At the Gojo estate, shocking news had just arrived—and before long, it would spread throughout the entire jujutsu world like an epidemic.
The Zenin Clan—one of the Three Great Families—had just been massacred by one of their own.
The victims were primarily the clan’s core fighting force and its conservative elders.
Strategically speaking, this was good news for the other great families, as the Zenin Clan had been significantly weakened.
However, what truly terrified everyone wasn’t the number of casualties.
It was the identity of the one responsible.
“Zenin Toji… He possesses a Heavenly Restriction.
In exchange for having absolutely no Cursed Energy, his body has been enhanced to an extreme degree.”
The Second Elder spoke in a low voice, his aged eyes narrowing.
“More importantly, when he acted, he carried a pair of twin blades with extraordinary abilities.
Most likely, they were the weapons that appeared at the Three Great Families’ banquet—the Soul-Cutting Blades.”
The entire room erupted into whispers.
Unable to contain himself, the Second Elder pressed on:
“How did that old man Naobito react?”
“According to the reports, the people who were killed were the ones who initiated the conflict.
Naobito has no intention of pursuing the matter.
In fact, he even allowed Toji to leave the clan peacefully.
He still allowed him to retain the Zenin name.”
“A wise decision.”
Another elder sighed.
“Just imagine how many clans will go crazy trying to recruit a Special Grade-level assassin like him.”
However, the real issue that had the Gojo elders restless revolved around another name.
“If even an outcast from the Zenin Clan can possess those weapons, then clearly Kaito has discovered a method to reproduce the Soul-Cutting Blades.
Why hasn’t he reported it to the main family?”
The Third Elder slammed his hand against the table angrily.
“We should have kept that technique under our control and monopolized it!
And now it has leaked outside the clan!
Gojo Sei, your son has caused an enormous problem.
What are you going to do about it?”
Faced with the pressure of these greedy old men, Sei remained calm.
“Has that boy actually done anything wrong?”
His voice became stern.
“That sword was entirely created by him.
He didn’t rely on any of the clan’s records, resources, or assistance.
You contributed absolutely nothing, yet now you want to claim his life’s work for yourselves?”
His gaze swept across the red-faced elders, their expressions distorted by pride and greed.
“Toji and the Ten Shadows user are both Kaito’s close friends.
Instead of sitting here complaining, you should see this as a golden opportunity to establish a strong alliance with the Zenin Clan through him.”
“Regardless of what you say…”
The Second Elder’s tone softened, though the scheming remained evident in his eyes.
“That boy still needs to give the clan a satisfactory explanation.
Someone who possesses the ability to mass-produce such weapons without the protection of a major power…”
“He’ll simply become prey for the predators waiting outside.”
Everyone in the room nodded in agreement.
Deep down, they all understood the truth:
Whoever controlled Kaito would control the future of the jujutsu world.
“Kaito has already informed me.”
Sei calmly interrupted the elders’ dark thoughts.
“The boy will soon return to the Gojo main estate to have a direct and fair discussion with the clan regarding the Soul-Cutting Blades.”
“Good!
We’ll be waiting for good news from you.”
.
.
.
Meanwhile, Kaito and Tobu were making their way toward the Gojo estate.
Naoya had already returned to report everything to Naobito.
Toji, meanwhile, had stopped by Kuina’s place while also looking for a suitable location for the Yozoruya shop.
This time, Kaito had brought quite a few Asauchi Soul-Cutting Blades with him.
Aside from Hyorinmaru, he had prepared two more blades for Satoru and Shouko as promised, as well as three additional blades for the main family to use as bargaining chips.
Carrying six swords at once was rather cumbersome.
Hyorinmaru was carefully wrapped in cloth and strapped to his back.
The remaining five swords had been placed inside the Cursed Spirit storage creature Toji had obtained.
Although the creature wasn’t exactly what Tobu would call “cute,” its convenience was undeniable.
Kaito secretly thought that he should find one for himself someday.
As for Tobu, she had hidden her own sword inside her shadow.
At first, she had offered to carry all of Kaito’s weapons for him.
But after learning that she would have to directly bear the weight of the objects stored within her shadows, Kaito firmly refused.
He didn’t want this trip to turn into a scene where he was making her carry all his luggage.
To reach the Gojo estate, the two decided to use public transportation.
Tobu had wanted to summon Nue to get there faster, but following Toji’s suggestion, Kaito decided that they should walk and take the train instead.
It would be a good way to relax.
On the streets, the contrast between the two attracted quite a few curious glances.
Tobu was tall and elegant, wearing a one-piece dress paired with sheer black stockings.
