Was that the truth?
Under the seemingly casual explanation from the White Queen, everyone felt an overwhelming sense of disbelief.
Because it contradicted the facts they had come to understand.
The traitorous clone, Number Three, had clearly stated that the reason the Nightmare roamed about devouring cursed energy was to unlock more of Kurumi [Zafkiel] powers.
Yet the person in front of them now said the real reason Nightmare devoured cursed energy... was to seal her.
Could it be that Clone Three had lied?
No—such a possibility was unlikely.
Clone Three had absolutely no reason to lie.
She had even sacrificed her life for this.
However, just because she didn't lie, didn't mean she didn't hide something.
As the embodiment of the Nightmare final shred of kindness and conscience, Clone Three didn't want to see more people get devoured by the Nightmare. So, she sought to destroy her.
And once the Nightmare was destroyed, the being sealed within her would be destroyed as well.
Just like Yuji Itadori.
If Yuji Itadori were to die, the cursed soul sealed within him—Sukuna—would perish with him.
So, the Nightmare devouring of cursed energy... the main reason wasn't to empower herself, but to seal that existence. Unlocking new abilities of [Zafkiel] was merely a secondary purpose—or perhaps, the two were even closely linked.
The deeper the seal, the more power of [Zafkiel] could be unlocked.
Therefore, to avoid unnecessary trouble, Clone Three never revealed the Nightmare true reason for devouring cursed energy. She only disclosed the most superficial layer of truth.
"Nightmare... is just like me?"
Inside Sukuna body, Yuji Itadori—still conscious—stood frozen, his mind rattled by this shocking revelation, unable to think clearly.
He had always viewed Nightmare as unforgivably evil, a monster who took joy in others' suffering and saw all life as mere food.
But now, it seemed that everything she had done... might have had another explanation.
"Could Principal Yaga's theory really be true?"
Satoru Gojo was equally astonished, recalling the conversation he had had with Masamichi Yaga.
Back then, he didn't believe Yaga's words.
He had thought it was just a delusional hope, entrusting one's fate to the mercy of an enemy.
But if Nightmare truly was like Yuji Itadori, both being vessels for ancient evil entities—if all her actions had legitimate reasons—then perhaps Masamichi Yaga's theory really was correct.
She hunted cursed energy users not to strengthen herself, but to suppress the demon within her.
Granted, this was still for her own survival.
Yet it showed that deep down, she still had morals and a sense of boundaries—the ones she devoured were all evil people by society's standards.
"Mahito——!"
At this moment, the one most conflicted was undoubtedly Geto (possessed by Kenjaku).
Previously, Mahito had confidently asserted that Idle Transfiguration had no effect on Nightmare because she had tampered with her soul and created an anchor.
But it turned out, the crystal hidden within her soul wasn't some anchor at all!
It was a seal, constructed to imprison a certain being!
He had completely believed Mahito words. After all, Mahito could naturally perceive souls, and even his technique was soul-based!
He couldn't really be blamed for screwing over his teammates—he'd been misled too!
"May I ask... who exactly are you?"
Clinging to his final hope, Geto (Kenjaku) asked solemnly.
"You may call me... the White Queen."
Upon hearing this answer, Geto heart sank.
He had never heard of anyone by that name.
For centuries, he had roamed this land, knowing the names of all the notable figures from every era.
But a being referred to as the White Queen—he had never once encountered that title.
Was it because Nightmare really came from a time even older than his own?
Or perhaps, both Nightmare and the White Queen originated from another country?
Either way, it was undoubtedly bad news.
Geto had hoped to come up with a strategy based on intelligence and background information.
But now he didn't even know the opponent's name, let alone have any intel.
What should I do?!
What now?!
Geto clenched his fists, feeling an unprecedented sense of powerlessness.
The three of them alone—victory was unlikely.
They had already struggled just to hold off Nightmare while she wielded Zafkiel, let alone now, when they faced a being far more terrifying: the true master of Zafkiel—the White Queen.
And the Nightmare was either sealed... or already dead.
"Master Tengen says... it's time to initiate the final plan."
Just then, a somewhat childish voice echoed behind the trio.
It was YuYu, younger brother of Grade 1 sorcerer Mei Mei—a Grade 2 jujutsu sorcerer.
As he lifted the white cloth in his hands, three silhouettes appeared beneath it.
This was YuYu's Innate Technique. Similar to Satoru Gojo teleportation, it allowed him to instantly transport people or objects covered by the cloth.
The three figures who appeared were all people Gojo recognized.
