Chapter 3: Gojo Satoru's Guilt
Six years later.
"Satoshi, want to go out and play?"
A boy with white hair, white eyelashes, and striking blue eyes stared curiously at his younger brother, wondering what was always on his mind.
Despite the elders in the clan warning him that Satoshi would hold him back, advising him to keep his distance, Satoru had his own thoughts on the matter.
He couldn't quite explain it, but he felt a unique connection to this twin brother of his, one who looked exactly like him yet stood apart in so many ways.
Satoshi lacked Cursed Energy and bore the burden of Heavenly Restriction, but that didn't stop Satoru from caring for him.
"Satoru, are you sure the Patriarch will let you go out? There's a massive bounty on both of us on the dark web."
"If you sneak out, you could bring trouble to the family."
Satoshi glanced at his older brother, long used to Satoru's unpredictable nature.
Gojo Satoru and Gojo Satoshi—the twin heirs of the Gojo Clan—had bounties of 100 million yen placed on their heads.
The reward was tempting enough to lure in reckless sorcerers who overestimated their abilities.
Of course, low-level sorcerers had no chance of breaching the Gojo Clan's security.
And the truly powerful ones knew better.
The Six Eyes were the Gojo Clan's most prized legacy, and they would spare no effort in defending their future.
Even if an assassin managed to land a hit, they wouldn't survive the clan's inevitable retaliation.
As a result, assassination attempts had dwindled over the years.
But now, Satoru, always unpredictable was eager to shake off the clan's protection and roam freely.
After all, the two of them possessed the Six Eyes!
Though Satoshi's Six Eyes weren't as developed as Satoru's, they still granted him a 360-degree field of vision.
If they were together, no attacker could approach unnoticed.
"Satoru, you've pretty much mastered the Limitless Technique by now."
"You're planning to show off, aren't you? You want to ignore the assassins entirely or worse, seek them out just for fun."
Satoshi's tone was exasperated.
Satoru might be a prodigy, but at the end of the day, he was still a kid.
And kids loved to show off.
Satoshi, on the other hand, had no such desire.
Especially if it meant putting himself in unnecessary danger.
But five minutes later…
Satoru leapt over the estate wall, Satoshi slung over his shoulder.
Satoshi's face was blank with despair.
Gojo Satoru, you absolute bastard.
Do you even understand the concept of restraint? One day, you're going to regret being this reckless.
If you keep treating me like this, don't expect me to cover for you when things go south. I'll just stand by and watch you get sliced in half like a Kit Kat!
And seriously, carrying me like this? Where's my dignity? If I had Cursed Energy, or if my Heavenly Restriction had fully developed, you'd be the one struggling right now!"
Satoshi let out a silent sigh, directing his frustration at the system.
It had been six years.
And still, his Zanpakutō hadn't activated.
The so-called Zanpakutō Forging Function had been dormant since the day it appeared.
If not for the system responding every now and then, Satoshi would've assumed he had gotten a defective one.
As he grew, the Heavenly Restriction began enhancing his physical abilities, but the [Shinigami Fusion System] remained stagnant.
If not for the fact that it had saved his life when he was born, Satoshi would've given up on it entirely.
He knew how the Jujutsu Kaisen world would unfold.
He possessed Heavenly Restriction and no Cursed Energy but so did Zenin Toji.
If he dedicated himself to training, he could very well become another unstoppable force.
Maybe even… rival Satoru.
But for now?
Right now, the Limitless Technique ensured that Satoru could still completely overpower him.
Satoshi, thrown unceremoniously to the ground by Satoru, glared at his brother with resentment.
Satoru stood coolly beside him, completely unfazed, while Satoshi was left sprawled on the ground. It was a ridiculous sight, one that was far from dignified.
And so, the twin heirs of the Gojo Clan left the family estate alone.
"Satoshi, don't worry about not having Cursed Energy! I'll figure something out when we get back. It's just Cursed Energy and Techniques, I'll find a way for you to become a sorcerer. Trust me, brother."
At this point, Satoru still didn't fully understand Heavenly Restriction or its implications.
All he knew was that he felt guilty.
The Six Eyes were not ordinary. Those who inherited them were born with heightened awareness and an exceptional memory.
That meant Satoru remembered.
He remembered what had happened in the womb.
And he knew exactly why Satoshi had no Cursed Energy.
Satoshi wasn't supposed to be powerless.
Before birth, his Cursed Energy had been just as strong as Satoru's.
But due to an uncontrollable instinct, Satoru had absorbed all of it, leaving Satoshi completely devoid of Cursed Energy.
In the entire world of sorcery, nearly everyone possessed Cursed Energy to some degree.
For someone like Satoshi, who couldn't sense it at all, it was almost unheard of.
And without Cursed Energy, he couldn't use the Gojo Clan's signature ability, the Limitless Technique.
If Cursed Energy was electricity, then sorcerers were electrical appliances, each functioning uniquely when powered.
For an easier comparison, if Cursed Energy was like chakra in Naruto, then Jujutsu Techniques were like ninjutsu.
But unlike ninjutsu, Jujutsu Techniques weren't something one could learn. They were innate abilities, inherited from birth.
Satoru knew this.
And because of it, he had always felt guilty.
Satoshi should have had the same potential as him.
But because of what he had done, Satoshi had been denied that future.
That was why, despite the clan elders repeatedly warning him to stay away, Gojo Satoru never abandoned his brother.
He refused to.
"Satoru, you're overthinking it."
Satoshi gave a small smile.
In truth, he felt nothing but relief.
Because of what happened in the womb, he had gained Heavenly Restriction.
And he knew, if that incident had never happened, if they had both been born as sorcerers.
They might have ended up like Zenin Maki and Zenin Mai.
Two siblings, each with potential, yet unable to fully unlock it.
But now?
