Chapter 11: Binding Sode no Shirayuki
Outside the house, Satoru's expression darkened the moment he heard the terms of the bet. Without hesitation, he moved to rush inside and stop it.
However, before he could take a single step, the old man beside him reached out and held him back.
"Satoru, wait."
"Clan head, I don't approve of this bet!"
Satoru's face was filled with frustration. He didn't understand why the old man was stopping him. If this bet went through, knowing Satoshi's personality, his brother would absolutely honor it.
"Calm yourself," the old man said, narrowing his eyes as he looked into the forge. His gaze was locked onto Satoshi.
"Satoru, you're still too impatient at times."
"You and Satoshi may be twins, but your personalities complement each other. Satoshi is too calm and methodical, while you're too impulsive and restless."
"Perhaps… fate arranged it this way."
The old man let out a slow breath before continuing, his voice steady.
"Think carefully, do you truly believe that someone like Satoshi would make a bet he couldn't win?"
"Yes, Takuya is important to him. But as his brother, you are just as important."
"Let's wait and see how this plays out. I'm curious myself."
A glint of anticipation flashed in the old man's eyes.
It had been far too long since he last paid real attention to Gojo Satoshi, who had spent his days forging cursed tools instead of engaging in combat.
Could it really be as Takuya claimed?
Had Satoshi truly managed to create a cursed tool at the age of six?
If this was true, then Satoshi possessed a different kind of genius, one that could rival or even surpass the talents of jujutsu sorcerers.
Unlike ordinary sorcerers, the old man, as the head of the Gojo Clan had a different perspective on things.
Most sorcerers viewed cursed tools as mere supporting weapons, secondary to their own strength.
But he didn't see it that way.
To him, a sorcerer wielding a powerful cursed tool was a complete sorcerer.
There was an old saying: "A true gentleman is not superior by birth but by his ability to utilize tools."
A capable sorcerer must learn to make use of cursed tools.
This was precisely why the old man had always valued Takuya so highly.
If the Gojo Clan lacked a master cursed tool forger, it would eventually lose its foundation as a dominant jujutsu family.
And yet… despite Takuya's importance, Shunichi had disrespected him so openly.
The old man's eyes narrowed.
Things have gone off track while I wasn't paying attention.
Perhaps it's time to make some changes within the family.
As for the clan's future direction?
That was something only Gojo Satoru and Gojo Satoshi could decide.
The two Six Eyes bearers would either rebuild the Gojo Clan from within, or burn it down and create something entirely new.
As for himself?
He was merely the guard dog, the one who had to ensure that this massive ship, the Gojo Clan, didn't sink before it reached its destination.
Whether Satoru and Satoshi chose to restore or destroy the ship…
That was no longer his concern.
Compared to the old man's deep contemplation, Satoru's emotions were much simpler.
"If Satoshi is truly at a disadvantage, then I'll intervene and end this bet immediately!"
His bright blue eyes remained glued to the scene inside the forge, unwilling to miss a single detail.
--
"Young master Satoshi, tell me—how do you want to conduct this competition?"
Shunichi's tone was serious as he looked at Satoshi.
In his mind, he had already won.
He was a Grade 2 sorcerer, while Satoshi had no Cursed Energy at all, just a mere ordinary human.
The weapon in his own hands was a Grade 2 Cursed Tool, personally crafted by Takuya, a master forger.
And yet… Satoshi's weapon didn't even seem like a cursed tool at all.
Even if it was one, how could a tool forged by an apprentice surpass one forged by the master himself?
Adding it all up, Shunichi couldn't see any possible way for Satoshi to win.
Honestly?
He almost felt bad for the kid.
This bet was so unfair that he was willing to accept any conditions Satoshi set.
Of course…
As long as they were reasonable.
With that, Shunichi casually tossed Sode no Shirayuki back to Satoshi.
"Since this is a battle of cursed tools, I won't use my own Cursed Energy against you."
"I'll only use the Cursed Energy stored within my weapon. That should make things fair."
His words dripped with arrogance.
After all, he was up against a six-year-old child. It felt beneath him to go all out.
But Satoshi?
He didn't respond to Shunichi at all.
His entire focus was on the Zanpakutō in his hands.
Until now, Sode no Shirayuki had remained wrapped in cloth.
Now that he could finally see its true form.
Satoshi's eyes widened.
This is… Sode no Shirayuki?
Why does it look so ordinary?
Isn't it supposed to be the most beautiful Zanpakutō in all of Soul Society?
His heart sank.
The blade before him wasn't anything like the Sode no Shirayuki from his memories.
Instead of a pristine white katana, what he held was a seemingly plain weapon.
The octagonal tsuba had a nearly rectangular shape, with flame-like patterns on the long sides and magatama designs on the short sides.
The blade itself had curved slits, along with a series of engraved reliefs on both sides.
The handle was wrapped in deep brown-red cloth.
At first glance, it looked nothing like the legendary Sode no Shirayuki.
A sharp unease crept into Satoshi's chest.
In this battle of cursed tools… my only advantage is my Zanpakutō.
But if Sode no Shirayuki doesn't respond to me.
Then I lose. Instantly.
Just then—
The system's voice echoed in his mind.
--
[ Binding Complete: Host has successfully bonded with Zanpakutō – Sode no Shirayuki (Asauchi State). ]
[ Follow the system's guidance to unlock Shikai and Bankai at your own pace. ]
[ Hint 1: A Zanpakutō's appearance, state, and abilities are shaped by the Shinigami's own soul. ]
[ Hint 2: To wield its power, the Shinigami must learn their Zanpakutō's name and engage in a mental dialogue with it. ]
[ Hint 3: Every sword has a name. By calling upon it, a Shinigami can awaken their blade's true power. ]
[ Hint 4: Bankai is the final release stage of a Zanpakutō. To achieve it, the wielder must materialize and subdue their blade's spirit. ]
Chapter 12: Kendo Experience
Through the system's explanation, Satoshi finally understood the current state of Sode no Shirayuki.
So, this is an Asauchi… It seems that every Zanpakutō I forge will start in this form. Only by learning its true name can I achieve Shikai, and by subduing its spirit, I can attain Bankai.
Fortunately, I already understand how the Shinigami system works and know the names of each Zanpakutō. Otherwise, if I had to figure out the name now, it would be too late.
Satoshi let out a quiet breath of relief.
"Sode no Shirayuki, from now on, we will face this world together."
He whispered the name of his Zanpakutō and slowly unwrapped the cloth covering its blade.
His actions made Takuya anxious, caused Shunichi to sneer, and left Satoru, watching from outside, feeling tense.
"Satoru, are you nervous?"
The old man beside him noticed Satoru's emotions and smiled.
It was the first time he had ever seen Satoru, usually carefree and eccentric showing signs of nervousness.
So, Satoru can get nervous… just not for himself.
The old man shook his head, then reached out to ruffle Satoru's hair before speaking in a calm yet firm voice:
"Satoshi is speaking to his cursed tool. Relax, I can sense something different about that weapon."
"Satoru, have faith in Satoshi. If nothing unexpected happens, the cursed tool in his hands should be even more powerful than we imagined..."
Satoru nodded slightly, though his gaze remained locked onto Satoshi.
