HRU: Chapter 261/263

Chapter 261: Ryūjin Jakka Is the Strongest

Jogo's eyes were no longer focused on Sukuna's fingers. His gaze had shifted to the other Zanpakutō at Satoshi's waist. He had a hunch—Ryūjin Jakka was the true trump card, the ultimate weapon capable of obliterating both of Sukuna's fingers.

Whether it was the binding technique used to seal the fingers, the flashy breaking technique, or even the Baixia punishment that looked powerful enough to annihilate a Special Grade cursed spirit in an instant...

Those were just appetizers. Just the beginning.

Everything Satoshi had done up until now was to pave the way for Ryūjin Jakka's appearance.

As Jogo expressed his thoughts, Toji and Yuto paused, stunned. They hadn't expected that even at this moment, Jogo would still be so fixated on Ryūjin Jakka.

"Jogo, you're oversimplifying things."

Yuto responded to Jogo with a knowing tone.

"You've never wielded a Zanpakutō, so of course you don't understand the gap between Shikai and Bankai. The power difference between them is like night and day."

"Sode no Shirayuki's Bankai must be on an entirely different level from Ryūjin Jakka's Shikai. According to what Satoshi told us the last time he returned, during his nine years of slumber, he had no time to develop his Zanpakutō further, so Ryūjin Jakka has remained in its Shikai state."

"So how can Ryūjin Jakka's Shikai possibly compare to Hakka no Togame?"

Yuto had made up his mind. He stood firmly against Jogo's theory.

Under normal circumstances, Jogo wouldn't have bothered arguing with Yuto and his constant babbling.

But this time, when it came to Ryūjin Jakka, he wasn't willing to back down.

"Okkotsu, don't act like you know everything! The only one who's actually witnessed boss's Bankai is me. You haven't even achieved Shikai yet. You really think you know more about Zanpakutō than I do?"

Jogo's tone was mocking, his face full of disdain.

"I…"

Yuto's expression stiffened. Jogo had hit a sore spot.

He was, after all, the only one among the Zanpakutō users who hadn't completed Shikai.

Even though Nozarashi was powerful, if he couldn't even perform Shikai, was that on the blade… or on him?

After all, everyone else had achieved their initial release…

Yuto had no comeback.

Still, if he knew that even Tengen—revered in the world of Jujutsu—had yet to complete her Shikai, maybe he'd feel a little better.

"My Nozarashi has unique abilities. This is just how it looks after Shikai. So, Nozarashi doesn't really have a Shikai, you just don't get it!"

Yuto's explanation was a bit contradictory, and Jogo couldn't even be bothered to argue anymore.

After all, both of them were half-baked when it came to Zanpakutō knowledge. Neither had the right to talk about the differences between Shikai and Bankai with authority.

So, Jogo turned to Toji—the one who had spent the most time with Satoshi, and the only non-Gojo clan member to wield a pair of Zanpakutō: Katen Kyōkotsu.

If anyone had a valid opinion, it was Toji.

Yuto also turned his gaze toward Toji. He didn't believe his reasoning was wrong—this was something Satoshi himself had said. Bankai was the true form of a Zanpakutō, so how could Shikai surpass it?

"Toji, tell me. Is it really possible that Ryūjin Jakka's Shikai is stronger than Sode no Shirayuki's Bankai?"

Upon hearing the question, Toji's expression turned serious. He recalled what Satoshi once told him.

If Ryūjin Jakka ever reaches Bankai, then there shouldn't be anyone in this world who can stand against me. Not even you, Toji.

At the time, he had scoffed at it. He thought Ryūjin Jakka was just hype.

But after personally witnessing Ryūjin Jakka's terrifying techniques, he came to realize that what Satoshi said might really be true.

Even though Sode no Shirayuki and Ryūjin Jakka were both Zanpakutō, the power of each one was vastly different.

You could see it clearly from how Satoshi forged his Zanpakutō.

Senbonzakura and his own Katen Kyōkotsu were far superior to Zanpakutō like Minazuki and Nejibana.

