With Satoru Gojo's help, Yuta regained his confidence and began to fit into life at Jujutsu High.
With the three first-years leading the way, Yuta began training and quickly grew stronger.
Meanwhile, Geto Suguru, who was using the Banjin Cult to rake in money from all over, discovered Rika's existence and began plotting to obtain her.
Inside the Banjin Cult, blood was splattered across the floor. Geto Suguru sat in the seat of honor, dressed in a loose monk's robe, surrounded by his followers.
They were all sorcerers who agreed with Geto Suguru's ideals.
Geto Suguru had just drained a wealthy man of his savings. Now he held Yuta Okkotsu's student ID in his hand, pondering how he could trick the boy into coming over.
Once he obtained the Queen of Curses, his plans would advance much faster.
After all, the fact that the higher-ups had already classified Yuta as a Special Grade Sorcerer based solely on Rika showed that she wasn't an ordinary Special Grade Cursed Spirit.
As he thought about it, a faint smile appeared on Geto Suguru's face. "Let's go meet the little guy first."
He had already come up with a plan.
He would start by greeting him. If the other party was willing to help, he wouldn't have to resort to anything too extreme.
If he refused to help, then he'd have no choice but to use force.
Geto Suguru wasted no time. He summoned a flying Cursed Spirit, took a few people with him, and headed for Jujutsu High.
Meanwhile, at Jujutsu High,
a group of people were discussing whether to start a hand-to-hand combat class for the students. The person who'd proposed the idea was Satoru Gojo.
"I think sorcerers should develop in every area. They should master both their Cursed Techniques and hand-to-hand combat, so they'll have an advantage when fighting Cursed Spirits.
"When their Cursed Energy runs out, they should still be able to fight Cursed Spirits with their physical skills, instead of being completely helpless.
"Besides, no powerful sorcerer has ever been bad at hand-to-hand combat.
"I think that rather than having students improve their physical skills during battles with Cursed Spirits, we should offer a dedicated hand-to-hand combat course.
"If they build a solid foundation at school, they'll be able to pick up those combat skills quickly in battle.
"This would also help Jujutsu High train more outstanding sorcerers. What do you think, Principal Yaga?"
Gojo stated his opinions in one breath, his tone confident, as if he were truly thinking about the future of Jujutsu High.
Beside him, Riko Amanai was struggling to hold back her laughter.
Yaga had a bit of a headache. He looked at Gojo, then at Riko, who was trying not to laugh, and finally at Shinsuke Zenin, whose face was dark with displeasure. For a moment, he didn't know what to say.
Why had Gojo called them all here over such a minor thing? It was obvious he couldn't stand seeing certain people with too much free time.
"Nanami, what do you think?"
Yaga looked across at Kento Nanami, who had returned to Jujutsu High as a Jujutsu Sorcerer, and asked for his opinion.
Nanami seemed much more energetic and robust than he had as a student.
His hair was neatly combed, he wore a suit, and he sat up straight. Of everyone there, he was the only one who looked like a successful professional.
He took an unhurried sip of tea, then looked at Shinsuke Zenin and found him staring with an expression that said, "If you dare agree, I'll take you down."
At least, that was Nanami's impression.
"I think the principal should decide. I'm just an ordinary Jujutsu Sorcerer at Jujutsu High."
Yaga's cheek twitched at the reply. What a useless answer.
"In that case, Teacher Shinsuke, what do you think?"
Yaga looked at Shinsuke Zenin, the person most concerned. If they started a hand-to-hand combat class, he would naturally be the only one qualified to teach it.
When it came to hand-to-hand combat, he was a veteran of countless battles and a true master.
"Principal Yaga can decide. I'm a teacher at Jujutsu High, so I'll follow your arrangements," Shinsuke Zenin replied calmly.
"Hm?"
Gojo was stunned, unable to understand. The guy hadn't refused?
Whether Shinsuke refused or not, Gojo was going to start the hand-to-hand combat class anyway. But Shinsuke wasn't reacting at all, which made Gojo feel that something was off.
Didn't this guy always hate dealing with troublesome things?
"Ahem. In that case, we can indeed start a hand-to-hand combat class.
"Teacher Shinsuke, you'll be in charge. But don't worry—I'll report it to the higher-ups and get your salary raised to... three times what it is now. How does that sound?"
Seeing that Shinsuke Zenin hadn't refused outright, Principal Yaga settled the matter.
He knew Gojo had proposed the idea with less-than-noble motives, but what he'd said made sense.
Sorcerers shouldn't focus only on their Cursed Techniques. Physical skills were important, too.
Since Jujutsu High already had a master of hand-to-hand combat on staff, why not put him to use?
"I have no objections," Shinsuke Zenin replied.
He was only annoyed with Gojo. It wasn't that he was unwilling to teach the class.
Maki was at Tokyo Jujutsu High now, and Maki had gone to Kyoto Jujutsu High. He was bored at home by himself.
Megumi would be coming to Jujutsu High before long, too. Since he'd be spending a lot of time there, he could look out for him.
Besides, the plot was about to begin, and he wasn't going to miss out on any of the benefits he could reap.
"Uncle, you're finally getting your act together! You actually didn't refuse!"
Riko was pleased to see the change in Shinsuke Zenin.
"Hey! That's not fair, is it? Principal Yaga, you're giving him a raise? His salary's almost higher than mine, and I'm the strongest teacher!"
Yaga's decision to raise Shinsuke Zenin's salary left Gojo furious. Why should that guy get paid as much as a Special Grade Sorcerer like him?
"That settles it."
Yaga ignored Gojo's complaints.
He might not be able to beat Gojo, but he used to be Gojo's homeroom teacher. That gave him every right to ignore him.
"Hey! Principal Yaga! Are you even listening to me? I want to protest!"
Gojo was so angry he was about to pound the table. He'd wanted Shinsuke Zenin to do more work, not to get more money!
"Grow up, kid. Even Nanami's more mature than you," Shinsuke Zenin said, smiling at Gojo's impotent rage.
"What's that supposed to mean? If you've got the guts, fight me one-on-one!"
"One-on-one! Uncle, fight Gojo!" Riko yelled from the side, looking delighted to see the commotion.
"You really are just a kid. What era do you think we're in, still challenging people to one-on-one fights?" Shinsuke Zenin said scornfully.
Nanami straightened his tie and continued drinking his tea.
Yaga covered his forehead, looking helpless. Did these people have any sense of what it meant to be a teacher? What would the students think if they saw this?
"Hm?!"
Suddenly, everyone sensed an unusual presence.
A Cursed Spirit had broken through Jujutsu High's barrier.
"He's back!"
Recognizing the familiar presence, Gojo vanished from the meeting room in a flash.
"Geto?"
Riko and Yaga realized what was happening, too, and hurried after him.
"Is that Geto kid here to show off? If I've got the timing right, it's almost time for the big harvest.
"Nanami, want to go see your dear upperclassman?"
Kento Nanami glanced at his watch and declined. "You can go. It's quitting time."
"Fine."
Shinsuke Zenin rose and ambled out, thinking to himself that this was yet another guy driven mad by the grind of corporate life.
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