Chapter 104: Gaiden - Zenin Zoro 5
Unlike Zoro, Geto Suguru and Zenin Toji had histories of operating as curse users in this world. Therefore, the sorcerers of the school immediately imprisoned the two in the school's jail.
Surprisingly, both men complied with being imprisoned. They needed some time for the portal back to their original world to open, and there was no need to cause unnecessary friction with the people here.
Geto, sitting cross-legged in the middle of a room filled with talismans, looked around and his expression ambiguously changed. It wasn't bad. Not bad but…
"…Satoru, is this the kind of jail you use for imprisoning special grade curse users?"
The jail was significantly more modest compared to the prisons made for curse users in their world, which were crafted using Geto's curse manipulation to contain special grade curses.
It might suffice for imprisoning up to a Grade 1 sorcerer. However, it was too frail for confining three special grade sorcerers at once.
'Not to mention, Zoro, who followed us into the jail, wasn't even restrained.'
Geto glanced at Toji and Zoro in the corner of the room.
Zoro was kneeling next to the bound Toji, had raised his hands, and then slowly lowered them. Toji, without looking at Zoro, said,
"Keep your hands up properly."
"But I told you, I didn't do anything wrong."
"You did. How many times did I tell you not to wander off on your own while I'm on a mission? Then you step on some weird curse."
Toji wasn't worried that Zoro would be defeated or killed. He was worried he'd get lost.
"It's not that I got lost; the building moved!"
"…How many years have you been making that excuse, you frustrating marimo child of mine?"
Nanami, tied to a chair, let the father-son argument go in one ear and out the other.
'I want to clock out.'
Desperately wanting to clock out.
Perhaps it would have been more peaceful if only Nanami had been transported by the curse. After all, even if he hadn't been cursed, he would have ended up searching for Zoro in another world anyway.
"You still treat me like I'm six—"
Crack.
"Ah."
"…Hey. Trouble-making marimo."
Zoro had managed to snap the curse user restraint rope, meant to bind Toji, with just one strong stomp of his foot.
Toji sighed and shook off the cumbersome rope. In any case, Toji could have easily freed himself from such a restraint if he wanted to.
"You're aging me, aging me."
He couldn't take his eyes off him for a second without him causing trouble.
"..."
Not that a less troublesome child wouldn't draw his attention.
Toji thought back to Megumi, the one from this world, whom they had encountered earlier.
As if seeing something he had neither seen nor imagined before, with eyes shaking with unfamiliarity and distrust, he looked at him with green eyes…
Noticing and understanding the situation was Toji's instinct. Seeing Megumi's reaction made it clear that Toji didn't exist in this world. Probably Zoro as well.
'He must be dead.'
I am.
For Zoro, Toji concluded that the possibility of never being born was higher.
But if Zoro had been born and died early—
"It seems I wasn't born in this world."
"...Is that so."
That was somewhat relieving. Toji didn't want to imagine a world where Zoro died at a young age.
Toji was well aware of how flawed he was. With Chie dead and Zoro not even born, there was no chance Toji would have diligently taken care of Megumi. At most, he would have left him at some relative's house or kindergarten, checking in once every few weeks or months.
Still, it seemed Megumi managed to survive somehow.
Whether he overcame everything on his own, or if Tsumiki, Gojo, or someone else was there to support him, Toji didn't know.
...It was fortunate.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
It wasn't something to discuss with Zoro. Saying it was good that Megumi grew up well even without him.
Geto shifted his gaze away from Toji and looked straight ahead.
Since first seeing Geto, Gojo hadn't said a word, just silently observing him. Even as Toji and Zoro conversed, he didn't look away once.
Without wearing an eye patch or sunglasses, his blue eyes were fully exposed.
"Aren't you tired?"
"...Eh?"
It took a while for Gojo to respond.
"Your eyes. You've been without sunglasses or an eye patch this whole time."
Geto touched the corner of his own eye.