More than a few boys on the street couldn’t help turning their heads to look at her.
Kaito, on the other hand, wore a formal kimono, giving off his characteristic cold and composed aura.
Perhaps the only thing that seemed out of place was their difference in height.
To passersby, they looked less like a pair of friends and more like an older sister taking her little brother out for a walk.
Tobu suddenly seemed to remember something and smiled softly.
“This is the first time we’ve gone out alone together like this, isn’t it?”
“Mm.
That’s right.”
“Why did you suddenly suggest walking, Kaito?”
Tobu tilted her head, her eyes sparkling mischievously.
“Don’t tell me… you wanted to go on a date with me?”
“Brother Toji asked me to.”
Kaito completely ignored her adorable gesture, his voice remaining as calm as ever.
“Oh, I see…”
There was a faint trace of disappointment in Tobu’s eyes.
Kaito remained silent for a while before finally speaking.
“Toji didn’t leave the clan because he wanted to abandon you.”
That was the real reason Toji had asked Kaito to take her out today.
The man might have been rough around the edges, but he had always worried about his little sister in his own way.
Tobu looked up at the sky, her voice filled with nostalgia.
“Ever since I became aware of the world around me, Brother Toji has always been there.”
“He protected me, took care of me, and looked after everything for me.”
Kaito didn’t answer.
He simply continued walking beside her.
The rhythmic clacking of his wooden sandals against the pavement became his silent way of listening.
Tobu continued:
“There were times when I wondered if he could stay by my side forever.”
“But I knew that wasn’t possible.”
“I also realized that I’d become far too dependent on him.”
“What Brother Toji really wanted was to see me learn to fly with my own wings.”
“That’s what ‘Tobu’ means, after all…”
She quietly repeated the meaning of the name Toji had given her in her mind.
Then she turned toward the boy walking beside her.
“Come to think of it, I’m actually pretty jealous of you, Kaito.”
“Huh?
Jealous of me?”
“Mm.”
“Ever since he met you, it feels like my brother finally found a sky of his own.”
“His world isn’t so gray anymore.”
“Maybe you’re the only person in this world who truly understands him.”
Kaito paused for a moment.
He thought about her words before quietly replying:
“You’re the same, Tobu.”
“I only treat Toji based on the similar experiences I’ve had myself.”
“But you…”
“You put your heart in his place and tried to understand what he was feeling.”
“I don’t think everyone is capable of doing that.”
Tobu’s eyes widened slightly.
She was genuinely surprised by the unexpected compliment.
Before she knew it, their conversation had led them to an amusement park.
“Want to go in?”
Kaito asked.
“Mm… I kind of do.”
She hesitated.
“But we’d probably be late getting to the Gojo estate.”
Kaito didn’t say much.
He simply reached out, gently took her hand, and led her toward the entrance.
“Relax.”
“I only said we’d arrive sometime in the next few days.
I never gave them an exact time.”
“Besides, I want you to relax a little today too.”
“Mm…”
Under the pale sunlight, Tobu’s cheeks began to flush slightly.
“Aaaaaaah!”
“AAAAAHHHHH!”
Screams echoed through the sky.
Although Tobu was already accustomed to the sensation of free-falling from hundreds of meters above the ground while riding Nue, sitting on a roller coaster still gave her an entirely different kind of thrill.
“Hahaha!
This is so much fun!”
“I’m glad you’re having fun…”
Kaito’s face, in stark contrast, had turned as pale as a sheet.
The normally cold and composed boy now looked as though his soul was about to leave his body.
“Come on, young man!
Let’s go to the next ride!”
“Can I… rest for a little while…?”
“I think I’m going to… puke…”
…
“AAAAAH!”
Inside the dark haunted house, the normally fearless girl was now clinging tightly to Kaito’s arm, trembling as they passed through one eerie room after another.
Kaito still maintained his expressionless face, but the tips of his ears had turned bright red from how close she was.
He secretly evaluated the monsters.
They were actually quite well made.
But why did they look like low-grade Cursed Spirits that had been “given a makeover”?
After leaving the haunted house, they stopped at a shooting gallery where players could win prizes.
Kaito noticed that Tobu’s eyes were fixed on the giant panda sitting on the top shelf.
“Hey, let’s play that!”
She excitedly pulled him inside.
Bang!
Bang!
All five shots missed.
“Hey, boss!
Are you cheating?”
Tobu put her hands on her hips and complained.
“How can I miss every shot when my aim is that good?”
“You’re just bad at shooting.
Don’t blame me.”
