Differences

Before an endless horizon, the newly born Fifth Calamity met its three other companions.

Though only two could truly communicate with it normally-

[Jogo], who embodied humanity's fear of the earth.

[Hanami], who embodied humanity's fear of forests.

And [Dagon], who embodied humanity's fear of the ocean, was still floating on the tranquil sea, remaining in the "cursed womb" stage.

In that respect, Dagon was rather similar to it-

[Thousand Fangs], who embodied humanity's fear of wild beasts.

After choosing its own name, Thousand Fangs had also transformed its body into a bipedal humanoid form, much like Hanami and Jogo.

Unlike theirs, however, Thousand Fangs' "human form" was not a cursed spirit's body created out of nothing. Its true body remained a black fluid with no fixed shape.

This exterior, condensed from cursed energy and resembling the "beastfolk" found in modern human pop culture, was merely a [shell] it could discard at any time.

Built around a furry humanoid body and incorporating the features of snakes, lions, goats, eagles, cheetahs, and other animals, this form made Thousand Fangs look tall and imposing among the three special grade cursed spirits. Its distinctive, silky fur disguise also concealed the murderous intent seething beneath its skin, allowing ordinary people to see it with the naked eye without becoming alarmed.

As for why modern humans could accept such a bizarre humanoid creature standing among them?

That was, of course, thanks to the tolerance humanity had developed over time...

To young humans, Thousand Fangs looked as harmless as someone dressed up as an animal character. Some of the bolder ones might even approach it for a photo.

To middle-aged and elderly humans, Thousand Fangs was merely an oddly dressed eccentric, so they would glance at it a few times before ignoring it...

In short, Thousand Fangs had become another being besides Mahito capable of going out to gather intelligence.

But having that ability did not mean Thousand Fangs would cooperate with Kenjaku.

Hanami, Jogo, Dagon, and even Mahito, whom it had never met.

Thousand Fangs could set aside every prejudice and work with them because they were all cursed spirits.

But not Kenjaku.

He was human.

Thousand Fangs was completely different from Jogo and the others.

They could lower themselves to seek alliances or more powerful assistance in pursuit of their goals.

Even if the one they sought help from was their greatest enemy...

Thousand Fangs utterly disdained such cowardly methods.

As the embodiment of wild beasts, it only needed to unleash its despair and terror upon humanity and tear into them to its heart's content!

It would therefore never cooperate with a human curse user like Kenjaku!!!

"This isn't cooperation. It's an exchange of interests..."

Hanami's voice was hoarse and indistinct. Its injuries had yet to heal, but seeing Jogo and Thousand Fangs on the verge of coming to blows, it still stepped between them.

Turning its head, it signaled for Kenjaku, who stood beneath a beach umbrella nearby, to speak up and clarify his position. Yet Hanami discovered that the man with the perpetual smile paid no attention whatsoever to its appeal.

Kenjaku merely stood there, quietly observing Thousand Fangs' behavior. He could already tell that even if Thousand Fangs did not join their plan, it would not readily turn against them either.

After all, the overwhelming gap in strength was plain to see.

Even if it could easily kill a Grade 2 Sorcerer or severely injure a Grade 1 Sorcerer, Thousand Fangs was still far too inexperienced as a newborn to face this [Special Grade] body and Kenjaku's thousands of years of combat wisdom.

"Everyone has their own ambitions. I understand perfectly."

"But our door will always be open to you. Whether you change your mind or come to challenge me, I'll be waiting."

"Provided you don't run from those jujutsu sorcerers with your tail between your legs and lead them here."

Kenjaku's tone was utterly relaxed, as though it truly made no difference whether Thousand Fangs joined them.

His expression, as though everything were firmly under his control, was particularly grating to Thousand Fangs. Had the two special grade cursed spirits, Jogo and Hanami, not been standing before it, it might already have changed forms and attempted an attack...

"Put away that paltry murderous intent. You haven't even grasped your cursed technique. You're nothing but a monkey scurrying about."

"Even if a powerless [Special Grade] works with us, it's pointless if it can't contribute the strength to change the world, wouldn't you say?"

Hanami was visibly displeased by Kenjaku's words. As a cursed spirit, its feelings clearly still placed it on Thousand Fangs' side.

But unlike Hanami, who did its utmost to persuade Thousand Fangs to stay and ally with Kenjaku, Jogo had, for once, taken Kenjaku's side-

"You're too weak. With strength like that, you wouldn't survive a single second against the [Six Eyes]!"

With one brief remark, Jogo laid bare Thousand Fangs' awkward predicament.

Despite all its bluster, its mind filled with the same arrogance and conceit Jogo had displayed before, it had never understood the gap between itself and the others as a special grade cursed spirit.

By Kenjaku's assessment, Hanami and Jogo each possessed strength comparable to five to seven of Sukuna's fingers.

And although Dagon was still a cursed womb, the unique effects of its innate domain allowed it, even before maturing, to provide the entire team with an excellent means of concealment and a base where they could recuperate.

As for Mahito? That went without saying.

Kenjaku saw enormous potential in him. As Mahito was a crucial "pawn" in his future plans, Kenjaku was also deeply curious about just how far he could grow.

Only Thousand Fangs-Thousand Fangs alone-currently had no advantages whatsoever.

Even if it could use its appearance to blend into ordinary crowds and gather intelligence, Kenjaku himself or Mahito could easily handle such a simple task instead-

And they would be more efficient.

Without an awakened cursed technique, its strength might not even match that of a Grade 1 Sorcerer. It did not even understand the differences between special grades or possess basic knowledge of Jujutsu Society.

Thus, in Jogo's view, rather than taking it in outright, they would be better off letting it gain experience outside. Once it had grown strong enough to stand alongside them, it could return to discuss terms...

"Hmph. I'll prove it to you."

Thousand Fangs clenched its claws and snorted coldly. It had never intended to cooperate with Kenjaku, and with Jogo's provocation, it now had a clear goal.

Since they thought so little of its current strength, it would venture out into the world.

It wanted to see whether this so-called "Jujutsu High" and that "Six Eyes" truly were as unassailably powerful as they claimed...

It refused to believe that its special grade strength could fail to defeat even a sorcerer one grade below it!

It would prove itself to these people with blood and severed heads!