Regardless of the old man's words, his decision had already been made.
If anything unexpected happened, then he would become the "unexpected" factor in this bet.
--
"Sode no Shirayuki… That's a beautiful name."
Takuya, who had witnessed the entire forging process, found the name fitting. It was elegant, pure, and perfectly matched the blade that had taken shape in Satoshi's hands.
"Sode no Shirayuki? No matter how nice the name is, it's still just an ordinary weapon."
Gojo Shunichi scoffed in disdain.
To him, cursed tools were just tools. Naming them was pointless.
Whether it was Gojo Satoshi's Sode no Shirayuki or his own Cicada Cry, these names were nothing more than labels.
"Enough talk. Let's get started!"
"Uncle Shunichi, you should draw your cursed tool now."
Satoshi held the Asauchi firmly, its size making it look out of place in the hands of a six-year-old.
"This is my cursed tool—Cicada Cry!"
Shunichi unsheathed his katana and assumed a defensive stance.
"Young master Satoshi, you attack first, and I'll defend. I'll show you the true power of a cursed tool!"
--
Clang! Clang! Clang!
The sound of swords clashing filled the forge.
Satoshi pressed forward, striking with his Asauchi again and again.
Shunichi, wielding Cicada Cry, easily parried each blow.
The difference in experience between the two was vast.
Although both wielded swords, Satoshi had zero kendo training, while Shunichi was a recognized master of the art, one of the strongest swordsmen in the entire Gojo Clan.
It was precisely because of this skill that Shunichi was so confident.
Even so, he didn't use his full strength.
After all, his opponent was just a six-year-old child.
As much as he despised Satoshi, his pride as a swordsman prevented him from outright crushing the boy.
Still…
This sword…
Even as he casually deflected Satoshi's strikes, a thought nagged at the back of Shunichi's mind.
Why hasn't my blade cut through his yet? Shouldn't it have bent or broken by now?
By all logic, an ordinary weapon should have already sustained damage.
Yet Sode no Shirayuki remained completely intact.
Could this really be a cursed tool?
Shunichi frowned.
He couldn't sense any cursed energy from it, something that went against the very nature of cursed tools.
Meanwhile, Satoshi had a completely different reaction.
[The host is receiving instruction from a sword master. Kendo experience 10.]
[The host is receiving instruction from a sword master. Kendo experience 10.]
[The host is receiving instruction from a sword master. Kendo experience 10.]
With every attack, his system rewarded him with kendo experience.
Wait… Is this guy actually giving me free training?
The realization made Satoshi's eyes light up.
Originally, his plan had been simple: activate Shikai as quickly as possible and let Shunichi witness the true power of Sode no Shirayuki.
But now?
Now he had found an opportunity to farm experience.
There was no way he would pass up on this.
With that thought in mind, Satoshi not only continued attacking but also began provoking Shunichi.
"Uncle Shunichi, is this really your cursed tool?"
"If you keep blocking like this, won't my Sode no Shirayuki get bent first?"
"So… You still don't believe it's a cursed tool?"
His childish voice carried an innocent tone, but the words were deliberate, forcing Shunichi to keep defending.
"A cursed tool? At most, the material is just a little stronger. That doesn't prove anything."
"Let's see if you can even swing that sword a hundred times before talking big."
Shunichi sneered.
He still refused to acknowledge Sode no Shirayuki as a true cursed tool.
Besides, no matter how strong the sword was, it wouldn't matter.
Satoshi was just a kid, his stamina wouldn't last long.
And he was right.
By the time Satoshi had swung thirty times, his strength was already starting to fade.
Forging Sode no Shirayuki earlier had already drained him, and now swinging a full-sized katana repeatedly was taking its toll.
Even with the benefits of his Heavenly Restriction, he was still only six years old.
"Thirty-one... thirty-two... thirty-three..."
His arms burned with exhaustion, but each system notification kept his motivation high.
He knew this was a rare opportunity.
If he won this bet, Shunichi would never let him spar like this again.
"Forty... forty-one..."
By the time he reached forty-three strikes, his arms felt like lead.
But in exchange, his system had rewarded him 430 points of kendo experience.
For the first time, his kendo proficiency on the system panel moved—0% to 1%.
This is too slow...
Once his swordsmanship experience reached the threshold, he could unlock Hakuda (hand-to-hand combat techniques).
Among the four basic Soul Reaper combat styles—Zanjutsu (swordsmanship), Hakuda (hand-to-hand combat), Hohō (mobility), and Kidō (demon arts)—Hakuda was the one that best suited his body at the moment.
After all, Heavenly Restriction made his physical abilities far superior to normal.
Without a cursed tool in hand, his body itself would become his strongest weapon.
I need to grind more kendo experience and master Hakuda as soon as possible!
And the fastest way to do that…
Was to keep forcing Shunichi to fight him.
Chapter 13: Dance Sode no Shirayuki!
At this moment, facing Satoshi's weak and sluggish sword swings, Shunichi's patience had reached its limit.
By the time Satoshi swung his sword for the forty-third time, Shunichi could already tell, Satoshi was exhausted.
Yet, despite over forty strikes, the blade remained unbent.
Shunichi was slightly shocked. If this Sode no Shirayuki had truly been forged by Takuya, then the craftsmanship was truly extraordinary.
Even so, he still did not believe that Sode no Shirayuki was a Cursed Tool.
"Young Master Satoshi, that's enough!" Shunichi said, his tone laced with impatience. "I'm done playing this fencing game with you. Let me show you what a real Cursed Tool is..."
Shunichi felt he had already shown enough respect for the direct descendant of the Gojo Clan. He wasn't willing to waste any more time.
Blocking Satoshi's next strike with ease, Shunichi channeled his Cursed Energy into his weapon.
"Cicada, harass the enemy!"
As his Cursed Energy surged into the blade, the forge was suddenly filled with the sound of countless cicadas chirping from seemingly nowhere.
"Cicada" means cicada! The sound of cicadas... was just that—the chirping of cicadas!
But this was the ability of Gojo Shunichi's Cursed Tool.
Its power was simple yet insidious by using the sharp, piercing cry of a cicada, it disrupted the opponent's will for a split second. Simultaneously, it allowed the user to unleash an air blade as thin as a cicada's wing.
This was his weapon—a Grade 2 Cursed Tool. Cicada's Cry!
"Satoshi, stay focused!"
As the forger of Cicada's Cry, Takuya knew its power all too well.
He knew that while Shunichi wouldn't use the air blade to physically harm Satoshi, the sudden mental interference from the cicada's cry wouldn't be easy to endure either.
From Takuya's perspective, the outcome was already set in stone.
At first, he had hoped that Sode no Shirayuki would serve as Satoshi's trump card. But after watching the battle, it was clear, the sword had strength, but no real power.
Others might be impressed that Sode no Shirayuki had endured over forty clashes without so much as bending, but Takuya wasn't surprised.
After all, he had integrated a Grade 1 Cursed Tool into Sode no Shirayuki's core.
Still, was this the end? Was Gojo Satoshi truly going to lose?
--
Outside the forge, Satoru stood watching, his body already brimming with Cursed Energy, prepared to intervene.
