Chapter 14

The council was summoned to the elders. "What happened?!" one shouted behind their paper screen. They were given just over a week to explain what happened at the conference, yet at the same time various other events too place, including the attempted kidnapping of one Yuuji Itadori by Mei Mei. She was punished for such action recently and now, they are left to deal with the aftermath.

There was silence at first until one explained everything that occurred. The elders weren't the least bit stunned to Suiryu's interference let alone confrontation with the Zenin clan, nor where they stunned to the attempted attack on the curse wombs by the Kamo clan. What got their attention was the demon vessel. "Apparently, the demon vessel has been rendered to the stats of a baby… but he does not have curse energy…"

"A BABY?!" the elders demanded. "What do you mean he's been turned into a baby?!"

"Well, not just a baby, you see, there are deformities with this. He grew a pair of fleshy wings, his curse marks are gone, and he is unable to speak or summon his power. Yet he is still remarkably strong…"

Silence came from the elders. "Has anyone tried to kill him?"

The council fell silent. "Elders… we were encouraged to try by one, Suiryu…" said another.

"AND?!"

Their faces flushed with embarrassment. "We were defeated by the infant demon vessel. In fact, he took out the council, Zenin clan and Kamo clan on his own… as if it were a game to him."

"What has become of that brat?" one muttered. "Is there anything in the texts…"

"No sir, we looked, yet according to Suiryu, he has stated that the demon vessel is ascending to a new level of sorcery. We don't believe him of course, and yet he refuses to tell us what is becoming of it… we were encouraged to contact the divine users."

The elders fell silent once more. "You are dismissed, but make certain that the demon vessel does not leave the school. We will keep a very close eye on this until we have word as to what is becoming of it."

The council bowed and left.

They waited for them to leave, five minutes would pass as the elders sat in silence until one broke it by saying. "What has that boy done now?"

"Cultivating to the next level? Does this Sukuna knock off take us for fools!"

"If anyone would know, it would be him…" said another.

"What concerns me is this, the fact that he has been rendered a mere infant, yet is able to take down two powerful families on a whim, as well, the loss of his energy and yet greater strength, it is as if his body is purging it, only to regain it another way…"

"Then what is to be done? How do we go about killing it now?"

Silence once more. "Are we looking at this the wrong way?"

The one elder, closest to the exit door suddenly spoke. He had remained silent as the others said their peace, but now, he speaks suddenly. "What do you mean?"

"Shouldn't be we using the child along with the others? Let's be honest, our tests are not turning out the results that we need. We should have had some success by now, but there is none to be had. Perhaps the demon vessel is the new key we are looking for."

There came murmurs on the notion. "It is true, our tests have not yielded any fruit to say the least. Yet what could this boy possible have that we are missing? Elders, you forget what is in our possession now!"

"Indeed, however, if it were that simple, we wouldn't be speaking of this, or fearing the demon vessel's new strength and growth… or lack there of."

"Contact the divine users, and bring them here soon. I want answers to this sudden transformation… and I want ways of destroying him!"

#

"Choo"

Yuuji sneeze, Choso snickered, as he was quick to clean his little brother's nose. "You got the sniffles?" he asked gently.

But Yuuji was happy as he could be and merely smiled. It was just a simple sneeze, nothing more. Choso sighed aloud as he contently rocked Yuuji in his arms in the chair Gojo and the others gifted him. He didn't realize how enjoyable it was!

Yet at the same time, he kept thinking over that woman's words. Despite the fact her image has vanished from his mind, he knows what he saw and what was said. They had to prepare for the return of Ryomen Sukuna. Choso wants to tell Suiryu badly about this, but is unable to. Suiryu himself has been rather busy too. He's been keeping an eye on the council, as well as ensuring the students are getting their lessons in. But today, he is off with the brothers as they meet with a man named D'angelo to work out a music video. Not just for his band, but that of the brothers as well.

"It's nice they are all spending time together…" Choso said offhandedly. Yet still, what happened just the day before, left a poor taste in his mouth. The Kamo family has no intention of stopping themselves from getting their way.

They want them dead.

It was clear to see in their eyes as they spoke to the brothers for the first time. They stared at them with hatred and greed. Another who they would never consider family is using their beloved family talent. Choso could care less about the notion. He just wants his family safe.

"Umph?"

Peering down, he found Yuuji staring up at him oddly. "What's wrong little one? Are you uncomfortable?"

Yet Yuuji was looking into his eyes, as if he knew Choso had a lot on his mind. So, he did something heartwarming. He cuddled right into his shoulder and gave him a heartfelt hug with all four of his arms.

It just made him feel so alive to know such a sensation. He returned the embrace of course, yet sighed aloud. "I hope you return to normal soon, little brother. As much as I love to have you this small, it's not right nor fair." He said in a gentle tone. "Still… having you like this a while longer won't hurt… will it?" Peering down, Yuuji was out like a light.

He smiled and gently patted his head. "Rest little brother, grow big and strong for all of us…"