Chapter 27: Ancient Jujutsu Sorcerer
After a long while, Uraume gritted its teeth in frustration and said, "So what? Are we just going to let him..."
"It is not a matter of letting him be."
Kenjaku interrupted, pacing leisurely while examining the void left behind by the black flames and the wreckage of the domain core split by immense power. A light of intense interest flickered in its eyes. "It is a matter of re-evaluation. I said long ago that this Toho Hiroshi, who appeared out of nowhere, is a massive variable. His Cursed Technique, his eyes, and even the roots of his power are full of mysteries."
It crouched down, its fingertips brushing over a mirror-smooth cut on the ground—the mark left by the sword of Kagutsuchi.
"The level of a single finger was indeed not enough to test all his trump cards, but it was sufficient."
Kenjaku's tone carried a hint of relief and amusement. "It was enough to let us know that he possesses the ability to defeat an incomplete Sukuna head-on, and even violently break through his domain. This power far exceeds the scope of an ordinary Special Grade."
It stood up and looked in the direction where Toho Hiroshi had left, its gaze deep.
"Fortunately, we exchanged an insignificant finger and a Special Grade Cursed Womb that can be recreated at any time for such valuable intelligence. If we had waited until our plan reached a critical step only to suddenly face this unknown power, that would have been a true disaster."
Uraume was silent for a moment. Although its expression remained icy, the killing intent on its body had subsided significantly.
It understood that what Kenjaku said was the truth.
The power displayed by that Toho Hiroshi was indeed bizarre and powerful enough to be unsettling.
"Then what do you intend to do?"
Uraume asked coldly.
"What to do?"
Kenjaku's lips curled into an even larger, calculating smile. "Of course, we continue to observe and test him. The stronger his power, the more interesting it is, is it not? Besides, he seems to have adopted an interesting little girl and also become neighbors with the children of the tyrant of heaven. Bonds are the best entry points and weaknesses."
"We need more data, and more importantly, a method to ensure we can control or eliminate him without fail."
Kenjaku's voice was like a viper flicking its tongue. "Before he grows completely strong enough to upend everything."
Uraume let out a cold snort and stopped insisting on pursuit, but the killing intent in its eyes toward Toho Hiroshi did not diminish in the slightest. "Hmph, then let him live a little longer. But in the end, he must pay the price for today's act of blasphemy against Lord Sukuna!"
"Of course, a price is necessary."
Kenjaku smiled, as if speaking of something perfectly natural. "However, how it is paid and when it is paid must be decided by us. Let's go, Uraume, the good show has only just begun. We need to prepare more interesting stages for this newly promoted Special Grade Sorcerer."
The figures of the two merged into the shadows once more, quietly disappearing into the dilapidated temple ruins, leaving behind only an endless aura of conspiracy slowly permeating the air.
The mastermind behind all of this, the millennium-old Curse User Kenjaku, had already regarded Toho Hiroshi as one of the most important variables on the chessboard and began to customize new traps and scripts for him.
At the entrance of Tokyo Jujutsu High School, Masamichi Yaga, Ieiri Shoko, and even the usually laid-back Gojo Satoru and Geto Suguru were waiting there.
When Toho Hiroshi's figure appeared at the end of the road and walked over calmly, Shoko was the first to breathe a sigh of relief. She stepped forward quickly, her medical Cursed Energy subconsciously sweeping over his whole body. "Are you okay? The mission report said it was a Special Grade Cursed Womb, and it also involved Sukuna's Finger!"
"Mm, it's resolved."
Toho Hiroshi nodded, his tone as flat as if he had just gone out for a stroll.
He took out the Sukuna's Finger from the Kamui Space, which had been resealed with special talisman paper but still exuded an ominous aura.
The terrifying fluctuation of Cursed Energy made the air stagnate.
"Whoa!"
Gojo Satoru lowered his sunglasses, his Six Eyes staring intently at the finger, before looking Toho Hiroshi up and down. A wide, excited grin spread across his face. "You really brought it back! And the traces of Cursed Energy on you are very interesting. You had a fierce fight with that guy, didn't you? Hurry up and tell me the details!"
Geto Suguru's eyes narrowed slightly. He could feel the traces remaining on the finger—the remnants of the clash between Toho Hiroshi's Dōjutsu Power and another violent, cursed power—and his heart was deeply shaken.
To solve a mission of this level alone—Hao's strength had already become unfathomable.
"It is good that you are back."
Yaga felt relieved, but his face remained stern. "The Higher-Ups of The Higher-Ups are already waiting. Come with me to report immediately. Gojo, Geto, don't cause trouble."
"Tch, boring."
Gojo Satoru pouted, but still threw an arm around Toho Hiroshi's shoulder and patted it hard. "Well done! When you come out later, I'll treat you to high-end desserts to celebrate!"
Geto Suguru also smiled gently. "Congratulations, Toho."
On the way to the meeting place of The Higher-Ups, they encountered the first-year students of Jujutsu High, Kento Nanami and Yu Haibara, who had just returned from completing a mission.
"Senior!"
Yu Haibara was as energetic as ever, his eyes shining brightly. "I heard you completed a Special Grade mission alone again; that's amazing!"
Kento Nanami adjusted his glasses and bowed meticulously. "Congratulations on your safe return and successful mission, Senior."
He keenly sensed the lingering, heart-palpitating pressure on Toho Hiroshi and felt a sense of reverence in his heart.
Toho Hiroshi nodded at the two. "Thank you. Did your mission go smoothly?"
"Very smoothly, thanks to Nanami!"
Yu Haibara answered quickly.
Nanami responded briefly. "It is thanks to your guidance, Senior."
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Toho Hiroshi followed Yaga into the heavily guarded traditional building.
Inside the conference room, the light was dim. Several elderly members of The Higher-Ups sat behind screens or in the shadows, with only vague silhouettes and aged voices coming through.
After the ritualistic questioning and mission reporting process, an aged voice rang out, carrying undisguised admiration. "Toho Hiroshi, at only seventeen years old, you have exorcised a Special Grade Cursed Womb alone and successfully recovered the Special Grade Cursed Object 'Ryomen Sukuna's Finger'. Your achievements and strength are beyond doubt. By the resolution of The Higher-Ups, you are officially granted the title of Special Grade Sorcerer. From this day forward, you shall become the second Special Grade Sorcerer of the current generation, following Yuki Tsukumo."
Another voice interjected, its tone carrying an intent to recruit. "Such a young Special Grade is truly a fortunate event for the Jujutsu World that has not been seen in a hundred years. The future responsibility of protecting the order of the Jujutsu World and eradicating Curses will rely on young talents like you. We hope you will perform your duties faithfully and live up to the high expectations of The Higher-Ups."
Toho Hiroshi's expression was calm, but he sneered inwardly.
He knew the platitudes of these old foxes all too well; it was nothing more than building him up first, so it would be easier to drive him to handle the most dangerous missions, or to have more sufficient reasons to "deal with" him should he potentially "lose control."
He bowed slightly, his attitude impeccable, though his tone carried a distant politeness. "I thank The Higher-Ups for their recognition. I shall do my utmost to fulfill the duties of a Jujutsu Sorcerer."
He did not pledge loyalty, nor was he excited; he simply stated the facts.
This composure and indifference, which surpassed his age, actually caused The Higher-Ups behind the screen to fall silent for a moment.
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