Kiyotaka sighed, thinking, 'Gojo-Sensei. You got sealed. So that was their goal this entire time. I understand forcing burnout so that sealing you becomes easier, but why put you on edge? To catch you off guard? But what cards would they have to do such a thing?'
Mei Mei looked to Mechamaru, saying, "I have an idea of their plans thanks to Ayanokoji-kun, but we're talking about Gojo Satoru here. What proof do you have for me to believe you?"
"Sorry, but I have nothing. If I must provide something, it's the very fact that I'm here. I was killed on October 19th by the Special-Grade Cursed Spirit called Mahito. What's here now is no more than the insurance I left when I was still alive. Advanced assurance, yes. So I had no choice but to set its condition for activating to [after Gojo Satoru has been sealed]. To decrease the risk of it not going off, I only managed to sneak these puppets into three locations ahead of time. I viewed Ayanokoji Kiyotaka as the most capable Jujutsu High Sorcerer to unseal Gojo. And Mei Mei, given the situation, I'm now certain you're in the clear, too."
Mechamaru said this as Mei Mei seemed curious about his trust in her, asking, "Why?"
"Because someone as skilled at intelligence gathering as you, was dispatched here to Meiji Shrine Station instead of acting in the shadows at Shibuya. Ayanokoji wasn't even a part of Jujutsu Society until several months ago, either."
Mei Mei smiled at his response, saying, "Hey, that might have been so I'd have an excuse to refuse aiding them."
Ui Ui laughed to himself as Mechamaru then said, "Then why... is a Curse User currently heading your way to eliminate you?"
Ui Ui's laughing stopped as everyone looked towards the darkness of the tunnel. Kiyotaka noted, "Two."
Mei Mei looked to Kiyotaka, thinking, 'His senses are quite refined.'
Kiyotaka was funnelling Cursed Energy into the hairs in his ears to enhance their sensitivity as he heard them before they would be visible to his eyes. When they came into his line of sight, he stopped enhancing his ears and funnelled Cursed Energy into his eyes as he saw their outlines via their Cursed Energy.
Mei Mei looked at him and asked, "Ayanokoji, which is stronger, these two or the Cursed Spirit you fought earlier?"
"Those two are stronger."
Mei Mei acknowledged this thinking, 'The Cursed Spirit Ayanokoji fought before. Apparently, the Cursed spirit Ayanokoji-kun fought was able to speak human language, so it was Semi-Grade 1 or higher, at least... and things like that are crawling out of the woodwork? I wonder where they've been hiding and what they've been up to until now.'
Mei Mei got out her phone, saying, "Let's ignore the Curse Users and move onward. We need to confirm Gojo's status first."
Mechamaru then said, "Don't. The situation in Shibuya has already changed. Their barrier techniques are several degrees better than ours. There are currently four veils over Shibuya."
Kiyotaka heard this and thought, 'Several degrees better than ours? We're a society that has been operating for many generations, right? Our techniques should be more refined than a few Curses and Curse Users. So what's going on? I don't think the disaster Curses are older than a century or two, and in the first place, Curses aren't documented to cooperate with each other, much less with Curses Users. Are we dealing with a genius at barrier techniques? Or someone who had more than enough time to perfect their barriers?'
Mechamrau then listed the veils, saying, "A: The veil trapping common people inside. B: The veil trapping Gojo Satoru inside. C: The veil keeping sorcerers from entering. D: Another veil like A to keep common people trapped inside."
"And you're saying the area further down these tracks is blocked by C."
Mei Mei asked this as Mechamaru confirmed, saying, "That's right. The sorcerers on standby are already inside the veil, right? And you can't use cell phones inside the veil."
Mei Mei looked at her phone, saying, "Looks like that's not all, either. I can't get a hold of the assistant supervisors who are supposed to be outside the veils."
Mechamaru, having predicted this, then said, "Please, just follow my directions. This insurance of mine won't last long. Please."
Kiyotaka looked to Machamaru, asking, "What is the greatest desire you hold?"
"I... wanted to stand beside everyone at Kyoto."
"I see. So you made the deal with Mahito to get your body fixed. But that's not your greatest wish. I can't tell from your tone that you're lying, but I can from your hesitation."
Kiyotaka said this as Mechamaru thought, 'He's sharp', before saying, "As long as Miwa finds some kind of happiness, my dearest wish will be fulfilled."