The owner grumbled, clearly not in the mood to be friendly.
Kaito stepped forward and picked up the gun, examining it carefully.
So that’s how it was.
The barrel was slightly bent, and the sight had been deliberately misaligned to make things harder for customers.
He narrowed his eyes slightly and adjusted his angle based on his incredibly sharp perception.
Bang!
The shot rang out crisply.
A perfect score.
Kaito calmly picked up the largest panda plushie, much to the owner’s astonishment, and handed it to Tobu.
“Here.
It’s yours.”
“Whoa…”
Tobu’s eyes widened as she hugged the stuffed panda against her chest, unable to hide her excitement.
“You know, after knowing you for so long, I’ve only just realized something, Kaito.”
“You really are a genius!”
“Huh?”
“If we don’t count jujutsu, you’re practically perfect.”
“Your appearance, your aura, even your little talents…”
She paused.
“Although your height is a little…”
Tobu mischievously placed the panda on top of Kaito’s head to compare their heights.
“Hehe.”
Kaito could only sigh helplessly.
Tobu’s expression suddenly became more serious as she looked at the colorful lights of the amusement park.
“Kaito…”
“Have you ever wondered if your life would have been better if you’d been born into an ordinary family?”
“Hmm…”
Kaito thought for a moment.
“I once read a quote.”
“‘We don’t get to choose how we’re born, but we can choose how we leave this world.'”
“Both you and I understand the rules of this world very well.”
“So I have nothing to regret or wish for when it comes to another life.”
Tobu fell silent.
She understood the maturity and unwavering resolve hidden within this boy’s soul.
But then Kaito added:
“Besides…”
“If things hadn’t turned out this way…”
“Maybe I wouldn’t have been able to meet you and spend a day like this with you, right?”
Tobu froze.
The words struck her like an arrow, making her heart skip a beat.
Her face instantly turned as red as the evening sky.
“Um…”
“I’m glad you… see me that way.”
“But unfortunately, I don’t see you that way!”
“I only think of you as a little brother…”
She paused.
“No, I mean, a good friend!”
Tobu muttered hurriedly, rambling as though she could somehow hide the embarrassment spreading through her mind.
Oh God… what am I even saying?
“Sit here and wait.
I’ll go get us some drinks.”
“Mm.”
Tobu sat down on a bench by the roadside, quietly savoring the afterglow of what she considered the best day of her life.
Yet amidst the lively atmosphere, a scene suddenly caught her attention, causing her heart to tighten.
Not far away, a little girl was standing there, crying her eyes out.
People streamed past her, but everyone seemed to be in a hurry.
Hardly anyone paid attention to the lost child.
Her cries were swallowed by the surrounding noise, trembling and desperate.
“Mommy… where are you?”
“Please don’t leave me…”
Those words pierced directly into the dark memories Tobu had buried deep within herself.
Mommy… where are you?
Did you abandon me?
Why won’t you look at me even once?
Why does that man always hurt you, yet you keep clinging desperately to him anyway?
Tobu’s mind suddenly began spinning, as though a thick fog had descended over it.
Her breathing became rapid.
Her chest tightened.
Her trembling legs could no longer support her.
She collapsed onto the bench, her ears ringing with distant voices.
“Tobu…”
“Tobu…”
“Tobu…”
“Tobu?”
A sudden cool sensation against her cheek snapped Tobu out of her daze.
Kaito was standing before her, holding a cold can of soda against her face, his eyes filled with concern.
She took it from him and drank the entire can in one go, as though trying to wash away the bitterness in her throat.
“Thank you…”
Only then did she notice the unexpected guest perched on Kaito’s neck.
It was the little girl from earlier.
Apparently, Kaito had spotted her on his way back and decided to help.
“Big brother, is she feeling better now?”
The little girl asked innocently.
“She’s fine now.
Thank you.”
Tobu smiled and reached out to pat the girl’s head.
“Big brother, is this pretty lady your girlfriend?”
The question made Tobu’s face turn bright red.
She immediately sprang to her feet.
“No!
It’s not like that!
We’re just…”
“Oh, so you’re siblings.”
Seeing the obvious difference in height once Tobu stood upright, the little girl reached an entirely different conclusion.
Tobu couldn’t help laughing.
The pain she’d felt moments ago seemed to melt away in the face of such adorable innocence.
She glanced at Kaito mischievously.
“That’s right.
We’re siblings.”
“Do you think your little brother is cute?”
Kaito could only freeze, completely speechless.
…
The two of them spent a long time searching around the amusement park, but they still couldn’t find the girl’s mother.
