Makima's Renewed Challenge; Anxiu's Thoughts / Miwa Kasumi and Momo Nishimiya Are Summoned; Makima, a Special-Grade Sorcerer

"Seele, let's find somewhere to have lunch."

If he went grocery shopping and cooked now, it would probably be afternoon by the time it was ready, so An Xiu decided to eat out instead.

"What does An Xiu-ge want to eat?"

Walking obediently beside An Xiu, Seele nodded before asking.

"Anything is fine. I don't particularly dislike any kind of cuisine."

Whether it was Chinese, Western, Japanese, or anything else, as long as the ingredients and cooking methods were not too inhuman, An Xiu liked it. Naturally, he was most accustomed to Chinese food, but that did not mean he would not eat anything else.

"Let's just pick the best restaurant in the nearby city."

When in doubt, choose the expensive option. It was not like An Xiu was paying anyway.

"Mm, Seele will listen to An Xiu-ge."

That afternoon, close to dusk.

The afterglow of the setting sun shone over the deserted road. Mahito, having successfully stolen six Sukuna's fingers from the Director's Council, arrived at the meeting place on time, only to find Choso waiting there alone.

"Geto, why are you the only one here?"

According to the plan, Choso was supposed to observe the situation outside Jujutsu High's barrier and look for the right opportunity to receive the retreating Cursed Spirits. Yet now, he was the only one at the meeting point. Mahito immediately had a bad feeling.

Could it be that everyone besides him and Choso, including Leaking Pot and Hanami, had been wiped out?

Choso felt rather helpless about this as well.

"After the barrier was lifted, I didn't sense any movement outside Jujutsu High's barrier. Leaking Pot, Hanami, and Choso never came out at the appointed time, so I could only come here alone and wait."

Though he said that, both Choso and Mahito understood that in this situation, the Cursed Spirits and Curse Users who had entered the barrier to draw attention had most likely all been wiped out.

"This operation was my oversight. I underestimated the current strength of the Jujutsu World. We'll have to consider the following plans more carefully."

Choso said this with his eyes closed.

"Are those human sorcerers really that powerful? Other than you, who didn't enter the barrier, not a single one of them escaped?"

Even as a Cursed Spirit, hearing that his companions who had spent so much time together were gone still made Mahito feel a little sad.

Just as the atmosphere gradually became heavy, Choso and Mahito suddenly felt the ground around them tremble slightly.

Branches burst from the earth one after another. Hanami and Leaking Pot emerged from within the wrapping branches, their concealment lifted.

"Oh, Leaking Pot and Hanami. So you two didn't die?"

"We were lucky enough to escape."

Leaking Pot answered in a low voice.

"Then the other three..."

"They were all captured. We underestimated the human sorcerers' strength. Even with the barrier keeping Gojo Satoru out, that newly promoted Special Grade sorcerer, that human girl alone, was more than enough to defeat all of us."

"We only escaped this time because someone helped us in secret. That person seems to have some purpose in wanting to cooperate with us and hopes to meet you two."

"Us?"

Mahito and Choso exchanged a glance.

"Mahito is the leader chosen by us curses. As for Geto, it's because the other party specifically requested to meet the curse user capable of deploying a barrier that could stop Gojo Satoru. Whatever they want to cooperate on is probably related to that."

Leaking Pot explained, while Hanami nodded in agreement.

"Is that so? It sounds like we can try contacting them and see what they actually want."

Mahito did not doubt Leaking Pot and Hanami's words. He simply stroked his chin in thought for a moment before agreeing.

Meanwhile, Choso vaguely sensed that something was off. However, the Jujutsu World was simply too powerful at the moment, and they could not afford to let any potential allies slip away. Coupled with his confidence in his own strength, he believed that even if the other party harbored ill intentions, they could not threaten him. Thus, Choso agreed as well and decided to see what was going on when the time came.

Makima Challenges Again, An Xiu's Thoughts

"So, you set the meeting for seven days from now?"

That evening, inside the villa, An Xiu listened to Makima's report.

"After all, if we appear too eager, it may arouse unnecessary suspicion."

The moment Leaking Pot and Hanami returned, Choso and the others had already fallen into the trap by failing to notice the issue immediately. Makima naturally did not mind spending a little more time letting the Cursed Spirits lower their guard.

"Also, after studying the jujutsu system during this time, I have successfully mastered the techniques of Binding Vows."

