Please Read : Please support me by finding akadaka on patre0n. And sorry for the grammatical errors because I am not a native speaker. I'll try to improve it with all my might.
A big thanks to:
- Alexis Chagoya
- DPD
- Kaung Myat, Kyaw
- Deadlock TV
- Sengoku's Apprentice, and
- Danna Compos.
Thank you so much for supporting me.
—OoOoO—
Jujutsu Kaisen by Gege Akutami
Oregairu by Wataru Watari & Ponkan8
Genre : Supernatural, Action, Friendship, Slice of Life, and Little Bit Romance
Summary : Not the romantic comedy of youth that he experienced, not the quiet and normal life of youth he had. He never missed his day-to-day cursing his strange and annoying life. He is Hikigaya Hachiman and this is all his complaints as a jujutsu sorcerer.
Chapter 29: The Way to Change This Accursed World.
—OoOoO—
Hikigaya Asuka was a widow of two. Even so, the woman with a height of 164 centimetres still maintained her natural beauty. A relatively petite body with a reasonably full chest gave the opposite impression. Coupled with her sweet face combined with short hair and glasses, she had a fantastic gap.
Asuka had been widowed and raised her children single-handedly nine years ago. Many people sympathise with her because she had to work hard to support her family at age 37. If she thought back on her life's journey, she might only be able to laugh pathetically. But she didn't regret it at all. Even when her ex-husband ran away when he couldn't stand coexisting with the supernatural, she wasn't angry or blamed him. If anything, it was she who should take the blame herself.
It was her youthful naivety that made her children suffer. She came from a family of sorcerers living in Chiba Prefecture's countryside. It wasn't a famous family, and she was born without possessing any cursed techniques. Moreover, she was aware that since the generation of her great-grandfather, her family's quality as a sorcerer had been declining more and more. Those facts led her to the conclusion that her family lineage as a sorcerer would be ended in her generation. And honestly, it relieved and made her happy because she could live her life freely.
At 17, Asuka's parents died while taking a mission in Miyagi. It was a moment that gave her complex emotions. She was sad to be left by her parents forever, but on the other hand, she was also relieved that she would no longer need to undergo training as a mage under their tutelage. Asuka went to Chiba City alone when she was 18 and married one year later. And the rest was history.
Whatever her past, she didn't regret it. She only focussed on the present, doing with all her might for a better future.
"You really are the best, Hikigaya-san."
"Not many people are willing to go into the office on a Sunday, especially when called on a whim."
"You are indeed worthy of being the head of the department, Hikigaya-san."
A group of office workers leave a building in Mihama, Chiba. It was a famous building, the headquarters of a multinational retail company, AEON Co.
Asuka gave a friendly smile with closed eyes. Her hair swayed gently as the gentle breeze greeted her.
"Ah, no, no. I just feel responsible, that's all. Besides, I can do nothing at home, considering my children are all on vacation."
"But still, if you weren't here, we would probably be overtime on Sunday," complained a man walking beside her.
"Sunday work sucks, but at least no overtime today."
A woman walking behind looked at her watch.
"Oh, it's still three o'clock, apparently! Doesn't after-work drinks sound good?"
The man who was by Asuka's side seemed enthusiastic about the suggestion. With great enthusiasm, he responded to his co-workers.
"That's a good idea. How about you, Hiki-."
However, an unfamiliar voice interrupted him before he could finish his sentence.
"Forgive my impoliteness in interrupting your conversation, ladies and gentlemen."
All eyes unanimously turned to the source of the voice that had suddenly appeared. Everyone, including Asuka, was shocked when they saw the person who cut them off.
It was a tall young man with a handsome face and a charming smile. His white hair, which was slightly messy due to being blown by the wind, blended beautifully with the blue sky as a background. When his long fingers removed his sunglasses, they could see the beautiful blue gems on the petals.
The man was wearing a black shirt and pants. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, showing his rigid muscles. By showing off his arm and neck muscles, anyone could conclude that this man had a proportional body. Combined with his looks, all would agree that he embodied perfection.
"Satoru-kun?" said Asuka, who had come to her senses.
Satoru, or Gojo Satoru, that was him. His smile widened when the woman called him by his given name. It wasn't like Asuka had never called him that. However, she tended to keep their relationship looking professional when someone they knew was around, especially if it was from the jujutsu society.
In other words, Asuka calling him that in front of her co-workers proved that she had become more comfortable with their relationship.
"Good evening, Asuka-san."
