"That's right, what I said isn't much, but what if Hayashi already knows how to perform a Domain Expansion?"
"What?"
"Impossible!"
"Oh?"
"Is this kid really that abnormal?"
Aside from Geto Suguru and Mahito, the other three cursed spirits stood up immediately, looking at Geto Suguru in disbelief.
Shikami had encountered Hayashi directly before and even had a brief fight with him. From that short exchange, it was clear that Hayashi wasn't someone easy to deal with.
But the fact that this young boy could use a domain was indeed shocking.
Ordinary jujutsu sorcerers spend their whole lives unable to reach that level, yet this boy achieved it at such a young age—completely at the opposite extreme.
Jogo had seen Hayashi twice. The first time was at a restaurant in Tokyo, where all the people in that restaurant were killed by him, except for the fleeing Hayashi.
The second time Jogo saw Hayashi was during a battle against Gojo Satoru, when Gojo brought him along. But no matter how many times they'd crossed paths, they had never actually fought.
Now, hearing Geto Suguru say that Hayashi could use a domain, Jogo found it hard to believe.
"I'm afraid none of the students at Jujutsu High can open a domain, right? Do you even believe what you're saying, Geto?" Jogo's thick voice, laced with an old tone, resonated.
Geto Suguru smirked and said, "Honestly, I didn't believe it either. After all, it's like buying a lottery ticket—the odds are just too low. But a week ago, using Noritoshi Kamo's ability, I found out that Shingo... was killed by Hayashi."
Jogo's eyes instantly narrowed as he looked seriously at Geto Suguru. "Shingo from the Heisei International Group? Are you sure?"
"You know I never lie." Geto smiled lightly, making his position clear with a few words.
Jogo glanced at Geto Suguru's gentle face and couldn't help but avert his gaze. In truth, Jogo still didn't fully trust Geto Suguru. Whether it was his suggestions or other plans, they always required verification.
Compared to someone like Geto, who always seemed to wear a friendly smile, Jogo preferred and trusted someone like Mahito more, which is why he supported Mahito so much.
The new "companions" who joined also followed Mahito's lead because of the influence of Jogo, Hanami, and Dagon. As for Geto, he held a position behind Mahito in the team.
Seeing no response from Jogo, Geto continued, "You all should know how strong Shingo was. You met him once before. He could use a domain, and it wasn't just at the beginner level. Even a Grade 1 jujutsu sorcerer would die in Shingo's domain. So, for Hayashi, a Grade 3 jujutsu sorcerer, to defeat Shingo is impressive."
"Gojo Satoru seems to be hiding Hayashi in the shadows. He must know Hayashi's real strength. Even if he doesn't know all the details, there's no way Hayashi is only at Grade 3 sorcerer level. That's just a cover. Shingo being killed by Hayashi proves that Hayashi's power is enough to go one-on-one with any of us, and still manage to escape."
"As for his cursed energy armor, teleportation, and domain, we don't know what other abilities he has. That's why he's the person we need to deal with first. He has too many unknowns and is growing too quickly. And those other folks in the shadows seem to be making moves as well, trying to use us to pave the way. They've calculated this well."
Jogo remained silent for a moment before speaking, "If Hayashi can fight me evenly, then all my years of life have gone to waste. Once I recover, I'll find him. I may not be able to beat Gojo Satoru, but a student? Surely I can handle that."
"Who knows?" Geto Suguru smiled but didn't continue. He had already revealed enough information. From now on, it was up to Mahito and Jogo to figure out how to deal with Hayashi.
As for Geto, he wouldn't take the initiative to provoke Hayashi, at least not until his goal was achieved.
This only made Geto more intrigued and curious about Hayashi. Compared to Mahito, Geto now hoped that Hayashi would grow even faster.
After the discussion about Hayashi ended, they began talking about Itadori Yuji and Gojo Satoru, and their updated plans.
However, the topic still circled back to Hayashi, since he had taken their "Sukuna's Finger" from Junpei's house. Originally, that finger was meant for Itadori Yuji. They had intended to retrieve it that night, but an unexpected incident occurred.
As the conversation expanded, everyone grew more interested. None of them were fools; it was easy to understand the bigger picture.
At that moment, Jogo slapped his thigh and revealed a set of black teeth as he said, "In the wasteland a hundred years from now, it doesn't matter if it's me who's laughing, as long as curses can stand among humans."
"Well said, Jogo." Mahito laughed, stepping out of the water, accepting the clothes Geto handed him, and putting them on.
Seeing Mahito getting ready to leave, Geto also stood up with a smile. "Well, that's all for today. We plan to retrieve the six remaining fingers from Jujutsu High. Afterward, we'll discuss today's details with the others."
Jogo turned his head to look at Geto, "Is that necessary? Aren't the sorcerers raising Itadori Yuji just so he can absorb Sukuna's fingers? Even if we leave him alone, he'll eat them eventually."
Geto looked calmly at Jogo and said, "The higher-ups at Jujutsu High still don't know how strong Itadori Yuji is as a vessel. For instance, they don't know which finger might make him lose control. They'll likely wait until all the fingers are collected before giving them to him."
"Except for a certain exception," Geto thought of Gojo Satoru as a wild card. "We can't wait until then, can we? The worst-case scenario is that the higher-ups will kill Itadori Yuji before we can act."
Jogo stared at Geto. "Without entering the tiger's den, how can we catch the tiger cub? So, what should we do?"
"I've been preparing for this, but with Hayashi's unexpected appearance, all previous plans are ruined. Anyway, focus on your recovery. Mahito, let's go." Geto's expression returned to normal as he turned and walked away.
"Jogo, make sure you heal up, or Hanami and Dagon will be worried." Mahito smiled at Jogo, then leaped onto the ground, shouting at Geto, who had already walked some distance, "Geto~ Wait for me!"
"I know, I know. You're so noisy!" Jogo joked, but his face carried a touch of elder care for a junior.
After Geto Suguru and Mahito left, Jogo turned his gaze to Shikami, who was sitting on a rock. "Aren't you leaving?"
Shikami snapped out of her thoughts and nodded. "It's rare to have some peace and quiet. I'll head back later."
"Then let's rest together and chat about our future." Croc laughed, looking up at the sky. Maybe there really would be a place for them in the future, but the days ahead would be the most crucial.