," Toho Hiroshi's strength and foundation had once again seen a massive improvement.
He was even starting to look forward to the arrival of the Star Plasma Vessel incident.
...
Days alternated between calm and the undercurrents of movement.
Toho Hiroshi commuted daily between Jujutsu High, his residence, and the hospital—training, taking care of the children, and executing missions. His life was fulfilling to the point of being grueling.
The humming of the "scarlet blade," stored within Toho Hiroshi's Kamui Space, grew increasingly low and subtle. Its vicious aura was restrained, yet it became more and more compatible with his Cursed Energy, as if it had already become a part of his body.
Due to trauma from long ago and the grief of losing her loved ones, Rika Orimoto's physique was slightly weaker than that of an average child, and she would occasionally catch colds or fevers.
On this day, Toho Hiroshi was keeping her company in the hospital ward. The little girl had received an injection and was sleeping, listlessly clutching his finger.
The sunlight outside filtered through the blinds, casting mottled shadows on the floor.
Just then, the specially encrypted phone in his pocket vibrated. The name Masamichi Yaga was displayed on the screen.
Toho Hiroshi gently withdrew his finger, tucked the blanket in for Rika, and walked out into the corridor before pressing the answer button.
"Yaga-sensei."
"Toho,"
Yaga's voice came through the receiver, deeper and more serious than usual, "There is an urgent and top-secret mission that requires you to drop everything you are doing immediately."
Toho Hiroshi's thoughts stirred, but his tone remained unchanged: "Please, go ahead."
"The Star Plasma Vessel, Riko Amanai."
Yaga uttered these words, and the air on the other end of the line seemed to freeze, "The date for the assimilation ceremony has been set for one month from now. However, the threat assessment for the Star Plasma Cult and the Curse Users has been significantly raised. We have received confirmed intelligence that they intend to completely eradicate her before the assimilation."
Toho Hiroshi listened quietly, his gaze passing through the corridor window toward the distant Jujutsu High.
What was meant to come had finally arrived.
"What about Gojo and Geto?"
He asked.
"They have other assignments for the time being," Yaga explained.
"The Higher-Ups and the top brass have held an emergency meeting and decided to change the protection strategy. Given your outstanding performance in completing a Special Grade mission independently, as well as your unique spatial abilities and reconnaissance advantages, it has been decided that you will serve as Riko Amanai's personal bodyguard for the next month."
"Personal bodyguard?"
Toho Hiroshi raised an eyebrow slightly, "Meaning?"
"It means you need to move into Riko Amanai's current residence and be with her twenty-four hours a day, inseparable, until you safely escort her to Master Tengen's side in one month."
Yaga's voice was unquestionable, "This is the most secure plan. Your 'Kamui Space' can provide absolute shelter for her in the most extreme circumstances, and your combat power is sufficient to deal with most sudden threats. Most importantly, you are the candidate among the new generation whom we trust the most and who is best suited to execute this protection mission."
Toho Hiroshi was silent for a moment.
He glanced at Rika, who was sleeping restlessly inside the ward.
"I understand."
He did not hesitate for long, "The mission takes top priority. I will immediately arrange for the hospital transfer and handle the trivial matters at home, and I will report to your office within an hour."
"Very good."
Yaga seemed to let out a sigh of relief, "Remember, this mission concerns the stability of Master Tengen, and even the balance of the entire Jujutsu World."
"Yes."
Hanging up the phone, Toho Hiroshi returned to the ward. He gently woke Rika and said softly: "Rika, Big Brother has a very important mission and will be away for a while. I will have Tsumiki-nee-san and Megumi come over more often to keep you company, and Shoko-nee-san will also come to see you frequently, okay?"
Although Rika was a bit reluctant, she nodded sensibly: "Is Big Brother going to fight bad guys? Be careful."
"Yes, fighting bad guys."
Toho Hiroshi ruffled her hair and smiled, "I'll be back soon."
He quickly contacted the Fushiguro siblings and Shoko Ieiri, briefly explaining the situation—naturally omitting the core secrets of the Star Plasma Vessel—and asked them to help look after Rika.
Tsumiki agreed without hesitation, her tone gentle and reliable.
Although Megumi Fushiguro just coolly gave a "Yeah," Toho Hiroshi knew he would keep his promise.
Having arranged everything, Toho Hiroshi took a deep breath and took one last look at this temporarily peaceful little home; his eyes became sharp and calm.
Star Plasma Vessel, Riko Amanai, Fushiguro Toji.
One month of personal protection.
He looked forward to this inevitable storm, and also looked forward to his second—and perhaps final—confrontation with that tyrant of heaven.
His figure twisted for a moment, and he had already vanished from the hospital corridor.
...
At first, Riko Amanai felt extreme annoyance and resistance toward this bodyguard who had suddenly appeared and was about to intervene in every aspect of her life.
"Hey! How much longer are you going to follow me? Are you going to follow me into the girls' restroom too?"
Riko Amanai stood with her hands on her hips, glaring at the expressionless Toho Hiroshi a few steps away, her cheeks puffed up in anger.
At school, no matter where she went, she could feel that calm yet impossible-to-ignore gaze, which made her feel like a prisoner under surveillance.
"I will wait at the door."
Toho Hiroshi's voice held no emotional fluctuation, as if he were merely stating a set procedure, "Or, if you don't mind, I can use my Cursed Technique to ensure the safety inside."
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