Satoru noticed many eyes looking at him with questioning looks. That was why he greeted them with his best smile and mask.
"I am Gojo Satoru, Asuka-san's husband," Satoru introduced himself.
Asuka quickly pinched the side of Satoru's stomach while closing her eyes. It didn't hurt him, of course. However, he knew the meaning of the pinch.
"But not yet. We are still in the dating stage."
Asuka snorted softly. She didn't mind the way Satoru corrected his words. She didn't mind him introducing himself as her boyfriend. She had indeed asked to keep their relationship a secret from the general public, even though many rumours were circulating. However, after confirming that Satoru had changed his womanising streak entirely, Asuka slowly began to let their relationship surface.
"But that's only because her son hasn't given me his blessing yet. So, we will get married soon if that happens."
Satoru said that while looking at the man who had previously tried to approach Asuka. Even though Satoru's mouth and eyes were smiling, his victim could feel a chill that stung his bones.
Asuka sighed for the second time at her partner's behaviour.
"Sorry, but I can't join in. I already have an appointment with this man today," said Asuka, trying to change the atmosphere.
"U-uh, okay. Have a nice day," said the man with a bit of cold sweat pouring out.
—OoOoO—
Satoru and Asuka left the crowd that still gawking after hearing the fact. No one ever thought the widow who could do any office job perfectly had a boyfriend who looked much younger than her. But when they think about it, it wasn't that surprising. Hikigaya Asuka had a face and softness of skin like ten years younger than her age.
However, what was far more surprising was her boyfriend. He was such a hottie that you could only meet him on screen. He was like a superstar whose existence ordinary people couldn't reach. However, Asuka did and got a guy with those high specs.
Mingling with the hustle and bustle of the townspeople, the lovebirds walked hand in hand along the sidewalk at a slow tempo. Satoru walked on the outer side of the sidewalk while carrying Asuka's briefcase on his shoulder. Meanwhile, Asuka was walking inside while holding hands with the diamond-eyed man.
"Where are we going now?"
"No idea," replied Satoru with a shrug, "I just wanted to meet you, Asuka-san. And I didn't think of any plans when I picked you up at work."
"Is that why you didn't bring your car this time?" she asked.
Satoru just let out his usual stupid laugh.
"Sorry, but I'll grant wherever you want. We can still use the taxi, right?"
Asuka snorted softly while shaking her head. His impulsiveness and energetics were too much for her.
"Nah. Can we just spend some time at my house? Honestly, I don't feel like going anywhere, considering Hachiman is currently in Kyoto."
Satoru seemed to blink his eyes several times as if he couldn't believe what he had just heard. However, a confident smile appeared when he was processing Asuka's last sentence.
"Hachiman is strong, don't worry. I'm sure he should be able to handle it just fine," Satoru paused on his words, "Besides, are you sure you invited me over to your house, Asuka-san?"
"The children are not at home now. Hachiman sent me a message that he might come home late due to several things. Meanwhile, Komachi-chan is in Tokyo with Maki-chan. Aren't you coming over to my house, Satoru-kun?"
Satoru tried to hold back his joyful laughter that felt like it was about to explode. He tried to look fabulous even though his heart was dancing with joy.
"How could I refuse?" he replied with a big smile.
Asuka snorted at the reaction, but she could understand it. However, the silence seemed to surround them. None intend to start a conversation or exchange words to make small talk. In fact, it was a rare sight, considering Satoru was a notoriously big-mouthed and chatty person.
The status quo lasted only five minutes until Satoru finally opened his mouth.
"Speaking of which, are you not mad at me, Asuka-san?" asked Satoru.
Asuka paused for a moment and glanced at the man.
"For what?"
"For suddenly interrupting your conversation and saying ridiculous things in front of your co-workers?" replied Satoru in a voice only they could hear.
This time, Asuka was not half-hearted in staring at the white-haired man. She raised an eyebrow with confused eyes showing through her glasses.
"Why should I?" asked Asuka genuinely.
Satoru chuckled softly because he saw the sweet expression shown by the woman who was nine years older than him. He didn't answer Asuka, and the woman's face immediately turned blank.
After contemplating it for less than three seconds, the mother of two caught the signal her boyfriend was trying to convey. She was old enough and had much life experience to understand what Satoru was saying now.
"From the start, I did plan to refuse their invitation, anyway," said Asuka with precise intonation.
However, the woman did not end there.
"And for the man who tried to approach me earlier, let's say I have a big head, but I know he has a crush on me."
