Jujutsu Kaisen: Cursed Times

The team battle had ended somewhat abruptly—no one even managed to exorcise the Second Grade Curse. Final score: 10–4, a resounding victory for Tokyo Jujutsu High. Some of Tokyo's points were from Rika's sudden rampage, during which she shredded several Cursed Spirits like paper.

From Kyoto, Momo Nishimiya, Kamo Noritoshi, and Aoi Todo were eliminated. From Tokyo, both Yuta Okkotsu and Panda had been sidelined. Thanks to Gojo Satoru's intervention, Rika's temporary berserk state caused no permanent damage.

Panda's body had already been nearly restored by Principal Yaga Masamichi, and with Ieiri Shoko on site, the rest of the team was back on their feet before sunset.

Aoi Todo, undeterred by Rika's destructive force, remained battle-hungry. He patted Yuta's shoulder with sparkling eyes:

"That fight… was exhilarating. Let's finish it next time!"

Yuta Okkotsu, uneasy from the intensity of Todo's enthusiasm, could only think:

'No… please don't acknowledge me like that…'

But Todo had already shifted his gaze to Shingen Genichi, his eyes gleaming like he'd discovered another rare treasure.

"I thought this exchange event would be dull… but I met Yuta… and you," he declared. "I look forward to tomorrow's individual battles!"

Todo then tilted his head slightly, as if struck by some divine muse.

"Shingen Genichi… what kind of women do you like?"

Shingen Genichi had just arrived, holding two ice cream bars—one for Yuta—and found himself facing the notorious question. After pausing thoughtfully, he gave his answer with utmost seriousness:

"A white-haired, beast-eared girl. That's my type. For now."

Todo blinked. A pause. Then a sigh.

"Ah… what a pity. But I respect your preferences. Let's see what you've got tomorrow."

At that moment, Maki walked in, her sharp glare falling on Shingen Genichi like a cold dagger. She had clearly heard the entire exchange.

"Principal Yaga is calling everyone to decide tomorrow's individual matches. You… never mind," she muttered, then turned and walked off, clicking her tongue.

Shingen Genichi blinked. "What's up with her?"

Yuta didn't answer.

Together, they made their way to the meeting point. The rest of the students and teachers from both sides were already present. Shingen Genichi and Yuta arrived last, and Yaga Masamichi began the meeting.

"Two proposals for the individual matches have been considered. We want your opinions before deciding."

The options:

1) Elimination Battle – each school sends a contestant; winner stays on.

2) Rotating 1v1 Battles – each fighter chooses an opponent; victories are tallied by score.

Maki immediately raised a hand.

"Principal, we only have five participants. What happens if the numbers are uneven?"

Yaga nodded, prepared.

"If we choose the second option, Tokyo may allow one student to fight twice. Kyoto will get first pick. If the score ties 3-3, then the overall winner remains Tokyo, since they won the team battle."

Kamo Noritoshi raised his voice:

"And if we win the individual battles? What if both schools win one category?"

At that point, Gojo Satoru jumped in:

"Then… we'll have the Final Decisive Battle!" he grinned devilishly.

Everyone instinctively looked away. The words "final decisive battle" out of Gojo's mouth could never mean anything normal.

While Gojo laughed to himself, the students broke into groups to strategize.

Tokyo Side:

Panda tapped his chin with mock seriousness.

"Honestly, with Genichi on our side, the elimination format's a guaranteed win."

Maki adjusted her glasses.

"But if we pick the point-based format, Genichi fights twice. That's two wins right there."

Everyone nodded.

Kyoto Side:

Their expressions were more somber.

Miwa Kasumi slouched a little.

"If they send Genichi twice, how do we counter him?"

Kamo Noritoshi answered analytically.

"We can either use our weakest fighters to waste his turns—though that depends on Tokyo allowing that—or try to pit someone strong against him. But honestly... even I couldn't do anything against him."

Todo, as always, was detached from strategy.

"Just give me Yuta or Genichi. Either one is fine."

Mai squinted. "Did you even hear the plan?"

Todo turned toward her, teeth gleaming:

"Spiritual connection."

Everyone sighed and ignored him.

In the end, Tokyo unanimously chose Option 2—rotating 1v1 battles with point scoring.

"Let me at 'em," Maki declared, her eyes blazing. "Grade doesn't matter."

Panda was equally hyped. Yuta nodded. Even Inumaki Toge gave a cheerful, "Salmon!"

Shingen Genichi, meanwhile, scratched his head and yawned.

"We could've just swept the floor with Option 1, but… whatever. Guess I'm fighting twice."

With both schools in agreement, Yaga Masamichi moved on.

"Then let's decide the battle order. Kyoto picks first."

Kamo Noritoshi stepped up.

"Miwa Kasumi will challenge Shingen Genichi."

Miwa looked anxious but determined.

"Understood," Genichi said nonchalantly.

Next up, Tokyo's turn.

"Yuta Okkotsu versus Kamo Noritoshi-senpai," Yuta said calmly.

Kyoto's second pick:

"Aoi Todo will fight Shingen Genichi."

Kamo's brows furrowed. The choice of pitting their strongest against Genichi twice meant they had little tactical flexibility left.

Shingen Genichi didn't react much. In fact, he seemed… pleased.

"A good brawl might wake me up," he muttered.

Tokyo's next selection:

"Inumaki Toge versus Mechamaru," announced Panda.

"Tuna mayonnaise," Toge affirmed.

Kyoto followed up with:

"Momo Nishimiya versus Maki."

And finally, the inevitable:

"Panda versus Mai Zenin."

With all matches set, Yaga Masamichi dismissed everyone.

Shingen Genichi slung his arm around Panda.

"Come over, Panda! PUBG duos tonight!"

Maki turned sharply.

"Don't stay up late gaming again, Genichi! You've got two matches tomorrow."

"Relax," Genichi grinned. "I could fight asleep and still win."

Panda added, "I'm a panda. Sleep schedule? What's that?"

Maki let out a long-suffering sigh and left. On her way out, she paused to tell Yuta:

"Don't follow their bad habits. You'll just become unlucky."

Yuta blinked.

"I-I wasn't going to…"

Toge offered a quiet, "Tuna mayo," and followed the others.

Genichi and Panda had already dragged him along. Their voices echoed down the hallway.

"Zelda is heaven, I'm telling you. Breath of the Wild is a masterpiece!"

Just as their laughter faded, Panda peeked back around the corner:

"Yuta, you coming?"

"But... the match is tomorrow..."

"Exactly why we should game tonight. Strategy is important, but mindset wins battles!"

Yuta hesitated... then joined.

And thus, the trio (+1) marched boldly toward the evening's true battlefield:

The Living Room

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