JJK X FATE: Chapter 45/47

Chapter 45: Forget It, Let's Beat Him Up First

Clap, clap, clap.

Watching his two henchmen get beaten to a pulp, Naoya was not angry. He actually applauded from the side.

"Very good. You do have the right not to put him in your eyes."

Naoya looked at Eichi with open admiration.

"Hm?"

Eichi scratched his head, a little puzzled.

I did not put you in my eyes either, so why did you filter that out?

The next moment, Naoya reached a hand out to him.

"Pledge your loyalty to me, Eichi. When I become the Zen'in Family Head, you will be the leader of Hei."

Looking at Naoya's arrogant and entitled expression, Eichi finally understood his thought process.

"You treat yourself like a young lord and think everyone should revolve around you."

Facing the mockery, Naoya's expression did not change.

"The strong are entitled to everything, not to mention you and I both share the Zen'in surname."

Naoya spread his arms as if to embrace the world.

"I see. Zen'in, huh."

"Ah, because you are also a Zen'in."

Because he was a strong Zen'in, he felt his arrogance was justified and Eichi's mockery was tolerable.

Those who are not Zen'in are not Jujutsu Sorcerers, those who are not Jujutsu Sorcerers are not human.

Eichi once again felt the Zen'in Family's distorted feudal ideology.

"Although your proposal is good."

"Oh, do you have other conditions? Tell me..."

"However, I refuse."

"Huh?"

The unexpected refusal cut off what Naoya had been about to say.

A look of astonishment appeared on his face.

He could not comprehend it.

Born into the Zen'in Family, a genius from birth, and heir to the Family Head's powerful Technique.

The word "refusal" had never appeared in Naoya's life.

No, it had appeared once before.

A figure like an ancient vicious beast surfaced in his mind.

Those who are not Jujutsu Sorcerers are not human.

This was a truth Naoya had known since childhood.

If so, then Toji, who had no Cursed Energy and could not become a sorcerer due to his Heavenly Restriction, should be weak and pathetic, right?

But the moment Naoya saw Toji, his worldview was shaken.

What he saw was not a weak, pathetic Toji.

It was a slumbering vicious beast.

The instant he saw Toji, he understood one thing.

This was an existence he could not contend with.

That was the first time his worldview was impacted.

And now, it was about to be impacted a second time.

"It seems I need to make you understand your place first."

A cold sneer curled Naoya's lips.

In martial arts, speed is paramount.

Although Naoya did not know that saying, his less than ten-year career as a sorcerer could be summarized by it.

"Just you?"

Eichi's provocation completely ignited Naoya's rage.

Eichi did not care.

He had already applied Mahoraga's enhancements to himself.

A surge of Cursed Energy poured into Eichi's eyes, and the prickling sensation made him squint.

This made Naoya think he had found an opening.

Projection Sorcery activated.

Naoya charged at Eichi at incredible speed.

He wanted to defeat Eichi with the fastest speed and the most irresistible force.

He wanted Eichi to recognize his place.

However, Naoya did not know that his movements were being completely tracked by Eichi's eyes.

The first step covered less than a meter, then each step extended as he rushed straight in.

Eichi simply shifted a few meters to the side and easily dodged.

Naoya's Technique was Projection Sorcery.

Its ability was to divide one second into 24 equal parts, and Naoya had to pre-design movements for each of those 24 frames.

Then he had to execute those 24 movements.

If he struck an enemy during this process, the enemy would have to move within 1/24 of a second.

If they failed to move within that 1/24 second, they would be frozen by the Technique and suffer one second of paralysis.

Conversely, Naoya's pre-designed 24 movements had to be completed. If even one movement was interrupted, he too would fall into a one-second paralysis.

Information about Naoya's Technique was not a secret.

When Naobito first appeared, Gege gave him a very high power ranking, placing him at the ceiling of Grade 1 sorcerers.

Later, after the battle with Sukuna, the title of "strongest Grade 1 sorcerer" was officially given to Kusakabe.

It is unclear whether that was because Kusakabe had always hidden his true strength.

Eichi had long prepared for Naoya and Naobito's Techniques.

He had consulted Toji about it.

The answer he received was, "As long as you are fast enough, you do not need to be afraid."

Eichi asked how fast that meant.

Unsure how to describe it, Toji directly demonstrated.