But Ryūjin Jakka?

Others might not know, but Toji understood just how much effort Satoshi poured into forging that sword.

Even the Kamo Clan's top forging master died because of a bet related to Ryūjin Jakka.

Satoshi had invested more time and energy into Ryūjin Jakka than any other Zanpakutō.

Sure enough, Ryūjin Jakka is the strongest Zanpakutō. Jogo was right. Ryūjin Jakka might really be Satoshi's greatest trump card.

Toji looked at Satoshi in the projection and nodded to Jogo.

"It seems Satoshi's control over Ryūjin Jakka has improved. Even if it's still in Shikai, it's the Zanpakutō he personally recognized as having the most destructive power."

Yuto was stunned by Toji's agreement with Jogo, while Jogo proudly lifted his chin, clearly pleased with his instincts.

"Since when was Ryūjin Jakka recognized as the most powerful attack-type Zanpakutō by the old man?" Yuto asked in disbelief.

Toji raised his eyebrows. "Didn't I mention that before? Maybe because we talked less about Zanpakutō after Satoshi went into hibernation."

Toji shrugged and gave a quick explanation.

"You've seen it yourself. Lord Tengen spent a lot of effort in the Tombs of the Star to help Satoshi master his Zanpakutō."

"And you two were the closest participants, right? That's why Jogo is so obsessed with Ryūjin Jakka."

With that, Toji stood up, drew his Zanpakutō from his waist, and instantly activated Shikai.

Katen Kyōkotsu's dual blades appeared in his hands.

"They also told me Ryūjin Jakka is different from them."

Yuto fell silent. Jogo's eyes were full of anticipation.

What form would this final trump card take? The Zanpakutō that Satoshi had saved for last.

Could Ryūjin Jakka, the mighty blade that closed the curtain, truly obliterate Ryoumen Sukuna's fingers?

(To be continued.)

Chapter 262: Is Sukuna Invincible?

As expected, Ryomen Sukuna was not destroyed by Satoshi.

However, what left Ogi displeased was that Satoshi had used this opportunity to showcase his power to the entire sorcery world.

The power of his Zanpakutō hadn't disappeared at all. If anything, this situation would backfire against the General Directorate. The Gojo clan had been accused of secretly collecting Sukuna's fingers to develop Satoshi's Zanpakutō, but this result disproved that claim entirely...

He was already frustrated that he hadn't been able to weaken the Gojo clan's prestige. Still, the fact that Sukuna's finger hadn't been destroyed at least meant that the Gojo clan's dominance wouldn't grow stronger.

Once this is over, the General Directorate will suppress the news. Keep it vague, so Satoshi doesn't become uncontrollable.

Zenin Ogi was already planning how to continue suppressing Satoshi's influence once the situation ended.

...

It was time to bring things to a close.

As the General Directorate's representative, Zenin Ogi prepared to declare the end of the incident.

Kamo Kaname exhaled, relieved. He could finally leave the Treasury. His understanding of the world had been completely shattered during this ordeal. In front of Satoshi, he was painfully aware of how insignificant he was. All he wanted now was to escape.

Among the three representatives from the General Directorate, Yagyū Saemon appeared visibly upset. He didn't want things to end like this. After all, Satoshi had not yet accomplished the mission he had set out to complete.

But the other two members of the General Directorate disagreed with him, so his objections held no weight.

Yagyū Saemon could only shake his head in silence and accept the outcome.

Just as Zenin Ogi was about to speak, Satoshi turned his head and looked at him in silence.

At that moment, the frost-covered robes draped over Satoshi's shoulders hadn't yet dissipated. That single glance made Ogi's entire body freeze.

What a terrifying gaze.

Those pale blue Six Eyes, the white lashes like misted frost, the faint breath forming vapor from his slightly parted lips...

It was enough to render Zenin Ogi speechless.

He was frozen by Satoshi's stare, body completely immobilized.

This entire scene was clearly broadcast to all viewers of the livestream.

