Swallow Reversal.
Sasaki's Noble Phantasm.
It was also his strongest sword technique.
The blades that struck Kusakabe simultaneously from three directions were not the result of Jujutsu, magecraft, or any other ability.
Rather, it was a multidimensional distortion that transcended concepts such as speed and skill.
This nameless martial artist, ignorant of magecraft and Jujutsu, with this single strike, reached a Domain that countless magi only dreamed of.
The Second Magic, interference with parallel worlds.
Kusakabe's Shinkage-ryu · Simple Domain was instantly shattered by Swallow Reversal.
His katana was also severed while attempting to block the slashes.
Am I going to lose?
Kusakabe's eyes widened as he watched the long blade approach.
Memories surfaced in his mind.
"Thank you, Atsuya."
It was a summer several years ago. Ashiya Ayaka, the usually stern head of Shinkage-ryu, smiled after Kusakabe became a Grade 1 Jujutsu Sorcerer through Shinkage-ryu.
Kusakabe had no innate technique.
All he had was the sword in his hand and the Shinkage-ryu that Ashiya had taught him without reservation.
Even so, through relentless training in Shinkage-ryu, he became a Grade 1 Jujutsu Sorcerer.
"I have no talent. Even though my ancestors left behind a powerful style like Shinkage-ryu, I still could not become truly strong."
Ashiya, who usually appeared like an ice queen without emotion, was vividly clear in his memory.
"I was worried Shinkage-ryu would decline in my generation. Fortunately, you carried its banner. Thank you, Atsuya."
It was the first time Kusakabe had seen her smile so happily.
There was relief in that smile.
Kusakabe felt fortunate.
He had no innate technique. When he first became a Jujutsu Sorcerer, he was often looked down upon by the great families with inherited techniques.
Yet he met Ashiya, who was willing to teach him everything she knew.
He came from an ordinary background. In the Jujutsu world, where the mortality rate of common sorcerers was extremely high, he met Yaga-sensei, who sincerely guided him.
Perhaps because of that.
Kusakabe, who supposedly hated troublesome matters the most, always stepped forward at critical moments.
"Shinkage-ryu · Oborozuki."
He gathered all his Cursed Energy.
While reinforcing his defense, Cursed Energy extended along the broken blade, eventually forming a new edge.
This was not talent in swordsmanship, but talent as a Jujutsu Sorcerer.
Yet swordsmanship, Barrier Techniques, and shaping Cursed Energy into a blade were all parts of Shinkage-ryu.
Sasaki's Mind's Eye warned him.
But seeing the conviction in Kusakabe's eyes, he did not dodge.
Pfft. Pfft. Pfft.
Pfft.
Secret Sword · Swallow Reversal left three bone-deep wounds on Kusakabe.
Shinkage-ryu · Oborozuki pierced Sasaki's left shoulder.
This was only a spar. Neither aimed for a vital point.
"Excellent technique. Let us call this a draw."
Technique, not swordsmanship.
Although Shinkage-ryu had already diverged from its original Shadow Style and was no longer pure swordsmanship, it was still a powerful style forged through the dedication of countless people.
"Is that so, a draw."
Kusakabe let out a breath.
In just a few minutes, he had used everything he had.
Even so, he felt that Sasaki had not fought at full strength.
I am sorry I could not make you go all out, Master Sasaki.
Kusakabe looked at him apologetically.
This was the Shinkage-ryu headquarters. Although most present were disciples, there were a few outsiders.
As a representative of Shinkage-ryu, if he said something inappropriate now, it would negatively affect the school.
Do not worry about it.
Sasaki returned the look.
Even if it was not pure swordsmanship, Shinkage-ryu was the finest blade art he had witnessed since being summoned.
He was satisfied with this spar.
Clap clap clap.
After Sasaki declared it a draw, the dojo erupted in thunderous applause.
"As expected of Senpai, amazing!"
"Senpai, you were incredible!"
Several young disciples jumped up in excitement.
That was Sasaki Kojiro.
A legendary swordmaster in Japan's history.
Even in modern times, countless films and dramas depicted him.
How could they not be excited that their Senior Brother fought him to a draw?
If they trained hard in Shinkage-ryu, could they become as strong as he?
At that moment, passion surged in the hearts of the young disciples.
The training that once felt dull and painful now seemed insufficient. They wished for forty-eight hours in a day to practice.
Even after the two left, discussions continued in the dojo.
"Hiss. Ouch, ouch."
Once out of sight, Kusakabe's face twisted in pain from his wounds.
"Are you alright, Kusakabe?"
Ashiya stepped forward to check his injuries.
"Pfft. I thought you would toughen up after graduation, but you are still the same, Kusakabe."
Eichi laughed.
He placed his right hand on Kusakabe's shoulder.
Reverse Cursed Technique activated, and the wounds rapidly healed.
"How rude. I am your Senpai."
Kusakabe sounded helpless.
The scene reminded Eichi of how Utahime and Satoru interacted.
The group soon settled in the reception room.
"May I ask the purpose of your visit?"
Ashiya did not believe Eichi came merely for a spar.
"I will be direct. We hope to establish cooperation with Shinkage-ryu and obtain cursed tools based on Shinkage-ryu · Simple Domain."
Because of his connection with Kusakabe, Eichi did not beat around the bush.
"I am very sorry, Eichi-dono. Shinkage-ryu will not be passed down externally."
If it was not passed down externally, how did Satoru learn it? Why could Kusakabe teach Itadori Yuji the soul-swapping training method?
"We do not need the training method for Shinkage-ryu. We only need equipment created from its principles."
Eichi began explaining his purpose to Ashiya.
(To be continued.)
◇◇◇
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)