During that demonstration, Mahoraga used Toji's attacks and speed to provide a suitable solution for Eichi.

First, enhance dynamic vision to track high-speed movement.

Then, stimulate the entire body with lightning to temporarily increase speed.

From one of Naoya's attacks, Eichi gauged Naoya's speed level.

Next, he only needed to endure one attack to let Mahoraga adapt.

"I say, can you only dodge?"

Naoya's words made Eichi's thoughts pause for a moment.

Your attack failed, so should you not realize you lack the advantage, analyze the situation, and find a way to make your attack effective?

Why do you think me dodging means I am afraid to face you head-on?

Do you really think Projection Sorcery is that strong?

Forget it, adapting to Techniques can wait. For now, I will just beat him up.

Eichi grinned, his knuckles cracking.

That smile sent a chill down Ranta and Futo's spines.

It looked delighted, and a little insane.

Naoya was indifferent, because he believed he would win.

The victory of the Zen'in Family's young lord was destined.

Naoya cast Projection Sorcery.

Lightning flickered around Eichi's body.

They charged at each other.

The next moment, Naoya stopped.

Literally, completely stopped.

Eichi, wrapped in lightning, moved far faster than Naoya had imagined.

Projection Sorcery was only halfway executed when Eichi rushed up to him.

Naoya's preset sequence could not continue.

He suffered a one-second stun from his Technique's backlash.

In that instant, Naoya seemed like a flat pane of glass with his portrait painted on it.

Like a film producer, he could only watch helplessly as Eichi's fist flew toward his face.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 46: Left and Right

"What is more terrifying than death?"

"It is watching something happen and being powerless to stop it."

Eichi's fist could have landed on Naoya's handsome face half a second earlier.

But he deliberately slowed down, letting Naoya widen his eyes and watch the fist approach bit by bit.

Bang.

The moment the freeze lifted, Eichi's fist crashed into Naoya's face.

Hit cleanly, Naoya slammed into the ground like a basketball and bounced hard.

Blood ran from his nose and mouth.

"Cough, cough, how is this possible? How could you keep up with my speed?"

Clutching his nose, Naoya stared at Eichi in disbelief.

"What is impossible about it? Your speed is still far from Toji's."

Eichi's tone was mocking.

In truth, while Toji's speed could effectively counter Projection Sorcery, it did not surpass it.

But that did not matter, because saying so would rattle Naoya's mindset.

Sure enough, when "the opponent can keep up with my speed" and "how is it that man" surfaced together in Naoya's mind, he recalled the fear of being dominated by Toji.

He subconsciously placed Eichi in that same terrifying category.

"Young Master Naoya, let us handle this."

Ranta, eyes bleeding, and Futo, badly injured, stepped in front of Naoya.

"Tsk, as expected of the Zen'in Family, they train their dogs well."

Ranta and Futo's performance perfectly fit the definition of loyal dogs.

This time all three attacked together.

Ignoring the pain in his eyes, Ranta activated his Technique again.

Futo also launched an attack without hesitation.

Only, compared to before, his strike clearly lacked bite.

A moment later, the reason became clear.

Using Futo's cover, Naoya rushed into close range.

But it was meaningless.

Eichi reached out, seized Naoya by the neck, then turned and hurled him into the cage created by Ranta's Technique.

Pfft.

Black Divine Dog emerged from Eichi's shadow.

Its claws flashed, carving three bloody gashes across Futo's body.

"Young Master Naoya."

Seeing that his Cursed Technique had trapped Naoya, Ranta immediately deactivated it.

Eichi drove his fist into Naoya's face again.

Before Naoya could be sent flying, Eichi grabbed his collar and yanked him back.

Bang, slap.

A right hook smashed into Naoya's face, then Eichi's hand opened into a palm and delivered a ringing slap.

Bang bang, slap. Bang bang, slap.

Eichi struck in a steady rhythm.

Naoya's once-handsome face swelled into a pig's head under the barrage.

"Hm?"

In the midst of his rampage, a subtle ripple of Cursed Energy drew Eichi's attention.

His movements slowed for an instant.

Ranta seized the opening and activated his Technique.

Eichi froze for less than half a second, then forced his Cursed Energy outward and shattered the cage.

But that half second let Naoya slip free of his grip.

