HRU: Chapter 80/82

Chapter 80: Synergy—Mutant Shadow

Now that Sode no Shirayuki's abilities had been sealed, how could Gojo Satoshi possibly compete with Zenin Shinsuke?

While most believed the battle was already decided, Toji remained unfazed, a slight smile on his face.

After spending time around Satoshi, he had come to realize something, Satoshi's strength wasn't limited to Sode no Shirayuki's techniques.

The hand-to-hand combat techniques Toji had taught him in the past few days, and the Kendo that Shunichi had drilled into him before, Satoshi had absorbed them all at an alarming rate.


---

"Give up, Gojo Satoshi!"

Shinsuke gripped the Inverted Spear of Heaven, his confidence soaring.

He, too, was convinced of his impending victory. Without its techniques, Sode no Shirayuki was nothing more than an ordinary blade.

As soon as the words left his mouth, Shinsuke vanished, closing the distance to Satoshi in an instant.

He chose not to rely on his Cursed Technique but instead engaged Satoshi directly in close-quarters combat.

After all, if he let go of the Inverted Spear of Heaven, who knew when Gojo Satoshi might unleash another one of Sode no Shirayuki's devastating ice techniques?


---

"Give up? Are you joking?"

Satoshi rubbed his chest, then casually shook Sode no Shirayuki, scattering the frost that had formed as a defensive layer against the Inverted Spear of Heaven's attack. A smirk crept onto his lips.

"You don't actually think my Kendo and hand-to-hand combat are weak, do you?"

Without hesitation, Satoshi charged forward, meeting Shinsuke in direct combat.

Clang! Clang! Clang!—Clang! Clang!—

The rapid exchange of blows rang through the dojo as steel met steel.

At this moment, the two were evenly matched.

No one had expected a six-year-old to possess such astonishing combat skills and mastery of the blade.

Even without its techniques, Sode no Shirayuki was holding its own against a Special Grade Cursed Tool—the Inverted Spear of Heaven.

Shinsuke, who had believed in dominating the weak through sheer power, found himself unable to gain a decisive advantage over Satoshi.

This was something Zenin Ogi had not foreseen.

He had secretly acquired Zenin Naobito's permission to lend the Inverted Spear of Heaven to Zenin Shinsuke, believing it would guarantee victory.

Yet, even with that advantage, the battle was deadlocked.

I underestimated him.

---

Shinsuke, caught in the heat of battle, could feel it firsthand—the overwhelming pressure of Satoshi's swordsmanship.

He couldn't comprehend it.

How is this possible?

How had Satoshi, at just six years old, already mastered Kendo to such an absurd degree?

If someone had told him Satoshi was already a master swordsman, he wouldn't have doubted it.

Because right now, despite wielding the Inverted Spear of Heaven, he wasn't winning in pure swordplay.

The only moments he found openings against Satoshi were through hand-to-hand combat exchanges, disrupting Satoshi's rhythm.

But that wasn't enough.

Shinsuke wasn't satisfied.

He was older, had more combat experience, and yet the battle was at a stalemate.

That was unacceptable.


---

At that moment, he made his decision.

He would activate his Cursed Technique.

A Grade 2 Sorcerer, officially recognized by the Jujutsu Society, Zenin Shinsuke's true combat foundation lay in his techniques.

His ability was unique, allowing him to move freely through shadows. At its peak, he could even control his own shadow as an independent fighter.

While not as powerful as the Zenin Clan's inherited Ten Shadows Technique, his variant of shadow manipulation was formidable in its own right.

The moment his resolve solidified.

He formed a single-hand seal, preparing to unleash his technique.


---

Satoshi immediately reacted.

He, too, realized—this was the decisive moment.

Shinsuke's close-combat skills weren't overwhelming. If he could interrupt the activation of his technique, the battle would be won.

However—

What caught Satoshi off guard was that Shinsuke could still perform his technique while wielding the Inverted Spear of Heaven.

Wait… the Inverted Spear of Heaven cancels all Cursed Techniques.

Then why is Zenin Shinsuke still able to use his own technique?

Before he could think further.

A shadow surged forward, gripping the Inverted Spear of Heaven, and swung it directly at him!

Satoshi barely managed to block with Sode no Shirayuki.

The moment he landed.

Two more shadows materialized, launching a barrage of strikes!


---

"So, he's attacking through the shadows?"

Despite the unrelenting assault, Gojo Satoshi couldn't help but admire the ingenuity of Shinsuke's ability.

No wonder he was considered the strongest among the Zenin family's younger generation.

