Ah, the years he had spent, all behind the scenes of course.

Shortly after his encounter with the Tooru family, Kenjaku knew his best course of action was to stay hidden from them, however, convince others to do his bidding. For shortly after he returned, the council had gone out to see for themselves what had happened in the Hida province. Granted, they took far longer to reach the location that him, but in their absence, he began to make a name for himself in the new, much younger body he possessed, at the same time, he scouted for his next shell. Since, after all, no one lives forever, even among the council.

But for the time being, he put in his time in aiding one of the members who would be eligible for the council when one suddenly dies. He worked as his right hand man, doing meaningless tasks and chores for the old man. But at the same time, he also got to memorize his mannerisms, quirks and other details that would ensure no one thinks otherwise.

He was there when the council returned and spoke of the abomination named Ryomen Sukuna. "His power… how can a mere child have that much power!" One demanded. He even explained that he was nearly cut in half, but healed over by the child he faced. Ryomen Sukuna's abilities were not to be ignored. "He's merely ten year old…"

"Huh, he appeared older…" one muttered.

"He's a monster, that's what he is!"

"He's a Tooru pet!" said another.

Ah, now there's an opening. "This is concerning," Kenjaku said aloud but appeared meek about it. "How can someone like that exist in our society? No doubt the child has no idea of his own power…"

The council however, sneered.

Oh? He does?

"That brat was training others on using curse energy, the Toorus have even claimed they have made a new method that even humans can achieve such power with training! To think, they would have monkeys be on par with us!" one protested.

A new method?

Ah, that what he felt. In his Tooru shell there was something strange about it, something not felt in his other shells either. He never put much thought into it at first but now… he's starting to consider what was being said.

If the Toorus have made a method that will allow humans to exorcise curses, then being a jujutsu sorcerer loses its purpose and pride. So, he had to make a big deal about it.

"Perhaps they will finally leave us be!" one councilman laughed.

They others did too, so did Kenjaku but then said. "Yeah, and then they will come after us…"

The laughter instantly stopped.

"What did you say!?"

Kenjaku froze as he tried to appear meek once more. "I'm sorry, I spoke out of terms. I was just thinking… if the Toorus are capable of such a thing, then they will train others as to how to use this power. The more they train, the more the new sorcerers will turn to them for guidance than to the council in place. Would you not agree? Why would your follow the sorcerers who did nothing to save your land or teach you a way of fighting back. When those who did, never left until the task was done?"

Seeing so many pale faces did make him feel good!

The council soon realized how serious this was and knew they had to act fast. As such, it was only natural that they rushed to the emperor and attempted to speak of the unknown threat to his throne.

It was strange though, after saying such a notion outloud, he got to thinking as well. What if it was possible to infuse curse energy into a human? What would the implications be… as well, the strong sorcerers he has encountered, those who fell by his hand to ensure the Toorus got the blame, he made binding vows with them all since, he knows how to find vessels for these fallen sorcerers. He also knows how to put them into said vessel when the time is right…

Time…

This isn't the moment to act, but instead, gather. He will continue to scout and look for the sorcerers who wish to continue to live on and fight in battle, and perhaps to convince others. If Ryomen Sukuna is what t Kenjaku thinks he will be, it will make it all the more convincing to have them make a binding vow with him.

But another piece of his puzzle of a soon to be masterpiece came before him some time later… when he saw and learned of Tengen for the first time…

#

Sometimes, waiting years can be rather painful.

Especially if those around you don't exactly take your advice to heart.

For some time, the council dragged their feet in wanting to deal with the Tooru clan. For one, they were far away, so it didn't really matter to them. Second, the Emperor has yet to take action against a single clan. Lastly, due to the peace achieved in the region, they didn't believe it was necessary to do anything!

He knew otherwise.

So, he happened to put the bug in the Emperor's ear about the idea of a single region working without the influence of the Emperor. "It's rather generous of you to do such a thing." Kenjaku mentioned offhandedly. "The people who are to look up to you as their sun and moon, now look to those who cleansed the land as their leader. Perhaps it is for the best… I mean, they worship a false deity don't they?" he laughed at the last part, but he could tell he just got under the skin of the Emperor.

"What makes you believe they worship another?!" he demanded.

"Well… you said so yourself. You sent word to this land that you have brought a deity to save them, assuming the child would have been killed within the land, but instead, you did just as you promised the people and got the results they desired."

He could see the Emperor starting to turn red at the notion. It wouldn't be long before he made a decree. He wanted a strong warrior and a strong sorcerer from each region to send a representative to demonstrate their power. He lied to say he wished to be certain that the regions are well protected by ensuring they have warriors needed to do so.

But he was truly seeing who has what capabilities.

Kenjaku then waited out to see how this event would transpire, he was curious to see who the Toorus would send.