The sky had begun to darken, and the streetlights gradually flickered on.
They were about to take the girl to the local police station when she began sobbing again.
“Sniff… Mommy…”
“Where are you…?”
Kaito fell silent for a moment, as though an idea had just occurred to him.
He placed the girl down and slowly drew Hyorinmaru from its sheath.
“Wait… are you planning to…?”
Tobu looked around nervously.
Kaito raised his sword.
“Sōten ni zase, Hyōrinmaru!”
At his command, a wave of pure spiritual pressure erupted.
A gigantic ice dragon soared from the blade, twisting magnificently through the air beneath the amusement park’s lights.
Its sudden appearance caused the crowd to erupt into chaos for a moment.
But seeing the little girl’s excited giggles and Kaito’s completely calm expression, people gradually convinced themselves that it was simply some kind of high-tech performance staged by the amusement park.
More and more people gathered to admire the beautiful ice dragon.
Until a heart-wrenching cry suddenly rang out.
“Chie!”
“Mommy!”
The girl’s mother had been drawn here by the “performance” and finally managed to find her daughter.
She repeatedly thanked the two of them through her tears before taking her child home.
Kaito quietly breathed a sigh of relief and deactivated his Shikai.
The ice dragon dissolved into sparkling snowflakes before disappearing into the night air.
As Tobu watched the mother and daughter gradually disappear into the distance, the emotions within her stirred once again.
“What are you thinking about?”
Kaito suddenly asked.
“Ah, nothing…”
“I think we should head back too.
It’s getting late.”
Kaito didn’t answer immediately.
Instead, he gently took Tobu’s hand and led her toward the Ferris wheel glowing brightly at the center of the park.
“Let’s go on that one.”
“We’ve already come this far.
We might as well enjoy everything.”
“This will be our last ride.”
Under the sparkling lights, Tobu could feel a strange warmth flowing from Kaito’s hand.
The two sat inside the cabin, looking in the same direction through the transparent glass.
As the Ferris wheel slowly carried them higher and higher, the entire city unfolded beneath them, its countless lights glittering peacefully in the darkness.
Tobu spoke softly, her voice blending into the quiet atmosphere of the cabin.
“Thank you…”
“For today.”
“You should thank Brother Toji.
I’m just the one carrying out his request.”
“No.”
“I want to thank you.”
“For today… and for helping that little girl, too.”
“That was simply the right thing to do.”
“I’m glad we managed to reunite her with her mother.”
“I just hope that ice dragon doesn’t get exaggerated into some ridiculous rumor.”
“Haha!”
Tobu laughed aloud.
The anxiety in her heart finally eased a little.
She remained silent for a moment before hesitantly asking:
“Kaito…”
“What is your relationship with your mother like?”
“Hmm…”
“I think ‘deeply loving and respectful’ would be the most accurate way to describe it.”
“I feel relieved whenever I see that she’s still healthy and able to walk around on her own.”
“My mother and I don’t need to say much to understand each other.”
“Mm…”
Tobu fell silent, her eyes drifting into the empty distance.
“My mother…”
“Perhaps she never loved me at all.”
Kaito remained silent, listening as she finally allowed everything she’d kept buried inside to spill out.
“Maybe if I hadn’t possessed this technique…”
“I would’ve died a long time ago.”
“To her, I was nothing more than a tool.”
“A thread she could use to cling to feelings that had never truly belonged to her.”
Tobu’s voice trembled as fragments of her memories resurfaced.
“When she died two years ago…”
“I didn’t shed a single tear.”
“All I could do was smile bitterly.”
“I wasn’t sad.”
“I wasn’t even in pain.”
“I…”
“Then cry.”
Kaito’s interruption left Tobu stunned.
She turned toward him.
He was still looking out the window, but his voice was unwavering.
“Right now, there is no Ten Shadows Technique user standing before me.”
“And there is no Zenin heiress.”
“I only see a girl named Tobu sitting here.”
“So…”
“Just cry.”
It was as though his words had flipped a switch on emotions that had been suppressed for far too long.
Tobu could no longer hold back her tears.
They streamed down her cheeks, soaking into her clothes.
One after another…
At first, they came with quiet, broken sobs.
Then, suddenly, she burst into tears like a child.
“Sniff… sob…”
“Mom…”
“Mom…”
Tobu buried her face against Kaito’s shoulder and cried.
She cried as though she wanted to purge herself of all the resentment, pain, and loneliness she had carried throughout twelve years of childhood without a mother’s love.
Kaito remained quietly beside her.
His body was still small, not yet fully grown…
But his shoulder was steady and dependable.