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Chapter 49 - Join or Not Join?

Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the blinds, casting streaks of light on the table.

Kiyotaka waited for their response.

"Kasumigaoka-san's question is very crucial." Kiyotaka's tone was cautious, trying to choose gentle but clear wording.

"First, please understand that our primary principle is to maintain stability and protect the vast majority of uninformed ordinary people. Therefore, for those who unexpectedly awaken Cursed Energy, we would never resort to means like 'memory erasure,' which only exists in science fiction and carries huge risks and ethical issues."

He paused briefly to let the three digest this information, then continued, "If you choose to refuse, and subsequent monitoring indicates that you can completely control your own Cursed Energy and have no impact on society—living a normal life like the millions of 'unseeing' ordinary people—then, while we will maintain a distant, minimal level of attention, we will in principle not actively disturb you."

Kiyotaka's tone shifted, becoming serious. "However, this comes with a prerequisite. If the following situations occur, Jujutsu High will have to take necessary measures."

"First, you cannot control your power, leading to Cursed Energy leakage that causes riots or injury incidents."

"Second, we monitor you actively using Cursed Energy for illegal or criminal activities."

"Or... third, there are clear signs that you are in contact with Curse User groups and are inclined to use their power."

He particularly emphasized the term "Curse User," his gaze sweeping over the three.

"At that point, the one coming to contact you won't be an Assistant Supervisor like me, but a professional Jujutsu Sorcerer responsible for dealing with such incidents. The measures will also change from guidance to control or even exorcism. This is not a threat, but a duty we must fulfill and a rule that exists."

These words were blunt enough that the air in the room seemed to thicken.

Eriri subconsciously gulped, and Megumi's hands crossed over her knees tightened slightly.

Utaha frowned slightly. She could feel Sukuna letting out an almost inaudible sneer within her, clearly disdainful of this "official rhetoric."

"Of course." Kiyotaka immediately softened his tone, forcing a reassuring smile onto his face.

"This is the worst-case scenario, one that none of us wish to see. My visit today is to issue an invitation with the utmost sincerity. Tokyo Jujutsu High can provide you with a systematic education to help you safely master this power."

To increase his persuasiveness, he began to introduce specific benefits, "It is a boarding school. Room and board are completely free, and we also provide free custom-fitted uniforms and necessary equipment for every student. Within the school, you can systematically study Cursed Energy control, Cursed Technique development, Cursed Spirit common knowledge, Barrier Technique basics, and more."

"After graduation, not only will you obtain a state-recognized degree, but you can also choose to become a professional Jujutsu Sorcerer, earning generous rewards by completing missions assigned by 'Window' (the monitoring department)."

"Even if you don't want to engage in frontline combat work in the future, the school can provide other related clerical or research positions, or assist you in integrating into ordinary society."

"It sounds... a bit like a vocational training school?" Eriri blinked, trying to understand using concepts she was familiar with.

"You could understand it that way, Sawamura-san." Kiyotaka nodded.

"But it trains professional personnel to handle the specific disaster known as Curses. Furthermore, Jujutsu High is a community. You will meet many peers like yourselves, so you won't have to hide your secrets alone anymore and can communicate with and support each other."

At this point, Megumi raised a very practical question, "Ijichi-san, if we agree to enroll, do we need to transfer there immediately? What about Toyogasaki Academy, where we are currently studying?"

Kiyotaka explained, "No need to worry about that. In the records of ordinary society, Jujutsu High is a special religious research institution. We can coordinate the affiliation of your student records or special transfer procedures, so it won't affect your academic records at your original school. In fact, many Jujutsu Sorcerers have other public identities in secular society as cover."

Utaha, who had been silent, was undergoing a fierce internal conflict.

(Sukuna-san, what do you think?)

(Hmph, just an official cage. Easy to get in, hard to get out. Rules and regulations, assigned missions—where is the freedom compared to exploring on one's own? However...)

(However what?)

(That place indeed gathers the sprouts with some talent of this era. There are some people I'm interested in, and that Gojo Satoru fellow is there. Perhaps... it might be a bit interesting? I might even get to see more of those so-called 'strong' ones.)

(So your suggestion is?)

(Suit yourself, little girl. But remember, you are my vessel in the end. Don't actually let yourself be tamed by those pedantic dogmas. There's no harm in going to take a look. If you find it boring, I have my own ways to take you away.)

Sukuna's attitude was ambiguous, but he didn't seem strongly opposed.

Utaha knew that this was indeed an important opportunity to systematically understand the Jujutsu World and gain resources and protection, especially for the three of them who were currently isolated and weak.

Kiyotaka saw their hesitation and said at the right time, "I understand this is a major decision and doesn't require an immediate reply. I can give you a few days to consider. Here is my contact information."

He took out three simple business cards with only his name and phone number and handed them to the three.

"No matter what the final decision is, please be sure to give me an answer within three days. Also, for safety reasons, please be sure to keep the contents of today's conversation confidential."

He stood up and bowed slightly. "Then, I won't disturb you any longer. I look forward to your replies. Regardless of the outcome, please be sure to use your power with caution."

After saying that, he turned and left the private room.

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