Inside the conference room of the Jujutsu Sorcerer Association's The Higher-Ups, only vague silhouettes could be seen behind a dozen screens, obscuring their real faces.
This was a highly confidential Cursed Technique that allowed the caster's spirit to participate in a remote meeting.
"Proposal No. 716 is unanimously approved, increasing financial subsidies for Singularity Investment."
"Due to the Zenin Family exercising its right to veto, Agenda Item No. 648 regarding the evaluation of Kenmyo, Gojo Satoru, and Suguru Geto as Special Grade Sorcerers is temporarily frozen."
"Proposal No. 666 is unanimously passed without objection. The Star Plasma Cult massacre case is hereby closed, and the file is permanently sealed in the The Higher-Ups archives."
"Meeting adjourned."
Soon after, as the caster dispelled the Cursed Technique, all the screens dimmed.
Inside the secret room of the Zenin Family main compound.
After the meeting adjourned, Zen'in Hehuang, the second elder of the Zenin Family, scoffed disdainfully and spoke to Zenin Shūsai, the first elder of the Zenin Family, who was standing nearby.
"A scrawny little girl who couldn't even truss a chicken killed hundreds of people. Do they really take us for fools?"
The scenes of the explosions looked somewhat like the aftermath of a bombing, and there were even traces of the Kamo Family's Blood Manipulation on some of the cult members' bodies.
"It doesn't matter. Since Kamo and Gojo believe it, let it be for now."
Zenin Shūsai shook his head, his expression grim.
"The most crucial situation right now is that the brats from the Kamo and Gojo Families have perfectly mastered their respective Cursed Techniques, and some already possess Special Grade strength."
"Hmph, yet here in the Zenin Family, we barely have a younger generation capable of carrying the family's future or inheriting Mahoraga."
Therefore, the jealous Zenin Family representative exercised their veto power, rejecting the titles of Special Grade Sorcerer for those youngsters.
They truly had no shame.
"Damn it!"
But constantly suppressing them wasn't a solution. If the Zenin Family's descendants also possessed the strength of a Special Grade Sorcerer, the Zenin Family wouldn't be in this situation.
First Elder Zenin Shūsai was not only furious, but his blood pressure had spiked.
"That idiot Zen'in Naobito, where is the brat he keeps claiming can inherit the Ten Shadows Technique?"
Zen'in Naobito is the current head of the Zenin Family, hailed as the strongest Grade 1 Jujutsu Sorcerer, but he is already quite old.
The Zenin Family's younger generation is lacking, far less prominent than the other two families.
Where exactly is this illusory family heir?
"Hey, hey, hey."
"Don't look at me like that. I'm scared."
Kenmyo raised his hands. In front of him, Suguru Geto and Gojo Satoru were looking at him with scrutinizing gazes.
The looks on their faces were far from kind, as if Kenmyo had done something terrible.
"I didn't go anywhere; I just took Riko out to earn some extra money."
"Right, Riko?"
"Mhm."
Riko Amanai nodded, though her expression was somewhat distracted.
Kenmyo gave her a card with twenty million on it, which had already been cleaned.
"Your so-called 'earning extra money' means turning Riko-chan into a murderer who slaughtered an entire cult of over 400 people?"
"Hah, too small. Your perspective is too narrow."
Kenmyo rolled his eyes and said to them.
"You have to be strong yourself to forge iron. Instead of us protecting her, it's better for Riko-chan to establish her own reputation, letting the jackals outside know who the real tiger is."
"As for bad reputation, can reputation be eaten? Isn't life precious and important?"
"Besides, the negative impact on Riko-chan's reputation is only spreading within the Jujutsu World."
"Riko's social circle doesn't reach the Jujutsu World at all. Her friends are all ordinary people. They can't even see Cursed Spirits, much less hear rumors about Riko-chan."
"Holy crap, that makes sense."
Gojo Satoru was immediately convinced by Kenmyo's few words, sporting an expression that said, "You're absolutely right, Big Brother."
But Suguru Geto was clearly not as easily fooled as Gojo Satoru; he frowned.
