HRU: Chapter 60/62

Chapter 60: Times Have Changed
Zenin Clan Estate

Zenin Naobito and Zenin Ogi gathered once again in the clan leader's study.

This time, their expressions were far more serious than before.

Even though they had already paid close attention to Gojo Satoshi, they never expected that he would be able to forge a third Zanpakutō in such a short period.

The elderly clan head sighed as he looked at his two sons.

As expected, every wielder of the Six Eyes from the Gojo Clan was an existence to be feared.

Even though Gojo Satoshi possessed no Cursed Energy and could not become a Jujutsu Sorcerer, he had still managed to shake the entire Jujutsu world.

At his current age, his influence had already reached this level.

Then, in the future—when Gojo Satoru, the true "Six-Eyes," fully masters the limitless techniques of the Gojo clan…

Gojo Satoru plus Gojo Satoshi?

The entire Jujutsu world might truly have to submit to the Gojo Clan.

This was something the Zenin Clan, a family with an equally long and proud history, could never accept.

The Zenin Clan had its own pride, its own foundation, one that was not inferior to that of the Gojo Clan.

Thus, he would never allow their family to decline so easily.

"We must master the techniques behind the Zanpakutō! Naobito, what's the current progress on this mission?"

The old man did not expect an immediate, effective answer.

He knew that he was placing a difficult task on Naobito's shoulders—after all, it had only been two days since their last discussion.

Gojo Satoshi rarely left the Gojo Clan estate, making it difficult for the Zenin Clan to establish contact with him.

However, the next words that came out of Naobito's mouth shocked both the clan head and Zenin Ogi.

"At present, Toji has taken action. The Zanpakutō Gojo Satoshi forged this time used materials from the Zenin Clan's Treasury of Cursed Tools."

Naobito reported the current situation carefully.

When the clan head and Ogi heard that Gojo Satoshi had agreed to forge a Zanpakutō for Toji, they were momentarily stunned.

They had considered paying an enormous price to obtain a Zanpakutō.

But they had never imagined that such an outcome could be achieved so easily.

As the room fell into silence, Zenin Naobito spoke again in a low voice.

"Soon, the materials for the cursed tools Gojo Satoshi will forge for Toji will likely come directly from the treasury. At that time, Toji will personally invite Gojo Satoshi to the Zenin clan estate."

"When that happens, we may have an opportunity to communicate with him directly."

"Based on my understanding of the Gojo Clan, Gojo Satoshi has his own independent thoughts. Having been ignored and excluded by his own clan members for so many years, it's possible that he lacks a sense of belonging to the Gojo Clan."

"If the opportunity arises, we could even attempt to bring this so-called "false Six-Eyes" into the Zenin clan."

"After all, Gojo Satoshi has already proven his worth. Even without a shred of Cursed Energy, he has the potential to stand at the pinnacle of the Jujutsu world—just like Gojo Satoru."

Naobito's words once again left the room in silence.

Satoshi's value was undeniable.

No one could afford to underestimate him simply because of a Heavenly Restriction.

Just as Naobito had pointed out, if Gojo Satoshi truly joined the Zenin Clan, it could prevent the clan's reputation from falling in the future.

But the real question was:

Would someone like Gojo Satoshi,who had no Cursed Energy be willing to embrace the atmosphere of the Zenin Clan?

No one could say for sure.

Yet, they seemed to possess an unexpected bargaining chip in Toji, someone they had never truly valued before.

Who would have thought that someone without Cursed Energy, someone overlooked by their family for years, could become the key to shifting the Zenin Clan's future?

Seeing that both the clan head and Zenin Ogi understood Toji's significance, Naobito pressed forward.

"Clan Head, Ogi… While Toji has no Cursed Energy, his physical prowess is unmatched in this generation. His raw physical strength allows him to fight head-on against Gojo Satoshi's Zanpakutō."

"For the sake of even the slimmest possibility, we must abandon the outdated mindset of looking down on those without Cursed Energy."

"After all, both Gojo Satoshi and Toji are individuals without Cursed Energy. They have both been ignored and ostracized by their families since childhood! This kind of neglect only breeds resentment and internal friction."

"For those with true power like Toji and Gojo Satoshi, the clan will become nothing more than a shackle to them. If the clan offers nothing for them to be attached to, they will never prioritize the clan's interests in their future decisions."

Naobito's words struck a chord with the old clan head.

"Times have changed."

