Oops! I didn't trigger the entry on Geto.
I didn't expect it to be triggered by this cursed spirit.
I have to say, it's really a pleasant surprise.
After swallowing the cursed spirit, Ryuji let out a satisfied burp, feeling much better. It wasn't a wasted effort after all.
"Well, sorry about accidentally demolishing the house..."
He looked around at the now-roofless manor. The sky was clearly visible, and sunlight flooded the room where the ceiling had once been. Ryuji's tone held no hint of actual apology, though.
"No, it's... fine," Gan'an Shinomiya stammered, still in shock. He had expected Ryuji to be strong, but this? This was beyond anything he could have imagined.
From a distance, Geto began clapping slowly, his expression calm yet intrigued.
"Subarashi! Truly amazing. To be personally recognized by Gojo as a genius sorcerer, you've certainly earned that title!"
The information from Jujutsu High about Ryuji had already reached Geto, helping him fill in some gaps in his knowledge. The variety of techniques Ryuji had displayed twisting space, casting powerful incantations, and even devouring cursed spirits was nothing short of extraordinary. Geto knew without a doubt that Ryuji was the one. While Geto had seen sorcerers who could use multiple techniques before, Ryuji's versatility and control piqued his curiosity.
Nearby, Mimiko and Nanako, the twin girls who accompanied Geto, exchanged a glance. Their initial annoyance at Ryuji's seeming disrespect had now shifted to wariness. It was clear to them, as it was to everyone present, that Ryuji's power was no joke.
Strength commanded respect, and Ryuji had plenty of it.
"Mr. Ryuji," Geto started, his tone friendly, "I'm curious what do you think about non-sorcerers?"
The question hung in the air, and Ryuji knew exactly why Geto was asking. He was well aware of Geto's twisted ideology: to eliminate all non-sorcerers and create a world where only sorcerers existed. It was a vision Geto had crafted after years of disillusionment, spurred by tragic events and his own radical conclusions about the nature of curses and humanity.
"Tsk," Ryuji muttered internally, feeling a bit exasperated. He knew the story. In a way, he could even sympathize with Geto's fall into darkness, but that didn't mean he shared the same beliefs. If not for the influence of that special-grade sorcerer Yuki Tsukumo back in the day, Geto might never have turned down such a dark path.
Out loud, he said, "I don't have much of an opinion on the whole sorcerer versus non-sorcerer thing. One of my girlfriends is a non-sorcerer, after all."
Everyone in the room paused. The distinction between "a non-sorcerer" and "one of my girlfriends" wasn't lost on anyone.
Mimiko and Nanako both shot Ryuji disapproving looks. Gan'an Shinomiya glanced at his daughter, Kaguya, before clearing his throat awkwardly. Meanwhile, Yukinoshita Fumino gave her daughter Haruno a sideways glance, her expression questioning. Haruno, for her part, avoided her mother's gaze entirely, pretending not to notice.
"Well, then..." Geto chuckled, realizing Ryuji wasn't aligned with either side. "Perhaps you're still young. In time, you might come to understand the fundamental difference between sorcerers and non-sorcerers. After all, the presence of non-sorcerers only increases negative energy in the world, leading to the growth of cursed spirits."
Ryuji simply shrugged, unimpressed with Geto's reasoning.
With that, Geto gave a polite nod, signaling the end of the conversation. "I'll take my leave for now. It was... enlightening meeting you, Ryuji." He then turned to the twin sisters. "Let's go."
Mimiko and Nanako gave Ryuji one last glance before following Geto out. Their expressions held no hostility now, just the grudging acknowledgment of someone who knew when they'd met their match.
As Geto and his group left, Ryuji watched them go without a word. Despite their differences in ideology, he didn't harbor any personal animosity toward Geto. If anything, Geto was a tragic figure, corrupted by his own twisted ideals but still possessing a magnetic personal charm that drew others to him.
