At that moment, both allies and enemies were stunned to see Kenjaku standing within two Domains simultaneously.
Even Gojo Shion clicked his tongue in disbelief.
In his past life, browsing Jujutsu circles, many fans had speculated Kenjaku might possess more than one Domain, but facing it now in reality left Shion genuinely shocked at Kenjaku's potential and cunning.
Sukuna glanced at Kenjaku with a complex expression. Even his twisted ally hadn't known Kenjaku was hiding such a trump card.
After a moment of shock, Shion snapped back to focus and immediately raised both hands.
Two Domains? I'm not afraid of you, damn right!
"Domain Expansion: Throne of Stillborn Stars!"
A dazzling halo of energy rose from Shion's hands, but instead of forming a vast sphere, the Domain compressed down into a tiny orb no larger than a glass bead at the tip of his finger.
"Compressing a Domain and throwing it like this—this isn't something you've seen before," Shion said with a confident smirk as he flicked the Domain forward.
Satoru, Suguru, and the others stared, dumbfounded.
Transforming a massive Domain so freely and even using it as a projectile—this level of precision in controlling cursed energy and cursed techniques was terrifying. While others could barely manipulate their own Domains, Shion had already transcended that, commanding them at will.
"What?" Kenjaku's expression twisted.
He had expected activating two Domains to steal the spotlight. Instead, Shion had one-upped him with a trick even more impressive.
The dove‑egg‑sized Throne of Stillborn Stars sailed forward. Lacking any intimidating aura or dazzling effect, it looked like nothing more than a small black sphere.
Kenjaku tensed, sweat streaming down his face.
"Hah!"
Kenjaku roared and slammed his hands together, unleashing the combined techniques of both Domains to crush the oncoming orb.
Instead of collapsing, the small sphere expanded rapidly. Its black shell shattered and blinding light burst outward like a rising sun.
In an instant, the Womb Profusion Field and Vajra Prison dissolved from view as though snow melting in boiling water.
When everyone opened their eyes, only a massive, deep crater remained. Kenjaku and the others had vanished, leaving a single echo in the space.
"Decisive battle in Shinjuku in ten days."
---
Somewhere in an underground space, Jogo and Mahito were supporting each other. Sukuna stood with his arms crossed, expressionless, while a silent Uraume followed behind.
Suddenly, cursed energy fluctuations rippled through the area and a figure staggered out from the shadows.
"Cough… cough… help… help me up…"
Sukuna's eye twitched as he gestured to Uraume. Reluctantly, she stepped forward and helped Kenjaku to his feet.
At this moment, Kenjaku looked hollow‑eyed and skeletal. His once golden hair was ashen and dull. He appeared as though he had been beaten endlessly, his body exhausted beyond belief.
Even Sukuna couldn't help but ask, "You look like that and you're still alive?"
Kenjaku spoke with difficulty, "Still… alive… Activating two Domains at once while facing someone like Gojo Shion… surviving at all is lucky."
Sukuna sneered. "You impress me, Kenjaku. Activating two Domains at the same time—even I can't do that."
Realizing it was wiser to stay quiet, Kenjaku closed his mouth and leaned weakly against Uraume.
Sukuna snorted and turned away.
"Don't block the way, cursed spirit," he said, kicking Jogo aside and walking off on his own.
"Damn it!" Jogo snarled.
Mahito, mostly recovered, placed a hand on Jogo's shoulder and shook his head. They both knew Sukuna's mood could turn on a whim. If Jogo lashed out, Sukuna wouldn't hesitate to strike him too.
"Dammit!" Jogo growled, staring at his left arm, which Satoru had severed. He tried to gather cursed energy to heal it, but nothing happened.
"What the hell?" Mahito said.
He stepped forward and extended his hand.
"Idle Transfiguration."
Idle Transfiguration could alter the form of the soul to reshape the body and heal almost any injury. However, even with Mahito using it now, Jogo's arm showed no sign of recovery.
Mahito's expression turned grave.
"This is an attack targeting the soul. Idle Transfiguration won't restore it."
"An attack targeting the soul?" Kenjaku reacted with alarm, and Mahito's face flickered with lingering fear.
That slash aimed at Jogo's arm was meant for him.
"It seems it wasn't an illusion. Gojo Shion really targeted Mahito with an attack."
Kenjaku's heart sank.
"It looks like Shion saw something abnormal in Mahito. We'll need to adjust our plans."
Kenjaku felt helpless. Surviving in this era was brutal. Not only had two Six Eyes appeared, but the enemy's strength was terrifying. And Shion acted as though he had read every possible script, always interfering with Kenjaku's plans at critical moments.
From Itadori, Mechamaru, Sukuna's Finger, the Prison Realm, Mahito—whatever Kenjaku plotted, Shion always showed up where it mattered most.
The feeling was suffocating.
Mahito saw the conflicted expression on Kenjaku's face and his eyes flickered with venom and killing intent.
Jogo, straightforward as always, asked, "Why are they trying so hard to target Mahito?"
To mask his true objective, Kenjaku said, "Perhaps… they see Mahito's potential and want to eliminate him early."
"That's it!" Jogo exclaimed.
Compared to monsters like Shion, the only advantage Mahito truly possessed was potential.
Lowering his head, Jogo spoke with reluctant sadness. "Dagon is dead, and now Hanami too…"
He placed a hand on Mahito's shoulder.
"But none of that matters, not even if it costs me my life."
"But Mahito, you must survive."
"As a cursed spirit born of human resentment and malice, Mahito, your potential is the greatest among us. As long as you live, there is hope."
"As long as humans don't go extinct, Mahito, you will continue to grow stronger."
Jogo looked down at his severed arm, resolve burning in his eyes.
"It doesn't have to be me laughing in the wild a century from now."
"I have no regrets losing an arm to save you, Mahito."
"Because I bet my left arm on the future."
===
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