A long time had passed since the Goodwill Event.
After a series of missions and battles, Itadori, Kugisaki, and Fushiguro had all made considerable progress in strength.
With some ability to protect themselves and fight, along with the "safeguard" Madara had left them, the Higher-Ups and teachers gradually felt comfortable letting them handle moderately difficult missions on their own.
As for Madara-
He had been summoned by the Jujutsu Higher-Ups.
The room was large but almost unfurnished, with only a solitary wooden chair in the center, clearly prepared for the "person summoned."
Heavy curtains hung along all four walls.
They stretched from ceiling to floor, completely obscuring the surroundings and hiding whatever lay behind them.
He could only vaguely sense the many people concealed behind the curtains. Their presences were like venomous snakes lurking in the dark-cold, clammy, scrutinizing, and calculating.
Madara sat on the wooden chair, his back straight, his hands resting casually on his knees.
He wore Jujutsu High's black uniform, his expression calm. In the dim light, his black eyes resembled two deep pools, reflecting the flickering candle flame before him.
That was the only light.
Looking at the curtains blocking his view on all sides, Madara's lips curved into an almost imperceptible sneer.
You don't even have the courage to face me directly?
Of course. You're nothing but a bunch of corrupt, incompetent old fossils who hold power and only know how to scheme in the shadows.
Just then, an aged voice, as grating as sandpaper, came from behind the curtain directly ahead.
"Madara Uchiha."
The voice echoed through the empty room, carrying an air of lofty authority.
Madara did not respond. He merely raised his eyes and calmly looked toward the voice.
"Do you know why we summoned you here?"
Madara was silent for two