There was a slight pinch in Satoru's chest that was so disturbing. The man started having a little trouble maintaining his cheerful smile.
Satoru wanted to say something, but his partner got ahead of him.
"You have no idea how many of his hints I've rejected all this time," Asuka said with a pause, "And well, I think, for your reaction just now, it doesn't matter if you're jealous, Satoru-kun."
The head of the Gojo clan widened his eyes after hearing the last sentence. Luckily, the sunglasses he was wearing were actually glasses that weren't transparent at all. If not, Asuka would have seen how Satoru stared at her in disbelief.
"You meant it?"
"I am. And why?" Asuka replied in confusion.
A Gojo Satoru was left speechless by the woman he loved. It would probably be a story that would become a laughing stock if his students learned about it.
They had been dating for almost a year. However, due to each other's busy schedules, they could only meet four or five times a month. Besides that, because Asuka sometimes called him 'Gojo-san' in places where many of their acquaintances might be, Satoru also had to match her tempo. Therefore, even though there was almost nothing, he would be jealous because Asuka was an upright woman. However, getting approval from the person directly to be allowed to feel jealous made him feel confused about how to react.
Or rather, it was his first experience of having a woman openly say that she wasn't bothered even though her boyfriend showed his jealousy in public.
"No, I mean, don't women usually complain when their partners are too possessive?"
"Are you being too possessive, Satoru-kun?" asked Asuka quickly.
"What? No, I'm not. I may not like it when other guys try sedating you, but I'm not an idiot to hold you down."
Asuka smiled sweetly with her eyes closed at that honest answer.
"It's settled then," she replied seconds later.
Satoru waited for other words to come out of her mouth. However, the woman said nothing. Their conversation seemed to stop there.
It wasn't like Satoru was ungrateful because Asuka preferred to solve the problem quickly and briefly without any drama. However, he still felt dissatisfied with Asuka's answer. He demanded more. Satoru wanted a longer answer and a more straightforward explanation. He wanted to hear the woman's honest opinion. Even how selfish and narcissistic he was, he still wanted to know more about his lover.
"Just like that?"
Asuka turned her head to look at the man. She had to tilt her head back so their eyes could meet, even though it was tiring for her neck. However, the 26-centimetre difference in height forced Asuka to do that.
Seeing the expression that The World's Strongest Being showed made Asuka mutter for a bit. She didn't mind giving more explanation to her boyfriend. She had guessed from the start Satoru wouldn't be satisfied with short answers. Besides, they still had about ten minutes to talk before they reached the station. In fact, depending on the density of passengers, they could still converse if the train cars were not too crowded.
"Well, do you still remember what conditions I gave before I accepted your confession?" she asked.
"Stop being a playboy, stop looking at other women, and you want stability, not just economically, but mentally and in relationships."
If a man wanted to date an adult woman, several things must be fulfilled. Basically, adult women were not interested in relationships that were just for fun. Maybe there were some crazy women out there who were still looking for worldly pleasures even though they were married. However, for an honest woman like Asuka, what she was looking for was not that momentary pleasure.
If you could only offer love to an adult woman, prepare to be dumped. They were not naive women who could melt only with some romantic words. They, those adult women, especially those who had gone through the ups and downs of life, just want stability in life. Love? They could find out later. For them, love could come by itself when they were used to each other.
Did that sound cruel? Not really. On the contrary, those who wanted stability in life, both economically, mentally, and in relationships, actually had a firm commitment. Therefore, conquering the heart of an adult woman who had experienced many things in life was not as easy as turning the hand.
"That's right. And you did well. You've done well so far."
Satoru couldn't help but smile broadly after hearing that. He felt like many flowers were blooming in his heart and many butterflies flying around in his stomach.
"So, if I forbid you from seeing other women, it's only natural that you get jealous when other men approach me, right? And it's only natural for me to limit myself to other men only in professional relationships, right?" Asuka continued her words.
The woman stopped in her tracks. Because their hands were intertwined, Satoru's left hand was pulled back, and he automatically stopped his steps.
"However, I do care about how you reacted, Satoru-kun. If you were an ordinary man, I'd probably let it slide. But you are Gojo Satoru. Even one drop of your hostility can make a civilian like him struggle to breathe."
Satoru smiled in relief because that was all Asuka was concerned about. To be honest, he would be really bothered if Asuka was like other women, who always got angry and felt constrained when their boyfriend was jealous, but would become a bitch who gave a headache if her boyfriend was approached by other women.