It was clear now, the Zenin Clan had carefully cultivated him because of his unique Shadow Synergy technique.

But then—

A question surfaced in his mind.

Why was Shinsuke, someone with this level of ability, never mentioned in the original timeline?

He had no time to dwell on the thought.

The battle had reached its climax, the shadow attacks were growing stronger.

Even with all his strength, Satoshi was barely holding them off.


---

If this continued, he would eventually be overwhelmed.

Shinsuke wasn't letting his guard down.

He continued to manipulate the shadows while maintaining control over the Inverted Spear of Heaven.

This ensured Satoshi would have no opportunity to use White Ripple again.


---

"It's over. Gojo Satoshi lost."

Zenin Ogi's eyes gleamed with satisfaction.

Under the relentless attacks of the Inverted Spear of Heaven, Gojo Satoshi was forced into retreat. The conclusion seemed inevitable.

A mere imitation of the Six Eyes dares to act arrogantly in the Zenin Clan's territory?

Ogi sneered.

Fortunately, I planned ahead and made sure Shinsuke had the Inverted Spear of Heaven.

No matter how mysterious the weapon Sode no Shirayuki may be, before a Special Grade Cursed Tool that negates techniques, it is nothing more than an ordinary blade.

The pride of the Gojo Clan, trampled into the dirt by the Zenin Clan.


---

Shinsuke truly deserves to be called the most talented of our younger generation.

His Shadow Synergy technique was practically an extension of the Zenin Clan's legendary Ten Shadows Technique.

If he possessed that inherited ability instead, he would have already claimed an easy victory.

Naobito, observing from the sidelines, had mixed feelings.

Though he had been shocked by the power of Sode no Shirayuki, the effect of the Inverted Spear of Heaven had lessened his interest in it.

Even so—Zanpakutōs had now been proven to be strategic assets.

Yet, Satoshi's current predicament made him reconsider.

Perhaps the Zenin Clan no longer needed to offer such a high price to acquire one from the Gojo family.


---

As for Zenin Shinsuke.

He was already picturing Satoshi falling before him, defeated by the Inverted Spear of Heaven.

This was the moment he had prepared for.

To prove the Zenin Clan was not inferior to the Gojo Clan.

To trample the so-called 'fake Six Eyes' into the ground.

A monkey like Gojo Satoshi, who lacks even a trace of Cursed Energy, is not worthy of wielding a Zanpakutō.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 81: Third Dance

Compared to the arrogance of the other members of the Zenin clan, Toji remained calm.

Even though Satoshi seemed to be at a disadvantage, Toji showed no signs of concern.

He didn't believe that Sode no Shirayuki's Zanpakutō had been pushed to its limit.

Since there was a First Dance and a Second Dance, it stood to reason that Sode no Shirayuki had a Third Dance as well.

Moreover, Satoshi had mentioned before that a Zanpakutō had another form—Bankai.

Sode no Shirayuki hadn't even revealed its true form yet. How could anyone say that Satoshi was losing?

In fact, at this moment, Toji was even hoping that Zenin Shinsuke would prove stronger.

If Zenin Shinsuke could suppress Satoshi further, then perhaps Toji would get the chance to witness Sode no Shirayuki's Bankai.


---

In the center of the battlefield, Satoshi wielded Sode no Shirayuki, barely holding his own against Shinsuke and his coordinated shadow, which manipulated the Inverted Spear of Heaven.

Satoshi's swordsmanship and combat skills were being pushed to their limits.

However, the situation remained precarious. After all, Shinsuke could still utilize his technique freely, while Sode no Shirayuki's abilities were restrained by the Inverted Spear of Heaven.

The First Dance: Moon White and the Second Dance: White Ripple were both large-scale techniques. But the slightest contact with the Inverted Spear of Heaven would render them ineffective.

Against two opponents at once, Satoshi was steadily losing ground—just as the Zenin clan had expected.

Even Zenin Shinsuke, standing in the midst of battle, thought the same.

He eagerly awaited the sight of Satoshi's frustration.

Satoshi's defeat would bury Sode no Shirayuki's Zanpakutō in disgrace.

That was the outcome Shinsuke both anticipated and desired.

As his thoughts filled with excitement, his attacks became increasingly aggressive, completely abandoning his previous caution.

His coordinated shadow wielded the Inverted Spear of Heaven, applying pressure while his own body advanced with precise movements.

The coordination between them was seamless—fluid, almost artistic.

Yes, Zenin Shinsuke was performing.

With the Zenin clan's upper echelons watching and a rare opponent from the Gojo family standing before him, he had to showcase his full potential.

If this was a fight where victory was assured, then his performance was justified.

