[Cursed Spirit Manipulation]
This is the innate technique unique to Suguru Geto, allowing him to absorb Cursed Spirits to use as familiars.
By absorbing subjugated curses, he can control them freely. No medium is required; he can activate techniques using the cursed energy of the spirits themselves, and the number of spirits he can store is limitless.
Maximum capture grade: Special Grade.
Suguru Geto's technique is no secret within the Jujutsu Association. Furthermore, given that he was associated with a friend of Teacher Yaga, he had shown little hesitation in exposing the mechanics of his ability to Kenmyo Isayama. In fact, sorcerers often choose to reveal their techniques during battle as a "Binding Vow" to boost the effectiveness of their abilities.
However, upon hearing the details, Kenmyo's first instinct was a chill of lingering fear—for a split second, he even felt a surge of killing intent toward this smiling teenager.
What was Kenmyo's greatest vulnerability right now? It was undoubtedly his sister, locked in the basement, who had already transformed into a "Cursed Spirit."
Geto's technique was effectively the natural predator of all curses. If there was a difference of two or more grades between him and the spirit, he could skip the subjugation process and absorb them unconditionally. Once eaten, they became his mindless puppets. What kind of "NTR" technique was this?
It was the ultimate enemy of "Pure Love."
If his sister were ever absorbed by Geto, there was no doubt that even without the emotion of "Rage," Kenmyo would instigate something truly horrific.
Of course, Kenmyo would never allow that to happen. But the techniques of sorcerers were bizarre and varied; there was no guarantee that others with abilities similar to Geto's didn't exist. He made a mental note to never underestimate these sorcerers again.
Still... the guy really is a pitiable soul.
Kenmyo had asked what a Cursed Spirit tasted like. The guy actually answered: "Like swallowing a rag used to wipe up vomit."
Kenmyo couldn't quite picture the taste, but it sounded revolting. In a way, he could empathize. During his first D-Rank simulation as a "Battle-Hardened Hound," he had bitten into all sorts of strange things. The worst was the Bloodletter of Khorne; its blood tasted like the juice from a rotten can of bonito—fishy, foul-smelling, and so spicy that his tongue wanted to crawl out of his mouth the moment it touched it.
Kenmyo had bitten eighteen of those disgusting things, not to mention other units of Khorne's Chaos Legions. After that simulation ended, he had bolted to the bathroom to scrub his mouth raw.
Yet Suguru Geto, if one were to guess, had likely been devouring Cursed Spirits ever since he mastered his technique. That level of willpower was staggering; it wasn't something an ordinary person could match. It was the equivalent of being told you could become stronger by eating literal filth, and then actually sitting down to feast on it day after day.
The cursed energy Geto had just unleashed was more powerful than any sorcerer Kenmyo knew. Even Mr. Sukibi, the former "face" of the Jujutsu Association, wouldn't have been this formidable even if he used his technique to return to his prime.
Kenmyo couldn't help but wonder just how many Cursed Spirits (or "filth") Geto had consumed to obtain such terrifying cursed energy at such a young age. The guy had the talent, but he was also working harder than anyone else. It was impossible to find a reason to dislike someone like that.
Propping his head on his hand, Kenmyo looked at Geto, who was sitting beside him and carefully inspecting the plate in front of him. Kenmyo thought to himself helplessly.
Earlier, seeing Geto's miserable expression, Kenmyo had felt a pang of pity. Realizing this guy lived on a "diet" of vomit-flavored rags, he figured the kid probably hadn't eaten anything decent in ages. Since Kenmyo was getting hungry himself, he had made a suggestion.
"Let's call it a night. Good work. Let's go get something to eat to reward ourselves."
"What do you say?"
Besides, Kenmyo had just "rightfully" taken 100,000 yen from Geto; he could certainly afford to buy the guy a meal. Of course, "midnight snack" was only half the goal. Kenmyo had a selfish curiosity: was an ability as "bugged" as Cursed Spirit Manipulation truly without a weakness?
And so, Geto found himself led by this "semi-stranger" to a small shop, less than ten square meters in size. There were only four seats at the bar, though extra stools could be added.
Despite its size, the menu was extensive. The cramped space made the aroma of food even more fragrant. There was only one chef—the owner—and Kenmyo and Geto could watch their meal being prepared right before their eyes.
Since it was late, they were the only two customers in this "Midnight Diner."
In front of Suguru Geto sat a small dish with two slices of thinly cut, seared pork belly. The meat, grilled to a golden brown using a special technique, emitted a mouth-watering aroma. A thick, secret red sauce was drizzled over the pork, creating a perfect, delicate dish.
A few seasonal vegetables served as a garnish. Even Geto, who usually disliked greasy food late at night, felt his appetite stir. He swallowed hard, carefully picked up a slice of pork belly, and popped it into his mouth.
"It's delicious!"
As the rich juices exploded in his mouth, Geto's narrow eyes widened. An indescribable flavor stimulated his nerves—a high-impact taste that brought a sense of satisfaction throughout his body.
"Geto, it's even better if you pair it with the side dish to cut the grease."
Kenmyo was clearly a regular here; the shop had been open since he was a child.
"It's rare to see you bring a friend here."
The owner was an old man over seventy, but he remained energetic. To be able to stay open so late at his age was impressive.
"Ever since... well, you haven't been here in a long time."
The old man brought out their orders on a tray. He trailed off, clearly knowing the news that Kenmyo's sister, Sakura Isayama, had passed away. Such a pity, she was such a polite girl.
"Sorry, Grandpa Yukimura," Kenmyo said as he took the tray. "I've been too busy lately. I'll definitely come by more often from now on."
The old man sighed in relief, seeing that Kenmyo seemed to have moved past the grief of losing his sister.
"Hahaha! Well, to make sure you can always get a hot meal, this old bag of bones will have to work even harder!"
After a bit of small talk, the old man rubbed his back and stepped away from the counter.
"Alright, I won't disturb you two any longer."
He was headed to his home next door to sleep. After all, at his age, he couldn't pull all-nighters like a youngster.
"Just leave the dishes there when you're done; I'll clean up in the morning."
As the old-fashioned door closed, only Kenmyo Isayama and Suguru Geto remained in the shop.