CHAPTER 5: MONEY TALKS

The room was dimly lit, the smoky haze of incense curling in the air like writhing curses. A long, lacquered table stretched across the floor, and at the far end sat the leader of the Star Religious Group, dressed in a pristine black suit, his hands folded neatly as if in prayer. His face was calm, but his smile hinted at fanaticism, the type that could send hundreds to die with a whisper.

Opposite him stood Toji Fushiguro, posture relaxed, one hand lazily stuffed into his pocket. He was anything but reverent. He glanced around the room like he owned it, his other hand flicking the edge of the table casually, mockingly.

"So," Toji began, voice low and rough, "this Riko Amanai kid—she's the Star Plasma Vessel, right?"

The religious leader nodded. "Her fusion with Master Tengen is a sacred event. A blasphemy we must prevent."

Toji scoffed. "You people really love the sound of your own gospel."

The leader didn't flinch. "You're a mercenary, Mr. Fushiguro. We only ask for results. Not opinions."

Toji grinned at that, leaning in slightly. "Good. Because I have a plan."

He tossed a file onto the table. Inside were images of Riko Amanai, surveillance reports, and a forged bounty sheet with bold red text.

"Put a bounty on the girl's head. 300,000 yen. Make it open season for any sorcerer desperate enough. Let them flood the field. You get chaos. I get a window."

The leader studied it. "And your endgame?"

Toji's eyes narrowed. "Simple. While the Jujutsu brats are busy putting out fires, I come in and finish the job clean."

The leader nodded, sliding the file toward himself. "It shall be done."

Toji turned toward the door, pausing only once.

"You want faith," he muttered without looking back, "but I want fun."

Elsewhere — Evening

The city buzzed as usual. Neon signs glowed in the dusk haze. Inside a luxurious, minimalist penthouse, a single phone buzzed on a marble countertop. Mei Mei, elegant in a black robe, her silver hair tied up loosely, was reclining with a cup of wine when the screen lit up.

Unknown Number.

She stared at it with a raised brow and answered lazily, not even removing her glass from her lips.

"Mei Mei speaking. Make it worthwhile."

The voice on the other end was low, masked, and electronic. "We have a job offer. Payment upfront. More after success."

She smirked, setting the glass down.

"I'm listening."

"Target: Utahime Iori. You are to eliminate her discreetly. No witnesses. 3 million yen. Half now. Half when confirmed."

Mei Mei's eyes glinted at the number. "She's a sorcerer. Not weak."

"We assumed as much. But you are Mei Mei, yes?"

She smiled. "Flattery and money. I like you already."

The voice said nothing else. The line clicked. Gone.

Mei Mei stood, stretched, and walked toward the window, gazing out at the bright city beneath her feet.

"No hard feelings, Utahime. Business is business."

She tapped her cursed staff against the marble once, and the air rippled as cursed energy gathered around her.

It wasn't personal.

It never was.