Special Grade Sorcerer Yuta Okkotsu.
Special Grade Sorcerer Yuki Tsukumo.
And the Ten Shadows Technique inheritor—Megumi Fushiguro.
"Rika!"
"Garuda!"
"Mahoraga!"
The reinforcements wasted no time on small talk and instantly summoned their most powerful companions:
The Cursed Spirit Queen, Rika Orimoto!
The Imaginary Shikigami, Garuda!
And the strongest shikigami—Eight-Handled Sword Divergent Sila Divine General Mahoraga!
Yet even with six powerful reinforcements, Satoru Gojo, Sukuna, and Geto did not relax in the slightest.
While these people were undeniably strong—second only to their own top tier—their role in this battle against the White Queen... would likely only be to buy time.
"Kenjaku, it's time for you to restrain yourself for once!"
YuYu looked directly at Geto (Kenjaku) forehead, where a long stitched scar remained, and coldly stated:
"If you still want to witness the culmination of your grand plan, then stop resisting and cooperate. Otherwise, you won't live long enough to see it through."
"Even if I don't act now, I'll die later anyway!"
"But if you act now—you'll die first."
Kenjaku face was expressionless, yet his inner conflict was intense.
In his plan, only by subjugating Master Tengen could he achieve his final goal.
He had stolen Suguru Geto body not merely to eliminate Satoru Gojo, but more importantly, to use Cursed Spirit Manipulation to control Tengen.
But if he accepted the proposed pact that would bind him, everything he'd worked for would be in vain.
"...Fine. I agree."
But in less than three seconds, Ryoumen Sukuna spoke again with a solemn tone,
"In the name of my Binding Vow, I hereby swear not to use Cursed Spirit Manipulation to subjugate Master Tengen. If I violate this vow, death shall befall me."
Tengen was very clever.
He did not completely sever Sukuna spell technique.
Nor did he force Sukuna to complete the mission he had promised under the Binding Vow.
In doing so, although Sukuna could still exploit his abilities and shift responsibilities,
at least in theory, he retained the possibility of completing the mission on his own initiative.
Otherwise, Sukuna might have simply gone berserk, leading to complete chaos,
making it impossible for anyone to fulfill their plans and goals.
Seeing that Sukuna had accepted the Binding Vow, Tengen breathed a sigh of relief.
In less than the span of a single breath, he appeared on the battlefield, bringing with him the fully cursed-spirit-transformed Master Tengen, now with six eyes.
"Assist me in constructing the barrier," he said directly as soon as he appeared.
"This is our only hope of victory."
"What kind of barrier?"
"A barrier that allows all attacks to directly strike the soul."
After analyzing the battle situation, Tengen was absolutely certain—
it was already impossible to defeat the White Queen in the real world.
They couldn't even defeat the Nightmare, let alone the White Queen, who was far more terrifying.
Now, their only hope was that the Nightmare soul still existed within this body,
and had not yet been devoured by the White Queen.
As long as the Nightmare could regain control of her body, then everything could still be saved.
What to do after the Nightmare returns?
No matter what, it would still be better than letting the White Queen run rampant!
And in this world, the only person capable of helping Tengen construct a barrier targeting souls—
was Sukuna.
"Nightmare!"
Amidst the chaos, a faint voice called out.
"Nightmare! Wake up!"
The voice gradually grew clearer,
awakening a faint sense of consciousness in the one who slumbered.
"Please! Tokisaki!"
As the name reached her ears, Tokisaki Kurumi eyelids twitched.
Her consciousness struggled against the chaos,
and in a haze of weakness and confusion, she barely managed to open her eyes.
In her blurred vision, the figure of a young man appeared before her.
"You... are...?"
Tokisaki Kurumi mind was still in a daze,
as if she was still halfway between dream and reality.
"I'm Yuji Itadori."
Looking at the weak and fragile Nightmare before him,
Yuji Itadori felt a flood of complex emotions well up in his heart.
The person before him was supposed to be the one he hated most in this world—
the person he wanted to kill with his own hands.
Yet now, his feelings toward the Nightmare were tangled and contradictory.
Hatred, pity, understanding...
emotions twisted into something beyond words.
If possible, he truly wished to have a heartfelt conversation with the most wicked curse user of their era.
But time would not allow it.
"Tokisaki..."
In the end, he chose not to call her Nightmare anymore.
His tone urgent, he said,
"The White Queen sealed within you has taken control of your body.
We're desperately buying time, but we can't hold on much longer."
The situation outside was already dire.
