HRU: Chapter 53/56

Chapter 53: Undercurrent of the Jujutsu Blacksmith Association

On the other side, in the master bedroom of the Gojo Clan.

At this moment, the elderly patriarch was leisurely reading a newspaper, his expression one of deep satisfaction. The headlines announced that Shunichi had successfully been promoted to a Grade 1 Sorcerer, a piece of news that pleased him greatly.

However, what intrigued him even more was Shunichi's apparent support for Satoshi.

To the old man, this was a surprising turn of events. After all, Shunichi was once a staunch member of the Twin Curse Faction, a group that had clashed with Satoshi over the handling of cursed tools.

"Satoshi, you can't hide anymore, even if you wanted to. Once Shunichi reveals your abilities, that carefree life of yours will be over..."

"Since Kumaen has already begun taking over the clan's affairs, that should align with your wishes."

"I just wonder... when will Kumaen realize that everything he's doing is, in the end, simply paving the way for you?"

A smile spread across the old man's wrinkled face, his skin marked with the passage of time.

Even though Inamichi had treated him, his lifespan was reaching its limit. He likely wouldn't survive past the end of the year.

But despite that, he felt at peace. He had discovered Satoshi, someone who could truly carry the future of the Gojo Clan.

He believed that after his passing, under the combined leadership of Satoru and Satoshi, the clan would thrive even more than before.

"Satoshi, I look forward to seeing just how far you'll go..."


---

Jujutsu Blacksmith Association

Within the association headquarters, two renowned cursed tool masters, Hirai Taketa and Gota Yosuke, exchanged solemn glances before handing a newspaper to Kamo Shin, the grandmaster standing beside them.

"President, Gojo Satoshi has successfully forged a second Zanpakutō."

Both of them wore bitter expressions.

As veterans in the art of crafting cursed tools, neither had expected that in their sixties and seventies, they would be surpassed by a mere six-year-old child.

At this rate, Satoshi was fully qualified to be recognized as a master of cursed tools, especially with the creation of these two unique Zanpakutō.

However, was it truly a good thing for the Jujutsu Blacksmith Association to have such a young master among them?

Holding the newspaper, Kamo Shin remained silent. His hand tightened slightly, veins subtly bulging.

Though his face displayed a composed expression, any keen observer could see the underlying excitement in his eyes.

After a moment, Kamo Shin finally spoke.

"We should celebrate. With Gojo Shunichi's promotion, the entire jujutsu world will have no choice but to pay greater attention to cursed tools."

His words sent shockwaves through the room.

Hirai Taketa and Gota Yosuke stared at him in disbelief.

Wait, what's going on? The president is actually congratulating Gojo Satoshi? Wasn't he always against Zanpakutō before?

Does this mean that our association is considering bringing Gojo Satoshi into our ranks? Could we even learn the forging methods behind Zanpakutō?

If Gojo Satoshi is willing to share his forging techniques, there's no reason he can't officially join the Jujutsu Blacksmith Association.

Given the Kamo Clan's influence, this shouldn't be too difficult, right? Since he's forging cursed tools, isn't it only natural for him to contribute to the association?

The subtle shift in Kamo Shin's stance immediately sparked different thoughts among the association members.

After all, the Gojo Clan was not an opponent to be taken lightly. If the Jujutsu Blacksmith Association openly antagonized Satoshi, the outcome could be disastrous.

However, beneath his composed exterior, Kamo Shin's mind was clouded with darkness.

The Kamo Clan, already infamous for producing some of history's most notorious sorcerers, was considered the most morally bankrupt family in the jujutsu world.

And now, as the president of the Jujutsu Blacksmith Association, what reason did he have to stray from that reputation?

The Kamo Clan thrived on blood and ambition. Only through sacrifice could true progress be achieved.

A sharp glint flickered in Kamo Shin's eyes.

If Gojo Satoshi could truly normalize Zanpakutō as cursed tools, the entire field of cursed tool craftsmanship would be turned on its head.

And as the undisputed authority in the field, how could he, Kamo Shin, allow a mere six-year-old to challenge him?


