Chapter 186 Section 174 Post-War
As soon as the curtains parted, the still-breathing search group in Shinjuku, “4034” special-grade cursed sorcerers, panicked. The majority immediately gave up on their slaughter and turned to flee.
The removal of the barrier signaled the arrival of Satoru Gojo, and for them, this meant certain death.
“Oh no! The barrier was breached, I have to evacuate quickly.”
Hagihara Shunta swung his blade to drive away a floating, blue-glowing jellyfish-like deity, then turned to run away.
Just then, his phone rang, and he heard Yoshino Junpei’s voice calling from behind.
“Tch, why does he call now!?”
Not daring to ignore the leader’s call, Hagihara Shunta, while answering the phone, shouted at Yoshino, who was chasing him, “What are you following me for! Shouldn’t you be protecting civilians instead!?”
Yoshino, who had been stopped by that remark, reluctantly watched Hagihara leave, feeling his sense of duty towards protecting these survivors. He hoped he hadn’t made any mistakes during the pursuit.
Glancing back at the gathered survivors, Yoshino let out a heavy sigh of relief.
…
In a blink, Yukiteru Ebina and Lin Qi vanished from Hachiman Hikigaya’s sight. Though accustomed to it, he still felt somewhat envious.
Sigh, Qilu Zao 4: Ai Yue Fei Group: I want special treatment too.
After his wounds were treated, Hikigaya Hachiman felt rejuvenated both physically and mentally, starting to let his thoughts wander again.
“I’ve been wanting to ask since a long time ago.” Kugisaki Nobara suddenly spoke up. “Is there something between Yukino and Lin Qi?”
Her orange-haired face displayed a lively interest in gossip.
“What!?” Itadori Yuuji widened his eyes. “So that’s the case? I didn’t realize!”
Even the stone-faced Fushiguro Megumi moved closer with interest, showing that he was far more interested than his expression suggested.
“Don’t you notice anything? That’s why they say you’re not popular with girls,” Kugisaki shot a scornful look at Itadori. “You must have seen how close they were together, right? Don’t you think they are too intimate for mere teacher-student relations?”
A glint appeared in her eyes, as if she understood everything. She murmured to herself, “Regular teacher-student relationships cannot become so close.”
“Just now? I was studying the cursed essence left behind by the special-grade cursed spirit I encountered earlier,” Itadori scratched his head. “It burned itself out after a bit.”
“You must be a new student…”
The two were teasing each other when they noticed the dead-eyed, fish-eyed teen sitting on the steps, lost in thought.
Sensitive to gazes, Hachiman came to, finding three curious eyes staring at him.
“Huh? Why are they all looking at me?”
Perplexed, Hachiman asked the question.
“So, what’s going on with them? Are they a couple?” Kugisaki pressed.
“Huh? What?” Stunned for a moment, Hachiman realized what they were asking about, his gaze turning vague. “… Even if you ask me, I don’t know.”
“Your face clearly shows that you know something!”
Without hesitation, Kugisaki locked a grip around Hikigaya’s throat.
“Ah! Help, help…” The latter helplessly patted Kugisaki’s arm and naturally began begging.
Why her!
We barely know each other, yet she acts so familiar.
Stop it! Our relationship can’t handle this!
Watching the rambunctious students, Nanami Kenjin pushed his glasses up with a hint of annoyance. While the event was nearing its end, maybe it was best to let them relax.
…
“What did you say?”
After treating a lightly wounded cursed sorcerer, Nitou Kosetsu moved to rest against a balcony, lighting a cigarette. Before he could light it, he received a call from Satoru Gojo.
“The Headmaster Yōga is dead.”
In a calm voice, came Gojo’s statement.
Silence fell over them. After some time, the sound of a lighter igniting broke the silence, followed by a sharp puff as Kosetsu inhaled.
Blowing out a mouthful of smoke, Nitou looked up and questioned, “How did he die?”
“Killed by a special-grade cursed spirit, the same one we saved before,” Gojo explained. “He stayed alone in the college to prevent an ambush but was caught in a trap.”
“What about their purpose?”
“It was Sukuna’s finger and the Ninefold Diagram.”
“Judging by your tone, it seems the enemies succeeded.”
“That’s right. He was just a pawn.”
Another moment of heavy silence passed. After taking another drag, Nitou Kosetsu continued, “Headmaster Yōga… You won’t take action like last time, right?”
“Even if it’s a dead sorcerer, his remains might hold secrets about techniques. Especially someone like Headmaster Yōga who possesses unique abilities, his remains will definitely attract attention. They need to be properly preserved or destroyed. I feel like I’ve said this before, but it seems like you won’t listen.”
“At least give him a proper funeral,” Gojo stated.
Nanami sighed, knowing he couldn’t change Gojo’s mind, and conceded, “I’ll arrange for it.”
As he hung up the call and extinguished the nearly burnt-out cigarette, Nanami’s eyes grew distant, memories of the past surfacing.
Memories of high school filled her mind, the laughter, and even her friend’s death, felt like recent events.
Jou Yōga’s death, Headmaster Yōga’s death, both incidents taken out by the two Oni Night Festivals, robbed her of important friends and teachers.
This is fate, or perhaps just coincidences? She wondered.
…
After school, he decided to become a cursed sorcerer.
