After the council meeting adjourned, the so-called higher-ups of the Headquarters remained behind for a secret gathering.
"The current situation is highly unstable. What are your thoughts on this, everyone?"
"Isn't it fine? We have a Cursed Spirit to counter Satoru Gojo now. He won't be able to act so lawlessly anymore."
"Careful with your words. Gojo is still human; he's on our side."
"Exactly. If Gojo loses and a Cursed Spirit ends up ruling over us, wouldn't that be worse?"
"According to reliable intelligence, this 'Cursed Spirit of the Heaven' seems like someone we can win over."
"Forget it. Every Cursed Spirit harbors a deep-seated hatred for humanity. After all, they are born from human despair and fear."
"I agree. Cursed Spirits cannot be trusted. Those who are not of our kind will surely have different hearts!"
"Agreed. However, using it is acceptable. With the intellect of a Cursed Spirit, we should be able to play it like a fiddle."
"Be careful not to play with fire and get burned!"
"I think it's worth a try. Send someone to contact him secretly. If it doesn't work, abandon the idea immediately."
"Acceptable."
"Fine, then."
"So, after all that talk, the best outcome is for the two of them to kill each other."
"Are you suggesting..."
"There are many other restless forces in the world. Why not take this opportunity for a grand sweep?"
"A battle that gathers all forces to decide the fate of humanity? I like that script. Of course, the ending must feature us appearing at the very last moment to restore order."
"Hahaha! Saving humanity. That is indeed our role."
"Then let's proceed accordingly."
"Agreed."
"In favor."
…
While the outside world was being stirred into a storm by Aomori, he was hiding within the Zenin household, digesting the skills he had learned from Megumi Fushiguro and the others.
The three of them had been left in that underground cavern along with Mahito, guarded by Darkrai.
A few days later, in the early morning, Aomori felt he had finished his assimilation and could confidently face Satoru Gojo. He summoned Naoya Zenin.
"Aosora-sama, you summoned me?" Naoya Zenin was as respectful as ever.
In his spare time, Aomori had occasionally given him a few pointers, which had benefited him immensely. His admiration for Aomori flowed as ceaselessly as Satoru Gojo's Cursed Energy.
"Naoya, did you find the place I asked for?"
"I did. I was just about to show it to you." Naoya Zenin handed him a piece of paper.
Aomori glanced at it, nodded, and said, "Very well. I'm heading to Kyoto now. I might not return."
"Not return?" Naoya's heart skipped a beat. He hurriedly asked, "Aosora-sama, why? Did I do something wrong?"
Aomori shook his head, stepped forward, and patted him on the shoulder, leaving a cluster of Holy Light within his body.
"This is...?" Naoya Zenin only felt a warmth within him, as if he were soaking in a hot spring.
"It will save you from death three times in the event of a fatal injury. Consider it a reward for your service during this time."
"Aosora-sama, I don't want these! I only ask to serve by your side forever!" Naoya Zenin knelt directly, tears and snot streaming down his face.
Surviving three fatal injuries was good, but it was miles away from his ultimate goal. He wasn't about to let go of such a powerful "thigh" to cling to so easily.
Aomori looked at him with a half-smile. "If you want to serve me, wait until after you die."
"Huh? After I die?"
Naoya Zenin was confused at first, but he soon thought of something. Suppressing his pounding heart, he asked tentatively, "Aosora-sama, when will you become the deity worshipped by us humans?"
"Heh," Aomori said with high spirits. "Today!"
…
Two hours later, at the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, Aomori appeared, now dressed in black robes.
This time, he did not hide his tracks. He proclaimed directly to the world:
"Foolish humans! My name is Aosora. Today, I shall ascend to the throne of a Heavenly God. Do you desire a deity's blessing? If you want it, I shall give it. Come here and show me your strength! Those who pass my trial shall obtain everything!"
These words were broadcast through various channels to the entire world. Everyone with the aptitude for Cursed Energy saw Aomori's majestic figure. Countless powerful individuals flocked to the site, triggering a magnificent wave of a new era, later known in history as the "Great Cursed Spirit Era"!
…
Seven hours after the God's Proclamation.
"Hey, Onee-chan! Over here!"
At the Kyoto Kamigyo Station, Mai saw her sister, Maki, from whom she had recently separated, and waved frantically.
"Mai!" Maki led two others to Mai's side.
Aside from Maki, Yuta Okkotsu and Nobara Kugisaki also stepped off the train.