It was a shame, Ryuji thought. In another timeline, maybe Geto could have been saved, but now, his path was set in stone.
Ryuji let out a breath and waved to Haruno. "Alright, let's go."
"Wait up!" Haruno hurried to catch up, smiling despite everything.
"Um…" Fumino hesitated as she prepared to leave, still mindful of her original goal. Before she could say anything, Gan'an Shinomiya interrupted her.
"Don't worry," Gan'an said, his voice firm. "The Shinomiya family will formally announce its support for the Yukinoshita family."
This was more than she had expected. Originally, she had hoped for a word of support, something that could help her family's reputation. But now, after witnessing Ryuji's power, Gan'an was offering full backing a powerful endorsement from one of the most influential families in the country.
"Thank you very much," Fumino replied, bowing deeply, her voice filled with gratitude.
As Fumino and Haruno left with Ryuji, Shinomiya Kaguya's older brother, Oko, finally spoke up, his voice wavering slightly. "Father, are we just going to let this happen? That... that was more power than I've ever seen."
Un'yo and Kaguya remained quiet, but it was clear they shared similar thoughts. The events of today had shaken their understanding of the world.
Gan'an Shinomiya looked at his children with a somber expression. He had withheld much about the existence of sorcerers to protect them, but after today, there was no point in keeping such things a secret.
"In time, I'll have all the necessary information given to you," Gan'an said after a moment's pause. "For now, just understand that no matter how wealthy or powerful we are, there are forces in this world far beyond what money can influence."
His children nodded, their expressions grave. They had seen the truth of his words firsthand.
Gan'an then turned to Kaguya. "Your birthday is in a month, correct?"
Kaguya blinked, a bit startled by the sudden shift in conversation. "Yes, Father."
Gan'an smiled. "I believe we'll throw a large party this year. We'll invite Ryuji as our honored guest."
Kaguya understood immediately this was no mere birthday celebration. It was an excuse to maintain a connection with someone as powerful as Ryuji. Still, she couldn't exactly refuse.
"I understand," Kaguya replied, her voice steady.
"Good. Make sure you look your best."
"Yes, Father."
***
Outside, Haruno and Ryuji climbed into the family car. Haruno was still buzzing with energy after everything that had happened, but her mother's sudden movement to the front seat threw her off.
"Mom?" Haruno called, confused. "Aren't you going to sit back here?"
"I think I'll sit up front," Fumino replied smoothly, already opening the passenger door. Haruno blinked, realizing her mother was deliberately giving her space with Ryuji. Her face heated up in embarrassment, especially when she noticed Ryuji grinning at her.
"You coming?" Ryuji asked, patting the seat next to him.
"I... just don't think anything weird," Haruno muttered, cheeks burning.
Ryuji shrugged with a smirk, clearly enjoying her discomfort. "Sure, sure."
Up front, Fumino couldn't help but smile at the scene unfolding behind her. Her plan was working out perfectly.
"Let's get going," she instructed the driver, who raised an eyebrow at the situation but wisely said nothing as she started the car.
As they drove off, Fumino pulled the curtain between the front and back seats, blocking off any view of what was happening in the rear. Haruno glanced at the curtain and then at Ryuji, her blush deepening.
"You're incorrigible," she mumbled.
Ryuji only chuckled in response.
***
Far away from the manor, Mimiko and Nanako trailed behind Geto Suguru, still stewing over the events that had transpired.
"Who is that guy, anyway?" Mimiko muttered.
"And how does he have so many techniques?" Nanako added, equally frustrated.
Geto smiled calmly, his hands tucked into his robe. "Techniques can be acquired, through training or… other means. But remember, it's not just about the number of techniques you have. Power comes from mastery."
The two girls nodded, though the tension between their brows remained.
"Master Geto is still the strongest," Mimiko said with certainty.
Nanako nodded in agreement. "That guy might be impressive, but he's no match for you, Master."
Geto chuckled at their fierce loyalty.