CHAPTER 183 – THE YOUTH DIVISION BEGINS
The number of sorcerers in the jujutsu world simply couldn't compare to that of the Simuria Starfolk.
As a result, both sides were limited to a relatively small number of participants in this exchange.
If the number of competitors were increased, the advantage would tilt even further in the Simurians' favor.
After all, the Simuria Starfolk still had many powerful young warriors in reserve—
while the jujutsu world could no longer produce additional young fighters of comparable strength.
"Don't put too much pressure on yourselves," Yuji Itadori said calmly.
"The youth division is different from the adult matches. It's not judged purely on combat strength."
"As you know, the exchange will take place in Tokyo Jujutsu High's dedicated competition zone.
Inside the field, we've placed a large number of cursed spirits."
"There are fifty Grade 2 and lower cursed spirits—each one exorcised earns one point."
"There are ten Grade 1 cursed spirits—each one is worth five points."
"Given the scale of this exchange," Yuji continued,
"we've also sealed two Special Grade cursed spirits inside the battlefield."
"Whichever team exorcises a Special Grade will earn fifty points."
"All together, the battlefield contains a total of two hundred points."
"Once all the cursed spirits have been exorcised, the team with the higher total score wins the match—and earns one major point."
As he led everyone toward the waiting room near the battlefield, Yuji explained the rules in detail.
Hearing this, Zen'in Kaon raised a question.
"What does one major point mean?"
Yuji nodded and clarified,
"After discussions between the jujutsu higher-ups and the Simuria leadership, it was decided that the winner of the youth division earns one point toward the overall exchange score."
"Tomorrow, during the adult division, each individual match victory will also be worth one point."
"After all ten adult matches conclude, whichever side has the higher total score will be declared the overall winner of this exchange."
"So," Yuji added with a reassuring smile,
"don't feel like everything rests on your shoulders. Even if we lose the youth division, we're only down one point."
"Of course," he said lightly,
"if you win… that's one extra point in our favor."
Since this matter concerned the fate of the entire Earth, the jujutsu world naturally couldn't place all the responsibility on the younger generation alone.
In the end, the decisive factor would most likely be the outcome of the adult division.
"So we're only worth one point?"
Kasumi Zetsu's expression immediately relaxed.
"That's a relief."
At least this way—even if he lost—he wouldn't feel too guilty about it.
"Even if it's only one point, I still think we should fight for it," Ria said quickly.
"Let me tell you something quietly—tomorrow, in the adult division, the Simuria Starfolk will be sending out only their top warriors."
"In Simuria terms, their top warriors are equivalent to Special Grade sorcerers on Earth."
She spoke with urgency.
"And my sister will be participating as well. She's the strongest warrior among the Simuria Starfolk—she's incredibly powerful."
"Ten Special Grades?"
Everyone was visibly shaken.
The youth division already had three opponents at Special Grade level—
and now the adult division had ten?
The disparity was terrifying.
"Ten…?"
Even Yuji frowned.
It seemed they had still underestimated the Simuria Starfolk's strength.
After all, the entire jujutsu world currently had only four officially recognized Special Grade sorcerers—
and Gojo Satoru wouldn't be participating in this exchange.
As the host representative of Earth's jujutsu world, Gojo stepping onto the battlefield himself would be inappropriate—
just as the Simurians wouldn't send out their leader or Grand Priest.
"Other things don't matter right now," Yuta Okkotsu suddenly said.
"What matters is winning the youth division."
"We still have time before the match starts. Let's come up with a plan."
"If we can secure this one point, it'll ease the pressure for tomorrow."
"That's right," the others agreed.
"Let's get this point first."
After escorting them to the waiting room, Yuji Itadori turned to leave, adding a final reminder:
"The Simuria team is waiting at another staging area. Once the match begins, both sides will enter the battlefield through separate entrances."
"The cursed spirits are randomly distributed throughout the forest. The stronger they are, the deeper they'll be located."
With that, Yuji returned to Tokyo Jujutsu High and entered a massive conference hall—
a theater-like room already packed with people.
On the left sat over a hundred Earth sorcerers.
On the right, a similar number of Simuria Starfolk.
Tomorrow's adult division would be held at a different venue, likely drawing even more Simurian spectators.
At the front of the room was a massive screen displaying multiple live feeds—
monitoring every corner of the battlefield.
Yuji walked up beside Gojo Satoru and whispered a few words.
Gojo then turned toward Dex and Leo, smiling faintly.
"It's about time. If there are no objections, we can begin."
Dex returned the smile.
"Our participants are ready. We can start at any moment."
He genuinely supported the exchange.
Opportunities for peaceful interaction between two different species were rare.
This could allow more humans to understand the Simuria Starfolk—and perhaps promote coexistence.
At the same time, it would allow Simurians to better understand Earth.
The match would be live-streamed directly to the Simurian flagship, allowing every member of their race to watch.
In fact, deep down, Dex even hoped that Earth would win.
Though the Simuria Starfolk carried a strong warrior instinct, they also respected strength.
If humanity demonstrated sufficient power, peaceful coexistence might become far more achievable.
Perhaps even the Grand Priest's hostility would waver.
Of course, those were only Dex's thoughts.
What Leo truly planned—or believed—remained unknown.
Seeing that both sides were ready, Gojo turned to Utahime nearby and nodded.
"Begin."
Utahime raised the microphone and spoke clearly toward the screen.
"All participants, please enter the battlefield."
"The Simuria Starfolk and Earth Jujutsu Exchange—now begins."
Her voice echoed through the battlefield's sound system, reaching every competitor.
"Friendship comes first, competition second. Please prioritize safety."
"This is a friendly exchange—killing opponents is strictly forbidden."
"The match will end once the final cursed spirit is exorcised, or when all participants are no longer able to fight."
As the rules were announced, the participants had already entered the battlefield.
Their figures appeared one by one on the massive screen.
Each competitor was assigned an individual live feed—
ensuring fairness, transparency, and rapid response in case of emergencies.
The broadcast itself was sponsored—
courtesy of Mei Mei, who had naturally charged a handsome fee.