70 I'm Out
[Author Note]
Disc: HrPrTeam
College finals are finally over, so I can update more frequently now.
One more chapter until the funny number!
Longer chapter because I'm sorry about the wait.
__________
3 Months Later: Naohiro
Playing chess with one of if not the smartest beings in all of history can make one feel stupid.
However, I won my first game!
I'm now 1:965!
Someone might ask, how did you win?
*BAM*
On his last move, I punched him in the face before he could checkmate me, which made him coincidentally move a piece that allowed me to checkmate him.
A voice speaks from out of the dust cloud that was made. "That is very poor sportsmanship Naohiro."
I smiled. "A wins a win."
The dust cleared to him smiling. "That is indeed the case, isn't it?"
I crack my neck and stand up. "Welp, I'm done with chess."
So, I've figured this stupid barrier out.
It works similarly to infinity; however, it is slightly different in that the properties change ever so slightly.
While they are similar, the amount of shifts will never reach zero.
Also, there is a pattern to the shifts.
Tengen made their timing seem random, which threw me off, but after a few months of being here and fully focusing on the properties, I've figured it out.
She is a damn good barrier user.
However, she missed one crucial detail about my abilities.
...
I'm not Mahoraga.
...
My adaptation works differently since it has multiple properties that make it suited for me instead of a behemoth like Mahoraga.
While Mahoraga gains visual adaptation like gills, my body reacts as if I had gills by allowing me to breathe in water instead of showcasing a visible change.
The main difference is that my adaptations can be mixed and matched.
This barrier also isn't like the prison realm.
Cursed energy does not get removed.
The prison realm seals cursed energy, and since I've adapted to that kind of sealing, adding that property to the barrier would be useless.
Keeping the amount of properties of the barrier down makes it easier to keep stable.
Tengen knew this, so she made it fundamentally different from the prison realm's sealing method.
She created a semi-automated barrier that can seal some of the strongest beings in the world.
What a monster.
Even though I couldn't escape under normal circumstances, I have a brain and can use abilities more efficiently than Mahoraga.
I smile as I remember something I haven't used in years.
Binding Vows.
Sacrificial deals made with the world can give benefits at a cost.
They can be simple, like Kenjaku making deals with past sorcerers, or be heavily amplified by giving up everything, like in the case of Miwa.
Obviously, I'm not going to be giving up everything since that would make this entire thing pointless, but there is one thing about this whole ordeal that is perfect.
Kenjaku's consciousness is sealed in here with me.
I escape; he is stuck here while I get to run around and put plans in place to prevent future events from causing too much chaos.
With him sealed and Uraume dead, I'll have all the time in the world to prepare for Sukuna's revival.
I'm not stupid enough to know that something must be in place to get him to revive.
Killing Yuji would be the most effective option, but I'd rather not kill a child if I can avoid it.
Keeping Megumi away should be prioritized over dealing with Yuji since Megumi is a vessel rather than a cage.
I'd much rather kill Kenjaku, but my tracking isn't all-knowing, and he made sure that I couldn't find his real body.
It only works on bodies that I have marked with cursed energy. I can track Kenjaku's current body, but I can't use it to find his real one.
Gege had to seal Gojo to keep him from destroying the story, but this isn't a manga.
I think it's about time to get out of this thing.
...
My adaptation can work on this barrier. However, it is too slow to keep up with the shifts.
So, what would happen if I sped it up to where my adaptations could outpace the next shift?
Answer: I'd be able to walk right through the wall.
The issue that I was originally worried about was allowing Kenjaku to escape, but figuring out the properties for myself made me much more comfortable with the ability to keep him in here.
I close my eyes to concentrate, but a voice behind me speaks up. "Farewell, Naohiro. May we meet in the future. It has been an enjoyable experience, but leaving your barrier buddy does seem cruel."
My eyebrow raises. "Cruel, why the hell would I want to stay here with you?"
He puts a finger on his chin and ponders. "I thought we've bonded throughout our time together, but it seems like I was wrong."
Then, he shakes his head. "We will be seeing each other again. Maybe not tomorrow, but our battle isn't over even if it takes years."
My eyes narrow as I have a murderous look on my face. "I'll make sure it's over."
...
Putting my hands on the barrier, I hear the sound of feet running towards our location.
Better make this quick before Tengen screws this up.
I close my eyes. "I sacrifice all of my previous adaptations to these barrier shifts, and 99% of my current cursed energy reserves for multiplying my adaptation speed by one hundred times for fifteen seconds."
My body suddenly lost a ton of cursed energy, and I felt some of my adaptations leave.
Here we go.
...
'clink' 'clink' 'clink' 'clink' 'clink' 'clink' 'clink'
I see a shocked Tengen looking straight at me through the barrier wall.
Slowly, I start to push my arms through the barrier but I hear a voice. "Naohiro Zenin, you don't know what you are doing!"
