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The other top consortiums quickly took the hint, just like the Suzuki family, and after a moment of hesitation, they began to leave one by one. As for the smaller consortiums, they didn't pose a threat worth considering. The Shinomiya family alone could handle all of them if needed.

"Mom, let's head out too!" Eriri tugged at her mother, eager to leave. Ryuji had already gone, and she felt no need to linger. Today, she'd seen a side of him that was undeniably impressive, and she couldn't wait to boast about it the next time she visited the Service Club.

Humph! She thought to herself. Only I got to see Ryuji like this, none of them did.

Haruno, standing nearby, couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at her own mother. "Still feeling proud of Yukino, huh?" she teased with a smirk.

Fumino shot her daughter an annoyed look, recognizing the sarcasm in her tone. Yes, she'd been a bit over the top about Yukino becoming a sorcerer, but Haruno didn't need to keep rubbing it in.

"Let's just go," Fumino said, sighing. But inside, she was more subdued. After seeing today's display of power, her previous pride had certainly taken a hit.

Satisfied that her mother had been humbled, Haruno laughed lightly and followed her out.

As for Ryuji, he didn't spare a second thought for the banter or alliances forming in the banquet hall. Even if some people harbored ill intentions, it didn't concern him. If they crossed the line, he'd simply deal with them. No need to overthink it.

On the way out, Mei Mei glanced at the black card in Ryuji's hand, her tone carrying a hint of envy. "An unlimited spending card," she murmured, her eyes gleaming. For someone who loved money as much as she did, it was the ultimate prize.

"If you want it, take it," Ryuji offered with a nonchalant shrug, pushing the card toward her.

Mei Mei looked at him, surprised, before chuckling and pushing the card back. "Nah. If I want something like this, I'll get it myself."

Besides, she leaned closer to him with a sly smile, "If you're mine, then wouldn't everything you have be mine anyway?"

Ryuji caught her meaning immediately. He grinned and tucked the card back into his pocket.

He glanced at his watch. "It's still early. Are you free later?"

Mei Mei raised an eyebrow, amused. So he was finally acknowledging her charms? Rejection? Not a chance.

"For you? I'm free whenever you need me," she replied with a smirk.

"Good, then be prepared. You might not be able to move tomorrow," he teased.

"Oh really? I don't believe that," Mei Mei shot back, her face flushed but her eyes defiant. She wasn't about to back down now.

Ryuji chuckled at her boldness. "Challenge accepted," he said, and they set off, but instead of a hotel, Mei Mei led him to her home. She wanted this to be formal, in her own space.

---

Meanwhile, in the shadows, Kenjaku observed Ryuji's every move. But instead of feeling threatened, Nosuke looked... delighted.

"Yes... magnificent," he murmured. "He can even wield Gojo Satoru's domain technique, Infinite Void." To him, this was confirmation that Ryuji had the potential to grow far beyond even the legendary Ryomen Sukuna.

As he watched, Kenjaku began to wonder just how far Ryuji could go. If anyone could surpass the King of Curses, it would be someone like him. The prospect filled him with anticipation.

But not everyone shared Kenjaku's excitement. Jogo, lurking nearby, glared venomously at Ryuji's retreating figure.

"That human... he's becoming stronger and stronger," Jogo spat.

Hanami nodded, their tone cautious. Even Mahito, usually so full of bluster, seemed subdued whenever Ryuji's name was mentioned. The reality of Ryuji's power was hitting them all hard.

"Damn it!" Jogo growled, standing up abruptly. Despite his usual recklessness, he wasn't foolish enough to challenge Ryuji directly. He valued his life too much for that.

Turning to Kenjaku, he demanded, "Are you sure Sukuna can handle him?"

This was the story Kenjaku had fed them—to get them to cooperate in resurrecting Sukuna, the so-called King of Curses, claiming Sukuna would be able to eliminate Ryuji.

Kenjaku flashed an easy smile. "Relax. Sukuna is a thousand-year-old curse, the strongest of his kind. Against Ryuji? He's more than enough."

Jogo's anger subsided slightly, though he still looked troubled. "Then we need to focus on reviving Sukuna," he said. His patience was running thin.

Hanami looked skeptical but held back, watching Kenjaku with wary eyes. Something about him didn't sit right, but they had no choice but to rely on him.

Kenjaku, meanwhile, was inwardly amused. He knew the truth—Sukuna wasn't nearly ready for a full resurrection. The cursed fingers currently in Itadori's possession wouldn't bring Sukuna back at his true power. If he were revived now, it'd only be a fragment of his former self. What would be the point?

"Patience," Kenjaku said smoothly, hiding his true thoughts. "If we rush the resurrection now, it'll be meaningless. We need to gather at least fifteen or sixteen fingers before we even consider reviving him. Otherwise, he won't stand a chance against Ryuji."

Jogo clenched his fists but eventually nodded. As much as he hated waiting, he knew Kenjaku was right.

With nothing more to do, the cursed spirits departed, each lost in their own thoughts.

---

Ryuji, oblivious to Kenjaku's schemes, was busy admiring Mei Mei's home. "Nice place," he commented, impressed by the luxurious decor.

Mei Mei shrugged, pouring him a glass of red wine. "I like money, but I'm not one to just hoard it. Gotta enjoy it too."

She'd changed into a silk robe, her tall, elegant frame drawing Ryuji's eye. He raised an eyebrow, silently appreciating her beauty. Out of all the sorcerers he'd met, Mei Mei was certainly one of the most striking.

"What are you thinking about?" Mei Mei asked, noticing his thoughtful expression as she handed him a glass.

"I was just thinking about Utahime," he admitted honestly.

Mei Mei rolled her eyes, though she couldn't suppress a small smile. "Really? Thinking about another woman while you're with me?"

Ryuji chuckled, taking a sip of his wine. "Nothing like that. I was just wondering—why hasn't Shoko healed the scar on her face? She's got one of the most advanced reversal techniques around."

"Oh, that." Mei Mei laughed softly. "Utahime got that scar when she was promoted to quasi-first-grade. Shoko offered to heal it, but Utahime refused. Said she wanted to keep it as a reminder, like a badge of honor."