I stood in the training grounds, waiting for my daily spar with Toji.
"Is it tomorrow already? The Imperial Duel."
Father had mentioned it once before. Four hundred years ago, at an Imperial Duel, a user of the Six Eyes and Limitless fought the head of the Zenin clan, a Ten Shadows technique user. Both were slain in the exchange. Since then, the relationship between the Zenin and Gojo clans has been one of deep-seated animosity.
'But there's no reason for us to remain enemies in our generation. Satoru Gojo and I are destined to cross paths eventually, so shouldn't we at least be on decent terms? Besides, I want to attend Jujutsu High later on.'
"What's this, brat? You planning to run away from home? I wouldn't mind seeing that," a voice rasped.
"Ah, Toji. You're here. Who said anything about running away? Think of it as studying abroad. And that's a long way off yet."
"Is that so? I didn't expect much anyway. Since your seat as the Clan Head is already guaranteed, there's no real reason to leave."
"That's true, but... I want to stay here and dismantle everything that's rotten about this clan. I want to make sure no one else has to endure the things you went through, Toji."
"Still chasing those pipe dreams, I see. The Zenin clan won't change that easily."
He wasn't wrong. But I wouldn't know until I tried to burn the old system down.
"Let's begin, Toji."
------
"At this rate, I might actually have a talent for taijutsu. Or maybe I just have an excellent teacher?"
I lay sprawled on the floor, staring up at Toji while gasping for breath.
"A bit much to say, considering you've never managed to beat me once."
Well, Toji was 'physically gifted' via Heavenly Restriction... Whether it was Satoru Gojo or Sukuna in their prime, no one could beat this man in pure physical combat.
"I doubt anyone will be able to beat you in taijutsu for hundreds of years, Toji."
"Hmph. I have to be good at something, considering I was born without cursed energy in a family of sorcerers. The match is tomorrow. Win it. Don't go losing to the Gojo brat for no reason."
Leaving me with that characteristic 'blessing,' Toji turned and walked away. I waved a hand from my position on the tatami mats and closed my eyes.
'Just a bit of rest...'
--------
"Touya, you should go to bed early. Tomorrow is a monumental day."
"Yes, Mother. I'll sleep in Naoya's room tonight. Goodnight."
After bidding Mother goodnight, I headed to my room, only to find Naoya already tucked into the bedding, waiting for me.
"Brother! Come lie down already. I'm cold, hug me!"
"Fine, fine. I suppose I'll need to recharge my energy from Naoya if I want to win tomorrow."
"Brother, what's even happening tomorrow? No one will tell me anything!"
"It's a duel between the Gojo heir and me. A lot of people from their side will be coming too. What do you think will happen?"
"There's nothing to wonder about! Obviously, you're going to win. Who cares about those Gojo people? No matter how much they flap their wings, they can't beat my brother."
Looking into Naoya's eyes—filled with such unwavering, absolute certainty—I felt my own nerves begin to steady.
"Hehe... That's right, Naoya. I'll win everything. I can't exactly show my little sister a losing side of myself, can I? Let's sleep."
I pulled Naoya close, and we drifted off to sleep together.
------
Deep into the night, as the moon hung high over the estate.
"They'll be asleep by now. Go in and kill him. Surely you can handle one sleeping child?"
"The rest of the payment is due when the contract is complete. I'll be back shortly. Though I never expected an assignment like this... asking to kill the clan's heir. The Great Three Houses truly are a mess."
"Quiet and do your job. If you fail, your life is forfeit."
"Hmph. Understood."
The guards, usually so vigilant, were nowhere to be found tonight. The mysterious man slipped easily into the manor. Using the floor plan provided by the client, he located the target's room with ease.
'Huff. As expected, he's out cold. Hard for a child to stay awake at this hour. I'll make this quick.'
Among the two children huddled together in sleep, he easily identified the target. He raised his blade, intending to drive it into the boy's throat.
"Peek-a-boo."
Eyes snapped open in an instant. Shadows surged from the floor, constricting the assassin's limbs.
"Damn it! What kind of kid are you?! How did you know I was here?"
"Well, you're about to die anyway, so I suppose I can tell you. I figured someone like you would show up eventually. I am the Young Master of a rather large clan, after all. A talented one at that. I'm quite the eyesore for some people, wouldn't you say?"
"So you've been staying awake every single night?!"
"No. Actually, I usually go to bed quite early. Tonight included."
"Then how...!"
"My senses are a bit sensitive. I felt you coming from miles away. You don't do this often, do you? You were making way too much noise. Anyway, whatever. Goodbye."
The shadows binding him expanded violently, swallowing the man whole. A few moments later, something flew out of the darkness toward Touya, merging into his body. The shadows receded, leaving the floor pristine—the man had vanished without a trace.
"Ah, dammit. I was having a good sleep. Hopefully Naoya didn't hear that. Time for bed... tomorrow's the big day."
-------
Meanwhile, outside the estate walls.
"Why isn't he coming out? It shouldn't have taken this long."
An ominous thought crossed the waiting man's mind.
"Could he... have been caught and killed?"
'No... that's impossible. No matter how much talent the kid has, he's still a child. If there had been a fight, it wouldn't have been this quiet.'