Even though the highest-level fighters of this world had all gathered here,
and even Master Tengen—who had not interfered with mortal affairs for a century—had personally descended,
they still could not stop the White Queen's rampage.
After enormous struggle, they had barely managed to pry open a crack in the soul,
allowing Yuji Itadori spirit to enter.
But if they delayed any further, the only fate awaiting them was complete annihilation.
After Yuji Itadori explained the situation,
some of the confusion in Tokisaki Kurumi eyes faded.
She gradually understood what was happening in the outside world.
"Tokisaki, only you can save us now—save this world!"
Yuji Itadori pleaded earnestly.
"You must still have a way to reseal the White Queen, right?"
"...Yes."
"Please tell me what it is.
The rest of us will help you!"
Seeing that Tokisaki Kurumi could indeed still reseal the White Queen,
a glimmer of hope sparked in Yuji Itadori eyes.
Everyone had placed their hopes on him,
praying he could awaken Tokisaki Kurumi will.
And he had placed all his hopes in Tokisaki Kurumi,
praying that she could seal the White Queen again.
Now, as if the gods had heard their prayers,
there was indeed still a chance to seal the rampaging White Queen in reality.
How could he not feel moved?
"To use my life as the anchor for the seal,
and suppress the White Queen once again—
this is the only remaining way."
However, upon hearing Tokisaki Kurumi words,
the excitement on Yuji Itadori face immediately froze.
Looking at her calm expression as she said these words,
his heart seemed to skip a beat, a wave of panic welling up inside him.
"There must be... there must be another way, right?"
Yuji Itadori swallowed hard,
his voice trembling slightly.
"Just like how you sealed her before."
"The previous method no longer works,"
Tokisaki Kurumi slowly shook her head.
"Unlike you, I cannot forcefully suppress the White Queen.
Once she takes over my body, this is the only option left."
Yuji Itadori opened his mouth,
but no words came out.
He could only stand there in a daze.
"Don't make that face."
A faint smile, one familiar to Yuji Itadori, appeared on Tokisaki Kurumi face.
It was not the smile of the Nightmare.
It was the true smile of Tokisaki Kurumi after shedding her mask.
The warm smile he knew so well.
"Doesn't a good story always end with all the villains dying?"
Her words brought an indescribable sorrow to Yuji Itadori heart.
His fists clenched tightly,
his eyes glistening with tears.
He wanted to change this ending.
But he was far too powerless.
All he could do was watch.
Once again—
watch helplessly.
Tokisaki Kurumi closed her eyes.
With a soft sigh, her figure began to fade,
turning into glowing particles that disappeared into the darkness.
Feeling her presence gradually vanish,
Yuji Itadori could no longer hold back his emotions.
He blurted out:
"You're not a bad person."
"Is this... a parting comfort?"
Tokisaki Kurumi smile deepened.
"You really are a kind person.
No wonder you became friends with my clone."
"It's not a comfort."
Yuji Itadori voice was resolute.
He wasn't entirely sure what made someone a bad person.
There were, indeed, many people in the world who took pleasure in others' suffering.
But now, he was certain—
Tokisaki Kurumi was not one of them.
"If you truly were evil,
then when you killed Kurumi,
why did your eyes show that fleeting trace of pity?"
Recalling that night, Yuji Itadori tone grew heavier.
Back then, his mind was clouded by anger and hatred,
and he had no room for anything else.
So he hadn't noticed the brief flash of pity and sorrow in the Nightmare eyes
when she killed his clone.
Killing her past self—
killing her kind self.
It must have hurt her too, right?
"I am the most evil curse user of this era.
I've killed over ten thousand people.
And in your eyes, I'm still a good person?"
Tokisaki Kurumi asked with a bitter laugh.
"You're not a good person either."
Yuji Itadori shook his head.
To seal a demonic scourge,
you walked your path with unshakable conviction,
ignoring others' opinions.
And in an age of chaos,
you willingly gave up your last hope for life,
offering yourself in sacrifice.
Such a person...
perhaps should be called—
"A martyr?"
Yuji Itadori spoke the word,
half hesitant, half certain.
But Tokisaki Kurumi showed no reaction to his answer.
"My battle is over, but yours has only just begun."
Her body was fading,
but her gaze grew even softer.
"I walk in the shadows.
But you are not alone.
Bask in the sunlight.
Protect those you wish to protect.
Become a hero.
And when your time comes—
die surrounded by the people who cherish you.
Don't become like me."
These were the Nightmare final words.
Together with her final smile,
they etched themselves deeply into Yuji Itadori heart.