Tengen

As the early morning sun casts a warm glow through the window, Hiro slowly opens his eyes, finding Maki already looking at him with an eyebrow raised.

"Morning," Hiro says, stretching his arms.

"Morning," Maki replies, a hint of mischief in her tone. "So, care to explain those weird noises you were making last night?"

Hiro, a bit taken aback, laughs nervously. "What, you mean my... expressions of passion?"

Maki smirks, "If that's what you call them. Sounded more like a wounded animal to me."

Hiro's face turns slightly red, but he tries to play it cool. "Well, you know, I get a bit expressive in the heat of the moment."

Maki leans in, teasing him further. "Expressive? I thought you were practicing some kind of ancient sorcerer chant."

Hiro chuckles, now fully embracing the playful banter. "Maybe I was casting a love spell. Seems like it worked, didn't it?"

Maki laughs, shaking her head. "You're ridiculous. But I guess that's part of your charm."

Hiro tightens his embrace around Maki, his voice whiny and childlike, "But I don't wanna get up."

Maki, practical as ever, gently pushes against his chest. "Come on, lazybones. Yuta and Fushiguro are probably back with Itadori by now."

At the mention of Yuta, Hiro can't help but pout, a surge of childish jealousy bubbling up. "Yuta, eh? Did he bring you another love letter?" His tone is teasing, but there's an undercurrent of genuine jealousy.

Maki rolls her eyes, amused and slightly exasperated. "Really, Hiro? Are we still on that? It was just a confession, and it happened a year ago."

Hiro, still holding onto his playful, childish demeanor, grumbles, "Well, I don't like him hanging around you, okay?"

Maki can't help but laugh at his over-the-top jealousy. "Hiro, you're being ridiculous. You know I only have eyes for you."

Despite her words, Hiro continues his mock sulking. "I don't know, he's pretty strong, and handsome, and..."

Maki cuts him off with a kiss, effectively silencing his complaints. "Enough, you big baby. Let's get going."

Hiro, now smiling, finally relents and gets out of bed. "Alright, alright. But I'm keeping my eye on that guy."

As Hiro and Maki start getting dressed, the playful banter continues.

Maki, pulling on her clothes, teases Hiro, "You know, for someone who claims to be so tough, you sure act like a little kid sometimes."

Hiro, slipping into his shirt, shoots back with a grin, "Hey, it takes a real man to express his feelings openly. Besides, you love this about me."

Maki can't help but smile as she ties her hair back. "Maybe. It's kind of endearing, in a very annoying way."

Hiro laughs, stepping closer to help Maki with a stubborn zipper. "See? You do love it. Admit it, my jealousy is charming."

Maki rolls her eyes playfully. "Charming is not the word I would use. More like... tolerable."

Hiro pretends to be hurt, placing a hand over his heart. "Tolerable? Ouch, you wound me, Maki."

As they finish dressing, the air is filled with their laughter and lighthearted teasing. It's clear that these moments of levity are precious to them, a way to balance the often serious and dangerous nature of their lives.

Hiro, now fully dressed, turns to Maki with a more serious expression. "Ready to face the day?"

Maki nods, her demeanor shifting to match his. "Ready as I'll ever be."

Together, they head out, their playful morning setting a tone of unity and mutual support for whatever lies ahead. Their relationship, a blend of affection, understanding, and humor, is a source of strength for both of them.

Hiro and Maki make their way down to the basement, where Yuta is visibly pleased to see Maki. He quickly approaches her and asks, "Can you move alright now?"

Maki nods affirmatively, "Yeah, I'm doing much better, thanks."

Yuta then turns to Hiro, who meets his gaze with a hint of stiffness. "Good to see you, Hiro," Yuta says, his tone cordial but cautious.

Hiro responds tersely, "Yeah."

The air is thick with an unspoken tension between the two men. Observing this from a distance, Yuki leans over to Itadori and asks with a raised eyebrow, "What's with those two?"

Itadori, unsure himself, simply shrugs in response, indicating that the dynamics between Hiro and Yuta are a mystery even to him.

Trying to break the awkward atmosphere, Hiro turns to Megumi and says warmly, "Megumi, glad to see you're okay."

Megumi nods in acknowledgment, appreciating Hiro's gesture.

Hiro then notices Choso and, looking puzzled, asks the group, "And who is this?"