His path… was different.
And that, to him, was a blessing.
Chapter 4: A 200 Million Yen Bounty?! Just for Assassinating the Six Eyes?
Satoshi dusted himself off, preparing to continue comforting Satoru, but then a smirk appeared on his face.
"Satoru, looks like someone's decided to give you a show!"
"It's your time to shine."
Gojo Satoru and Gojo Satoshi locked eyes, both immediately realizing the presence of a hidden sorcerer in the distance.
"Well, Satoshi, it seems like you've been keeping up with your Six Eyes training!"
Realizing an attack was imminent, Satoru's expression shifted into one of playful excitement.
Today was the perfect opportunity to demonstrate his mastery of Limitless in front of Satoshi.
And maybe—just maybe—it would ignite his brother's fighting spirit. If Satoshi got fired up and wanted to become a sorcerer, he wouldn't waste his potential wandering aimlessly.
Satoshi, of course, knew exactly what Satoru was thinking.
But rather than pointing it out, he simply stood beside him in silence, waiting for his reckless brother to put on a show.
--
From a distance, a middle-aged sorcerer watched the twins with sharp eyes. He had originally come to scout the Gojo Clan's residence but unexpectedly stumbled upon his bounty targets.
What made Saijo Yohai even more excited was the fact that the two Six Eyes wielders had snuck out alone.
No guards. No backup.
As a Grade 2 sorcerer, he was confident in his own abilities. Given enough preparation time, he knew he could take down Gojo Satoru and Gojo Satoshi.
Saijo Yohai was a rising star in the assassination world, gaining fame on the dark web for his flawless execution of high-profile targets. With each successful kill, his confidence swelled.
And now, a 200 million yen bounty was on the table.
"If I assassinate both of them, I'll become the top killer on the dark web…"
Suppressing his excitement, he pulled out a dark purple dagger from his coat.
"Yoru"—a Grade 1 Cursed Tool.
Saijo Yohai had obtained it by pure luck, but it was the key to his success.
The moment Yoru made even the slightest cut, the victim's blood would instantly coagulate, causing near-instantaneous death.
This was how he had secured so many high-profile bounties.
The combination of Yoru and his Cursed Technique was the foundation of his confidence.
His technique—Void Rend—allowed him to tear open space itself.
Once activated, he could extend his limbs into the void, bypassing normal perception, and strike from an unseen angle.
In short, he could be 500 meters away, swing Yoru into the air, and his arm would reappear behind his target, ready to strike from an undetectable blind spot.
Many powerful sorcerers had perished, never even realizing how they had been killed.
Now, it was time for Gojo Satoru and Gojo Satoshi to suffer the same fate.
Void Rend—Activated.
Saijo Yohai extended his arm into the void, gripping Yoru tightly.
His severed limb and weapon materialized behind the twins, moving in for the kill.
"I'll gladly accept that 200 million."
A sinister grin spread across his face as he swung his blade.
But in the next second, his blood ran cold.
Both Gojo Satoru and Gojo Satoshi turned to look directly at him.
They weren't caught off guard.
They weren't confused.
They were amused.
As if they had known he was there the entire time.
"What the hell? Even at death's door, they're still acting cocky?"
Shock flooded his mind but he refused to stop his attack.
This strike would land.
It had to land.
But just as Yoru was about to pierce his target's flesh.
A powerful repelling force pushed against his arm.
No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't push the blade forward.
"Infinity—activated."
Satoru had been watching him from the moment he arrived.
And naturally, he was already prepared.
"This is Infinity, the fundamental application of the Gojo Clan's Limitless Technique."
"Simply put, the closer an attack gets, the slower it becomes, until it eventually stops entirely. Meaning, no attack can ever reach me."
Satoru explained with a smug grin before turning to his brother expectantly.
"Well, Satoshi, cool, right? Want to learn it?"
Satoshi curled the corners of his mouth into a half-hearted smile and clapped perfunctorily.
"Wow, Satoru, you're so amazing."
Like I don't already know how broken Limitless is. But, unfortunately, I don't have Cursed Energy.
Good thing I'm a reincarnator. I know exactly how powerful Heavenly Restriction is and how to use it in the future. If I were really just your ordinary brother, I'd probably be so pissed at you right now that I'd fall into a deep depression.
Satoshi sighed internally, then casually reached out and patted Saijo Yohai's disembodied right hand, the one extended through Void Rend and effortlessly took Yoru, the cursed tool, from his grip.
Thanks to his innate talent for forging Zanpakutō (Cursed Tools), Satoshi could feel the power within the weapon.
His forging abilities weren't active yet, but that didn't stop him from studying the intricacies of Cursed Tools.
Meanwhile, in the distance, Saijo Yohai watched the scene unfold in shock.
He had no idea what had just happened.
But before he could even react.
A massive, bare-chested man with rock-solid muscles and a giant hammer materialized beside him.
The sheer pressure this newcomer exuded was suffocating.
Saijo's instincts screamed at him.
"If you resist, you die."
That was the only thought in his mind.
"Misunderstand—"
Saijo tried to speak, but the hammer-wielding man sneered in disdain.
With a single, forceful swing—
Saijo Yohai was knocked unconscious.
The once-feared assassin of the dark web now lay sprawled outside the Gojo Clan estate, completely subdued.
"Satoru, Satoshi, you two little brats keep running around!"
The towering man strode toward them, carrying Saijo in one hand and his hammer in the other.
"The Patriarch is furious. If I hadn't sensed the fluctuations in Cursed Energy, I wouldn't have even known you were near me."
He glanced at Satoshi and extended his free hand.
"Satoshi, hand over that Cursed Tool. It's not something you should be playing with at your age."
With just a single glance, he had already distinguished the two twins apart.
Chapter 5: The Guard
"Uncle Takuya, I'm Satoshi, and the one holding the Cursed Tool is Satoru!"
