"What, you itching to jump in?" Nobara Kugisaki glanced up at Yuji Itadori, who looked eager to move.
"Nah, not really. If Hayashi wants the spotlight, I'll let him have it. As a good friend, that's the deal," Yuji waved off quickly.
"Tch, then sit tight. Be grateful for the break," Nobara scoffed. She knew the real fight wasn't Kyoto—saving energy for what might hit later was key.
Over there, Mai turned and walked off.
"Mai, where you going?" Noritoshi Kamo's head was spinning. What was wrong with everyone? No fight in them—all because of Hayashi?
"No point," Mai said. Face Hayashi? Ha, no chance. His defensive technique neutered her pistol.
Everything—screwed up by Hayashi.
Miwa shuffled back too, awkward. "I'll check on Mai. She's not looking great."
"You two?" Noritoshi's face darkened, eyeing Nishimiya and Mechamaru.
Nishimiya stayed put. Something felt off, but bailing now wasn't cool—Noritoshi was up front anyway.
Mechamaru glanced at Miwa retreating, then spoke up. "I'm curious what this rookie's got."
"Fine," Noritoshi said, eyes shut, facing Hayashi. "I'll take you."
"Happy to oblige. Let's play," Hayashi said, shrugging.
"Arrogant punk," Noritoshi muttered, backing off fast, carving out a wide space. Open ground favored him.
"These trees are in the way," Hayashi said, scanning the dense forest. "Todo, step aside."
"Oh, and seniors too—back up a bit more."
"Pain in the ass," Todo grumbled, strolling off. The others shifted back too, unsure what Hayashi was up to.
"Here we go," Hayashi said. His right hand reached back, yanking Black Steel free.
"A hidden cursed tool?" Noritoshi and Mechamaru's eyes twitched. That weapon wasn't there before—masked somehow.
Cursed energy surged into Black Steel, a heavy aura rippling out, drawing every gaze.
Hayashi crouched low. As cursed energy fully coated the blade, he swung hard—a shockwave of power slashed outward, cleaving the surrounding trees.
"What!?"
Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom!
Noritoshi's heart jolted. That single strike bisected every tree in range, clearing a wide, empty circle. Sightlines opened instantly.
"What's with that insane cursed energy?" Mechamaru's sensors pegged Hayashi's output—way beyond a first-year's level.
Maki's eyes flickered, stunned.
Hayashi had trained with her recently, but that cursed energy? Nothing like now. Holding back then—or something else?
Todo wasn't fazed. After all this time with Hayashi, he knew—they weren't in the same league. Cursed energy-wise, different worlds.
"Wide open now. Go nuts," Hayashi said, raising a palm and beckoning Noritoshi with a taunting flick.
Noritoshi grabbed three arrows from his quiver, nocking them on his bow. He drew back fast, cursed energy flooding in, charging the shafts.
Strength? Fight and find out.
"Move already—quit stalling," Hayashi said, impatient. These guys took forever to act—cautious with foes, sure, but lacking guts and judgment.
If Sukuna were here, he'd kill first, ask later. Strong or not, beat him if you can.
Swish!
Noritoshi snapped—done with the taunts. The arrows flew, pale blue cursed energy wrapping them, guiding their path.
This open field—Hayashi's gift to him. No obstacles, easier to lock on. Once locked, no escape.
Escape? Hayashi didn't even think it.
He stood still, watching the arrows scream in.
"Not dodging?" Noritoshi frowned. What's this guy planning?
Pale blue cursed energy flared over Hayashi's body. The cursed energy armor materialized, encasing him—face included.
He snatched two arrows midair, crushing them. The third hit the armor, sinking a centimeter before stopping—tip snapping, clattering down.
Compared to Sukuna's slash, Noritoshi's attack was kid stuff. Couldn't scratch Hayashi's basic armor.
Sukuna's blade and technique had something extra, though—maybe his trump card. That potency stood out.
Even Shinmyo at full blast hadn't trashed Hayashi's armor—though back then, Hayashi had poured everything into it.
Still, Sukuna's edge was unreal.
"He blocked it?" Noritoshi gaped. The arrows didn't shock him—it was that armor technique. Weird. Full-spectrum defense?
At this strength, if it held, his arrows were useless. No matter how many he fired, they'd never breach—unless both ran dry.
Exactly what Mai had feared. And this? Just Hayashi's surface strength—tip of the iceberg.
Reason one she'd bailed—her technique was powerless against defense like that.
Miwa and Nishimiya were hooked by Hayashi's odd technique. Miwa had glimpsed the armor before—small-scale, just for Todo's hit. Not this full-body deal.
Panda and Toge watched, intrigued. This junior was hiding some wild cards.
In the observation room, the teachers and principals were floored.
Yaga Masamichi and Gojo had seen the armor early on—still felt fresh now.
Others—like Iori Utahime and the sultry gray-haired woman in the back, Mei Mei—hadn't.
Mei Mei was curious, not invested. Money drove her—not some kid.