Chapter 17 – Even If You Don't Want to Fight, You Have to. Not Even Jesus Can Help You.
Among the many cursed tools laid out, the naginata still felt the most comfortable in Tatsuro's hands. Maybe it was muscle memory, maybe preference, but either way—it just felt right. Weight, grip, balance… all perfect.
Of course, if he could pick two cursed tools, that'd be even better—a sword and a naginata combo.
"Gojo-sensei, can I pick two cursed tools?"
"Sure, as long as they feel natural in your hands. You'll be spending a lot of time getting used to them anyway. I still recommend choosing just one though."
"I see…"
Tatsuro glanced between a long sword and the naginata on the rack.
In the end, he picked the sword.
Training with two weapons would be too much hassle—he wasn't some kind of weapons master. The sword was more versatile, especially in tight spaces. He had to think ahead.
"A sword, huh? I gave Yuta a sword too. Teach him a bit if you have time."
Gojo gave him an approving nod and shut the wooden door behind them.
"Let's go meet your future classmate."
"…Don't phrase it like I'm guaranteed to lose."
Tatsuro grumbled.
Gojo just waved it off. "It's not that I don't have faith in you. He's just... really talented. Based purely on cursed energy alone, he's already above you. Even though your cursed energy mysteriously spiked recently, that kid's still stronger."
"So… realistically, how do you think I match up against this 'Megumi guy'?"
"30 to 70. You're the 30."
Thirty–seventy…
Gojo didn't even know about Fire Style: Great Fire Annihilation. If he did, maybe the odds would be higher. But if Tatsuro used that technique, it might be fatal—definitely not okay for a sparring match.
That was his trump card, his last resort.
If he lost this match though… he'd not only be demoted to the first-year class, but he'd also lose the system reward.
Tsk. Guess I'll need Maki to help me train tomorrow.
He'd copy every sword move she had. If that didn't work…
Well… I'll just torch the guy. I need that mission reward.
---
At the training field.
Fushiguro Megumi stood off to the side, eyeing the upperclassmen. He was curious why there was a talking panda but didn't ask.
"Nice to meet you, Megumi. I'm Panda."
Panda beamed and held out his paw. But to Megumi, this massive bear was baring its fangs, claws gleaming—he looked like he was about to eat someone.
What the hell kind of school is this?
A talking panda, a white-haired guy muttering about food, a man radiating killing intent… the only normal-looking one was the girl glaring daggers at him.
What did I do to deserve this? I just wanted to study curses, not get dropped into a circus.
"You're scaring him," Maki said.
"Huh? No way! I was super friendly!"
Panda scratched his head.
"Katsuobushi," added Toge, as confused as the others.
"Maybe I should try?"
Yuta stepped forward.
"NO!" ×2
"Salmon!" said Toge.
"…You guys are so mean," Yuta sulked, eyes brimming with dramatic anime tears.
"Yo! Looks like everyone's getting along."
Gojo strolled in with Tatsuro beside him.
So this is Megumi, huh? Yeah, looks pretty strong. Tatsuro gave him a once-over.
Finally! A normal person! Megumi thought when he saw Tatsuro.
Compared to everyone else here, this guy seemed like a breath of fresh air.
Tatsuro walked up, saw he was slightly taller than Megumi, and held out a hand.
"Nice to meet you, Megumi. I'm Tatsuro. You can call me Big Bro Tatsuro or Senpai. I offer 50% discounts on live ninjutsu demos—only 50,000 yen!"
"…"
Never mind. He's not normal at all.
The light faded from Megumi's eyes.
I regret coming here already.
"Don't make that face, Megumi," Gojo chuckled. "They may look weird, but they're all good people."
Then he turned to the group and raised his voice.
"In two days, we'll have a duel: Tatsuro vs. Fushiguro Megumi! If Tatsuro loses, he drops down to Year One. You all have full permission to bully him then! Woohoo!"
"OH?!"
Everyone's eyes lit up. They kept glancing between the two like it was a pre-match weigh-in.
"I don't want to fight," Megumi said flatly.
He didn't even think about it—he didn't want to be anyone's spectacle.
Doesn't want to fight?
Forget Gojo—not even Tatsuro was letting that fly.
System issued a mission. Whether you want it or not, we're fighting.
With a smug grin, Tatsuro said, "Scared I'll go easy on you? Don't worry, Senpai's very gentle."
"…"
Who gave this guy the audacity to speak like that? Jesus?
Everyone watching could clearly see that Megumi had way more cursed energy than Tatsuro.
Cursed energy was usually a good indicator of strength among sorcerers—though exceptions existed.
But the way Tatsuro spoke didn't come off as arrogant. Instead, people sensed that he was calculated, deliberate.
He treated everyone differently but respectfully. You could tell from the way he'd brought everyone together over a single dinner.
How's he going to beat someone who seems invincible?
People were genuinely curious.
"Huh? You mocking me?"
Megumi's eyes narrowed. For people who looked down on him, he preferred to respond with fists.
Hooked.
Tatsuro grinned. "Can't today. I'm injured. Let's stick to Gojo-sensei's plan. Two days from now—deal?"
"If I lose, I'll drop to Year One. But if you lose… you have to call me 'Big Bro Tatsuro' from now on. Cool?"
"Fine. But if you lose, you not only drop a year—you have to treat me with full respect."
"Deal. Everyone here is our witness."
With that, Tatsuro waved and hobbled away. This wasn't posturing—his legs really did hurt. Better to go lie down.
Training could wait till tomorrow. Today, he'd play the role of the overconfident fool to lull his opponent.
As he limped off, everyone stared in silence.
You sure you're gonna survive that match in two days?
Maki felt a twinge of guilt. Those bruises were her doing. If she hadn't been so rough, maybe he'd have more of a fighting chance…
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