Satoru deliberately imitated Satoshi's tone, reversing their names in an attempt to confuse Gojo Takuya.
He was always frustrated that, despite looking identical, Takuya could easily tell them apart every single time.
Takuya stroked his unshaven chin, amusement written all over his face. Without warning, he stretched out his arms and effortlessly lifted both Satoru and Satoshi off the ground one in each hand.
"You're still trying to trick me? Satoru, your muscles aren't as developed as Satoshi's. You may have unparalleled talent in Jujutsu, but you still need to train your body."
Then, turning to the boy sitting on his left arm, his tone softened slightly.
"So, what were you two doing sneaking out today?"
There was an unmistakable fondness in Takuya's voice, a clear contrast to how he spoke to Satoru.
Gojo Takuya was the Cursed Tool forger of the Gojo Clan, responsible for crafting most of the tools used by its members.
However, in the world of Jujutsu, the profession of a Cursed Tool Master was seen as inferior to that of a sorcerer.
Only those with weaker Cursed Energy or no sorcerer potential at all, usually pursued this path.
That was why Takuya had been so surprised when Satoshi approached him at a young age, eager to learn the art of forging Cursed Tools.
Despite others calling Satoshi's Six Eyes "fake," he was still a legitimate heir of the Gojo Clan.
For someone of his status to willingly take an interest in forging was unheard of.
What Takuya didn't know was that Satoshi had a far greater reason for seeking him out.
In order to activate the Zanpakutō Forging Function within his system, he needed a forging tool of his own.
That was why, at the age of three, when he received his first hammer as a gift, he had been thrilled.
But what he hadn't expected was that the system would require him to slowly refine his forging skills before unlocking the ability.
And so, after years of training under Takuya, he had finally improved his skills to the critical threshold.
Just one more step, one final push and he would be able to activate the Zanpakutō Forging Function.
Sitting comfortably on Takuya's arm, Satoshi looked at the man who had been teaching him and responded politely.
"Master Takuya, I didn't want to come out at all. Satoru dragged me along. Now that he's mastered Limitless, I don't stand a chance against him."
With that, he jumped down from Takuya's arm and handed over the Cursed Tool he had taken from the assassin.
"Master, this tool feels different. It seems to be of extremely high quality."
Takuya examined the weapon and nodded.
"Yoru was crafted by a renowned Cursed Tool Master. I never expected it to end up in the hands of someone like him."
He glanced at Saijo Yohai, who was still unconscious on the ground, then kicked him lightly before speaking again.
"Satoshi, you're going to be a Cursed Tool Master in the future. I believe in you."
"You'll be able to forge something like Yoru one day. But for now, this tool isn't something you should be handling at your age."
Without hesitation, he tucked Yoru into his coat.
Just as he was about to say something else, another figure suddenly appeared in front of them.
Gojo Shunichi had arrived.
"Young master Satoru, are you alright?"
His expression was one of clear displeasure.
Gojo Shunichi was the captain of Satoru's personal guard, responsible for ensuring his safety at all times.
And right now, he did not look happy.
Earlier, he had briefly left Satoru's side after being summoned by the clan leader for an important discussion. That brief absence was all Satoru needed to slip away unnoticed.
Upon returning and realizing that Satoru was missing, Shunichi immediately panicked.
Sensing fluctuations of Cursed Energy outside the estate, he rushed over as fast as he could.
When he arrived and saw Satoru standing with Satoshi and Takuya, his expression darkened.
Shunichi was strongly opposed to Satoru associating with Satoshi.
He firmly believed in the Twin Curse Theory, the idea that twin sorcerers would hinder each other's potential. In his eyes, Satoshi's presence could only slow Satoru's growth.
"Young master Satoru, what happened here?"
Shunichi frowned as he moved to Satoru's side, placing himself between Satoshi and Takuya as if shielding Satoru from them. His eyes were sharp with suspicion.
"It was just an assassination attempt. No big deal, don't get so worked up, Shunichi."
Satoru shrugged, brushing past Shunichi and casually patting Satoshi's shoulder.
"Satoshi, looks like our grand escape plan was a bust! Not only did Uncle Takuya catch us, but now Shunichi found us too."
Even though his tone was playful, Satoru knew there was no avoiding going back now.
"Well, it was a failure. But let's be clear, this was your plan, not mine. I know my limits, unlike someone who constantly wants to show off."
"Stay sharp, Satoru. You have extraordinary talent, but you're not invincible."
A shadow crossed Satoshi's face as he recalled the future, the moment when Satoru would be cut down by Sukuna.
He didn't want his brother to meet that fate.
That was why he subtly tried to influence Satoru's personality, hoping to steer him toward caution and restraint.
But to Gojo Shunichi, Satoshi's words were nothing short of blasphemy.
How dare someone with no Cursed Energy, a fake Six Eyes, lecture the true Six Eyes?
"Young master Satoru, we need to return. The clan leader is waiting for you."
Shunichi respectfully conveyed the order, standing stiffly at attention.
"Yeah, yeah, I got it."
Satoru sighed in mock defeat before turning to Satoshi with a grin.
"Satoshi, I'll head back for now. I'll come hang out again when I get the chance."
As soon as Satoru turned away, Shunichi's expression shifted.
Even Takuya, standing right next to them, was completely ignored.
"I'll take care of the assassin. If they dare to attempt an assassination so close to the Gojo estate, then clearly the Gojo Clan hasn't been putting enough pressure on the dark web."
With that, Shunichi took full control of the situation, leaving Satoshi and Takuya as nothing more than bystanders.
Chapter 6: Gojo Takuya, the Motivational Master
"This isn't the first-grade cursed tool. Give it back!"
Takuya clenched his now-empty right hand, his face clouded with anger.