After explaining her arrangements for Choso and the Cursed Spirits, Makima changed the subject.

"The techniques of Binding Vows?"

Hearing Makima's words, An Xiu was unusually interested.

Binding Vows were an extremely practical technique in Jujutsu Kaisen. Their essence was voluntarily placing certain restrictions on oneself, paying a price in exchange for targeted enhancements in specific areas.

For example, the common method in the original story of revealing one's cursed technique information to an enemy in exchange for strengthening its effects. Or Sukuna permanently adding a pile of restrictions and windup to his slashing technique in exchange for a zero-windup, point-blank Space Slash against Gojo Satoru, instantly killing him and creating one of the most iconic scenes in all of Jujutsu Kaisen.

The former was the simplest application of Binding Vows. Basically, any somewhat capable sorcerer or curse knew how to use it. The latter was a far more complicated, advanced application that only a small number of people could master.

The barrier deployed over the forest during the previous exchange event attack was also an extremely profound Binding Vow technique. By allowing everyone to pass through freely, it gained the effect of being absolutely impossible for Gojo Satoru alone to enter.

It could be said that although the overall upper limit of the jujutsu system was not high, Binding Vows were an incredibly versatile ability and one of the few highlights of the entire system. Learning them was never a loss. If one used them well, understood their principles, and transplanted them into other systems, they could become an advanced technique useful for a lifetime.

Now that Makima had deliberately brought this up, she had clearly not merely learned the basics. At the very least, she had mastered advanced Binding Vow techniques, which was why she had specifically reported it to An Xiu.

"Just as Master imagined, I am now quite proficient in using Binding Vows. By establishing restrictions, even a Herrscher's authority can be enhanced through this technique."

"At the same time, I have gained some understanding regarding Domains. Given a little more time, perhaps Seele and I will also be able to master Domain Expansion, just like the Cursed Spirits and sorcerers of this world."

Binding Vows and Domain Expansion: the former was the most practical ability in the entire jujutsu system, while the latter was the strongest.

Once they mastered these two abilities, Seele and Makima, who were already extremely powerful, would receive another major boost. Moreover, it would be growth gained entirely through their own learning, rather than abilities granted by An Xiu.

Though even without Binding Vows or Domains, Seele and Makima could already be considered unbeatable in this jujutsu world.

"This is indeed something meaningful. It deserves a celebration."

He raised a hand and beckoned to the side. Makima immediately understood, walked to the sofa, then bent down and rested her face against An Xiu's thigh.

"Go on. What reward do you want?"

As he stroked Makima's smooth red hair, An Xiu asked.

Makima smiled faintly, then quietly pressed herself closer against him.

"Doesn't Master already know what reward I want?"

"But it's already getting late. Won't people notice if you don't return soon?"

Feeling her soft yet elastic body pressed against his, An Xiu's heart burned, but he still asked.

"I have already made arrangements with the Director's Council, and The Family is completely under my control. Even if I stay out overnight, there will be no problem."

Makima reached out and caressed An Xiu's body as she spoke softly, dispelling his concerns.

"Almost all the upper echelons of the Jujutsu World are under my control now. After the exchange event, my public identity has also become connected to Master's. In other words... Master can now do whatever he wants to me. No one will question it anymore."

Feeling Makima's closeness, An Xiu took a deep breath.

Since she had put it that way, there was no need for him to pretend to be a gentleman.

If she wanted a battle, then let there be a battle.

The next day, after thoroughly washing herself and changing into a new women's suit, Makima greeted An Xiu as she walked out of the villa.

"The Jujutsu World is now basically under complete control. During this period, I will often make time to accompany Master. That will both make my relationship with Master appear closer in public and allow me to replace Seele during the day, staying by Master's side. Please look forward to it."

"Is that so? I understand."

An Xiu nodded, though he was thinking about something else.

In yesterday's battle with Makima, without Seele joining in and without the Power of Creation supporting him, he had found himself somewhat unable to withstand Makima's offensive despite having the strength and physical abilities of a Grade 1 sorcerer.

He had been careless this time. It seemed that strengthening himself also had to be put on the agenda. Otherwise, as more clones appeared in the future, even if Seele supported him every time, there would eventually come a day when he would be defeated.

Even after a few more days, once Makima dealt with Choso and the others, the entire jujutsu world would practically no longer pose any danger to An Xiu. But in this one matter, as a man, he absolutely could not lose.