"Okkotsu-kun is here too. That's great."
When it came to Nobara Kugisaki, Mai curled her lip in disdain. "Why did a first-year rookie come? Isn't that just dragging us down? Wouldn't it be better to send Toge instead?"
The blatant discrimination made the veins on Nobara's forehead throb. She couldn't help but roar, "So what if I'm a first-year? Am I eating your rice?!"
"Sorry, Toge and Panda need to stay in Tokyo to guard the school with the Principal and prevent Cursed Spirits or curse users from causing trouble," Yuta Okkotsu said with a smile. "Nobara is working very hard; she won't drag us down."
"Okkotsu-kun, you're just too kind. That's why some people shamelessly and comfortably enjoy your protection."
"You talkative old lady! You're all talk. You want to go right now?!"
"Hmph. Have you forgotten who eliminated you during the Exchange Event?"
"Curse you!"
"Alright, alright. Can you two just stop?" Maki felt a headache coming on. "What's the situation now? We don't have time for bickering. Let's get to the shrine!"
"Yes, Onee-chan!"
The four of them boarded a private car and headed toward their destination, the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine.
In the car, Maki asked, "How are things looking?"
"It's a mess," Mai replied. "We evacuated the crowds immediately and cordoned off the area. But the perimeter is too large, and our lockdown isn't airtight. People or Cursed Spirits break in from time to time."
"Cursed Spirits? They're going there on their own?"
"Yes! It seems like there's something inside attracting them, or they're being commanded by other Cursed Spirits. Anyway, they're hitting our cordon constantly. Their numbers are comparable to last year's 'Night Parade of a Hundred Demons'."
"That's terrible," Yuta Okkotsu said gravely. As the protagonist of the "Night Parade" incident, he had a deep impression of its scale.
"Tell me about it. We're severely shorthanded."
"Any news on Itadori or Fushiguro?" Nobara Kugisaki asked.
Mai glanced at her and spoke honestly. "Before the Curtain dropped, someone saw two people wearing Jujutsu High uniforms. I suspect it was them."
"Good." Nobara slammed a fist into her palm. "After I save them, I'm making them go shopping with me in Kyoto ten times!"
"Deal. If they refuse, I'll make them," Maki said with a smile.
"Thanks, Maki-san!"
A few minutes later, the car came to a halt.
"Already? I thought there was still some distance to go."
"There is. If you mean the shrine gates, it's still nearly two kilometers away. But we can't go any further. We have to get out here. You'll see why once you step out."
"..."
Upon exiting the car, the three were immediately stunned by the sight before them.
A massive black barrier that seemed to stretch endlessly stood before them.
"It's huge! This Curtain is way too big," Nobara said, gesturing with her hands. "A Curtain with a radius of nearly two kilometers?"
"With the main hall as the center, the specific radius is 2,500 meters."
"A Curtain this size must be the work of that 'god.' Breaking it from the outside is likely impossible."
"Correct," Mai nodded. "Unless the god is defeated, no one can break this Curtain."
"What are its effects?" Yuta Okkotsu asked.
"Ordinary people can enter and leave as they please. Jujutsu sorcerers and Cursed Spirits are allowed in but cannot leave. Also, there are no electronic signals inside. However, very few ordinary people who go in ever come back out."
"Because it's crawling with Cursed Spirits."
"Let's go. Many people are waiting."
Passing by several people in suit uniforms, Mai led them into a tent where they saw many familiar faces.
"Kento Nanami-san, Mei Mei-san, Takuma Ino-san, and everyone from Kyoto High, good afternoon." Yuta Okkotsu greeted everyone.
"Okkotsu-kun, you're finally here. Having a Special Grade Sorcerer with us makes us feel a bit more confident," Kento Nanami said in a stiff tone.
"What's up with him? That uncle seems to have a bit of a temper," Nobara whispered to Maki.
"It's probably because it's almost time to clock out," Maki replied, having heard of this Grade 1 sorcerer's quirks. "He hates overtime."
"Ah, a kindred spirit!" Nobara gave a silent thumbs-up.
"Not at all. I've only been a sorcerer for a year. I lack experience and still need guidance from my seniors."
"No, Okkotsu-kun. I'm not being polite; I'm being honest. The upcoming operation will center around you," Kento Nanami said seriously.
"Indeed. Sorcerers are never measured by age, but by strength. Don't be so humble," Mei Mei added.