He hadn't expected Gojo Shunichi to be so brazen, snatching Sode no Shirayuki from him without a word.
"Not a cursed tool?" Shunichi arched an eyebrow, the mockery in his eyes deepening.
"Master Takuya, you must be joking. I can tell a cursed tool when I see one."
To him, this was exactly what he had expected. Even a master forger couldn't resist the temptation of a first-grade cursed tool.
So, in the end, Takuya was just another greedy craftsman.
"No, this isn't Yoru. This weapon was just forged by Satoshi. It's not what you think."
Takuya's words made Shunichi pause for a moment, before bursting into laughter.
"A cursed tool forged by Gojo Satoshi?"
A glint of amusement flashed across his eyes, followed by unrestrained mockery.
"Are you serious? You expect me to believe that a six-year-old forged a cursed tool?"
Shunichi shook his head, sneering.
"When did the standards for Cursed Tool Forgers become so low? If that's the case, why don't we bring in all the other failures of the Gojo family and have them train under you too?"
"If you can turn a six-year-old into a forger, then surely, I should stop calling you 'Master Takuya' and start calling you Grandmaster instead, huh?"
"Well, Grandmaster Takuya?"
The biting sarcasm in Shunichi's words made Takuya's face darken.
Though widely recognized as a master forger, he had never successfully trained an apprentice.
Many had sought to learn from him, only to leave, claiming they had gained nothing.
The title of "Master" was nothing but a source of frustration for Takuya.
—
On the other side of the room, Satoshi frowned as he slowly opened his eyes.
His body was still weak from exhaustion, but Shunichi's voice was too grating to ignore.
This guy never shuts up.
Master Takuya is the one who taught me everything. If not for him, I wouldn't have reached the level where I could forge my first Zanpakutō.
And this bastard dares to mock him?
Satoshi silently sat up, his cold gaze locking onto the scene before him.
He wouldn't let this slide.
—
Meanwhile, Shunichi continued his taunts.
"You expect me to believe Gojo Satoshi forged this? Don't make me laugh."
"There's no way someone like him could become a forger, let alone craft a cursed tool at his age."
"Completely impossible!"
Shunichi poured his Cursed Energy into the weapon in his hands, expecting a reaction.
He had only ever used Grade 2 cursed tools before, so this was his first time wielding a Grade 1 tool.
"This is the perfect chance to test the power of 'Yoru.' "
However, the moment his energy flowed in, his expression froze.
Something was wrong.
Shunichi knew for a fact that this weapon was a cursed tool. So why wasn't his Cursed Energy having any effect?
"This doesn't make sense. A cursed tool should always respond when infused with energy… Unless—"
Could it be that this weapon was purely meant for physical combat?
No, that wasn't possible. The assassin who originally wielded this weapon was a sorcerer, not a brute. His fighting style was based on Cursed Energy manipulation.
Then why?
Shunichi's eyes widened as an unsettling thought crossed his mind.
Is this really just a worthless, decorative blade forged by Satoshi?
It has to be. Takuya must have been blinded by his own bias, thinking it was a cursed tool just because Satoshi forged it.
Damn it! That means I've been tricked. So where the hell is the real Grade 1 tool?
With that realization, his frustration boiled over.
This thing isn't even a cursed tool, it's trash.
Shunichi scoffed, shaking his head.
"As expected of a fraudulent master. You call this a cursed tool?"
"Master Takuya, I wonder how your colleagues would feel if they saw how far you've fallen."
"If you lack the talent to teach, you should just focus on your work. Stop wasting your energy on a useless failure like—"
Shunichi's voice cut off abruptly.
When he turned his gaze, he realized that Satoshi was awake.
The boy sat up, his piercing gaze locked onto him with unsettling calm.
Shunichi's expression stiffened.
Although he thought poorly of Satoshi, saying it to his face was different.
After all, no matter what, Gojo Satoshi was still a direct descendant of the Gojo Clan.
As long as the Clan Leader did not strip Satoshi of his inheritance rights, this "failure" could still represent the clan in the future.
—
Satoshi slowly stood up, ignoring the exhaustion in his body.
"Hmm? Why'd you stop, Shunichi?"
He tilted his head, his voice mockingly casual.
"You can't remember what to call me?"
"I mean, I'm just a waste of the Gojo family, right?"
With effortless ease, Satoshi walked over to Takuya's side.
"Shunichi, have you already forgotten?"
"The cursed tools you so proudly wield, who do you think forged them?"
"If Master Takuya hadn't made them, how many of you would've died on missions by now?"
Satoshi's lips curled into a cold smile.
"What exactly makes sorcerers think they're so superior?"
"Let me guess, was it because your parents were sorcerers?"
"Can you guarantee that your own child will be one too?"
His words hit Shunichi like a slap to the face.
But Satoshi wasn't done.
"If anything, Master Takuya is too kind. He's spent his life ensuring that ungrateful fools like you could fight and survive."
"Yet, instead of gratitude, all he gets is disdain?"
He chuckled.
"Do you really think the Gojo Clan is some untouchable force?"
"Do you honestly believe that just because Gojo Satoru has the Six Eyes, our future is guaranteed?"
Satoshi's voice dropped into a sharp, cutting tone.
"You're an adult, yet you're still so naïve."
"If the Six Eyes were truly omnipotent, then why do curses still exist?"
"Why are there so many powerful curse users?"
"Why does the King of Curses, Ryomen Sukuna, exist?"
His eyes burned with quiet intensity.
"If the Six Eyes were truly unbeatable, then why has every wielder of the Six Eyes met a tragic end?"
Satoshi exhaled, his gaze steady and unshaken.
"I know you've placed all your hopes on Satoru."
"But let me tell you something—"
"Satoru is not invincible."
"Even with unparalleled talent, even with the Six Eyes, even with the Limitless Technique."
