While waiting for Yuki, Satoshi was deep in thought about his future plans.
This recent ambush by Kenjaku had been dangerously close.
Because Kenjaku hadn't targeted young Satoru in the original timeline, Satoshi had never taken him seriously. But after this encounter, he realized he could no longer afford to be so careless.
Kenjaku's goal had been crystal clear—his Zanpakutō.
Since gaining recognition for creating Zanpakutō, it was inevitable he would draw attention. It was only natural for someone like Kenjaku to covet such a power.
He had to admit, Kenjaku's taste was impeccable. The moment he laid eyes on Ryūjin Jakka, he wanted it for himself.
If not for the system's restriction on transferring ownership, once Ryūjin Jakka fell into Kenjaku's hands, that old bastard would basically become invincible.
Satoshi could only be thankful he survived. Had he failed, not only would he be unable to change Satoru's fate, he would have died before doing anything significant.
Fortunately, Sode no Shirayuki's Bankai awakened at the critical moment. Its full release proved incredibly powerful. If Kenjaku were to attack again, as long as he held some trump cards in reserve, Sode no Shirayuki might just be able to handle him.
Currently, the only one in the jujutsu world who could rival Sode no Shirayuki might be Toji, whose physical prowess was at its peak.
Satoru had already mastered Cursed Technique Lapse: Blue, and Satoshi was confident he could make rapid progress in Shunpo next.
This time, he was determined to master Shunpo. The art of instantaneous movement was always useful. If you couldn't win, then the next best thing was to escape quickly.
He had only been caught this time because of his poor mastery of Hohō.
If he had been more proficient, he would have fled the moment something felt off.
This battle against Kenjaku made Satoshi painfully aware of his current shortcomings.
There was no such thing as a truly omnipotent fighter in the world. Still, he had the system, and he had mastered Zanjutsu, Hakuda, and Kidō.
So why not become as all-rounded as possible?
Thinking of Itadori Kaori, whose body was now under Kenjaku's control, Satoshi's eyes narrowed slightly.
Since Kenjaku dared to attack him, he had no choice but to respond in kind. Otherwise, it would make him seem like someone easily manipulated.
Now that Kenjaku was using Itadori Kaori's body, he was most likely living with her family.
While Satoshi didn't know the exact location, he remembered Itadori Yuji would eventually study in Sendai. That likely meant the Itadori family resided there.
Kenjaku, if you won't let me live in peace, then don't expect a quiet life for yourself either.
Although he couldn't defeat Kenjaku just yet, after this attack, he wouldn't let Kenjaku or his host family off easy.
He might even interfere with the birth of Itadori Yuji. Let's see how Kenjaku's grand plans go without a proper vessel.
A cold gleam flashed in Satoshi's eyes. He hadn't retaliated yet, and already Kenjaku had made a move. This clearly showed their current level of strength wasn't enough to be a deterrent.
In the future, he, Satoru, and Toji all needed to continue growing stronger.
Letting others attack you whenever they please… that was just pathetic.
I need to raise my compatibility with Ryūjin Jakka as fast as possible. I have to unlock its Bankai soon.
While Satoshi was thinking, Yuki stepped into the room.
Seeing this tall, stunning woman, Satoshi felt a bit helpless. Still, there was an inexplicable sense of pride in being associated with someone so beautiful.
But he needed to understand Yuki's intentions and what Tengen had sent her here to do.
"Sit down."
Satoshi adjusted his posture and motioned for Yuki to take a seat.
Yuki smiled and sat down quietly, unusually well-behaved. It was almost like the person who had boldly called herself his girlfriend before was someone else entirely.
"Miss Yuki, I'm now your so-called 'boyfriend' in name only. Tell me, what did Lord Tengen send you here for? Surely it wasn't just to fall in love with me?"
Yuki cleared her throat, about to answer, but Satoshi's next words cut her off.
"Do Star Plasma Vessels even have the freedom to fall in love?"
Satoshi spoke calmly. His face showed no emotion, and his tone remained level.
Yuki had known Satoshi was mature for his age, but now faced with his composed demeanor, she found herself unsure how to respond.
Was this what he truly meant?
Even she didn't know how to answer him.
"Even if I'm the Star Plasma Vessel, shouldn't I still have the right to fall in love?"
She mumbled quietly, unsure of herself.
"Oh? When you finally assimilate with Lord Tengen, will it be you or Lord Tengen who's in love with me?"
Satoshi gave her a sidelong glance. He wanted to know if she truly understood what the process of assimilation meant.
The way Yuki's expression darkened told him everything he needed to know. She understood.
"Since you already know the outcome, then isn't it a little inappropriate to go around calling yourself my girlfriend?"
Though Satoshi's words were calm, they carried a chill. Yuki's emotions wavered under his steady gaze.
She was the Star Plasma Vessel, yes. But she also had her own thoughts and emotions.
She was an individual, not someone born solely to be absorbed by Tengen.
Tengen had indeed sacrificed greatly for jujutsu society, but why did it always have to be her who made the ultimate sacrifice?
At the end of the day, she was still just a teenage girl. Her body might seem mature, but her heart wasn't ready for such burdens.
She had finally gathered the courage to express her feelings, only to be met with a cold interrogation.
Did being the Star Plasma Vessel mean she wasn't allowed to fall in love?
She was still just a girl. She still wanted a normal life, a relationship… Even if she was destined to fuse with Tengen one day, couldn't she enjoy the years she had left as herself?
"Young Master Satoshi… my actions seem to have troubled you. I'll clarify things."
Her voice was colder now. Yuki was still a powerful sorcerer and the Star Plasma Vessel but she had her own pride too.
(To be continued.)
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