Chapter 19

Meanwhile…

CRACK!

That strike went right across his ribs!

Suguru was reduced to his knees from that blow alone, and the blood was certain to be coughed up. He couldn't breath for a moment, Chusi continued to stare down at him with some disappointment.

"This is taking a lot longer than I thought it would… have sorcerers really become THIS dull?" she asked bluntly.

Suguru sneered.

He glared at her as he slowly got to his feet. "What are you try to teach me?!" he demanded. "Day in and out you shitkick me! And for what?!"

Suddenly, he felt the pain in his ribs subside. Peering down, he found his left hand surging oddly and then… the wounds started to heal! "Wait… what's happening? Is… is this reverse jujutsu?!"

She smiled proudly. "Finally, you learned it."

He froze.

THIS was the lessons she was trying to get across!?

"How is this possible? Reverse jujutsu it's rare… really rare and it can't be taught…"

Her face soured instantly. "Uh, excuse me? Who said it couldn't be taught?" she demanded of him. "Suguru, in my family, this is the first technique you learn! ALL Toorus knew how to do reverse jujutsu, and it was easy to teach!"

He froze as he glared at her. "If it was so easy to teach, why did you beat the hell out of me?"

She bore a rather sweet smile. She leaned in and whispered into his ear. "Part of your redemption." And pulled away smiling still. "I couldn't move forward without you learning that first. So as such we are going to continue to spar and until I see you can use reverse technique flawlessly, we will continue on with your redemption training. I assure you, if you think me beating the hell out of you is something now… you have yet to truly understand suffering."

He shuttered.

That chill went down his spine was no joke. She meant every word of it…

Wait…

"Redemption?" he asked aloud.

"You told me that Yua doesn't trust you for what has happened in the past. As such, we are going to clear your slate. How fortunate enough for us that you have not sinned as badly as Ryomen, however, you are still going to suffer for it."

So blunt, but… how is she planning on doing this?

"So, on you feet, Suguru. We got a lot to squeeze in here!"

He slowly stood once more, Chusi was eyeing him like prey now.

Things are only going to get worst…

#

Nanami… didn't understand what was happening. He was just starting his morning outside of his residence when little Mochi approached him. He wasn't one to entertain children, but she was insisting on being there to be company for him. "Hi," she simply said. "You're Nanami right?"

"Yes, and I am aware that you are Mochi Tooru." Secretly he was dreading the notion of the day he had to entertain the child of Satoru Gojo. Since after all, they are his children and they could be just as annoying as their father if shown how.

"Mom said you are really smart."

"Yua said that? I am wise but…"

"Mom also said that you are a good teacher…" she then paused and peered at him oddly.

Is she after something?

He tucked the newspaper he had to the side before he gave her his full attention. "What are you asking of me, young lady?"

Mochi paused but then, she made a fire kitten. She kept it away from the house but kept a close eye on it. "I can make these just fine, but… I lack control." She explained that when she leave the kittens as they are, they do their own thing without hesitation or an order. But when she makes them and needs to use them, she is uncertain as to how to control them. "I… I don't know if you could help me… if you can…" she said offhandedly.

Nanami was rather surprised, she normally a carefree child but, she is aware that her power could be destructive if not kept in check. He nodded to her and approached. "What you need to understand is fire is not something that can simply be controlled. I cannot do such a thing, but you have the ability to use it. So far you are taking proper steps and care when it comes to your technique."

He didn't know why, but he spent most of his morning helping Mochi understand that she has a powerful ability, but, if not careful she could harm those around her. He explained how to control her curse energy as simply as possible. Much to his surprise the notion of a facet was a good enough example. "Think of your ability like a sink tap, open it up a little to let it flow, at the same time, control how much energy you want to put out"

He watched her draw out a little curse energy, enough to light a candle.

"Is that good?"

"That is very good, it's small but it is easy to handle, correct?"

Her eyes shined as she nodded proudly.

It would be lunchtime when they finished.

Nanami figured he would take her back to Yua to get something to eat. Yet, as they went looking for her, Mochi said suddenly. "Auntie Chusi said mom should have another husband… is three a lot?" she asked.

Nanami paused as he peered down at her. She gave a cheeky grin.

'She is definitely Satoru's child' he thought.

"I think one is enough for your mother, besides, you aunt is only trying to convince Suguru, your father's friend to marry your mother as well…"

"What if I like you better?" she asked bluntly. "If that's the case, mom can have three husbands!"

He kept a serious face as he leaned down and said. "Your mother is a very lovely young woman. But I am not interested in her. Nor is she me. We have respect for one another, but we do not love each other." He said gently.

"She's the same way with Suguru!" Mochi protested. "Aren't you at least going to try?"

He merely smiled and patted her head. "I think your mother has enough to deal with, having another husband shouldn't be one of them. Besides, if she does, would that not mean more brothers and sisters?"

Her eyes widened in shock, he thought perhaps she was fearful of the notion that she would no longer be the youngest, but she stared at Nanami and said. "I could be a big sister?" with a sparkle in her eyes.

'I really am not good with children…' Nanami thought to himself.