Gojo Satoru picked up the microphone on the table, cleared his throat, said, "Hello, hello~ Can you hear me? Students participating in the competition, listen up—"
His voice spread throughout the entire Barrier via the loudspeaker, even carrying an echo through the screens in the Viewing Room.
The rules are simple: Exorcising Cursed Spirits earns you Points. A Grade 2 Cursed Spirit is worth 1 Point, a Grade 1 Cursed Spirit is worth 5 Points, a Semi-Grade 1 Cursed Spirit is worth 10 Points. You may attack each other to steal Points. The time limit is three hours. Now—
He paused intentionally, then shouted, "Begin!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the students on the Screen moved.
At the Tokyo School, Itadori was the first to dash out, with Fushiguro and Kugisaki following closely behind. The Second Year students, Zenin Maki, Inumaki, Panda, moved in another direction, clearly splitting up to act.
Over at the Kyoto School, Todo laughed loudly as he chased after Itadori, while Kamado led the others toward Fushiguro's direction.
"They've already clashed so quickly?" Utahime frowned.
That kid Todo.." Gakuganji snorted, "is always so unpredictable.
Gojo Satoru took off the microphone, leaned back against his chair, turned his head to look at Tu Bai: "How do you think Todo will attack?"
Tu Bai was staring at the Screen. Todo had already caught up to Itadori, the two were in a standoff amidst the mountain forests. Todo was tall and imposing; although Itadori was not short either, he appeared a size smaller in comparison.
He will test the waters first," Tu Bai said. "Todo seems straightforward, but he should be quite cautious during combat. He will first learn Itadori's physical combat habits before deciding how to fight.
Oh?" Gojo Satoru raised an eyebrow. "Then what about Kamado? What is the weakness of his Blood Manipulation?
Tu Bai looked at another Screen. Kamado had already engaged in combat with Fushiguro. Kamado's Cursed Technique involves manipulating blood, which can be condensed into various shapes to attack. Fushiguro, in turn, used Shikigami to counter him.
The weakness of Blood Manipulation is distance," Tu Bai said. "The further the blood is from the body, the harder it is to control. Kamado is currently using mid-range attacks, but if Fushiguro can create distance or use wide-range Shikigami to restrain him, he can force him to change his tactics.
As he spoke, he tapped the Long Table lightly with his finger. Silver Demon Power overflowed from his fingertips, performing a Construction to create a simple mountain and forest sand table on the surface, with several small figures representing the students on both sides.
Gakuganji glanced over.
Yaga also noticed: "This is.."
Real-time Simulation," Tu Bai explained. "I used Cursed Energy to replicate the terrain of the Barrier and the positions of the students; I can predict the direction the battle will take.
The small figures on the Sand Table began to move. The figures representing Itadori and Todo started to clash, while the figures representing Fushiguro and Kamado also moved. As Tu Bai lightly swept his finger across the surface, the terrain on the Sand Table shifted accordingly.
Here." He pointed to a valley. "If Itadori can lure Todo here and use the terrain to restrict his movement, there will be a chance to counterattack.
Gojo Satoru rested his chin on his hand and looked at him, his eyes curving into crescents. "Impressive, Xiao Bai~"
Tu Bai's ears heated up: "It's just basic analysis.."
Utahime looked at the Sand Table, his expression complicated: "Have you studied tactics before?"
I taught myself," Tu Bai said. "Construction Technique requires anticipating various situations, so I've grown accustomed to it.
Mei walked over, looking at the Sand Table with great interest: "This ability has a lot of commercial value. Tu Bai-kun, are you interested in taking on private work? I can introduce some clients to you."
Gojo Satoru immediately interjected, "My Rabbit doesn't take private commissions~"
Mei laughed, "‘Your rabbit’? Gojo, are you sure? It doesn't seem like Tu Bai thinks so."
He looked toward Tu Bai.
Tu Bai paused for a moment. He hadn't actually thought about taking private commissions, but Mei's words stirred some interest in him—after all, he had become a Sorcerer to make money.
He did not deny Mei's words, but instead reached out to take the business card Mei handed him: "Thank you, I will contact you if I have a need."
The smile on Gojo Satoru's face froze for a moment. His hand beneath the Long Table suddenly clenched, then relaxed again.
Xiao Bai." Gojo Satoru's voice still carried a hint of a smile, but it was a bit cold, "Are you sure?
Just leaving a way to contact me," Tu Bai said, putting the business card into his pocket. "It's not like I'll necessarily pick up.
Gojo Satoru stared at him for two seconds, then suddenly reached out, pinched his cheeks, gave them a gentle tug to either side.
"What are you doing—!" Tu Bai slapped his hand away.
Punishing you for being disobedient~" Gojo Satoru said with a smile, but there was an emotion in his eyes that Tu Bai couldn't quite understand. "As my Partner, how can you take on private jobs? If you're short on money, just tell me. I'll support you.
"Who wants you to support me!" Tu Bai glared at him indignantly, his face slightly distorted from being pinched.
Gojo Satoru finally let go, even taking the opportunity to rub the area he had pinched red: "Alright, alright, I was just kidding~"
But Tu Bai felt that he wasn't entirely joking.
Utahime rolled his eyes: "If you want to flirt, go do it outside; don't disrupt the viewing."
Ieiri Shoko let out a soft chuckle but said nothing.
Gakuganji stared at the Sand Table Tu Bai had constructed, his expression serious. After a moment, he spoke, "Tu Bai-kun, this Simulation of yours.. what is its accuracy rate?"