However—

To Satoshi and Toji, Zenin Shinsuke's attacks were far too reckless.

We won't get to see Sode no Shirayuki's Bankai after all.

Noticing that Shinsuke had let his guard down, Toji sighed. He knew Satoshi's opportunity had come.

The moment is here.

Satoshi's eyes narrowed slightly. For the first time, he engaged Zenin Shinsuke directly in hand-to-hand combat.

Sode no Shirayuki clashed repeatedly with the Inverted Spear of Heaven, the metallic echoes ringing throughout the dojo.

The intensity of the battle sharpened in an instant.

To the uninformed members of the Zenin clan, it seemed as though Satoshi was desperately holding on. Such fierce exchanges could easily expose openings for Zenin Shinsuke to exploit.

After all, with his shadow's assistance, Zenin Shinsuke held the numerical advantage.

And that's exactly how it appeared.

But only Toji noticed the gleam in Satoshi's eyes.

He understood immediately.

Shinsuke had fallen into Satoshi's trap.


---

"Gojo Satoshi! Just admit defeat. You can't beat me!"

Shinsuke was exhilarated. Since he began learning kendo, he had never encountered such a compatible opponent.

Every one of his strikes seemed to target Satoshi's weak points.

As expected, his talent in kendo was unmatched.

The Gojo clan had once claimed that Gojo Satoshi's swordsmanship rivaled that of a master, but that was nothing but exaggeration.

Because Gojo Satoshi was being overpowered.

That realization made Zenin Shinsuke dismiss the sophistication of Satoshi's swordplay.

So this is all the Gojo family has to offer.

But then—

The moment he saw Satoshi's expression, something felt wrong.

Although arrogant, Zenin Shinsuke wasn't oblivious.

Why does this feel… strange?

Gojo Satoshi's current movements.

He's been feeding me openings…

Why am I enjoying this fight so much?

Because Gojo Satoshi is allowing me to attack.

Shinsuke's face twisted as realization struck. Something was off.

But it was too late.

A faint smirk appeared on Satoshi's lips.

"Here I come."

At that moment—

Sode no Shirayuki suddenly locked down the Inverted Spear of Heaven, restraining Zenin Shinsuke's coordinated shadow.

Shinsuke's instincts screamed.

A powerful sense of crisis surged through him.

But he couldn't pinpoint the source.

His coordinated shadow still controlled the Inverted Spear of Heaven, so Sode no Shirayuki's large-scale freezing techniques shouldn't be able to activate.

Then why?

Why does this white blade feel so cold?

The sensation was identical to their previous battle.

That moment of absolute stillness, frozen in white snow.

Shinsuke's right fist was about to land on Satoshi, but under the weight of this inexplicable dread, he hesitated—forcing himself to stop.

The spectators didn't understand.

They only saw Shinsuke's movements suddenly becoming rigid and unnatural.

By all rights, that punch should have decided the match.

But before they could grasp what was happening.

Gojo Satoshi's calm, resonant voice echoed across the dojo.

"San no mai: Shirafune (Third Dance—White Sword)."


---

So there was a third technique after all.

Toji nodded in silent acknowledgment. Everything had played out as he predicted.

The expressions of the Zenin clan members changed drastically.

"A third technique?!"

They had never anticipated this.

As Satoshi's voice fell.

The dojo's atmosphere shifted instantly.

The damp chill that had lingered in the air vanished, replaced by absolute dryness and cold.

It felt as if their very skin would crack under the sheer absence of moisture, as if all water had been extracted from the air itself.

In the midst of this eerie transformation, Shinsuke watched in horror as Sode no Shirayuki, which had been clashing against the Inverted Spear of Heaven began to crystallize.

The blade solidified into pure ice, rapidly extending outward.

In an instant.

The sword doubled in length.

A moment later—

The elongated Sode no Shirayuki pierced through Shinsuke's body.

The freezing energy consumed him.

His coordinated shadow lost control, and the Inverted Spear of Heaven clattered to the ground.

The battle, where Zenin Shinsuke had seemingly held the upper hand.

Ended in an outcome no one had predicted.

Zenin Shinsuke had lost again.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 82: Sode no Shirayuki Has Seven Techniques!

The entire dojo fell into silence.

No one had expected the battle to be reversed so easily.

Even as Shinsuke lay injured on the ground, not a single person moved to provide immediate medical aid.


---

"His wound was frozen by Sode no Shirayuki, so it's just a penetrating injury. He won't be able to use his Cursed Energy for a while, but conventional treatment will be enough."