Kiyotaka sighed, turning to Mei Mei and saying, "Let's follow through with his plan."
Mei Mei nodded, saying, "Alright, tell us."
"Ayanokoji, return to Meiji Shrine Station, and head to Shibuya from the surface. Tell all the sorcerers there about Gojo being sealed. Get them to share our goal of freeing Gojo. Mei Mei, create an opportunity for Ayanokoji to escape."
Kiyotaka held out his hand and chanted, "Manifest", as a replica of Mei Mei's axe appeared in his hand.
He handed it to her, saying, "It's denser, so it'll be heavier, but it won't break as easily as yours. It's sharper too. But be warned. It is not a Cursed Tool."
Mei Mei held it, asking, "And what do you want in return?"
"A favour that I'll save for a future endeavour."
Mei Mei smirked, saying, "Not asking for money from me? That's exactly how I like it," as she did a test swing, enjoying the axe quite well.
After dismissing his Cursed Energy completely from an object he creates, it becomes detached from his Cursed Technique, making him incapable of dismissing it.
Ui Ui smiled approvingly as Mechamaru then said, "After defeating the Curse Users, I'd like you to follow this track, for starters. But I don't know what moves the enemy will make."
Mei Mei smiled, finishing for him, "So adapt and respond."
Her eyes locked onto the communication disk, asking, "By the way, they haven't frozen your bank account yet, have they?"
Mechamaru somehow sweated, shouting, "Huh?"
Kiyotaka deadpanned, thinking, 'Expressions and tone of voice... I completely overestimated him.'
Mechamaru then declared, "If Gojo Satoru disappears, both Jujutsu and human society will be unpended. I'm sorry, but please stake your life on this."
He thought of Miwa before saying, "And I even thought that would be worth it once... I was the worst."
Ui Ui pointed to himself, asking, "Hey, what about me?"
Mechamaru then said, "Follow whichever one you prefer."
Ui Ui gave a thumbs up, saying, "Okay, elder sister, it is!"
Mei Mei leaned her new axe on her shoulders, saying, "Everyone, they're here."
A man walking with a dog on a chain asked, "You're Mei Mei, right?"
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Kiyotaka ran through the streets as Mechamaru said, "Ayanokoji, good news! They can't move Gojo from where he was sealed on floor B5."
"Why?"
"Because he's Gojo Satoru."
Kiyotaka smiled slightly, saying, "That checks out."
Mechamaru spoke into Kiyotaka's ear, saying, "We'll have sorcerers follow the subway lines into Shibuya Station from each neighbouring station. Then once the veil keeping sorcerers out is lifted, we charge in."
Kiyotaka nodded, saying, "I can't contact Ijichi-San for some reason, so I'll entrust it to the only other Adult apart from Gojo that's been responsible regarding me."
He said this, thinking of Nanami as he ran through the veil, only to see Transfigured Humans everywhere attacking people. Kiyotaka froze, thinking, 'The binding vow. I have to save them', as he rushed in, striking one of them and launching it into the air with the force of his strike to save two girls while thinking, 'If I take too long, then I won't be able to free Gojo-Sensei.'
A huge one asked, "D-D-D-Did you call for me?" as it smashed through some glass, rushing towards Kiyotaka.
Kiyotaka chanted, "Manifest", as spikes formed and pinned the creature to the ground as Kiyotaka thought, 'Not good. This will waste too much Cursed Energy. Do I need to sacrifice these people so that I can free Gojo-Sensei, who can save more people? IS that kind of rationalisation okay?'
That's when a gunshot rang out as a bullet hit one of the transfigured humans. Its eyes went wide as it collapsed to the floor, its entire nervous system shutting down. Kiyotaka looked up to see Mai on a skyscraper with a sniper rifle as she pulled back the chamber, releasing a casing as Kiyotaka thought, 'Not bad.'
Mai smirked, thinking, 'Get a move on already', as she reached into her bag and grabbed a white bullet specially designed to deliver poison, as she loaded it into her Sniper Rifle and aimed at another Transfigured Human and pulled the trigger, as it also went stiff before dying.
Kiyotaka jumped up a building, entrusting the civilians to Mai as he landed on the roof and shouted, "Nanami!!! Gojo-Sensei has been sealed!"
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After a few calls, Kiyotaka jumped back down and began killing the transfigured Humans as Megumi, Nanami, and Ino arrived, and they cleaned up the area.
