Inside the Star Corridor Palace.
Zen'in Shinsuke and Yuki Tsukumo barged in without the slightest hesitation.
"Oi, old hag! You're not even coming out to greet us?"
Yuki never had much respect for Tengen—manners were the last thing on her mind.
At the sound of her voice, one of the countless sliding doors creaked open.
The two exchanged a glance.
"Let's go."
They stepped through into Tengen's chamber. Just like years ago, nothing had changed—still the lair of the ultimate shut-in.
"A nuisance," Tengen murmured, looking up at them with no expression at all. "And another nuisance who despises . Quite the pair."
Shinsuke and Yuki noted the change in her. Her face no longer bore a single trace of humanity—if one didn't know better, they would think she was already a curse.
Yuki blinked. "So you've already crossed that line, huh, old hag? You've really beco a curse spirit."
Indeed, when Riko Amanai never rged with Tengen, she had failed to find another solution. Without a vessel, her body inevitably evolved—drifting further from humanity. Now, the only thing preserving her mind was the barrier itself.
"You're right," Tengen admitted. "Which makes the situation dangerous. If Kenjaku learns what I've beco, he'll make his move."
She poured out two cups of tea, sliding them across the table as her calm words carried a heavy weight.
"If I fall into Kenjaku's hands, the world will end."
---
"Kenjaku's just a lunatic," Yuki said coldly. "A thousand years of scheming… of course he'll act in this era."
Indeed, Kenjaku had spent centuries experinting—searching for the "perfect evolution" of humanity and curses. Every attempt had failed. But after countless failures, he had finally found a solution.
rge them.
With Tengen's ability, he could force every human and every curse to evolve together—birthing a new "ultimate species."
---
"That's fine by ," Shinsuke said flatly. "I've been looking for him anyway."
Whether the world burned or not wasn't his concern. But with his niece still lying unconscious, that was sothing he couldn't ignore.
Tengen frowned. "Boy, I know you're strong. But don't underestimate Kenjaku. That man never acts unless he's absolutely certain."
Though she despised Shinsuke's rude ways, she still warned him—because she could sense he might beco a weapon against her ancient enemy.
Shinsuke didn't answer. If he hadn't known Kenjaku, he'd already be on guard—any creature that had lived and plotted for a thousand years was no trivial opponent.
Yuki smirked and leaned back. "Old hag, you've lived just as long. And you're afraid of him? Shouldn't it be an even match?"
Tengen fell silent. How could they compare?
She had spent centuries in seclusion, sleeping and maintaining barriers. Kenjaku, on the other hand, had spent those sa centuries weaving sches, manipulating powers, and constantly honing his edge.
They weren't on the sa playing field.
"…Enough about him," Tengen said at last. "Yuki. Tell why you've co back."
Yuki crossed her legs, lounging like a mob boss on the couch. "Overseas, I found so disturbing signs. They might be connected to Kenjaku."
The discussion stretched for over an hour.
When it finally ended, Shinsuke and Yuki left together—helping themselves to an entire box of Tengen's tea on the way out.
After they were gone, Tengen sat in silence, her gaze heavy with foreboding.
"So… the day is finally coming, isn't it?"
---
Outside, Shinsuke asked, "Where to now?"
Yuki tapped her chin. "Mm… still early. Let's eat first."
She tossed him the keys to her bike with a grin. A stolen mont of two-person freedom was worth more than any prophecy of doom.
Shinsuke took the keys, paused for two seconds, and said with a grin:
"Let's go. I'll treat you to a banquet—the kind that doesn't cost a di."
He revved up Yuki Tsukumo's bike, and with her clinging on behind him, sped through the city streets.
It was ti to show her off. Considering she was technically his "sister-in-law," Toji wouldn't dare serve them the cheapest set nu.
"Hey—don't go so fast in the middle of the city. What if the cops pull us over?"
Yuki tightened her arms around his waist, stealing a glance at the speedoter with concern.
"They'd have to catch first."
Shinsuke smirked and accelerated. Racing without the fear of death—it was exhilarating.
And if the police really did stop him? Big deal. No license, no paperwork—he'd just dump the bla on Jujutsu High. Special-grade sorcerers had their own "privileges," after all.
Not long after, they pulled up to Toji's restaurant.
The mont Shinsuke spotted his younger brother inside, he relaxed. Today's fancy al? As good as stolen already.
He strolled up to the counter, knocking on it casually.
"Boss, nu please."
From the kitchen, Toji's voice rang out without even looking up:
"Oi, Shoji—bring out yesterday's leftovers."
"…You've gotta be kidding ."
Shinsuke's voice jumped a few octaves in indignation.
When Toji finally looked up, ready to tear into his freeloading brother, he froze.
Because standing right next to Shinsuke was a striking blonde woman, her arm hooked naturally around his.
Yuki flashed Toji a smile. "Hello, Toji. I'm his girlfriend—Yuki Tsukumo."
"..."
Toji's face went blank. For a mont, his brain stalled. Then a creeping sense of dread welled up inside him. Damn it, if he'd known this was going to happen, he never would've co to the shop today. Looked like this al was going to bleed him dry.
"Uh… nice to et you, sister-in-law."
He forced himself to sound polite, then imdiately shouted to the back, "Shoji! Tell the kitchen—full spread. Top quality. Don't hold back."
What choice did he have? His shaless brother had actually brought a girlfriend. As the younger brother, he had to at least put on a show.
…Though the na "Yuki Tsukumo" did ring a bell. Wasn't she so big-shot sorcerer?
Shinsuke bead, utterly at ease. "Knew you'd co through, Toji. Appreciate it, little bro."
Toji's face darkened, his mood sour.
"Don't listen to him," Yuki added with a small laugh. "Really, simple dishes would've been fine."
"No, no. It's fine. It's my pleasure," Toji forced a smile, every word tasting like ash.
"Alright then, we'll just sit and wait for the food." Shinsuke led Yuki to a table and then glanced back at his brother. "Hey, Toji, why don't you join us?"
"You go ahead. I've already eaten," Toji said through clenched teeth, still smiling.
This was too much. He needed to make gumi keep Shinsuke busy sohow—otherwise this parasitic older brother was going to keep showing up to freeload. Sure, the restaurant was doing well and he wasn't strapped for cash, but it was the principle of the thing.
Yuki, anwhile, eyed the spread of luxury dishes being laid out and swallowed hard. "…This feels wrong. Shouldn't we pay?"
"If you want to pay, go ahead. I don't have money," Shinsuke said without hesitation.
"…Then forget it. I won't pay either."
Honestly, she didn't even have enough cash for her return trip—Shinsuke had fronted her travel fare. There was no way she could afford a al like this. Better to just freeload with him…
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