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Among the many cursed tools, the naginata caught Natsubi Raku's eye the most. Perhaps it was because he had used one before, but it just felt right in his hands, both in terms of weight and appearance.
Of course, if he could choose two cursed tools, that would be even better—a sword and a naginata.
"Gojo-sensei, can I choose two cursed tools?"
"Yes, you can, as long as you can handle them well. You'll need a long time to get used to them. I recommend you choose just one."
"Alright then."
Natsubi Raku looked at the sword and naginata on the rack and chose the sword. Practicing with two weapons was too cumbersome. He wasn't a weapon master, and a sword was more adaptable than a naginata.
Although the naginata felt right, it would be useless in narrow spaces. These details needed to be considered.
"A sword, huh? I also gave Yuta a sword as his cursed tool. When you have time, teach him a few things."
Gojo Satoru looked at Natsubi Raku, feeling gratified, and then closed the wooden door, continuing, "Let's go. I'll take you to meet your future classmates."
"…"
"Gojo-sensei, have a little more faith in me, or I'll slip some laxatives into your dinner."
Natsubi Raku quipped.
Gojo waved his hand dismissively, "It's not that I don't have faith in you. He's also a genius. In terms of cursed energy, he overwhelms you. Although your cursed energy has inexplicably increased significantly, that kid is truly strong."
"So, Gojo-sensei, what do you think my chances are against this Megumi guy?"
"3-7. You three, him seven."
Three to seven, huh…
Although Gojo Satoru didn't know about his trump card, the Great Fire Annihilation, a three to seven chance was still daunting. Using that jutsu might be overkill; it could be lethal, so it's better not to use it in a sparring match.
As a last resort, it's not time to reveal it yet. But if losing means being held back a year, and the system rewards would be forfeited!
Tsk!
Looks like I need to find Maki for some enhanced training tomorrow.
Copy all the sword techniques that can be copied. If I still can't win…
Then I'll just scorch him with a fireball. I can't lose that reward.
…
At the training ground.
Newcomer Megumi Fushiguro glanced at the seniors around him. Though curious why a panda could talk, he kept quiet.
"Hello, Fushiguro. I'm Panda."
The smiling Panda extended his right hand, but to Fushiguro, it seemed like a declaration of dominance. The sharp teeth and claws suggested he might devour him any second.
What kind of freaks are in this Jujutsu High?
A talking panda, a white-haired guy constantly talking about food, and a man exuding strong oppression. The only normal-looking person, the older sister, was glaring at him fiercely.
What did I do wrong? This is terrifying…
"Panda, you're scaring him."
Maki Zen'in commented.
"Huh! No way? I was being friendly."
Panda scratched his head, puzzled.
"Katsuobushi."
Toge Inumaki waved, also confused.
"How about I try?"
Yuta Okkotsu barely finished his sentence when the other two and the panda objected.
"You're the scariest." ×2
"Salmon!"
"…"
"You guys are so mean."
Yuta Okkotsu looked hurt, tears welling up as if his heart had been crushed.
"Yo, looks like everyone's getting along."
Gojo Satoru arrived with Natsubi Raku.
Oh, so this is Megumi Fushiguro? He looks quite strong. Natsubi Raku glanced over.
Ah!
Finally, someone normal.
Fushiguro also noticed Natsubi Raku behind Gojo Satoru. Compared to those around him, he seemed like a "normal" person. This place was too oppressive.
Natsubi Raku, seeing Fushiguro, who was slightly shorter, extended his right hand, "Hello, Fushiguro. I'm Natsubi Raku. You can call me Natsubi-nii or Raku-senpai. If you want to see jutsu, I'll give you a 50% discount, only 50,000 yen."
"…"
Damn…
He's not normal either…
Fushiguro's smile froze, his eyes losing their sparkle. He suddenly regretted coming to Jujutsu High.
"Don't make that face, Fushiguro. Despite how they seem, they're all good people."
Gojo Satoru patted Fushiguro's head, smiled at everyone, and loudly announced, "In two days, there will be a duel between Natsubi Raku and Fushiguro. If Natsubi loses, he'll be demoted to first-year next year. Everyone, feel free to bully him! Oh yeah!!"
"Oh!?"
Everyone's eyes darted between Natsubi Raku and Fushiguro, brimming with interest.
"Troublesome, I don't want to fight."
Fushiguro immediately declined. He didn't want to be treated like a spectacle.
Don't want to fight?
Not only would Gojo Satoru disagree, but Natsubi Raku couldn't either. The system had issued a mission; the fight had to happen.
Natsubi Raku taunted, "Afraid I'll bully you? Don't worry, I'll go easy on you. I'm a gentle senpai."
"…"
Where do you get the nerve to say that, Jesus?
Anyone with eyes could see that Fushiguro's cursed energy far surpassed Natsubi Raku's.
Generally, cursed energy levels are a bridge to assess a jujutsu sorcerer's strength. But this evaluation applies to most sorcerers, excluding special cases. Plus, everyone has their trump cards.
Natsubi Raku's words only piqued everyone's curiosity. Although not well acquainted, it was clear he wasn't one to boast without reason. On the contrary, he seemed very meticulous.
He treated everyone differently, with no apparent discrimination. From how he quickly bonded with everyone over a meal, it was evident.
What will he do to overcome someone seemingly unbeatable?
Everyone was eager to find out.
"Huh? Then let's fight right now!"
For those who underestimated him, Fushiguro usually solved the issue with his fists.
Got him!
Natsubi Raku smirked, "Not today, I'm injured. Let's go with Gojo-sensei's plan, two days later. Including today, that's the day after tomorrow. If I lose, I'll be your classmate next year. If you lose, you have to call me Natsubi-nii. Deal?"
"Fine! But if you lose, you'll be demoted next year and must respect me."
"Of course, everyone here is a witness."
Natsubi Raku waved and left. This wasn't showing off; his legs really hurt from standing. Going home to lie down was more comfortable.
Training can wait until tomorrow. Today, every movement was painful. Being a couch potato for a day was fine.
At least it might make Fushiguro think he's arrogant and lower his guard—a win-win.
Everyone watched the limping Natsubi Raku leave, silent. Inside, they screamed: 'In that condition, can he even fight without getting killed?'
Maki Zen'in also felt a bit guilty, as she was the one who inflicted those injuries. Though it was for his training, if she had been less harsh, he could have trained another day to increase his chances.