"Ah, not really."
In fact, the whole situation felt like a dream to Gojo. Yet, the energy reflected in his blue eyes was undeniably that of his one and only close friend.
However, Satoru's soul felt a faint sense of dissonance.
Different.
The person in front of him was indeed Geto Suguru, but not the one with whom Gojo had shared his youthful days.
Satoru's close friend was dead.
Suppressing the emotions welling up inside, Gojo playfully smiled.
"I'm the strongest, after all."
"Are you the strongest in this world?"
Gojo blinked.
"Aren't you on your side?"
"Well, you are called the strongest too. In our world, there are three people called the strongest: you, Zoro, Ryomen Sukuna. Among them, you are referred to as the current strongest sorcerer."
Actually, you call Zoro the strongest. Geto continued.
Blink, blink. Gojo blinked.
"...A world where I'm not the strongest?"
"Yeah, that's right."
"...I've never thought about that."
Gojo was destined to be the strongest from birth, and indeed, he became the strongest. Neither Geto nor Toji, who once defeated Gojo, could reach the position Gojo held.
Although he was earnestly aiming for reform and training disciples, there was no student who had reached a position equal to Gojo's. Naturally, there was nobody who had become stronger than Gojo.
"I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it myself. Zoro has been fighting on par with you since he was young."
"What kind of guy is he?"
"I don't really know. It seems like his father, Mr. Toji, doesn't know much about Zoro either."
It wasn't just that he wasn't talking; it seemed there was a lot he genuinely didn't know.
'Or maybe he's just not trying to find out.'
Though they often bicker over trivial things, when Zoro makes a serious decision, Toji simply follows. It seemed like he greatly disliked and avoided doing anything that could spoil their relationship.
Gojo stuck out his tongue.
"Ugh. That guy as a teacher. That's upsetting."
"I'm a teacher too."
"You too?"
"Yeah. I used to be Zoro's homeroom teacher at one point, and now I'm in charge of the second years."
"Second years, huh? That's curious."
In this world, you and the second years fought like you wanted to kill each other. Gojo didn't say it aloud but mulled it over internally.
As the conversation progressed, Geto quietly observed Satoru's increasingly somber expression.
'They said I and Mr. Toji were curse users in this world.'
Meaning, in this place, Gojo, being the strongest and a sorcerer, had to confront Geto and Toji.
Unlike Toji, fighting Geto would have been incredibly difficult for Satoru. It wasn't a matter of strength, but of emotions.
Having one strongest versus having two carries a different weight.
Although Zoro often deviated, and there were disagreements between Gojo, Geto, and him, they shared the same heart in not harming innocent people who hadn't caused any harm to them or their loved ones.
Above all, Zoro was a 'friend' to Satoru and Suguru.
Even though the two were much older, and they had raised their voices in argument, they were undoubtedly friends. It just naturally happened that way.
Despite having different intentions and goals, helping a friend was natural for Zoro.
Thus, when either of them was in trouble or faltering, they could always ask Zoro for help.
This Satoru couldn't do that.
He was the strongest, and he was alone.
"Satoru."
Geto called his name. Gojo looked straight at Geto again.
"Why did Geto Suguru in this world become a curse user?"
Gojo's lips twisted.
"Because he hated non-sorcerers."
Creating a world only for sorcerers and such were secondary reasons.
As Geto himself said, it was simply because he couldn't truly smile in a world where non-sorcerers existed.
That was the reason the two parted ways, and it was what led Satoru to utter despair.
The world Suguru dreamed of was something Satoru couldn't accept.
"..."
Geto could roughly guess why Geto in this world became a curse user. He had once pondered similar dilemmas.
While he remained a sorcerer and found his own way, this world's Geto did not. Thus, he left the sorcery society and became a curse user, rejecting non-sorcerers altogether...
'He seems to be dead now.'
If not, Satoru wouldn't look at him with such eyes.