"Well, I guess you're right, Asuka-san. I'm too strong for this fragile world," said Satoru confidently.
Asuka's expression instantly became dull after hearing that narcissistic declaration. Without her noticing, a long sigh escaped her mouth.
"Are you really listening to what I'm saying?"
Satoru simply shrugged his shoulders in response to the question. He then stepped forward, and Asuka followed behind with the same expression. However, a few seconds later, a smile appeared on her face without the man's knowing.
While looking at his back, Asuka kept thinking about their differences. However, that was what made their relationship colourful.
—OoOoO—
"I'm home."
Asuka kept saying the words that had become a habit even though she knew no one was home. She entered the house with Satoru following behind her. Asuka then took off her shoes and replaced them with indoor sandals.
"Home sweet home," Satoru said as he removed his shoes.
"This isn't your house, though?"
Satoru just grinned after receiving that reply.
"Not yet," he said.
However, Asuka just ignored him and quickly headed to the kitchen.
"What would you like to drink? Coffee or tea? Or something else? I have some juices and colas in the fridge."
"Nah. Just let me make it myself. You must be tired after work, right?"
Satoru said that as he walked into the kitchen and approached Asuka. However, the woman stopped him by holding his broad chest.
"It's okay. You are a guest here," said Asuka.
Satoru was actually hesitating about whether he should accept the woman's kindness. He came to pick up Asuka without any notice because he knew Asuka must have been very concerned about Hachiman's situation in Kyoto without bringing many friends. Even though Asuka looked tough, it must have been a burden on her mind.
At least, by being here, Satoru wanted to reduce the burden on her mind. However, he also knew that his crush was a stubborn woman. In addition, he realised that it was impolite to constantly reject someone's good intentions.
"Alright, same with you then."
Asuka nodded and replied, "I'll brew two coffees if you don't mind."
It didn't require a long process. All ingredients, such as coffee powder and sugar, were available in the jar. The only preparation she made was brewing water. Even though there wasn't much to do, Satoru still waited beside the woman. And when everything was ready, he helped Asuka to bring it to the living room.
After placing the coffee on the table, Satoru looked at his handiwork with a big smile. However, in the next second, he turned to look at the woman standing by his side.
"I can prepare a bath if you want," Satoru offered.
"Don't you just want to take a bath together?"
Satoru laughed mischievously at the joke.
"If you don't mind, why not?"
Asuka also smiled lightly when she heard that shameless answer.
"It's still half past four. It's too early to take a bath," Asuka replied.
The woman then went to her room to change clothes. Meanwhile, Satoru just sat staring at the ceiling and doing nothing.
The Hikigaya residence was a two-storey house. The first floor contained the living room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, and master room. Meanwhile, on the second floor, there were two rooms each for Hachiman and Komachi, a bathroom, an empty room used as a warehouse, and a particular room for storing things related to jujutsu. In addition, there was also an area left vacant with no furniture except carpet, which was usually used for lounging by Hachiman and Komachi.
The Hikigaya family's house was an upper-middle-class type. It was not a big, stately house. But their house could be said to be enough to live in a comfortable space without the need to be crowded.
Satoru himself had memorised the structure of this building quite well. After all, this was his seventh visit to the Hikigaya residence since he had known the family. He even knew the Hikigaya family kept a cat named Kamakura.
Satoru heard the sound of a door being opened. He looked at the source of the voice and found Asuka coming out of the master room. The woman had changed clothes. She no longer wore office attire but a yellow T-shirt that looked too big and knee-length shorts.
Instead of approaching Satoru on the sofa, Asuka walked towards the bathroom. Not knowing what the woman was doing, but Satoru could tell she was washing her feet. At least, that was Asuka's habit, which he had observed well.
Satoru took a coffee that was presented before him. He sipped the coffee slowly while enjoying the warmth in his mouth, then flowing to his chest. It was not the most expensive coffee, nor did it come from the best coffee grounds in the world. However, how Asuka served it with so much love and care made it the most incredible taste he had ever enjoyed from a cup of coffee.
"I don't know what you're thinking. But judging from your face…, please don't exaggerate. You can find coffee like that in small street food everywhere."
"Eeh… but they won't serve it as lovingly as you do, Asuka-san," replied Satoru in a sulky tone.
Asuka just ignored that. She sat a little further away beside Satoru. However, the next instant, Asuka threw her body aside and put her head on Satoru's lap. Satoru, who saw her, was slightly surprised by Asuka's behaviour, which he thought was somewhat bolder than usual.
