Rest for the night," Gojo Satoru said. "We'll try again tomorrow.
---
That evening, Tu Bai slept very deeply.
He didn't know how long he had slept, only that when he woke up, it was already dark outside the window.
Gojo Satoru sat by the bedside.
That man was not asleep; he sat there, watching him. Moonlight shone in through the Window, falling upon his face and making those Blue Eyes look exceptionally bright.
"Awake?" Gojo Satoru's voice was very light.
Tu Bai nodded and tried to sit up.
Gojo Satoru helped him sit up and handed him a cup of water.
Tu Bai took it and drank slowly. The water temperature was just right, neither too hot nor too cold.
"How long did I sleep?" he asked.
All night." Gojo Satoru said, "Ieiri Shoko said you were exhausted and needed to catch up on sleep.
Tu Bai was stunned.
A day and a night.
What about you?" He looked at Gojo Satoru, "Have you been here the whole time?
Gojo Satoru said nothing.
Tu Bai looked at his face, seeing the slight dark circles under his eyes.
You haven't slept.
Gojo Satoru smiled. "I'm not sleepy."
Tu Bai stared at him.
Gojo Satoru felt uncomfortable under his gaze and looked away.
"Your belly.." he said, pausing.
Tu Bai pressed his hand against his abdomen. That warmth was still there, but it was indeed a bit weaker than before.
It is protecting you," Gojo Satoru said, his voice very soft. "Every time you consume Demon Power, it transfers its own energy to you.
Tu Bai was stunned.
He looked down at his abdomen, his eyes stinging slightly.
Gojo Satoru reached out and gently put his arm around his shoulder.
Tomorrow is the last time," he said. "If that doesn't work, we'll find another way.
Tu Bai leaned against him, saying nothing.
After a long time, he said softly:
Senpai.
Hmm?
If I can't hold on, you must go back first.
Gojo Satoru's arm tightened.
Don't talk nonsense.
Tu Bai looked up at him.
In those Blue Eyes, something was surging. It wasn't his usual smile, but something deep, something that almost overflowed.
If you aren't there, why would I go back?
Tu Bai was stunned.
Gojo Satoru lowered his head, his forehead resting against his.
So, let's go back together," he said. "We must go back together.
Tu Bai looked at his eyes, which were right before him, looked at the tiny version of himself inside them.
Okay," he said, his Voice a bit hoarse, "together.
---
The Fourth Attempt was on Day 3 Morning.
Tu Bai stood in that Wasteland, taking a deep breath.
Gojo Satoru stood beside him, one hand resting on his waist.
“Are you ready?”
Tu Bai nodded.
Both raised their hands at the same time and pressed them together.
Cursed Energy surged. Demon Power surged.
Two forces intertwined, pouring into the ground.
The Light brightened.
Teacher Gojo stood to the side, his Six Eyes fully active, reporting the data: "One degree offset, correct to the right.. Okay, hold steady.."
Geto Suguru's Cursed Spirits were reinforcing from the side, the floating Shadows glowing as if they were supporting the forming structure.
The Light grew stronger and stronger.
A Vortex began to take shape.
This time, it was larger and more stable than any time before.
The door is coming out!" Ieiri Shoko shouted. "Hold steady! Just a few more seconds!
Tu Bai grit his teeth, continuing to channel his Demon Power. He could feel that warmth pulsing violently, consuming himself to sustain him.
Gojo Satoru gripped his hand.
Soon, Xiao Bai, soon.
The Light reached its brightest.
A complete, rotating Light Gate appeared before them.
Quick!" Ieiri Shoko shouted, "It won't hold for long!
Gojo Satoru tightened his arms and pulled Tu Bai into his embrace.
He looked at Geto Suguru.
“Thank you.”
Geto Suguru smiled and waved his hand.
“Let's go.”
He looked at High School Gojo again.
That young self stood aside, hands tucked into his pockets, wearing that awkward expression on his face. His mouth was slightly turned down, as if he wanted to say something but couldn't find the words.
Teacher Gojo looked at him and suddenly smiled.
Don't become a hateful adult too soon.
High School Gojo was stunned, then his face darkened.
I'm the one who hates you! Now get lost!
Teacher Gojo smiled, hugged Tu Bai tightly, turned, leaped into the Light Gate.
Tu Bai was in his arms, looking back once.
Geto Suguru stood there, smiling and waving at them. That smile was very gentle, exactly like the one in his memories.
Teacher Gojo stood to the side with an expression that said "hurry up and leave," but his eyes remained fixed on them. Something was shimmering within those Blue Eyes.
Ieiri Shoko held up his Mobile Phone, as if taking a photo.
"Take good care of yourself!" Tu Bai shouted.
Geto Suguru laughed even more happily, waving his hand with even more vigor.
High School Gojo pouted: "Let's go, my future self!"
But his voice was a bit incorrect. It was as if something was stuck in his throat.
Tu Bai saw his lips move, silently uttering a few words.
That lip movement looked like—
Take good care of him.
The Light Gate closed behind him.
White Light swallowed everything.
---
The Wasteland returned to silence.
Geto Suguru stared at the place where the Light Gate had vanished, remaining silent for several seconds.
"He's gone," he said.
Teacher Gojo did not move. He stared at that Open Space, the Silver Light in his Eyes having not yet fully dissipated.
"That future me.." he spoke, then paused.
Geto Suguru looked at him.
High School Gojo was silent for a while, then gave a huff.
How annoying.
He turned and walked back.