For the first time, he realized that he was beginning to fall behind.

The traditions he had established for his clan… had now become an obstacle to its growth.

Perhaps… the supremacy of Cursed Energy wasn't absolute.

After all, the world of Jujutsu did not only consist of Sorcerers.

"Naobito, it seems I must take greater care in steering the clan's future."

The clan head let out a long sigh, casting a deep look at Ogi before once again entrusting the task to Naobito.

Even though he was old, he could still see the difference in stance between Ogi and Naobito.

Ogi had always been a staunch believer in the supremacy of Cursed Energy.

The rigid mindset within the clan was largely due to his influence.

Under such circumstances, the responsibility of correcting this direction could not be given to Ogi, it could only be entrusted to Naobito.

As for how Ogi would view this decision…

The clan head didn't particularly care.

He was still alive.

As long as he lived, no one within the Zenin Clan would dare to fight over the position of Clan Head.

Like the Gojo Clan's leader, his only wish now was to pave a new path for the Zenin Clan before his time came.

And on this path, Gojo Satoshi and his Zanpakutō were critical.

Thus, in the face of these two factors, everything else had to take a backseat.

At this moment, the most important person in advancing this entire endeavor…

Was the very person the Zenin Clan had never thought highly of.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 61: Isn't This Another Domain?
Kamo Clan

Kamo Shin had just returned to the Kamo estate when he was greeted with troubling news.

"Gojo Satoshi has forged a third Zanpakutō."

"And it seems to be even stronger than Suzumushi."

Kamo Shin tightened his grip on his cane, his face darkening.

He turned to glance at the younger generation of the Kamo family, none of whom had even awakened the Blood Manipulation Technique.

Frustration burned in his chest.

Would the Kamo family really be removed from the Three Great Sorcerer Clans in the future?

For a traditional Jujutsu family to rely on Cursed Tool forging as its foundation… This was never the proper way.

And now, the Gojo Clan was challenging his standing as the foremost grandmaster of Cursed Tools.

Walking into the shadowed corridor, Kamo Shin raised his right hand slightly.

A figure emerged from the darkness behind him, its form flickering, almost as if it didn't belong in this space.

"Begin the plan. We must nip this in the bud."

The figure nodded slightly before vanishing without a trace.

With that final decision made, Kamo Shin let out a long breath.

As long as he found the right opportunity…

A mere child like Gojo Satoshi, one without even a shred of Cursed Energy, would never be able to protect himself.


---

Ieiri Clan

"Shoko, are you heading to the Gojo Clan today?"

Inamichi's sudden question made his daughter, Shoko, blink in confusion.

Her father had been bringing up the Gojo family quite frequently over the past two days.

"No… We didn't make any plans, right?"

Although Shoko was quite mature for her age, she had never considered relationships in the way adults did.

"Go spend time with Satoshi and Satoru over the next few days."

"You're all around the same age. You should have plenty to talk about."

For the first time, Inamichi felt like he was deliberately promoting his own daughter.

And with that realization came a deep sense of guilt.

But when he thought about the Gojo family…

One child possessing the unparalleled talent of a sorcerer.

The other possessing an equally terrifying talent as a blacksmith.

No matter which of the Six Eyes heirs Shoko built a closer bond with, it would only benefit the Ieiri family.

Shoko would eventually get married in the future.

So why not let her spend more time with the two most gifted sons of the Gojo Clan?

Maybe—just maybe—something would naturally develop between them.

With Shoko's beauty and intelligence, there was no doubt that she was the ideal candidate for a high-status marriage.

Wasn't it better for her to make her own choices rather than be forced into an arranged marriage?

This was the only way Ieiri Inamichi could justify it to himself.

After all, Shoko was his precious daughter…

And now, he was about to push her straight into the "tiger's den" of Gojo Satoru and Gojo Satoshi with his own hands.

Thinking about it left a bitter taste in his mouth.

But for the sake of the family's future in the Jujutsu world…

He had no choice but to establish ties with the two future legends of the Gojo Clan.


---

Gojo Clan

Gojo Kumaen stood by the window, staring at the cherry blossoms drifting through the air.

His expression was one of shock.

He reached out, brushing a single petal with his fingertip, only to feel a sharp pain.

A thin cut appeared on his skin, blood welling up instantly.

What is going on?

Although he wasn't as strong as a Grade 1 sorcerer like Gojo Shunichi, he was still a skilled sorcerer with a trained technique.