Big or small, Satoru must have been involved in Geto's death.
There was no blame in his thoughts. Gojo had simply fulfilled his duty as a sorcerer.
...Of course, if it were the Satoru that Geto knew, duties aside, if Geto had defected, Satoru might have just defected alongside Geto.
'Might as well take a break, huh. Let Zoro handle a mission and see how it goes. If he goes on one, who knows, he might get lost and come back a month later?'
Imagining Satoru laughing heartily at such a scenario, Geto neatly folded and discarded his imagination. The Satoru in this world was far more insane and much more free than the Satoru Geto knew. A little, no, significantly more reckless, but there were many who could manage him.
'I once wished to see a responsible Satoru.'
But actually seeing it was somewhat bittersweet.
In their world, the burden shared by many was borne alone by Satoru here.
Geto spoke sincerely to the Satoru in front of him.
"You must have had it tough, Satoru."
Gojo paused. His vivid blue eyes that had been roaming Geto's face softened.
"If you know it's been tough, can't you stay here?"
Gojo intended to say it jokingly, but it came out quite stark.
"Stay by my side."
Caring for the weak is exhausting. Raising a strong sorcerer equal to Gojo is incredibly difficult, endlessly long, and tiresome.
Although there are outstanding disciples like Itadori, Okkotsu, and Hakari... they are still far from being able to share Gojo's burden.
If only you had stayed by my side, I would have always been content.
Geto shook his head.
"That would be difficult."
"..."
"I have a Satoru on my side too."
If Geto doesn't return, that Satoru might also cross over through a curse. No, he definitely will. Always looking for an excuse to skive off, he'd gleefully jump into a curse to come find Geto. Geto needed to return before that happened.
Whoosh.
Zoro turned his head, followed by Gojo, then Toji and Geto, and finally, Nanami. They all looked towards the clearing where they had appeared, feeling the blue energy swirling again. It was time to return.
"Looks like it's about time to go."
"Should I untie you?"
"Eh? No, it's fine."
Crack!
Geto stood up, breaking the chair he was sitting on with his bare hands without using any energy. Slipping the rope through the cracks, Geto dusted himself off and stood up.
Gojo looked at the broken pieces of the metal chair with a baffled expression, to which Geto offered a grin.
"I do know a bit of hand-to-hand combat."
If it were purely physical combat, he'd be almost equal to Satoru. Of course, not as much as Toji.
Shasha!
Zoro drew his sword and sliced through the rope as if it were butter.
Nanami sighed at the coin-sized pieces of rope. He appreciated being freed, but wondered if it was necessary to cut them so finely.
'Could have reused them if they were cut nicely... but, expecting that from Zoro is too much.'
With a resigned heart, Nanami called out to Gojo.
"I have something for you, Gojo."
"Yeah? What is it, Nanamin?"
Nanami pulled out a USB, then his brows furrowed deeply. On the USB, marked with 'To Nanami' and unmistakably drawn by Gojo, was a 🌶️ doodle.
Nanami quickly handed over the unsightly USB to Gojo of this world. Gojo looked at it and chuckled.
"What's this? Porn?"
"It contains data on incidents involving Grade 1 and above curses and curse users that have occurred in our world over the last three years."
Nanami said, neatly ignoring Gojo's comment.
"If you come across any curse or curse user incidents reported here that resemble cases in Jujutsu High, please refer to it. It could help reduce casualties."
This was prepared by Jujutsu High as soon as they learned Zoro had gone to a parallel world. Due to time constraints, not all deployment records could be included, but having reports from areas where Grade 1 and above curses occurred could prevent significant casualties.
Gojo cheerfully responded.
"Thanks, Nanamin! You're competent over there too!"
"That's unfortunate."
Meaning the Nanami of this world was also struggling.
Exiting the jail, Toji encountered Fushiguro Megumi, who was waiting outside.