"That's one of the General Directorate's reps. He couldn't even move under Gojo Satoshi's gaze."

"I think that's Zenin Ogi from the Zenin clan. A Grade 1 sorcerer reduced to this in front of Gojo Satoshi?"

"Gojo Satoshi's level has probably reached Special Grade. Zenin Ogi, a mere Grade 1, can't resist that kind of power."

"When he used Hadō earlier, he was likely already at Grade 1. Now that he's wielding a Zanpakutō, I doubt even Yuki could beat him."

"Yuki-sama and Satoshi-sama aren't enemies. In fact, there's still something ambiguous going on between them, right? Maybe we'll see a legendary couple emerge from the jujutsu world."

Across Japan, sorcerers were fervently discussing Satoshi's strength.

Zenin Ogi's frozen reaction had already become the focus of conversation among sorcerers. Not only had he failed to suppress the Gojo clan's prestige through this event...

His performance had actually damaged the Zenin clan's reputation.

In contrast, the Kamo clan's representative, quiet and inconspicuous throughout—had at least not caused any embarrassment. Most viewers didn't even realize that he was Kamo Kaname from the Kamo clan...

...

As the beautiful icy garments faded from Satoshi's body, Zenin Ogi finally broke free from the paralysis induced by his gaze.

Realizing that his disgraceful reaction had been seen by so many, his expression twisted with anger. He felt that Satoshi had deliberately humiliated him in front of the second livestream.

"Gojo Satoshi, it's over! This is the end! You failed! Sukuna's fingers are indestructible! Sukuna is invincible!"

Zenin Ogi completely lost control as he shouted.

Everyone at the scene frowned. Even Kamo Kaname, standing on the same side as Ogi, subconsciously took a few steps away from him.

No one expected Zenin Ogi to say something so absurd.

While it was true that the General Directorate didn't want Satoshi to destroy Sukuna's finger, that kind of intention was something best left unspoken. How could anyone just outright declare Sukuna invincible?

Viewers of the livestream began to feel outright disgust toward Zenin Ogi.

They didn't know the politics of the Directorate.

But they did know this—sorcerers were supposed to oppose curses. And as the King of Curses, Ryomen Sukuna was the very embodiment of what sorcerers stood against. To say he was "invincible" was disgraceful.

Why would Zenin Ogi say something like that with pride?

This guy's worldview is warped.

That thought surfaced in the minds of many viewers watching the second livestream. What started as mockery now turned into genuine disdain for this middle-aged man.

Gojo Satoshi was strong and composed.

Zenin Ogi had a petty face and barely any strength to back it up.

The contrast made it clear—most people now sided with Gojo Satoshi.

After all, Satoshi had never boasted or said anything unnecessary. Everything he had done was to destroy Sukuna's finger.

At this moment, Yuki's expression turned cold as she looked toward Zenin Ogi.

Sukuna is invincible?

That was a thousand years ago. You're still repeating Sukuna's words now? Is that what a sorcerer should say?

She had always remained in Kyoto, largely indifferent to the rivalry between the Three Great Sorcerer Clans.

In her view, as long as Satoshi awakened successfully, everything else would work itself out.

And if Satoshi had never awakened, then even if the Gojo clan declined and lost to the alliance of the Kamo and Zenin clans, that would be acceptable.

Because that would simply mean Satoru, bearer of the Six Eyes and this generation's wielder of the Limitless Technique, was not strong enough to carry the clan's weight.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 263: All Things in the Universe Turns to Ashes

However, if the Zenin clan truly began openly worshipping Sukuna, then that was something Yuki could never tolerate.

She was a Special Grade sorcerer in Japan. She might not care about inter-clan disputes, but she absolutely could not accept sorcerers betraying their fundamental position.

As Yuki's pressure spread, Zenin Ogi felt it intensely.

He was filled with regret.

The moment those words left his mouth, he knew he had made a mistake. He never should have said them.

But spilled water cannot be gathered again. What was said could not be taken back.