After all, the Zenin Clan and the Gojo Clan were two of the great families.

Although they had always been at odds, Satoshi had no intention of permanently crippling the Zenin Clan's future heir on their own turf.

He had already achieved his goal.

The moment Zenin Shinsuke fell, Satoshi's mind had already shifted to choosing a Cursed Tool.

Yes—even before stepping into the Zenin Clan's Treasury, he had already set his sights on a target.


---

Awakened by Satoshi's voice, Naobito quickly ordered his servants to carry Shinsuke away for treatment.

Although Shinsuke had lost, there was no doubt about his strength.

If nothing unexpected happened, he was still the most likely candidate to become the next leader of the Zenin Clan.

Beside Naobito, Ogi's face was ashen.

The warrior he had fully supported—Shinsuke—had lost to Gojo Satoshi.

It was humiliating.

Thinking back to Satoshi's earlier insults, then witnessing Zenin Shinsuke's defeat, rage consumed him.

His entire body trembled as he shot a venomous glare at Satoshi before leaving the dojo in disgrace.

The atmosphere within the Zenin Clan suddenly grew cold.

Only Jinichi, who had been acting as a neutral observer, remained calm.


---

"I never expected it, Satoshi-kun, your Sode no Shirayuki actually had another hidden technique!"

"Everyone was misled by your large-scale techniques… But your third technique—White Sword—was the real trump card."

The Zenin Clan members were filled with shock and admiration.

Shinsuke's defeat was not unjust.

The cunning and deception Satoshi displayed in this battle was nothing like that of a six-year-old child.

No one had ever imagined that a Cursed Tool like a Zanpakutō could possess three techniques.


---

"Uncle Naobito, why do you think Sode no Shirayuki only has three techniques?"

A smirk appeared on Gojo Satoshi's face.

"Being targeted by the Zenin Clan like this would provoke even the most patient person."

The Zenin Clan had lost their qualifications to cooperate with him, so he had no reason to hold back anymore.

They probably thought that Sode no Shirayuki only had three abilities.

Since they had no interest in working with him, why should he bother playing nice?

Besides—now that things had escalated this far, he was genuinely curious to see how Naobito would react when he realized the true potential behind the Zanpakutō partnership.


---

"…There aren't just three?"

Naobito's expression froze.

He had caught onto the deeper implication behind Gojo Satoshi's words, but he couldn't quite believe it.

The three techniques of Sode no Shirayuki were already overwhelmingly powerful.

If there was a fourth technique… or even a fifth…

Then this Zanpakutō would be utterly terrifying.


---

"Of course, Uncle Naobito!"

"Shall I count them for you?"

Satoshi innocently stretched out his left hand and started counting with his fingers.

"Let's see… Moon White, White Ripple, White Sword—those are the ones you've seen."

Gojo Satoshi counted off three fingers, then glanced at Zenin Naobito's increasingly shocked expression before continuing.

"Next…"

"Minus Eighteen Degrees."

"Minus Fifty Degrees."

"Absolute Zero."

And finally—

"Bankai."

Satoshi tapped the index finger of his right hand and flashed a dazzling smile at Zenin Naobito.

"Uncle Naobito, looks like there are seven techniques in total!"


---

Naobito's eyes widened instantly.

Even Toji, who had remained calm throughout, leaned forward in shock.

The two strongest individuals in the Zenin Clan had just been shaken to their core.

A Zanpakutō with seven techniques?

Is this brat lying? Is he just trying to mess with me?

Naobito mind raced with conflicting thoughts.

Minus Eighteen Degrees? Minus Fifty Degrees?

The names don't match the pattern of the First Dance, Second Dance, or Third Dance… Shouldn't the next one be Fourth Dance?

And what is this… "Bankai"?

While the first six techniques sounded temperature-related, the last one was completely different.

What does that even mean?

Naobito's expression shifted between doubt and astonishment.

He wanted to believe it, but at the same time, it sounded too absurd to be real.


---

Meanwhile Toji, after a brief moment of surprise, quickly regained his composure.

When he heard the word "Bankai", he realized that Satoshi wasn't lying.

However, what truly shocked him was the sheer number of techniques Sode no Shirayuki possessed in its Shikai state.

I underestimated the Zanpakutō.

---

Satoshi grinned before turning his gaze toward Zenin Ogi, who had left the dojo moments earlier.

"I know the Zenin Clan still thinks Sode no Shirayuki isn't that strong… But that's only because you were never capable of forcing out its true power."

"If I had used White Sword + Minus Eighteen Degrees against Shinsuke just now…"

"Then he'd already be in the morgue."

(To be continued.)