The ancient corridors eventually came to an end.
Ahead stood the entrance to Tengen's chambers.
The barriers parted.
One after another.
Recognizing those who entered.
Yuji looked around quietly.
"…It's even stranger than I remember."
Megumi nodded.
"…Everything feels... old."
The group stepped inside.
The vast chamber was silent.
Ancient.
Timeless.
At its center sat Tengen.
Watching the newcomers calmly.
Their gaze slowly swept across the group.
Yuji.
Megumi.
Hana.
Two Higurumas.
Younger Sukuna.
Then...
Takeru.
"…You've arrived."
Takeru didn't waste any time.
He stepped forward.
"I need the back of the Prison Realm."
Silence filled the chamber.
Tengen looked at him for several long moments.
"…You know what you're asking for."
Takeru nodded once.
"I do."
Another pause.
Then, with visible hesitation, Tengen raised a hand.
A small black object appeared.
The back of the Prison Realm.
"…Very well."
Tengen extended it toward Takeru.
"Use it wisely."
Takeru accepted it carefully.
Turned toward Hana.
"Hana."
She stepped forward.
Already understanding.
"…Jacob's Ladder?"
Takeru nodded.
"Exactly."
Hana closed her eyes.
Golden light began gathering around her.
Brilliant.
Warm.
Holy.
She raised her hand.
"Jacob's Ladder."
A massive pillar of radiant light descended upon the back of the Prison Realm.
The chamber trembled.
The seals covering it began breaking apart.
One after another.
CRACK.
CRACK.
SHATTER.
The Prison Realm split open.
A wave of cursed energy burst outward.
Wind rushed through the chamber.
Then—
two figures emerged.
One wore a modern black blindfold.
The other looked younger.
Both possessed unmistakable white hair.
An overwhelming presence.
Older Gojo.
And younger Gojo.
Silence.
Yuji smiled immediately.
"…They're back."
Megumi let out a quiet breath.
"…We actually did it."
Older Gojo stretched his arms.
"…Freedom."
He looked around the room.
Then directly at Takeru.
A grin spread across his face.
"…Took you long enough."
Younger Gojo blinked.
Looking around in complete confusion.
"…Why…"
He pointed toward the older version.
"…Do I look older?"
Older Gojo laughed.
"…Because you are."
Younger Gojo frowned.
"…That sentence annoys me."
Takeru folded his arms with a satisfied smile.
"Welcome back, Senseis."
For the first time since entering the chamber—
the mood finally lightened.
The strongest had returned.
Both of them.