Like Takuya, he believed Satoshi was at a disadvantage. The katana named Sode no Shirayuki seemed incapable of resisting the power of Cicada's Cry.
But just as before, the elder beside him stopped him.
"Satoru, where do you think you're going?"
Satoru's expression was filled with dissatisfaction. For a moment, he even began to doubt the clan leader's intentions. Did he truly want to see Satoshi fail? Was he deliberately preventing him from reaching out to his younger brother?
Seeing Satoru so agitated, the old man shook his head with a chuckle.
"Logically speaking, you and Takuya should be the ones who understand Satoshi best, shouldn't you?"
"So why are you more impatient than an old man like me?"
"Look at Satoshi's face. Does he look like someone who's cornered?"
Satoru frowned and turned his gaze toward Satoshi. In that instant, his body stiffened.
There was no panic on Satoshi's face.
Instead, there was a confident smile.
"What's going on?"
"Could it be that Satoshi still has another card up his sleeve?"
"Could Sode no Shirayuki have another ability?"
"But if that's the case, why did he fight Shunichi for so long? What was the point?"
There was no doubt, Satoru and Takuya had both been misled by Satoshi's seemingly meaningless forty-three strikes.
Without a system, they couldn't possibly understand what Satoshi had gained from those attacks.
This time, Satoru chose to believe in his brother.
He wanted to see what Satoshi had prepared.
He wanted Satoshi to prove himself, to convince Shunichi through his own strength.
Because he knew, his brother was no failure.
--
Meanwhile, inside the forge, Satoshi tightened his grip around Sode no Shirayuki, feeling the flow of Cursed Energy within.
"It seems... this is the limit of what I can gain from this."
Shaking his head slightly, Satoshi cleared his mind. Then, raising his right hand to eye level, he called out:
"Dance, Sode no Shirayuki!"
The moment he spoke, the Asauchi in his hand began to change.
The blade, the guard, and the hilt—all turned pure white.
The blade itself shifted from its squared shape to an elegant oval, six hollowed-out patterns emerging across its surface.
At the base of the hilt, a mysterious engraving appeared, and a white ribbon materialized at the end.
Everyone in the forge was stunned.
"What just happened?!"
"I didn't even blink, how did the Cursed Tool suddenly change form?"
"How could it shift so drastically just because Satoshi said those words?"
Seeing Sode no Shirayuki's true form, Shunichi could no longer deny the truth.
This was no ordinary katana.
Takuya had been right all along, this was a Cursed Tool!
"Such an incredible weapon exists? Satoshi's talent isn't in sorcery… it's in forging Cursed Tools?"
"A shape-shifting Cursed Tool… something like this could revolutionize the entire Jujutsu world!"
The elder beside Satoru watched intently, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
At that moment, he saw Satoshi's future clearly, one that diverged from both Satoru's path and the traditional ways of the Gojo Clan.
A future where Satoshi walked his own road…
"It's beautiful."
"The true form of Sode no Shirayuki is breathtaking. It suits Satoshi so perfectly, it reflects his very presence."
"Is this truly something he forged? Satoshi… never ceases to amaze me."
Satoru's piercing blue eyes shone with joy.
No matter how powerful Sode no Shirayuki turned out to be, the mere fact that Satoshi had created a Cursed Tool at such a young age had already shattered all conventional expectations.
Satoru had the strongest talent for sorcery.
But Satoshi, he had the strongest talent for forging.
And together, the two of them… would become the strongest duo in the entire Jujutsu world.
Yes—Sode no Shirayuki suited Satoshi perfectly.
Of course… it would also suit him just as well.
--
Takuya's hands trembled slightly as he stared at the blade.
"It's real! This is real!"
"So that's why I couldn't fully unleash its true form before, it wasn't because of the forging, but because I was using it incorrectly!"
The aura surrounding Sode no Shirayuki was overwhelming.
Had he not seen it with his own eyes, he would have never believed that such a masterpiece had been created by a six-year-old child.
"This power… this frost energy… is this truly Cursed Energy?"
"Could it be that Satoshi… has somehow broken the very rules of the Jujutsu world?"
Takuya's eyes were locked onto Satoshi.
He knew, this sword held more than just raw strength.
There was something hidden within it.
Something beyond what any Cursed Tool had ever achieved before.
This was the judgment of a master craftsman.
Chapter 14: Snow Falls! The Most Beautiful Zanpakutō
"Young Master Satoshi! Even if you can forge a Cursed Tool, do you really think your Sode no Shirayuki is stronger than my Cicada's Cry?"
"The world of Cursed Tools is far deeper than you think, Young Master Satoshi!"
Feeling the energy emanating from Sode no Shirayuki, Shunichi couldn't identify what it was, but he instinctively categorized it as Cursed Energy.
Even so, he remained confident.
He believed that Satoshi wouldn't be able to withstand the interference of Cicada's Cry for long.
After all, Satoshi was just a six-year-old child. His mental fortitude couldn't possibly endure against Cicada's Cry.
"Is that so?" Satoshi raised an eyebrow. "As a Cursed Tool master, don't you think I understand this business better than you do?"
With a casual motion, Satoshi raised Sode no Shirayuki and pressed the flat of the blade against his own skin.
The biting chill instantly dispelled the haze clouding his mind.
The relentless, invasive sound of cicadas—silenced.
"Cicada's Cry is indeed powerful," Satoshi said calmly. "But I'm sorry… Sode no Shirayuki is stronger."
Then, he chanted:
"First Dance: White Moon!"
With a graceful sweep of his sword, Satoshi traced a circle on the ground with the tip of Sode no Shirayuki.
In the next moment, an icy chill spread outward from the mark.
"This is—!"
Satoru, hyper-aware of even the slightest fluctuations in Cursed Energy, felt his expression shift.
He could tell immediately, this wasn't Cursed Energy.
But its flow… was exactly the same.
Moreover, this technique, First Dance: White Moon, felt eerily similar to a Cursed Technique.
Satoshi… if you can't use Jujutsu, then… are you forging Cursed Tools capable of producing their own Cursed Energy and techniques?
That was the only explanation Satoru could think of.
Meanwhile, inside the forge, both Shunichi and Takuya were utterly stunned.
Within the circle of frost, the temperature plummeted at an alarming rate.
The biting cold spread through their bodies, chilling them to the core.
It felt as if, at any moment, their very blood might freeze solid.
Is this truly a Cursed Tool… wielded by someone without any Cursed Energy?
For the first time, Shunichi felt something he hadn't before—fear.
If someone without Cursed Energy could use Cursed Tools to unleash techniques like this, then wouldn't that mean…?
The gap between sorcerers and ordinary people would shrink.
Dramatically.
Is Satoshi really this terrifying?
A single person… forging such a weapon… could he be on the verge of reshaping the entire Jujutsu world?
In Shunichi's grip, Cicada's Cry began to tremble.
Cicadas only sing in the warmth of summer.
Before the overwhelming force of winter, the song of cicadas could only fall into silence.
"Watch out!"
At that moment, both Satoru and the elder outside the forge reacted instantly, using Limitless to shield Shunichi and Takuya.
A split second later, an enormous avalanche of snow erupted from the icy formation on the ground, surging upward and blowing the entire roof off the forge.