Toji signaled Zoro with a glance, and Zoro followed Geto, giving space. Now only Zenin Toji and Fushiguro Megumi were left in the corridor.
Toji sized up Megumi. It seemed he had been injured recently or had not long ago healed with an inverse curse technique, but there didn't appear to be any major issues. He seemed weaker than the Megumi from their world, but that was to be expected.
"Megumi."
"...Fushiguro."
Fushiguro responded coldly. The man standing in front of him, to Fushiguro's eyes, was eerily similar to himself. Annoyingly so.
Toji was more interested in the surname "Fushiguro" than Megumi's cold demeanor.
"...Not Zenin?"
It was a relief. Here, there was neither a Zoro nor a Toji to stand against the tyranny of the Zenin clan.
Born with the Ten Shadows Technique, which was considered the pinnacle among the shadow techniques, he wouldn't be mistreated like Toji had been, even if his surname was Zenin... But still, happiness seemed far away in many respects.
Toji sincerely, albeit briefly, said.
"That's good."
"..."
"Is your sister doing well?"
Fushiguro was taken aback. He hadn't expected him to ask about Tsumiki.
"...No."
"What? Why?"
Toji, surprised, asked back, while Fushiguro looked at him with a complex expression. He seemed genuinely concerned about Tsumiki.
The father Fushiguro knew wouldn't have done so. It would be fortunate if he even remembered Tsumiki's name. Or, he might not even remember Megumi's name.
Fushiguro, lost in thought and standing quietly in front of Toji, was met with Toji's calm invitation.
"Say whatever you want to say."
Whether it was questions, resentments, or anger, Toji was ready to accept them.
Because it was Megumi.
Fushiguro's expression became complex. There was much he wanted to ask, argue about, and even people he wanted to shake by the collar or sic his Divine Dogs on. But the time granted to them was too short.
So, Fushiguro Megumi asked the question that had lingered in his mind the longest.
"Your sons' names."
"..."
"Why did you name them that way?"
"...First off, I didn't name Zoro."
It was Chie who named him. When Fushiguro looked puzzled, Toji added, "Your mother's name."
Hearing about his mother for the first time, Megumi stiffened. Toji quickly realized that Megumi knew absolutely nothing about his own mother.
'Of course, there's no way I would have told him here.'
"Tanaka Chie. That's your mother's name. She loved you a lot. In my world, she's buried in ○○ cemetery... I don't know about here."
Maybe he'd visit if there was a chance. Fushiguro seemed shocked by Toji's words, his face going blank.
"The reason I named you Megumi was..."
"..."
"...because I hoped you wouldn't end up like me."
Not having power, not possessing any esteemed techniques that would make the Zenin chase after you.
Having a warm mother, supportive siblings, and love that seemed so natural.
Born into blessings with everything.
Toji hoped that Megumi would enjoy all that he could not, living not as an outcast but in the brightest, most glorious place, surrounded by people he loved.
Without being marginalized, angry at what he couldn't have, or hating himself.
After a long silence, Megumi let out a cough-like laugh.
"...What does becoming like you even mean?"
"You're already quite different from me, so no need to worry."
Just the fact that he was actively a sorcerer in the light was evidence enough. He seemed to get along well with his friends earlier.
Toji was somewhat concerned that there was no one to stop Gojo from teasing Megumi, but still, receiving attention was better than being ignored. If Gojo was protecting him, the Zenin family wouldn't be able to bother Megumi.
"Be cautious of the Zenin family. If it's about the Ten Shadows Technique, they'll stop at nothing to get their way."
The energy from the other side surged significantly. It was really time to go. Toji almost unconsciously patted Fushiguro's head but then smiled wryly and lowered his hand. He didn't have the right to do so.
"Thank you for growing up well."
"..."
"And I'm sorry for everything."
Leaving a shocked Megumi behind, Toji turned and disappeared.
