The original Mahito used Idle Transfiguration like the Seventy-Two Transformations, recklessly distorting his own and others' bodies. This certainly achieved many successes, the greatest being "Idle Transfiguration: Instant Spirit Body of Distorted Killing," which allowed the original Mahito to complete his evolution.
However, this was merely the scrap-level use of Idle Transfiguration.
In fact, the original Mahito had already discovered its underlying principle. He once said that Idle Transfiguration gave him eyes that could directly perceive the human soul, allowing him to modify it freely. The fragments evaporated from the soul were human emotions, and these appeared crystal clear in his vision.
If he could see the soul and human emotions, couldn't he control those emotions? Couldn't he brainwash people? Yet the original Mahito never pursued this path. Instead, the current Mahito developed techniques such as Ideological Imprint and the purification of the six senses through emotional projection.
If modifying the soul allowed him to reshape the body at will, couldn't he correct the body? Couldn't he directly grant himself any physical talent? Mahito was even certain that if he truly copied Gojo Satoru's body, he could install the Six Eyes within himself without any side effects.
Furthermore, a human's Innate Technique resides in the prefrontal cortex of the brain. Couldn't he just copy it directly? Even without Reverse Cursed Technique, he could engrave another person's Innate Technique onto his own brain. The same applied to the cursed energy core, located in the abdomen. By copying it, Mahito could replicate a Jujutsu Sorcerer's natural talent.
There was also multi-soul fusion. The original Mahito could create complete human fusions—something considered impossible in Yuki Tsukumo's research notes. This proved that his mastery of soul modification exceeded the common sense of the jujutsu world.
If he could do it to others, why not to himself? Was it difficult to fuse his own soul? Even if not a complete fusion, what about a temporary one? Wouldn't that provide a far greater boost than human fusion?
The clones Mahito later developed were created by copying his own soul onto others. Aside from being unable to use Idle Transfiguration, they shared identical thinking with the original, connected through a gestalt consciousness. With further evolution, creating a swarm would not be surprising.
Finally, there was the modification of Cursed Spirits.
Although not explicitly stated in the original work, others mentioned that Special Grade Cursed Spirits, which were normally rare, began appearing frequently. This was most likely Mahito's doing.
The Locust Cursed Spirit was a typical example—it already showed signs of intelligence. If he continued developing this, he could likely create Intelligent Cursed Spirits comparable to himself, Jogo, Hanami, and Dagon.
But the original Mahito did none of this.
He confined himself to the Seventy-Two Transformations, focusing only on souls and ordinary humans. He didn't even research a single Curse User. After losing to Itadori Yuji, he lost his composure entirely, focusing only on killing him and ignoring all other Jujutsu Sorcerers.
It could only be said that although the original Mahito possessed high intelligence, his lack of experience prevented him from using it effectively. Moreover, with Kenjaku manipulating things behind the scenes, he became nothing more than a puppet—believing himself free while every move was controlled, leaving him no room to struggle.
Unsurprisingly, the old man refused. "No, that won't do. If we had ample time, I would be willing to return to my youth, but not now. Time is too short. Both my sword and my body would need to readjust, and then there would be no time left to teach you. At the very least, I cannot return to youth on the eve of your decisive battle with Yuki Tsukumo. I must teach you as much as possible."
Swordsmanship is an extremely precise discipline. Even changing to a different blade requires adapting to its weight and length—let alone restoring an aging body to youth. Ashiya Magon was confident he could adapt within weeks, but they didn't have that time.
Only then did Jogo finally get a chance to speak. "Mahito!"
"Jogo, Hanami, Dagon—welcome back." Mahito opened his arms. "Was the mission successful?"
"We'll talk about that later," Jogo waved his hand angrily. "Mahito! You're taking another risk! You actually dare to face a Special Grade Jujutsu Sorcerer…!"
Mahito chuckled. "That doesn't sound like you. I thought you'd say, 'Mahito, go ahead—I've got everything covered here.'"
"This is no joke," Jogo frowned, flames erupting from his volcanic head. "I thought you understood how powerful a Special Grade Sorcerer is."
"Setting everything else aside, isn't there a 'typical' Special Grade right next to you? When you fought him, you gathered complete information and ensured you could win before acting. But there's no information on Yuki Tsukumo. Why challenge her now?"
The "typical" Special Grade, Kinji Hakari, made a sour face. "Hey! Volcano-head, want another beating?"
Jogo ignored him entirely, staring at Mahito.
Hanami sighed softly, looking at Ashiya Magon. [May I ask who you are? ]
"How strange… I cannot understand the words, yet the meaning becomes clear," the old man marveled. "To think such beings, exist among Intelligent Cursed Spirits—I never imagined it." He straightened and said, "I am Ashiya Magon, founder of the New Shadow Style. Invited by the King of Curses, I now serve him."
[So, you are the founder of the New Shadow Style… a figure from a thousand years ago. ] Hanami said in admiration. [Your presence strengthens us greatly. ]
"Well…" Ashiya Magon puffed up proudly, his tone shifting. "Encountering Intelligent Cursed Spirits besides Mahito has opened my eyes as well. Hanami, you lack the aura of a Curse—you instead carry the fragrance of the forest. It is my honor to meet you."
