Moonlight flowed like water through the spacious sliding doors of the Japanese-style room, casting crisp patterns of window frames across the floor.
The day's clamor and merriment had long since faded, and the Resort lay in the stillness of late night, with only the occasional sound of wind from the distant Mountain Forest and the faint murmur of flowing hot spring water.
After everything he had been through, Yuji Itadori was exhausted in body and mind and had already returned to his room and fallen fast asleep.
In another, more spacious Japanese-style suite, the lighting was soft.
Satoru Gojo and Madara Uchiha sat facing each other, two cups of clear tea on the small table between them, their fragrance curling upward.
Yet the atmosphere was at odds with the tranquil night, laden with a heavy solemnity.
"Are you sure you want to face Sukuna alone?"
Satoru Gojo broke the silence.
His Blue Six Eyes looked particularly clear and sharp in the moonlight.
They were fixed on the black-haired boy opposite him, his face bearing the gravity of a teacher and companion.
Madara raised his cup, took a small sip of the slightly cooled tea, then nodded calmly.
"Yes." His voice was quiet but firm. "Please, Gojo-sensei. Let me take the lead in the attack."
Satoru Gojo frowned slightly and leaned back, his hands behind his head, though his gaze remained locked on Madara. "You know that if we join forces, our chances of winning will be greater, and the risks will be lower.
"Sukuna is the King of Curses, the strongest from a thousand years ago. Even for you, facing him alone is hardly a foolproof plan. As your teacher, it's only natural for me to fight."
Madara set down his cup and met Satoru Gojo's gaze.
"This really isn't