Left alone in the hallway, Megumi stood still, mulling over Toji's apology. A vague yet clear apology, something Megumi had neither expected nor anticipated from his father.
Ironically, that realization made Fushiguro understand.
'That person isn't him.'
The father Fushiguro Megumi had resented, been angry with, disappointed in...
...and perhaps even waited for, a little.
Wasn't that person.
Caught between the urge to cry and laugh, Megumi stood frozen, not moving an inch.
"Yo, Fushiguro!"
Itadori approached from behind, wrapping his arm around Megumi's neck, and examined his face.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah."
Kugisaki also came over to check on Fushiguro's complexion, then let out a sigh of relief.
"Good thing. I was worried about how to comfort you if you cried."
"No need for that."
"Shouldn't you be heading back to the infirmary? You're a patient after all, Fushiguro."
"Megumi!"
Gojo called out to Fushiguro, bouncing towards them from the end of the hallway. Megumi sighed briefly.
"Later."
There was something he needed to discuss alone with Teacher Gojo. Itadori and Kugisaki nodded and stepped aside.
Gojo, as usual, pulled Fushiguro into his embrace. Fushiguro, accustomed to it, pushed away Gojo's long arms wrapped around him and asked.
"Did they leave?"
"Yeah! Whatever that curse was, the energy flow was incredibly stable. They must have safely returned to their original world."
It seemed he had made time for a conversation with Megumi just before leaving. Gojo, his blue eyes shining from behind his sunglasses, asked Megumi.
"So, Megumi, how do you feel about meeting your father?"
"That person isn't my father."
"Quite definitive~"
"Don't you think so too, Teacher Gojo?"
"Hmm, it's different indeed. His personality was quite soft. Your father wasn't like that at all. It was funny."
"The strength itself seemed much greater in the one we met this time than your father, though." Gojo murmured.
The unyielding arm finally relented. Gojo looked directly at Megumi and asked,
"So, Megumi, have you come up with anything you want to ask me?"
About your father.
Peering through the black sunglasses, revealing eyes that seemed to see everything, Megumi quietly shook his head.
"Later."
Even if what comes from your lips is what I had imagined.
Even if it's more than I thought.
Even if it's different from what I had in mind.
No matter what you say, when I can face you without running away.
When I can listen till the end, express my anger, and bear my grievances.
...And perhaps, when I can forgive.
Then, I'll ask.
Gojo hummed, examining Megumi, then cracked a smile.
"Alright, then let's go eat!"
"...I'm technically still a patient."
"Ah."
Hopeless, as always. Megumi pressed a hand to his forehead.
...
Days later, after completing a mission, Fushiguro Megumi visited the graveyard Toji had mentioned.
Among numerous tombstones, one particularly covered in dust caught his attention, bearing his mother's name.
"..."
Fushiguro stood there for a long time.
Then, he laid down white flowers at the tombstone.
Just as his brother had done in another world.
...
Time passed, and then some more.
And on the night of Halloween,
The anomaly returned.
...
October 31, 2018, 9:27 PM.
Shibuya.
Blue energy tore through the space, and Zoro tumbled out, landing on the ground. Barely managing to land on his feet, Zoro scratched the back of his head.
"Damn. Not this again. What the hell is going on..."
Zoro spotted a cubic-shaped curse tightly sealed into the ground right in front of him. It contained a massive energy and presence.
It was Gojo Satoru.
Narrowing his eyes, Zoro looked up to find Geto Suguru standing before him, a scar stitched across his entire forehead.
...No, this man isn't Suguru.
Zoro recognized those stitched scars. He also felt a strange alien sensation in the brain area.
Unconsciously, his teeth gritted. Recognizing his opponent, Zoro's hands swiftly moved to grip the hilt of his sword.
A powerful aura and intent to kill burst forth, enveloping the surroundings. Cloaked in thick green and golden aura, Zoro's eyes shimmered with a crimson killing intent as he spoke.
"...You."
Why are you alive?
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