---

Gojo Clan – Forge Room

"Satoshi! Shunichi has officially been promoted to a Grade 1 Sorcerer!"

Excitedly, Satoru rushed into the forge, eager to share the news with Gojo Satoshi.

Though Shunichi was no longer Satoru's personal bodyguard, Satoru was genuinely happy for his achievement.

However, what puzzled him was how calm Satoshi remained, as if he had expected this outcome all along.

Wait... is Satoshi really that confident in his Zanpakutō? Does he truly believe that Shunichi's promotion was guaranteed because of Suzumushi?

Well, that makes sense. Suzumushi is incredibly powerful. It's only natural for Satoshi to be sure of his success.

Seeing Satoshi's composed demeanor, Satoru found it... strangely cool.

What he didn't know, however, was that Satoshi's indifference had nothing to do with confidence.

Rather, he simply already knew the result.

After all, he had personally participated in Shunichi's promotion test, witnessing firsthand how Suzumushi helped him repel a Special Grade Cursed Spirit, securing his advancement.

"Then, let's wait for Uncle Shunichi to return!" Satoshi said casually before glancing at Satoru. "Actually, Satoru, come with me to the cursed tool storage room. Let's see if there are any materials suitable for forging a new cursed tool."

Now that Suzumushi's existence had been revealed, Satoshi figured he wouldn't encounter as many obstacles when searching for materials this time.

"Oh? Satoshi, it looks like you've already got something in mind!"

A mischievous glint appeared in Satoru's eyes as he perked up.

Next, Satoshi should be helping me forge my own Zanpakutō, right?

I can't wait! Zanpakutō... Zanpakutō... I want a Zanpakutō like Sode no Shirayuki!

Humming happily to himself, Satoru was already daydreaming about how cool his future Zanpakutō would be.

Meanwhile, Satoshi, standing beside him, could only sigh.

Satoru hadn't even obtained a Zanpakutō yet, what was he so excited about?

Wasn't this just putting unnecessary pressure on him?

To forge a suitable Zanpakutō, he needed to find a cursed tool compatible with its abilities first.

Satoru, whether or not your Zanpakutō becomes a reality depends entirely on the cursed tools available in the storage room...

Ignoring Satoru's overenthusiastic rambling, Satoshi turned and left the forge, Sode no Shirayuki in hand.

Noticing Satoshi's departure, Satoru quickly followed.

He wanted to witness the birth of his own Zanpakutō, starting with the selection of a cursed tool...

Chapter 54: Toji, This Is the Mission Assigned to You by the Family

On the way to the cursed tool storage room, Satoshi could clearly sense the subtle shift in the way his fellow clan members looked at him.

In the past, their gazes had been filled with nothing but indifference. But today, beneath that cold exterior, a trace of doubt had begun to emerge.

Clearly, news about Suzumushi had already spread throughout the clan.

Some people even took the initiative to step aside when they saw him passing.

However, many still harbored skepticism.

After all, a six-year-old child had managed to forge a Zanpakutō after a month of repeated failures—yet, no special rumors had surfaced regarding the forging process.

It all seemed a little too convenient.

That said, this time, no one attempted to stop Satoshi and Satoru from entering the storage room.

At this moment, every single member of the Gojo Clan wanted to know one thing, could Satoshi forge another Zanpakutō?

Again and again.

If Satoshi succeeded in forging a third Zanpakutō, it would prove beyond doubt that his abilities were not just a stroke of luck.

It would mean that Satoshi truly possessed the power to change the entire Gojo Clan.


---

Meanwhile – Zenin Clan

In a quiet room deep within the Zenin estate, Toji sat lazily, his eyes filled with boredom as he stared at his unexpected visitor—Zenin Naobito.

He had little interest in the higher-ups of the Zenin Clan.

To Toji, this so-called "family" meant nothing.

Yet here stood Naobito, a man ranked among the top three most powerful figures in the clan.

And yet, Toji didn't care.

His only concern was whether the Zenin Clan's cursed tool vault contained anything useful for Satoshi.

Naobito, however, had come for a different reason.

"Toji, I want to meet Gojo Satoshi through you."