"I'm sorry if this old lady seems to be acting out of her age," muttered Asuka, which Satoru could still hear.
"No, not at all. I feel honoured to see this other side of you that even Hachiman and Komachi-chan might not know."
Asuka snorted weakly and replied, "It's obvious, right? I am their mother. I don't want to show my weakness to my children."
Satoru lowered his head, looking at Asuka lying on his lap and facing the ceiling. Their eyes met. However, Asuka was dissatisfied as they were hindered by the glasses Satoru was wearing.
With a gentle movement, Asuka grabbed the sunglasses without hesitation and took it off.
"I like your eyes," said Asuka.
"Only my eyes?"
"In the beginning, yes. It's hard to find the good in all your vices. However, I can see it all clearly now."
Satoru laughed softly and replied, "Can you name them individually, Asuka-san?"
Asuka paused to think about Satoru's quest. She bent her knees up to find a position that made her more comfortable.
"It's hard to explain in words," she replied.
"Hard to explain, huh? That sounds like I'm good for nothing, you know?" replied Satoru, slightly bringing his head closer to Asuka's.
The woman giggled. It was apparent she was trying to keep from laughing out loud. However, it only lasted a few seconds until something crossed her mind.
"I suddenly remembered what you said when you picked me up earlier," Asuka trailed off momentarily, "About marriage, I mean."
Satoru's eyebrows shot up. It would be a lie if he said he wasn't surprised when Asuka suddenly brought up the topic.
"And what is it?" Satoru replied curtly.
Asuka found it difficult to express it to the man. After all, what she was thinking wasn't pleasant to listen to. However, she had already started. There was no going back once she decided to talk about her feelings.
"You said you would marry me. I appreciate it and am happy, of course. I know you really meant it. However, it would be better if you considered it from the other side."
"What do you mean?" asked Satoru, who was trying to hold back his impatience.
Asuka took a deep breath and then let it out slowly.
"Firstly, I can't change my surname. We, me and my children, chose my surname after I got divorced. Together with this name, we went through a lot together. We went through various difficulties before finally arriving at this point. You know Hachiman and Komachi-chan well. Even if they approve of you marrying me, Hachiman won't want to change his surname. As for Komachi-chan, that girl will follow her brother because they have a strong bond."
It was such a long string of sentences from Asuka that she had to take another breath before she continued.
"If it's just me changing my surname, it will look like I'm leaving them behind. I don't want to be a bad mother who betrays her children."
Satoru fell silent. He wanted to quickly refute what the woman was thinking. However, he pushed it aside because he knew there were still many things Asuka wanted to get out of her head.
"Secondly, I can't promise an heir for you. It's not like I don't like a baby, but carrying it is tiring for a 37-year-old woman like me. However, I might change my mind, I don't know. That's why I said I couldn't promise you an heir."
Asuka then changed her position. Who initially stared at Satoru's eyes, now tilted her body to avoid the pair of blue diamonds.
After that, no other words left Asuka's mouth. However, Satoru waited another minute, ensuring she was really done pouring out her thoughts.
Satoru stroked Asuka's hair slowly and attentively. He brought his head closer to the woman, using his thigh as a pillow. The fresh scent of shampoo lingered in his nose even though the woman had been active since morning at the office. With great care, as if tending to a fragile antique, Satoru rubbed his cheek against Asuka's soft hair.
"You know what? You make it all sound too complicated, Asuka-san."
Asuka was irritated when Satoru replied half-jokingly. However, she decided to remain silent and give space for the man to elaborate.
Satoru raised his head, though he was reluctant. It seemed to him that he could forever enjoy Asuka's hair's softness. However, he had to shake off that urge and sit up straight again to adequately express his opinion.
"In the first place, I don't care about the surname. I mean, it's already the 21st century, you know? You should know that, Asuka-san. But, well, maybe it's because we come from different generations that our way of thinking is also different?"
"I'm sorry if I'm such a boomer," Asuka replied quickly and curtly.
Satoru just chuckled at that without taking it seriously.
He seemed to think momentarily before continuing, "Secondly, let me share my views on the ideal future with you."
Asuka got up from her comfortable lying position. She sat up and turned her body slightly to look comfortably at Satoru. Satoru, who saw it, also appreciated the gesture and smiled broadly. He never told anyone about this because he wanted to keep it to himself. At the very least, if no one found out, no one would oppose him during the process. And when all was done and ended with his will, it was too late for them.