The once-blazing furnace was instantly frozen solid.
At that moment—
The entire Gojo estate was shaken.
All across the clan grounds, sorcerers turned their heads toward the source of the disturbance, their expressions shifting in shock.
The sight of a towering snowfall rising within the Gojo compound sent waves of unease through them.
"What's happening?! Why would such a massive technique be released inside the estate?"
"Is someone attacking the Gojo family?"
Without hesitation, a group of sorcerers dropped what they were doing and rushed toward the forge.
Within the Gojo Clan, there was only one person worthy of being targeted by an assassination—Gojo Satoru, wielder of the Six Eyes.
And they would never allow the future of the clan to be harmed.
Every sorcerer moved swiftly, guided by that unshakable conviction.
--
Meanwhile, inside the now-exposed forge, Satoshi gripped Sode no Shirayuki and gazed at the icy devastation he had created.
In that moment, he understood.
He had finally gained a trump card.
For six years, he had been powerless.
But now?
So what if I don't have Cursed Energy?
So what if I can't use a Cursed Technique?
I have a Zanpakutō.
Right now, it was Sode no Shirayuki.
But in the future, he would forge Katen Kyōkotsu, Sōgyo no Kotowari, Kyōka Suigetsu, Ryūjin Jakka…
One by one, he would create them all.
And then—
He would wield the power of multiple Zanpakutō at the same time.
In this world, each Zanpakutō is equivalent to a sorcerer.
You think I'm worthless just because I lack Jujutsu?
Fine. I don't need the Gojo Clan's protection. Because soon, I'll build an army of my own.
Satoshi chuckled softly, raising Sode no Shirayuki before him.
"As expected… you are the most beautiful Zanpakutō."
"In this world, there is no Kuchiki Rukia to be your master. From now on, you will follow me into battle."
His reflection in the pristine, icy blade revealed a young boy with snow-white hair and burning determination in his eyes.
I won't be a bystander anymore.
Ryomen Sukuna.
One day, I will see for myself the power that split the Gojo clan in half.
--
Within the protective veil of Limitless, Shunichi and Takuya remained silent, their gazes fixed on Satoshi.
At that moment, Shunichi fully accepted the truth.
He had lost.
Completely.
The Sode no Shirayuki in Satoshi's hands was leagues beyond Cicada's Cry.
This wasn't just a powerful Cursed Tool.
It was something entirely outside his imagination.
"Young Master! Young Master Satoru! Are you alright?"
More sorcerers had arrived, their eyes filled with urgency.
Seeing Satoru still maintaining Limitless, they immediately went on high alert, scanning the area for an enemy presence.
But they found nothing.
No assassins.
No traces of an intruder.
Only—
Satoshi, standing calmly in the middle of the forge, holding a pure white katana.
The newly arrived sorcerers looked at each other in confusion.
"Wasn't there supposed to be an attack?"
As even more sorcerers gathered, the elder's eyes flickered with contemplation before he finally spoke:
"Takuya encountered an issue while forging a Cursed Tool. That's all. There's nothing to worry about, go back to your duties."
"Do not let anyone else approach. The forge has been… unstable. It could be dangerous for those unfamiliar with the situation."
His voice was steady and authoritative. But to those who knew better.
It was an excuse.
Everyone could tell.
If this was truly about forging a Cursed Tool, then why is Young Master Satoshi the one standing unharmed, while Master Takuya had to be protected by Satoru?
Did something happen… to Young Master Satoshi?
Could it be… that the 'useless twin' isn't actually useless at all?
The thought crossed their minds, but they quickly forced it aside.
Within the Gojo Clan, the words of the Head and Deputy Head were absolute.
If the elder had decided that this matter was not to be spoken of.
Then they would take this secret to their graves.
Under his command, the gathered sorcerers swiftly dispersed.
And soon, within a few hundred meters of the forge.
Only Satoshi and the others remained.
Chapter 15: Sode no Shirayuki's Rank? I'll Set My Own Standards
The elder and Satoru descended from the sky. As soon as they landed, Satoru deactivated Limitless and released Shunichi and Takuya.
"Satoshi, did you forge this Sode no Shirayuki yourself?"
Satoru's face was filled with curiosity as he walked over to his younger brother.
He realized that, despite being together for six years, he didn't truly understand Satoshi.
For so long, he had carried guilt over what had happened in the womb, blaming himself for Satoshi's lack of Cursed Energy. He had always wanted to find a way to restore Satoshi's abilities, to make him a sorcerer like himself.
But now, he was shocked to discover that his younger brother's talent was no less than his own.
Even though Satoshi couldn't wield Jujutsu, the Cursed Tools he forged held power comparable to that of a sorcerer.
In Satoru's eyes, when Satoshi wielded Sode no Shirayuki, wasn't he essentially a sorcerer with the power of ice?
And more than that, his technique was completely unique.
"Yeah, I created it in a moment of inspiration," Satoshi nodded, raising Sode no Shirayuki and giving it a light swing. As the blade moved, its pristine white form gradually faded, reverting to the appearance of an Asauchi.
"But I don't call it a Cursed Tool—I call it a Zanpakutō."
"Zanpakutō?"
Satoru didn't fully grasp the meaning behind the name, but he could clearly tell that Satoshi had established an entirely new path within the world of Cursed Tools.
"It's hard to believe... Since Sode no Shirayuki was able to defeat Shunichi's Cicada's Cry, does that mean it's already at the level of a Grade 1 Cursed Tool?"
Satoru was constantly evaluating Satoshi's strength. He was genuinely curious, who was stronger?
Him, the sorcerer born with the Six Eyes?
Or Satoshi, the forger of Cursed Tools, who also possessed the Six Eyes?
To outsiders, it was obvious, Satoru was stronger.
But to Satoru himself, who had yet to reach his full potential, he wasn't so sure he would have the upper hand against Sode no Shirayuki.
"I guess you could say that."
Satoshi wasn't entirely sure how to categorize a Zanpakutō.
In Soul Society, Sode no Shirayuki might not be among the strongest Zanpakutō, but as the most beautiful, it still held a special status.
Saying it was equivalent to a Grade 1 Cursed Tool wouldn't be inaccurate.
But in Satoshi's eyes, Sode no Shirayuki stood somewhere between Grade 1 and Special Grade.
After all, for a Soul Reaper, a Zanpakutō was practically an extension of their very existence. Without one, most couldn't even fight.
To simply classify Sode no Shirayuki as a Grade 1 Cursed Tool… felt unfair.
With that thought, Satoshi's lips curled into a slight smirk as he whispered to Satoru:
"My Zanpakutō doesn't need to be ranked by the standards of the Jujutsu world. Every Zanpakutō I forge will be one of a kind."
"Sode no Shirayuki is Sode no Shirayuki, its strength depends entirely on the strength of its wielder."
Satoshi patted Satoru's shoulder, sheathed his Asauchi, and turned to face Gojo Shunichi, who stood silently nearby.
"Uncle Shunichi, I believe I won this bet, didn't I?"
His voice was calm, yet it drew everyone's attention.
The elder and Satoru, who had been present from the beginning, both understood the terms of the bet between Shunichi and Satoshi.