At the mention of that name, Toji who had been about to leave suddenly stopped.

He narrowed his eyes, turning to stare at Naobito, and waited for him to continue.

The Zenin Clan is finally making their move on Satoshi?

So they've heard about Suzumushi.

Toji had no idea what had happened with Shunichi.

Without cursed energy, he wasn't privy to the newspapers distributed among sorcerers.

However, based on Naobito's sudden interest in Satoshi, it wasn't hard to put the pieces together.

Would the Zenin Clan bother with someone who had no cursed energy?

Of course not.

The only thing they would care about was Satoshi's ability to forge Zanpakutō.

"I heard you've been quite close to young master Satoshi of the Gojo Clan lately."

Naobits's voice was calm as he stepped into Toji's residence, casually handing him a copy of the association's newspaper.

Toji smirked, taking the newspaper with a lazy motion.

"Yeah, I suppose you could say that."

After glancing at the headlines, Toji's suspicions were confirmed—the article detailed the power of Suzumushi but conveniently omitted any mention of its forger.

He exhaled slowly, his tone carrying an unmistakable edge of mockery.

"After all, we're just two 'useless' people with no cursed energy. It's only natural that we'd get along."

His words were laced with sarcasm, but Naobito didn't react.

Instead, he nodded.

"Zanpakutō is a type of cursed tool unlike anything that has ever existed before. If such tools can be mass-produced, they will completely revolutionize the world of cursed tools."

"The head of the clan has taken great interest in this matter. As have I. That's why I'm here—to confirm something."

"Tell me, Toji... did Gojo Satoshi really forge a second Zanpakutō?"

Naobits's gaze was sharp as he locked eyes with Toji.

While everyone suspected Satoshi was the forger, the newspaper never explicitly stated it.

Before taking any further action, the Zenin Clan needed absolute confirmation.

They needed Toji to verify the truth.

Without hesitation, Toji answered.

"Suzumushi was indeed forged by Gojo Satoshi. I watched the entire process myself."

Naobi's expression didn't change, but his grip on his sleeve tightened slightly.

"Then, if the Zenin Clan is planning to act... they should do it soon," Toji added nonchalantly. "Gojo Satoshi isn't just some throwaway kid."

"If both Satoshi and Satoru reach their full potential, the Zenin Clan will be crushed."

"With the current state of this family, I don't see any way you could compete with the Gojo Clan."

Toji stretched lazily, his words carrying a carefree ruthlessness as he casually predicted the downfall of the Zenin Clan right in front of one of its top leaders.

What surprised him, however, was that Naobito did not refute him.

Instead, he fell into deep thought.

After a long pause, Naobito sighed.

"Even so… as you just said, there is no one in the younger generation of the Zenin Clan who can rival the Six Eyes."

Toji raised an eyebrow.

The Zenin Clan… actually admitting they're inferior?

The arrogance of the Zenin family was legendary.

For them to acknowledge their weakness so openly...

That alone was shocking.

Sensing Toji's skepticism, Naobito suddenly smirked.

"Perhaps the others in the family cannot compete with Gojo Satoru… but what about you, Toji?"

The room fell silent.

For a moment, the tension in the air was suffocating.

A few seconds later, Toji chuckled.

"Me?"

He tapped the scar at the corner of his mouth, his amusement barely concealed.

"I'm just a good-for-nothing without cursed energy."

But inwardly, he was intrigued.

Because ever since Gojo Satoshi appeared, the entire Zenin Clan had started to change.

And now… for some reason, they were paying attention to him.

Naobito's voice deepened.

"Toji, I know exactly how strong you are. The Heavenly Restriction isn't a weakness, it's an advantage."

Naobits's gaze held a rare intensity.

"I plan to personally report your situation to the clan head. In the future, you will be recognized as the true backbone of the Zenin Clan."

A pause.

Then, Naobito placed a firm hand on Toji's shoulder, his expression filled with undeniable respect.

"And as for Gojo Satoshi?" Naobito continued.

"The clan has already agreed that we will not take any hostile action against him, just as we have never directly acted against the Six Eyes."

