Sanzu River came from a relatively unknown Jujutsu Sorcerer family.
His parents were obsessed with researching Cursed Objects, and the family often traveled around to study them.
Until one time, Sanzu River's parents obtained a Special Grade Cursed Object, the Cursed Stone, while abroad.
Initially, they were excited. However, they ultimately underestimated the weight of the term "Special Grade."
Sanzu River's parents' research awakened Tamamo-no-Mae, who was slumbering within the Cursed Stone.
In the end, Sanzu River's family perished in the disaster caused by the Cursed Stone.
Only Sanzu River himself survived, thanks to Tamamo-no-Mae's ulterior motives.
"We're no match for a Special Grade."
Sanzu River spoke to the female voice that suddenly appeared.
A gust of wind blew Sanzu River's white hair, revealing his crimson left eye.
It was a Cursed Stone embedded in his left eye.
Sanzu River deliberately let his left hair grow long to conceal this abnormal left eye.
What an interesting person has arrived.
Tamamo-no-Mae's voice carried a hint of amusement, as if she had seen something amusing.
"Who is it?"
The young lady from the Isayama family. I sense a strong hatred emanating from her.
"Meaning, we can use her, right?"
Around Sanzu River, dozens of butterflies with wings emitting a blue glow flew towards Isayama Mei.
This was Sanzu River's Cursed Technique, Spirit Butterfly Manipulation.
Sanzu River could control butterflies and also use his Cursed Energy to cultivate blue Summoned Spirits butterflies.
Directly controlled butterflies could only perform simple reconnaissance tasks, while Summoned Spirits butterflies cultivated through Cursed Energy could absorb Cursed Energy to attack, transform, and parasitize.
Meanwhile, Isayama Mei, a Jujutsu Sorcerer, had also received a mission to exorcise Cursed Spirits.
Her naginata danced continuously, and Isayama Mei easily slew Grade 3 Cursed Spirits one after another.
Her clean and decisive movements, though not on par with Isayama Yomi's, clearly showed she had put in a lot of effort.
"What do you think?"
Sanzu River had already stealthily approached Isayama Mei.
The emotions emanating from her Cursed Energy are nostalgic. Unwillingness, hatred... and a thirst for power.
Tamamo-no-Mae had seen countless people like this in her lifetime.
"Is that so."
Sanzu River began to recall the information about the white-haired woman before him in his mind.
"She looks like she'll be a good chess piece."
In a dark alley, Isayama Mei killed another Cursed Spirit. Suddenly, she sensed something behind her.
Isayama Mei swung her blade behind her.
I missed?
Her blade met no resistance, and Isayama Mei immediately retreated into a defensive stance.
In front of Isayama Mei, a faint blue silhouette was slowly dissipating.
Hundreds of blue butterflies swirled around Isayama Mei.
"Show yourself, you who hides in the shadows!"
Isayama Mei shouted loudly to her surroundings.
"What will you do if I show myself?"
A flippant voice came from all directions.
"Naturally, I will erase you, you filthy being."
Isayama Mei warily scanned her surroundings.
"Interesting."
This time, the voice came from only one direction, filled with disdain.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh.
Dozens of butterflies turned into needles and shot towards Isayama Mei.
After blocking a few with her naginata, Isayama Mei had to leap back out of Sanzu River's attack range.
Tap, tap, tap.
Under Isayama Mei's vigilant gaze, a white-haired youth appeared before her.
"White hair, attacks with butterflies and needles. The Curse User who attacked Mrs. Tsuchiya three years ago?"
Isayama Mei's heart sank.
This was an opponent she couldn't defeat.
'Find a chance to retreat.'
Isayama Mei made up her mind.
"Are the recent frequent Cursed Spirit incidents your doing?"
Isayama Mei shouted, questioning him.
"Doing? Not exactly. I just leaked some Cursed Energy, and they swarmed like sharks smelling blood."
Unlike Isayama Mei, who was on high alert, Sanzu River appeared very casual.
However, this casualness was exactly what Isayama Mei wanted.
"Talking is useless. Die, Curse User."
Isayama Mei swung her naginata towards Sanzu River.
"You really never learn."
Sanzu River didn't move. The naginata passed through his body, but not a single drop of blood flowed.
His body emitted a faint blue light and once again dissolved into countless butterflies.
To Sanzu River's surprise, Isayama Mei didn't stop or pursue.
Instead, she kept moving and fled into the distance.
"Interesting. It seems you will indeed become a decent Chess Piece."
Hundreds of blue butterflies transformed into flying needles.
Sensing the danger behind her, Isayama Mei immediately turned back, spinning her naginata like a windmill with both hands.
Clink, clink, clink.
Thwip, thwip.
Isayama Mei blocked most of the flying needles, but a few still pierced her body.
"Not good."
Sensing Cursed Energy suddenly appearing behind her.
Isayama Mei gritted her teeth, abandoned defending against the last few needles, and turned to stab behind her.
Slish.
Thwip, thwip, thwip.
Isayama Mei's naginata pierced Sanzu River's body, and several flying needles also struck Isayama Mei's back.
'Did I hit him?'
Isayama Mei was somewhat surprised. The sensation from the naginata told her she had indeed hit the enemy.
Without hesitation, Isayama Mei intended to inflict more damage.
But Sanzu River, as if he were unharmed, walked towards Isayama Mei, the naginata still in his body.
Swish, swish.
Sanzu River thrust two flying needles into Isayama Mei's hands, and two more fell from the sky, pinning her feet to the ground.
"Ah, you..."
Countless butterflies landed on Isayama Mei's body, slowly enveloping her into a cocoon.
Beneath Sanzu River's white hair, the Cursed Stone emitted a blood-red glow.
"Is that... the Cursed Stone?"
Isayama Mei looked at Sanzu River's left eye in astonishment.
"Oh~, your inner world is quite rich."
Sanzu River looked at the girl before him with great interest.
Her inner world was far more complex than he had imagined.
"Jealousy, anger, hatred, disgust, ambition, and greed."
As Sanzu River peeled back everything about Isayama Mei, he reached out and pulled the naginata embedded in his body.
"Why? How do you know?"
Isayama Mei looked at Sanzu River with a terrified expression.
"Is it that strange?"
Sanzu River thrust the naginata into Isayama Mei's chest.
"This stone attracts wicked people like flowers attract butterflies."
Under the light of the Cursed Stone, Isayama Mei lost consciousness.
Watching Isayama Mei fall, Sanzu River took another Cursed Stone from his pocket.
'Are you sure you want to use a Cursed Stone for this little girl?'
Tamamo-no-Mae's voice echoed in Sanzu River's ears.
"Her identity and ambition are worth a shot. If used well, we might be able to destroy the Isayama Family and the Tsuchimiya Family in one fell swoop, don't you think?"
'Indeed.'
"You better do your best and dig out every last bit of negative emotion she's suppressed deep down."
'Don't worry, that's exactly what I'm good at.'
-----------
Translation by: randomtranslator.com
Read 2500+ original & fanfic translations and Translate for Free at: randomtranslator.com