And yet—

Even with his technique activated, he couldn't block the sharpness of a single cherry blossom petal?

Was this the third Zanpakutō forged by Gojo Satoshi?

If every petal held this level of sharpness, then…

This sea of cherry blossoms, covering the entire Gojo estate…

It could wipe out every ordinary person inside in an instant.

Satoshi had successfully forged it.

A technique this terrifying was beyond the imagination of ordinary sorcerers.

Even a Special-Grade Cursed Spirit would likely struggle to unleash such a massive-scale killing technique.

Looking at the vast sea of cherry blossoms surrounding the Gojo estate, a thought surfaced in Kumaen's mind:

Domain.

Wasn't this a domain in its own right?

Anyone who stepped into this space, whether sorcerer or civilian, would instantly be at its mercy.

A sorcerer might be able to resist one or two petals.

But could they withstand thousands?

Millions?

For the first time, Kumaen truly understood the power of a Zanpakutō.

Neither Sode no Shirayuki nor Suzumushi had displayed a technique as overwhelmingly destructive as Senbonzakura.

…Have I been wrong all along?

If this Zanpakutō were given to Satoru…

Wouldn't Satoru become even more powerful?

Could it be that Satoshi isn't a curse on Satoru… but his greatest ally?

Kumaen gripped the wooden window frame, veins bulging in his hand as blood dripped from the fresh wound on his finger.

For the first time, he doubted himself.

Satoshi was only six years old.

And yet, he had already forged three immensely powerful Zanpakutō.

What about the future?

In the decades to come, just how many of these enigmatic Zanpakutō would he create?

At least for now, until the secret of Satoshi's Zanpakutō forging technique was uncovered.

The Gojo Clan would dominate the Jujutsu world.

Had it been a mistake to alienate Satoshi?

Perhaps… it was time to change course.

Kumaen's expression wavered.

The delicate, fluttering cherry blossoms stood in stark contrast to his grim, conflicted face.

---

The Gojo Family's Main Hall

The elderly clan head sat quietly, watching the thousand floating cherry blossoms swirl around him.

A faint smile of relief crossed his lips.

So this is the Zanpakutō Satoshi forged for Satoru?

As expected of brothers. Without hesitation, he handed such a powerful technique to Satoru.

Satoshi, you are far more reserved than I thought.

If you ever feel slighted, the entire clan will bow to you.

You are the future of the Gojo Clan. You will shape its destiny.

Lifting his teacup, he took a slow sip.

The existence of this Zanpakutō had unknowingly drawn the attention of the entire Jujutsu world.

And at the same time.

It was gradually reshaping the very foundation of that world.

A technique that could threaten even Special-Grade Cursed Spirits…

The old man gazed at the sea of Senbonzakura outside his window, a wave of emotion washing over him.

Satoru had yet to reach his full potential.

But Satoshi.

He had already proven his ability to shake the world.

For the first time, the old man felt truly grateful that he had insisted on letting Satoshi live when he was born.

If he had wavered back then…

The Gojo Clan might have lost the very spark that could revolutionize the world of sorcery.

Gojo Satoru.

Gojo Satoshi.

Please continue to grow.

Satoshi… Perhaps the name I gave you was not a mistake after all.

You've already carved your name into history.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 62: Winter Cherry Blossom Spectacle

"Senbonzakura… This is the Zanpakutō that Satoshi prepared for me!"

Satoru could feel the connection between himself and the countless floating blades. His Six Eyes widened in astonishment.

He had always known he was gifted. With the Six Eyes, he was destined to become the strongest sorcerer.

He also knew that his younger brother was exceptionally talented and would one day become the greatest Cursed Tool master.

However, deep down, Satoru had never doubted that he was the strongest. He wielded Cursed Energy and had mastered Limitless—surely, there was no one who could surpass him.

Yet now, as he gripped Senbonzakura and activated its Shikai, he wavered for the first time.

Six Eyes and Limitless were indeed incredibly powerful.

But the strength of this Zanpakutō was undeniable.

Could it be that Satoshi, the one who could forge a Zanpakutō was not actually weaker than him?

Satoru found himself losing the unwavering confidence he had always held.

When he had first compared himself to Sode no Shirayuki, he had still believed he could contend with it.

But now, after witnessing Senbonzakura's abilities firsthand…

Even with the Six Eyes, could he truly stand against countless cherry blossom blades?

And this was only Shikai.