Nanami turned to Kiyotaka, asking, "What's going on, Ayanokoji -Kun? What did you mean by sealed?"
Mechamaru explained the situation as Nanami asked, "Geto?"
Kiyotaka then asked, "The man responsible for the Night Parade of 100 demons?"
"To be more precise, the thing that's living within Suguru Geto."
Mechamaru said this, and Kiyotaka then said, "That explains why their barrier techniques are so good. Whatever is inside him must have already had experience with barrier techniques and then created these veils."
Mechamaru agreed, saying, 'That is likely the case."
"Then whatever it is that is inside Geto is at least as old as Jujutsu Society."
Kiyotaka said this as Megumi and Ino sweated, thinking, 'That must be how they sealed Gojo as well.'
Mechamaru then went on saying, "The inside of Shibuya Station is currently a real Pandemonium. It's full of these Special-Grades, the Cursed Spirits they brought with them, the Curse Users tied to Geto, as well as transfigured humans and normal people."
Kiyotaka turned to Nanami and then said, "Given the situation, we need sorcerers at the ready in the stations near Shibuya so that when we break the veil, you can all storm the station."
Nanami sighed, thinking, 'I guess this isn't a time for complaining', and then saying, "There are several requests only a Grade 1 Sorcerer can fulfil. I'll step outside and take care of all those with Ijichi-kun."
Kiyotaka nodded and said, "Then I'll take Megumi and Ino-Senpai to take down the veil keeping Sorcerers out."
Ino looked surprised, thinking, 'Huh?! He's actually showing me some respect.'
Nanami nodded as he looked to Ino and said, "Ino-kun. Kusakabe-san and the Zenin's Special Grade 1 Sorcerer should be inside this veil, as well. If you're able to meet up with them, please tell them about the situation and request their help. They might understand the situation, though, since Ayanokoji-kun shouted out the information."
Ino made a serious face, saying, "Roger that!"
Nanami left, saying, "Also, please take care of these two."
Ino sweatdropped, thinking, 'I get taking care of Fushiguro-san, but Ayanokoji? '
He sighed, shaking his head as Kiyotaka turned to him, saying, "Don't feel so nervous. You've been a sorcerer for far longer than I have. I'm sure you have information that will be helpful."
Ino sweatdropped before smiling and saying, "Yeah. You can count on me,' while thinking, 'He's right! After all, Nanami-San is depending on me!'
He looked to the two with a serious expression, saying, "Before we start the mission, let me make it clear how important this is."
He turned to face them, showing them two fingers and saying, "The two main issues with losing Gojo-San..."
He lowered his middle finger and said, "First, the collapse of the Gojo Clan. The Gojo Clan is currently a one-man team of Gojo Satoru himself. There are lots of sorcerers who have been saved due to Gojo-san's influence, pride, and whims. Ayanokoji, you're one of those sorcerers, right?
Kiyotaka nodded, saying, "So if we fail, I'll be on the chopping block."
Ino nodded as Kiyotaka thought, 'To the best of his ability, so Gojo won't be penalised for not being able to stop them. Good. In that case, at least Gojo could still be freed and end all of this.'
Ino went on saying, "Issue 2: The collapse of the power balance. All of the Cursed Spirits and Curse Users who've been keeping quiet because Gojo Satoru was around will start taking action all at once."
Kiyotaka nodded, saying, "Then things would only get worse from there. I think I understand the situation. Thank you, Ino-Senpai."
Megumi sighed, saying, "If things turn out like that, it'll likely be the end of the age of humans in Japan."
Ino grabbed his bandana, saying. "See, you get it!" As he walked forward, saying, "Let's get going! We'll break the veil before Nanami-San gets back! Let's rescue Gojo Satoru!"
Kiyotaka deadpanned, thinking, 'Don't say that out loud. Just hearing the phrase "rescue Gojo Satoru" makes us look ridiculous.'
They arrived at the veil as Kiyotaka sighed and said, "It's likely that whatever set up this veil is outside the barrier."
Ino looked surprised before saying, "I get it! By staying outside the barrier, you increase the risk of being discovered and thereby raising the strength of the veil."
Megumi made a serious face as he said, "Then whoever made this veil either doesn't want to be discovered or..."
"... they do want to be discovered. However, that strategy itself could be bait to lure the smarter ones to them so they can be eliminated."
Kiyotaka finished for him as Megumi nodded, saying, "That would mean they're confident in their strength then."
