We were on the way back to the Zenin estate. I stole a glance at Toji and broke the silence.
"Toji. Well? What was your impression of the boy with the Six Eyes and Limitless?"
"Hmph. Nothing specific comes to mind. If I had to say... he's annoying. He was born with a silver spoon and enough talent to seize the position of Clan Head the moment he drew breath. Seeing him walk around with that vacuous look on his face... it grates on my nerves."
"Puhaha! What is that? That's so like you, Toji. It suits you perfectly, honestly."
I couldn't suppress my laughter. It was exactly the kind of cynical response I expected from him.
"Hah. What's this? You actually know how to laugh? I thought you were just some brat who wore a grim expression far too old for his years, obsessed only with researching techniques."
"Hey now, who are you calling a 'serious-psycho'? I know how to laugh. It's just that I haven't had many people around me I felt comfortable enough to laugh with. I've known you since I was born, so you're the closest thing I have to a friend."
And I always smile for Naoya. My little sister is genuinely adorable, after all.
"I'm not talking about that greasy, indulgent smile you use with her. This is the first time I've seen you actually lose it."
"What? Did I say that out loud?"
"It's written all over your face. At times like this, you really are just a damn kid. You should act like it more often. Staring at your brooding face all day makes everyone around you feel like they're in a funeral procession."
As he spoke, Toji pressed down on my head with considerable force.
"Augh! That hurts! If I stop growing because of this, are you going to take responsibility? Have some awareness of your own strength!"
"I'm aware."
"Damn it. You did it on purpose! You're a real piece of work, Toji."
"Ho? You want more? You little brat."
Toji flexed his hands, looking as if he were about to dismantle me on the spot.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! My mistake! Truly!"
Once our playful bickering subsided, a weightier thought crossed my mind as we approached the compound gates. I looked up at Toji again.
"Toji. Do you think I can beat that guy? He might not look like it yet, but he's going to be the strongest. No—it's a certainty. That kid is the future 'Strongest.'"
Toji stopped in his tracks. He looked down at me with a chilling, vacant gaze.
"Why are you asking? Are you... shivering? Don't tell me you're terrified. Of that brat?"
Of course I am. It doesn't matter that I was born with the Ten Shadows. The opponent is Satoru Gojo. He is the pinnacle.
"And if I am...?"
"Pathetic, Young Master. It's unsightly. Where's the kid who used to strut around in front of me, bragging about his cursed technique? Didn't you say it yourself? That this was the supreme inherited technique of the jujutsu world?"
Toji cut me off, his words sharp as a blade.
"That's true, but... the opponent isn't just any Limitless user. He's a Limitless user with the Six Eyes. I want to win, obviously. To become the strongest, I have to crush anyone in my way. But I can't see a way to reach him. I can't see a way to win."
I've reached an incredible level for my age, but Satoru Gojo won't be standing still. He is the man the world itself favors.
"Tsk. What a waste. I don't know why I wasted my time training a guy like this. If you're going to act like a kicked dog, you might as well just surrender now. That look suits you much better."
"Just answer the question. Can I win?"
"You won't. Not with that mindset. Why not just do what you've always done? Spar with me, train your technique with the Clan Head, and keep obsessing over your tactical applications. If you still lose after all that, then you simply aren't meant to be the strongest. Are you that afraid of losing? Is losing going to kill you? Does losing once mean you can never win again?"
...Right. It's just a spar. At most, a match. Losing today doesn't dictate tomorrow. Was I that crushed by the pressure? The burden of the clan's expectations, the obsession with defeating Satoru Gojo...
"Listen, kid. Within the Zenin, they call you the 'Future' and the 'Hope.' But what do they call that Gojo brat? He's the 'Strongest of the Next Generation.' He secured the position of Clan Head the moment he was born just because he hit the genetic lottery. Do you really think your elders will cast you out and call you a 'Shame' just because you lose to him once? Why is your thinking so damn shallow?"