However, seeing Asuka, who had released her feelings and was more open to each other, made Satoru want to share his dreams with this woman.
"The second one is about the heir, right?"
Satoru intentionally hung up his sentence to see Asuka's reaction. He smiled contentedly when he saw the woman was listening to him with total concentration.
"Actually, not only do I intend to revolutionise the jujutsu society, but I also want to completely change the structure of the Gojo clan."
"Hm? You want… what?" Asuka answered in surprise to the point where it was hard for her to form words.
"Just like other clans with a long history, the Gojo Clan is exclusive to the Gojo Clan itself and doesn't give a fuck to others even though they are both descendants of Sugawara no Michizane. Because of that, many branches of the Michizane family were destroyed even though the glory of the Gojo Clan had lasted for nearly 9 centuries."
Satoru took a cup of coffee and drank it, only for it to wet his throat. After that, he put it back and prepared to continue his speech.
"I know it might sound ridiculous to hear these words come out of someone like me, but I don't like the system and culture we've always followed. Our knowledge of jujutsu sorcery continues to grow. However, the mindset of our cultured humans has not changed at all. We are still stuck with the romance and glory of the past. That's why sorcerers in the modern era can't escape the shadow of our golden era."
Asuka listened to the long string of sentences Satoru delivered. However, she still had not found the outline. She had yet to find common ground between the heir issue and the words Satoru gave. As such, she decided to remain silent and allowed Satoru to express his foremost thoughts.
"Our poverty in thinking causes misfortune in many people. I'm not just talking about civilians, but more specifically to the grassroots in jujutsu society."
Satoru leaned back against the couch and let out a long groan. It was long as if the seemingly indestructible back had tired of bearing the moral burden of being the strongest. That was a side of Gojo Satoru that he had never been shown to anyone. In fact, it was the first time Asuka had seen that regretful expression on his face.
Reflexively, Asuka tightly gripped the man's hand. Satoru, who felt the soft touch, looked straight at Asuka. A crooked smile was etched on his face with full appreciation for the attention the woman was trying to share.
Satoru once again exhaled. He seemed to think for a moment before continuing.
"If our society has better standardisation, we'll have better scouting. With good scouting, sorcerers born from non-sorcerer families or families that have fallen long ago should be easier to detect and provide assistance. If only the system had been implemented long ago, Amanai wouldn't have died in vain, the children Suguru found wouldn't be scared because they were chased by civilians, Yuta wouldn't be lonely and feel guilty because of his uncontrollable power, and people like you wouldn't have to beg here and there only to seek shelter."
Irony from the jujutsu society. Even though they were a community with supernatural powers, they found it difficult to maintain their existence. Many believed the main reason why modern sorcerers were lagging behind ancient sorcerers was because of a lack of cursed energy understanding. It wasn't wrong, but Satoru saw a different issue.
Satoru believed modern sorcerers were considered a throwback to jujutsu sorcery because their current population was so small compared to the world's population. In truth, it was about not just the declining birth rate of sorcerers but also their poor empowerment.
Whether in the past or present, the problem remained the same. In the first place, the sorcerer population was indeed tiny. However, what had reduced their numbers drastically wasn't the cursed spirits or the fights between sorcerers. The most significant factor was the sorcerer hunt at the grassroots level, especially those weak sorcerers.
In fact, when a four to six-year-old child showed signs of possessing powers beyond common sense, many people would become frightened and hunt them down. It was also one of the biggest triggers behind the extreme and fascist change of Geto Suguru's ideology. It may sound like an old story, but it happened in a rural community. Unfortunately, such cases were repeated in every era. In fact, many fairy tales abound in the Western world about witch hunts.
Someone like Yuta was lucky enough because he lived in a big city like Sendai, so his whereabouts were easy to track down. If not, Yuta might become the target of the village's wrath because of the anomaly he carried. In the worst case, he would be executed without consideration because his uncontrolled power destroyed a village. Again, it was a small stroke of luck as he lived in Sendai, so he was found sooner when his powers began to spiral out of control.
"I understand what you mean, but I'm curious about the changes you mentioned earlier," said Asuka.
Satoru had returned to his usual mood. He finished the premise and prepared to reveal his grand plan to Asuka.
"I'll open the Gojo clan to everyone so that anyone can join, regardless of ancestry."
Asuka raised an eyebrow and asked, "Isn't that the same as the other clans?"
Satoru chuckled and shook his head.
