Yuki's words made Gakuganji's face darken. He hadn't expected that the top-grade sorcerer from his own school would choose to openly sabotage him at a moment like this.
That incident wasn't something he ever wanted to recall. It was an accident. No one could've predicted that the swarm of cursed spirits released during that previous event would spiral out of control.
And more importantly, that wasn't a battle between sorcerers. It had been entirely beyond their control.
Still, it left a deep scar in Gakuganji's heart.
At this moment, Sekiguchi Seiji, the principal of Tokyo Jujutsu High, spoke from the opposite side.
"Yuki, that incident truly was an accident. The Gakuganji principal already gained the understanding of the deceased student's family."
As someone who had personally witnessed the event, Seiji understood the situation well. Seeing Yuki dredge up the past, he stepped in to speak on behalf of his old friend.
Though they stood on opposing ends of Japan's two Jujutsu schools, they were still long-time colleagues and, in some ways, friends.
Seeing his old friend fall into a difficult position, he offered his support.
"Gakuganji, don't panic. Even if you interrupt the goodwill event now, who else could you possibly call in to treat Kamo Kenshin?"
Seiji pointed at Ieiri Shoko, who appeared on the live broadcast.
"Right now, Shoko is the most skilled Reverse Cursed Technique user we have. Unless you can summon Ieiri Inamichi, the head of the Ieiri clan, on the spot, you'll have no choice but to rely on her."
"Besides, old man, you're overreacting. Shoko hasn't even confirmed whether Kamo Kenshin's life is truly in danger."
As the principal of Tokyo Jujutsu High, Sekiguchi Seiji knew his students well. He understood that Shoko didn't rely solely on her own Reverse Cursed Technique. The Zanpakutō Minazuki, forged for her by Satoshi, had become a core part of her healing style.
No one really thought Minazuki was just some giant manta ray mount, did they?
As Seiji finished speaking, Mei Mei and Utahime—who had been guarding Kenshin—quickly stepped aside.
A green fluorescent glow began to radiate from Shoko, as her Zanpakutō Minazuki activated and appeared in its released state.
A massive green manta ray materialized out of thin air and promptly swallowed Kamo Kenshin whole.
"Don't worry, Gakuganji. If even Shoko and Minazuki can't save Kamo Kenshin, then I'm afraid no one in the current Jujutsu world can."
Seiji nodded slightly, recalling how he and Yaga Masamichi had witnessed Minazuki treating Yagyū Saemon nine years ago. That scene had left a deep impression. Now, with Minazuki reappearing and treating someone so seriously injured, it was clear how much effort Shoko was putting into saving Kenshin.
For most of the audience, however, it was their first time witnessing this bizarre method of healing. They were shocked.
"Did that cursed spirit shikigami just eat Kamo Kenshin? That's insane. Could it be that Tokyo High is taking advantage of the situation and used that shikigami to sneak attack him while he was down?"
"That's not an attack. That's how Minazuki heals. Haven't you heard about Ieiri Shoko's Reverse Cursed Technique? That Zanpakutō, Minazuki, was custom-forged by Gojo Satoshi. It boosts her healing even further."
"If you don't believe it, just watch. You'll see soon enough."
The act of Minazuki devouring Kamo Kenshin looked dramatic, even grotesque. So much so that many still doubted it was actually a healing method.
...
"You don't need to worry about Shoko's healing abilities, Principal Gakuganji."
A deep, hoarse voice rang out from the sidelines.
Yagyū Saemon stepped forward, his voice steady. He had been healed by Minazuki nine years ago and knew its true capabilities better than most.
Yuki added coolly, "Satoshi left enough space within Jōkaku Enjō for Minazuki to move freely. He probably anticipated that someone would try to break through the flames, so he left room for Shoko to intervene."
"Otherwise, there would've been no need to make Jōkaku Enjō so large."
Her tone was ice cold, and she clearly didn't take Gakuganji seriously. His behavior a moment ago had only further damaged his image in Yuki's eyes.
That kind of differential treatment disgusted her. Even she, someone normally indifferent to politics and emotions, couldn't ignore it.
Now, seeing himself being contradicted by everyone, Gakuganji let out a heavy sigh and sat back down in silence.
I was just concerned about my student's life. Why did Yuki have to react so strongly?
Ever since Satoshi returned, it felt like Yuki's mind was no longer aligned with Kyoto Jujutsu High.
Gakuganji glanced sideways at Yuki, unsure of the school's future anymore.
Originally, he had intended for Yuki to become the next principal of Kyoto Jujutsu High. After all, she was the only top-grade sorcerer in the entire Jujutsu world. Her name alone could draw elite students.
But now… those plans were starting to feel uncertain.
...
Perhaps because Minazuki and Ryūjin Jakka both originated from Zanpakutō forged by Satoshi, Minazuki displayed remarkable compatibility in treating the burn injuries caused by Jōkaku Enjō.
While Gakuganji and the others continued their conversation, Minazuki had already completed the healing process.
The giant manta ray flapped its body and opened its mouth. Kamo Kenshin, glowing with a faint green light, was gently expelled.
Aside from his burned clothes, the skin that had been charred black was now smooth and healthy. It was hard to believe he had been on the brink of death just moments ago.
Seeing this, Mei Mei and Utahime both exhaled in relief. Kamo Kenshin was still unconscious, but at least his life was no longer in danger.
Suguru, who had been planning to test his strength by breaking through Jōkaku Enjō, quietly gave up the idea.
Even though he had confidence in his abilities, seeing Kenshin's miserable state had shaken him.
If anything went wrong—if even his clothes or hair were singed—it would be humiliating.
He and Satoru were the top idols of the Jujutsu world. If they threw away their public image, they'd never get it back.
Forget it. I'll just stand here with Shoko and the others and let the stage belong to the Gojo brothers, Satoru and Satoshi.
(To be continued.)
***
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