Ch.155 Storm is Brewing

Back when Akira had just transferred to Jujutsu High, he once had a casual conversation with Gojo Satoru about the style of the Jujutsu Union's higher-ups.

Gojo had said at the time: "You're an old otaku, so you've probably seen Evangelion, right?"

Akira instantly understood: "You mean Gendo Ikari or Seele?"

"A mix of both. The higher-ups' meetings come in two versions: online and offline. The offline version is a few people hiding in a small, dark, sealed room, saying things that sound more like they belong in the underworld than the living world."

"What about the online version?"

"It's the same. They use a specific cursed energy network to project themselves remotely, transmitting images or voices. It's even darker than the offline version—at least offline has some light, but online you have to generate your own. While some of this is due to the nature of cursed techniques and contracts, the fact that it's like this definitely has to do with the darkness in those old guys' hearts."

Akira: "...I have a question."

Gojo answered instantly: "I know what you're going to ask. No, there's no Dead Sea Scrolls, and no Impact. I've been to Antarctica."

"Then I'm relieved. If something as overly idealistic as Evangelion came out, I'd be a little scared."

—End of flashback—

Although Gojo Satoru is unreliable most of the time, when it comes to serious matters, you can always trust him.

In a small room darker than the underworld.

Protected by who knows how many layers of cursed energy barriers.

Candles burning with pale blue flames were lit, illuminating faces that were definitely not young.

"Now, we will deliberate on Special Grade Jujutsu Sorcerer Akira and the closely related special species, 'Pokémon.'"

"The potential and strength of Pokémon are comparable to 'sudden mutation-type,' no, 'fully autonomous-type' cursed corpses. The difference lies in whether they can be mass-produced."

"Based on current information and the concepts he has presented, it's unclear whether mass production is possible, but the numbers likely won't be small."

"Is there a possibility of forming an army?"

"A standardized army is uncertain, but a special squad is a strong possibility. However, due to the existence of 'Pokémon Manipulation,' Akira will undoubtedly act faster than us."

"It's not just about speed. There's no evidence of other jujutsu sorcerers discovering new Pokémon. In other words, all newly appearing Pokémon are related to him."

"Two possibilities. Either his 'cursed technique revelation' is false, or he holds the key to the birth of Pokémon, such as 'fully autonomous-type cursed corpses' or some unknown hidden realm."

"Is there a possibility of bringing them under our control?"

"Theoretically, yes. In practice... it depends on Akira himself."

"Clan Head Kamo, do you have any comments?"

"I have no opinion. He has no ties to the Kamo family."

"Same as always, the three-no principle: no comments, no stance, no initiative. Sometimes I really don't understand what you're thinking."

"What you think doesn't matter, as long as you don't act independently and break from the organization. Let me share my evaluation of him. His style is somewhere between Gojo Satoru and Yaga Masamichi—not as outrageously arrogant as Gojo, but not as soft and easy to manipulate as Yaga."

"You could also say he's more tactful than Gojo but more resolute than Yaga. The most troublesome part is that his raw strength surpasses Yaga's. The Panda Pokémon and Dark Pokémon from his battle with Suguru, as well as the female Pokémon by his side this time, are all evidence. Most importantly, he has never acted without his Pokémon. If we're going to move against him, we must sever his connection to his Pokémon immediately."

"Don't worry about that. We've already made arrangements. His accommodations weren't randomly assigned."

"I knew you weren't just trying to win him over. You've been scheming from the start."

"Now, now, Clan Head Zenin, we simply don't want a threat that could destabilize the Union. We can't afford a second Gojo Satoru."

"Even worse, we can't let two Gojos form an alliance."

"If you've already decided, why hold this meeting? I reserve my opinion."

"I also reserve my opinion."

"That kid isn't easy to deal with. Judging by his attitude toward women, it's clear he has a well-defined moral line. I think you might end up capsizing."

"That's exactly why we can't let him grow. If his Pokémon become numerous and influential, and if they're as intelligent as he claims, the status of jutsu sorcerers... the worst-case scenario is the fragmentation of the jujutsu world.

And then there's the threat from Tokyo. Haven't you noticed? More and more of the younger generation of sorcerers are becoming disobedient. Even someone like Nanami Kento, who doesn't reject us, still places a lot of trust in Gojo Satoru. We don't have much time left."

"Hahaha, you make it sound so noble, but aren't you just coveting more obedient and useful pawns?"

"Clan Head Zenin, aren't you coveting them too? Risk and reward are proportional. Don't forget Gojo's reaction. No matter the outcome, I will face the wrath of at least one Special Grade.

I'm the oldest here and hold the most appropriate position. I'm sure many are already hoping for my death. If necessary, I can commit seppuku to atone. I only have one request: after my death, please ensure the safety of my family."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"The Ijūin family is under my protection. You can take the lion's share of the profits. Anyone who tries to pull something underhanded will have to answer to the Zenin family—my word as an old man. Can you trust that? Does anyone else have objections?"

"Agreed."

"Agreed."

"Agreed."

"..."

"Good. Then let this old man, soon to enter the grave, burn one last time. Someone, relay my orders. I need to know the movements of Akira and all his Pokémon, as quickly and as detailed as possible."

"The female Pokémon, Gardevoir, is acting as his personal guard."

"..."

"The serpent Pokémon, Serperior, is out alone."

"Send someone to follow it. Until you receive my orders, do not act rashly."

"..."

"The Dark Pokémon, Darkrai, remains in Tokyo, presumably to watch over the newly born Pokémon. As the reports say, their destructive power is indeed considerable."

"Keep a close eye on them. Track every Pokémon's movements. Absolutely do not let them slip away."

"..."

"Special Grade Sorcerer Yuta Okkotsu has refused a designated mission, but he hasn't left Jujutsu High."

"As long as he doesn't leave, it's fine. The original plan was to prevent him from going out of control. Also, make sure to keep an eye on his family. If he makes any moves, you know what to do."

...

"Finally, have Supervisor Nishino deliver a message. Tell him there's a farewell party tonight and that he must stay one more night. Also, everyone, don't let any cracks show."

"No matter what kind of technique it is, whether it's powered by negative cursed energy or positive reverse cursed energy, as long as it can't convert emotions into power, it's all hollow. All I need is for you to come to Kyoto and step into this 800-year-old 'Land of Restraint.'"

...

Meanwhile, Akira remained calm and unhurried, sitting on the railing with Gardevoir, watching the ever-changing summer clouds and feeling the increasing humidity in the air. A poetic line came to mind:

"The wind fills the tower as the mountain rain approaches."

At the same time, a palm-sized, uniquely styled spherical puppet silently flipped over the wall and landed in the courtyard.