"He is not invincible."
"The expectations you place on him will only push him down the wrong path."
Satoshi clenched his fists.
"Satoru will become the strongest sorcerer in this world."
"But that doesn't mean he should underestimate the strength of curse users or cursed spirits."
"We still have a long road ahead."
Though his voice was still childish, in that moment.
It carried the weight of undeniable truth.
Chapter 7: Sode no Shirayuki
Forging cursed tools at the age of six, just thinking about it sounded impossible.
Ding-dang, ding-dang…
Satoshi let out a light breath and brought the hammer down with a steady strike. The immense physical strength granted by his Heavenly Restriction made forging effortless, even at his young age.
"Your strength is good! But your rhythm is off," Takuya observed from the side. Though his tone was critical, he was secretly impressed.
"Satoshi, you need to pick up the pace here!"
"Satoshi, control your strength better!"
"Satoshi, don't rush forging, patience is key!"
Takuya continued correcting Satoshi's technique, yet the more he watched, the more surprised he became.
"What's going on? How is he improving so fast?"
Completely focused, Satoshi absorbed every bit of Takuya's advice, making adjustments as he worked. Without even realizing it, his proficiency had reached the threshold required to activate his Zanpakutō Forging Function.
[Prerequisites met. Zanpakutō (Cursed Tool) Forging Function Activated.]
Engrossed in his work, Satoshi didn't even register the system's notification. He was fully immersed in the rhythmic strikes, his technique refining with every hammerfall.
"Kids these days are terrifying. You can't underestimate them at all."
Takuya watched with growing astonishment. If Satoshi kept this up, he might truly be able to forge his first cursed tool at just six years old.
Suddenly, Takuya's expression hardened. His sharp gaze locked onto Satoshi's movements.
He recognized the hammering technique, it was identical to his own.
"Wait… How is this possible?"
Satoshi's small frame shouldn't be capable of handling that level of force and precision. The technique required a level of control and endurance far beyond a six-year-old's physical limits.
"If he keeps going like this, he'll overstrain himself!"
Takuya moved to stop him but in that instant, he hesitated.
Before him, Satoshi's forging momentum surged, an unstoppable force that froze even him in place.
The sound of metal striking metal echoed through the workshop.
Ding—Dang—
Ding-dang-ding-dang—
Satoshi's hammering grew faster, each strike more precise than the last. His clothes were drenched in sweat, steam rising from his body as he worked.
"What the hell is happening?"
Takuya, watching in shock, instinctively summoned his cursed energy, channeling a gray-blue glow into his hands to intervene.
Yet to his utter disbelief, his energy dispersed as if striking cotton, unable to disrupt Satoshi in the slightest. He couldn't even make him pause.
Amid the relentless hammering, Satoshi subconsciously reached for Yoru, the cursed tool Takuya had set aside, and placed it into the forging embryo.
"Satoshi… are you really trying to forge a cursed tool?"
"What kind of forging method is this? Is he attempting to fuse an existing cursed tool and reforge it into something entirely new?"
As a master of cursed tool forging, Takuya quickly grasped Satoshi's intent. Yet, seeing it in action still defied his expectations.
Before the blazing forge, an eerie chill emanated from the weapon.
"What's going on? Why is there such a powerful frost attribute?"
Then, realization struck.
"I see… Yoru's ability to coagulate blood stems from an ice attribute! That's the source of its power."
Despite being a master forger himself, Takuya had never studied Yoru in depth. And yet, Satoshi had grasped its properties with just a single touch, then immediately integrated it into his forging process without hesitation.
"This is insane… Did I completely underestimate his talent?"
Takuya's mouth opened, but he dared not speak. He feared any disturbance might disrupt Satoshi's process.
He was witnessing something unprecedented, a forging method that could revolutionize the entire world of cursed tools.
Meanwhile, Satoshi remained utterly focused, his brow furrowed in concentration as sweat streamed down his face.
In that moment, he was no longer a six-year-old boy.
He was Nimaiya Ōetsu, the Sword God of Soul Society.
The icy essence of Yoru merged seamlessly with the forging embryo, taking shape into something entirely new.
For an entire hour, the rhythmic clang of hammering continued. Finally, Satoshi took his last swing.
And with that, his first Zanpakutō was born.
[Ding! Congratulations, Host, on successfully forging Zanpakutō: Sode no Shirayuki. Zankensoki Function Activated.]
[Zan-Ken-So-Ki: "Zan" represents swordsmanship. "Ken" represents hand-to-hand combat. "So" represents instant movement. "Ki" represents the way of spells.]
[With the activation of Zankensoki, Host must upgrade each skill in order. Only upon reaching 100% proficiency in the current skill can the next be unlocked.]
[All system functions have now been enabled! Additional functions remain damaged, please repair them to unlock further abilities.]
As the system notifications flooded his mind, Satoshi finally allowed himself to relax.
Then, exhaustion hit.
His six-year-old body, strengthened as it was by Heavenly Restriction, had reached its absolute limit. The prolonged forging session had drained him completely.
So that's the requirement… forging a Zanpakutō was the key to unlocking its function.
And… the system's damaged functions can actually be repaired? I don't know how yet, but at least now I have hope.
Most importantly, I did it, I successfully forged my first Zanpakutō!
His thoughts drifted as he glanced at the weapon in his hands.
So… Sode no Shirayuki, huh?
It wasn't the strongest ice-type Zanpakutō like Hyorinmaru, but Sode no Shirayuki was still an exceptional blade.
I really want to see it with my own eyes...
But fatigue pulled him under before he could say another word.
His vision blurred as he turned toward Takuya, then he collapsed, fast asleep.
Chapter 8: Ordinary?
Satoshi's hammer slipped from his hand, and the sound of metal clashing finally snapped Gojo Takuya out of his shock.
