MTLNOVEL Chapter 56: Chapter 56: This Man Was Born to Be in Conflict with Me (BONUS)
"Hey, is everyone here? Looks like we've got quite the gathering."
Toji's lazy voice echoed through the room.
Hearing this, Satoru didn't even bother to look up, still lost in thought about what his future Zanpakutō would look like.
Meanwhile, Shunichi, upon seeing Toji, immediately tensed up.
After his recent battle with a Special Grade Cursed Spirit, his connection with Suzumushi had deepened, granting him a sharper perception of the world around him.
Previously, he had merely sensed that Toji was dangerous, a vague but persistent feeling.
But now, that feeling had only grown stronger.
Shunichi's expression subtly changed.
Why does this man, who has no cursed energy at all, radiate such an overwhelming pressure, even to a Grade 1 Sorcerer like me?
Did Young Master Satoshi already know about Toji's unusual nature? Is that why he was so intent on befriending him?
Noticing Shunichi staring at him, Toji simply shrugged.
"Hey, congrats on the promotion! This whole event caused quite a stir. Even a so-called 'useless' member of the Zenin Clan like me managed to hear about it."
Toji's tone was lighthearted, unfazed by Shunichi's wary gaze.
Then, turning to Satoshi, he smirked.
At the same time, Satoshi was also eyeing Toji but not because of what he had said.
Instead, his attention was completely focused on the cloth-wrapped object Toji was holding.
"After two days of not seeing you, this is the welcome I get?" Toji raised an eyebrow. "Young Master Satoshi, is this how the Six Eyes of the Gojo Clan treat their guests?"
He stood there with his arms crossed, the cursed tool resting diagonally across his chest. A flicker of amusement danced in his eyes.
Satoshi, however, remained composed.
His expression was calm, but his eyes burned with excitement.
Toji isn't the type to play games.
If he had come here personally with a cursed tool, then that meant he had found what Satoshi needed.
"Alright, hand it over. Let me take a look."
"As for our previous deal… I'll move it up my priority list."
Satoshi instantly understood Toji's real message, he was urging him to hurry up and forge his own Zanpakutō.
Since Satoshi was just as direct as Toji, he wasted no time getting to the point.
Satisfied with the response, Toji tossed the cursed tool to him.
"I found one in the Zenin Clan's storage vault that matches your requirements. There were actually a few options, but I figured it'd be better if you picked the materials yourself."
"Once you're done with this one, come with me to the Zenin estate. I want my Zanpakutō to be forged properly, I'm not about to settle for anything less."
His words made Satoshi pause for a brief moment.
The Zenin Clan, with its long history, actually had multiple cursed tools that fit the criteria?
The Gojo Clan's storage had nothing even close.
But upon thinking about it, it made sense.
After all, the traits he was searching for were linked to the Zenin Clan's most powerful inherited technique. It was only natural that they would have collected relevant tools over time.
Satoshi nodded in agreement.
On the side, both Satoru and Shunichi suddenly reacted.
"Wait… you just said 'forging a Zanpakutō'?"
The two of them looked back and forth between Toji and Satoshi.
It was obvious that these two had some secret agreement they hadn't been let in on.
Seeing Satoru's curiosity, Satoshi twirled the cursed tool in his hand, a mischievous smile forming on his lips.
"That's right, Satoru."
"See this? Toji found this cursed tool for you. It's perfect for forging your Zanpakutō. So? Feeling grateful to him?"
Even after spending more than a month together, Satoshi could still sense the subtle tension between Satoru and Toji.
It wasn't outright hostility, more like an underlying resistance.
It showed in small, almost imperceptible ways, but it was there.
For a brief moment, Satoru's sky-blue eyes flashed with surprise.
He looked at Toji, finally recalling something Satoshi had joked about before.
"In the future, your Zanpakutō will probably rely on Toji's help…"
That joke had actually come true.
And now, remembering his initial reluctance toward Toji, Satoru felt… a little awkward.
He knew exactly why he had been so resistant toward Toji.
Over the past month, he had noticed how naturally Satoshi and Toji got along.
They shared an easy camaraderie, a bond that he didn't have with Satoshi.
Maybe it was because they were both Heavenly Restriction bearers, they simply understood each other in a way that no one else could.
But deep down, Satoru knew the real reason for his feelings.
His relationship with Satoshi was not as close as it should be.
Satoshi himself might not have realized it, but Satoru was fully aware.
Ever since birth, he had been the reason Satoshi was ostracized by the Gojo Clan.
Because of him, Satoshi had been denied the treatment he deserved.
Originally, Satoru had planned to find a way to restore Satoshi's cursed energy as a way to make amends.
But now…
Satoshi had forged his own path, using his talents to create something entirely new.
Because of that, Satoru had lost the opportunity to repay him.
And despite his usual carefree attitude, it… bothered him.
Even if he didn't want to admit it, the truth was simple.
He was jealous.
And now, seeing Toji—the very person he had been avoiding—deliver the materials for his Zanpakutō, Satoru wondered if he had been acting childish all along.
Maybe… I really can become friends with Toji.
Just as that thought crossed his mind.
"Gojo brat, you're such a hassle," Toji suddenly muttered, exasperated. "You had to cut in line and get your Zanpakutō before mine? I should kick you out of here."
Then, smirking, he added, "I've never tried kicking the Six Eyes user of the Gojo Clan before… wonder how far you'd fly."
Instantly, Satoru's face darkened.
Never mind.
I still don't get along with this guy.
***
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