"Alright, fine, everything you said is correct."
"But wasn't it a bit excessive to kill all those cult members?"
"What do you mean I killed them? Stop slandering me."
Kenmyo waved his hand.
"Geto, the people who deserve to die should die.
The ledger we checked should make it clear: it was their cult that put bounties on the three of us, and Riko-chan."
"These people have been poisoned too deeply by the Star Plasma Cult. Also, the report on the corpses found on Qi Lu Mountain seven days ago is out, and it included hundreds of bodies, including Star Plasma Cult members."
"These people were highly suspected of criminal activity."
"Do you think they were innocent? If so, were the Jujutsu Sorcerer colleagues who died on Qi Lu Mountain also innocent?"
"Who will pity them? Who will help their widows?"
"But..."
At this point, Suguru Geto understood that these people deserved to die, but they should have been handed over to the Jujutsu Sorcerer Association for trial and sentencing. He wanted to argue a few more points, but Gojo Satoru immediately cut him off.
"Alright, you two."
Gojo Satoru said to Suguru Geto.
"Geto, I think Kenmyo did the right thing. These scumbags absolutely deserve to die."
"The Star Plasma Cult might have been good once, but in recent years, the upper echelons who control the cult have become corrupted by greed."
"When the Star Plasma Cult's headquarters were exposed, many ledgers detailing their profits were found. Those books meticulously documented how much wealth they had extorted from their followers."
"The Star Plasma Cult's growth was inseparable from the money they extorted from ordinary people, draining their savings and causing families to break apart."
"Not to mention the antique calligraphy and paintings their cult had accumulated since the Nara Period—those ancient artifacts were priceless."
So, the Star Plasma Cult actually had considerable reserves, but those things were only meant to be brought out as last resorts in times of crisis.
As for the money?
Confiscated? Don't even think about it. It was impossible.
The Jujutsu Sorcerer Association only found the ledgers; they didn't recover a single penny of the money.
The whereabouts of this money were self-evident. Let's just say those in the know understand.
The Jujutsu Sorcerer Association, full of political maneuvering, simply pretended not to see it.
Besides, the Jujutsu Sorcerer Association was already at odds with the Star Plasma Cult; how dare a bunch of trash try to point fingers at them?
Now that they were all wiped out, it was only a good thing.
Fearing negative external influence, only insiders within the Jujutsu Sorcerer Association knew how many crimes the Star Plasma Cult had committed over the years. They were far from innocent.
"Killing such individuals is no loss at all. On the contrary, it reduces the possibility of them committing future evil and saves countless families down the line."
"So I think Kenmyo—ah, no, Riko-chan killed them correctly."
"Geto, don't overthink it."
"It's simply not worth it for those guys."
Gojo Satoru said in an indifferent tone.
"That idiot fence-sitter! Whose side is he on?"
Suguru Geto thought angrily.
"Satoru, the power we possess isn't meant for us to casually slaughter ordinary people, but for the greater good, to protect more lives."
This explanation failed to convince Suguru Geto, so he continued.
"That is the fundamental reason we learn Cursed Techniques and become strong."
"Is that your righteous argument?"
Gojo Satoru rolled his eyes at Suguru Geto. The young man even made a comical gagging gesture, as if utterly disdainful of Suguru Geto's "greater good."
"I hate righteous arguments the most."
Gojo Satoru sneered.
"Forget protection. Killing these greedy parasites is the best way to help ordinary people."
He pointed his finger outside and said fiercely to Suguru Geto.
"If you have a problem with it, let's take it outside."
"Perfect then."
"Perfect, my foot!"
Kenmyo ruthlessly smacked Suguru Geto and Gojo Satoru hard on the head twice, saying angrily.
"Are both your brains broken? We are currently ten thousand meters up in the sky outside!"
He stepped forward and used his two arms to put both Suguru Geto and Gojo Satoru in a chokehold. The immense strength instantly caused the two rivals great pain.
Gojo Satoru and Suguru Geto both turned red in the face, looking like they were about to suffocate.
But Kenmyo showed no mercy.