"Y-Young Master Naoya, go first."

Ranta's eyes bled heavily, crimson veins spreading across nearly the entire sclera.

Futo, body scored with wounds, stood silently in front of Naoya.

"Why does something feel off?"

"Wasn't the script about a rich scoundrel bringing his lackeys to bully me, the former good-for-nothing protagonist?"

"Logically, shouldn't this be where I righteously strike down the young master and receive applause?"

"Why does this scene make me feel like I am the villain?"

Looking at the two retainers ready to cover Naoya's escape with their lives, and Naoya himself in a miserable state behind them, the more Eichi watched, the more wrong it felt.

Futo charged again, attacking with reckless resolve.

Ranta's bloodshot eyes could barely open, yet he still rushed Eichi, trying to pin him down and buy Naoya time.

"Tsk."

Eichi pouted, annoyed.

Before, seeing Megumi, Itadori, and Nobara snap had been thrilling.

Now that it was his turn, it felt fine as well.

At least seeing Naoya, a man who is not a good person now or later, so pitiful was satisfying.

Why should villains do as they please while good people only get bullied?

Clearly, good people are the most terrifying when they snap.

But this was not the time to ponder it.

Lightning coursed across Eichi's body.

Empowered, he grabbed Ranta and Futo by the scruffs and flung them out of the building, one in each hand.

Right behind them went their beloved Young Master Naoya.

The three tumbled together into the snow.

Eichi appeared over them, a vast shadow swallowing their figures.

Max Elephant.

Because Round Deer was fused into Max Elephant's body, Eichi now summoned Max Elephant when using Reverse Cursed Technique.

He could perform it himself, but it was less efficient and more tiring.

Under the flow of Reverse Cursed Technique, the trio's injuries quickly mended.

"What do you want to do?"

Naoya stared in terror at the towering shikigami.

The four-meter-tall Max Elephant pressed down on them with sheer presence.

"I will give you a chance."

Eichi smiled gently.

In Ranta and Futo's eyes, that smile looked like the devil's grin.

"I will give you a chance to defeat Mahoraga."

"What did you say?"

Naoya's expression twisted with disbelief.

Mahoraga.

A legend spoken of only in historical chronicles.

Eichi raised his fists in front of him.

"Furube, Yurayura..."

"Stop, do you want to die?!"

Naoya screamed in terror.

In Zen'in Family history, every Ten Shadows Technique user who summoned Mahoraga did so for one purpose.

Mutual destruction.

At that moment, Naoya's heart filled with fear.

Rather than believe Eichi had already tamed Mahoraga, he chose to believe Eichi would self-destruct and take the Zen'in Family's young master with him.

This was his last shred of self-respect.

However, Murphy's Law says what you fear most tends to happen.

"Eight-Handled Sword Divergent Sila Divine General Mahoraga."

As Eichi spoke, a terrifying figure rose behind him.

Mahoraga.

The shikigami revered by the Zen'in Family for having fought the Gojo Family's Six Eyes to the death, the inner faith of every Zen'in.

They believed that as long as Mahoraga existed, the Zen'in Family would stand at the pinnacle of the Jujutsu world.

But now, the existence they worshipped bared its fangs at them.

"Just do not kill them."

Leaving those words to Mahoraga, Eichi turned and walked away.

Mahoraga's lips curled into a chilling smile.

Eichi no longer paid attention to what followed, but after walking a few hundred meters, he glanced toward an inconspicuous corner.

"Still not coming out?"

"Hahaha, as expected of a genius who can tame Mahoraga."

An old man in a yukata with a haori stepped out of the shadows.

The current Zen'in Family Head, Naobito Zen'in.

Perhaps out of concern for his son, while Eichi was enjoying himself beating Naoya earlier, Naobito, who had been concealing his presence, accidentally let a trace of it leak.

It was faint and brief, but Eichi and Mahoraga still caught it.

"Are you not cold?"

"This level is nothing, glug glug."

Naobito smiled, pulled out a sake gourd, and took a sip.

"I know a good izakaya. Want to sit for a bit?"

"That is great, lead the way, kid."

Naobito smiled and agreed. He loved sake, and sitting down to talk was exactly what he wanted.

Hearing his reply, Eichi showed a satisfied smile.

In truth, the choice was simple.