"However, the Zenin Clan does want a Zanpakutō of our own."

"That's where you come in, Toji."

Naobits's tone turned serious.

"Previously, there were some… disagreements between Zenin Shinsuke and Gojo Satoshi. Because of that, direct negotiations will be difficult."

"So, I hope that you will act as the Zenin Clan's representative… and secure a Zanpakutō from Gojo Satoshi for us."

"This is your mission from the family, Toji."

Chapter 55: Zanpakutō That Matches His Status

Inside the Zenin Clan's cursed tool storage room.

Toji walked leisurely through the collection, his hands tucked into the sleeves of his kimono, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

So, this is the "mission" the family has assigned me? Well, at least I don't have to sneak in to grab what I need.

Hah. The Zenin Clan is finally starting to take me seriously? That's almost amusing.

The Zenin, Gojo, and Kamo Clans—the so-called Three Great Families of Jujutsu Society—are all just corrupt institutions, yet they act as if they're so important.

Honor? Legacy? What does any of that have to do with me?

Still, this mission did come with its perks.

Using it as an excuse to openly select a cursed tool saves me the trouble. Now I can focus my energy on finding something suitable for that kid, Satoshi.

The Zenin Clan, being one of the strongest families in the sorcerer world, had an impressive stockpile of cursed tools. The storage room was packed with weapons of various grades, some of which were Special Grade.

As he walked past the higher-tier tools, Toji shook his head.

Too bad none of these fit Satoshi's needs. Otherwise, I'd hand him a Special Grade cursed tool and see if its quality affects the strength of his Zanpakutō.

With a hint of amusement, Toji continued browsing.

Then, something caught his eye, a sword in the corner of the room...


---

Gojo Clan – Cursed Tool Storage Room

"Satoshi, are you really leaving empty-handed?"

Watching Satoshi step out of the storage room without taking anything, Satoru's expression was filled with disappointment.

He had followed Satoshi into the storage room full of anticipation, eagerly waiting to see what kind of Zanpakutō would be forged for him.

But now, seeing Satoshi walk away with nothing, he realized he'd have to wait even longer.

"Satoru, I can't just forge your Zanpakutō whenever I feel like it," Satoshi replied, his tone helpless.

"There wasn't a single cursed tool that matched the characteristics of the Zanpakutō I have in mind. Forcing it would only waste materials."

"It's fine. If we couldn't find anything here, then we'll just wait. I asked Toji to help me search for one, maybe he'll find something useful."

Satoshi reassured him.

After all, a Zanpakutō wasn't something you could just pick up anywhere. Finding the right materials to forge one was a slow and precise process.

"Good things take time, Satoru. Just be patient a little longer."

"Or do you want something like Suzumushi instead? Would you be satisfied with a Zanpakutō that doesn't match your potential?"

Satoshi looked at him meaningfully.

If Satoru didn't have any specific demands, it would be much easier to forge a generic Zanpakutō with slightly weaker abilities. The requirements wouldn't be as strict.

However, Satoshi didn't feel right about giving Satoru something ordinary.

Besides, a lackluster Zanpakutō wouldn't be enough to ignite Satoru's interest in exploring Shikai and Bankai.

"Yeah, no thanks!"

Satoru quickly shook his head.

He wanted something special, like Sode no Shirayuki—something with flair. The thought of ending up with something as plain and unassuming as Suzumushi was unacceptable.

For the sake of a Zanpakutō worthy of him, he was willing to wait.

"See? No need to rush, then," Satoshi chuckled.

Satoru's reaction was exactly what he expected.

The strongest sorcerer of the future needed a Zanpakutō that truly reflected his status.


---

The Next Day – Forge House

Satoru watched as Shunichi demonstrated the Shikai of Suzumushi, and his conversation with Satoshi from the previous day resurfaced in his mind.

Yeah… I really don't like how Suzumushi looks. It's too plain.

Satoshi, you better not give me something like this…

After completing the formalities of his promotion, Shunichi finally returned to the Gojo Clan estate.

He was now officially a Grade 1 Sorcerer, one of the highest-ranking members of the clan.