"It's not. Other clans forced their way by usurping other people's independence. While I don't. I'll make the Gojo clan an organisation with a clear structure. Everyone can join and keep their family name if they want. They are free to do anything if it upholds the rules. Those are the differences."
Basically, Satoru's idea was simple. He just wanted to open the Gojo clan as a professional party. He tried erasing the paradigms and old-fashioned thinking since the Heian era. For Satoru, what the Gojo clan had been doing so far wasn't much different from other clans.
The Gojo clan, indeed, was no longer carrying out the practice of "buying" a human to exploit their power once Satoru became the head. However, that didn't make them immediately any different from other clans.
No, it wasn't like Satoru disliked gathering talented people by his side. He liked that but didn't like the methods the other clans had been using. In fact, Satoru picked unique talents like Maki, Yuta, and Hachiman, not solely because he wanted to create a place for them. On the other hand, Satoru also enjoyed watching how the young people made their talents bloom.
However, different from other clans who try to get talents forcibly, whether it was through political marriage or human trafficking, Satoru instead provided a place and fresh ideas so they could develop their abilities and enjoy their youth.
Satoru picked up the cup of coffee before him, which had started to cool off. He took a slow sip, and it didn't take long, he put it back down.
"Those who join the Gojo clan do not necessarily have to live in the Gojo's mansion. They can work according to their base of operations. That way, with many members scattered in many places and tightly integrated under one basic rule, tracking and scouting new sorcerers will be easier to find. I hope it will reduce the accident rate like Yuta or mistreatment like Suguru's protege."
"If that's the case, wouldn't the Gojo clan be seen as a clan accumulating massive power?" she asked.
Satoru nodded and replied, "That's why I never mentioned this idea to anyone and carried it out secretly."
Asuka seemed to understand everything Satoru said. However, that didn't answer her issue as to why she hesitated to take their relationship to a more serious level.
"Then, what does it have to do with the succession of the next clan head that I don't need to worry about?"
Satoru smiled broadly at his girlfriend's question. He looked satisfied when the question left Asuka's mouth.
"Good question," replied Satoru quickly, "Before opening the Gojo clan, firstly, I'll make it exclusive for the descendants of Sugawara no Michizane. After all, gradual changes are much wiser than immediately making large-scale changes."
Satoru deliberately paused to give a tense impression.
"The key word is Sugawara's bloodline, Asuka-san," continued Satoru afterwards, "I already have several names, both from the civil and sorcerer sides. If there was one name that would fit the most to be the next clan's head, who do you think it would be, Asuka-san?"
It took a little while for the woman to catch Satoru's point.
"Okkotsu-kun?"
Satoru nodded enthusiastically.
"That's absolutely right. The sorcerer with the fastest growth rate, someone who has been recognised as a special grade, a descendant of Sugawara no Michizane, and second only after Gojo Satoru. Even the elders of the Gojo clan would accept this idea. I'm also sure Yuta will be happy to help me."
"So…," Asuka replied with a drip of hesitation.
"No matter what, the next head of the Gojo clan will be Yuta. So, you don't need to worry about the heir affairs, Asuka-san."
The atmosphere between them changed drastically. The burden of thoughts and doubts that had enveloped them was now gone. Satoru's plans for the future were clear and firm about the role of the future Gojo clan. He had planned in such a way as to form an ideal clan for him and set the stage for the next generation.
"If the next clan head is Okkotsu-kun, isn't the age gap between you two quite close? If so, it might take tens of years until the next succession," said Asuka.
"You know what, I was actually never interested in becoming clan head in the first place. I'll probably just hand things over to Yuta, Hachiman, and Maki when they're old enough to drink alcohol. Anyway, Megumi should be able to help them when he becomes the Zen'in head."
It was no secret that Satoru placed high hopes for his students, especially those of Yuta's generation. It wasn't like Satoru was playing favourites. It was just that this group was the one that best fit Satoru's expectations. He had other equally talented students, like Hakari Kinji, for example. However, that boy was too wild and more suitable to work outside the system. As for Megumi's group, Satoru had indeed pinned hopes on them, but it was still too early to place such a burden on their shoulders.
Asuka tilted her head and replied, "You've never been interested, even though you've been actively planning changes?"
"Right. If someone like me decides to go head-to-head to fix this corrupted system, it means our place is more rotten than a heap of trash."
Had Satoru wanted and been willing to become the head of the clan from the start? Not really. He just let it flow. However, an incident changed his mindset 180 degrees.
