Chapter 20 – Duel
Tatsuro ultimately lost 27 times.
Since Panda and Yuta Okkotsu had placed very close bets, they were declared joint winners. Toge Inumaki, however, had to treat both of them to a full month of custom meal plans—with tears in his eyes.
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The next day.
It was the day everyone had been waiting for—the duel between Tatsuro and Fushiguro Megumi.
Thanks to Gojo Satoru's enthusiastic announcement, nearly every semi-grade-one sorcerer on campus was now in the crowd watching.
Even Principal Yaga had been tricked into showing up. Gojo had told him, "We've got a sister-school exchange event coming up. Come see who's worth sending."
If Yaga had to pick, Yuta would obviously be the first choice. After all, if he unleashed Rika, the special-grade vengeful spirit…
Heh heh heh… Guaranteed victory.
As for cleanup? That was Gojo's problem. It was his student after all.
Yaga then glanced at the four in the ring.
Panda was immediately excluded—he was Yaga's own creation. Like his own son.
So it came down to either Fushiguro or Tatsuro. Whoever won would be chosen.
Fushiguro's from the Zen'in clan, right? Wonder how many Shikigami he can summon with Ten Shadows…
Tatsuro's eyes are still a mystery too. They appeared out of nowhere—never recorded in jujutsu history. Or maybe they were, just not widely known…
If he turns out strong, the three big clans might go crazy over him.
I'm really looking forward to this.
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"You've got some promising students, Gojo-senpai."
Wearing a sharp suit and square glasses, Kento Nanami nodded approvingly.
"Right? Total prodigies!"
Gojo grinned proudly, projecting his voice so everyone could hear.
The crowd's curiosity spiked. If Gojo himself called them prodigies, they must be something special.
---
Tatsuro, however, was getting extremely uncomfortable under all the stares.
If I lose now, it's not just embarrassing—it'll haunt me for life.
People would whisper:
> "Isn't he the guy who lost to a junior?"
> "Yeah yeah, that's him."
Damn it, Gojo! Couldn't you just shut up for once? How can someone be so strong and so annoying at the same time?!
He's built different—and by different, I mean evil.
"Can we start yet? We've been waiting ten minutes," Fushiguro called out, annoyed.
"Coming, coming!"
Gojo zipped down to the arena, smiling at the two fighters already in position. He cleared his throat.
"If both of you are ready, please nod."
"…Really? I'm holding a sword. Do I not look ready?"
Tatsuro rolled his eyes but still nodded. "Yeah, I'm ready."
"Same here," Fushiguro replied calmly.
"Alright!"
Gojo placed his hand between them and took a deep breath.
"No dismembering or killing. Victory only counts if your opponent is still breathing. Friendship first, battle second!"
He paused theatrically.
"Let the duel… BEGIN!"
And just like that, Gojo vanished.
Tatsuro and Fushiguro stared each other down.
This wasn't just a sparring match anymore—it was a matter of pride.
In front of this many people, whoever lost would never live it down.
All your fault, Gojo. Loudmouth.
---
Fushiguro clapped his hands together. His shadow twisted into the shape of a wolf's head.
"Divine Dogs."
With a sizzling sound, two shadowy creatures emerged from his feet—one black, one white.
They bared their fangs and growled lowly.
"Flank him."
With that command, the two Divine Dogs dashed toward Tatsuro, claws tearing into the dirt and saliva flying from their open jaws.
This is gonna be tricky…
Tatsuro narrowed his eyes and gripped his sword tightly.
Red cursed energy surged around him as he reinforced his body. He didn't activate the Sharingan yet—saving it for later.
Thanks to Maki's training yesterday, his grasp of swordplay had leveled up. He could now fight precisely without relying entirely on his eyes.
The dogs circled him—one in front, one behind.
Waiting.
Watching.
Hungry.
This is bad. No matter which one I go for, the other will hit me from behind.
He held his stance.
Neither side made a move.
A classic standoff—whoever moved first would show their hand.
Seeing this, Fushiguro smirked.
He's stuck.
"Attack!"
The dogs lunged.
Their jaws opened, ready to crush his arms.
Shit! That's not sparring damage!
Tatsuro clicked his tongue. You're not holding back at all!
Fine then. You want to play rough?
Let's see how you handle this!
His eyes turned crimson.
The Sharingan activated.
Suddenly, the Divine Dogs' attack trajectories became crystal clear.
He stepped forward.
His left hand grabbed the black dog by the throat and slammed it into the ground—BAM! The ground exploded with dust.
The right-hand white dog clamped down—only to be caught by Tatsuro's blade, wedged right between its jaws.
The black dog shattered into shadow.
The white dog froze in shock. It didn't even understand what had just happened. How did he know? How could he predict both attacks at once?
Tatsuro looked back coldly, Sharingan still glowing.
"Grr…!"
The white dog whimpered, trying to say something.
But Tatsuro didn't care.
Not like I can understand dog-speak.
"Retreat, White!"
Fushiguro shouted.
The white dog vanished into shadow just as Tatsuro tried to grab it.
All that was left was his sword, embedded in the dirt.
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