Shunichi's expression darkened, but he didn't deny it.
Without a word, he looked down at the Cicada's Cry in his hand, then silently tucked it away at his waist and walked over to Takuya.
"Master Takuya, I have overstepped today. Please forgive my behavior."
Shunichi knelt on the cold ground, pressing his forehead to the floor in a deep bow—Dogeza.
"From now on, wherever you are, I will keep my distance, just as Young Master Satoshi wished."
The moment Shunichi finished speaking, the towering ice waterfall in the forge suddenly shattered. The frost dissipated into the air, vanishing without a trace.
Takuya watched Shunichi for a long moment before shaking his head.
"I don't need you to avoid me. What I need is for you to show proper respect to Satoshi."
"He also possesses the Six Eyes. He is Satoru's younger brother. And he is a direct descendant of the Gojo Clan."
This time, Takuya made the stance of the Twin Curse Faction explicitly clear in front of the clan leader.
Before, they had dismissed Satoshi as a powerless child, one who should accept his fate and live a quiet, ordinary life.
But after today, they had witnessed his extraordinary talent firsthand.
To simply cast him aside now would be unacceptable.
Shunichi fell silent. His gaze flickered between Satoru and Satoshi, studying them carefully.
And then, for the first time, he realized something.
Despite everything, despite the so-called Curse of the Twins, the two of them had always been close.
Even now, their bond remained completely unshaken.
Two identical boys, standing side by side.
If one didn't look closely, it was impossible to tell who was Gojo Satoru and who was Gojo Satoshi.
… Had we been wrong from the very beginning?
Had our prejudice against Satoshi been completely misplaced?
The Six Eyes are the savior of the Gojo Clan.
Gojo Satoru possesses the Six Eyes.
Gojo Satoshi also possesses the Six Eyes.
How could ordinary people like us dare to judge whether one set of Six Eyes is real or fake?
For the first time, Gojo Shunichi began to doubt the Twin Curse Theory.
Among ordinary sorcerers, twins were considered an ill omen.
But when it came to the sacred Six Eyes… was it still a curse?
If it was truly a curse, then why would the Six Eyes manifest in both of them?
Shunichi's gaze remained fixed on Satoshi.
A child without Cursed Energy, yet capable of forging weapons as powerful as a sorcerer's techniques.
Perhaps… Takuya was right.
The future of the Gojo Clan didn't rest solely on Satoru's shoulders.
Gojo Satoshi… would also be part of that future.
Shunichi slowly lowered himself to the ground, kneeling before Satoshi.
He pressed his forehead to the floor and spoke in a loud, steady voice:
"Young Master Satoshi, I was arrogant."
"I judged the existence of the Six Eyes with prejudice and was blinded by my beliefs about the twin curse."
"But today, I have seen your talent. In the future, you and Master Satoru will undoubtedly stand at the pinnacle of the Jujutsu world."
"For my past disrespect, I am willing to accept any punishment."
Chapter 16: The Kendo Master Becomes My Instructor
Shunichi had undergone a complete transformation in perspective.
He once believed that after witnessing Satoru's overwhelming talent in Jujutsu, nothing else in the world could surprise him.
No matter how gifted another person was, they could never compare to Gojo Satoru.
But now, he realized—he was wrong.
In the field of Jujutsu, Satoru stood unrivaled. But in other areas, Satoshi was just as extraordinary.
Satoshi, meanwhile, was surprised by the drastic shift in Shunichi's attitude.
He had assumed that Shunichi would be the first true antagonist he would face within the Gojo Clan. But never did he expect the man to admit his mistakes so bluntly.
It completely disrupted all of Satoshi's previous expectations.
While Satoshi was considering how to handle this situation, Satoru spoke up beside him.
"Shunichi, your disrespect toward Satoshi has deeply influenced the entire clan's perception of him. I've decided to revoke your position as captain of the guard."
Satoru's voice was cold and unforgiving.
Despite the years Shunichi had spent protecting him, Satoru showed no hesitation in delivering this punishment.
Shunichi stiffened but made no objections.
The elder beside them added, "Shunichi, I witnessed everything that happened today. Your character still needs refining. From now on, you will be reassigned to guard the back gate of the Gojo estate."
This was the conclusion he had promised Satoru.
"Yes, sir. I accept this punishment."
Shunichi's mood sank.
To outsiders, it was absurd for someone of his skill—a master of Kendo—to be relegated to a mere gatekeeper.
In any family outside of the Big Three, someone like him would be revered.
Yet here, in the Gojo Clan, he accepted his demotion without a word of protest.
Satoshi watched the scene unfold, his expression shifting slightly.
"Clan Head, I have a request."
The elder turned to Satoshi, narrowing his eyes as he observed the twin he had once chosen to spare.
"Oh? Satoshi, what is it? I admit I have neglected you over the past six years, allowing someone like Shunichi to discriminate against you."
"Whatever you need, I will grant it."
The elder's clouded eyes held anticipation. He was genuinely curious, what would Satoshi, a child who had rarely been granted anything in this family, ask for?
From the moment Satoshi was born, the elder had sensed something unique about him.
Had he been born into another clan, he might have been feared, even labeled an omen.
But he was a Gojo, a bearer of the sacred Six Eyes.
A child born with such innate knowledge was not a curse but an anomaly worth observing.
Would he ask to study the family's most guarded Jujutsu secrets?
Would he demand a higher status within the clan?
The elder was eager to hear Satoshi's answer.
But the moment Satoshi made his request, even he was stunned.
Even Satoru and Takuya, standing nearby, subconsciously widened their eyes.
"Clan Head, I want Uncle Shunichi to teach me Kendo."
"...What?"
Shunichi instinctively looked up, utterly shocked.
Did Satoshi not understand his own position?
He had openly declared himself a member of the Twin Curse Faction.
Even the elder voiced his concerns.
"Satoshi, do you realize that Shunichi represents a faction that has been hostile toward you?"
Satoshi nodded and shrugged.
"And what does that have to do with me? I only want to learn Kendo. As far as I know, Uncle Shunichi is the most skilled swordsman in the family. Is he not qualified to teach me?"
To Satoshi, it didn't matter who his instructor was.
But having a master of Shunichi's caliber would undoubtedly accelerate his progress.
Right now, his two main priorities were:
1. Forging Zanpakutō. His trump card for the future.
2. Mastering Kendo. The foundation needed to unlock advanced Soul Reaper techniques—Hakuda, Shunpo, and Kidō.
Both were indispensable.
And since he would be spending most of his time in the forge, it was only logical to find a nearby teacher.
Why go searching elsewhere when the perfect instructor was already being stationed at the back gate, right next to the forge?
He could practice Kendo between forging sessions.
There was no reason not to take advantage of the opportunity.
Satoshi's proposal left the elder and Satoru deep in thought.
After a brief exchange of glances, they came to a decision.
They didn't know Satoshi's true intentions.
But considering he had already demonstrated the ability to forge Cursed Tools at six years old, they saw no reason to deny such a simple request.
Besides, the elder had already acknowledged Satoshi's talent in forging Sode no Shirayuki.
It was only natural for him to seek further improvement in swordsmanship.
And so, the once-hostile Shunichi was assigned a new role.
