The sudden new feature left Jinsuke completely dumbfounded. So killing curses could also accelerate his training progress?
Then what did all his years of brutal physical training amount to? Just proof he could endure suffering?
Killing a semi–special grade curse was worth weeks of his effort.
If he'd known earlier, why bother training so hard? He could just hunt curses! And the jujutsu world had no shortage of them.
"Looks like I'll need to adjust my plans" Jinsuke muttered.
This unexpected perk from his scripture wasn't a bad thing. He had originally thought to wait until Megumi entered Jujutsu High before occasionally taking a teaching post there. But now? He'd have to stay in closer contact with the school, always keeping tabs on strong curses to boost his growth.
"A single apology won't cut it."
Geto's voice broke his thoughts.
Jinsuke looked at him — and his eyes lit up. This guy had plenty of curses under his control, didn't he? Should he…?
A flicker of greed flashed in Jinsuke's gaze. For some reason, Geto felt a chill run down his spine. What was with that look? Why did it feel like he was being sized up as prey?
"You're a non-sorcerer too, aren't you?" Geto asked, his tone suddenly sharp.
For the sake of his grand ideal, he would one day kill every non-sorcerer in existence — even his own parents hadn't been exceptions. And this man in front of him… was also one of those "monkeys".
"Of course. Not just a non-sorcerer, but one without a shred of cursed energy. Geto, that makes me your target too, doesn't it? So… do you want to kill me right here?"
Jinsuke's voice carried a strange excitement. His eyes locked on Geto as if he were staring at a delicious cake. After all, this man commanded plenty of high-grade curses… If Jinsuke killed him, what would happen to those curses? Would his golden cheat ability activate again?
"Geto! You're not seriously going to attack us, are you!?"
Riko stepped forward, shouting desperately. She truly didn't want her friend to go down a dark path.
Geto's dangerous look faltered. A moment later, he slipped back into his usual carefree smile.
"Relax. I was only joking. I'd never attack you guys. I just can't stand those non-sorcerer monkeys, that's all."
With a wave of his hand, he turned and vanished into the darkness, choosing not to fight Jinsuke after all.Though his opponent was indeed a non-sorcerer, something about him was… different. Not only that, Geto wasn't certain he could win.
"Suguru!"
Riko tried to call him back, but it was useless. He had already chosen the lonely road ahead.
"What a pity" Jinsuke clicked his tongue in disappointment.
Dozens of weak second- to fourth-grade curses lingered nearby, too afraid to flee. With a swing of the Playful Cloud, Jinsuke obliterated them in one strike. The air cracked with a sonic boom, the earth split, and the curses were reduced to dust without even feeling pain.
But this time, the scripture within him remained silent. No reaction at all.
"So it only counts from semi–special grade and above, huh?" Jinsuke muttered.He had thought all curses could be absorbed, but apparently the system had standards. Which meant viable prey was rarer than he'd hoped. Looks like he'd still need to train hard the old-fashioned way.
"Gulp…"
"Uncle… was that really necessary?" Riko stared wide-eyed.
Nanami, meanwhile, was stunned into silence. No wonder Jinsuke was chosen as their instructor—his strength was far beyond them.
Jinsuke shot Riko a look. "What, did you want me to keep them alive and bring them home as pets?"
"..." Riko could only pout. That wasn't what she meant. She'd just thought those weaker curses might've been good training for her and Nanami. This uncle really was two-faced.
With the mission complete, Jinsuke left the follow-up and paperwork to Riko and Nanami and returned home. Before long, his account received a generous commission. Not a bad haul at all—he'd discovered a new function to his golden finger and gotten paid. Jujutsu High wasn't so useless after all.
Time passed. The sweltering summer gave way to a snow-blanketed winter.
In his courtyard, Jinsuke continued his daily training, his body steaming like a furnace in the freezing air. Naked to the waist, his explosive muscles flexed with each motion, radiating waves of heat. Mist swirled around him, making him look almost divine.
"It's so warm standing near cousin" said Mai, bundled in a thick coat and scarf. Her cheeks were flushed red from the cold, her round little face making her look like a waddling dumpling. She huddled closer, happily soaking up his body heat.
Not far away, her twin sister Maki swung her staff tirelessly, clad only in thin training clothes despite the snow.
"..."
Jinsuke gave Mai's cheek a firm pinch, her soft skin glowing red against his calloused fingers. Two sisters, two extremes: one timid, one bold. One lazy, one challenging fate head-on.
Though even the timid one had begun to grow braver lately.
"Uuu… cousin, that hurts!" Mai's big eyes welled up with tears, ready to spill like pearls.
Jinsuke ignored her whining and went into the house, returning with two red envelopes. He crouched down and handed them to her.
"Here. One for each of you. Don't come by tomorrow—I've got to head out."
His breath puffed white in the air. It was New Year's again. Instinct in his bones compelled him to prepare red envelopes for the two sisters. The amount wasn't large, but the sentiment was what mattered.
"Wow! Red envelopes! Cousin, you're the best!"
Mai's tears vanished instantly as she took the envelope, her smile sweet as honey.
"Mua~"
She planted a kiss on Jinsuke's cheek before running off to Maki.
"Look, sis! Cousin gave us red envelopes!"
"This girl…" Jinsuke chuckled helplessly. She was getting more and more spoiled.
Maki paused her training, took the envelope, and glanced at him.
"Thanks, Master!"
"I told you already—you're not qualified to be my disciple yet."
Jinsuke sighed. Mai at least acted like a normal girl, spoiled and affectionate. But Maki… once she set her mind on something, she was as stubborn as a bull.
"Hmph. It's only a matter of time."
Maki tucked the envelope away and returned to swinging her staff.
Jinsuke shook his head, smiling faintly. Good thing he had patience for cute brats — if it were anyone else pestering him like this, he'd have turned them into a spinning top long ago.