A brief silence falls over the group as they exchange unsure glances. Itadori finally breaks the silence, "He's my brother... I guess."

Choso's eyes light up at Itadori's words. "Brother? He called me brother!!!" His enthusiasm stands in stark contrast to the previous awkwardness, bringing a slight ease to the tense atmosphere in the room.

Despite the mix of emotions and complicated relationships, it's clear that they are all trying to navigate the new dynamics in their group, each in their own way. The basement, usually a place of camaraderie, now holds a mixture of tension, relief, and burgeoning new relationships.

Hiro, sensing that Yuki is orchestrating something, turns to her and asks, "So, what's the plan? It looks like you're up to something."

Yuki smiles knowingly and replies, "The plan is to visit Tengen. The problem is, he's gone into hiding. He doesn't want to see anyone from the higher-ups."

Hiro frowns, curious. "Why? What's going on?"

Yuki's expression turns serious as she explains, "It's because of the latest official statement. Here's what it says:

1. The truth behind Suguru Geto's resurrection has been confirmed, and a new death sentence has been issued.

2. Satoru Gojo is implicated as an accomplice in these events, and any attempts to break the seal of the Confinement Prison will be considered a criminal act.

3. Masamichi Yaga will face the death penalty for inciting his former students and allowing their actions to lead to the Shibuya Incident.

4. The suspension of Yuji Itadori's execution has been revoked, and his execution must be carried out immediately.

5. The special-grade sorcerer, Yuta Okkotsu, is tasked with carrying out Yuji Itadori's execution."

The group absorbs this heavy news, each processing the ramifications in their own way. The atmosphere is charged with a mix of shock, disbelief, and an underlying current of determination.

Hiro, feeling the tension rising, turns sharply to Yuta. "Hey, why are you going to execute Itadori? I swear I'll take you down if you try."

Yuta, visibly nervous, quickly explains, "I didn't kill him, and I won't. It's just a ruse to fake his death so the higher-ups stop hunting him."

Hiro then whirls around to face Itadori. "And what's with you? This is the second time you're faking your death. I'll really kill you if you pull this stunt again."

Itadori responds sheepishly, "Sorry, senpai."

Maki, looking for clarity, asks Yuki, "Why did the higher-ups issue such orders?"

Yuki answers with a hint of disdain, "Now that Gojo Satoru is out of the picture, they want to reassert control. They've always been a bunch of awful old men."

Hiro, his frustration evident, interjects, "Well, if they start causing trouble, we might just have to take them out."

Maki looks at him, slightly amused yet concerned. "What's with you and killing people today?"

Hiro retorts defiantly to Maki, "I can kill whoever I want."

Maki, not impressed, grabs Hiro by the ear, causing him to wince in pain. "Maki, darling... it hurts," he complains.

Maki only tightens her grip, and the room erupts in laughter at the scene.

Yuki, trying to steer the conversation back on track, says, "Anyway, finding Tengen now will be tough. He hides behind multiple doors; it's a real challenge to locate him."

A brief silence falls over the group as they ponder their next move. Choso then speaks up, "There's a way."

Itadori, intrigued, asks, "What is it?"

Choso explains, "The door to the Star Plasma. It's where there's a wardrobe. In that wardrobe rest the remains of my brothers. Even though they're just remains, I can sense them, thanks to the side effect of my ritual."

Hiro, slightly grossed out by the idea, comments, "That's disgusting."

________

The group makes their way through the school's courtyard, heading towards the door. The sky above is a canvas of darkness, dotted with twinkling stars, casting a surreal glow over the scene.

Hiro, trying to lighten the mood, turns to Maki with a charming smile. "Hey, sweetheart, can I hold your hand?"

Maki quickens her pace, throwing a mock-disgusted look over her shoulder. "Stay away from me, you're gross."

Hiro's face falls in mock surprise, and he starts to walk with his head down, feigning dejection. Yuta, seeing this, walks up beside him. "Come on, Hiro, she's probably just stressed."

Hiro turns to Yuta, his tone playful yet pointed. "Hey, I'm actually mad at you."

Yuta laughs nervously, "At me? Why, Hiro?"

Hiro half-seriously scolds him, "Why didn't you bring me anything from Africa?"

Yuta, joining in the banter, reaches into his pocket and produces a dreamcatcher necklace. Hiro's eyes light up as he puts it on. "Thanks, Yuta. This is awesome."