His influence had also grown significantly.

And yet, despite this, he remained respectful toward Satoshi and Satoru, showing no trace of arrogance.

"Young Master Satoshi, Young Master Satoru, this is Suzumushi's Shikai."

"There are two techniques. The first, Suzumushi Isshiki: Kyōmei, has a hypnotic effect and serves as an auxiliary ability. The second, Suzumushi Nishiki: Benihikō, is a powerful offensive technique that played a key role in my recent battle."

"During my fight with a Special Grade Cursed Spirit, it was only thanks to the threat of Benihikō that we were able to temporarily force the spirit to retreat."

As he spoke, Shunichi glanced at Satoshi, his eyes flashing with gratitude.

"Young Master Satoshi, it's a good thing you insisted that I bring Suzumushi with me. If not for that, I—and Yagyū Hidetsugu, the Grade 1 sorcerer from the Yagyū Clan, would have likely died on this mission."

"Hidetsugu said that once he recovers, he plans to personally thank you."

Looking at the two identical Six Eyes users before him, Shunichi couldn't help but feel a deep sense of appreciation.

He couldn't even begin to imagine what would have happened if he hadn't brought Suzumushi with him.

"Well done, Shunichi!" Satoru grinned. "Now that you're a Grade 1 Sorcerer, the clan won't waste your time on guard duty anymore. You're officially one of the big players now. Just don't forget to support me and Satoshi when the time comes!"

His words were half-joking, but the underlying message was clear, Shunichi's growth meant more influence for Satoshi within the clan.

That, in turn, would help shift the family's perception of Satoshi's worth.

"Young Master Satoru, I will protect both you and Young Master Satoshi."

Shunichi nodded firmly.

Even though he had reached Grade 1, he was well aware of where his true strength came from.

Satoshi, meanwhile, silently observed both Shunichi and Suzumushi for a long moment before asking:

"Uncle Shunichi, how's your connection with Suzumushi now?"

Shunichi was, in many ways, an experiment for Satoshi, the first person besides himself to use a borrowed Zanpakutō.

Naturally, Satoshi was curious about how the bond between Shunichi and Suzumushi had developed.

He needed data.

"Yes, Young Master Satoshi! Suzumushi spoke to me once before. After that, I could sense its presence."

"But… no matter how much I called out afterward, Suzumushi never spoke to me again."

Shunichi didn't hesitate to explain his experience.

Satoshi was silent for a moment.

Then, internally, he sighed.

Yeah… that was me talking to you, not Suzumushi. There's no way it would respond.

Casually brushing past the topic, Satoshi simply made a mental note of the information.

Just as he finished recording his thoughts, a sudden knock echoed from the door of the forge…

Chapter 56: This Man Was Born to Be in Conflict with Me

"Hey, is everyone here? Looks like we've got quite the gathering."

Toji's lazy voice echoed through the room.

Hearing this, Satoru didn't even bother to look up, still lost in thought about what his future Zanpakutō would look like.

Meanwhile, Shunichi, upon seeing Toji, immediately tensed up.

After his recent battle with a Special Grade Cursed Spirit, his connection with Suzumushi had deepened, granting him a sharper perception of the world around him.

Previously, he had merely sensed that Toji was dangerous, a vague but persistent feeling.

But now, after his breakthrough, that feeling had only grown stronger.

Gojo Shunichi's expression subtly changed.

Why does this man, who has no cursed energy at all, radiate such an overwhelming pressure, even to a Grade 1 Sorcerer like me?

Did Young Master Satoshi already know about Toji's unusual nature? Is that why he was so intent on befriending him?

Noticing Shunichi staring at him, Toji simply shrugged.

"Hey, congrats on the promotion! This whole event caused quite a stir. Even a so-called 'useless' member of the Zenin Clan like me managed to hear about it."

Toji's tone was lighthearted, unfazed by Shunichi's wary gaze.

Then, turning to Satoshi, he smirked.

At the same time, Satoshi was also eyeing Toji—but not because of what he had said.

Instead, his attention was completely focused on the cloth-wrapped object Toji was holding.

