Chapter 111: The otouto's Responsibility
Toho Hiroshi was noncommittal regarding Wan's suggestion, but he truly needed to restrain this unstable ancient soul.
He looked at Fushiguro Megumi and explained, "As you can see, keeping her by my side is currently the most direct and effective way to restrain her and prevent her from harming Tsumiki's soul. What is your opinion?"
Fushiguro Megumi gritted his teeth.
He deeply distrusted Wan and was even more unwilling to hand his sister's body over to Toho Hiroshi; this was akin to asking a tiger for its skin.
But he had to admit that given the strength Wan had just displayed and her eccentric personality, she would be a huge hidden danger if left at Jujutsu High or anywhere else, unless they risked an immediate, desperate fight.
As for a death match, regardless of the outcome, his sister's body and soul would inevitably bear the brunt of the damage.
"Fine."
The word was practically forced out through his teeth, and Fushiguro Megumi felt a wave of helplessness. "Before I make a final decision... I will temporarily entrust my sister to your supervision."
He looked at Toho Hiroshi, his gaze sharpening. "Please remember your promise: guarantee the safety of my sister's soul."
"My word is my bond."
Toho Hiroshi said indifferently.
"Haha! Wonderful!"
Wan laughed excitedly. Controlling Tsumiki's body, she tried to stand up straight, mimicking the posture of an ancient noblewoman remembered from her past, but it looked somewhat awkward. "So, husband, where are we going next?"
Toho Hiroshi ignored her possessive address and simply turned and walked out of the ward.
"We are going to find Itadori and Choso to see how their 'brotherly' talk went. Then, it will be time to push the next phase of the Eye of the Moon."
Wan immediately followed, her steps showing an adaptation to her newly regained strength, and an undisguised devotion to Toho Hiroshi.
Fushiguro Megumi stood rooted to the spot, watching his "sister" follow that dangerous man away, his heart filled with unspeakable heaviness and anxiety.
He knew time was running out.
He had to quickly find a solution that satisfied both sides, or make that incredibly difficult decision... Outside the headquarters of the Star Plasma Cult, in a secluded courtyard.
Itadori Yuji stood with his back to Choso, gripping the railing tightly, his knuckles white from the effort.
He had just been subjected to a storm of information: about his origins, about Kenjaku, who created them, and about this sudden appearance of a Cursed Spirit claiming to be his brother.
"So... do you understand now, Yuji?"
Choso stood behind him, his tone filled with urgent sincerity. "Toho Hiroshi's goal is far from as simple as it seems on the surface. He is gathering strength and promoting that so-called 'Eye of the Moon,' and the hidden intentions behind it are unfathomable."
"The unsealing of Gojo Satoru might disrupt the chess game he has meticulously set up. He will never agree easily, and might even regard you as an obstacle that must be eliminated!"
He took a step forward, trying to make his otouto see the harsh reality: "Listen to me, don't confront him directly for now. Wait for a better opportunity..."
"There is no better opportunity!"
Itadori spun around fiercely, his eyes burning with determined flames. Those flames hadn't been extinguished by the shock of his origins; instead, they had been tempered into something purer amidst the confusion. "The tragedy of Shibuya is still fresh in our minds, the escaped Kenjaku is still acting recklessly, and more crises are lurking in the shadows. We need Teacher Gojo! We need him now!"
He looked directly at Choso, his voice resolute. "I believe in my comrades, I believe in Fushiguro, I believe in Kugisaki, I believe in Okkotsu-senpai, and I believe in Ms. Shoko! Most of all, I believe in Teacher Gojo! If even we abandon hope, who else can save the innocent people?"
"As for Senior Toho..."
A flash of complexity crossed Itadori's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by determination. "I believe he might have his reasons, but I cannot agree with his methods!"
"Dragging everyone into a dream and escaping reality is not how you solve problems! I want to fight in reality and protect everything I can protect!"
Watching the undeniable light of conviction in his otouto's eyes, and listening to his words, which were naive yet full of power, Choso fell silent.
He yearned for kinship and wanted to protect all his brothers, not wanting them to be dragged into the vortex of a top-tier power struggle and face deadly danger.
But... this was his otouto.
He wasn't a fledgling who needed to be caged and protected, but an eagle who, even before his wings were fully grown, dared to face the storm and sought to protect others.
Stop him?
Force him to accept his "protection"?
If he did that, how would he be different from Kenjaku?
Wouldn't he also become an "enemy" who denied his otouto's will?
A complex emotion surged in Choso's heart—worry and helplessness—but ultimately, it transformed into a deeper feeling: understanding and support.
"I understand."
Choso let out a long breath, slowly relaxing his clenched fists, and a helpless yet doting wry smile appeared on his face. "Since this is your choice, otouto."
He walked up to Itadori, his gaze hardening. "Since you insist on unsealing Gojo Satoru, then as your niisan, how can I just watch you go adventuring alone?"
Itadori was stunned. "Choso, you?"
"I told you, I want to protect you."
Choso patted Itadori's shoulder, his tone becoming steady. "If unsealing Gojo Satoru is the path you've chosen, then I will help you walk it."
"At least, with me by your side, you'll have more strength and more backup."
A warm feeling surged in Itadori's heart. He looked at the "brother" standing before him—someone he had only just met, yet who was willing to support his stubborn decision—and his eyes felt a little teary. "Thank you, but Senior Toho..."
"Toho Hiroshi is truly unfathomable; directly forcing our way in or pleading will likely not work."
Choso interrupted Itadori, a glint flashing in his eyes. "However, the 'Akatsuki' organization under his command is not monolithic. I remember one member who might be able to bypass Toho Hiroshi and provide direct assistance."
"Who?"
Itadori asked urgently.
"The Angel—Kurusu Hana."
Choso said solemnly, "She is one of the earliest members recruited by Toho Hiroshi and possesses an extremely special and powerful 'Erasure' type Cursed Technique."
"It is said that her Cursed Technique is miraculously effective against many Barriers and seals. More importantly, she doesn't seem to fully agree with some of Toho Hiroshi's actions."
"The Angel..."
Itadori murmured, hope reigniting in his eyes.
"Let's go, otouto."
Choso turned first. "I know where she usually operates. I'll take you to see her."
Led by Choso, Itadori Yuji found Kurusu Hana, known as "The Angel," in a secluded meditation room.
She possessed a pure demeanor and a pair of eyes that seemed capable of seeing through souls.
When Itadori Yuji explained his wish to her—unreservedly, and even a little clumsily—that it wasn't for power or revenge, but simply to save his teacher and prevent further tragedy, Kurusu Hana fell silent.
She looked at Itadori's clear and resolute eyes and sensed the nearly pure "goodness" and "justice" emanating from him.
This was completely different from the false world, steeped in pain and curses, that Toho Hiroshi described as needing to be "saved."
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