Fate of the Strongest

The air around Jujutsu High buzzed with an uneasy energy. Despite the calm appearance of the campus, the tension among its sorcerers was palpable. The prophecy's implications loomed over everyone, creating a collective sense of urgency. For the students, the day's training held a sharper edge, each strike and defensive maneuver carrying the weight of what was to come.

In the faculty lounge, Principal Yaga and Gojo stood by a map of Japan pinned to the wall. Red markers dotted areas across the country—each one representing a recent cursed incident.

"They're becoming more concentrated," Yaga observed, his fingers tracing the clusters near Kyoto and Tokyo.

"They're converging," Gojo replied, his tone uncharacteristically serious. "Whatever's organizing them is preparing for something big. This isn't random anymore."

Yaga nodded grimly. "We need more information. If we can figure out what's driving them, we might be able to get ahead of this."

Gojo's usual smirk returned, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Don't worry, I'll handle it. After all, I'm the strongest, right?"

Yaga gave him a pointed look. "This isn't just about you, Satoru. The students are involved now, whether you like it or not. You can't protect them from everything."

Gojo's smile faltered. "We'll see about that."

Outside, Megumi, Yuta, and Panda gathered near the training grounds, discussing their next move.

"So, let me get this straight," Panda said, scratching his head. "The prophecy says Gojo-sensei's power is upsetting the balance of the universe, and now curses are ganging up to take him down?"

"Pretty much," Megumi replied, adjusting his gloves. "And if they're targeting him, it's only a matter of time before they come for us too."

"Great," Panda muttered. "Just another Tuesday."

Yuta frowned, his usually calm demeanor giving way to concern. "We can't afford to take this lightly. The curse we fought yesterday was stronger than anything I've faced before. If that was just the beginning…"

Megumi nodded. "We need to be ready for whatever's coming. If Gojo-sensei is their target, we'll be the ones standing between him and them."

"Big talk," Panda said with a grin, punching his paw into his palm. "I like it."

In the infirmary, Ame sat on the edge of her bed, her small hands gripping her stuffed toy. She had been quiet since waking up, her wide eyes reflecting a mix of fear and confusion.

Shoko sat beside her, trying to coax her into eating a bowl of soup. "You need to eat something," she said gently. "You'll feel stronger if you do."

Ame hesitated before taking a small sip. "What's going to happen to me?" she asked quietly.

Shoko paused, unsure how to answer. "You're safe here," she said finally. "No one will hurt you."

Ame looked down at her bowl, her voice barely audible. "But the monsters… they'll come back. Won't they?"

Before Shoko could respond, Gojo entered the room, his presence immediately lightening the mood.

"Monsters don't stand a chance here," he said, crouching to Ame's level. "Not with me around."

Ame looked up at him, her fear slowly giving way to curiosity. "Why are they after me?"

Gojo's expression softened. "Because you're special," he said. "And sometimes, being special means facing things other people can't. But that's why we're here—to help you fight back."

Ame's grip on her toy loosened slightly, a small spark of hope flickering in her eyes.

Later that evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Gojo gathered the group in the main hall. The students sat in a loose circle, their expressions ranging from determined to anxious.

"This is it," Gojo began, his tone unusually serious. "The curses aren't just random anymore. They're organizing, and they're coming for me. Which means they'll come for all of you too."

"Why now?" Megumi asked, his brows furrowed.

Gojo gestured toward the ancient scroll on the table. "Because of this prophecy. It claims that my power is disrupting the balance of the universe, and the curses see me as a threat to their existence."

Yuta leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. "So, they're reacting to your strength. But doesn't that mean they're afraid of you?"

"Exactly," Gojo said with a grin. "Which is why we have the upper hand. Fear makes them reckless."

Panda tilted his head. "And what happens if they get organized enough to take you down? What does the prophecy say about that?"

Gojo's grin faltered, but only slightly. "It doesn't. Just vague warnings about 'reckonings' and 'falling.' But that's not going to happen, because we're going to be ready."

Megumi's gaze hardened. "If they're coming for you, we'll stand with you. We won't let them take you down."

Gojo chuckled, ruffling Megumi's hair. "You're a good kid, Fushiguro. But don't worry about me—I can handle myself. Your job is to watch each other's backs."

As the meeting broke up, the students lingered in the hall, the weight of the prophecy hanging heavy over them.

"You think he's worried?" Panda asked, glancing at Megumi.

Megumi shook his head. "Gojo-sensei doesn't worry. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't."

Yuta placed a hand on Megumi's shoulder. "We'll be ready. No matter what comes."

Megumi nodded, a flicker of determination in his eyes. "Yeah. We'll be ready."

In the dead of night, a chill settled over the campus. Gojo stood alone on the rooftop, his blindfold pushed up as he stared out at the moonlit horizon. The weight of the prophecy pressed heavily on his mind, though he would never admit it.

"The strongest must fall," he murmured, the words echoing in the quiet.

But he wasn't one to bow to fate. If the curses wanted a fight, they would get one.

After all, Gojo Satoru didn't lose.