Ultimate Man [JJK X SOL]: Loading Golden Entries at The Start

Ryuji's life hadn't changed much, despite his ever-growing strength.

Though his power far exceeded that of most sorcerers, he continued to go to school like a normal student.

It wasn't because he needed to or because of some deep commitment to education. It was simply because with his level of strength, everything else had become far too easy. Without school, Ryuji wasn't sure how else he'd kill time.

Besides, the school wasn't without its perks. With so many interesting people particularly beautiful girls, it would've been a shame not to show up.

"After all," Ryuji thought wryly, "the company of a charming girl is the best way to keep life interesting."

---

That morning, as sunlight filtered through the curtains, Ryuji woke up to the familiar weight of Nanako and Mimiko leaning against him. Carefully, he pushed the twins aside and got out of bed to wash up.

As he splashed cold water on his face, he suddenly remembered something.

"Wait… it's the weekend," he muttered, staring at himself in the mirror.

There was no need to go to school today. Which left him with one glaring question: what to do with his day?

"Another boring day…" Ryuji sighed, running a towel through his hair.

He considered his options. Should he drop by Sayuri's place? Or maybe visit Yukino?

His thoughts wandered to Totsuki Academy. Although things between him and Alice Nakiri were progressing well, he hadn't yet fully "tied things up" with her.

"Maybe I should take this chance to finally enjoy one of her dishes," Ryuji mused, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.

Just as he was about to plan his day, his phone buzzed on the table nearby. The caller ID showed a familiar name—Gojo Satoru.

Raising an eyebrow, Ryuji picked up the phone.

"What's the trouble this time?" he asked, answering the call.

On the other end, Gojo's voice carried a note of mock offense. "You make it sound like I only ever call you when something's wrong."

"Isn't that exactly what you do?" Ryuji shot back, his tone light but pointed.

"...Well," Gojo hesitated, then sighed in resignation. "Fine, you got me. I do need your help."

"Tch." Ryuji clicked his tongue, though he wasn't surprised. "Alright, spill it. What's going on?"

Gojo fell silent for a moment, as if considering how to word his request.

"Well, it's not that big of a deal," he started, his tone deliberately casual.

Ryuji waited, letting the silence stretch until Gojo finally continued.

"Maki, Nobara, and Itadori have gone missing."

"…"

Ryuji blinked, processing the information.

"Missing?" he repeated flatly. "And you're saying that's 'not a big deal'?"

Gojo, ever unbothered, chuckled. "C'mon, it's only been three days."

"Three days," Ryuji echoed, his tone laced with sarcasm. "Sure, that's not long at all."

Gojo ignored the jab. "The thing is, with Maki, Nobara, and Itadori missing, sending an ordinary Grade 1 sorcerer would be useless. Their combined strength is already above Grade 1."

He paused before adding, "Which is why I'm calling you."

Ryuji sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "And why can't you handle this yourself?"

"I'd love to, but…" Gojo's voice trailed off, his tone uncharacteristically weary.

"I've been swamped lately. Cursed spirits are popping up everywhere. I barely have time to breathe," he admitted.

Though Gojo was known for his carefree attitude, Ryuji could hear the frustration beneath his words.

"So you're asking me to clean up your mess?" Ryuji teased, though there was no real malice in his tone.

"Pretty much," Gojo replied with a chuckle. "But hey, I wouldn't call it a mess. Let's just say it's an opportunity."

"An opportunity for what?"

"Well," Gojo began, his voice taking on a playful lilt, "Maki seems to have taken a liking to you. And Nobara? She's a real beauty. Who knows? You might get something more out of this mission than just cursed spirits."

"…"@@novelbin@@

Ryuji closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Why am I not surprised you'd say something like that?"

Gojo laughed. "C'mon, Ryuji, I'm just giving you a little extra incentive. So, are you in?"

Ryuji didn't bother dignifying the comment with a response.

Instead, he said, "Just send me the location."

It wasn't the promise of Maki or Nobara's company that motivated him though he wouldn't deny they were attractive. What truly intrigued Ryuji was the challenge.

If a curse strong enough to overwhelm Maki, Nobara, and Itadori was involved, it was likely at least a special-grade.

"Special-grade, huh?" Ryuji thought to himself. "Perfect for honing my skills."

Even if devouring a special-grade curse didn't drastically improve his strength anymore, every little bit helped. Staying at the top wasn't just about raw power, it was about constantly refining and sharpening what he already had.