He was angry at the world that had taken away his friend that he made for a few days. He was irate at the world that had turned his friend into a ruthless fascist criminal. And he was also disappointed in himself for not being able to do anything when all that happened, even though the world had acknowledged him as the strongest being.
It was a disgusting irony to him.
"Put that aside, that means you don't have anything to worry about anymore, right, Asuka-san?" asked Satoru with a mysterious smile, "I don't care if you don't change your last name, and I don't mind if you don't want to have more children."
Satoru leaned over to Asuka and pushed her down onto the couch.
"Even if I have to be honest, imagining a moment where all of us…, me, you, Hachiman, Komachi-chan, and our child are in one frame fills my chest with butterflies."
Asuka smiled, hearing the deathly seduction that came out of that sweet mouth. He gently touched Satoru's cheek, only a few centimetres from her face. In the next second, the woman wrapped her arms around Satoru's neck and pulled him down, drawing closer to her.
"Then, give me your best effort to change my mind."
There was no need to wait any longer. Satoru crushed Asuka's lips gently. The sweet and savoury taste made her appetite increase. She returned the hot kiss while closing her eyes and enjoying the tongue battle.
However, therein lay the problem. Satoru was a man who hardly ever let his guard down. He was always on standby 24/7. Satoru had many enemies, and many people wanted him dead. Even so, even the strongest was still a human. If there was a moment he should let his guard down, it was when he was at the Hikigaya residence and in the arms of his woman.
The reason was that Asuka had been putting up a barrier around her house all this time. She had no cursed techniques, but her barrier ability was arguably higher than the average assistant manager. What surrounded the Hikigaya residence wasn't a great barrier like the one Hiratsuka had set up at Sobu High recently. However, it was enough to give a warning alarm if any uninvited guests were to intrude.
Considering all these conditions and the atmosphere supporting their adult activities, Satoru lowered his guard. Neither Satoru nor Asuka had even noticed that someone had entered the house.
"I'm home."
A feminine scream sounded loud, and the voice's owner immediately burst into the living room.
"Mom, I saw Gojo-san's shoes, but no car was outside. Is he here—."
It was Hikigaya Komachi, Asuka's daughter. She froze at the living room door when she saw the scene before her.
Satoru and Asuka were fortunate enough to notice Komachi's presence and return to normal positions quickly. However, Komachi was not a naive girl who couldn't read the mood. A somewhat odd atmosphere was evident between her mother and Satoru. In addition, Komachi noticed that there was a slight blush remaining on her mother's cheeks. And even though her clothes remained the same, she could see her mother's T-shirt was a little messy.
More than that, Komachi witnessed Satoru not wearing sunglasses or any other blindfold. It may seem trivial. However, Satoru would only remove his blindfold if under particular circumstances.
"A-ah, I… I just remembered I need to take my English notebook to my friend's house," Komachi said after noticing the situation.
She immediately turned around without heeding her mother's screams.
"Sorry, I'll be right back later. I don't see anything, don't worry. And I won't tell Onii-chan. Enjoy your time!"
Asuka could only sigh with the accompanying Satoru next to her. Meanwhile, the man just giggled with an awkward smile.
"If you said you won't tell your Onii-chan even though you didn't see anything, it means you know everything, Komachi-chan," Asuka said resignedly as she covered her face.
—To Be Continued—
Author Note: Uploading this chapter made me feel slightly emotional about Gojo's death. Actually, I've been uploading this chapter for quite a long time on my patre0n account, even before the Gojo vs Sukuna fight started. But when I corrected it again to post here, I felt complex feelings.
What I write next may include spoilers. So, do it at your own risk. So, Sukuna said that Satoru was too greedy and thought too much about the meaning of being strong as being alone, right? Well, honestly, I feel that Satoru's character is too complicated to just describe it like that. His characteristics are too chaotic. But whatever it is, here I write that Satoru understands the meaning of love and doesn't feel alone. Of course, I have my reasons, and I plan to write about them in the future. In essence, in terms of his basic psychology, you could say I made Satoru "more stable" than in the manga, which seemed like he was still in the process of "finding his place".
That's all from me. Please support me by subscribing me to "patre0n.-com-/-akadaka" (please replace "0" to "o", and remove the "-".) I won't force you and I'm still continuing the story although you don't subscribe to me. But it'll help me a lot. Anyway, see you and stay safe.
You can find chapters 30, 31, 32, 33, and 34 on my patre0n account.
NEXT CHAPTER: KOMACHI ASSASSINATION ARC.