No longer Satoru's bodyguard.
But instead, Satoshi's Kendo instructor and sparring partner.
With the matter of Shunichi resolved, the elder finally revealed the true reason he had brought Satoru here today.
Chapter 17: Satoru – My Zanpakutō Must Be Cool Enough
"Cursed Tool Yoru... I was hoping to have this weapon prepared for Satoru."
The elder made his request to Takuya without hesitation. To him, this Cursed Tool should have still been in Takuya's possession.
However, after hearing this request, Takuya suddenly looked uncomfortable. His eyes flickered toward Satoshi several times, and the atmosphere fell into silence.
After being glanced at four or five times, Satoshi finally couldn't hold back.
"Master Takuya, isn't Yoru with you? Since the patriarch is asking for it, just hand it over. I can always forge more Cursed Tools in the future."
Satoshi assumed Takuya was simply reluctant to part with a Grade 1 Cursed Tool, so he urged him to comply.
How could a Cursed Tool master like Takuya refuse the clan leader's direct request?
Yet, instead of responding right away, Takuya's expression grew even more strained.
"Clan Head... Yoru is no longer available."
"What? What do you mean by that, Takuya?"
The elder frowned in confusion.
Satoru, Satoshi, and even Shunichi turned their heads at the same time, their gazes questioning.
Seeing Satoshi's puzzled expression, Takuya realized something, Satoshi hadn't even noticed that Yoru had been consumed during the forging of Sode no Shirayuki.
With a helpless sigh, Takuya explained the process of how Satoshi had unknowingly used Yoru as a material for his forging.
As the explanation ended, everyone's gaze shifted toward Satoshi.
Satoshi scratched his head, feeling slightly embarrassed.
So Yoru disappeared because of me?
After hearing Takuya's words, Satoshi recalled that during the forging process, he had indeed taken out a particularly cold material from the side.
He hadn't realized it was Yoru!
Using a Grade 1 Cursed Tool as forging material... I really went all out, huh?
"In other words, Clan Head," Takuya concluded, "Yoru has already become Sode no Shirayuki. There's no way to give it to Satoru now."
The elder nodded, albeit helplessly.
Although he had failed to secure a powerful weapon for Satoru, he considered it a fair trade to have gained insight into the forging principles behind Satoshi's Zanpakutō.
Going forward, he intended to have other Cursed Tool masters experiment, could they replicate Satoshi's methods? Could existing Cursed Tools be reforged into something even more powerful?
However, he also recognized the bond between Satoru and Satoshi.
He was certain that Satoshi would eventually forge a weapon suited specifically for Satoru.
Some things were best left to the younger generation.
With that decision made, the elder took his leave.
As soon as he was gone, Satoru's suppressed personality burst free.
"Satoshi, I want a Zanpakutō too. Got it?"
Although he admired Sode no Shirayuki, it belonged to Satoshi, and he wouldn't steal something so important from him.
Still, that didn't mean he wouldn't demand one of his own.
Hearing Satoru's demand, Satoshi rolled his eyes.
"You think a Zanpakutō is easy to forge? Keep dreaming, Satoru."
In an instant, Satoru appeared beside Satoshi, wrapping an arm around his brother's neck in a playful but firm headlock.
"I don't care how hard it is, I want one!" he declared. "A Zanpakutō with an ability as cool as Sode no Shirayuki!"
Struggling for breath, Satoshi slapped at Satoru's arm in surrender.
"Alright, alright! I'll make one for you! But Satoru, you have to agree to one condition!"
Satoru released him immediately. "A condition? Sure, name it."
Rubbing his sore neck, Satoshi took a deep breath, then spoke seriously:
"Satoru, no matter how strong you become in the future, you must always carry this Zanpakutō with you! Even if you become the strongest sorcerer in the world, you must have it by your side at all times."
Satoshi knew his brother's future.
As the face of the Gojo Clan, Satoru would one day wield Special-Grade Cursed Tools.
Yet, in every major battle, he would rely solely on his own abilities, fighting barehanded.
Because once he became the strongest sorcerer, Cursed Tools would become nothing more than burdens.
There wouldn't be an enemy in existence that could force him to rely on a weapon.
But no one could have predicted that the world's strongest sorcerer, the man believed to be invincible would eventually be taken down.
In this life, Satoshi had been reborn as Gojo Satoru's younger brother.
The bond between them was real. He would never allow Satoru to repeat the same mistakes.
This time, he would make sure Satoru never let go of his Zanpakutō, just like the Soul Reapers of the Gotei 13.
"Satoru, do you accept?"
Faced with Satoshi's sudden intensity, the usually carefree Satoru unconsciously straightened his posture.
He didn't know why Satoshi was making such a strange request.
But he could feel the deep concern behind his words.
After a brief moment of thought, Satoru nodded.
"I accept. But I have one condition too."
"If I'm going to carry this Zanpakutō with me at all times..." Satoru grinned.
"Then it has to be cool enough."
Satoshi was speechless.
Of course.
Even now, Satoru was already showing signs of becoming the overly dramatic, self-absorbed sorcerer he would be in the future.
Letting out a long sigh, Satoshi nodded.
"Yeah, yeah, I get it. I'll make sure it's the coolest Zanpakutō possible."
As he gave in to Satoru's demand, his mind was already working, considering which Soul Society Zanpakutō would best suit Gojo Satoru.
If the world's strongest sorcerer wielded an equally powerful Zanpakutō...
Then even Ryomen Sukuna himself might never be able to defeat Gojo Satoru.
Chapter 18: A Meeting Between Satoshi and Toji
"Satoshi, you need to clean up properly today!"
Takuya woke Satoshi up early in the morning. A group of attendants entered his room, immediately assisting him in washing up and dressing.
"What's going on?"
Still half-asleep, Satoshi looked around in confusion, completely unaware of what day it was.
Last night, he had practiced swordplay with Shunichi until late, finally managing to raise his kendo proficiency to 80%. He had planned to push it to the max today and then move on to actual combat training.
So why was his precious sleep being disturbed so early in the morning?
"I knew you'd forget! I reminded you a week ago, today is the day the Zenin clan and other jujutsu families are visiting."
"As direct descendants of the Gojo clan, you and Satoru must attend. You two are the real reason for the Zenin clan's visit."
"They came here to see the future of the Gojo clan."
As the attendant wiped Satoshi's face with a warm towel, he instantly became more alert.
So today is the day I meet Zenin Toji?
A strange anticipation welled up in his heart. Zenin Toji, the man who would one day become Gojo Satoru's greatest enemy.
A person without cursed energy and a person with the Six Eyes, two outcasts in opposite extremes of the jujutsu world. They had never had the chance to meet before.
But today, in the Gojo clan's estate, the only two individuals utterly devoid of cursed energy were finally going to come face-to-face.
"The Zenin clan, huh? This should be interesting..."
Satoshi allowed the attendants to dress him as he thought about how to establish a connection with Zenin Toji.
I wonder what kind of mindset Toji has right now. He shouldn't be completely twisted yet... After all, there's still a long time before he leaves the Zenin clan.
If possible, I need to prevent him and Satoru from becoming enemies in the future. Satoru only mastered the Reverse Cursed Technique because of his battle with Toji, but that doesn't mean he has to get killed in the process just to learn it.