These two guys always took an inch when given an opportunity. He couldn't stand how they always made a fuss over nothing, and they constantly argued without end.
"Are you two here just to cause trouble? Get the situation straight."
"Don't forget we are on our way out to have fun, you two idiots."
Interrupted by Kenmyo, they suddenly remembered that they were indeed acting foolishly.
That's right. Gojo Satoru and the others were currently on the Kamo Family's private jet, which was flying toward Okinawa. Of course, Miss Kuroi was also present, as she was Riko Amanai's only family member.
"Also, let me tell you, Riko."
"Don't listen to these two jerks fear-mongering. This is just a small matter."
"Because I completely suppressed it, and no other jerk will put a bounty on us."
You shouldn't have any psychological burden either. After all, you didn't do anything; I orchestrated the whole thing.
Riko Amanai's unease didn't stem from this, but she wouldn't show a cold demeanor toward others, especially Kenmyo and the others who had been protecting her these past few days.
She forced a slight smile and laughed at them.
Seeing this, Kenmyo kicked the two people on the floor in frustration, thinking, *You ruined the good atmosphere again.*
"Come on, come on, let's eat hot pot."
Kenmyo saw several servants bring in the lunch—a split hot pot with tomato beef brisket and sukiyaki—and quickly invited them to eat.
At the same time, a dazzling array of drinks was set out, including beer, cocktails, juice, and other things.
"Something sweet."
Gojo Satoru smelled the sweet scent and immediately scrambled up from the floor, while Suguru Geto looked on, helplessly supporting his head. He had actually been arguing rationally with this idiot.
Was he also an idiot?
"Miss Kuroi, you too."
Kenmyo called out to everyone.
A few untimely words had truly made the atmosphere so awkward.
"Come on, everyone together."
Kenmyo led the way, opening a can of beer first and chugging it down.
"It's all my fault for not making things clear when I took Riko out."
"I'll punish myself with a drink, alright."
"Hey, students aren't allowed to drink, are they?"
Miss Kuroi saw Kenmyo pull out the beer and immediately said righteously.
"Don't be so rigid."
"Miss Kuroi, we are 10,000 meters up in the sky here, so we are no longer subject to Neon student laws."
Gojo Satoru grabbed a can of cocktail for himself. As someone who loves sweets, even when drinking alcohol, he prefers something sweet, making cocktails his best substitute.
He didn't forget to give Riko and Miss Kuroi a bottle each.
Then, under their dumbfounded gaze, he also chugged his down.
"Drinking a cold cocktail in this weather is much more comfortable than drinking cold cola."
Gojo Satoru said this to Suguru Geto, completely abandoning his confrontational posture from moments before.
"Hey, Geto."
"Although Satoru is an idiot, that's actually true."
Suguru Geto opened a beer and took a sip.
Seeing how practiced they were, it didn't seem like they were violating a taboo for the first time.
Miss Kuroi then realized that the three of them were a type she had never encountered before.
But suddenly, the sound of a can being popped open caught her attention.
She turned her head to see that Riko Amanai, all by herself, had quietly opened a can of cocktail.
It looked like she even wanted to take a sip.
"Young Lady!"
"It's alright, it's alright, Miss Kuroi, don't worry, these have very low alcohol content."
Kenmyo told Miss Kuroi not to be too nervous; it was just a simple cocktail, and a sip wouldn't hurt.
However, it was understandable, after all, Miss Kuroi had watched Riko Amanai grow up.
Their relationship was profound, like a sister and a mother, so seeing someone so young drink alcohol, she would naturally offer a reminder.
"There are many wonderful things in life that one needs to actively try."
Kenmyo continued.
Miss Kuroi originally didn't want Riko Amanai to drink, but considering that Master Tengen's assimilation ritual was about to begin.
She just sighed inwardly and didn't hinder Riko Amanai's actions.
"I understand."
A trace of sadness appeared on Miss Kuroi's face, but she held it back and then showed a smile.
"Miss, does this taste good?"
"Kuroi, it tastes much better than I expected."
Riko Amanai held the cocktail, and from the expression on her face, it was clear that the cocktail was indeed a rare experience for her.
