I'm using ninjutsu in Jujutsu Kaisen!

Chapter 22 – Kyoto Sister School Exchange Event

After the match ended—

Tatsuro stretched out his back and groaned. "Ugh… My neck's sore. Hey, little bro Megumi, how about a massage for your big bro?"

"Uh…"

Fushiguro Megumi remembered the bet—he'd lost, so he had to call him "big bro." He hesitated, then reluctantly mumbled:

"B-Big… Big bro… Tatsuro…"

"Good."

Tatsuro smiled like a proud aunt seeing her nephew do well. He ruffled Megumi's hair and said gently, "I always wanted a little brother. You can treat me like one from now on."

But no sooner had the words left his mouth than a chill ran down his spine.

Oh crap—Maki!

Before he could flee, two arms locked around his throat.

"YOU! So you've been hiding your techniques, huh?! You even used my sword skills to trick me! Cough it up—everything I taught you!"

"Wait! I just needed something for defense in case my big move missed! I didn't mean to hide anything! I'm choking! I can't breathe—!"

Tatsuro patted Maki's arms in surrender.

"Extra food tonight! Extra food!" shouted Panda, fanning the flames.

"Salmon!" Toge chimed in enthusiastically.

Only Yuta showed concern. "Uh, Maki, he's turning purple. Maybe ease up? If he passes out, who's gonna cook dinner?"

"…You're right."

Maki let go. Tatsuro collapsed, gasping like a drowning man, his face slowly returning from liver-purple to a healthy red.

"You all planning a feast tonight or what?" he muttered bitterly.

Ignoring his complaint, Tatsuro turned to Megumi and said, "Join us for dinner tonight. Don't make me knock on your door. Everyone's really chill once you get to know them."

"…Okay."

Though he struggled with socializing, Megumi was secretly happy. No one likes being alone forever. And despite how weird these people were… they were kind.

Except maybe that white-haired senpai who kept talking in food words.

Still… he'd get used to it.

"Not bad, kid," said Maki, grinning. "You're strong, but still a bit soft. Want me to teach you about cursed tools?"

"Uh… Sure, Maki… sis…"

That hit the sweet spot.

Maki beamed, grabbed Megumi by the neck, and ruffled his hair. "Smart kid! I've decided—I'm gonna teach you the good stuff so you can beat Tatsuro and avenge me!"

"…You've really let yourself go, huh," Tatsuro muttered, watching the sun inch toward noon.

"I'm going to prep dinner now. Get ready for tonight's feast."

"Great! Go on then! Don't interrupt our Megumi bonding session!"

"…Traitor. You only like him because he didn't beat you with your own sword techniques."

Hands in pockets, Tatsuro turned to leave.

But before he could get far, Gojo's voice rang out from behind:

"Tatsuro, the principal wants to talk to you."

The principal?

Tatsuro turned back, spotting Principal Yaga standing solemnly nearby.

He froze. What if they're going to cut open my eyeballs for research?!

No, wait, calm down. Gojo wouldn't allow that. Would he…?

Maybe it's about the fire technique?

He tried to mentally prepare. If questioned, he'd blame it on some "rare inherited bloodline." Most jujutsu techniques were passed down anyway.

After some internal panicking, Yaga finally stepped in front of him.

Tatsuro braced for doom.

SMACK SMACK—!

Yaga clapped both hands on his shoulders and laughed heartily. "HA HA HA! Well done! Two months from now, for the Kyoto Sister School Exchange Event, you and Yuta will represent Tokyo. Go crush 'em!"

"…Huh? WHAT?!"

Tatsuro stared in disbelief, his brain scrambling for context.

Gojo explained, "It's a yearly match between Tokyo and Kyoto Jujutsu High—just to see which school's stronger. Completely pointless, but we've lost the last few times. So it's up to you and Yuta to bring us a win. Good luck~!"

"…"

"…Okay."

Relieved it wasn't about his eyes or jutsu, Tatsuro sighed.

Then again…

What if they DO ask?

Saying it's a bloodline ability might backfire—especially since he wasn't from any jujutsu clan.

Crap. That might sound even more suspicious.

"By the way, about that jutsu you just used—"

"Is there something wrong with it?" Tatsuro replied a bit too quickly, sounding nervous.

"It was great! Just… maybe don't use something that flashy during the exchange match. Or if you do, tone it down a bit. We don't want too many eyes on you. Yuta's presence will help keep attention off you, though."

"I-I understand. Thanks for the advice, Principal! Oh, uh—tonight we're having a get-together. Want to come?"

"Ah, no thanks. If I'm there, you kids won't be able to relax. Next time, though. Looking forward to seeing you grow, Tatsuro."

Yaga waved and walked off.

"…What should we eat tonight?"

Of course. The real problem.

Gojo had a single-track mind.

"You really have the nerve to bring up food…!"

Tatsuro was fuming.

It was supposed to be a casual spar! But thanks to you running your mouth, it turned into a pride match! I even had to use my trump card!

"Not tonight, Gojo-sensei. You're eating ash."

"Eh? Why?!"

"No reason. Just ash. Deal with it."

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