According to what Satoshi had told him, a Zanpakutō had another, even greater form—Bankai.

If Senbonzakura's Shikai was already this overwhelming, then what kind of terrifying power would its Bankai hold?

Satoru raised his gaze toward Satoshi.

Seeing the joy and satisfaction in his brother's eyes, the unease in his heart suddenly melted away.

I'm such an idiot. What's there to be jealous about?

I, Gojo Satoru, am Gojo Satoshi's real brother.

A smirk tugged at the corner of Satoru's lips. With a casual wave of his right hand.

The countless cherry blossom petals that had blanketed the entire Gojo estate responded instantly.

Following his movement, they swirled through the air, rushing toward the forge.

Within seconds, all the petals had gathered, merging back into Satoru's Zanpakutō.

The members of the Gojo Clan stood in stunned silence.

The breathtaking sight of the winter cherry blossoms had been burned into their memories.

The sheer distortion of nature's laws was something they would never forget.

All the sorcerers of the Gojo Clan turned their gaze toward the forge.

They all knew of the other Six-Eyes Child of the Gojo Clan.

And once again, his actions had overturned everything they believed to be true.

Even the staunchest members of the Twin Curse Faction found themselves shaken.

No one could remain indifferent after standing within that sea of countless, razor-sharp cherry blossoms.

For the first time, two names were placed side by side in the hearts of many within the Gojo family:

Young Master Satoru. Young Master Satoshi.


---

Satoshi watched quietly from the side as Satoru wielded Senbonzakura with effortless ease.

A mix of emotions stirred within him.

Satoru truly is the most gifted sorcerer in the Jujutsu world.

His mastery over the Zanpakutō far surpassed even Shunichi, a Grade 1 sorcerer.

With just a single touch, he had already achieved Shikai.

And now, he was already controlling Senbonzakura's injury-free circle as though he had trained with it for years.

If Satoshi didn't know that Senbonzakura originally belonged to Byakuya Kuchiki from the Bleach world…

He might have believed it had been created specifically for Satoru.

Man and sword—an unnervingly perfect match.

Gojo Satoru + Senbonzakura.

The strongest version of Satoru had now come into existence.

He's only going to get more powerful… and more arrogant, isn't he?

The thought made the corners of Satoshi's lips twitch upward.

I guess if we want to fix Satoru's "greasiness," we need to start while he's still young.

With me and Toji around, we should be able to set him straight…

After all, right now, Satoru can't exactly win against Toji. And against me with Sode no Shirayuki? He wouldn't stand a chance either.

Just as Satoshi was feeling pleased with himself, a sudden realization hit him, his entire body tensed.

If Satoru hadn't possessed a Zanpakutō before, he wouldn't have stood a chance against him.

But now…

With Six Eyes + Limitless + Zanpakutō: Senbonzakura…

Satoru was practically the strongest existence in the Jujutsu world.

At six years old.

It didn't even matter that he was still a child.

Power was power. And right now, Satoru had the ultimate "cheat code."

For the first time, Satoshi realized he had accidentally created a monster.

Technically, since he was the wielder of Senbonzakura, he could take it back at any time.

But…

In order to claim his rewards from Satoru, he had to let him complete Bankai first.

And even beyond that.

Satoshi didn't want to take it back.

He wanted Senbonzakura to always protect Satoru.

He refused to let Satoru become the laughingstock he had been in another timeline.

Gojo Satoru is Gojo Satoru—the strongest sorcerer in the world.

He would remain undefeated.

Two-Faced Sukuna?

Who cares?

Satoru will never "hold back" or give some nonsense excuse about not bringing out Sukuna's full strength.

He will never become a pathetic, humiliated character.

Satoshi's gaze toward Satoru grew more and more determined.

Satoru, however, felt a chill run down his spine under his brother's stare.

For some reason, he sensed an odd anticipation in Satoshi's eyes.

Why does he look like a parent waiting for his kid to grow up?

Satoru was suddenly uneasy.

---

I can't let Satoru get too smug!

He had always been a little eccentric, but if he let his power get to his head, he'd become unbearable.

Satoshi had worked so hard to get Toji on their side just to prove to Satoru that there were always stronger people out there.

But now…

With Senbonzakura in his hands, would Satoru ever learn humility?

Satoshi rubbed his chin in thought.

His deep blue eyes flickered toward Toji.

Then, he glanced at himself in the mirror.

A thoughtful expression crossed his young face.

(To be continued.)