Chapter 22: There are quite a lot of them

Support me on Patréon by joining my 1$ membership.

Link:- http://pat-reon.com/Kazuma_trash(without space)

Discord:- https://discord. gg/qxvX7Tvpqp (without space)

—————————

"Those Curse Users, there's no need to be concerned about them," Madara assured, his voice calm and measured.

The purpose of his visit was straightforward: to deliver food to Kuroi. But that was merely the surface of his true intentions. Madara was in search of more powerful Curse Users, those who could help him complete the intricate one-tailed beast panel he had been working on. The current members were insufficient, and he needed more strength, more ability.

"Is that so?" Kuroi inquired, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. The skepticism in her eyes was replaced by a glimmer of hope.

Madara's words were not just comforting but also indicative of something more profound. The revelation of Miss Kuroi's identity had been like an earthquake that had shaken her world. Her home, once a sanctuary, was now exposed and vulnerable. She knew that Curse Users, with their lethal intentions, would pursue her. They would come, one after another, like wolves chasing a wounded deer.

But Madara's presence was like a fortress. He was inclined to protect them, not abandon them to their fate. His power was undeniable, and his assurance, although somewhat cryptic, was enough to put Kuroi's heart at ease.

Yet, the question lingered in the air, a shadow that refused to dissipate: How many Curse User's attacks could Madara truly withstand? Was his protection impenetrable or merely a facade that would crumble under pressure?

The uncertainty was palpable, but for now, they had to trust in Madara's strength and wisdom. Together, they would face the challenges that awaited them, for the future was a maze, and they had only begun to navigate its intricate paths.

However, the true sense of security would only come with the arrival of the Jujutsu Sorcerer from Jujutsu High School. Both Kuroi and Madara were aware of the reinforcement that had been dispatched. Rumors had spread that this time, a figure of significant renown, one of the most potent Jujutsu Sorcerers in the entire world, was on their way. Such a person would bring with them not only skill but also the hope of genuine safety.

As the sun gradually set in the west, it painted the sky with hues of fiery orange and red, turning the clouds into embers. The world seemed to stand still for a moment, caught in the embrace of a burning twilight.

Riko, unaware of the undercurrents that were shaping her destiny, woke up from her sleep. With the innocence of youth, she dressed in a girl's home clothes, oblivious to the turbulence that surrounded her. The clothes she had purchased in the afternoon had been lost during the frantic escape from a Curse User's attack. The loss was insignificant compared to the real dangers that were closing in around her.

When Riko made her way downstairs, her voice was filled with the sleepiness of a child who had just woken from a nap. "Kuroi, I'm hungry..." she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.

But her words trailed off as she entered the living room and saw Madara, the enigmatic and powerful figure, sitting there, engrossed in the television. Her sleepiness vanished, replaced by a sudden alertness, and perhaps a touch of awe or fear.

Madara's presence in their home was both reassuring and intimidating. His watchful eyes, constantly assessing and evaluating, were like those of a seasoned warrior. Riko's innocent hunger was momentarily forgotten as the gravity of their situation settled in. The contrast between her simple needs and the complex game of power and survival being played around her was stark.

With Madara there, and the Jujutsu Sorcerer on the way, they were in a temporary state of calm, like the eye of a storm. But everyone in that room knew that the battle was far from over. They had to be prepared for what lay ahead, trusting in their strength and the promise of help from the Jujutsu world.

Riko's eyes widened in astonishment, the sapphire orbs reflecting her surprise. A deep blush swiftly spread across her cheeks, a stark contrast against her fair complexion. It was a reaction she hadn't expected herself to have, but the mere presence of Madara was enough to send her heart racing.

Madara's eyebrows raised, his sharp eyes filled with confusion. " Are you mistaking this for a Secondary School?" His voice held a hint of amusement.

He tilted his head, observing Riko with a mix of curiosity and bemusement. "Do you, like Tengen, possess the secret of living for thousands of years?" he teased.

Flustered, Riko stuttered, "N-no, I didn't mean... I was just... uh!" She desperately waved her hands, trying to convey her innocence. However, the harder she tried to elucidate, the deeper she seemed to dive into a pool of embarrassment. Her words tangled, and the crimson hue of her cheeks darkened, hinting at her distress.

Even though they might be discussing concepts related to secondary school, the truth was clear. In front of Madara, someone she deeply admired and held in high regard, Riko's confidence wavered. Her usual vibrant demeanor was overshadowed by a shyness that seemed to envelope her.

Madara, sensing her discomfort, chose not to pursue the topic further. He shifted his gaze, allowing the flustered girl a moment to collect herself. Riko felt a weight lift off her chest, her internal plea for rescue answered. She released a silent, relieved sigh, grateful for the momentary reprieve.

"Madara-sama, I don't have any cooking ingredients at home. I may need to go outside to buy some," Kuroi interjected, realizing that dinner had to be prepared, especially with Riko's earlier expression of hunger.

"There is no rush to buy ingredients," Madara replied, his voice low and measured, yet filled with a sense of authority.

"Eh?" Kuroi looked at him, puzzled. Her brows furrowed as she tried to understand the meaning behind Madara's sudden declaration.

Then, as if answering her unspoken question, Madara's eyes transformed into the formidable Sharingan. His intense gaze shifted, looking out the window of the single-family apartment, scanning the surroundings with a vigilance that sent a chill down Kuroi's spine. It was as though he had sensed something—a hidden danger lurking in the shadows.

Kuroi's heart skipped a beat. She realized something was amiss. Her voice trembled as she asked, "Madara-sama, is there any Curse User here?"

"Yes, and there are quite a few of them this time." Madara's response was calm, but there was an unmistakable spark of interest in his eyes, a hint of excitement at the prospect of a challenge.

Kuroi's mind raced as she tried to grasp the magnitude of the situation. Dozens of Curse Users, all converging on their location? Could it be that an entire organization had been mobilized? The thought was terrifying, and she could feel a cold dread settling in her stomach.

Madara seemed to perceive her anxiety but remained unruffled. He continued to observe the area outside, his Sharingan providing him with insights that others couldn't see. His posture was relaxed, but the alertness in his eyes betrayed his readiness for whatever lay ahead.

As the sun dipped further, casting long shadows that seemed to stretch and dance ominously, the tension in the room grew palpable. They were surrounded, and the next move was uncertain. But with Madara there, Kuroi felt a glimmer of hope.

These Curse Users, intent on delivering doom to their doorstep, were playing right into Madara's hands. He seemed almost pleased by their audacity. "They should be able to provide a lot of progression for the tail beast panel," he mused, a hint of anticipation in his voice.