In addition to physical training, Tokiya Shingen practiced his technique every day.
Over the years, he had developed solid mastery over its normal usage. Under Gojo Satoru's guidance, he had also begun to grasp the concept of Technique Reversal.
If Wheel of Time: Forward accelerated the time of a target—
Then its reversal—
Wheel of Time: Reverse—
Was exactly what it sounded like:
Time reversal.
A sorcerer's cursed energy originates from negative emotions.
If this energy is treated as negative—
Then multiplying cursed energy with itself—
Like a negative times a negative—
Produces positive energy.
This stable positive energy could heal the human body.
However, its application varied from person to person—and it was extremely rare.
At present, the most proficient user of reversed cursed technique was the Tokyo Jujutsu High doctor:
Shoko Ieiri
If this "positive energy" was infused into an innate technique—
It would trigger Technique Reversal.
Gojo Satoru naturally possessed this ability—
Though he could only heal himself.
Shingen, meanwhile, was highly invested in mastering it.
As a veteran gamer—
He understood exactly how important healing abilities were.
He had successfully generated positive cursed energy—
But due to lack of proficiency, he couldn't sustain it for long.
Restoring severed limbs or internal organs was still far beyond him.
Even so—
It was enough.
It allowed him to partially activate Technique Reversal.
Though brief—
It was sufficient to integrate into his technique.
He was still refining it.
His control wasn't yet perfect.
And depending on usage—
The cursed energy cost ranged from moderate to extremely high.
At its peak—
It consumed far more than standard forward application.
At his current level—
He could partially balance Forward and Reverse.
The result?
When accelerating himself—
He no longer had to worry as much about physical strain.
This state—
Was called:
"Timeless."
A state where speed became so extreme—
That time itself lost meaning.
Of course—
He could only barely achieve it at full power.
(And the name?)
That was Gojo's idea.
Shingen had originally come up with something much longer—
But Gojo loudly rejected it.
In this state—
With Gojo's help, Shingen had tested its limits.
He could unleash countless attacks—
Like a storm—
All landing simultaneously.
Or—
End everything with a single strike.
A speed beyond reaction itself.
As for why he hadn't used it in the previous mission?
Simple.
The curse was too weak.
It didn't even survive two serious punches.
It wasn't worthy of his ultimate move.
Currently, Shingen's main combat style still revolved around:
Using Zhumie (his cursed bow)
Accelerating cursed energy arrows when needed
Under Maki Zenin's training—
He was also considering acquiring a blade-type cursed tool for close combat.
Imagine this:
If an enemy broke through his ranged attacks—
They'd face high-speed sword strikes up close.
And if that still wasn't enough—
He'd switch to fists—
And finish them with Black Flash.
"…Why are you grinning like that?"
Maki smacked him on the head, snapping him out of his thoughts.
Behind her, Panda leaned in conspiratorially.
"I heard we're getting a new first-year."
Shingen's eyes lit up.
With Panda's insider info (thanks to Principal Yaga), it was likely true.
And sure enough—
Gojo confirmed it shortly after.
"Two days from now! Everyone get ready to welcome your new classmate!"
Maki pointed at him blankly.
"…Why are you more excited than us?"
Shingen leaned back in his chair, balancing lazily.
His slightly wavy, gray-dyed hair swayed with the motion.
(He'd just changed his hairstyle again—Maki had mocked it relentlessly, leading to a brief chase.)
At her comment, he waved a hand.
"You're not used to it yet? That's just how Gojo-sensei is."
The Next Day
The four of them walked toward the classroom together.
Panda shared some gossip.
"I heard the new guy shoved four classmates into lockers before transferring."
Maki asked flatly:
"Did he kill them?"
"Tuna mayo?" Toge Inumaki added curiously.
Panda shook his head.
"No. Just seriously injured."
"…Whatever," Maki said. "If he's arrogant, we'll just beat him up."
"So scary," Shingen said.
"So scary~" Panda echoed.
