Under the same training volume, Satoru's physical fitness and magic power limits had slightly increased.
However… the increase was very small.
"Is this equivalent to cultivating for ten more minutes?"
He rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
It wasn't much—but it was acceptable.
After all, he'd only sent out five entries yesterday, and the number of "workers" hadn't increased yet.
At this pace, as long as he continued to recruit a few more capable individuals who could constantly grow—
Becoming Youha Satoru was only a matter of time.
---
After finishing his morning routine, Satoru attended classes as usual.
Time quickly drifted toward noon.
Just as he was about to look for Sona, a familiar voice called out behind him.
"Hey, Satoru! Wait up."
He turned. It was Yuji Itadori, looking slightly troubled.
"What's wrong?"
"Satoru… I might be transferring schools."
Satoru raised an eyebrow. "To Jujutsu High?"
Yuji blinked. "Huh? How did you know?"
"It would be strange if I didn't know."
Satoru sighed. "You said yesterday you were going to find Gojo Satoru for advice on Cursed Techniques. It hasn't even been a day, and now you're transferring. Isn't it obvious?"
Of course, there was something Satoru didn't mention.
Sukuna's Finger was a Special Grade Cursed Object that every Jujutsu Sorcerer faction fixated on.
Yuji eating that thing and surviving—no matter how—was bound to draw attention.
Now that he'd awakened a Cursed Technique similar to Sukuna's, the Jujutsu world reacting swiftly was only natural.
"Hey, Satoru… do you think I should accept Gojo-sensei's invitation?"
Yuji looked uneasy. "I mean, if it's just training Cursed Techniques, do I really need to transfer schools?"
"I agree."
Satoru nodded. "In terms of diplomas, our school's graduation certificate is way more valuable than Jujutsu High's."
Yuji sweatdropped. "Uh… that got really realistic, really fast."
"Of course. You're still a normal guy who'll need to find a job later."
Satoru reached into his bag, pulling out two crimson flyers and handing them over solemnly.
"As Nanami once said—'Being a Jujutsu Sorcerer is shit.' For the sake of your future quality of life, it's best to have a backup plan."
"Report! I don't understand!" Yuji raised his hand like a confused student.
"I mean," Satoru explained dryly, "go to the Student Council, apply as an exchange student, and come back when you've learned enough."
Yuji blinked. "O.o? Wait… can I actually do that?"
---
"No problem. This isn't difficult."
Within minutes, Sona Sitri stamped the document and handed the certificate to Yuji with her usual calm smile.
She had a good impression of him—capable, kind, and always willing to help others.
For such a model student, processing an exchange request was barely a chore.
"I'll contact Jujutsu High myself," Sona said. "If you ever find it unsuitable, you can return anytime."
"Thank you, President!"
Yuji grinned, waved goodbye to both of them, and ran off energetically.
After watching him leave, Sona turned to Satoru, her violet eyes narrowing slightly.
"His Cursed Technique awakening—you're behind it, aren't you?"
"Huh? How did you guess?"
"Yesterday's commotion from your club was so big that even Rias was forced to report it," she replied, pushing her glasses up.
"We grew up together. I know how she handles things."
Sona had also learned about Satoru's new ability through that conversation.
"Your ability is powerful," she said calmly, "but it'll attract trouble. Until you're strong enough to handle the consequences, you should use it sparingly."
"Thank you for your concern," Satoru replied sincerely—then casually opened his entry warehouse and drew out a white card.
"Do you want me to activate your potential?"
Sona froze, then coughed lightly. "…Then, I'll trouble you."
---
[Sona Sitri]
Race: Devil
Strength: Level 3
Entries:
Manager (White) — Slightly increases management ability.
Pure-Blooded Devil (Purple) — Grants high natural affinity with demonic energy.
Water Element Affinity (Purple) — Greatly enhances control over water-based magic.
Overclocked Thinking (Red) — Forces calm focus in tense situations; drastically boosts cognitive speed, inducing "bullet time."
Unwavering Determination (Red) — Greatly strengthens willpower; when pursuing goals, cultivation speed +300%, mana recovery +100%, charm +100%.
As the sister of a Devil King, Sona's entries were naturally luxurious—two purple, two red.
After Satoru activated her potential, her magic surged like a rising tide.
Water currents swirled gently around her form, shimmering in midair.
"Although Rias explained the effect yesterday," Sona said quietly, controlling her new energy, "experiencing it firsthand is far beyond what I imagined."
She turned to him. "Thank you, Satoru. This will strengthen my standing in the Underworld's political side."
"It's fine. Consider it tuition."
Satoru smirked, glancing at the curious faces of the Student Council members who'd been watching nearby.
"Do they want to activate their potential too?"
"Hmm?"
Sona gave him a suspicious look. "You seem very proactive. Does this ability benefit you somehow?"
"Not really," Satoru replied smoothly. "I just don't have any good sparring partners lately, so I figured I'd… create some."
Sona didn't completely believe that, but she didn't refuse either. After all, she benefited the most.
"Everyone," she called out, "cultivate well. Spar with Satoru when you can."
"Don't worry, Satoru-kun," said Shinra Tsubaki, the Vice President, retracting her spirit mirror. "We won't disappoint you."
Even if you tried, you couldn't.
Satoru smiled faintly. I'll personally make sure every one of you explodes with entries later.
Returning to Sona's side, he asked casually, "Anything else?"
"It's time for class," Sona replied.
"…Ah." She blinked—then stiffened.
She'd almost forgotten Rias's request from yesterday.
"Do this set of questions."
She handed Satoru a thick stack of test papers. "I need to understand your level first."
---
The next hour flew by.
Thanks to his earlier "favor," Sona was unusually patient and thorough in her teaching.
By the end of the lunch break, she even suggested giving him extra evening lessons.
Satoru, of course, refused.
If she were teaching advanced magic, maybe—but for theoretical coursework? Enough was enough.
After his afternoon classes, Satoru didn't go to the Occult Research Club.
He'd taken the evening off to interview a potential maid.
Before heading home, though, he stopped by the classroom next door.
---
"Satoru? What's up?"
Issei Hyoudou looked up with his usual dopey grin. "You want to spar again?"
"Not this time."
Satoru shook his head. "I'm offering you a chance to become stronger."
"Uh… sorry, not interested in working out or anything like that. I don't have time."
Satoru gave him a look. "Don't have time? You spend every afternoon playing games or reading those novels."
But before he could launch into his lecture, Issei suddenly puffed his chest and smiled smugly.
"Satoru, that's just a stereotype!" he declared proudly.
"To be honest, I recently got a new girlfriend—and every day's been very fulfilling!"
"…Amano Yuma?" Satoru asked flatly.
The smugness on Issei's face froze midair.