Chapter 35

They took in those who wished to learn, no matter their background, linage or wealth, those with talent will be trained, Sukuna promised that. And those who came were willing to learn and listen well to him. Ryoto was also assisting in teaching, his skills have improved throughout the years even as Sukuna's friend, many claimed him to be his disciple in learning the arts of jujutsu. Yet the nickname that Ryoto appeared to enjoy the most was 'Sukuna's little brother'. He proudly accepted the name. Not only that, but his talent. Sukuna had watched with great amazement as Ryoto displayed his technique one night in a barren field, with careful coordination of his arms, he summoned fire and managed to focus it to the tip of his fingers, from there, he could launch it like a sling shot, but the power that erupted from it, the flames that he expelled. He would dare to think it was like dragon's fire.

He was so proud of his progress. Sukuna was certain that he knew it too, Ryoto was indeed like a little brother, trying to make the older one proud of him.

He nearly felt his world was right.

Sukuna had enjoyed the peace he gained and the life he has lived. Considering he was going to be nothing more than a sacrificial pawn, what has become of it all was nothing less than amazing to him. As well, his life felt normal in a sense. The Toorus made certain of that, and most recently, one had approached him. She was Ryoto's younger sister who just turned sixteen. Sukuna has been seeing a lot of her as of late, and Kayda as well. Ryujin has been teaching him new things through curse energy, and yet at the same time, he could see that Kayda's time was running out.

One night they were having a meal as a family. Sukuna sat among them as Kayda stood up. "I don't think I am going to manage much longer…" she said to the family.

They were stunned, but understood. "What can we do for you Kayda?" Sukuna asked.

She smiled warmly to him. "My final wish, is a selfish one. Lord Sukuna… will you marry my cousin, Chusi?"

He froze, turning to the young woman named Chusi. She blushed to the comment, she wasn't afraid of the announcement, she appeared… excited at the notion. "Marriage?" he whispered. "I… I don't believe I am good enough to be considered…"

"What are you saying?" Ryoto protested to him. "Of course you are! My family has been trying to find a way to bring you into the clan for a while. Chusi is interested in you, are you not?" he asked. "My little sister is picky, you are aware right? Countless men have asked for her hand, but she has turned them all down, waiting for you to ask her yourself!"

He paused as he felt his face turn red at the notion, the family giggled to it all as Chusi came to his side. She took his lower right hand carefully and held in in her own. His hand could swallower hers instantly, and yet she bore no fear of him. "I would be honored to be your wife…" she said meekly.

She has never been afraid of him, as of late, he has found her at his side, she cooks for him as he has for her. Yet, he never knew this is how one finds a partner in life. He gulped his pride a little. Unknowing what to say.

"Just accept it!"

The room fell into laughter as Ryujin took over Kayda. "Ryujin!?" Sukuna demanded.

"You think you can't be happy or is there something else bothering you? She is a fine woman, I say make her your wife! She has only her brother, Ryoto and the extended family, you are aware her mother and father died a few years ago due to illness!"

That haunts him still. After the incident, he learned medicine and how to use various herbs for ailments.

He looked to her once more. She didn't shy away from him, as her eyes peered right into his own. A smile broke out over his face. "Very well then, we shall wed!" he announced.

The dinner became a celebration. He would be welcomed into the clan, yet the happiness he felt, was very short lived…

#

"There is no other choice in the matter, he has to be destroyed."

The jujutsu society approached the emperor of the matter. He had been reluctant to do anything since the province prospers, they pay their taxes on time and the people don't wish to turn on their emperor. So why do anything? "I am aware you are nervous to his power, however it has not spread beyond Hida. What as you so worried?"

They sneered at the notion.

Word had spread quickly that he would train sorcerers, no matter who they are or where they came from. If they wish to learn, he would teach them without hesitation. Sorcerers have since been leaving in droves to find him, those who have trained with Sukuna returned and had their power tripled by his lessons. There was a feeling as if a noose were coming around their necks, and it won't be long until that noose is tightened.

"Have you faced the sorcerers he has trained?" one dared to ask.

The emperor had not, but was curious to where this was going. "Have you?"

They nodded. "Two of his students… it took thirty sorcerers to bring ONE down. My emperor, if he is capable of increasing their abilities that much, who is to say he is not building an army now under your nose?"

This got his attention.

"Send scouts to report to me, I wish to know if he is building an army to confront me!" he demanded.

They bowed and agreed to his notion.

But they had also sent on another head of the emperor's scout. After all, there was a man who claimed to have encountered Sukuna before at a young age, and wished to see his strength now…