If, during that fight, Toji had used the Inverted Spear of Heaven to nullify Satoru's technique activation before slashing his throat, Satoru might have actually died. That alone could have changed the entire timeline of Jujutsu Kaisen...
If both sides can maintain a good relationship, maybe Toji doesn't have to be Satoru's enemy. Maybe, just maybe, he could even be his friend.
Most importantly, Toji has no real sense of belonging to the Zenin clan! If I could introduce him to a girl from the Gojo clan, maybe, just maybe... he could become Gojo Toji instead.
With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Satoshi was led out of his room by Takuya.
Outside the smithing hall, Satoru was already waiting.
"Hmm? Satoru, why aren't you going in? What are you standing outside for?"
Satoshi looked at him in confusion. Seeing Satoru's delicate features, almost like a porcelain doll, he suddenly remembered, oh right, they were still just six-year-old kids.
"Why would I go in? Just to get manhandled by those women again?"
Satoru looked at Satoshi helplessly. Seeing that Satoshi was dressed in the same blue kimono as him, a trace of sympathy flashed in his eyes.
At that moment, Satoshi suddenly recalled the sheer horror of being surrounded and dressed up by a group of attendants earlier.
He was just a child, yet he had to be washed, dressed, and groomed without any say in the matter...
Perhaps that's why he had emptied his mind and thought about the Zenin clan so much, to distract himself.
"Satoru, you look way too young in that outfit."
Satoshi subconsciously voiced his thoughts.
At that, Satoru immediately shot back:
"And you think you don't? We're literally wearing the same thing! If I look young, so do you!"
The two exchanged glances and then burst into laughter.
"Young Masters Satoru, Satoshi, we should head out now."
Shunichi approached them, holding a large black paper umbrella.
Noticing it, Satoshi realized, it was snowing outside.
--
At the Gojo Clan's Main Gate
A middle-aged man with a sinister expression stepped into the Gojo estate, followed by a group of people dressed in formal kimonos embroidered with the Zenin clan's crest.
This was the delegation from the Zenin clan, led by Zenin Ogi. Their purpose was to visit the Gojo family and greet the next heir of the Six Eyes.
"Even so, I wonder just how powerful the Gojo clan's new Six Eyes really are..."
Two older youths accompanied Zenin Ogi. One had a scar across his face, looking older and more aggressive, while the other had an indifferent expression, showing no interest in anything.
"Jinichi, If you wanted to come here, you could've just come on your own. Why drag me along? I'm not even a sorcerer."
"This is supposed to be a meeting between jujutsu families. I'm just a normal person."
Zenin Toji sighed, clearly unenthusiastic. Though he was curious about the Six Eyes, he had no real desire to come here just to see them.
However, since his brother was here, it would've been awkward to refuse.
Behind him, another young man with a cold, malicious gaze stared at Toji.
Zenin Shinsuke, the most talented of the younger generation in the Zenin clan. Though only eight years old, he had already achieved the rank of a Grade 3 sorcerer.
One of the reasons Ogi had brought this group today was to let their most promising talent witness the Six Eyes firsthand.
However, this visit was destined to be anything but pleasant.
Shinsuke was a firm believer in the Zenin clan's ideology, one that worshipped cursed energy above all else. In his eyes, Toji, who had no cursed energy at all, was nothing but a disgrace to their bloodline.
But to Toji, Shinsuke's hostility meant nothing.
Talent? Six Eyes? None of it mattered. Toji had already come to understand the overwhelming strength granted by Heavenly Restriction.
If a fight broke out right now, he was confident, he could take out the Zenin clan's "most talented prodigy" in under ten minutes.
Chapter 19: The First Encounter
Following the Gojo family's servant into the main hall, Toji immediately noticed that some guests had arrived before them.
On one side of the hall, a girl with brown hair tied into a bun sat alone. There was no one around her, making her look somewhat isolated.
However, she seemed completely indifferent to the situation. Instead of paying attention to the people around her, she calmly enjoyed the snacks laid out on the table.
Across from her, a young man also sat alone, occasionally exchanging glances with the brown-haired girl. Then, as if they had come to some unspoken agreement, both of them began tasting the snacks at the same time.
What a strange duo.
Zenin Ogi, who had just entered the hall, glanced at them but quickly lost interest. Instead, he focused on finding his acquaintances within the Gojo clan, eager to gather information about the Six Eyes.
Meanwhile, Toji, Jinichi and Shinsuke were guided to their respective seats.
The main hall was packed, making it feel more like a grand gathering of jujutsu families rather than an official meeting.
However, among the many families present, the Gojo and Zenin clans were the most prominent. To an outsider, this would seem less like a general assembly and more like a formal discussion between the two dominant sorcerer families.
The waiting was tedious. After sitting still for only five minutes, Toji was already bored.
Getting permission from a nearby servant, he stepped outside to get some fresh air.
"I have a question. Who are the young man and the girl sitting across from us? They seem like sorcerers too."
Toji casually inquired about the unfamiliar faces in the hall.
As a member of the Zenin clan, he was treated with a certain level of respect within the Gojo estate. And since this information wasn't confidential, the servant answered without hesitation.
"Today, Master Ieiri Inamichi came to the mansion to perform a Reverse Cursed Technique treatment for the head of the family. The girl you saw is his daughter, Ieiri Shoko."
"The young man beside her is a distant relative of the Gojo family, Okkotsu Yuto-sama. I heard he's currently traveling around Japan to broaden his knowledge. He came today to visit Young Master Satoru and Young Master Satoshi."
Hearing the response, Toji nodded, taking note of the names.
"Ieiri and Okkotsu?"
He had heard of the Ieiri family before, they were known for their expertise in Reverse Cursed Technique.
But the Okkotsu family? That name was completely unfamiliar to him.
Since when did the Gojo clan have distant relatives?
After briefly pondering the question, Toji dismissed it from his mind.
After all, sorcerer society had nothing to do with him. If it weren't for his older brother dragging him here, he wouldn't have attended this gathering at all.
With that thought, Toji wandered away from the main hall, walking at a leisurely pace.
Snowflakes drifted down, settling onto his dark hair, but he paid no attention to them. His entire demeanor was relaxed, almost lazy.
The cigarette between his lips had accumulated a long trail of ash, yet he made no effort to flick it away.
"Hm?"
Just as Toji was about to turn back, he noticed three figures walking along another path.
A tall, middle-aged man held an umbrella, sheltering two identical white-haired children beneath it.
So, these must be the Gojo clan's twin Six Eyes users. Seeing them in person for the first time… they really are just kids.
Toji studied the backs of Satoru and Satoshi, then casually raised his cigarette to his lips, taking a long drag before exhaling a slow smoke ring.
But in the next moment, the two children beneath the umbrella simultaneously turned their heads, locking their gaze onto him.
Two pairs of striking azure eyes bore into him, filled with an unsettling coldness.
For the first time in a long while, Toji felt a twinge of unease.
Is this the so-called Sacred Eyes? Even though I was standing behind them, they still sensed me instantly.
The Gojo clan's Six Eyes are not to be underestimated.
