Sol's figure flickered through different corners of Shibuya.
Moments earlier, he had used Telekinesis to smoothly stop an out of control bus, saving everyone inside. In the next instant, he appeared in a nearby alley and crushed a Cursed Spirit that was preparing an ambush with nothing but pure physical strength. Then, without hesitation, he casually tossed the rescued civilians outside the barrier.
Every action was efficient and silent.
Most people, busy fleeing or fighting for survival, never even noticed his presence.
Only those he directly saved, or those who somehow escaped danger unharmed, would briefly catch sight of a blurred figure wearing a dark blue tracksuit before he vanished like an illusion.
His priority was to save lives and eliminate unexpected threats that could interfere with his companions. He had no intention of taking over the battlefield just yet.
Meanwhile, deep within Shibuya Station, Gojo Satoru stood at the center of a massive crosswalk.
He was surrounded by countless ordinary people.
Their eyes were hollow, their bodies stiff, like puppets controlled by invisible strings as they tightly encircled him.
The atmosphere was saturated with fear and despair, so heavy that it felt suffocating.
Standing opposite him was Kenjaku, wearing Suguru Geto's body, a false smile spread across his face.
Jogo, Hanami, and several other Special Grade Cursed Spirits were positioned throughout the area, their overwhelming cursed energy pressing down on the entire space.
"What a grand welcoming ceremony, Gojo," Kenjaku said in Suguru Geto's voice, his tone light but filled with cold mockery. "Do you like it? These are all your audience."
Gojo Satoru had already removed his blindfold.
His pale blue Six Eyes scanned the area with icy precision.
One hand remained inside his pocket. His posture appeared relaxed, but he was already on the verge of exploding.
"Using such despicable methods," Gojo Satoru said emotionlessly, "it seems you're truly afraid."
Jogo sneered, hatred and battle intent burning within his single eye.
"Gojo Satoru! Enough with the arrogance! Today will be your downfall, witnessed by all these ants!"
Gojo Satoru ignored him entirely.
His focus remained on finding a way to instantly neutralize every threat without harming the civilians.
The enemy's setup was ruthless.
Every possible angle his techniques could affect was filled with innocent people acting as human shields.
"Then let's begin," Kenjaku said with a smile as he casually waved his hand.
Instantly, the surrounding civilians moved.
Like zombies receiving orders, they let out meaningless cries and rushed toward Gojo Satoru.
Their minds were completely controlled by cursed energy. Reason no longer existed.
At the same time, Jogo's flames, Hanami's vines, and numerous long range attacks from other Cursed Spirits shot through the gaps between civilians and targeted Gojo Satoru.
Gojo Satoru clicked his tongue as his figure blurred.
He refused to use large scale techniques like Red or Hollow Purple. Doing so would instantly kill everyone around him.
Instead, he moved like a phantom through the chaotic crowd, gently redirecting civilians he could not avoid while using Infinity to block incoming attacks.
His movements were unbelievably fast.
To ordinary people, he looked like a white afterimage constantly flickering throughout the crowd.
Jogo's flames narrowly grazed him, but several civilians behind him were caught in the attack, causing screams to erupt.
"Tsk."
A dangerous glint appeared in Gojo Satoru's eyes.
This restrained style of combat was infuriating.
"What's wrong, Gojo Satoru?! Where's that overwhelming power you always boast about?!" Jogo laughed as he unleashed flames even more recklessly, having fully understood Gojo's hesitation.
Hanami silently manipulated the terrain.
Stone spikes burst from the ground at Gojo Satoru's landing points, forcing him to continuously reposition and gradually wear down his concentration.
Meanwhile, Kenjaku watched leisurely from the sidelines.
Every now and then, he released low grade Cursed Spirits into the crowd using Cursed Spirit Manipulation, adding even more chaos to the battlefield.
Gojo Satoru was fighting on a knife's edge.
His Six Eyes operated at maximum efficiency.
He had to protect innocent lives while dealing with an endless barrage of attacks.
He understood this was only the beginning.
Their objective was simple.
Wear him down.
Force him into making a mistake.
Force him to choose between protecting civilians or unleashing his full power.
Either option favored the enemy.
"This is seriously irritating," Gojo Satoru muttered.
Within his pale blue eyes, a cold and dangerous anger slowly accumulated.
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of Shibuya, Itadori Yuji's group had just finished eliminating a small wave of low grade Cursed Spirits emerging from a subway entrance.
Yuji panted heavily as he punched the final Cursed Spirit into oblivion before turning his worried gaze toward the center of Shibuya, where the enormous barrier stood.
"Is Gojo-sensei really okay?"
Despite his complete trust in Gojo Satoru, an ominous feeling lingered in his chest.
Mei Mei controlled her crows overhead, her expression remaining serious.
"The cursed energy inside the barrier is extremely chaotic. There are multiple Special Grade signatures and a large number of civilian hostages. Gojo-sensei's situation is probably far from ideal."
"We have to help him!" Yuji immediately said.
"Calm down, Itadori," Mei Mei replied, shaking her head. "Our mission is to secure the perimeter and stop the curses from spreading. If we recklessly enter a battlefield of that level, we'll only become a burden to Gojo-sensei."
Yuji clenched his fists.
He knew Mei Mei was right.
Still, the thought of his teacher being trapped in such a dangerous battle made it impossible for him to stay at ease while standing outside.