A dark figure slipped through the window.
Gojo Satoru's eyes narrowed. The moment the moonlight hit the man's face, recognition flashed through his mind.
Kamo Chiya.
Not exactly a well-known figure in the Kamo family, but Gojo's memory was sharp enough to recall even minor names.
Why was someone from the Kamo family here?
Before he could process it fully, Kamo Chiya leapt out of the window, sprinting toward the back exit of the resort.
Gojo didn't hesitate—he vaulted after him, effortlessly closing the distance with his technique.
Ichigo Kurosaki, although confused, flashed forward using Shunpo, following closely.
Five minutes later, Kamo finally arrived at the back entrance, slightly out of breath.
Geto Suguru arrived just behind him, carrying Conan, who was looking thoroughly unimpressed.
"Suguru, you could've used a cursed spirit to travel, or were you just in the mood for some late-night cardio?" Gojo grinned.
Geto rolled his eyes. "How about next time, I just leave you to do all the chasing?"
Kamo Chiya finally registered who he was facing and stiffened slightly. "You're... the Gojo heir?"
Gojo gave a dramatic sigh. "Trust me, I didn't want to be here. This was supposed to be a vacation, but nooo—'Window' insisted I handle a case because they didn't want to waste travel funds on sending someone from Tokyo."
Kamo looked momentarily speechless. Then, after a pause, he said carefully, "Gojo Satoru, I know you're strong, but this isn't your concern."
"Oh?" Gojo tilted his head. "And what exactly am I not supposed to be concerned about? Want me to drop you off at the sorcery headquarters so you can explain it to all those 'distinguished elders' yourself?"
Kamo's face twitched. He clearly did NOT want that.
After a long silence, he finally said, "I didn't kill Taro Nakamura. But I know who did."
"Who?" Geto Suguru asked immediately.
Instead of answering, Kamo turned to Gojo.
"I'll tell you, but only if you swear not to report this to the higher-ups in the sorcery world."
Gojo raised an eyebrow. Then, with an exaggerated sigh, he turned to Geto.
"Suguru, let's go hit the hot springs. I heard they're the best in Sendai."
"Wait—didn't you accept the Window's mission?" Kamo looked alarmed.
Gojo snapped his fingers. "Oh, right!"
He pulled out his phone, switched on the flashlight, and turned the camera toward Kamo.
"Suguru, come pose for a picture with Kamo-senpai! Make sure to smile. I need evidence that it was HIS choice not to tell me, so no one can say I didn't do my job!"
Everyone: "…"
Kamo's expression soured. He had clearly miscalculated.
After a long pause, he let out a heavy sigh. "Fine. I'll tell you everything."
Kamo began his explanation.
"As one of the Three Great Families, the Kamo clan has many ancient artifacts—some of which are extremely dangerous. Among them is the heart of Kamo Kimiyo, a legendary sorcerer from our family's history. His descendants turned his heart into a special-grade cursed object."
Gojo's expression darkened slightly.
"Great. Another cursed object made from dead sorcerers. First Sukuna's fingers, now this? You guys ever think about NOT turning body parts into problems?"
Kamo ignored the jab and continued. "Recently, that heart was stolen by a Kamo clan defector—Kamo Yu. He somehow fused it with a special-grade cursed spirit, which created a Living Domain on Sendai's West Suburb Highway."
The Connection to the Case
"So that's why people have been vanishing?" Geto asked.
Kamo nodded. "Yes. It lures in people, trapping them in different layers of the domain. Some are rejected, like you were. Others… aren't so lucky."
Gojo's mind flashed back to the grotesque blood vessels inside the haunted bus.
"So that was all because of this heart? Disgusting."
"Essentially, yes."
Conan stepped forward. "Then what about Taro Nakamura? And Yukawa Sakurako?"
Kamo's expression turned grim. "Nakamura Taro was an associate of Kamo Yu. They likely worked together to create this situation."
"And who killed Nakamura?" Conan pressed.
"Kamo Yu. But how he did it, I haven't figured out yet."
Ichigo crossed his arms. "Okay, but WHY would Kamo Yu steal this heart and create that domain? What's the point?"
Kamo gave him a knowing look. "You clearly don't understand the Kamo family's techniques. Blood manipulation is our specialty. The more blood the heart absorbs, the stronger its curse grows."
A slow realization settled over the group.
"So… he's feeding it," Geto said.
"Exactly."
Gojo's lips curled in distaste. "Typical. Your clan lets something dangerous out, then tries to clean it up quietly."
Kamo's face stiffened. "The Kamo family didn't authorize this. That's why I was sent instead of a more high-profile sorcerer."
"Right, because it'd look bad if everyone knew your family screwed up," Gojo said dryly.
Kamo let out another sigh. "Look, I won't defend them. But I came here to stop Kamo Yu. If we don't, more people—sorcerers and civilians—will die."
Geto was silent for a moment. Then, he exhaled.
"So the problem still isn't solved."
"Not yet," Kamo admitted. "But if you're willing, we can work together."
Gojo and Geto exchanged looks.
Then, Gojo stretched lazily.
"Fine. But I'm still expecting a hot spring visit after this."
To Be Continued…