Itadori, walking alongside Fushiguro, looks confused. "Huh? I thought those two didn't get along."

Fushiguro shakes his head, "On the contrary, Senpai Okkotsu and Hiro senpai get along really well. It's just... an odd friendship."

Yuta chimes in, "Hiro's like the annoying brother I never had."

Hiro punches Yuta lightly on the arm. "And you're the overly serious brother who needs to lighten up."

As they continue their walk, Hiro, with his usual flair for drama, starts to self-adulate. "You know, I think I'm quite the catch. Strong, smart, handsome..."

Maki rolls her eyes, her face contorted in a look of feigned disgust. "Oh, please, spare us the speech."

Yuta, ever the kind-hearted one, chimes in with a supportive grin, "Well, Hiro does have his moments."

Hiro beams at Yuta, clearly thriving on the attention. "See? Yuta gets it. He knows quality when he sees it."

Itadori, watching this exchange with a mix of amusement and confusion, whispers to Fushiguro, "Is he always like this?"

Fushiguro nods, his tone matter-of-fact. "That's Hiro for you. He's a narcissist who loves the spotlight, and Yuta, being the nice guy he is, always gives him the attention he craves. That's why Hiro adores him, even if it doesn't always seem like it."

Itadori chuckles, beginning to understand the dynamics at play. "Sounds like a perfect match."

Hiro, overhearing their conversation, strikes a pose. "I can't help it if I'm adored. It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it."

Maki, unable to keep up her annoyed facade, laughs. "You're impossible, Hiro."

Standing before a grand door, the group enters into a vast room, its stark whiteness overwhelming. The room is devoid of furnishings, resembling an endless expanse of nothingness – a blank canvas of purity and isolation. The emptiness of the room feels almost surreal, as if they have stepped into a void where time and space lose their meaning.

Then, out of the stark whiteness, Tengen appears, an enigmatic figure. He seems to be both ageless and timeless, his presence almost otherworldly. His features are difficult to discern, as if constantly shifting and hard to focus on, like a mirage that blurs the lines between reality and illusion.

"Greetings," Tengen says, his voice echoing softly in the vast emptiness. "It's a pleasure to meet you, children of the Zenin, descendant of the Michizane, bearer of the cursed womb's sign, vessel of Sukuna, and Hiro Takashi."

A moment of silence follows Tengen's introduction, the group taking in the surreal experience of meeting such a legendary figure.

Hiro, ever the one to break the ice, speaks up with his usual bravado, "Hey! Why do you name me just as 'Hiro Takashi'? I'm the coolest guy here, you know?"

His complaint, half-serious and half-joking, cuts through the solemnity of the moment. It brings a sense of normalcy back to the group, grounding them in their familiar dynamics despite the extraordinary circumstances they find themselves in. Tengen, unfazed by Hiro's interruption, regards him with a look that seems to pierce through his exterior, seeing more than just the façade Hiro presents to the world.

Tengen's gaze drifts to the earrings Hiro wears – the Buddha earrings. Acknowledging their significance, he corrects himself, "Ah, indeed, my apologies. Hiro Takashi, the Enlightened One."

Hiro's face lights up with a proud smile. "That's more like it," he says, basking in the recognition.

Tengen continues, "I did not expect that boastful old man to actually take a disciple, especially given the rigor of his training."

Hiro nods, his pride evident. "Yeah, it was tough, but I got through it."

"That explains your remarkable strength and your growth as a warrior," Tengen observes.

Hiro, ever the showman, responds with a hint of boastfulness, "Yeah, yeah, keep the compliments coming, Tengen."

Maki, unimpressed with Hiro's bravado, smacks him lightly and scolds, "Behave yourself for once."

Yuki, addressing the pressing concern, asks Tengen, "Can you tell us about Kenjaku's real plans?"

Tengen agrees to share the information but on one condition. "Yes, I can. However, I require two bodyguards for protection."

Hiro, curious, questions, "Why do you need bodyguards?"

Tengen replies gravely, "Because Kenjaku will come for me. He aims to assimilate me to access my unique abilities."

Hiro presses for more information. "And why does he want to do that?"

Tengen explains, "Kenjaku's ultimate goal is to force the evolution of humanity by merging the human world with the world of curses. By assimilating me, he can manipulate the barriers between these worlds. This would allow him to implement a large-scale curse technique, affecting all of humanity and curses alike."

