Inside the Culling Game barrier, a gray, oily sheen coated the water.
The wind swept fine spray against the shore, so softly it was almost inaudible, leaving only rings of ripples that refused to disperse across the surface.
Kogane floated between the two of them, scattered point data flickering on its light screen.
Choso stood by the water with his arms folded, his brows knitted.
"I'm really getting worried about Itadori. I have no idea how things are going on his end."
His voice was low, carrying an irritation he could not hide:
"Not ending up in the same barrier as my little brother... what rotten luck."
He really did feel a tightness in his chest.
Ever since Yasohachi Bridge, his worry for his little brother had grown by the day. Now that he had gone so long without seeing Itadori, Choso was already experiencing withdrawal.
Yuki Tsukumo held a hand over her brow, leisurely gazing toward the distant bay.
At his words, she immediately turned, deliberately letting her face fall as she put on a hurt, aggrieved expression:
"Huh? Does being stuck in a barrier like this with me really make you that upset...? And here I was, feeling pretty confident about my looks..."
"That's not what I meant. It's just..." Choso hurriedly waved his hands, trying to explain.
Tsukumo burst out laughing and waved a hand:
"Of course I know what you meant. I was just teasing."
Her smile quickly faded. She tapped Kogane's light screen and spoke seriously:
"Then let's just split up. There aren't any particularly high-scoring Players in this barrier anyway. Finish up early, and you can head back to Jujutsu High to find Itadori."
Choso paused, then nodded in agreement.
The sooner he cleared things up here, the sooner he could check whether Itadori