After realizing Jogo had expressed his loyalty, Satoshi was a bit surprised.
The others around him visibly tensed.
Even Lord Tengen, who had always remained composed, showed a shift in her expression. She had anticipated that Ryūjin Jakka would leave a lasting impact on Jogo, but she hadn't expected things to reach this point.
"Oh? Why is that, Jogo? I'm human, you know."
Satoshi smiled with a hint of mischief.
This one-eyed Special Grade cursed spirit had wanted to overthrow humanity and become the new form of life. Yet now, he was choosing to submit?
It wasn't him Jogo was submitting to, was it?
Under the watchful gaze of Satoshi's Six Eyes, Jogo lowered his head and spoke in a deep voice.
"Only by following you can I witness the ultimate power of flame. I believe the weapon in your hand holds far more power than what I've seen."
"I want to see that greater power. Only then can I break through my current limits."
Jogo didn't hide his true intentions.
Even though he had survived, having endured Ryūjin Jakka's flames, that meant he was fated to grow stronger through Ryūjin Jakka.
Satoru frowned. He didn't approve of the idea.
Even though Satoshi had awakened Ryūjin Jakka and his strength had increased dramatically, that didn't justify keeping a powerful Special Grade cursed spirit around.
As a cursed spirit capable of deploying a Domain, if Jogo ever lost control, the damage could be catastrophic.
Even if they stopped him in the end, the consequences would be devastating.
"Satoshi, don't take the risk."
Satoru's warning darkened Jogo's expression.
He understood the divide between humans and cursed spirits, but it was still disheartening to hear such words.
Jogo knew that Satoru and Satoshi shared a connection, and it was clear from Satoru's tone that his chances of being accepted were slim.
At that moment, the muscular man beside Satoru suddenly spoke up.
"But it's just a Special Grade cursed spirit. No big deal. If it's not useful, we can have it guard the house at Yorozuya. Might as well bring it back."
As someone born under a Heavenly Restriction, Toji viewed cursed spirits as tools by nature.
Jogo's strength was impressive, but in Toji's eyes, he was still something that could be handled with little effort.
If Jogo joined Yorozuya, there were countless ways he could be put to use.
Although Toji was the nominal manager of the Yorozuya, the place didn't have any true "staff" members.
Now that a powerful cursed spirit was practically offering itself, there was no reason to turn it down.
Jogo might be powerful, but not stronger than him.
Toji's words gave Jogo a glimmer of hope. He didn't know what "Yorozuya" meant exactly, but he felt he had a chance.
Jogo never thought there'd come a day where he would have to humble himself like this—waiting on someone else's mood just to be allowed to follow them.
Satoshi was a little tempted by Toji's suggestion.
Yorozuya wasn't the kind of place that could hire just anyone. But if they ever needed someone to handle cursed spirit-related tasks, it wasn't like he could ask Satoru or Toji to deal with them personally.
Jogo might actually be a solid fit.
After a moment of thought, Satoshi nodded and turned to Jogo.
"Then you can join Yorozuya. But this is just an opportunity. Whether or not you become an official member depends on your performance."
In truth, Satoshi had another thought.
He wanted to know whether a cursed spirit like Jogo could wield a Zanpakutō.
Itadori Kaori, under Kenjaku's control, could still be considered human. So it makes sense that Kenjaku wanted to steal Ryūjin Jakka, even if it would always be a futile attempt.
But what about true cursed spirits?
If they could also wield Zanpakutō, then perhaps some exceptionally talented cursed spirits could become sword borrowers as well.
And unlike humans, cursed spirits wouldn't pose the same risk.
If a cursed spirit ever turned against him, he could instantly revoke their access to the Zanpakutō.
I just want some experience packs.
After all, cursed spirits often had more intense combat instincts and practical experience than most humans. The feedback they provided could be far more valuable than ordinary borrowers.
Jogo was stunned at first. But the moment he realized Satoshi had accepted him, excitement lit up in his eye.
This was someone who could wield the Ultimate Flame Sword. He might not look that old, but anyone who could use that sword clearly wasn't ordinary.
He was certain that staying by Satoshi's side would greatly strengthen him in the future.
And as for devouring humans—what did that have to do with him anymore?
He was now a staffed cursed spirit. He'd be on an entirely different level from those wild beasts out there.
Jogo's large eye shone with anticipation for what lay ahead.
If Satoshi knew what Jogo was thinking right now, he'd probably feel the need to reevaluate this cursed spirit entirely.
Jogo's current mindset was a far cry from what it had been at his creation.
Jogo, once the pioneer of a new human race in the original timeline, had been recruited into the Yorozuya and completely abandoned his ambitions.
Maybe this was a kind of luck?
At least now he didn't have to keep playing elite boss roles like in the original story...
...
With the battle over, Satoshi turned his gaze to Tengen.
After all, the main reason they had come to the Tombs of the Star was because of her. Since Tengen had no hostile intent, Satoshi didn't mind showing some goodwill.
Feeling Satoshi's gaze, Tengen gestured invitingly toward the group and turned to lead them deeper inside.
The warm-up was over.
Now it was time to get to the real purpose of their visit.
She was deeply curious about Satoshi.
A person who did not belong to this world, wielding a Zanpakutō that also did not belong to this world, had already begun to distort the very fabric of this timeline.
What kind of future would Gojo Satoshi bring her?
Tengen couldn't help but wonder.
(To be continued.)
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