Chapter 245: Scatter, Stretch

The petals floating in the air above the Treasury transformed into thousands of blades, completely encasing Sukuna's finger.

Although no one knew why Senbonzakura had wrapped around it, the sound of blades slicing through flesh made it clear to the audience—Senbonzakura was trying to destroy Ryomen Sukuna's finger.

Zenin Ogi and Kamo Kaname stared intently at the finger wrapped in petals.

Though they were still confident in the durability of Sukuna's finger, they couldn't help but feel uneasy, recalling the terrifying reputation of the Zanpakutō from nine years ago.

A Limitless Technique paired with a Zanpakutō—just hearing that combination was enough to unsettle anyone. No one could predict what might happen.

Seconds later, the sea of cherry blossom petals dispersed, revealing Sukuna's finger still intact. A wave of relief swept over the senior officials of the General Directorate, who had been dreading the possibility of it being destroyed.

However, some sharp-eyed viewers quickly noticed that, under the cutting force of Senbonzakura, Sukuna's finger—which hadn't suffered a single scratch from the Limitless Technique—now bore faint lines.

Though the damage was shallow, it was a breakthrough. It proved that Senbonzakura had indeed left a mark.

After all, this was Sukuna's Finger. For a thousand years, it had remained unmarred. For Satoru's Zanpakutō to even leave a scratch was a testament to its strength.

---

It's a bit of a pity. If Satoru had matured a little more, maybe he could've destroyed Sukuna's finger with his Zanpakutō.

A trace of regret crossed Yaga Masamichi's face.

Even so, Satoru's actions gave them hope. At the very least, they now knew that Sukuna's fingers weren't indestructible.

Sekiguchi Seiji quietly nodded to himself. Satoru was clearly the most promising sorcerer at the moment. While Yuki was currently the only Special Grade sorcerer, Satoru would undoubtedly surpass her one day.

With this, Tokyo Jujutsu High wouldn't lose out to Kyoto in terms of high-end combat power.

---

"Satoshi, it looks like I still can't do it. I have to rely on you. You're the creator of Zanpakutō… you should have confidence in your own blade, right?"

Satoru shrugged, his expression full of helplessness.

If possible, he had hoped to settle the matter himself. If his Zanpakutō could destroy Sukuna's finger, it would've stunned the entire Jujutsu world.

Unfortunately, he was still one step short.

After Satoru's words, the venue fell into silence. Everyone had seen the scars left on Sukuna's finger. And now, they were all focused on the identity of Gojo Satoshi.

What came next depended on whether Satoshi could destroy Sukuna's finger. Some hoped to see him succeed, while others waited for him to fail.

Yet the next to step forward was not Satoshi, but Suguru.

"Since Satoru has gone, I'll try as well. I think my strength is on par with his. I've got a Zanpakutō too. Let's see how it performs."

Suguru brushed his odd fringe aside and stepped into the spot Satoru had just left.

Before Zenin Ogi could stop him, the Special Grade cursed spirit, Rainbow Dragon, appeared at Suguru's side. Simultaneously, Suguru drew his Zanpakutō just like Satoru had.

"Grow, Hōzukimaru!"

As Suguru spoke, the blade instantly shifted form, transforming into a spear. Hōzukimaru and the Rainbow Dragon attacked Sukuna's finger together.

---

Under the astonished gazes of the crowd, the exclamations continued. Yet another weapon had changed shape.

For many who knew little about Zanpakutō, it now seemed like transformation was a standard ability.

The aura of the Special Grade cursed spirit was oppressive. At the same time, the icy gleam from Hōzukimaru was enough to send chills down one's spine.

However, Rainbow Dragon's strike left no visible damage on the finger. Only Hōzukimaru, in spear form, managed to create slight indentations.

"Satoru, looks like I'm just as good as you."

Suguru wasn't surprised by the result. After all, his strength was roughly equal to Satoru's. He hadn't expected to truly destroy Sukuna's finger.

His goal, like Satoru's, was to support Satoshi.

Although Satoshi fell into a deep sleep after handing over his Zanpakutō, Suguru had fully understood and mastered Hōzukimaru's Shikai on his own.

And he had to admit, it was thanks to Satoshi that both he and Uncle Yagyū Saemon had survived the incident nine years ago.

Given that, it was only natural for him to stand with Satoshi now.

Since Satoru had already set the stage, he simply followed suit.

Though Suguru's performance lacked the flashiness of Satoru's Limitless Technique and Senbonzakura, the presence of the eastern white dragon cursed spirit and a spear-form Zanpakutō still shocked the audience.

More importantly, that spear—Hōzukimaru—had managed to leave a dent on Sukuna's finger.

What did that mean?

Could it be that this was the essence of the Zanpakutō?

That any Zanpakutō had the potential to damage Ryomen Sukuna's fingers?

With that realization, all eyes turned to the one who had yet to make a move—Ieiri Shoko...

(To be continued.)