She had expected a bitter taste, but it was much better than she had imagined.
The sweetness was clearly layered, and since it was watermelon flavored, the fruit taste was very rich, with no bitterness at all, and the texture was as refreshing as cola.
Both her eyes were sparkling.
"It's delicious!"
Riko Amanai was successfully won over by Gojo Satoru and Kenmyo.
After half a bottle of alcohol, Riko Amanai also felt the release of pressure.
This instantly set the party atmosphere, and even Miss Kuroi started drinking beer under their encouragement.
But even more outrageous was that their plane had already arrived at Okinawa International Airport.
However, because Gojo Satoru and the others were still drunk and feasting, the captain had to contact the control tower and could only circle in the air a few more times.
It wasn't until Kenmyo and the others finished their hot pot party that they finally landed.
Unlike Tokyo, Okinawa clearly had a much richer ocean culture.
No wonder Riko wanted to come here.
Although the climate was much hotter, looking at the boundless sea, even the scorching heat seemed to gradually recede.
"The sea! The sea!"
The group, full and satisfied, headed straight for the seaside.
Ah, Riko Amanai and Miss Kuroi, who were also a bit tipsy from drinking, were naturally quite happy, their faces flushed as they rushed forward with the lively bunch.
"Why do the senpai seem a bit strange?"
On a platform not far away, two students wearing Tokyo Jujutsu High uniforms were observing Kenmyo and the others with binoculars.
"Wow, do they really play that wild in private?"
The former's voice had a "wow wow wow" feeling, while the latter's was full of calmness.
"Idiot, don't say such ambiguous things."
"It's just a normal game of tag."
Kenmyo was playing the ghost, chasing Suguru Geto, Gojo Satoru, Riko Amanai, and others.
They also played the watermelon smashing game, where the person holding the bamboo stick was blindfolded and had to hit Suguru Geto's head or a watermelon buried in the sand.
Who told Suguru Geto he had bad luck? His entire body was buried in the sand.
If it were Gojo Satoru or him, they might have used Cursed Energy to distinguish, but Riko Amanai and Miss Kuroi never cared about such things. They just picked a direction and struck down hard.
Suguru Geto was almost decapitated by Riko once.
So, in the eyes of the two observers, they saw their senpai in a different light.
"Suguru Geto-senpai is truly miserable; he got hit, his head might even be split open."
These two were Yu Haibara and Nanami Kento, first-year students from Tokyo Jujutsu High. They had arrived in Okinawa much earlier on another flight.
Next to them were bags of convenience food.
Because they had to confirm whether traces of Jujutsu Sorcerer or Curse Users still remained in Okinawa, it was a reconnaissance mission, not an extermination mission.
Moreover, Kenmyo, while the Kamo Family sealed off this beach, also undertook guard duties, implicitly reducing the pressure on the two of them.
But Nanami Kento still didn't know.
"Troublesome."
His mouth was full of complaints, his thin face was completely furrowed, and he was filled with a low-pressure aura.
"Is this really a mission assigned to first-years?"
"Don't say that, Nanami."
Yu Haibara was still full of energy.
"Coming here was truly the right choice; I've seen a different Suguru-senpai."
"It's just a pity I can't play with them."
It was perfectly normal; official business and private matters were two different concepts.
Yu Haibara was a huge fan of Suguru Geto; he admired Suguru Geto, believing that senpai was the strongest person at Tokyo Jujutsu High, and aimed to improve his own strength with him as a goal.
"Hmm?"
"Is Isayama-senpai waving at us?"
"But how is that possible? We are clearly 600 meters away from here."
Yu Haibara, holding the binoculars, looked utterly incredulous, as if he still couldn't believe it.
"Moreover, we used Cursed Techniques to completely conceal ourselves during our reconnaissance."
Because it was as if he was observing the lives of his direct senpai, Yu Haibara spied very covertly, afraid of being discovered by them.
Even the observation point was on a small high-rise building more than 600 meters from the beach.
"Nanami?"
Yu Haibara saw Nanami Kento, who had been lying on the ground observing them with binoculars, suddenly stand up, looking a bit puzzled.
