Jujutsu Kaisen: Cursed Times

Because it was just a student introduction, the teachers had left, and for a while, the atmosphere turned stiff.

Maki and Shingen Genichi didn't seem to care. Inumaki Toge, as always, couldn't say anything even if he wanted to. Panda simply gestured: "I'm just a panda, I don't understand what you're saying."

Yuta Okkotsu, ever the honest one, struggled with what to say. He wanted to explain that their second- and third-years really were away on business, but he worried it would sound like an excuse to avoid Kyoto's team.

The students from Kyoto Jujutsu High remained silent as well, though it was clear they agreed with Aoi Todo's pointed accusation.

Kamo Noritoshi eventually cleared his throat. "Todo, perhaps their upperclassmen really do have urgent matters."

Aoi Todo slammed his hands on the table, leaning forward with authority. "Doesn't matter. As long as I get a satisfying fight, that's all I care about."

Maki raised an eyebrow, ready to speak

But Shingen Genichi stepped forward first, grinning ear to ear. "Hey, big guy. So, power's all about grades now? Thought there were different classifications for Sorcerers? I'm a kind person, so I'll let you in on a little secret: You're gonna lose."

Without waiting for a response, he slung an arm around Yuta Okkotsu and pulled him forward. "Because our Big Brother Yuta here? He's a Special Grade."

Feigning surprise, Shingen added, "Oh? You have a Special Grade on your side too?"

The effect was immediate.

Aoi Todo, who was seconds from exploding, froze. Special Grade. That word was synonymous with power. His own mentor, Yuki Tsukumo, was one. Could this scrawny kid really be in that same league?

"E-Eh…?"

Yuta, now the center of attention, froze like a deer in headlights. Panda leaned in with a dramatic nod. "That's right. Big Bro Yuta's the real deal!"

Even Maki caught the mood and joined in with a smirk. "Try not to wet yourselves before the match."

"Salmon." Inumaki added with perfect timing.

Yuta could feel himself turning to stone. 'Why is Inumaki-senpai joining in too?!' He tried to clarify that most of his power came from Rika, but the momentum was out of his hands.

Aoi Todo suddenly burst into a wide grin, the kind of wild excitement only a fight maniac could have. "I like this. Yuta Okkotsu, right? I look forward to fighting you. It'll be… satisfying."

And then—

"I ask you…" Aoi Todo narrowed his gaze with utmost seriousness.

"What kind of woman do you like?"

"Eh—?" Yuta blanked at the abrupt and baffling question.

Shingen Genichi sighed knowingly. He'd read about this. Todo used this ridiculous question to judge someone's worthiness to be his friend—some strange quirk inherited from his admiration for Yuki Tsukumo.

He leaned over and whispered in Yuta's ear. "He's asking for your life story. You answer wrong, he'll disown you. But say something too bold… and Rika might kill you."

Yuta's smile twitched. He suddenly felt very unsafe.

Shingen grinned. "Anyway, Yuta's got a girlfriend. I advise you not to get any funny ideas... or you'll die in a really, really unpleasant way."

Todo nodded solemnly. "Tomorrow, I will witness your power. Show me the Special Grade standard!"

He turned and left with hands in his pockets, clearly already imagining their epic clash.

As the teachers returned, Shingen noticed a few familiar faces: Ieiri Shoko and Mei Mei had arrived, chatting with Utahime Iori. Meanwhile, Gojo Satoru was needling Principal Gakuganji so hard, the old man looked like he might implode.

Yaga Masamichi stepped forward and formally announced the format for tomorrow's exchange event:

A traditional team battle.

Multiple Curses—mostly Third Grade with a few Second Grades—would be released into a designated forest zone. The team that exorcised the Second Grade Curse first would win. If the match went too long, the team that exorcised the most Curses would be declared the winner.

"All combat is permitted, including interfering with your opponents," Yaga stated. "However, this is not a life-or-death battle. You are still comrades against Curses. Do not kill or inflict irreparable injury. The match will begin promptly at noon tomorrow."

Shingen later made his way to greet the trio of women—Mei Mei, Shoko, and Utahime. Utahime was especially fond of him, appreciating his respectful demeanor—unlike Gojo, who greeted her with insults.

Shingen chose not to ask Ieiri about Reverse Cursed Techniques again; she wasn't a helpful teacher in that regard. Besides, what needed to be said had already been said. For now, it was just polite greetings.

That evening, all training ceased. Everyone was to rest up, conserve energy, and prepare.

---

The Next Day

At high noon, Yaga Masamichi gave the opening remarks. The two teams took position at their starting points within the forest.

Tokyo's side grouped up one last time. Maki took command.

"Inumaki and I will focus on exorcising weaker Curses while tracking the enemy. Inumaki's Cursed Speech will likely catch someone off guard early."

"Yuta and Panda, you'll take Shirone and go after the Second Grade in the central area. Genichi—you go alone. Track the Curse or intercept any Kyoto students in your path."

Shirone, newly enhanced, had been approved for the competition to compensate for Tokyo's smaller team. While not overwhelmingly powerful, his enhanced tracking ability made him a valuable support.

The group nodded.

Shingen chose to leave his bow for this match. With poor visibility in the forest, close-quarters combat was smarter. He carried only his katana and relied on his speed.

Meanwhile, Maki and Inumaki ran into a toad-lizard hybrid Third Grade Curse. Inumaki lowered his collar.

"Don't Move"

Cursed Speech triggered. The Curse froze under an overwhelming invisible pressure. Maki, already mid-charge, cut it down effortlessly.

---

Back at the control center, Principal Gakuganji, Yaga, and the staff were gathered around large screens—live feeds broadcast from Mei Mei's Black Bird Manipulation Technique.

A row of ofuda talismans lined the wall. Each time a Curse was exorcised, the matching talisman would ignite: red for Tokyo, blue for Kyoto.

One of them flared red.

Gojo Satoru clapped his hands. "Score! One for Team Tokyo!"

Utahime glanced over in disdain. "You're how old again?"

Blue flames flared moments later. Her right hand reflexively started to rise, before she lowered it again with forced composure.

"I must remain calm. Emotionally unmoved. Dignity befitting a teacher..."

Unfortunately, Gojo was already at her side, leaning in with a smug smile. "Utahime~ you were totally about to cheer, weren't you?"

Utahime's voice roared across the control room: "I'M THE SENIOR! HAVE SOME RESPECT, YOU SCOUNDREL!"

Ieiri patted her back comfortingly. "Don't let him get to you."

Utahime hugged her on the spot. "Thank god for you, Shoko~"

Meanwhile, Gojo sipped his drink and resumed watching like nothing had happened.

---

Rewind to the previous night.

The Kyoto students had their strategy meeting.

Kamo Noritoshi stood authoritatively before the team. "Yuta Okkotsu is indeed Special Grade. But there are... peculiarities. We don't need to engage him directly."

"Nishimiya will scout from the air. Mai, Mechamaru, and Miwa will focus on eliminating Curses and disrupting enemy plans—especially that dog. Remove their recon."

Aoi Todo leaned against the wall. "Don't lump me into your little schemes. I'll find that Special Grade. We're gonna fight."

Noritoshi nodded. "Todo's role is clear."

"Tch."

"I'll locate the Second Grade and exorcise it as quickly as possible," Noritoshi added. "Let's not underestimate any Special Grade—those individuals always have overwhelming strengths."

Mai was quiet, but finally muttered, "Won't that make us look like cowards?"

Noritoshi looked at her seriously. "No. We're here to win. And Special Grades are absurd in every way—treating them like normal enemies is the real mistake."

Tomorrow would decide everything.

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