He tried to shake off the dread, but as the man he sent failed to return, he muttered a curse and slunk back to his own quarters.
------
The morning that should have been buzzing with festival preparations was instead stifled by a chilling atmosphere.
"Someone attempted to kill my son and daughter? In the dead of night? Where was the security?"
Faced with the Clan Head's freezing fury, the Captain of the Kukuru Unit struggled to hide his trembling hands.
"The shifts should have been manned normally... I will personally find and interrogate the personnel who were on duty!"
"Bring them to me. I will not allow a lapse like this to ever happen again."
"Yes, Clan Head. I will keep that in mind."
"Are the Young Master and Young Lady truly unharmed?" an Elder standing nearby asked.
"Yes," Naobito replied. "Apparently, he woke up before the assassin could strike. He claims he's unhurt."
"The Young Master's talent is truly staggering. To eliminate a professional curse user sent for assassination at that age, and without leaving a single trace..."
Naobito's expression brightened momentarily, but it was fleeting.
"Even so, if a Special Grade-level sorcerer had attacked today, we might have faced a catastrophe. The Kukuru Unit will be disciplined."
"Understood, Clan Head. I take full responsibility."
The Captain of the Kukuru Unit shook with shame and rage that such a failure occurred under his command. Naobito clapped his hands sharply to conclude the matter.
"Enough. Today is a day of celebration. Despite this unfortunate incident, we proceed as scheduled. Get ready. Discipline will follow the event. This meeting is adjourned."
"""" Yes, Clan Head! """"
-----
A few hours later, at the Zenin main estate.
Satoru Gojo arrived by carriage from his family home nearby.
"Seriously, isn't a carriage way too archaic? We could've just taken a car. And why do we have to be the ones to visit?"
"Young Master, this is tradition. The Imperial Duel is held alternately, and the last one was at the Gojo estate. Riding a carriage has been the custom since the duels began centuries ago."
Satoru Gojo clicked his tongue.
"Tch. To hell with tradition. Only old fossils care about that stuff, don't they?"
The Gojo attendant paled, waving his hands frantically. "Young Master! You mustn't say things like that in public! We aren't inside the Gojo mansion right now!"
"So I can say it when we're at home?"
"As if you've ever cared about our warnings before..."
"Exactly. It's more fun to hear it from you. If anyone complains, I'm telling them it was your idea."
"Young Master... please, anything but that..."
At that moment, Naobito Zenin approached to greet them.
"Ho ho ho. Welcome, Heir of the Gojo. I trust the journey was comfortable? I look forward to a fine match today."
"Are you the Zenin Clan Head, old man? You're pretty ancient. The trip was whatever. So, who's the poor soul I'm supposed to crush? I almost feel bad for them."
Naobito's brow twitched at the blatant disrespect, but his expression remained a mask of polite amusement. He chuckled, continuing the conversation.
"Ho ho. Quite the bold one for such a young age, aren't you?"
Naobito glanced pointedly at the sweating attendant, who looked ready to burst into tears. Turning his gaze back to the young Gojo heir, Naobito said, "Gojo Heir. As for your opponent... I'll save that for the big reveal. For now, please enjoy the refreshments we've prepared or take a tour of the grounds. I shall take my leave."
As Naobito waved and walked away, Satoru Gojo mused aloud.
"Hmm... He's a bit softer than I thought. Hey, didn't you say the Zenin and Gojo don't get along? That old man seems alright."
The attendant, nearly out of breath from the stress, whispered intensely, "After how you spoke to him...! To not get angry shows what a true gentleman he is! Truly!"
"Aw, don't get so worked up. I'm the Head, remember? You're gonna make me cry and lose face in front of the Zenin kids."
"Haaa... please, just stop."
Satoru grinned, enjoying the reaction, and nodded.
"Alright, alright. Let's go sit in that VIP area or whatever and wait. It'll start soon enough."
Satoru took his seat and passed the time scanning the estate. Shortly after, the atmosphere shifted as every member of the Zenin clan lined up in two perfect, disciplined rows on either side of the grounds. The Clan Head walked through the middle and gave a small nod toward the Gojo contingent.
"Then, let us begin. Today's festivities!"
Skipping over the tedious opening formalities, the Clan Head's voice boomed across the training grounds.
"Let the Imperial Duel between the Zenin and the Gojo commence! A festival 400 years in the making!"
Every sorcerer from both clans present had the same thought.
'The last time they called this a festival, the ground was soaked in blood.'
"First, will Satoru Gojo, Heir of the Gojo Clan, please step forward."
Satoru rose leisurely and walked onto the specially prepared combat arena with a relaxed stride.
"Tch, calling me out first as if I'm the challenger. Rude."
Disregarding the brat's complaint, Naobito's voice rang out again.
"You are quite correct. And now, I shall introduce your opponent—the next Head of the Zenin Clan. Touya, come forth."
At the gentle command, all eyes turned toward the main building. A child dressed in traditional hakama walked out. The moment Satoru Gojo laid eyes on him, his own eyes widened, and he couldn't help but shout.
"Huh?! I knew it! It's you! The creepy kid who was staring at me that day!"
He was exactly right.