"Satoshi, be careful!"
Takuya swiftly moved forward, catching Satoshi before he collapsed, then carefully placed him on a nearby bed.
Seeing his young apprentice's pale face, Takuya felt a pang of heartache. At the same time, he silently made a decision, he couldn't let Satoshi overwork himself like this again.
A six-year-old forging a cursed tool was already unheard of. If word got out, it would shake the entire sorcery world. But Takuya didn't want Satoshi to gain fame like this.
To him, Satoshi was still a child, a member of the Gojo family, someone who bore the Six Eyes. The path of a Cursed Tool Forger wasn't something he should be focusing on.
For some reason, ever since he first met Satoshi, Takuya had felt that this child would leave a mark on the world of sorcery.
After ensuring Satoshi was settled, Takuya turned his attention back to the weapon he had forged.
The moment he saw it, his eyes widened in shock.
What is going on? Who changed the weapon? This wasn't how it looked before!
When the weapon had just been completed, it had been a pristine white. But now, it looked no different from an ordinary katana.
Did I imagine it? Was that white blade just an illusion?
No, that was impossible. He hadn't eaten anything strange today, and his eyesight had always been sharp. A spell tool forger relied on precise observation, it was impossible for him to make such a mistake.
If he hadn't witnessed the transformation with his own eyes, he wouldn't have believed it.
"So, what kind of power does this cursed tool have?"
"Does it have the same frost attribute as Yoru?"
Takuya carefully picked up the katana, his gaze tracing over the blade, the tsuba, and the hilt.
He channeled what little cursed energy he had into it but nothing happened.
The sword remained completely still, as if it were nothing more than a mundane weapon.
Did I see it wrong? Did Satoshi really not forge a cursed tool?
But if it was just a normal weapon, why use Yoru as a material?
Takuya had clearly sensed an immense power hidden within this blade during the forging process.
He frowned in deep thought.
"If this truly is a cursed tool, then maybe... my cursed energy isn't enough to activate it."
His grip tightened around the hilt.
"It seems the secret behind this weapon will have to wait until Satoshi wakes up."
Takuya was just about to carefully put Sode no Shirayuki away when, suddenly, the door to the forge was pushed open.
...
"Gojo Shunichi, what are you doing here?"
Seeing the newcomer, Takuya's expression darkened, and his tone was less than welcoming. Everyone in the clan knew Shunichi's attitude toward Satoshi.
His presence here could only mean trouble.
"Oh? Why does it sound like Master Takuya isn't happy to see me?"
Shunichi's voice carried a mocking undertone, and when he addressed Takuya as "Master," there was clear contempt in his tone.
As a Grade 2 sorcerer and a master swordsman, Shunichi's status in the Gojo family was far higher than that of a mere Cursed Tool Forger. He had never cared about Takuya's opinions.
Casually stepping inside, Shunichi glanced around before spotting Satoshi asleep nearby. The sneer on his face deepened.
"Does this fake Six Eyes really think he can compete with the real deal?
There are people who are more talented than him and work harder than him. What makes him think he deserves to stand on equal footing with Young master Satoru?"
"Young master Satoru is the true heir of the Gojo family, the real Six Eyes. This worthless imitation only hinders his future."
Shunichi didn't bother to hide his disdain.
Though Satoshi and Satoru were identical in appearance, the stark contrast in their treatment came down to one thing, cursed energy.
"Hmph, Shunichi. What do you want?"
Takuya's voice was firm, his expression serious. This was his forge.
Even if sorcerers held higher status in the Gojo family, that didn't give Shunichi the right to barge in and act superior.
Takuya was the only Cursed Tool Forger in the clan. His role was indispensable.
Shunichi finally shifted his gaze from Satoshi and turned to the sword in Takuya's hands.
"I just finished interrogating the assassin. I heard he was carrying a first-grade cursed tool, which you confiscated."
"I'm here to collect it."
"That weapon needs to be placed in the Gojo family treasury. Master Takuya, hand it over."
So that was his goal.
Shunichi was after Yoru.
A first-grade cursed tool was an extremely rare asset, even in the world of sorcery.
Before, Shunichi had been irritated by the assassin's attack. But when he learned the assassin had a first-grade cursed tool, his mood did a complete 180.
An assassin? No, more like a gift-giver.
If that's the case, then send more. Send more assassins with more cursed tools.
"...A first-grade cursed tool?"
Takuya's body tensed. Instinctively, he shifted Sode no Shirayuki behind him.
Yoru doesn't exist anymore.
What am I supposed to hand over?
Sode no Shirayuki was Satoshi's first-ever forged cursed tool. Regardless of its future grade, Takuya refused to let this weapon fall into Shunichi's hands.
But as a trained sorcerer, Shunichi immediately noticed Takuya's reaction.
In a flash, he appeared behind Takuya and snatched Sode no Shirayuki from his hands.
"So this is it?"
Shunichi inspected the weapon, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.
"No wonder you were trying to hide it."
"But... it's a bit underwhelming. I expected something more impressive from a first-grade cursed tool."
There was disappointment in his tone.
Chapter 9: Satoru Is Not Invincible
"This isn't the first-grade cursed tool. Give it back!"
Takuya clenched his now-empty right hand, his face clouded with anger.
He hadn't expected Gojo Shunichi to be so brazen, snatching Sode no Shirayuki from him without a word.
"Not a cursed tool?" Shunichi arched an eyebrow, the mockery in his eyes deepening.
"Master Takuya, you must be joking. I can tell a cursed tool when I see one."
To him, this was exactly what he had expected. Even a master forger couldn't resist the temptation of a first-grade cursed tool.
So, in the end, Takuya was just another greedy craftsman.
"No, this isn't Yoru. This weapon was just forged by Satoshi. It's not what you think."
