It walked beneath the hole in the wall and looked up at Megumi Fushiguro, who was embedded in it.
The Divine Dog lay directly beneath the hole. Hearing footsteps, it braced its front legs and tried to stand, but its left hind leg buckled the moment it put weight on it.
It could only raise its head and let out a low, pained growl of warning.
The Grade 2 Cursed Spirit glanced down at the Divine Dog, ignored it, and looked back at Megumi Fushiguro.
"What a spectacular show." Its voice was airy, carrying a hint of genuine admiration:
"A weightlifting competition, a suicidal summoning, even bringing out Mahoraga..."
"But the show's over." Its tone was light, as though discussing something inconsequential. "Time for your curtain call, too."
"Hey."
A voice came from the other end of Desolate Street.
The Grade 2 Cursed Spirit turned toward the voice.
At the end of Desolate Street stood a pink-haired boy in a black Jujutsu High uniform, torn in several places.
A girl followed behind him.
The Grade 2 Cursed Spirit quickly assessed Itadori.
Cursed energy fluctuations... around Grade 1. A little weaker than Megumi Fushiguro at his peak, but much stronger than Megumi Fushiguro now.
I can't beat him.
"Oh dear." Its voice carried a hint of apology. "A moment too late."
Itadori said nothing. He merely stepped forward, shielding Tsumiki behind him, and took a fighting stance.
"Next time, then." The Grade 2 Cursed Spirit's voice grew more distant, its body beginning to blur as though merging into the shadows:
"Give my regards to the weightlifting champion."
With that, its body turned into a wisp of grayish-white smoke and dispersed in the night breeze.
Only after confirming it had truly left did Itadori lower his fists and breathe a sigh of