Mahoraga on the left, izakaya on the right. Old man, pick one.

For Naobito to be Family Head meant he was no fool, and he saw it clearly.

Eichi could have easily beaten Naoya and the others down with his fists. Why summon Mahoraga?

Clearly, it was summoned for Naobito to see.

But Naobito did not care.

Eichi had no intention of killing them, so letting Naoya suffer a little was fine.

Naoya had coasted too long without learning humility.

Moreover, if Eichi was willing to talk, it meant he definitely wanted something.

It is not scary when someone has conditions. It is scary when they mention none.

Thus, a strange scene unfolded.

Two people who were hostile, or at least currently opposed, walked to a table to drink, chatting and laughing.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 47: Conversation

"You were the one who suggested coming to an izakaya, yet you are not drinking. What a buzzkill."

Naobito Zen'in wore an expression that said, you are no fun.

"Are you sure you want a kid who has not even started high school to drink?"

Eichi looked at him as if he were scum.

"Haha, you are right. Wait until you are older to understand the joys of drinking."

After speaking, Naobito raised his cup and drained it.

Although the drinking vessels in Japan look like small dishes, they are still called cups.

A cold smile played on Eichi's lips.

While the statement seemed normal, it could also be interpreted as, you are still young, the adult world is too early for you.

Subtly, he used age to assert dominance over Eichi.

"It is not your era anymore, old man."

Eichi looked up at Naobito.

"Today's young men do not really like alcohol."

"Oh?"

Naobito narrowed his eyes.

He detected the dissatisfaction in Eichi's words.

"That is a pity, but alcohol is a treasure passed down by our old ancestors. One day, they will come to like it."

This is actually very normal.

People who want to gain something usually lose something else.

Just as young men from the lower class must abandon many things to enter the upper class.

The upper class has its own rules. To join, one must integrate into their group and understand the joys of alcohol.

"Indeed, but that is for ordinary people. There are always some geniuses who can forge their own Way, are there not?"

Eichi met Naobito's gaze without flinching, a confident smile on his face.

"Hahahahaha, you are quite something, kid."

A moment later, Naobito suddenly burst into laughter.

Knock, knock, swish.

A waiter slid open the door and placed several brightly colored drinks on the table.

Afterward, the waiter bowed and exited the room.

"What is this, juice?"

Naobito stroked his chin, intrigued.

"It is a new popular drink. Care to try?"

"Why not?"

Hearing it was new, Naobito unhesitatingly picked up a glass and drank it.

"Ha."

Naobito burped and set the glass back down.

"It is certainly a taste I have never had before, with a strong impact. But ultimately, it only attracts attention with its novelty. Once the novelty wears off, it cannot compare to traditional alcohol."

Naobito poured traditional sake into the empty cup.

"Indeed, many new drinks do not last long, but there are many types of new drinks, you know."

Eichi gestured to the colorful drinks in front of them.

"As long as one survives, it will impact traditional alcohol. When enough new drinks survive, traditional alcohol will naturally be forced to change."

Eichi poured a blue drink into Naobito's sake.

"Interesting, but the people from those old breweries will not agree."

The old breweries naturally referred to the Zen'in Family.

"It does not matter. Even in breweries that produce traditional alcohol, there will be people who like new drinks. Just poach them and bring them together. If the people from the old breweries dare to stop us..."

Eichi stared directly at Naobito, the meaning in his eyes self-evident.

"Hahahaha, interesting, truly interesting. That is not something a young man would say."

Naobito laughed and drank the sake mixed with the blue drink.

Seeing Naobito drink, Eichi's smile softened.

"Then I will talk to you in the way a young man would."

Eichi relaxed and leaned back, his once inscrutable expression instantly becoming that of an approachable young man.

"The times are changing. The Jujutsu world once said that Gojo Satoru's birth shifted the balance, but this era is not just about Satoru."

"I am stronger than Gojo Satoru."

Eichi's face showed a confident smile.

The current Satoru is different from the Satoru at the beginning of the story, the gap in strength between the two is large.

If Eichi went all out now, he was confident he could defeat Satoru.

Even if Satoru grew as powerful as in the story, it would not matter.

Eichi was not afraid of Satoru getting stronger, because he believed his own growth rate would never fall behind Satoru's.

"You are a truly arrogant brat, but you certainly have the right to say that."

