Sensing the shift in Yuki's emotions, a flicker of surprise appeared in Satoshi's eyes.
If he had previously believed Yuki was only interested in his Heavenly Restriction and Zanpakutō, now, after catching a glimpse of her true emotions, he could sense the deeper intentions behind her actions.
Thinking of this, Satoshi's tone softened.
"Miss Tsukumo, that's not what I meant. I've heard of the Star Plasma Vessel situation."
"If—just hypothetically—if you didn't have to assimilate with Lord Tengen in the future, would you still choose a boyfriend so quickly?"
Satoshi could feel how decisive and straightforward Yuki was, but he could also imagine what was forcing her hand.
The only thing that could drive a girl to be this resolute in love... must be a lifespan she has no control over.
So, if Yuki truly wanted to be his girlfriend, he hoped it wasn't a decision made under those circumstances.
Satoshi's words made Yuki's body tremble slightly. She couldn't understand what he meant.
As a Star Plasma Vessel, wouldn't she have to assimilate with Tengen? Tengen needed to fuse with a young girl every 500 years. That had always been the unchanging rule in the world of jujutsu. How could that possibly change for her?
Faced with her shocked gaze, Satoshi gave a bitter smile.
In truth, based on the original course of events, even if he didn't interfere, Yuki never ended up assimilating with Tengen. Otherwise, why would Riko appear later?
Whether it was because Yuki awakened something in herself and rejected the fusion, or the process failed for some other reason, Satoshi wasn't completely sure.
However, now that she had reached out to him and made her stance clear, Satoshi naturally wanted to bring her to his side.
Whether as a real girlfriend or a trusted comrade in the same camp.
Yuki was the best possible teammate.
A future top-class sorcerer, someone reliable, someone who could protect her companions and sacrifice herself when needed.
If Satoshi had the choice, he'd be more than satisfied with Yuki's performance. Besides, her presence had played a major role in influencing Geto Suguru's path in the original timeline, which eventually led to him and Satoru walking completely different roads.
But Satoshi didn't think that was Yuki's fault. Geto had already been shaken by that point.
Even without that talk with Yuki, Geto would've gone down the path he chose.
"Not assimilating with Lord Tengen? What does that even mean? If Lord Tengen doesn't undergo assimilation, he'll lose his human consciousness and ascend to a higher-dimensional state. That would have massive consequences for the entire world."
A flash of worry passed through Yuki's eyes, yet for some reason, she also felt an inexplicable trust in Satoshi.
The centuries-old tradition tied to Tengen didn't seem to mean anything to Satoshi.
"Miss Tsukumo, you came here with an invitation from Lord Tengen, right? I understand. Once I've recovered, I'll go with you to meet him. At that time, I want to examine his body. Maybe I can find a way to stabilize his condition without needing the Star Plasma Vessel."
Satoshi's voice was calm, but for Yuki, it was a huge shock.
She didn't doubt his words because she knew Satoshi had no reason to lie.
"A Zanpakutō?"
Yuki asked nervously.
Satoshi nodded. He did have a Zanpakutō in mind that might solve Tengen's issue, but he needed more time to analyze the details.
Hearing that it was really related to a Zanpakutō, Yuki finally relaxed.
Even though Satoshi was still young, when it came to forging Zanpakutō, he was the only authority.
If he said it was possible to solve Tengen's problem with a Zanpakutō, then there was hope.
As her emotions settled, the tense atmosphere in the room began to ease.
Satoshi looked at Yuki seriously.
"So, now that you know this, you should reconsider your future, Miss Tsukumo. We're still young. There's no need to rush into life-changing decisions."
Yuki lowered her head slightly, glancing at Satoshi who was resting his chin on his hand, and her heart stirred.
Despite the obvious age gap, Yuki was drawn to the contrast between Satoshi's mature mind and his young body.
For her, interest was the foundation of emotion.
Only when there was genuine interest could a real relationship form.
"I don't think there's anyone more suitable."
Yuki suddenly said.
As someone blessed with incredible luck and talent, after seeing Satoshi's true strength, her standards for a partner had risen sharply.
Even though he was just six years old, she felt he was worth waiting for.
Satoshi was stunned. He didn't expect himself to be this popular.
After all, the woman in front of him would grow to become one of the most beautiful and powerful in the jujutsu world. If she insisted on being with him, he really couldn't think of a reason to say no.
Seeing that Satoshi didn't reply, Yuki pressed forward.
"Since there's no one else more suitable, why not give it a try? If it doesn't work out, we can talk about it then."
"Well, that's all we can do for now. After I go to the Tombs of the Star and meet Lord Tengen, we can reevaluate our relationship."
Just like that, under public pressure and emotional momentum, Satoshi and Yuki unofficially became a couple.
Even though most of the jujutsu world felt the age gap was a bit much...
Once they considered Yuki's ties to the Tombs of the Star, and the political weight of the Tsukumo clan in Kyoto, the controversy faded just as quickly as it began.
(To be continued.)