On the other side of the mission site.
After a smooth and silent tag-team between Satoru and Suguru, the Cursed Spirit, even with the power granted by Sukuna's fingers, gradually lost its edge.
"Suguru, land the final blow," Satoru said.
Suguru nodded at his words.
Soon, with their well-coordinated teamwork, the Cursed Spirit was completely purified.
In the next moment, it morphed into a floating Sukuna Finger.
Suguru sheathed his Zanpakutō, Hōzukimaru, and exhaled in relief.
He thought, I didn't expect the opponent could actually block the cursed energy flowing through our bodies.
If it weren't for the Zanpakutō that Satoshi forged specifically for us, we might've been in serious trouble.
Seeing this, Satoru happily stored away his Zanpakutō, Senbonzakura.
He bumped fists with Suguru and grinned.
"Suguru, we did it. That was faster than expected. Let's hurry back. I'm sure we'll complete the mission before Satoshi's team!"
Suguru nodded. "Alright, let's return."
Inwardly, Suguru was feeling a surge of satisfaction at surpassing Satoshi.
Satoru stretched and smiled. "I have a good feeling about this! Once Satoshi returns, I'm definitely teasing him."
They didn't waste any more time.
They hurried back to Jujutsu High as fast as they could.
…
At that moment, in Jujutsu High.
Everyone was watching as Satoshi and Shoko handed over the Sukuna Finger.
For a moment, silence filled the air.
The figure of Satoshi, who had gradually faded into obscurity over the years, suddenly loomed large in their minds again, sending a chill down their spines.
The same Satoshi from nine years ago. The Zanpakutō that had cast a shadow over everyone was back once more.
The five glowing flames of Sukuna's cursed energy in his hand drew envy from all present. They had thought nine years was enough to dull even the sharpest blade.
And not to forget...
Another rising star, Satoru, wasn't far behind either.
But as their attention shifted to Satoru, they turned to the screen on the left, which still hadn't dimmed.
A mix of pity crept into everyone's gaze...
Satoshi had already completed the mission long ago, but Satoru and Suguru still thought they were winning…
Still, it wasn't really their fault.
Their performance in this entrance exam was truly excellent. Their synergy was remarkable, a clear testament to their training.
But their opponent was Satoshi.
Satoshi played by no one's rules but his own.
Seeing the unrestrained joy on Satoru and Suguru's faces, Kumaen couldn't help but facepalm, and even Shunichi standing beside him chuckled.
…
Driven by excitement, Satoru and Suguru moved at top speed.
It didn't take long before they reached the gates of the academy. Only then did they slow down, stepping proudly inside.
"Finally back," Satoru said with a smile, pulling out the Sukuna Finger.
Suguru nodded. "I bet that guy Satoshi is still not done. He's carrying Shoko, after all."
Satoru laughed. "Get ready for the crowd to cheer!"
Suguru let out a helpless smile.
Though he had expected this moment...
Just as they were preparing for applause, something about the crowd's reaction felt off.
Everyone was looking at them strangely.
It wasn't admiration.
It looked more like… pity?
Suguru blinked in confusion. "Satoru, why do I feel like everyone's looking at us weirdly…?"
Like they were showing sympathy.
Satoru scratched his head, puzzled. "That's strange. Shouldn't they be clapping for us? We completed the mission and brought back the Sukuna Finger!"
Just then, a familiar voice called out from the side.
"You're finally back."
The two turned to see Shoko standing nearby, smiling.
"Shoko?" they both asked, surprised. "Why are you here?"
"Because we're back," she replied sweetly.
Back? That's impossible!
The two of them froze.
Satoru was the first to react, frowning. "You recovered the finger already? No way! That's impossible!"
He had fought with Satoshi before. While neither had gone all out, he couldn't believe that someone like Satoshi, with no Cursed Energy, could maintain distance with only a Zanpakutō.
Suguru frowned too. "We arrived at the site faster than you, and though we faced some obstacles, we finished the purification faster than expected. How could you be faster than us?"
If the mission had been in a hospital where Shoko's healing was vital, it would make sense. But in a combat-oriented mission, she was more of a burden.
So, naturally, they assumed she was lying.
"You didn't actually go with Satoshi, did you?" Satoru asked, skeptical. "Was he worried you'd slow him down or something…?"
That hit a nerve.
"You jerk! You're the one who's a burden!" Shoko shot back. "With Minazuki, we reached the target way faster than you two!"
As she said this, her mood visibly lifted. She finally felt she had contributed to the mission.
Just then, Satoshi approached.
"Hey, you're back," he said. "Looks like you two have improved a lot these past nine years."
Satoru's eyes widened. He looked from Shoko to Satoshi in disbelief.
"Satoshi, what are you doing here!"
"Don't tell me you really completed the mission?"
Suguru also frowned.
"That's impossible..."
Satoru glared at him and said in disbelief, "You're not just pretending, are you? You didn't even go, did you!"
Of course, it was just a bitter accusation. He knew Satoshi couldn't have cheated.
But still, it was hard to believe.
Satoru added, "Or did you fail?"
Satoshi shook his head and smiled. "You'll see when you submit your mission."
Satoshi's calm expression only made Satoru more uneasy.
"Come on, Suguru. Let's go submit the mission!"
(To be continued.)