Naobito looked at Eichi with satisfaction. Putting everything else aside, Eichi had already surpassed Satoru in terms of personality.

Plus Mahoraga.

In the past duel between the Zen'in Family head and the Gojo Family head, the Zen'in head could not control Mahoraga.

But even so, Mahoraga still fought to the death against the Gojo Family's Six Eyes.

If someone were controlling it, with Eichi, this generation of the Zen'in Family could continue its glory and not be ridden over by the Gojo Family.

"What do you plan to do with the old brewery?"

"How about Naoya?"

Eichi's words made Naobito look incredulous.

However, Naobito quickly composed himself.

"Oh? Are you sure? He is far inferior to you."

"I am not interested in that rotten place. I will take some young men who are willing to brew new drinks and form a new brewery."

"As for that decaying old brewery, while Naoya cannot compare to a few of us, there is one thing. He is suitable to be a blade, an obedient and useful blade."

Initially, Eichi wanted to say dog, but the old man's cooperation made him think of the saying, one does not strike a smiling face.

Naobito laughed after hearing this.

Eichi's words were undoubtedly what Naobito most wanted to hear.

The most ruthless are the imperial families. Although the Zen'in Family is not an imperial family, in essence, it is not much different.

Naoya is his son after all, and if not for circumstances, who would want their son to fare poorly?

As for being a blade?

In the Zen'in Family, not everyone is qualified to be a blade.

Some people are not afraid of being a blade, but of not having the opportunity to be one.

"What about Toji?"

The first time they met, Eichi was with Toji.

"Toji will join me. And by the way, Toji's son, Megumi, also has the Ten Shadows Technique."

"Hm?"

Naobito paused his drinking.

Two Ten Shadows Technique users? Shouldn't that be impossible?

One Ten Shadows Technique user can threaten a Six Eyes, two Ten Shadows Technique users... "Haha, that is really good, gulp gulp."

Naobito downed another cup.

The days ahead would be much better.

Although Eichi did not intend to return to the Zen'in Family, he had already made his stance clear.

And this approach was actually much better than the answer Naobito had hoped for.

Eichi wanted a new generation of sorcerers, while the older generation would remain in the hands of people like him.

His son could also become family head as desired, although the place he was in might become a branch family in the future.

But the head of a branch family is still a family head.

This way, the transition of power would not be too intense, and the Zen'in Family's strength could be preserved and utilized to the maximum.

The new generation has not yet grown up, so they cannot be counted as part of the Zen'in Family's strength for now. And even if they grow up under Eichi, what then? Is that not still the Zen'in Family's strength?

Before they grow up, Eichi and Toji are enough to protect these new sprouts.

Thinking of this, Naobito felt incredibly refreshed.

Ever since the birth of the Gojo Family's Six Eyes, the Zen'in Family had felt pressure.

After Satoru displayed his terrifying genius, Naobito's life became even more difficult.

But now there were no problems. The Gojo Family had the strongest Six Eyes, and the Zen'in Family also had Eichi, who could tame the strongest shikigami.

And in the future, there might even be a second sorcerer capable of taming Mahoraga.

Next, it would be the Kamo Family's turn to suffer.

Naobito revealed a hearty smile.

"Oh, right, help me with two things."

"What?"

The delighted Naobito indicated that two things were no problem, let alone twenty.

"My friend and I need to register for Jujutsu Sorcerer ranking. Help me find four Grade 1 sorcerers to be our recommenders."

"Hm? Does the Gojo kid need it too?"

Before coming, Naobito had already investigated Eichi's connections and knew the three of them needed to be evaluated for Grade 1.

"Not Satoru, someone else. I will give you the details later. You can look for them first."

Eichi did not elaborate.

"Is that so? That will take some time."

Grade 1 sorcerers are not common. Four is manageable, he, Ogi, and Jin'ichi make three. But finding six at once would take some time, even for the Zen'in Family.

"It is fine. Tokyo Jujutsu High does not start for several more months."

"The second thing is this."

Eichi pulled several Fate/stay night posters from his shadow.

"Use the Zen'in Family's power to help me promote them."

Naobito took the posters and immediately opened them.

"No problem."

It is just promotion. The Zen'in Family only needs to say the word and people will help. At most, he will give them some extra benefits.

(To be continued.)