"Well... alright then." Yuta Okkotsu nodded slowly. After looking around, he asked, "Where is Gojo-sensei?"
"'He really chose a good spot. If I don't do a good job, the Gojo family will nag me to death when I get back.' After saying that, Gojo-senpai went in by himself," the Grade 2 sorcerer Takuma Ino replied.
"Oh, I think Gojo-sensei mentioned that both he and I are descendants of Sugawara no Michizane. No wonder he said that."
[Note: The main deity enshrined at Kitano Tenmangu is the God of Learning, Sugawara no Michizane.]
"He's been in there for almost two hours. Like the others, there's been no word from him."
"Others went in too?"
"Yes, sorcerers under the Headquarters's high command. Two teams of six in total. Two Grade 1 sorcerers and four Grade 2 sorcerers."
"It seems things aren't so simple inside," Yuta Okkotsu mused. "Is there no other useful intel?"
Everyone shook their heads.
This was tricky.
Yuta Okkotsu was caught in a dilemma. The inside of the Curtain was undoubtedly dangerous, but since Itadori and the others were inside, they had to go in to save them. If possible, he wanted to go in alone.
Gojo-sensei probably thought the same thing. He finally began to understand Satoru Gojo's perspective.
"We'll also split into two teams of six to enter the Curtain. The rest will continue the lockdown and exorcise the Cursed Spirits out here," Yuta Okkotsu made his choice.
"I'm going!"
"Me too!"
Nobara Kugisaki and Aoi Todo were the first to volunteer.
Then Kento Nanami, Takuma Ino, and Maki also raised their hands.
"Onee-chan, if you're going, I'm going too!" Mai said. She knew how terrifying the god was. If possible, she never wanted to see him again, but if her sister was going, she had to go too, because they had promised not to be apart.
Yuta Okkotsu shook his head. "Maki and Mai, you two stay here."
Looking at the fear and pleading in her sister's eyes as she clung to her, Maki hesitated. Finally, she sighed. "Fine. I'll stay here and exorcise the Cursed Spirits."
"Ino, you stay too," Kento Nanami said.
"Eh? Why?"
"You're too weak. Train a bit longer."
"That's harsh, Nanami-senpai!" Takuma Ino, wearing his knit cap, felt wounded.
"I'll go as well," Noritoshi Kamo raised his hand.
"Me, Todo-senpai, Nanami-senpai, Kamo-senpai, and Okkotsu-senpai... we're still missing one," Nobara said, counting on her fingers.
Ultimate Mechamaru would be more effective outside the Curtain; otherwise, he would have been a good choice. The others weren't quite strong enough.
Yuta Okkotsu began to hesitate again.
Maybe Mei Mei-san? Just pay her enough?
Just as he was about to make an offer, the venerable Principal Gakuganji spoke up. "Then let this old man step forward."
"Principal Gakuganji? You should stay here to oversee things."
"No, having Mei Mei here is enough." Principal Gakuganji opened his hazy eyes and said half-seriously, "At my age, being able to catch a glimpse of that god before I kick the bucket... it would make this life worthwhile."
Seeing the old Principal's mind was made up, the group could only agree.
Thus, Yuta Okkotsu took Principal Gakuganji and Nobara Kugisaki, while Kento Nanami took Aoi Todo and Noritoshi Kamo. They split into two teams and entered the Veil from different directions.
"Nobara, good luck!" Maki handed her cursed tool to Nobara. "Take this. It might help you in a pinch."
"Thanks, Maki-san. I will."
"Yuta, you too."
"Got it. Wait for our good news."
Yuta Okkotsu waved to the group and was the first to step into the barrier, with the others following close behind.
"Everyone, please come back safely!" Kasumi Miwa couldn't help but shout as she watched them vanish one by one.
"Don't worry. Sorcerers don't die that easily." Mei Mei patted her shoulder to comfort her. "We have our own work to do. From now on, try not to let a single Cursed Spirit pass through here."
"Yes!"
Before they entered, "Suguru Geto," Jogo's trio of Cursed Spirits, and many other spirits, sorcerers, and curse users had already entered the barrier. What awaited them would be an unprecedented, massive free-for-all.
As the head director, Aomori sat on a high chair in front of the main hall, quietly waiting for the challengers to arrive.
"Who will be the first? Surely it won't be Satoru Gojo again?"
————
Want to read ahead of schedule? Head over to my p-atre-on: p-atre-on.c-om/Overgod [Just remove the hyphen to access normally]