The group absorbs this revelation, understanding the gravity of Kenjaku's ambition.

"His plan is not just about power," Tengen continues. "He seeks to create a world where the lines between curses and humans are permanently blurred, fundamentally changing the nature of humanity itself."

Hiro shakes his head in disbelief. "So he wants to throw the world into chaos..."

"More than chaos," Tengen adds. "He wants to reshape the very essence of human existence."

Hiro, trying to simplify Tengen's explanation, reflects aloud, "So, Kenjaku doesn't just want to be the top sorcerer. He wants to see how far sorcerers can go, right? He's looking to push everyone to their limits to see who's the strongest, like some kind of survival of the fittest?"

Tengen nods in response. "Precisely. Kenjaku is driven by a desire to recreate an era similar to the Heian period, an age of chaos and turmoil where only the most powerful sorcerers survived and thrived."

Hiro frowns, processing the information. "So, he wants to turn the world into a battleground where sorcerers have to fight to prove their worth? That's twisted."

Tengen elaborates, "His vision is of a world where constant conflict and chaos lead to the evolution of sorcery, filtering out the weak and leaving only the strongest."

Maki, her tone serious, adds, "That kind of world would be relentless. It's not just about power; it's about survival in a world ruled by chaos."

Yuta interjects, "And in this chaos, countless lives would be lost, all for Kenjaku's twisted idea of evolution."

Hiro's expression hardens with determination. "We can't let him turn the world into a place like that. We need to stop him and protect those who can't fight."

Tengen, delving deeper into the threat they face, explains, "Kenjaku is not just a powerful sorcerer; he possesses the experience of thousands of years. His control and knowledge of sorcery are on par with mine and even Buddha's. In fact, when it comes to barrier techniques, Kenjaku is the second best, only surpassed by myself."

Tengen then turns his gaze to Hiro. "Hiro Takashi, you must not be overconfident. To be frank, even though Yamada possessed more raw power, Kenjaku is a far more formidable opponent. He is unpredictable."

Hiro absorbs Tengen's warning, his usual bravado tempered by the seriousness of the situation.

Tengen continues, "His unpredictability, combined with his vast knowledge and experience, makes him a unique and dangerous adversary. You will need to be cautious and strategic in your approach."

Hiro nods, understanding the gravity of Tengen's words. "I get it. We can't just rush in without a plan. We're dealing with someone who's been playing this game for centuries."

Maki, looking thoughtful, adds, "We'll need to be smarter, not just stronger. He's got experience on his side."

Yuta agrees, "We need to work together, combining our strengths and covering each other's weaknesses."

Hiro, always quick with a comment, turns to Yuta with a playful grimace. "That sounded kind of gross, man."

Yuta, slightly taken aback, asks, "What did?"

Hiro, with a teasing smirk, replies, "The whole 'combining our strengths' thing. It's like we're going to do some sort of weird fusion dance."

Yuta chuckles, realizing Hiro's jesting nature. "I didn't mean it literally, Hiro. It's just about teamwork."

Maki, joining in, teases, "I'd pay to see you two do a fusion dance, though."

Hiro laughs, "Well, it would be the most powerful and handsome fusion ever, so maybe it's worth considering."

Tengen, observing their interaction, remarks, "It's good to maintain a light-hearted approach in the face of adversity. It keeps the spirit strong."

Tengen, with a more solemn tone, brings up another critical aspect of the situation. "The most serious matter at hand is the Culling Game," he says gravely.

The group listens intently as Tengen explains, "The Culling Game is a deadly contest Kenjaku has devised. It's a battle royale involving sorcerers and even non-sorcerers who've been forcibly awakened to cursed techniques."

Hiro frowns, "A battle royale? Like some kind of twisted tournament?"

"Exactly," Tengen continues. "There are several rules to this game. First, participants are bound by a set of rules and must earn points by defeating others. These points are crucial for their survival in the game."

Maki asks, "What happens if they don't get enough points?"

Tengen replies, "If a participant fails to earn points within a specified period, they are automatically eliminated – and in this context, elimination means death."

Yuta, looking disturbed, adds, "So, it's a game designed to force people to fight and kill each other..."

Tengen nods. "Furthermore, the game is not limited to a single location. It spans across multiple 'colonies,' each with its own set of challenges and dangers."