Tengen claps her hands together and closes her eyes before I feel more resistance on the barrier.
I don't care if I become a binding vow merchant. "I'M GETTING OUT OF HERE GRANNY!"
My eyes close. "I sacrifice my [Cursed Technique Reversal: Snatch] for a year!"
'clink' 'clink' 'clink' 'clink' 'clink' 'clink' 'clink'
*POP*
My body falls through the barrier.
Catching myself, I push up and walk over to Tengen.
I narrow my eyes. "As much as I'm pissed at you right now, I can't kill you since you are vital to Jujutsu society. However, I can do...this!"
*BAM*
I use a ton of cursed energy to punch Tengen in her stupid 'balance' face.
She flies and rolls on the floor for around twenty feet before stopping.
I know I'm letting her off too lightly, but I don't want her to become unconscious or be damaged too heavily due to her role, and I need to keep Kenjaku in his little cage.
However, I'll eventually give Tengen her due.
Stretching my arms, I turn around, walk outside the room, and head towards the elevator in a different room.
...
Pulling out my phone, I dial a number that I haven't in a while.
I was shocked that he had a phone.
It is really convenient that he had a phone since you wouldn't think a half-curse would bother when he has his brothers.
However, he was forced to get one since he knew I had one.
*Ring*
*Ring*
*Ring*
A familiar voice picks up. "Hello, Naohiro Zenin. I was wondering when we would be discussing our arrangement."
I smile. "Hey, Choso. If you could stop by the Zenin compound, my brother Naoya is free at the moment. I told him about you guys, so you are free to live here for the moment. Noritoshi Kamo has been sealed for the time being, so you will be able to see your other brother soon."
I'm sorry, Naoya, I've got no clue if you're free, so I'll owe you one in the future.
Suddenly, I hear cheering in the background before Choso speaks up again. "*Ahem* Is that so?"
I huff a laugh. "Yeah, after I get some rest, we'll talk about the future of our arrangement."
He speaks back up. "I see. I'll head over soon. I'll need to prepare a few things."
I smile. "I get it. See you in a little bit."
He gives affirmation. "Yes, until we see each other again."
I hang up.
Now that this whole thing is over, the Zenin clan can have more powerful allies to help prepare for the oncoming threats.
Ugh, I'll need to go back to the compound. I feel like crap.
...
Damnit, I haven't felt like this since I fought Toji.
My body feels drained to the point where I want to lie face down and sleep.
Looking forward, I see a familiar compound.
I sigh. "*Sigh* What's with that look? Do you want an apology?"
Turning to my left, I see a teenager with dark blonde hair, arms crossed, and a smirk. "I for sure thought you would be gone for another three years. What mission did Tengen have you do to come back this early?"
I crack my neck. "Mission? That was her excuse? The old bitch tried sealing me in a barrier for the rest of my life."
His eyes widened. "She what?"
I cross my arms and narrow my eyes. "You heard right. Thought I was too dangerous and I was a threat to her precious balance, so she tried to seal me. Thankfully, I was able to get out of there before I could have another training timeskip."
He narrowed his eyes. "I don't get it."
I rolled my eyes. "You don't need to. Don't worry, I already punched her for you."
His mouth dropped. "You punched Tengen...?"
I can't help but laugh. "*Pft* Sure did."
He grabbed his head. "Are you insane!?"
I raised an eyebrow. "You've known me my whole life and seriously asked me that question?"
Naoya ran over to me and grabbed my shoulders. "That is basically treason against Jujutsu society!"
I smirked. "Who are they going to send after me?"
He had a defeated look on his face. "Nobody."
That reminded me. "I got some friends coming over. They are half-curse but are great guys."
Naoya sighs. "*Sigh* I don't know if I'm more shocked that they are half-curses or the fact that you have friends. In any case, curses will be a pain to add to the compound not used for the punishment room."
I give a malicious, closed-eye smile. "Half curse, half human. Well, if anyone has a problem with them, let me know because I'll ensure they won't have the ability to complain anymore."
He shivers. "Alright, jeez. Ah, that's right. Megumi wanted to see you."
I throw my head back. "*Ugh* Potential Man can wait. I'm going to sleep."
Eight or nine years until Sukuna can be incarnated, as far as I know. However, I have learned not to over-rely on my knowledge.
With Kenjaku out of the picture for the time, I'll have plenty of time to work on myself, my allies, and my family in the coming years.
I'll make sure everyone will be prepared.
Without continuing the conversation, I walked into the compound, ignoring everyone's gazes, and opened the door to my room.
My body falls forward.
*flop*
I was asleep before I even hit the bed.
Choso
I yell to my brothers. "WE ARE GOING TO MEET OUR OTHER BROTHER!"
The rest of my brothers yell in excitement. "YUJI ITADORI!"
Our final brother.
We will be the perfect older siblings, and if anyone dares to lay a finger on you, they will feel our wrath.