"After two days of not seeing you, this is the welcome I get?" Toji raised an eyebrow. "Young Master Satoshi, is this how the Six Eyes of the Gojo Clan treat their guests?"

He stood there with his arms crossed, the cursed tool resting diagonally across his chest. A flicker of amusement danced in his eyes.

Satoshi, however, remained composed.

His expression was calm, but his eyes burned with excitement.

Toji isn't the type to play games.

If he had come here personally with a cursed tool, then that meant he had found what Satoshi needed.

"Alright, hand it over. Let me take a look."

"As for our previous deal… I'll move it up my priority list."

Satoshi instantly understood Toji's real message, he was urging him to hurry up and forge his own Zanpakutō.

Since Satoshi was just as direct as Toji, he wasted no time getting to the point.

Satisfied with the response, Toji tossed the cursed tool to him.

"I found one in the Zenin Clan's storage vault that matches your requirements. There were actually a few options, but I figured it'd be better if you picked the materials yourself."

"Once you're done with this one, come with me to the Zenin estate. I want my Zanpakutō to be forged properly, I'm not about to settle for anything less."

His words made Satoshi pause for a brief moment.

The Zenin Clan, with its long history, actually had multiple cursed tools that fit the criteria?

The Gojo Clan's storage had nothing even close.

But upon thinking about it, it made sense.

After all, the traits he was searching for were linked to the Zenin Clan's most powerful inherited technique. It was only natural that they would have collected relevant tools over time.

Satoshi nodded in agreement.

On the side, both Satoru and Shunichi suddenly reacted.

"Wait… you just said 'forging a Zanpakutō'?"

The two of them looked back and forth between Toji and Satoshi.

It was obvious that these two had some secret agreement they hadn't been let in on.

Seeing Satoru's curiosity, Satoshi twirled the cursed tool in his hand, a mischievous smile forming on his lips.

"That's right, Satoru."

"See this? Toji found this cursed tool for you. It's perfect for forging your Zanpakutō. So? Feeling grateful to him?"

Even after spending more than a month together, Satoshi could still sense the subtle tension between Satoru and Toji.

It wasn't outright hostility, more like an underlying resistance.

It showed in small, almost imperceptible ways, but it was there.

For a brief moment, Satoru's sky-blue eyes flashed with surprise.

He looked at Toji, finally recalling something Satoshi had joked about before.

"In the future, your Zanpakutō will probably rely on Toji's help…"

That joke had actually come true.

And now, remembering his initial reluctance toward Toji, Satoru felt… a little awkward.

He knew exactly why he had been so resistant toward Toji.

Over the past month, he had noticed how naturally Satoshi and Toji got along.

They shared an easy camaraderie, a bond that he didn't have with Satoshi.

Maybe it was because they were both Heavenly Restriction bearers, they simply understood each other in a way that no one else could.

But deep down, Satoru knew the real reason for his feelings.

His relationship with Satoshi was not as close as it should be.

Satoshi himself might not have realized it, but Satoru was fully aware.

Ever since birth, he had been the reason Satoshi was ostracized by the Gojo Clan.

Because of him, Satoshi had been denied the treatment he deserved.

Originally, Satoru had planned to find a way to restore Satoshi's cursed energy as a way to make amends.

But now…

Satoshi had forged his own path, using his talents to create something entirely new.

Because of that, Satoru had lost the opportunity to repay him.

And despite his usual carefree attitude, it… bothered him.

Even if he didn't want to admit it, the truth was simple.

He was jealous.

And now, seeing Toji—the very person he had been avoiding—deliver the materials for his Zanpakutō, Satoru wondered if he had been acting childish all along.

Maybe… I really can become friends with Toji.

Just as that thought crossed his mind.

"Gojo brat, you're such a hassle," Toji suddenly muttered, exasperated. "You had to cut in line and get your Zanpakutō before mine? I should kick you out of here."

Then, smirking, he added, "I've never tried kicking the Six Eyes user of the Gojo Clan before… wonder how far you'd fly."

Instantly, Satoru's face darkened.

Never mind.

I still don't get along with this guy.