Chapter 31: Hex Rotation, Part 4

It was fortunate that this was the Shibuya Incident.

If it were later, during the Culling Game or the Shinjuku Goodwill Event, I wouldn’t have stood a chance.

But now, I could win. Against Sukuna.

Currently, Sukuna had consumed 16 fingers, regaining 80% of his power.

While that was enough to easily defeat Jogo, a special grade curse, I could do the same.

In my current state, special grade curses were no match for me.

The problem was Sukuna’s cunning and his Reverse Cursed Technique.

If I was overwhelmingly stronger, he wouldn’t fight. If I was a comparable opponent, he would relinquish control to Itadori the moment he sensed defeat.

Humiliated, he would then strive to become stronger, potentially becoming an even greater monster than in the original story.

So, what was the solution?

‘Simple.’

Strike when he least expects it, decapitating him before he can activate his Reverse Cursed Technique.

The main obstacle was Sukuna’s Domain Expansion, Malevolent Shrine. It possessed a devastating ability.

It endlessly unleashed attacks on those with cursed energy, and those without were simply harmed.

Furthermore, Sukuna’s Domain was unique. He could destroy my Domain even if I activated it.

While it seemed insurmountable, there was a way.

I would have to test it in practice.

While I was defeating the octopus curse, Sukuna and Jogo were engaged in battle.

‘Was the difference in their strength this significant?’

Jogo unleashed a barrage of flames, but they couldn’t reach Sukuna.

According to Geto, Jogo was, at best, equivalent to Sukuna with eight or nine fingers, so the outcome wasn’t surprising, but the sheer difference in power was unexpected.

It was like a fight between a child and an adult.

“I’ve seen enough. Show me your strongest technique. I’ll take it.”

‘What’s his intention?’

Suspicion flickered across Jogo’s face, but Sukuna simply said, “Come.”

There were times when one had to fight, even when defeat was certain.

While such situations usually induced despair, Jogo felt strangely calm.

“I’m coming.”

He had been acknowledged by the strongest sorcerer in history.

That made him want to win, even if he knew it was impossible.

Flames erupted from Jogo’s hand, growing into a massive fireball.

He hurled it at Sukuna.

Sukuna countered with a fiery arrow.

The arrow pierced the fireball, striking Jogo and setting him ablaze.

‘I’m sorry, everyone.’

As Jogo’s body burned, his fellow curses appeared before him.

‘It’s okay, Mahito will do it for us. We chose him as our leader because we believed in him, didn’t we?’

Hanami’s words resonated with Jogo.

‘Yes. He’ll succeed. For all of us. We are the true humans.’

As he accepted his fate, a familiar voice spoke from behind.

‘What? Did you want to become human?’

Jogo’s eyes widened in denial, and Sukuna corrected himself.

‘Don’t look at me like that. I understand. You didn’t want to become human; you wanted the status of humans. That’s what you meant, right?’

‘…’

‘Even so, you’re still pathetic.’

Sukuna smiled at the defeated Jogo.

‘Well, it was somewhat entertaining. Compared to the humans, sorcerers, and curses of a thousand years ago, you were at least somewhat decent. Be proud. You were strong.’

Drip

Drop

‘What is this…?’

Jogo couldn’t understand. Why were tears falling from his eyes? He was happy.

‘Do you know what this is?’

Sukuna shook his head at Jogo’s question about the water dripping onto his hand.

‘I don’t know.’

‘Is that so? If you say so. I should be going now.’

‘Farewell.’

As Sukuna’s words faded, Jogo’s body turned to ash and scattered in the wind.

Sukuna turned to the newcomer.

“Who are you?”

I smiled and replied, “The one who’s here to kill you.”