Veins popped on Maki's forehead.
She dragged them along as they bickered.
In the Classroom
Soon—
Gojo arrived.
Spinning dramatically into the room.
"Alright! Time to introduce our transfer student—get excited!"
Silence.
Gojo froze.
"…Come on, at least try to look excited."
Maki leaned sideways, one leg crossed.
"I heard he's hard to deal with. Why would we hype that up?"
"Salmon."
Panda and Inumaki agreed.
Shingen?
He was half-asleep.
Stayed up too late watching anime and gaming.
But something nagged at him.
Wasn't this year supposed to have another student…?
"…Whatever."
Gojo shrugged.
"Come in!"
Outside the Door
A black-haired boy in white stood nervously.
The silence inside felt suffocating.
He took a breath—
And opened the door.
The Moment He Entered
Shingen instantly woke up.
That cursed presence—
Maki's expression changed.
Panda and Inumaki stiffened.
Every step the boy took—
Felt like pressure on their chests.
The cursed aura was overwhelming.
Almost tangible.
Behind him—
Something lurked in the darkness.
Something terrifying.
Maki grabbed her naginata.
Panda raised his fists.
Inumaki lowered his collar.
The boy looked up—
Just as a blade flew past his face—
And embedded into the blackboard behind him.
"I—I'm Okkotsu—"
He froze.
Terrified.
Maki stared at him.
"…You're cursed."
"And someone like you is allowed here?"
Panda growled beside her.
Shingen frowned.
Something felt very wrong.
That curse—
Was far too powerful.
He quietly stepped backward.
Meanwhile—
Gojo finally spoke.
"Every year, over 10,000 people go missing or die mysteriously in Japan."
"Many are caused by curses born from human negativity."
"Only curses can fight curses."
"And this school exists to train those who can exorcise them."
The boy looked miserable.
"…You could've told me that beforehand…"
Everyone turned to glare at Gojo.
He smiled sheepishly.
"Sorry~"
Then added—
"You might want to keep your distance."
It Happened Instantly
A presence—
Like a beast breathing down their necks.
Cold sweat.
Raised hairs.
Behind the boy—
The blackboard darkened.
Then—
It rippled.
Two massive pale arms emerged.
One easily grabbed Maki's weapon.
She immediately retreated.
A voice—
Like a little girl—
Echoed:
"Don't…"
The boy panicked.
"Rika—stop!"
"…hurt Yuta!"
The other arm swung toward them.
The pressure was crushing.
Maki gritted her teeth.
"Shingen—run—"
She turned—
He was gone.
Already at the door.
Grinning.
Earlier—
The moment those arms appeared—
Shingen had made a decision.
Nope.
He ran.
Because compared to that thing—
The hospital curse felt like a baby.
Still—
He trusted Gojo.
And sure enough—
The attack stopped short.
The three of them were only knocked around—
Not seriously harmed.
The Explanation
Gojo finally explained:
The boy's name was:
Yuta Okkotsu
His childhood friend—
Rika—
Had died in a tragic accident.
And became a Special Grade Vengeful Spirit—
Bound to him.
"…And that's Yuta Okkotsu! Cursed by the one who loves him most—Rika!"
Gojo added casually:
"Attacking Yuta might trigger Rika… or might not."
"So be careful~"
"…Couldn't you have said that earlier?!"
Introductions
Gojo pointed:
Maki Zenin – weapon specialist
Toge Inumaki – cursed speech user
Panda – Panda
Then—
He pointed at Shingen.
"This is Tokiya Shingen."
…
And moved on.
"…HEY, SAY MORE ABOUT ME!"
Gojo ignored him completely.
Yuta stared at Panda.
That's… a panda.
Why is no one explaining that?!
Gojo clapped.
"Great! Five first-years now—how lively!"
"Let's assign teams for this afternoon's training."
Panda & Inumaki
Maki & Yuta
Shingen raised his hand.
"…And me?"
Gojo grinned brightly.
"You've got a solo mission~"