--
On the other side, Satoru and Satoshi had spotted the man in the distance, their expressions subtly shifting.
"Young Master Satoru, Young Master Satoshi, is something wrong?"
Shunichi, standing beside them, noticed their abrupt pause and asked in confusion.
Following their line of sight, he looked into the distance but saw nothing unusual.
"That man… made me feel a little threatened."
Satoru frowned slightly.
He was certain of what he had sensed, no cursed energy at all. Yet, somehow, he still felt threatened.
Ever since mastering the Limitless technique, Satoru had rarely experienced this kind of uneasy premonition.
That man wasn't from the Gojo clan. Judging by the emblem on his kimono, he belonged to the Zenin family.
Was there really someone that strong within the Zenin clan?
The thought puzzled Satoru.
Beside him, Satoshi, holding Sode no Shirayuki, shook his head with a wry smile.
He hadn't expected to personally participate in the legendary first encounter between Satoru and Toji.
That brief moment when Satoru and he noticed him, Toji would surely remember it forever.
The Six Eyes' perception was just too overpowered. In battle, it was an absurd advantage.
"Don't dwell on it, Satoru. Maybe that guy will be our friend in the future. I have a feeling we'll be seeing a lot more of him."
Satoshi chuckled lightly.
Zenin Toji—the Sorcerer Killer—was destined to be one of Satoru's greatest adversaries.
Some fans even joked about the fact that Amanai Riko, one of Satoru's potential love interests, had been killed by Toji.
They even quipped that Toji was Gojo's "wife killer."
Of course, these were just fan speculations. Yet, it was undeniable that Toji had played a significant role in shaping Satoru's life.
In fact, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Satoru's future transformation, Geto Suguru's eventual descent, and the tragic split between them had all been triggered by the Star Plasma Vessel Assassination Mission carried out by Toji.
"Really? Sounds like you've taken an interest in him, Satoshi."
Satoru's curiosity was piqued.
"Since he's from the Zenin clan, he should be at this gathering too. If we get the chance, let's go meet him."
Thanks to Satoshi's casual remark, Satoru's initial apprehension vanished.
However, neither of them realized that they were about to face something far worse.
A tedious family gathering.
Chapter 20: Ieiri, Okkotsu, Zenin
As Shunichi entered the hall, escorting Satoru and Satoshi, the entire room fell silent.
This gathering was of an unprecedented scale, and the fact that the Gojo clan had sent both Six Eyes bearers demonstrated just how seriously they took this meeting.
Satoshi remained unfazed by the attention.
However, at this young age, Satoru had yet to grow into the formidable force he would one day become. He still found it difficult to adjust to such an environment.
Without a word, Satoshi stepped forward, subtly positioning himself to shield Satoru from some of the overwhelming gazes.
At the same time, his pseudo-Six Eyes scanned the room, searching for familiar faces.
The Zenin clan. Oh, there he is.
Satoshi was the first to locate the Sorcerer Killer.
It was immediately apparent that Toji did not have a good relationship with the other members of his family. Even sitting next to his brother, Jinichi, there was no conversation between them, only silence.
Zenin Ogi, huh? I didn't expect the Zenin clan's elder leading this delegation to be the father of Zenin Maki and Zenin Mai. He's just as bad as the rest. Even though they're also twins, his experience with Satoru is worlds apart from what Maki and Mai went through.
Satoshi's gaze shifted toward the middle-aged man, who was engaged in a lively discussion with the "Twin Curse" faction of the Gojo family. His expression darkened slightly.
It truly seemed like, aside from Fushiguro Megumi, there were no normal people in the Zenin family.
Hmm? That little girl looks familiar… Wait, she looks like a young Shoko. No way… is that really Shoko? Damn, she actually tied her hair into a bun? She looks completely different from how she does in the future.
Originally, Satoshi had thought that Shoko and Satoru had only met during their high school years.
Yet, here she was at this gathering…
It seemed that with her father performing Reverse Cursed Technique treatment on the Gojo clan head, young Shoko had been left here alone.
Perhaps later, he could introduce Satoru to her.
Shoko's talent in Reverse Cursed Technique was unparalleled in the Jujutsu Kaisen world. Establishing a good relationship now could prove useful—after all, if any serious crises arose in the future, her healing skills could be a lifesaver.
Wait a minute. Who's that young man sitting next to Shoko? He looks familiar, but I can't seem to place him.
That shouldn't be the case. If he were part of the main storyline, I should remember him.
Satoshi's gaze lingered on the unfamiliar young man as he combed through his memories.
Since the man was here, he had to be connected to the sorcerer world in some way, right?
Was he from the Kamo clan? Probably not. The only ones Satoshi was familiar with were the ones skilled in Blood Manipulation.
If not the Kamo family, could he be affiliated with Kyoto Jujutsu High?
That didn't seem right either.
Satoshi mentally sifted through images of various jujutsu sorcerers. When he reached the four modern Special Grade sorcerers, he paused.
One of them—Okkotsu Yuta.
Yes, the young man before him bore an uncanny resemblance to Yuta Okkotsu.
In fact, he looked like an older version of Yuta.
But that was impossible.
In this timeline, Yuta hadn't even been born yet.
That meant the man in front of him could only be one person.
Yuta's father.
Satoshi raised an eyebrow, his full attention now focused on the man.
This gathering is stacked with hidden monsters.
The future strongest Six Eyes user, Gojo Satoru. The future strongest assassin, the Sorcerer Killer Zenin Toji. The future master of Reverse Cursed Technique, the Ultimate Healer Ieiri Shoko. And now, the father of Yuta Okkotsu, the man who would one day inherit the most overwhelming cursed energy in history.
One day, I'll be standing at the same level as all of them, right? After all, this system isn't just for decoration.
As Satoshi contemplated, Satoru followed his gaze, casually glancing at Zenin Toji, Ieiri Shoko, and Okkotsu Yuto.
He knew his twin brother wasn't the type to show interest in just anyone. If these people had caught Satoshi's attention, they were worth noting.
One man and two women? That tall man… he was the one spying on us earlier in the garden. The other man, I've never seen him before, but his cursed energy feels incredibly strong.
And that girl… Hmm, she's kind of cute. Is she Satoshi's type?
As the central figures of the gathering, Satoru and Satoshi's every move naturally drew attention.
Previously, Satoshi's quiet observations had gone unnoticed. But when Satoru joined in, the "Twin Curse" faction of the Gojo family immediately took notice.
They had already been displeased with Satoshi's attendance at this gathering.
To them, Satoru was the true heir of the Six Eyes, the rightful successor of the Gojo bloodline. Satoshi, on the other hand, was nothing more than a fake Six Eyes user, completely unqualified to be a jujutsu sorcerer.
However, due to Shunichi's recent change in stance, the faction had been forced to reconsider their approach.
Thus, while they had allowed Satoshi's presence at the gathering, they were determined to suppress his influence among the other jujutsu families.
At first, they had worried about how to clearly distinguish Satoru from Satoshi at the event.
But seeing Satoshi carrying a katana, they realized they had their answer.
"You're in high spirits today, Satoru."
Kumaen, the leading elder of the Gojo clan and the official host of the gathering spoke up, immediately drawing the attention of the entire room toward Satoru.
...
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