After a long flight, Jujutsu High gradually came into view.
Minazuki's wingbeats slowed as they approached.
Ieiri Shoko smiled. "Satoshi, we're almost back."
Satoshi gave a small nod.
As they neared the academy, the crowd below began to stir. Gathered at the entrance were numerous sorcerers, their eyes fixed on the sky above.
It was clear why they were here.
They had all come to witness whether Gojo Satoshi could truly destroy Sukuna's fingers.
Satoshi frowned slightly but still guided Minazuki down without hesitation.
After all, he had made a public declaration that the fingers would be destroyed here.
There was no turning back.
The crowd recognized him immediately and instinctively made way.
No one dared stand in his path.
This wasn't just respect. It was fear. Offending this young man would bring consequences none of them wanted to face.
Their gazes fell upon the container in Satoshi's hands, eyes filled with suppressed greed and awe.
"That's them. Four of Sukuna's fingers…"
"If you want to die, go ahead and keep staring. That's Gojo Satoshi you're looking at."
"Heh, I'm just saying. I'm not stupid enough to act on it."
"Do you think the school really has a way to destroy them?"
"If Gojo Satoshi can use his Zanpakutō, maybe. If not, well, tough luck."
"I disagree. I think his older brother, Gojo Satoru, is still the biggest ace. He took down a Special Grade cursed spirit solo before even entering the school."
"Don't count out Geto Suguru either. He may rely more on cursed spirits, but his cursed energy reserves are just as massive. If anyone could help pull it off, it's him."
"Tch. Either way, it's going to be broadcast live. We'll know soon enough. Personally, I don't think they stand a chance. Genius or not, no one's destroyed a Sukuna finger in a thousand years."
Satoshi ignored the chatter around him.
He and Shoko entered the school directly, where Yaga Masamichi was already waiting.
The moment he saw the container in Satoshi's hand, Yaga stepped forward. "How is it? Confident?"
To be honest, even now, Yaga didn't feel too optimistic.
Satoshi smiled. "Of course."
He didn't believe Sukuna's fingers were truly indestructible. No one had succeeded before simply because their output wasn't high enough.
He didn't lack that.
Yaga seemed to catch his meaning and sighed. "Don't underestimate Sukuna. He was the King of Curses a thousand years ago. He crushed the entire world of jujutsu alone."
Satoshi nodded. "I understand. I'll go all out."
Yaga gestured. "Come on then. We'll conduct this in the Treasury. Satoru and Principal Sekiguchi are already waiting."
Satoshi was very familiar with the Treasury. After all, he had raided both the Gojo and Zenin Treasuries in order to forge his Zanpakutō.
To him, the location didn't matter.
…
Inside the deepest part of Jujutsu High's restricted archives—the Treasury.
Gojo Satoru and Suguru stood alongside Principal Sekiguchi. Yuki was also present, remaining vigilant.
Numerous observers had already gathered.
Only those with considerable status were permitted to enter.
In addition to Ogi and the early-arriving Zenin members, many prominent sorcerer clans had sent representatives.
But for now, everyone remained silent.
Soon, more figures arrived. Among them stood a young man none could mistake—Kamo Kaname, a direct descendant of the Kamo clan.
The moment Ogi saw him, his expression relaxed slightly. Now both the Zenin and Kamo clans had representatives present.
If the school failed to destroy the fingers, those families would be held accountable too.
Kamo Kaname gave a slight nod to Ogi but didn't speak.
Satoru's gaze turned cold the moment he saw the two. Most of the current situation had been orchestrated by them.
He had no intention of being polite.
Just then, Yaga entered the Treasury with Satoshi and Shoko.
All eyes immediately locked onto the container in Satoshi's hands.
The atmosphere reached a tense crescendo.
…
As Satoshi and Shoko walked in, the entire room shifted its attention toward them.
Everyone had been waiting for this.
There was no doubt—today, Satoshi was the undisputed center of attention.
Satoru and Suguru both visibly relaxed when they saw him.
They had been gone for quite a while, and carrying multiple Sukuna fingers only made them more of a target.
Even though Satoshi was strong, the risk couldn't be ignored.
From across the room, Ogi and Kamo Kaname also glanced at Satoshi, sneers tugging at their lips.
But Satoshi remained unfazed, his expression calm.
He quickly took note of the formation—Satoru and Suguru were positioned facing the officials from the Jujutsu General Administration, clearly on alert.
Yuki stood next to Principal Sekiguchi, arms folded, acting as a clear deterrent.
Then Satoshi noticed someone unexpected—Yagyū Saemon.
The man gave him a nod, expressionless.
Satoshi instantly understood. Saemon had likely been sent by Yagyū Hidetsugu to counterbalance the Zenin faction and Kamo faction.
Sekiguchi stood up, smiling at their arrival.
"Principal Sekiguchi," Satoshi and Shoko greeted in unison.
Sekiguchi nodded. "No need for formality. How did the mission go?"
Satoshi smiled. "I've brought back the four Sukuna fingers stored by the Gojo family."
Sekiguchi's expression turned serious. "Satoshi, if you want to withdraw now, it's not too late."
"You could take those fingers back to the Gojo clan. If you're uncertain, I'm afraid our school won't be able to protect them."
He clearly believed Satoshi was being too impulsive. There was no need to sacrifice their own fingers.
Satoshi understood what the principal meant, and was about to politely decline.
When Ogi interrupted.
He stared at the container in Satoshi's hands, eyes gleaming, licking his lips as he mocked, "Principal Sekiguchi, wasn't this agreement made by one of your own students? Are we going to break that promise now, in front of everyone?"
"Or maybe… someone's getting cold feet after seeing Sukuna's fingers up close?"
Sekiguchi's face darkened.
He immediately realized Ogi was attempting to provoke Satoshi into action, hoping to take advantage of his pride to snatch the Gojo clan's fingers.
(To be continued.)