Body Breaks Sound Barrier, Catches Bullets Barehanded

On the other side, Suguru Geto had already brought Riko Amanai to the Tombs of the Star Corridor.

After bidding farewell to Kuroi, Riko Amanai and Suguru Geto passed through the tunnel and entered the main hall of the Tombs of the Star Corridor.

Countless layers of buildings represented the foundation of all barriers.

Suguru Geto stopped in front of the stone arch tunnel.

"I can only escort you this far," he said. "After you go down the stairs and pass through the gate, walk straight to the base of the large tree. The barrier there is different from the one surrounding Jujutsu High; only those who are summoned can enter."

"There, Master Tengen will protect you until your assimilation is complete."

Suguru Geto made his final instructions with a heavy tone.

Riko Amanai listened calmly, her eyes slightly dim. She had already prepared herself and didn't have much emotional fluctuation about what was to come.

However, Suguru Geto's next words rekindled the light in her previously dim eyes.

"Or... you can choose to go back."

"Go home with Miss Kuroi."

Suguru Geto's expression was calm as he watched Riko Amanai.

He and Satoru Gojo had already decided before meeting Riko that if she was unwilling to assimilate with Tengen, they would send her back at all costs.

Even if it meant fighting Tengen, or fighting the entire world.

When Masamichi Yaga had given them this mission, he had emphasized that assimilation, in a sense, was erasure.

This also meant that the task would weigh on their conscience.

Upon hearing this, Riko Amanai's eyes went blank, unable to believe her ears. She stared at Suguru Geto, "What... did you say?"

"It's okay. No matter what happens, Satoru and I will guarantee your future."

Suguru Geto emphasized again, his words were serious.

No matter what happened, there would be a way. After all, he and Satoru were the strongest.

At this moment, Suguru Geto and Riko Amanai did not know that the strongest Satoru Gojo had already fallen in a pool of blood. However, after this incident, he would indeed become the true strongest.

Looking at the man in front of her, whom she had only known for two days, yet who was willing to defy the world for her, Riko Amanai trembled, unable to speak.

From the beginning, she had never considered that she had the option to refuse.

Since birth, she had been called a "Star Plasma Vessel."

Carrying the mission of a "Star Plasma Vessel," she had done her best to avoid danger and live until now. This seemed to be the meaning of her existence.

She could no longer remember the scene of her parents' death. She had long been numb to loneliness and sadness.

In fact, she sometimes felt that being separated from everyone after assimilation wouldn't be so bad.

No matter how painful, as time passed, sorrow and loneliness would eventually disappear.

"Waaah..."

Tears and snot streamed down her face uncontrollably as Riko Amanai burst into tears.

As a young girl in her prime, how could she not cherish this world?

Recalling her experiences over the past two days, Riko Amanai cried out:

"I still want to! I still want to stay with everyone for a little longer!"

"Hoo..."

Hearing this, Suguru Geto felt a sense of relief. With a smile, he reached out his hand, responding to the girl's attachment to this world.

"Riko, let's go back."

"Bang--!"

A bullet shot out from the high platform above, shattering the pleasant atmosphere.

The bullet pierced the air, heading for Riko Amanai's head.

Just as the bullet was about to graze her hair, a figure flashed from the depths of the tunnel, creating exaggerated sonic booms in the air.

In that instant, his speed surpassed the speed of sound!

"Snap!"

Veins bulged on his arm as his calloused palm appeared beside Riko Amanai, catching the bullet aimed at her head!

The gust of wind generated by his movement knocked Riko Amanai down, causing her to stumble and fall to the ground.

"Ah!"

Riko Amanai didn't understand what had happened. She only heard a "snap" and found herself sitting on the ground.

Suguru Geto's expression froze as he stared at the man who had suddenly appeared. Goosebumps rose all over his body, and he instantly entered combat mode.

He moved to Riko Amanai's side, pulled her up, and shielded her behind him.

"Are you okay!"

"It's okay!"

Riko Amanai shook her head. Other than a slight pain in her backside, she had no other injuries.

"Whew... just in time. A young girl was almost killed right before my eyes."

The person who arrived was Shinsuke Zenin. He opened his palm, and a flattened bullet lay quietly in it.

He exhaled deeply, and the slightly reddened skin returned to normal.

"..."

Toji's figure appeared on the high platform. He stared at the man who had suddenly appeared, his eyes gradually hardening, momentarily stunned.

Shinsuke Zenin looked up at Toji, a gentle smile appearing on his face. "Toji, long time no see. Did you miss your big brother?"

"Tch, you bastard. If you left, don't come back."

Toji didn't show any joy. Instead, he became inexplicably angry, his expression darkening as he turned to leave, abandoning the mission entirely.

He still harbored resentment towards his brother, who had left without a word.

Why did he leave alone? Why did he leave him by himself?

"Ugh..."

Seeing this, Shinsuke Zenin chuckled and scratched his head. It seemed his little brother had grown up and wasn't as easily fooled as he was when he was younger. He'd have to sort this out properly.

Turning to look at Suguru Geto, who was watching him warily, Shinsuke Zenin smiled. "Sorry about that. My brother caused you trouble."

"As an apology, I'll let you in on a little secret."

Shinsuke Zenin said with full sincerity, whispering, "Actually... it's fine if that old guy Tengen doesn't assimilate the Star Plasma Vessel."

With that, Shinsuke Zenin chased after Toji, leaving behind a parting remark, "Whatever you do, don't tell anyone I said this."

Watching the man, whose mere silhouette exuded an oppressive aura, leave, Suguru Geto breathed a sigh of relief.

"Just who is that guy?"

Putting everything else aside, the man's speed alone had exceeded his imagination.

"Um, what do we do now?"

Riko Amanai was still shaken. She had been one step away from hell just now. If it weren't for the sudden appearance of the stranger, she would probably be dead.

"Let's leave for now."

Suguru Geto frowned slightly, maintaining a high level of concentration, guarding against any unexpected occurrences.

He just wanted to find Satoru Gojo now. He really hoped nothing happened to him...

As for what Shinsuke Zenin had said about Lord Tengen, he wasn't sure if it was true. He'd think about it later.

Outside the Jujutsu High barrier.

Shinsuke Zenin caught up to Toji. Seeing Toji's displeased expression, he walked forward and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"What? Seeing your brother's face like this, want to experience some brotherly love?"

Shinsuke Zenin narrowed his eyes and playfully raised his fist in a threatening manner.

In front of Shinsuke Zenin's imposing physique, which was over 190 cm tall, Toji looked somewhat petite.

"Slap!"

Toji slapped Shinsuke Zenin's arm away, his expressionless face asking, "Do you think you can still beat me now?"

He wasn't the same Toji as before. Don't think just because he's your brother, you have the strength to discipline him.