This doesn't make sense. Zenin Toji is just an ordinary person, a bearer of the Heavenly Restri. He doesn't have any special Cursed Tools like the ones in Young Master Satoshi's hands. How could he force Young Master Satoru to use Limitless to block him?

  How could someohout any Cursed Energy make Young Master Satoru feel threatened?

  Shunichi was in shock, but his face remained calm as he gave Satoshi a slight nod.

  After witnessing Satoshi's bet earlier, Shunichi had realized that his way of thinking was different, unventional, but undeniably sharp.

  If Satoshi was making this decision, then perhaps Zenin Toji truly wasn't hostile.

  After all, both the Zenin and Gojo families were among the Big Three Sorcerer s. There was no way the Zenin would send one of their direct desdants to openly attack the Gojo family's Six Eyes users.

  …

  "Satoru, let me hahis."

  Satoshi patted Satoru's shoulder, still gripping Sode no Shirayuki.

  This was a battle between two Heavenly Restricted beings. There was no need for Satoru—the pride of Jujutsu society—to get involved.

  "You sure? Don't uimate him, Satoshi. He doesn't have Cursed Energy, but he's strong."

  Satoru looked doubtful. While he didn't sense any hostility from Toji, his sudden attack had been far from friendly.

  Satoshi taking the initiative to fight wasn't a problem but Satoru knew how terrifying Toji's raas. Even with Sode no Shirayuki, could Satoshi really win?

  "Yeah, Satoru. He's testing my strength, it'd be rude if I didn't respond."

  Satoshi smiled, his tone casual.

  "Besides, keep an eye on the surroundings for me. Who knows? Iure, you might need his help to get materials for your Zanpakutō."

  In his past life, Toji had possessed plenty of Cursed Tools. There had to be some method he used to acquire them.

  Hearing this, Satoru's eyes lit up.

  He had no idea what Satoshi meant, but if it was about his future Zanpakutō, he was willing to promise on anything.

  He shot a long look at Toji before finally stepping aside, helping Satoshi mahe situation while driving away onlookers.

  …

  Toji narrowed his eyes, watg Satoshi's movements with mild surprise.

  He hadn't expected Satoshi to make such a decision. What gave this kid such fidence?

  The ers of Toji's mouth curled up slightly.

  This brat was iing.

  Even though Satoshi had trained his body through the Heavenly Restri, the gap between them was too wide.

  Uoshi who was still a kid, Toji had fully matured. Physically, Satoshi wasn't even close to his level.

  And as for that fancy Cursed Tool, Sode no Shirayuki?

  Toji had already seen through its ability. As long as he avoided its teique, Satoshi would be nothing more than prey on the chopping block.

  Satoshi had made his choice.

  Now, Toji would use his crushing victory to prove that he was the one worthy of being called "strong."

  His smirk turned ice-cold.

  Sode no Shirayuki, still in Satoshi's hand, began radiating a biting chill.

  …

  "Shoko, step back! This fight won't be normal."

  Yuto moved in front of Shoko, shielding her.

  With his immense Cursed Energy reserves, he could feel how dangerous this battle was going to be.

  This was a duel in the world of Jujutsu.

  But the two fighters weren't sorcerers.

  It was a csh between two Heavenly Restricted beings.

  "Satoshi's in dahat Zenin guy is strong, he might not be able to win."

  Shoko's voice was ced with . She didn't want to see her new friend suffer a crushi.

  "Yeah, Zenin Toji is a serious threat." Yu

  uto's tone was firm. "But, Shoko, trust Satoshi. He definitely has something up his sleeve."

  "Earlier, even Zenin Shinsuke couldn't force Satoshi to reveal his trump cards. But Toji… he might just be strong enough to push him to his limits."

  Yuto watched the two figures in the distance, excitement fshing in his eyes.

  This fight… was going to be good.

  Shoko, however, still looked uneasy.

  She could only watd hope for the best.

  …

  Oher side, Satoru and Shunichi crouched down, watg the fight unfold.

  A sharp gust of wind swept through the air.

  For a brief moment, it felt like even the falling snoaused.

  Then—

  A massive wave of ice erupted, surging toward Toji like an avanche.

  Satoshi had taken the first move.

  If Toji got caught in that snowstorm, the battle would end instantly.

  "First Dance: White Moon!"

  Satoshi didn't even call out the teique's name.

  With Sode no Shirayuki in hand, he executed the attack silently, proving just how much his trol over the Zanpakutō had advanced.

  But—

  "It's useless, Satoshi."

  Toji's voice echoed from all dires.

  "You should know better than anyone… as a bearer of the Heavenly Restriy speed is far beyond what ice keep up with."

  His words sent a ripple of shock through the watg crowd.

  Not just because of his speed.

  But because of how casually he kept referring to the Heavenly Restri.

  For most sorcerers, the Heavenly Restri was sidered a curse. A defect. A fate worse thah.

  But to Satoshi and Toji.

  It was a gift.