"Isn't that obvious? Because that person is Isayama-senpai."
Nanami Kento, on the other hand, appeared quite calm, not at all surprised that Kenmyo could spot them from such a distance.
"Our meager concealment ability is nothing to him."
"Let's go, they're calling us."
"Don't walk so fast, wait for me."
By the time Yu Haibara finished packing up the equipment on the ground, he had already seen Nanami open the rooftop door and rush downstairs shortly after.
Yu Haibara hadn't even had time to exclaim, "Holy cow, he's so fast!" and was also a bit puzzled.
"Strange, is Nanami ever this urgent?"
In Yu Haibara's impression, Nanami had always been steady and meticulous, never in such a hurry.
The reason for Nanami Kento's urgency?
Isn't it obvious? After all, that senpai was calling him.
If Yu Haibara was a fan of Suguru Geto, then Nanami Kento was a fan of Kenmyo.
Not only did he save his life back then, but he had actually long been impressed by his strength, even feeling that Isayama-senpai was a very charismatic person.
Strong in power, kind to others, completely without the condescending attitude of a senior student.
Completely different from those two unreliable senpai, Isayama-senpai was a very dependable person.
Although not from the same school, Nanami Kento always maintained a very respectful attitude towards Kenmyo.
When the two of them arrived at the beach, they finally understood why they had been called over.
It turned out they had set up a barbecue party.
Speaking of which, this group certainly could eat. They had already eaten hot pot on the plane, and after getting off the plane and swimming for about an hour or two, and playing beach volleyball and other games, they were hungry again.
They started a fire for a barbecue, and didn't forget the two junior students who were miserably eating convenience food over there, calling them over to improve their meal.
This made the two junior students even more grateful to Kenmyo, especially Nanami, who was incredibly excited to eat barbecue with the person he respected most.
He even, unusually, drank two more bottles of alcohol.
Kenmyo also deepened his impression of Nanami; this junior student could drink quite a bit.
Eventually, the drinking among the boys turned from beer to directly drinking water.
The water here, mind you, was flammable, and could also be mixed with oolong tea for an even more exhilarating taste.
Cursed Energy could sober them up, so they wouldn't let temporary drunkenness affect their mission status.
In short, it was a very fulfilling day. It was a wonderful day for Riko Amanai, and for every junior student who participated in this party.
Since there was still a long holiday period before the assimilation day, Kenmyo, Suguru Geto, Gojo Satoru, and the others took Riko Amanai to the zoo, the aquarium, and various places she had never been and experiences she had never had.
For example, skydiving, bungee jumping, surfing, and eating lots and lots of delicious food.
As for buying clothes, they were all charged to the Gojo Family Young Master's card.
After all, Young Master Isayama had already covered their food and accommodation.
Gojo Satoru's Limitless was active for an average of eight hours a day.
Since there was no external interference or influence, many days passed in a flash.
Happy times are always short, and in the blink of an eye, the day of assimilation was almost upon them.
Gojo Satoru, Suguru Geto, and Kenmyo, the three of them, brought Riko Amanai to Jujutsu High.
Miss Kuroi was not in good spirits today, so she didn't come, fearing she might affect them.
That was the entrance to the Jujutsu High barrier.
Everyone was silent along the way, unlike their usual joyful chatter.
Recalling their past moments together felt quite emotional.
The three of them originally intended to take Riko Amanai inside. But at the entrance of the barrier, another girl was already standing and waiting.
"An enemy?"
This blonde girl wore a white camisole, revealing beautiful curves, and seven-point cargo pants.
From her age, she shouldn't be much older than the three of them, at most five or six years older.
However, Suguru Geto and Gojo Satoru both showed grave expressions, striking poses, seemingly anticipating trouble.
Seeing them approach, the girl couldn't help but smile and actively walked towards them.
"Good afternoon, boys."
"What kind of women do you like?"
"Ah, no."
The girl scratched her hair, showing a troubled expression.
"Sorry, sorry, the old men sent me."
"Your mission is over, leave the rest to me. I'll take her in."