Slow and Steady

Episode 4: Curse Womb Must Die

The worry didn't ease, even after Gojo's reassurance. They didn't know what was about to happen; what could happen. Some of them knew they would die one way or another, but it was a different story when it came to watching themselves die.

Gojo promised to himself that he wouldn't let anyone of them die, especially now, since they had the chance to change the outcome and prepare for future situations.

Rain fell as Iguchi explained the situation.

"Our window verified the cursed womb three hours ago." He said seriously to the three first years. "Once 90% was successfully evacuated, they made the call to seal off the center. Citizens within a 500-mile radius have been evacuated as well."

"Iguchi-san question," Itadori piped up, raising a hand. "What's a 'window' here?"

"A window is a member of the Jujutsu High who can see curses. They aren't sorcerers though."

"Oh, okay."

"Let's continue."

"Detainee, Block 2. At present, five detainees remain there with the cursed womb. If this is a curse that metamorphoses, we predict it will become a special-grade cursed spirit."

Nanami grimaced at the prospect of first years going in alone. The lack of sorcerers was concerning, and he hoped the higher ups would send shamans who could take on at least first-grades properly.

"You guys be careful." Maki sighed, as the others agreed silently.

Itadori laughed nervously. He wasn't keen on seeing himself face adversaries much stronger on his first official mission.

Special grade, Megumi and Nobara thought.

"Hey, so...I don't really understand what 'special-grade' means." Itadori said, as the other two sighed.

"Shouldn't he be taught at least the basics of everything before he's sent on missions?" Mai scoffed, raising a brow. To send someone who didn't know much and had just entered the field was not a great idea, combat prowess or not.

"I partially agree," Kamo put in. "But we are always understaffed and sometimes it's better to gain experience by going straight in."

"Then, let me explain it so even idiots can understand." Iguchi interrupted, straight faced as if he didn't insult Itadori. "First, there's grade 4. A wooden bat is enough. Grade 3. If you have a hand gun, you can rest easy. Grade 2. It'll be a close call with a shotgun. Grade 1. Even a tank may insufficient. And finally, Special Grade. Let's say you might be on even footing if you carpet bomb it with cluster bombs."

"How'd you not realize he's calling you an idiot." Nobara snorted, bored by the mini lecture.

"Because he is an idiot." Megumi responded.

"Hey!" Itadori shouted. "Why are you all so mean?"

Inumaki snickered at the interaction. The three were close no matter how much they denied it. Or how much Nobara and Megumi did.

"That's really bad!" Itadori exclaimed.

"Normally a jujutsu sorcerer on par with the cursed spirit would take on the mission." Megumi added, eyes closed and arms crossed. He was slightly exasperated. "On a day like today, that would be Gojo-sensei."

"I-I see." Itadori looked around. "So where's Gojo-sensei?"

"Away on business."

"Couldn't have worse timing, huh?" Miwa groaned, anxiety already building up. While she was glad it wasn't her going through with the mission, she couldn't help but wish it on herself than the others. Better make sure the stronger sorcerers lived longer.