Around eighty percent," Tu Bai said. "But there will be variables in actual combat; it can only serve as a reference.
That is already quite impressive," Gakuganji said. "No wonder Gojo took an interest in you.
These words were heavy with meaning. Tu Bai did not know how to respond, so he could only nod.
The match continued.
The battle on the Screen was intense. Itadori and Todo were locked in a fierce struggle; Todo's physical techniques were absurdly strong, but Itadori was no weakling either. The two of them dashed through the Mountain Forest, toppling trees wherever they passed.
Fushiguro and Kamado were engaged in a duel of Cursed Techniques. Kamado's Blood Manipulation was incredibly versatile, while Fushiguro constantly switched between his Shikigami; both were testing each other's limits.
Kugisaki faced off against a girl from the Kyoto School—it was Miwa Kasumi. Both used blades, their clash of steel was a spectacular sight.
Second Year Maki faced another student from Kyoto School, while Inumaki and Panda were being besieged by two people.
Tu Bai adjusted the Sand Table while watching the Screen. Most of his predictions were correct; there were occasional deviations, but he corrected them quickly.
Gojo Satoru paid little attention to the match throughout the entire process, his focus remaining almost entirely on Tu Bai.
An unexpected change occurred when the match had been underway for an hour and a half.
Itadori was pushed into a corner by Todo. Todo's Cursed Technique, Unfair Game, was activated; by clapping his hands to swap positions, he trapped Itadori in a narrow valley.
"This is bad." Tu Bai subconsciously gripped his knees.
On the Screen, Itadori was panting, his body already covered in many wounds. Todo stood opposite him, his expression filled with excitement.
"Are they going to lose.." Tu Bai frowned.
Gojo Satoru said nothing. His hand moved beneath the Long Table and then covered the back of Tu Bai's hand.
The temperature from his palm reached him, dry and warm.
Tu Bai was stunned for a moment and looked up at him.
Gojo Satoru did not look at him, his eyes fixed on the Screen, but his hand gently squeezed Tu Bai's hand: "Trust them."
.. Mm.
Tu Bai relaxed slightly, but he didn't pull his hand back. Gojo Satoru's hand was large, completely enveloping his. The warmth transmitted through their skin, feeling somewhat hot.
Itadori on the Screen suddenly moved.
He took a deep breath and then smiled, saying something to Todo (it was silent, but from the movement of his lips, it seemed to be "thank you"), then he suddenly charged forward.
He wasn't rushing toward the valley exit, but toward the rock wall on the side.
"What is he doing?" Ijichi asked in surprise.
Itadori planted a foot against the rock wall and used the momentum to propel himself forward, launching himself like a cannonball toward Todo. Todo clearly hadn't expected this move and hurriedly raised his hands to block.
Bang!
The two collided and then sprang apart. Itadori landed and stumbled, but managed to steady himself. Todo retreated two steps, a new wound appearing on his arm.
Itadori turned the tables.
"Beautiful!" Tu Bai's eyes lit up, the words escaped his lips.
Gojo Satoru smiled, his hand still holding Tu Bai's: "See, I told you to trust them."
Tu Bai only then realized his hand was still being held and hurriedly pulled it back. Gojo Satoru did not try to hold on; he naturally withdrew his hand as if nothing had happened just now.
But the warmth still lingered on the back of Tu Bai's hand.
The match continued. The subsequent developments were largely within Tu Bai's predictions: Itadori and Todo fought to a draw and stepped away from each other; Fushiguro and Kamado also called a temporary truce; the sword duel between Kugisaki and Miwa ended with Kugisaki's narrow victory; as for the Second Year group, Zenin Maki won, while Inumaki and Panda also dealt with their opponents.
In terms of Points, Tokyo School holds a slight advantage.
Just as everyone thought the competition would end smoothly like this, Tu Bai's mobile phone suddenly rang.
He took it out to look; it was a call from his University of Tokyo mentor. He frowned and answered, "Hello, Professor?"
After a few words were spoken on the other end of the line, Tu Bai's expression changed.
Right now.. Okay, I understand. I'll head back immediately.
He hung up the phone and looked at Yaga: "Principal, I'm sorry, something urgent has come up at the school, I must head back to Tokyo first."
Yaga nodded: "Go on, be careful on the road."
Gojo Satoru frowned. "What's so urgent?"
There was an issue with the data for my research project, my supervisor told me to head back immediately to handle it," Tu Bai stood up. "Sorry, senpai, I won't be able to finish watching the match.
Gojo Satoru stared at him for a few seconds, then sighed, "Fine, I'll have someone drive you back."
No need, I'll do it myself—
Ijichi." Gojo Satoru interrupted him, "Take Xiao Bai back to Tokyo.
Ijichi hurriedly stood up: "Yes!"
Tu Bai wanted to say something more, but Gojo Satoru had already turned his gaze toward the Screen and waved him off. "Be back quickly."
.. Yeah.
Tu Bai followed Ijichi out of the Viewing Room. Before stepping out, he turned back to take one last look.
Gojo Satoru sat there with his back to him, his shoulder lines somewhat tense. Mei walked up to Gojo Satoru's side and said something, Gojo Satoru laughed.
Tu Bai felt a sudden, inexplicable tightness in his chest.
But he had no time to think, hurriedly followed Ijichi downstairs.
On the way back to Tokyo, Tu Bai kept looking out the window. His Mobile Phone vibrated; it was a message from Gojo Satoru.
Let me know when you arrive.
Tu Bai replied: 【Okay.】