Ino smiled saying, "It's a real egg of Columbus kind of idea. Ignoring the fundamentals of barriers. What a crazy idea!"
Megumi spoke up, saying, "If they did go with being discovered, then the strength of the barrier would increase even more. They'd pick a place that really stands out."
The three of them looked up to the nearby Shibuya Central Tower.
Kiyotaka looked to them and said, "The veil I took down had a nail covered in seals as a medium. Break it, and the veil goes down."
Kiyotaka then thought, 'They won't use duds. This is an all-or-nothing strategy. I don't disagree with this kind of strategy either. They caught us off guard and have a full advantage over us. Still, if we can take advantage, we can close the gap they created by sealing Gojo', as Megumi and Ino nodded and they moved out towards Shibuya Central Tower.
They arrived at the Tower as Megumi made a hand sign and chanted, "Nue!" as the bird appeared.
Megumi turned to Kiyotaka, saying, "Grab my hand."
Kiyotaka shook his head, saying, "Nue won't be able to carry all three of us easily. I'll be fine."
Kiyotaka jumped onto the wall as spikes appeared on the soles of his shoes and he began running up the wall, dismissing and manifesting them in a pattern to ensure he could run up properly. In addition, he manifested supports for his back as he ran up.
Megumi just stared, thinking, 'What the hell...'
He sighed as he grabbed onto Nue and flew up.
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The Curse Users stood there as Jiro said, "The lower floors are swarming with those transfigured humans. They won't be able to climb up here that fast."
That's when Kiyotaka reached the top floor, vaulting over the railing and shouting, "Manifest!" as a giant slab of mass appeared above their heads.
Jiro jumped up, shouting, 'Not bad, kiddo!"
He took the blow and then gritted his teeth, throwing the mass off the building.
Kiyotaka looked dumbfounded, thinking, 'There were spikes on the underside. How did he take no damage?'
Jiro looked to him and said, "That was a good surprise attack, but you're here all alone."
"I never said I was alone."
That's when Nue flew up as Jiro got distracted. Kiyotaka rushed forward, slamming his fists into Jiro and sending him flying off the tower as Jiro thought, 'Do these bastards know about the entrusted veil?'
Ino rushed in, to the nail, kicking it off the building as he thought, 'There were three? The veil keeping sorcerers out is still active. Where are the remaining...'
Kiyotaka's eyes widened as he thought, 'He has two nails.'
He looked to Ino, saying, "I'll leave the rest up here to you, Ino-Senpai," and then turned to Nue and shouted, "Fushiguro! We're heading down!"
He jumped up as Nue flew in and grabbed his arm, and they flew down the tower.
There was no impact crater from Jiro hitting the ground as Nue slowly lowered Kiyotaka and Megumi to the ground.
Kiyotaka looked to Jiro, thinking, 'A heartbeat,' and chanted, "Manifest", as spikes appeared and flew at Jiro.
Jiro got up, the spikes slamming into him, doing no damage, and said, "Youngsters these days have no pity for the elderly."
Kiyotaka sighed, saying, "I don't feel pity for anyone. You're not special."
Kiyotaka turned to Megumi and said, "I'll deal with him"
Jiro looked annoyed, saying, "You're underestimating me?"
"Wrong. I'm simply capable of dealing with you myself. I told you already. Don't go thinking you're something special."
Jiro looked to Kiyotaka, thinking, 'This brat... why does what he said remind me of that other brat,' while thinking of Gojo as a kid glaring at him and calling him a weakling.
Megumi turned to Kiyotaka, asking, "Are you sure?"
Kiyotaka nodded as Megumi nodded.
Kiyotaka turned to Jiro, asking, "Well? Are you going to stand there or are you going to attack?"
Jiro got a tick mark out of anger as he drew a blade and rushed at Kiyotaka, who side-stepped him and chanted "Manifest" as a box of mass formed around Jiro.
Jiro shouted, "Let me out, you brat."
Kiyotaka placed his hand on the box and chanted, "Manifest", as liquid started to pour into the box until it filled the box.
Kiyotaka waited there for 10 minutes and then simply chanted, "Dismiss", as the box and liquid disappeared, and Jiro's limp body fell to the floor with a thud as Kiyotaka thought, 'I don't know how much damage you can take, but you're still human, so obviously you need air to live.'
He looted the nails off Jiro's corpse, crushing them in his hands.
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To Be Continued
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Rating Out Of 10 For This Chapter?
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