Chapter 20
Today was the day.
It was time to get the brothers out into the world and see it for themselves. But there was a problem. "You can't be wearing what you are wearing." Junpei said flat out. They did a lottery among the brothers as to who would go first. Ironiclly it was Eso and Choso who won this time around. However… their choice in clothing was something they needed to go over. "You two will stick out really badly in public. Luckily I called in a favor."
It happened to have occurred when Satoru Gojo was raiding their pickled stuff. Junpei made a small list of clothing for him to obtain for them, after all, if they are going out in public, they need to look presentable!
Gojo came through as Junpei held up clothing. Eso was interested since he didn't have much. Choso was adamant in remaining in his robe. "I don't think people care about what is worn…" he said gently.
But Junpei knew it was his way of saying 'I'm comfortable in this'. He accepted that as Eso changed. He cleaned up rather nicely, and wore a sweater. Normally he didn't since his back before, festered and gave off a musty smell. That must have gotten on to the shirts he tried to wear and became self conscious about it. But now, he didn't have that issue.
"Okay, let's go into town and see what we can do." Junpei announced.
Eso happened to be running low on supplies.
It was a long walk to get into the city. Junpei became all the more determined to learn how Satoru Gojo got them from their place to the festival. That was teleportation… and he WANTS to learn it!
Anyway, they ventured through the streets, Eso and Choso took it all in. "So strange to see so many people… in broad daylight too…" Eso mentioned offhandedly.
"Indeed, it's a rather strange and yet wonderful thing to see."
The brothers were fascinated by the malls, stores and just various things they could buy. Suiryu and Satoru did give Junpei money just in case, he didn't realize he would go through a small budget in a single afternoon!
It was when they discovered their first sorcerer out on the streets. Attempting to use his curse ability to force a woman against her will to follow him. Oddly enough, Junpei saw pools of blood floating around this man. 'Huh, this has never happened before…' he thought. Perhaps this was the blood of others that he spilt to obtain what he desires.
If so, then this would be a perfect test subject for Tanso!
It wasn't hard to overpower him, at the same time, Junpei found it strange that when the tables turned, no one helped this man. Was this the limit of his jujutsu? That or it had a ranges where people would look the other way, no matter how uncomfortable the situation? It didn't matter.
He had gained enough experience to control the mount of poison blood ability needed to knock a man out. He went a little lighter to be on the safe side. Yet when the man was out cold, Junpei turned to the brothers and announced they were going home.
#
Tanso wasted little time.
When he was given his test subject, Junpei wondered if he would kill him first. Yet, he opted to go right for the maggot. Keeping the sorcerer alive, they had him swallow it whole. The moment he did, they waited.
"Huh, it takes longer doesn't it?" Junpei said aloud.
All the while, the sorcerer was screaming out in agony. Clenching his gut, he demanded to know what they were doing. "I'M A SECOND GRADE SORCERER! HOW DARE YOU DO THIS TO ME!" he roared throughout the process.
"Yeah… we're considered special grade…" Junpei said offhandedly. "Still, you're hurting people, and we won't let that happen anymore…"
"What do you mean… I was only… GAH!" suddenly, Junpei smelt blood. Tanso did too as he peered over the man. The maggot was growing inside the body at a rapid pace.
"Huh… interesting…"
"GET IT OUT OF ME! GET IT OUT!"
Junpei could see the man's stomach distend farther and farther, he was also turning rather thin, as if the life were being sucked out of his body. But then… it happened.
SLURP
The man collapsed and yet his body was still being devoured, as horrific as it was, he was pulled inside out. The maggot had altered. Gaining human like features until it took the appearance of the sorcerer it devoured.
When it finished, it stood up, it was shaky on its legs, and yet, the thing smiled at them.
Tanso was rather surprised. Junpei too. "Okay, so that's what happens when the maggots eat their host alive…" he said offhandedly.
It was very much like a zombie at this point, little movement, no words being spoken. But also could this be a side effect?
He went to his room and grabbed a notebook. He made sure to have plenty on hand as he better understands not just his abilities, but that of his brothers. The sorcerer turned wasn't much use, however, he noticed Tanso staring at his hands oddly. "Is something wrong?" Junpei asked.
Suddenly, words were etched into Tanso's chest. 'Stronger, I am feeling a lot stronger… like a surge just went through me.'
Junpei made note of it. "A surge huh? Hmm… did perhaps the maggot become another core like in your other summons? However this since man had curse energy before… it's now harnessing it and taking control?" he wondered aloud.
Tanso shrugged. Which only means one thing… they need to test it on more sorcerers. "Say, Tanso… after dinner, how about you and I head out?" he asked.
Tanso was stunned, but smiled wickedly. He nodded at the notion. Perhaps tonight, they will gain some more test subjects… within reason of course.
#
Dinner went well, yet shortly after the meal. Junpei excused himself from the table with Tanso. "We're going to go and inspect the forest, is that okay?" he asked aloud.
Choso nodded, but he appeared rather suspicious. "I saw older brother's new… creation." He said offhandedly. "I do not quite approve of it, however, knowing the nature of that man. His punishment was justified…"
Junpei paused, he knew he couldn't lie to Choso like this. "Tanso and I are going to look for more sorcerers to test on. Big brother, we won't take anyone innocent, I promise. Yuuji would like that the least bit, but if we target those who are harming others…"
"Four," Choso said aloud. "You are limited to four more, do not go beyond it, understood!" he ordered.
Tanso was stunned but nodded. Junpei too. With that, they excused themselves and went out to hunt.
Tonight will be an interesting night…