All he could do now was silently endure Yuki's overwhelming pressure while scrambling for a way to salvage the situation.

If his reputation took another hit from this incident, it would become even harder for him to compete for the position of head of the Zenin clan in the future.

But both Yuki and Ogi seemed to forget something.

This event had a central figure—the only protagonist.

That was Gojo Satoshi.

The core objective of this entire ordeal was simple: to destroy Ryomen Sukuna's six fingers.

To Satoshi, Zenin Ogi was nothing more than a clown. His outbursts were no more than an annoying buzz.

Clang—

The sound of a Zanpakutō being sheathed rang out, immediately drawing everyone's attention.

Has Gojo Satoshi given up?

That was the thought that crossed Zenin Ogi's mind the moment he heard the sound.

But in the very next second, his eyes widened again.

After returning Sode no Shirayuki to its sheath, Satoshi's right hand moved to the hilt of his second Zanpakutō.

What was the meaning of this?

Was Satoshi still not giving up? Ogi was stunned.

He had always known that Satoshi possessed two Zanpakutō. But like Yuto, he believed—if a Bankai couldn't accomplish the goal, how could a Shikai succeed?

Under everyone's gaze, Satoshi slowly drew the dark, sealed blade.

"Old friend. Long time no see."

For nine years, Ryūjin Jakka had remained dormant. Even after Satoshi awakened, he had never summoned it—until now.

This was the moment for Ryūjin Jakka's return.

Ryūjin Jakka was the final dish that Satoshi had prepared for Ryomen Sukuna's six fingers.

It was also the reason Satoshi was so confident that he could destroy them.

"All Things in the Universe, Turn to Ashes."

As Satoshi chanted Ryūjin Jakka's release phrase, everyone present realized—he had not given up at all.

All across the jujutsu world, anyone who knew about Ryūjin Jakka was now focused on Satoshi's blade.

This was the first time it had truly appeared before the eyes of the world.

"All Things in the Universe, Turn to Ashes—Ryūjin Jakka."

Satoshi gripped the dark purple hilt, his eyes closing slowly.

"Ennetsu Jigoku (Hell of Scorching Flames)."

Flames erupted violently from Ryūjin Jakka, and the scene gave many present a strange sense of déjà vu.

It looked almost identical to the snow cascade from Hakka no Togame earlier. The only difference was that one manifested ice and snow, the other blazing fire.

And the oppressive heat radiating from Ryūjin Jakka's flames was every bit as intense as the cold from Hakka no Togame.

Could this really just be Shikai?

Many people widened their eyes in disbelief.

Those who had never witnessed Satoshi's battle in the Tombs of the Star were stunned.

Satoru and the others had seen this technique before, so they remained composed.

But they all noticed the difference.

This time, the Ennetsu Jigoku released by Satoshi was completely unlike the one from nine years ago.

Its power had drastically increased.

Despite sleeping for nine years, Satoshi's strength hadn't declined. In fact, he had grown stronger.

His Zanpakutō had evolved. He seemingly mastered strange techniques—Kidō techniques, Bakudō, and Hadō.

Even Yuki, a Special Grade sorcerer, had to admit that Satoshi's strength now far surpassed her own.

Even if the General Directorate disapproved, she would use her authority to make Gojo Satoshi the second official Special Grade sorcerer of the modern era.

As the flames of Ennetsu Jigoku surged, they rolled back with explosive momentum.

The Treasury, which a moment ago resembled a fortress of frost and ice, was instantly transformed into a blazing inferno. The entire wall, once sealed in ice, was now engulfed in flame.

But what shocked everyone most.

The supposedly indestructible walls of Jujutsu High's high-security Treasury… began to crack under Ryūjin Jakka's fire.

This was the Treasury!

The most fortified location in all of Tokyo Jujutsu High. Even Yuki, as a Special Grade, couldn't break it.

And yet now, those impregnable walls were being burned and fractured by Gojo Satoshi's flames…

(To be continued.)