"I hope the new items refreshed in the shop's discount section after the system update will include something useful for me."

Even if they did not, it was not a big deal. At worst, he could look among the non-discounted items for something suitable for himself.

Meanwhile, after leaving An Xiu and Seele's villa, Makima arrived beside a street and specifically called a private car to take her to the Director's Council.

Although Mahito had infiltrated the place only a day ago and some people had died, as an important organization maintaining the operation of the entire Jujutsu World, the Director's Council would obviously not grind to a halt over such a minor matter. Aside from the increased number of sorcerers stationed there, all other positions continued operating as usual.

Upon arriving at the Director's Council, a woman dressed like a secretary immediately came up to Makima and reported to her.

"Lady Makima, the two people you specifically requested earlier are now waiting for you in your office."

"Mm, thank you for your hard work. Continue with your duties."

Makima nodded to the secretary, then headed toward her office.

Miwa Kasumi and Nishimiya Momo Are Summoned, Special Grade Sorcerer Makima

Arriving at the office door, Makima pushed it open and entered.

Inside the office, two figures sat nervously in their chairs. Upon seeing Makima, they hurriedly stood up.

"Lady Makima!"

These two figures were Miwa Kasumi and Nishimiya Momo, whom Makima had previously saved during the exchange event attack.

"There is no need to be so nervous. Sit."

She motioned for the two girls to sit back down, then pulled two contracts from her desk and handed them over.

"What are these?"

Still not understanding why they had been summoned to the Director's Council, Miwa Kasumi and Nishimiya Momo hurriedly looked over the contracts, only to discover that they were employment agreements.

"Considering your previous performance when facing Special Grade curses, your ability to endure the siege of three Special Grade curses until reinforcements arrived, and the fact that neither of you displayed such disgraceful behavior as abandoning your companions, I, on behalf of the upper echelons of the Jujutsu World, acknowledge your abilities and extend this invitation to you."

"Would the two of you be willing to follow me and serve as my guards?"

"Huh? Guards? Us?"

Hearing Makima's words, Miwa Kasumi and Nishimiya Momo looked at each other.

With Lady Makima's strength, did she really need small fry like them as guards?

And honestly, they did not think their performance during the exchange event had been particularly outstanding. If those three Special Grade curses had not seemed unwilling to kill them immediately, they would probably have died long ago with their strength.

On the other hand, Lady Makima had effortlessly exorcised all three Special Grade curses. If they became her guards, then when danger truly arose, would it not be Lady Makima protecting them instead?

Fortunately, while they thought this, neither girl was stupid. They quickly realized that although the invitation was ostensibly for them to serve as guards, its nature was closer to that of Attendants. Or, to put it more bluntly, Lady Makima had taken a liking to their performance during the exchange event and was inviting them to become her trusted subordinates.

For two girls who had essentially had no background before this, becoming the trusted subordinates of a high-ranking figure in the Jujutsu World—especially one as powerful as Lady Makima, who could very likely stand shoulder to shoulder with a Special Grade sorcerer—was undoubtedly an opportunity to rise to the heavens in a single step.

However, if they accepted Lady Makima's invitation, their schedules might no longer be so free. After all, guards would surely have to remain by Lady Makima's side at all times.

Miwa Kasumi initially had some concerns in that regard. Her family was in difficult circumstances, and she needed to become a sorcerer capable of standing on her own as soon as possible to earn money and support them. Normally, she also had to frequently make time for part-time work to help subsidize the household.

But soon, she saw the section concerning compensation in the employment contract.

"Fifteen... fifteen million yen per month?!"

Fifteen million yen per month meant that even after taxes, she would earn over one hundred million yen a year.

With compensation at that level, not only could she support her family, she could even let her entire family live comfortably!

"Thank you very much for Lady Makima's recognition. Please, allow me to serve as Lady Makima's guard!"

Miwa Kasumi decisively signed her name on the contract.

"Kasumi, you..."

She had clearly looked so hesitant just now. How had she signed even faster than Momo in the blink of an eye?

Nishimiya Momo clicked her tongue, then signed her name on the contract as well.

If even Miwa Kasumi had no concerns, then she certainly had even fewer. If she missed this opportunity, she might regret it for the rest of her life.

Seeing both girls choose to sign the contracts, Makima nodded in satisfaction.