Chapter 17: With great power comes
Steam curled gently into the air as Kaito sank back into the hot tub, muscles loosening in the comforting warmth. He'd been pushing his body hard over the past few weeks, and this was the first true moment of relaxation he had allowed himself. Yet, the cursed energy from the finger he had consumed still pulsed beneath his skin a reminder that his strength was far from ordinary.
Just as his eyes fluttered closed, he heard the familiar sound of the sliding door. Suzuki stood in the doorway, her hands folded neatly in front of her. The soft light illuminated her face, giving her an almost ethereal glow. She hesitated for a moment before stepping forward.
Master Kaito, Suzuki said softly, her voice carrying a tinge of warmth. The Jujutsu Society #4 base has requested your presence for training tomorrow. They want to evaluate your powers again.
Kaito lazily opened one eye and glanced at her with a small smile. "Heh, already? They must be curious how much stronger I've gotten.
Suzuki smiled back, her gaze lingering a little longer than usual. "Indeed, Master. Also, dinner is ready.
"I'll be there soon," Kaito murmured, closing his eye again. The heat from the water soaked deeper into his body, but Suzuki's presence left an interesting warmth of its own. As she gently closed the door behind her, Kaito's smirk deepened.
Tomorrow would be interesting. His cursed energy had grown, his time manipulation abilities had sharpened, and he was ready to show the Jujutsu Society how much he'd improved.
(The Next Day: Jujutsu Society #4 Base)
Kaito walked through the familiar halls of the Jujutsu Society #4 base with an air of confidence. Nostalgia hit him like a wave, memories of past training sessions and hard-earned battles flooding his mind. His steps slowed as he spotted a familiar face—his old sensei, a seasoned sorcerer who had once guided him when he was still learning the ropes.
"Sensei!" Kaito called out, a grin spreading across his face as he approached. "Long time no see. I've missed this place."
His sensei turned, a broad smile spreading across his weathered face. "Kaito! You've been away for too long. I hear you've become quite the powerhouse."
Kaito chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, you could say that. I've missed this place, though. Lots of good memories here."
"Well" his sensei said, eyes twinkling with anticipation, "let's see how much you've improved. I've been hearing quite a few things about your power. But words are one thing show us."
With that, they entered the large training room. Other sorcerers and officials were already gathered, the tension in the air thick with curiosity and anticipation.
(First skill is slow down object )
(Second skill is slow down time)
Demonstrating Slow Down and Slow Time*
Kaito took his position in the center of the room as the officials briefed him on the test. Today, they would evaluate his two primary time-based abilities: *Slow Down* and *Slow Time.
The first test began with archers lining up in the training room, preparing to fire arrows toward him.
"Kaito," one of the officials began, "demonstrate *Slow Down*. We want to see how well you can manipulate the speed of objects approaching you. Ready?"
Kaito stretched his neck and nodded. "Let's go.
The archers released their arrows. As the projectiles zoomed through the air toward him, Kaito activated *Slow Down*. Instantly, the arrows' speed plummeted, each one moving as though it were passing through thick syrup. When they finally neared him, Kaito easily sidestepped them, letting them fall harmlessly to the ground.
The sorcerers watching nodded with approval, murmuring among themselves. His sensei smiled proudly.
"Good control, Kaito. Now, let's see your *Slow Time* ability."
Kaito clenched his fists, feeling the cursed energy stir inside him. This was the technique that made him truly dangerous*Slow Time*. It was a more advanced skill, one that allowed him to manipulate time itself for a brief moment.
A group of three sorcerers stepped forward to challenge him, surrounding him from different angles. The test was simple: avoid their attacks using *Slow Time*.
With a deep breath, Kaito readied himself. His opponents charged, each one coming at him with a different cursed technique. One summoned a barrage of fireballs, another lunged with a spear infused with cursed energy, and the third wielded a cursed sword.
Kaito waited until the last possible second before activating *Slow Time*. The world around him instantly seemed to freeze as time itself slowed to a crawl. For three seconds, Kaito had complete control. He moved effortlessly through the battlefield, dodging the fireballs, sidestepping the spear, and slipping past the sword's deadly edge. The sorcerers' attacks barely brushed against him as he moved like a shadow through
Time returned to normal just as Kaito appeared behind one of the sorcerers, placing a hand on their shoulder with a smirk. "Missed me?"
The onlookers were visibly impressed. His ability to control time had grown, from just two seconds of manipulation to three, an increase that could make all the difference in combat.
Brief Outburst of Energy
Just as Kaito was about to relax, a sudden spike of cursed energy erupted from within him. The air around him grew heavy as his cursed energy flared wildly for a brief moment, darkening the atmosphere. His fists clenched as he tried to wrestle the energy back under control.
"Master Kaito!" Suzuki's voice echoed across the room, her concern evident.
Kaito felt a surge of anger well up inside him—anger at the cursed finger, anger at himself. *Damn it! Why can't I control this power completely?* His jaw tightened as he focused, forcing the cursed energy to calm. The flaring aura began to fade, retreating into his body.
It was over in seconds, but the frustration lingered.
His sensei approached cautiously. "Kaito...?"
"I'm fine," Kaito snapped, though his expression betrayed his inner turmoil. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to relax. "It's nothing... just need to train more, that's all." His fists unclenched as he steadied his breath, the cursed energy now quiet beneath his skin.
Three sorcerers stepped forward to challenge him, their eyes wary but determined. Kaito took a deep breath, shaking off his frustration. This would be the perfect chance to work out his aggression.
They attacked him all at once, a flurry of cursed techniques aimed directly at him. Kaito grinned, his anger fueling his movements. He darted forward, meeting the first sorcerer head-on with a powerful punch, cursed energy surging through his fist. "With just a little more cursed energy in this punch…" he muttered as the impact sent the sorcerer flying across the room.
The second and third sorcerers closed in, but Kaito was ready. He dodged their attacks with ease, moving fluidly as he combined his enhanced strength and *Slow Time*. His fist connected with the second sorcerer's stomach, knocking them out cold, and with a final strike, he sent the third crashing to the ground.
Panting slightly, Kaito finally regained his composure. His control had slipped for a moment, but he was still strong—stronger than ever.
*After the Battle*
The head official stepped forward, clearing his throat. "Impressive, Kaito. You've not only demonstrated incredible control over your time manipulation techniques, but your raw power is undeniable. We've decided to officially rank you as a Grade 2 sorcerer."Soon u will be semi grade 1 to
Kaito smirked, though his mind was still focused on the brief moment he had lost control. He nodded to the officials, but deep down, he knew he had more work to do. *I need to master this power fully... no more losing control.
As he exchanged a few more words with the officials and his old sensei, Kaito couldn't help but glance over at Suzuki. Her eyes lingered on him, a mixture of concern and admiration. Kaito felt a small smile tug at his lips. He wasn't alone in this, and that thought, for now, was enough to push him forward.