"...! Toji. Those words..."
"Enough. I've heard it all so many times it goes in one ear and out the other. Straighten your shoulders. Stop trying to dig a hole into the dirt and start thinking about how to win."
"Yeah. You're right. When I think about it, he's just another brat, isn't he? I'll win, even if I have to use the most underhanded methods imaginable."
"Exactly. There are no rules in a real fight. Hah~ honestly, I wish I could be the referee. I could pretend to break you guys up while beating the hell out of both of you. Guess that's not an option, huh?"
This guy is insane. But the fact that Toji was entirely capable of doing exactly that made it terrifying.
"That's so like you. I'll make sure to tell Father that you are never allowed to referee anything."
"Tch. Stingy. Is your existential crisis over now? Then let's move. I'm starving."
"Yeah. Me too. We walked way too much. And... thanks, Toji."
"Save the thanks, kid. By the way, where's your sister? It seemed like she was looking for you all morning."
Oh, right.
"I'm sorry! Naoya, I'm so sorry, my beautiful sister. Your brother had an urgent matter... I didn't forget you, I swear. I was wrong... please, just let me off once?"
"Hmph. Beat it! I'm tellin' Mama everything. How Brother threw me away just to go on a date with that Toji fellow!"
What on earth are you talking about, Nao-Naoya?
I peppered Naoya's puffed-out cheeks with kisses. She was pouting furiously, but I had to endure this much to appease her wrath.
I noticed the corner of her mouth twitching upward even as she turned her face away. Seeing her start to give in, I continued to shower her with kisses and pulled her into a hug.
"Naoya. You're going to tell Mother? Such strange things? Why would I go on a date with Toji? Hmm? You're the only one for me, Naoya."
Finally, Naoya went still and allowed herself to be held.
"It was a date, plain as day! You said you'd play with me, then you went and vanished... Do you really like that boy that much? If you like 'im so much, then stop bein' my brother and go be Toji's little brother instead!"
"No way... Naoya, I only ever want to be your big brother. It hurts my heart to hear you say that... are you going to keep being mean?"
"Hmph... fine. I heard ya say I'm the only one for ya. You better mean it. If Brother leaves me behind and goes off somewhere again, I'll kill ya! Got it?"
I'm not entirely sure those are words that should come out of a four-year-old girl's mouth, but... at least her mood seems to have improved.
"Yes. I'll do better, Naoya. You've forgiven me, right?"
"I s'pose. But ya gotta do one more thing. Kiss me right here, Brother."
She pointed to her lips with a sly, knowing smile. I let out a defeated sigh and gave her a quick peck. Beaming with satisfaction, Naoya pulled back from my embrace.
"Brother. You're playin' with me after dinner. And we're sleepin' together tonight. Understood?"
"Yes, yes. Let's do that. We'll sleep in the same room tonight."
"Heehee. Good. See ya after dinner, Brother!"
Naoya waved and skipped out of the room. As I collapsed into a heap, feeling completely drained, a scoffing laugh erupted from the side.
"Pfft... what the hell are you doing? Ahahaha! I almost choked. You're never getting married at this rate."
"What the—? You were there?! You heard all of that? Argh!! Forget it! Forget everything, Toji!"
"'You're the only one for me, Naoya~' Puh... what is with your sister? Is she really four? Watching you two was like watching a trashy soap opera."
"I know... sometimes Naoya's love is a bit... heavy. But well, I'm glad she likes her brother."
Toji watched Touya and whispered under his breath so the boy wouldn't hear.
"No... I think you're actually screwed."
"Hm? Did you say something, Toji?"
"Nothing. I'm going to go rest. Go eat your dinner."
With that, Toji took his leave.
After finishing dinner with the family in my father's room, Mother and Naoya stepped out, leaving just the two of us.
"Father. There's something I want to ask. It's regarding the Exorcism Ritual..."