Hiro's expression hardens with determination. "So, we need to stop this game and Kenjaku. There's no way we can let something like this happen."

Tengen continues, providing further details on the dire situation. "Kenjaku has not only unleashed thousands of curses but also resurrected ancient sorcerers. Additionally, he has awakened cursed techniques in numerous people, similar to how you, Hiro, awakened yours about two years ago. Before that, you didn't possess a cursed technique. Kenjaku's actions have led to even more chaos by increasing the number of people with such powers."

Hiro, absorbing this information, shifts the focus to a pressing issue. "That's all very grim, but is there a way to free Master Gojo?"

Tengen nods and hands Hiro a cube-like object. "Yes, there is. This cube is essentially a backdoor key to the Confinement Prison," Tengen reveals, causing a wave of astonishment among the group.

Hiro examines the cube curiously as Tengen addresses him directly, "Hiro Takashi, you have the ability to manipulate cursed energy. Do you believe you can manipulate this and free Gojo yourself?"

Hiro looks at the cube, a sense of responsibility dawning on him. "Free Master Gojo? I mean, that's a tall order, but if it's for him, I'll give it my all."

Maki, looking at Hiro, adds supportively, "If anyone can do it, Hiro, it's you. You've got a knack for surprising everyone."

As Hiro's hands begin to crackle with lightning, he inspects the cube carefully. After a moment, he says confidently, "I can release him. I understand the concept, but..."

Yuki, eager for a resolution, prompts him, "But what?"

Hiro continues, "The spells used here are ancient and complex. It's going to take a lot of time to work through them and liberate him."

Yuki sighs in frustration, " You had to be an idiot"

Fushiguro steps in to defend Hiro. "Hiro senpai is far from an idiot. Among the Kyoto and Tokyo schools, he not only has the highest grades but is an expert in sorcery and spells. His technique of manipulation is intricate, and he had to study various fundamentals to enhance his skills."

Hiro, flattered by the praise, responds playfully, "Oh, Megumi, you're making me blush."

Maki adds, "It's true. He may act like a fool sometimes, but when it comes to knowledge, he's way ahead of us."

Hiro, with a smirk, retorts, "Are you defending me or insulting me?"

Tengen, considering the complexity of the situation, offers an alternative. "If you can't liberate him, there is another option, though it's more challenging."

Hiro, intrigued, asks, "What is it?"

Tengen explains, "In one of the colonies, there is an ancient sorceress known as Angel. She possesses a unique cursed technique that can nullify others' techniques merely by touching them."

Hiro reflects on his own abilities. "I've tried to replicate something similar with my technique – negating curses by sealing the cursed energy of the user. But I'm still far from mastering it."

Tengen nods in agreement. "Indeed, your technique allows for a variety of possibilities, but learning such a skill is complex. On the other hand, Angel would be the easier option to bring Satoru Gojo back."

The group absorbs this new information. The idea of enlisting the help of a sorceress capable of nullifying cursed techniques presents a new ray of hope, albeit with its own set of challenges.

Hiro, determined, responds, "Then it looks like we have a new mission. We find this Angel and bring her back to help with Gojo."

Maki, ever the realist, adds, "But we need to be cautious. If she's as powerful as Tengen says, approaching her won't be easy."

Yuta chimes in, "We'll figure it out. We always do."

Tengen, emphasizing the importance of their mission, states, "Gojo Satoru is the only one who can restore balance to the world."

Hiro, never one to shy away from the spotlight, interrupts with a playful yet determined tone. "Ahh, Gojo this, Gojo that. Have you all forgotten my promise when I became a sorcerer?" He looks around at the group, seeking their attention.

He continues with a confident smirk, "To become the strongest. Without Gojo here, sorry Yuki and Yuta, but I'm the strongest now. I'll bring the balance back. I will be the one to defeat Kenjaku."

Maki rolls her eyes but with a hint of a smile, "There you go again, Hiro. Always the showman."

Yuta, amused, adds, "Well, it's good to have goals, Hiro. And we could use all the strength we can get."

Fushiguro, more serious, comments, "It's not just about being the strongest. Strategy and teamwork are going to be key."

Hiro nods, acknowledging Fushiguro's point. "True, but having the strongest sorcerer on our side doesn't hurt, does it?"

