Of course, Kashimo had heard of Sukuna and Gojo.
One was the strongest a thousand years ago, and the other was the strongest today.
And he was the strongest four hundred years ago, believing himself to be no worse than the two.
That was the purpose of his reincarnation—to challenge the strongest sorcerers of different eras.
Did this stinky panda in front of him really think that name-dropping Sukuna and Gojo would scare him?
The only thing he didn't understand was who this Kazuma was.
Was he powerful? Why had he never heard of him before?
At the mention of Sukuna and Gojo, Kashimo couldn't help but feel his blood boil. The thought of fighting the strongest made his heart race with excitement.
But the panda in front of him?
That was a joke. His interest disappeared immediately.
"Hey, Panda, I'll give you one last chance. Where are Sukuna and Gojo? Either one will do."
"No matter who the strongest has been in the past, from now on, I am the strongest!!"
Such bold words left the nervous Panda on the opposite side stunned.
What? So this ignorant guy wants to challenge Sukuna?!
Who gave him the courage?
Could it be that he was tricked by that cunning Kenjaku?
However, if this guy doesn't get the answer he wants, then he'll most likely be in serious danger.
What should he do?
The clever Panda rubbed his chin, his mind racing.
Sukuna was still dormant inside Yuji's body—he couldn't be allowed to wake up.
And as for Gojo, he was still sealed in the Prison Realm.
Just when Panda was starting to panic, a report suddenly played.
[Tokyo No. 1 Colony Sendai: Participant Kazuma has killed the special-grade cursed spirit Kurourushi and the special-grade sorcerer Dhruv Lakdawala!]
"Kazuma?"
When Kashimo heard the broadcast, a look of both confusion and excitement crossed his face.
Wasn't that the name this panda had mentioned earlier?
He hadn't expected that guy to actually have some strength.
Taking down two special-grade fighters alone… that was enough to qualify him as a potential rival.
Wait!
Suddenly, Kashimo's gaze shifted to the score panel projected by the little golden bug.
As expected!
He had originally been in first place, but now this guy named Kazuma had surpassed him.
This damn guy!
If he had encountered a special grade, there's no way he'd be in second place right now.
Kashimo, who had been unstoppable four hundred years ago, could not accept being ranked second—not even in a points ranking.
"Kazuma, awesome!"
Looking at the furious Kashimo, Panda's eyes flashed.
Now's his chance!
Placing his hands on his waist, he raised his chin slightly and gave Kashimo a smug look.
"Hey, Bun-Head, don't you want to fight the strong?"
"My eldest brother, Kazuma grew up with me. We're like brothers!"
"I can take you to him."
"As for his strength, don't worry. He can absolutely beat you up."
Then, Panda launched into an elaborate tale about how Kazuma had fought fifteen finger Sukuna and sparred with Gojo.
A mix of truth and exaggeration.
But that's exactly what was needed. As long as he could fully capture this guy's interest, his life would be spared.
As for using Kazuma as bait?
Well, worst case, he could apologize to him later.
Besides, this could help Kazuma rack up some extra points, right?
This killer was attacking everyone in sight, so he must have accumulated quite a bit of them.
Kazuma's strength was unfathomable, so he stood a far better chance against this guy.
Not to mention, if Panda remembered correctly, Yuta was also in Sendai.
Panda grinned, laughing in his heart.
Wait for death, you murderous bun-head.
Kashimo, standing on the container, was not angry at all.
Instead, he showed rare patience, folding his arms and listening with interest.
"So, this Kazuma guy—your 'brother' is also a panda?"
Panda's mouth twitched. For a moment, he didn't know how to answer.
Kashimo curled his lips impatiently and said, "Lead the way. If you dare lie to me, I will tear you apart."
His glare was sharp.
Even though he now knew Kazuma was in Sendai— not far away—each colony was massive.
Without an exact location, searching would be like groping in the dark.
Meanwhile…
Tokyo's first colony, Sendai City Center
The battlefield, once filled with brutal fighting, had fallen into an eerie silence.
Toji was unstoppable. With a long sword in hand, he attacked with precision, muttering strange words like, "I will only hit the head this time."
A skinny boy advanced through the battlefield, a terrifying special-grade curse trailing behind him.
And then there was the yellow flash, flickering across the city like a phantom.
At this moment, both the reincarnated sorcerers and the cursed spirits—those who had once terrorized others—were now cowering in the shadows, trembling in fear.
Clang!
A dagger was embedded into the rooftop of an office building.
Kazuma appeared in an instant, his sharp gaze scanning the scene below.
He had searched every inch of this barrier. And there was no sign of Kashimo.
Even worse, his memory was hazy.
Where was Kashimo supposed to be according to the original timeline?
He couldn't remember exactly. But he did recall one thing—Panda might be in trouble.
And soon, the gambler Hakari would make his move.
He would cheat fate within his "Idle Death Gamble" and defeat Kashimo, who refused to unleash his ultimate technique.
After all, "Mythical Beast Amber" was a move that could only be activated once in a lifetime.
A trump card Kashimo had been saving… for Sukuna.
Judging by the timeline, Maki should also be encountering Naoya, who has transformed into a vengeful cursed spirit. But that wasn't a concern.
Maki would still kill Naoya—just like before.
And with the Eight Inner Gates, she might even do it more easily this time.
Thinking of it, Kazuma couldn't help but pity Naoya.
Of all people, why choose to mess with a Heavenly Restriction User?
His fate was sealed the moment he had picked that fight.
He would die twice—both times by Maki's hand, his eyes wide open in disbelief.
Just as Kazuma debated whether to spend 100 points to cross into another colony…
A sudden announcement rang out.
["Participant Kashimo has spent 100 points to cross the barrier and arrive at Sendai!"]
This news spread instantly across the battlefield.
Below, Toji, drenched in blood, wiped his blade clean and lazily looked up.
"Kashimo? He came from another colony?"
"Does he know where Megumi is?"
On the other side, Yuta stopped mid-battle, his expression serious.
"It's him. Ishigori told me this guy was the strongest sorcerer four hundred years ago."
"Did he come here because he wiped out all the participants in his colony?"
"And… does he know where Angel is?"
Either way, it is worth investigating.
Yuta's eyes gleamed with anticipation.
"Rika, let's go!"
The Queen of Curses smiled, nodding obediently.
"I will go wherever Yuta goes!"