[You are too kind…]
Jogo suddenly interrupted, "Wait—Hanami, you know this old guy? What even is the New Shadow Style?"
Ashiya Magon froze, then turned to Mahito. "That temper… fits my stereotype of a Cursed Spirit perfectly. You and Hanami must be exceptions."
Mahito couldn't help but think that when it came to putting on airs, the younger generation truly couldn't compare to these ancient figures.
Hanami explained calmly: [The New Shadow Style is a major school in the jujutsu world. Almost all Jujutsu Sorcerers without an Innate Technique rely on it to some extent. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say it saved those without talent… Anyone with basic knowledge of the jujutsu world cannot ignore it. ]
"Huh?" Jogo blinked. "Then why don't I know about it?"
"Excellent. As expected of Jogo—always consistent," Mahito thought.
Dagon leaped past Jogo and Hanami, pouncing toward Mahito. Mahito caught him and gently patted his head.
"Good, good. Dagon, you've been very well-behaved." Mahito smiled.
Dagon bounced happily, blinking his large eyes.
Mahito nodded slightly. "I see—the mission went smoothly. Well done, Dagon."
"I didn't understand that," Ashiya Magon said blankly.
"You don't need to," Kenjaku chuckled. "You can tell just by looking. In that case, we'll soon have new companions."
Their mission had been to gather materials to create new Intelligent Cursed Spirits—continuing experiments the original Mahito had left unfinished.
He would not be satisfied with modifying low-intelligence beings like the Locust Cursed Spirit. He wanted to create true Intelligent Cursed Spirits like Jogo, Hanami, and Dagon.
The logic was simple: rather than producing mass batches of semi-finished, low-intelligence spirits, it was better to create another Jogo.
Mahito could guarantee that one Jogo would surpass ten thousand Locust Cursed Spirits.
Even if a newly created Intelligent Cursed Spirit started weak, intelligence would allow rapid growth. With minimal cultivation, it could steadily reach Special Grade. Moreover, possessing intelligence meant their actual combat ability would far exceed typical Special Grade Cursed Spirits.
With further development, even if they didn't reach Jogo's level, they could at least reach Dagon's level without Domain Expansion.
That would already be sufficient.
Since he had the ability, he had to pursue it. Mahito's thirst for advancement never ceased. If his own growth slowed, he would strengthen his allies instead.
However, not all Cursed Spirits could become Intelligent Cursed Spirits. According to his research, most lacked the potential. Beyond requiring massive Cursed Energy, the key factor was possessing a "legend."
The reason remained unknown. Kenjaku speculated that legendary Cursed Spirits could more easily gather dispersed Cursed Energy from humans, but even Kenjaku couldn't confirm it.
With no time for theory, they resorted to empirical experimentation.
Just like early aviation—scientists didn't wait for perfect theory before making planes fly.
Jogo said darkly, "Imaginary Vengeful Spirits… are harder to find than I thought."
After a pause, he asked, "Mahito, do you really have to fight Yuki Tsukumo? You haven't fully matured yet. You could wait longer. Time should be on our side."
"This is the best opportunity," Mahito said calmly. "To be honest, Yuki Tsukumo's appearance was completely unexpected. After the Zen'in battle, I planned to lie low and study for a while, then take you, Hanami, and Dagon to meet Gojo Satoru. But her arrival disrupted everything, forcing me to deal with her first."
Kenjaku sighed. "This isn't your fault—it's mine. I didn't expect such a strong reaction from the jujutsu higher-ups… It's not just Yuki Tsukumo. Even Yuta Okkotsu has been recalled. The three Special Grade Sorcerers of the jujutsu world have all gathered at headquarters."
Jogo clenched his fists, feeling a wave of dizziness.
Gojo Satoru alone was enough to make their heads spin, and now there were two more. This was already an extremely dire situation.
Jogo's voice trembled as he asked, "I remember you telling us that Tengen's final evolution would be completed by the end of this year… Can we kill Tengen within that timeframe now?"
"That's why we must deal with Yuki Tsukumo first," Mahito said. "Of course, I know time is tight, but if we pass up this opportunity, next time we'll likely face three Special Grade Sorcerers working together… then we'll have even less of a chance."
Jogo was speechless.
Hanami suddenly asked, [Can we be certain that Yuki Tsukumo is coming alone? ]
Mahito said, "I've managed to have her make a Binding Vow. But I'm not sure if she'll play tricks. My concern is what if Gojo Satoru is following her… Perhaps we need to find a way to pin Gojo down."
Jogo looked at him expectantly. "Well, is there a way?"
"Hmm," Kenjaku stroked his chin and smiled. "I'm still thinking."
"Are you messing with me?!" Jogo was furious.
Suddenly, the phone rang. Kinji Hakari pulled his phone out of his pocket, his pupils constricting slightly.
Mahito keenly noticed this. "Who is it?" he asked.
"Mr. Gojo," Kinji Hakari took a deep breath. "He… called me personally."
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