Gojo Satoru spoke in a very casual tone, but his words were clear—he knew what Chrollo was thinking and knew exactly how to respond.
"You seem to understand these kinds of people," Tu Bai said.
Gojo Satoru smiled: "I've seen plenty."
The two of them walked into the Abandoned Factory.
It was very empty inside, with only a ceiling supported by a few pillars. Moonlight leaked through the holes, casting several patches of light onto the ground.
Chrollo stood at the very back.
He wore a black overcoat, with no bandages wrapped around his forehead, his cross tattoo was visible. He held a book in his hand, the same one he had been flipping through on the Battlefield that day. The Moonlight shone upon his face, adding a touch of mystery to his calm features.
Two people were standing behind him.
A short figure, wearing a hooded outfit with his face hidden in the shadow—Feitan. Another was tall and burly, leaning against a pillar while holding a sword—Nobunaga.
Tu Bai and Gojo Satoru walked up to Chrollo, stopping several meters away from him.
Chrollo looked at them, his face showing nothing.
Speak," he said, his Voice low and calm, "What do you want to trade?
Tu Bai took a deep breath.
I need intelligence," he said. "Regarding the Shrine, the Shrine, or anything related to space-time anomalies.
Chrollo's eyebrows twitched.
Spacetime Anomaly?
Yeah," Tu Bai said, "We are not from this world.
He spoke very directly. Such things could not be hidden from someone like Chrollo, so it was better to just say it plainly.
Chrollo remained silent for a few seconds.
I guessed it," he said. "The energy in your bodies is different from Nen.
He looked at Tu Bai, his gaze falling upon his abdomen.
That fetus," he said, "is also different from ordinary ones.
Tu Bai subconsciously shielded his abdomen.
That is my business," he said. "You only need to tell me if you have any Information regarding this.
Chrollo glanced at him, then took something out of his Pocket.
A photo of a stone slab rubbing.
He handed over the Photo.
Tu Bai took it and looked at it by the Moonlight.
Some Ancient Text and patterns were carved into the Stone Tablet. He could not understand the text, but the patterns—a Circle with a Humanoid in the center and Radial Lines surrounding it, looking like some kind of Ritual—were intriguing. There was also a pattern of a Shrine, which looked very similar to the one he had encountered during his Transmigration.
"What is this?" he asked.
Information on recent Auctioned Items from the Yorknew Black Market," Chrollo said. "They come from the Ruins of an Ancient Civilization, contain legends of 'Gates' and 'Mirrors.' It is said they can be activated with a certain type of Energy to open a Passage to the Otherworld.
Tu Bai's heartbeat skipped a beat.
This is it.
He looked up, looking at Chrollo.
What do you want?
Chrollo looked at him, a flicker of interest flashing in his Eyes.
Tell me about your world," he said. "And also, let me study your Energy.
Tu Bai frowned.
Research?
It's not combat," Chrollo said. "Just observation. I am very curious about the power system of the Otherworld.
Tu Bai fell silent for a few seconds.
He looked toward Gojo Satoru.
Gojo Satoru said nothing, only gave a slight nod.
Tu Bai turned his head back.
Fine," he said, "but on one condition.
Chrollo raised an eyebrow.
You can only observe, you cannot touch," Tu Bai said. "Also, we must go to Yorknew first to get that Stone Tablet.
Chrollo thought about it and nodded.
Deal.
---
Tu Bai took something out of his pocket.
A small Crystal. It was transparent, but inside, a faint Silver Light flowed, as if something living was swimming within it.
This is an Otherworld Energy Crystal." He handed the crystal to Chrollo. "It was constructed using my Demon Power and Gojo Satoru's Cursed Energy. Consider it a deposit.
Chrollo took the Crystal and looked at it under the Moonlight.
He closed his eyes and used Nen to sense it.
Then he opened his Eyes, his gaze changed.
Interesting," he said, his Voice carrying a hint of genuine surprise, "two completely different energy systems, yet they can actually coexist stably.
He put the Crystal into his pocket.
The auction begins in Three Days," he said. "I will have Shalnark take you there. As for that Stone Tablet, you must bid for it yourselves.
He pulled a card from his pocket and handed it to Tu Bai.
This is an Invitation to the Auction," he said. "You can enter with this.
Tu Bai took the card.
Chrollo turned around, preparing to leave.
Walking to the Doorway, he stopped and looked back at Tu Bai.
That person," he said, pointing at Gojo Satoru, "is very strong. Much stronger than you.
Tu Bai was stunned.
Chrollo continued, "But he seems to listen to you. Interesting."
Then he took Feitan and Nobunaga and disappeared into the night.
Only Tu Bai and Gojo Satoru remained in the Abandoned Factory.
Tu Bai looked at the card in his hand, then looked at Gojo Satoru.
Gojo Satoru was looking at him, a hint of a smile in his eyes.
"What's wrong?" Tu Bai asked.
It's nothing," Gojo Satoru said. "I just thought the way the Rabbit King handled that negotiation just now was very cool.
Tu Bai's face flushed red.
Don't call me Rabbit King!
Gojo Satoru laughed.
The two walked out of the Factory.
Outside, the night sky of Meteor City was still a hazy gray. But there was a faint glimmer in the distance, as if dawn were approaching.
Tu Bai walked for a while, then suddenly stopped.
"Senpai," he said softly.
Hmm?
Thank you.
Gojo Satoru was stunned.
Tu Bai did not look at him, but simply continued walking forward.
Gojo Satoru followed him, reaching out to rub his hair.
Why are you being so polite with me?
Tu Bai's ears twitched, but he did not dodge.
The two walked side by side in the hazy Morning Light.
After walking for a long time, Tu Bai suddenly spoke again:
“Senpai.”
“Hmm?”
That stone tablet," he said, "if we can get it, we'll be able to go back, right?
Gojo Satoru was silent for a few seconds.
Probably.
Tu Bai said no more.
And after returning?
The escape plan is completely ruined. That money, that False Identity, all those preparations—none of it matters anymore.
After going back, how will he face Gojo Satoru? How will he face all those messy affairs?
He lowered his head and continued walking forward.
Gojo Satoru's voice came from the side: