Chapter 16 – Fushiguro Megumi
"Ugh…"
At the moment, Tatsuro was limping along, supported by Yuta Okkotsu. Even after another beating, he still had the audacity to talk big:
"Yuta, I'm telling you… If I hadn't been injured—"
Before he could finish, a familiar voice cut in:
"If what? You still want another round?"
"Uh…"
Tatsuro looked over and saw Maki Zenin wiping sweat from her brow with a towel. He quickly changed his tune, wiping his own forehead nervously.
"I mean, if I hadn't been injured, I could've taken even more of your hits without flinching!"
"Hmph. At least you know your place."
She snorted and pulled a small vial from her pocket, tossing it to him.
"Here. Bruise ointment. Rub it in and rest up. We train again tomorrow."
"Oh, okay."
Tatsuro caught the vial and watched her walk away, finally breathing a sigh of relief.
Getting her acknowledgment is no joke…
His whole body ached. Every limb felt like jelly.
But this was only the beginning. These wounds were part of the journey. One day, he'd grow strong enough to live a stable life, respected by all.
Maybe opening a restaurant wouldn't be a bad idea, he mused. Seeing the smiles of satisfied customers… I'd like that.
Back in his room, he said goodbye to Yuta, closed the door, and placed the ointment on the desk. Then he headed into the bathroom to rinse off the salt-crusted sweat on his body.
His mind replayed the sparring session. Sure, he had expected to lose—but it still stung.
Someday… I'll reach her level. But when is the next system mission dropping?
It had been ages.
He'd been unconscious for over ten days, and still no updates. Was the system waiting for the next major arc to trigger?
If that was the case, he might be stuck in limbo for another two months.
Time to grind solo—improve his physique, polish his cursed technique, and build real combat experience.
Let's get to work!
After showering, he tossed his sweat-soaked clothes into the washer and started the cycle. His dorm room at Jujutsu High was well-equipped—no complaints there.
Of course, the downside to the high-quality dorms?
The death rate.
Fighting curses was serious business. One bad piece of intel, and you could get mobbed to death.
"Sigh… Life is hard."
He groaned—and just as he was about to flop back into bed, a voice called from outside his door.
"Rise and shine! Time for training!" shouted Gojo Satoru.
"…"
Yeah. Life really is hard.
Sleep-deprived and still sore, Tatsuro got up and dragged himself to the door. Dressed in his uniform, he opened it and looked up at the towering Gojo.
"I have no energy, no cursed energy. I can't move."
"I know. I'm not here to train you—today, we're going to get you a cursed tool. And… introduce you to your future junior."
"Junior?"
Tatsuro blinked. He thought for a moment. There should only be one new kid around this time… Fushiguro Megumi?
Might as well go check it out. Could be fun.
"Yep," said Gojo. "His name's Fushiguro Megumi. He'll be studying alongside you all. Be nice to him."
"Ahh, that makes sense."
It did seem logical for Fushiguro to be brought in now. While the original manga didn't mention exact timing, it made sense that Gojo wouldn't just leave him to figure out jujutsu on his own.
Then again… with inherited techniques like Ten Shadows, maybe he could self-train.
Whatever. More allies = more options. Let's go make an impression.
He's a summoner with close-combat capabilities… Interesting combo.
"I'm finally not the weakest anymore!" Tatsuro cheered.
"No, you still are," Gojo corrected him mercilessly. "Don't underestimate your junior. You might get schooled in your first fight."
"Tch. If I lose to a freshman, demote me back to first-year."
Tatsuro bounced in place a few times, stretching out his aching limbs.
"Deal. I'll arrange a match in a few days. If you lose, you're going back to Year One."
"…"
Gojo's quick agreement made Tatsuro nervous. Judging from his tone, Gojo really didn't think he'd win against Fushiguro.
Is this guy seriously that strong already?
He followed Gojo, doubts churning in his head.
Sure, he'd only been here a short while—but he had a system, fire-style jutsu, the Sharingan…
If I lose and actually get demoted… that would be beyond embarrassing.
"So, you know what a cursed tool is, right?"
"Yeah," Tatsuro replied. "A weapon that can harm curses even without cursed energy. Can also channel one's innate technique."
"Exactly. Every proper jujutsu sorcerer needs one. After all, cursed energy is finite. Like your eyes, for example—don't rely on them too much. In real battles, activating the Sharingan will drain your energy fast."
"Got it, Gojo-sensei."
Despite Gojo's casual tone, Tatsuro appreciated the advice. You didn't get many teachers like this—strong, supportive, and surprisingly protective.
Also… probably looks great in a dress.
They arrived at an old wooden building tucked deep in the training grounds. Gojo pushed open the door, revealing racks of weapons.
Swords, naginata, nunchaku, three-section staffs—even gauntlets.
"Pick something that suits you," Gojo said. "Then we'll go meet your future classmate."
"…Future classmate?"
Wait a sec—is he assuming I'm gonna lose?!
Tatsuro frowned, but before he could say anything, the system pinged.
> New Mission: Defeat Fushiguro Megumi
Reward: +10 points, +50 permanent cursed energy
Ten points?!
Let's go!!
Last time, he pulled Fire Style: Great Fire Annihilation for just four points. If he cashed in ten…
Maybe he'd get an A-rank jutsu. Maybe even a Rasengan!
If he lost, Gojo would demote him—but honestly, Tatsuro would beat himself up first.
Sorry, Fushiguro. But big bro's going all out. Blame the system, not me.
He laughed to himself.
Living rich is just so dull and simple. Stick with the system, and you'll have new jutsu every day. I might not have much now…
But one day, the world will know my name.
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