Takuya's words made Shunichi pause for a moment, before bursting into laughter.
"A cursed tool forged by Gojo Satoshi?"
A glint of amusement flashed across his eyes, followed by unrestrained mockery.
"Are you serious? You expect me to believe that a six-year-old forged a cursed tool?"
Shunichi shook his head, sneering.
"When did the standards for Cursed Tool Forgers become so low? If that's the case, why don't we bring in all the other failures of the Gojo family and have them train under you too?"
"If you can turn a six-year-old into a forger, then surely, I should stop calling you 'Master Takuya' and start calling you Grandmaster instead, huh?"
"Well, Grandmaster Takuya?"
The biting sarcasm in Shunichi's words made Takuya's face darken.
Though widely recognized as a master forger, he had never successfully trained an apprentice.
Many had sought to learn from him, only to leave, claiming they had gained nothing.
The title of "Master" was nothing but a source of frustration for Takuya.
—
On the other side of the room, Satoshi frowned as he slowly opened his eyes.
His body was still weak from exhaustion, but Shunichi's voice was too grating to ignore.
This guy never shuts up.
Master Takuya is the one who taught me everything. If not for him, I wouldn't have reached the level where I could forge my first Zanpakutō.
And this bastard dares to mock him?
Satoshi silently sat up, his cold gaze locking onto the scene before him.
He wouldn't let this slide.
—
Meanwhile, Shunichi continued his taunts.
"You expect me to believe Gojo Satoshi forged this? Don't make me laugh."
"There's no way someone like him could become a forger, let alone craft a cursed tool at his age."
"Completely impossible!"
Shunichi poured his Cursed Energy into the weapon in his hands, expecting a reaction.
He had only ever used Grade 2 cursed tools before, so this was his first time wielding a Grade 1 tool.
"This is the perfect chance to test the power of 'Yoru.' "
However, the moment his energy flowed in, his expression froze.
Something was wrong.
Shunichi knew for a fact that this weapon was a cursed tool. So why wasn't his Cursed Energy having any effect?
"This doesn't make sense. A cursed tool should always respond when infused with energy… Unless—"
Could it be that this weapon was purely meant for physical combat?
No, that wasn't possible. The assassin who originally wielded this weapon was a sorcerer, not a brute. His fighting style was based on Cursed Energy manipulation.
Then why?
Shunichi's eyes widened as an unsettling thought crossed his mind.
Is this really just a worthless, decorative blade forged by Satoshi?
It has to be. Takuya must have been blinded by his own bias, thinking it was a cursed tool just because Satoshi forged it.
Damn it! That means I've been tricked. So where the hell is the real Grade 1 tool?
With that realization, his frustration boiled over.
This thing isn't even a cursed tool, it's trash.
Shunichi scoffed, shaking his head.
"As expected of a fraudulent master. You call this a cursed tool?"
"Master Takuya, I wonder how your colleagues would feel if they saw how far you've fallen."
"If you lack the talent to teach, you should just focus on your work. Stop wasting your energy on a useless failure like—"
Shunichi's voice cut off abruptly.
When he turned his gaze, he realized that Satoshi was awake.
The boy sat up, his piercing gaze locked onto him with unsettling calm.
Shunichi's expression stiffened.
Although he thought poorly of Satoshi, saying it to his face was different.
After all, no matter what, Gojo Satoshi was still a direct descendant of the Gojo Clan.
As long as the Clan Leader did not strip Satoshi of his inheritance rights, this "failure" could still represent the clan in the future.
—
Satoshi slowly stood up, ignoring the exhaustion in his body.
"Hmm? Why'd you stop, Shunichi?"
He tilted his head, his voice mockingly casual.
"You can't remember what to call me?"
"I mean, I'm just a waste of the Gojo family, right?"
With effortless ease, Satoshi walked over to Takuya's side.
"Shunichi, have you already forgotten?"
"The cursed tools you so proudly wield, who do you think forged them?"
"If Master Takuya hadn't made them, how many of you would've died on missions by now?"
Satoshi's lips curled into a cold smile.
"What exactly makes sorcerers think they're so superior?"
"Let me guess, was it because your parents were sorcerers?"
"Can you guarantee that your own child will be one too?"
His words hit Shunichi like a slap to the face.
But Satoshi wasn't done.
"If anything, Master Takuya is too kind. He's spent his life ensuring that ungrateful fools like you could fight and survive."
"Yet, instead of gratitude, all he gets is disdain?"
He chuckled.
"Do you really think the Gojo Clan is some untouchable force?"
"Do you honestly believe that just because Gojo Satoru has the Six Eyes, our future is guaranteed?"
Satoshi's voice dropped into a sharp, cutting tone.
"You're an adult, yet you're still so naïve."
"If the Six Eyes were truly omnipotent, then why do curses still exist?"
"Why are there so many powerful curse users?"
"Why does the King of Curses, Ryomen Sukuna, exist?"
His eyes burned with quiet intensity.
"If the Six Eyes were truly unbeatable, then why has every wielder of the Six Eyes met a tragic end?"
Satoshi exhaled, his gaze steady and unshaken.
"I know you've placed all your hopes on Satoru."
"But let me tell you something—"
"Satoru is not invincible."
"Even with unparalleled talent, even with the Six Eyes, even with the Limitless Technique."
"He is not invincible."
"The expectations you place on him will only push him down the wrong path."
Satoshi clenched his fists.
"Satoru will become the strongest sorcerer in this world."
"But that doesn't mean he should underestimate the strength of curse users or cursed spirits."
"We still have a long road ahead."
Though his voice was still childish, in that moment.
It carried the weight of undeniable truth.
Chapter 10: Satoshi's Bet
Outside the forge, two figures, one tall, one small, stood silently at the far end of the corridor. Neither moved, their expressions were complicated.
