Yuki then took a deep breath.
"The process of creating positive energy, also called a reversal technique, is so complex," she murmured, her eyes still fixed on Ryosuke. "So difficult that even the most experienced sorcerers can rarely pull it off. Even I… I can only use it on myself, and not always successfully."
Ryosuke blinked, a bit taken aback. As the excitement started to subside, he realized he had just achieved something significant.
"Am I really a genius?"
The thought appealed to him. He already envisioned himself sitting at the same table as the strongest in the world—a mere 16-year-old high school student.
"And you, Ryosuke," Yuki continued, raising her eyes to him again. "You just did it… as naturally as if it were the simplest thing in the world."
Normally, Ryosuke would have rejoiced, but out of respect for his aunt, he held back. He would have plenty of time to bask in his achievement later.
Yuki leaned slightly toward him, squinting. "How did you know that positive energy could heal? I never told you about that."
Ryosuke subtly furrowed his brows. After a brief moment of reflection, he shrugged.
"It was just logical, right? When I release cursed energy, it's like something breaks inside of me, like I'm letting go of negative pressure, something dark. So, I figured positive energy would be the opposite... If one destroys, the other must heal."
Yuki remained still for a moment. She sighed softly, her gaze softening, almost resigned.
"I think I was wrong in thinking I could teach you something… You understand everything on your own. Maybe even better than I do."
Ryosuke quickly shook his head. "No, Aunt, that's not true! If I was able to use positive energy, it's thanks to you. You helped me understand. Without your explanations, I wouldn't have been able to do it. You showed me the way, you gave me the basics. I still have so much to learn from you."
A slight smile softened Yuki's features. She straightened up, letting out a small laugh.
"And to think I'm the one who's supposed to cheer you up, yet you're the one giving me courage."
Ryosuke, a bit embarrassed, lowered his eyes, but a modest smile stretched his lips. He wasn't particularly trying to impress his aunt; he genuinely wanted to learn from her.
"But there's one more thing," he said softly, lifting his eyes to her. "I want to learn how to fight."
Yuki looked at him, surprised. "Fight?"
Ryosuke nodded with determination. "Yes. It's great to master spells and Jujutsu techniques, but I'm sure that in practice, you also need to know how to defend yourself physically. Jujutsu doesn't just rely on spells, does it? I assume you also need to know how to fight with your fists."
A silence fell between them as Yuki studied her nephew carefully, then a mischievous smile spread across her face. She stretched slightly, cracking her joints.
"Very well," she said, a playful gleam in her eyes. "It wasn't in the plan to jump straight to combat, but I think we can skip the other lessons for you."
Ryosuke's eyes widened, caught off guard. He hadn't expected her to agree so quickly, much less the sudden surge of energy from his aunt.
The truth was, that had been Ryosuke's true intention from the start. He wanted to confront a jujutsu sorcerer and truly test his abilities against a human opponent. He thought he would have to wait for the tournament to do so, but fate had just given him the opportunity sooner than expected.
And he was thrilled.
"Well, first rule," Yuki said. "Always stay on your guard. Never let yourself be distracted. No matter how confident you are in your Jujutsu abilities, someone more experienced could take you down in the blink of an eye if you lower your guard."
Before Ryosuke had time to respond, Yuki moved.
TO BE CONTINUED!
Next Chapter: Jujutsu Fighting Art