Sizzle!
The long sword scraped against the ground, creating sparks and a sharp, grating sound.
A chilling aura filled the air.
Despite his frail appearance, Yuta exuded an overwhelming sense of oppression.
Yuta was not known as a power-type sorcerer, yet the sheer amount of cursed energy surrounding him was staggering, almost overflowing from his body.
'Just how much cursed energy does this guy have?' Yuji thought.
This reminded Yuji of Kazuma.
Although Kazuma's cursed energy didn't carry such an oppressive weight, he had never lacked it either.
During the Shibuya Incident, he had used countless high-level techniques as if they were free of cost, yet he never seed to run out of cursed energy.
So, who had the greater cursed energy reserves—Yuta or Kazuma?
Yuji shook his head, cursing himself inwardly.
'I'm on the verge of death, and this is what I'm thinking about?!'
He remained on high alert, staring at Yuta.
"You're not a power type, but your overwhelming cursed energy more than makes up for it." He muttered.
"Even if I fight you in close combat, I won't have the upper hand."
Yuta approached, his blade in hand, his expression unreadable.
"You're right."
"My total cursed energy is greater than Gojo-sensei's. But considering that he has Six Eyes, his energy consumption is nearly zero…"
"In terms of raw power, I'm probably still a little behind him."
"But that doesn't matter. This conversation ends here."
"Now, die so I can report to the higher-ups."
"It's unfortunate that, despite being from the sa school, our first eting has to be like this."
At this mont, the reminiscence between them ended.
Swish!
The cursed energy-infused blade slashed through the air, cutting toward Yuji.
With his battle instincts, Yuji barely managed to dodge, and his mind flashed back to Todo's teachings.
Todo had once warned Yuji that the stronger a sorcerer is, the harder it becos to predict the direction of their cursed energy.
Yuji had experienced this firsthand. But Yuta took it to another level—his imnse cursed energy masked his attacks entirely.
Every single one of his strikes could be fatal.
A cold sweat ran down Yuji's back.
If he is pushed to the brink… will Sukuna take over again?
Will Shibuya face another catastrophe?
His heart pounded. His eyes burned red as he clenched his fists and glared at Yuta with unwavering resolve.
"My grandpa always said I should help people… so they can at least have a proper death!"
"I want to die surrounded by people! Not as a traitor!!!"
"So… sorry, Yuta-senpai, but I won't surrender."
At this mont, Yuji hated himself. And he hated the higher-ups even more.
He hated himself for being too weak to suppress Sukuna.
And he hated the higher-ups for making it impossible for him to even hope for a proper death.
Dying at their hands?
Ha!
Grandpa, you made it sound so simple. But now, even dying with dignity is a luxury.
Yuji's sudden outburst made Yuta pause for a mont.
For the first ti, a flicker of hesitation crossed his face.
Because, in that mont, he saw a glimpse of his younger self in Yuji.
He had heard of Yuji's past. And, in a way… their experiences weren't so different.
He, too, had once been imprisoned in a dark, talisman-covered room.
He, too, had been sentenced to death by the higher-ups.
He, too, had once been saved.
But Yuta quickly shoved those thoughts aside. He had made his decision.
With his sword in hand, he lunged at Yuji again.
Clang!
The two figures collided instantly.
Yuta's attacks ca faster and fiercer. Every strike aid at Yuji's vitals.
Yuji's eyes locked onto Yuta's blade. He knew that if he doesn't destroy that sword, he'll be dead.
Dodging and weaving through the streets, Yuji used abandoned cars as cover, trying to buy ti.
Just as he vaulted over a scrapped SUV—
Yuta appeared behind him like a ghost.
Slash!
Yuji barely reacted in ti, swinging his arm up to block.
But instead of flesh being torn apart—
Clang!
A tallic ring echoed through the air.
Yuji had grabbed a fruit knife from the SUV. It was the only weapon he had at the mont.
The two clashed again. But Yuta's experience far surpassed Yuji's.
Yuji focused too much on Yuta's blade, ignoring his stance. Yuta saw the opening and struck.
Bang!
A brutal kick sent Yuji flying.
Yuji struggled to breathe and pain tore through his stomach. For a mont, his vision blurred.
'Get up.'
He staggered to his feet and his mind raced through Gojo's lessons.
"Your strongest weapon isn't a technique or a tool. It's your body."
Yuji exhaled sharply, wiping the blood from his mouth. Then, without hesitation, he plunged the fruit knife into the ground and charged ahead.
This ti, he would fight back.
Head-on.
Yuta swung his sword but Yuji didn't dodge. Instead, he countered.
The blade tore his chest, slicing deep into his flesh but Yuji ignored the pain. He swung his leg.
Black Flash!
Bang!
A powerful kick crackled with black lightning, striking Yuta's wrist. The impact sent Yuta skidding backward.
For the first ti since the beginning of the battle, Yuta's grip on the sword loosened.
Yuta stopped and looked down.
His sword—broken.
His arm—numb.
A smirk appeared at the corner of his lips.
"So this is Gojo-sensei's student, huh?"
"He's tougher than I had initially thought."
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