Itadori, chiming in with a sense of admiration, adds, "Hiro senpai is like an older brother to me." At this remark, Choso reacts with a mock heart attack, dramatically clutching his chest.

Continuing, Itadori says, "For me, the idea of Hiro senpai being the strongest right now isn't far-fetched."

Yazu, who had been quietly enjoying a lollipop, quickly interjects, "That's true. Senpai is the strongest person I know."

Choso, recovering from his playful act, nods in agreement. "If that guy, Hiro, really defeated Yamada, then he must be incredibly strong."

Maki, with a hint of amusement, warns the group, "Don't praise him too much, or he'll have an ego attack."

Hiro, feigning hurt, responds, "Are you really on my side here, Maki?"

Maki steps closer to Hiro and whispers something in his ear. Hiro's face immediately turns a deep shade of red, and he stumbles over his words, unable to come up with a witty comeback.

Tengen, bringing the conversation back to the task at hand, asks, "So, who will be my bodyguards?"

Yuki steps forward, "I will. We have a lot to discuss, Tengen."

"Very well, former Star Plasma Vessel," Tengen acknowledges.

Choso adds, "I'll stay as well. It seems Yuji's group still doesn't fully trust me."

Hiro, nodding in agreement, says, "Decision made, then. The rest of us will split up and head to different colonies to participate in the game and start searching."

Maki interrupts, "Wait, we'll need more people."

Hiro suggests, "We could ask the Kyoto students, but they're not exactly the strongest, especially with Todo out of action."

Maki cuts him off, "No, there's someone else. Hakari."

Hiro makes a face of disgust. "Him? That idiot? The one who doesn't use deodorant?"

Itadori, looking puzzled, turns to Fushiguro and asks, "Hakari?"

Fushiguro explains, "He was a third-year student but got expelled after hitting a higher-up during the Parade of a Thousand Curses. Apparently, he and Hiro senpai don't get along too well."

Itadori, with a hint of humor, remarks, "Is there anyone Hiro senpai actually gets along with?"

Fushiguro smiles slightly, "Well, he has his moments. But his personality can be... challenging."

Maki approaches Fushiguro, her tone serious but with a hint of curiosity. "By the way, Megumi, I heard you're the new head of the Zenin clan."

Hiro, overhearing this, exclaims in surprise, "Really? That's awesome, Megumi!"

Megumi responds with his usual stoicism, "I'm not really interested in it."

Maki, undeterred, says, "Well, guess what, I don't care about that. I need some weapons from there. You could get them for me as the new clan head."

Megumi replies with a slight frown, "It's a hassle to go back to that place. You might as well go and get them yourself."

Hiro, always ready to jump into action, says, "Alright, I'll go with you, Maki."

Maki, however, quickly shuts down the idea. "No way. You're still recovering, and the Zenins hate you as much as you hate them. You'll probably end up fighting Naoya."

Hiro, undeterred, boasts, "I can take them all on."

Maki stands firm, "Not in your current state. You need to rest."

Seeing Yazu nearby, Hiro playfully kicks him over to Maki's side and suggests, "Yazu, you go with Maki. Those Zenin guys can be troublesome. I'll be more at ease if both of you go together."

Yazu, always eager to help, responds enthusiastically, "Yes, senpai!"

Maki sighs, knowing she's not going to win this argument.

Fushiguro then approaches Hiro with a request, "Senpai, can I ask a favor of you?"

____________

In a dimly lit basement, Uraume stands over the body of Yamada, their hands weaving through the air as they encase the body in ice. The atmosphere is heavy, the air thick with a sense of foreboding. The only sounds are the faint crackling of ice forming and the distant echo of dripping water. The frozen body of Yamada, once a powerful sorcerer, now lies still and preserved, a stark contrast to the dark, somber surroundings.

Uraume, breaking the silence, asks Kenjaku, "Do you want Yamada's body to exchange for your own?"

Kenjaku, with a sly smile, responds, "Even if I wanted to, that's impossible. His body is that of the harbinger of chaos, or as it's known in modern times, the child of prophecy. It would reject my ritual. Hiro must have known this and left Yamada's body intact, in a foolish attempt at respect, much like Gojo Satoru."

Uraume, still uncertain, inquires further, "Then what do you need the body for?"

Kenjaku's smile turns more sinister as he replies, "For something very interesting."