"Clan head, is Satoshi right? Are the Six Eyes truly invincible?"
Hearing the boy's question, the old man sighed. He reached out, gently ruffling Satoru's pure white hair before shaking his head.
"I never expected Satoshi to have such a deep understanding of the world of sorcery."
A hint of regret flickered in his eyes.
"It's a pity Satoshi lacks talent in jujutsu. With his insight, he could've guided the Gojo Clan to even greater heights…"
Satoru looked up at the old man beside him, his bright blue eyes filled with curiosity.
"Clan head, even if Satoshi doesn't have Cursed Energy, he'll still become someone extraordinary in the world of sorcery!"
His voice was firm, unwavering.
"If Satoshi is willing to take over the Gojo Clan, I'll help him manage it. No matter what, I won't let him bear that burden alone!"
Satoru felt his brother's love and care for him. At the same time, guilt gnawed at him, guilt over Satoshi's situation. It was this guilt that made him willing to give his brother everything he had.
The old man stared at Satoru in stunned silence, then sighed, a trace of warmth flashing across his face.
"Satoru, being the clan head isn't easy. If you truly care about Satoshi, then you should bear that pressure yourself. Perhaps, once you stand in that position, you'll find a way to change his fate."
Regret filled his voice as he spoke of Satoshi.
He had brought Satoru to the forge today for two reasons.
One was to visit Satoshi, it had been a long time since the two brothers had seen each other.
The other was to test Satoru's compatibility with a Grade 1 Cursed Tool. If possible, he intended to equip Satoru with the katana Yoru.
However, what he hadn't expected… was for Shunichi to show up and express such hostility toward Satoshi.
"I won't allow Shunichi to remain your bodyguard any longer," the old man declared.
"Understood, Clan head."
Satoru's expression turned as cold as his brother's.
If the clan head didn't punish Shunichi, then he himself would.
Because in what world, in what universe, could his brother be called a waste?
--
Inside the forge, Shunichi's face twisted in anger at Satoshi's scathing words.
He wanted to argue back, but he had no ground to stand on. So instead, he redirected his frustration toward Gojo Takuya.
"Young master Satoru will carve his own future!" Shunichi scoffed. "But tell me, was I wrong?"
"Does Gojo Takuya really have the talent to train an apprentice?"
"He claimed this weapon was a cursed tool that you forged!" Shunichi sneered, turning his mocking gaze back to Satoshi.
"You expect me to believe that? You can't even tell the difference between a cursed tool and an ordinary blade! Face it, Gojo Takuya, you're getting old. Your eyesight must be failing you."
Shunichi's taunts only made Satoshi's expression grow colder.
"Who told you this isn't a cursed tool?" Satoshi asked, his voice laced with amusement.
Shunichi let out a derisive laugh. "I figured it out myself! This weapon doesn't contain even a shred of Cursed Energy. How could it possibly be a cursed tool?"
"I can't sense a single trace of cursed energy or jujutsu from this thing. It's just a regular sword."
He spoke with full confidence.
But to his shock, Satoshi didn't even flinch.
Instead, he sneered.
Then, shaking his head, Satoshi looked at Shunichi like he was a clueless child.
You seriously think you're qualified to judge cursed tools?
You should try seeing Zenin Toji's special-grade weapons first," he said coolly. "Then come back and tell me what you think you know.
Without another word, Satoshi stretched out his right hand.
"Give it to me."
Shunichi frowned.
"Let's have a duel," Satoshi said, his tone unwavering. "Your cursed tool is a katana too, right?"
"Let's see whose weapon is truly superior."
For the first time, a flicker of unease flashed through Gojo Shunichi's eyes.
Something felt off.
Why was Satoshi so confident?
Could this sword actually be a cursed tool?
But even if it was, so what?
Satoshi didn't even have Cursed Energy.
What could he possibly do, even with a cursed weapon in his hands?
Shunichi wanted to take up Satoshi's challenge. He wanted to put this insolent brat in his place.
But deep down… he hesitated.
Striking a direct descendant of the Gojo Clan came with consequences.
As if sensing his reluctance, Satoshi smirked.
"It's fine, Uncle Shunichi. Let's make a bet."
Gojo Takuya's brows furrowed at those words.
"Master Takuya can be the witness," Satoshi continued.
"If the sword I forged is stronger than yours, you'll step down from your position and apologize to Master Takuya. Every time you see him in the future, you will keep your distance."
"But if I lose…"
Satoshi paused, his smirk widening.
"I'll never approach Satoru again. Not even once."
Shunichi's eyes widened slightly.
"How about it?" Satoshi tilted his head. "Haven't you always worried about the 'Twin Curse'?"
"If I stop interacting with Satoru, that should put your mind at ease, right?"
His voice was lighthearted. Almost playful.
But that mocking smile on his face, that was the final straw.
"Satoshi, you—!"
Takuya's expression changed.
He had always told Satoshi not to compare himself to Satoru.
But that didn't mean he wanted the brothers to become estranged.
And the stakes of this bet…
They were far too unbalanced.
Takuya opened his mouth to stop him, but Satoshi cut him off with a sharp look.
"Master Takuya, you're just here to be the witness," Satoshi said firmly.
"Now then, Uncle Shunichi…" He met Shunichi's eyes, full of confidence.
"Are you scared?"
Shunichi clenched his fists.
A direct descendant of the Gojo Clan… looking down on him like this?
Unforgivable.
For the Gojo Clan… for Master Satoru's future.
Even if I must offend a member of the main family, I accept the consequences.
"Fine," Shunichi spat through gritted teeth.
"I accept your bet, Young master Satoshi."
His fingers curled around the hilt of his own katana, his trusted Cursed Tool, Cicada Cry.
Victory was already his.
Because no matter what Satoshi thought he had.
A man with no Cursed Energy could never defeat him.