A boy's reminder echoed in the narrow space, causing Natsubi Raku to panic. Turning to open a path, he found the fleshy walls unyielding, resisting even his enhanced body.
"…"
Damn, shouldn't have shown off. Now I'm stuck too.
Raku looked at the others helplessly, planting his naginata into the ground, "No way out. We wait for rescue."
"…"
Useless!
The three fell silent, disappointed their savior was also trapped, their hopes dashed.
"Yuta, what's your dream? Why did you come to Jujutsu High? My dream is to survive and save others."
Surprised by Raku's sudden question, Yuta muttered sadly, "I don't want to hurt anyone anymore… I tried isolating myself, even considering disappearing. But when someone said being alone would be too boring, I had no reply. I want to connect with others, to be needed. I want the confidence to live."
"Same as me."
Raku smiled, gripping his naginata, his eyes turning a deeper crimson, "Then exorcise it with me. Don't you want to be needed? We need you now. We need your strength!"
Seeing Raku with his naginata and the fainting Maki, Yuta's guilt turned to resolve. He removed his ring and whispered, "Rika."
'What is it?'
Rika's gentle voice echoed in his mind.
"Please lend me your strength. I want to protect them."
'Okay, as long as it's you.'
Raku's actions were part of his plan to prevent weakening his allies while gaining favor. In life, one must strive and rest openly, doing what's needed when necessary. Having completed the system's task, fighting the curse head-on was unwise.
With a surge of cursed energy, Rika, hidden in the ring, fully revealed herself. Her massive form, sharp fangs, and cable-like braids displayed her immense power.
Her special grade might was evident as she punched through the curse's abdomen, creating an exit.
"Let's go."
Raku, seeing the open path, deactivated his Sharingan. Despite fatigue, he stayed alert, knowing falling asleep here would burden Yuta, who couldn't carry four alone while Rika rampaged.
"Are you okay, Raku?"
Yuta, carrying Maki and the child, asked.
"I'm fine, let's go."
Raku took a deep breath, jumping out of the curse's abdomen onto a balcony, arms open, "Drop them down, I'll catch."
"Okay."
Seeing Raku's blood-streaked face, Yuta felt a surge of emotions. Though exhausted, Raku cared for others, proving his resilience.
Yuta, holding the unconscious, jumped down, refusing to burden Raku further.
"Good job. Let's go before Rika notices."
"Yeah."
Yuta glanced at the rampaging Rika and led the group downstairs.
Raku, picking up his naginata, felt his body weakening. Must endure a bit longer…
As they trudged forward, Rika's maniacal laughter echoed:
"Rika loves red! Where's the blue!?"
Outside the school, Gojo Satoru smiled, "Impressive. That's the full form of the special grade cursed spirit Rika Orimoto? Terrifying."
"But…"
Gojo's face grew serious, recalling Raku's precise and fierce attack despite being a novice. His eyes must be the reason…
If so, this kid's potential is immense. I'm eager to see if he can keep up with me.
As he pondered, Raku and Yuta, exhausted, broke through the barrier and collapsed before him.
Seeing their efforts, Gojo was pleased, "Welcome back, you worked hard. Leave the rest to me."
Raku, barely conscious, joked, "No less than 500,000 yen today…"
"…"
Gojo was speechless, Raku's greed matching his file.
But it's not a bad trait. Greedy people often fear death, yet he risked his life to save others, proving his worth. Despite being drained of cursed energy and near collapse, he endured.
Such resilience and unique eyes mean a promising future. Raku's first battle showed remarkable skill.
"Let's patch them up, or those old cowards will complain."
Gojo treated their wounds and called for help, heading back to the school with a light step.