"Keep running. If your stamina is that pathetic, how do you expect to lead the Zenin revival?"
"Tch... I'm running, aren't I? I'm only five years old, Toji."
I was currently sprinting through the estate gardens with Toji. Since the time for my Cursed Technique to manifest was drawing near, I had begun my training in earnest. I had asked Toji to oversee my sessions, and he had accepted with surprising readiness. He mentioned something about it being fun to run me ragged.
"Before we get into sparring or anything else, you need to build a body that can move according to your will, Young Master," Toji remarked coolly.
"I get it. So, how much longer do I have to keep running?"
"Until I tell you to stop."
'Damn it. I'm going to die. Even in my past life, the only time I ran this much was the three-kilometer dash in the military.'
Eventually, my breath hitched, and I collapsed onto the ground before I could trip over my own feet.
"Huff... huff... timeout. Timeout. I can't do any more."
"Suit yourself. Just know that if you quit now, the path to becoming the strongest will be a long and grueling one."
"I know that... it's just that I can't run this much with this body yet."
"You talk as if you've actually inhabited a larger body before, kid."
My heart skipped a beat. Every so often, I let these slips of the tongue happen around Toji. Perhaps it was because I felt strangely comfortable around him. To cover my mistake, I opened my mouth, pretending as if nothing were wrong.
"No, that's not what I meant. I just meant the adults in the Kukuru Unit run around without getting tired. I was comparing myself to them."
"Hmph. I suppose. Though I was running perfectly fine even at your age."
'That's because you're a victim of a physical Heavenly Restriction, Toji. I'm not.'
"Fine, let's call it a day, kid. Go inside and rest. Be out here at the same time tomorrow."
"Got it. See you tomorrow, Toji."
As I watched Toji walk away and tried to pick myself up, a sudden surge of information flooded my brain. Finally, my Cursed Technique had manifested. The technique I had inherited was the Ten Shadows Technique—the ability to summon ten types of shikigami using shadows as a medium. Among the Zenin Clan's inherited techniques, it was considered the absolute pinnacle.
I was ecstatic. I had been hoping for this specific technique above all others. Forgetting my exhaustion, I immediately stood up and attempted to form the hand sign to summon the Divine Dogs.
"Divine Dogs!"
In an instant, something within the shadows began to bubble and boil before violently erupting. With a deafening boom, the massive estate courtyard was shrouded in dark, shadowy smoke. I stood frozen, my thoughts momentarily blank.
'I'm screwed.'
The Clan Elders, members of the Kukuru Unit, and my father all came rushing toward the commotion. I remained stationary as they converged on my position.
"What is this ruckus! Touya! Are you alright? Are you hurt? Explain what happened!"
"That... I realized my Cursed Technique. It's the Ten Shadows. I tried to summon something... and it just exploded."
As they listened to my explanation, the expressions of the Elders and my father instantly brightened.
"What? Did you just say the Ten Shadows Technique? Touya! Hahaha! You aren't injured, are you? Come, let's head to my room for now."
I was dazed as my father led me away, his hand patting my back in a rare display of affection. I couldn't help but think to myself.
'Maybe I'm actually less talented than I thought?'
------
"That is not the case at all."
"But... I failed the moment I tried to use the technique for the first time."
"Touya. Why do you think we hailed you as the hope and future of the Zenin even before your technique manifested? Surely you've heard that your Cursed Energy reserves are immense."
"Yes. You said I emitted Cursed Energy the moment I was born..."
"In all my years as a sorcerer, I have never seen a sorcerer with a greater volume of Cursed Energy than you. No child has ever radiated such power upon birth. Not even that brat from the Gojo Clan."
"Even if you say that... I'm still too unskilled to even summon the basic Divine Dogs."
"Do you know why? It is because your small body contains so much Cursed Energy that it is difficult to control. You cannot fit the entire ocean into a plastic bottle. Thus, you must learn to divide your oceanic Cursed Energy so it fits. From now on, I will personally set aside time to teach you how to circulate and manipulate your energy."
"Really? That would be great, Father. There's no one stronger than you, after all."
In this era, sorcerers as powerful as my father could be counted on one hand. As a practitioner of Projection Sorcery, his minute Cursed Energy control and spatial perception were currently the best in the world.
"Indeed. You aren't wrong there! Hahaha! Regardless, the Ten Shadows... You truly are my son. To think that you would inherit the very technique we have longed for. I am truly blessed. I look forward to the day you lead the Zenin Clan."
My father beamed. To ensure I didn't betray his expectations, I resolved to work hard and become the strongest. That was my goal.
-----
"Now, the reason your energy overflowed was simply that you didn't know how to throttle it. What I will teach you is the delicate regulation of Cursed Energy. Don't use your technique yet—just try to draw out your energy. Touya, imagine coating your fist in it."
"It's hard. I feel like the energy wants to burst out."
"Then imagine releasing only a microscopic amount. With your reserves, even a tiny fraction is more than enough. You can gradually increase the output as you acclimate."
Following my father's instructions, I began to channel the energy, and I could feel it coming under my control. Seeing my progress, my father nodded in approval.
"You're a fast learner. Remember that sensation and attempt the summon again. This time, you may use a larger amount of energy."
I summoned the Divine Dogs, and two large canines appeared. One white and one black, they immediately began nuzzling me, practically begging for affection. My father couldn't help but chuckle at the sight.
"That's it, Touya. Just like that. You have the talent. Before long, your control will be peerless."
"Hehe... I'll work hard, Father."
--------
As I continued my training under my father, my manipulation of Cursed Energy improved significantly. Summoning was no longer a struggle. I read through all the ancient records my father provided regarding the Ten Shadows Technique.
"Father. In the past, was there anyone who could manipulate shadows themselves, rather than just summoning shikigami?"
"Hmm. At least according to the records, it doesn't appear anyone was able to use the shadows for anything other than summoning. Why do you ask? Did you realize something?"
"Well... when the information of the technique entered my mind, I realized the shadow itself could be used as an application. For example... like this."
I extended my shadow and used it to bind my father's feet. He broke free instantly, but he looked at me with an expression of genuine shock.
"I have truly never seen anything like that. It's perfect for creating an opening in an opponent. Perhaps the Ten Shadows Technique evolves through the generations. Or perhaps you are simply so gifted that you can achieve what previous users could not."
"Hehe... I'll work even harder. I'll become the strongest Ten Shadows user in history."
"I believe in you. I know you will be the strongest. Make me proud."
"Yes, Father."
Actually, there was one more ability I hadn't mentioned... but I could tell him about that later. No need to stir up unnecessary trouble for now. I continued training my technique alongside my father to grow even stronger.
"Ah, that reminds me. Touya, there is something you need to know."
"What is it, Father?"
"Next month, we have agreed to hold an exhibition match to facilitate exchange with the Gojo Clan. It will be a duel between you and the Gojo heir."
Pardon? Me? Against Satoru Gojo?