"That exceeds even my expectations, doesn't it?"
In a quiet forest, having successfully tracked down Sukuna's location, Kenjaku hid behind a tree, observing the battle between Takamura and Sukuna as he murmured to himself.
He couldn't discern what Takamura's Cursed Technique was. Yet the man could use Reverse Cursed Technique. His swordsmanship bordered on the miraculous.
Truly impeccable.
What's more, he wasn't merely holding his own against Sukuna—someone even Kenjaku found troublesome—but was landing several decisive blows.
'...I've seen enough. That man is a monster.'
This was a sorcerer of a caliber he had never encountered before. Even if he used every method at his disposal, they would likely be rendered meaningless before such a being.
Having reached his conclusion, Kenjaku prepared to withdraw.
"Who are you."
Before he could move, Uraume appeared silently behind the tree and pressed a blade of sharply condensed ice against Kenjaku's neck.
"Oh my. Have you forgotten already? "
"Tch. It's you, Kenjaku. What brings you here?"
Calmly brushing aside Uraume's arm, Kenjaku replied without concern.
"It's nothing significant. I have some business with Sukuna."
"Business?"
"Yes. Something you may find interesting as well."
Now that I've finished evaluating his strength, there's no reason to delay. Dragging this out would only make it dull.
A faint smile formed on Kenjaku's lips.
"…Very well. If it's coming from you, it's probably worth hearing."
"Good. I'd also like you to call Takamura over."
"…Understood. That's not difficult."
Uraume approached Sukuna and Takamura, whispered briefly, and soon the two stopped fighting and walked over.
"…It seems I've interrupted something enjoyable. My apologies."
"What is this business?" Sukuna asked bluntly.
"My, straight to the point."
The smile vanished from Kenjaku's face. He withdrew a document from his sleeve and unfolded it.
"What is that?"
"A contract. Properly enforced through a Binding Vow."
"And why show it to us?"
"Simple."
The proposal that followed was beyond imagination.
"You've already fought nearly every sorcerer in this era. As you've seen, none were worthy opponents. The only ones capable of standing against you are me—or Takamura. And you have no interest in anything except fighting the strong. So I have a suggestion for you, Sukuna. How would you like to go to the era 1000 years from now?"
"…What nonsense are you spouting? If you interrupted my entertainment to babble like this, I'll tear you apart."
"Oh, at least hear me out. Consider Takamura's age. He may be vigorous now, but in a few decades he won't remain in this world. One of the few who can satisfy you will disappear. And even you cannot escape death forever. After Takamura dies, you'll be left alone with your boredom until the day you die. Are you truly content with that?"
Silence followed.
After a moment, Sukuna nodded.
It was true.
He might not fall to another sorcerer, but illness or sudden misfortune could still claim him. And given Takamura's age, his mortality was inevitable.
"…Your reasoning is sound. Then tell me—how will you send me 1000 years into the future?"
"There's no need for concern. I will divide your soul into 20 fragments, seal them into fingers, and turn them into cursed objects. You will remain dormant within them for 1000 years. When you incarnate into a vessel I prepare, the process will be complete. What do you think?"
"You truly know how to accomplish this?"
"I told you I do. Consider how long I've lived. Do you think I wouldn't know something like this? What do you take me for?"
After careful consideration, Sukuna turned to Takamura and Uraume.
"What are your thoughts? Takamura. Uraume."
"It makes no difference to me, Lord Sukuna. I will follow your will," Uraume answered immediately.
Takamura, however, remained silent.
He was thinking.
'1000 years later…'
That era would resemble the time he originally came from. It might even benefit him.
There would be smartphones. Computers. Games. Endless entertainment.
He had already begun to miss the modern world.
And perhaps, in that era, he could finally distance himself from this relentless battle maniac.
After a long pause, he gave a small nod.
Unaware of what fate truly awaited him.
"Then seal it with blood," Kenjaku said. "That will activate the Binding Vow."
Sukuna, Uraume, and Takamura cut their fingers and pressed their blood onto the contract.
The Binding Vow was established.
"I'll begin preparations and return in one month. You understand that if you violate the vow, there will be consequences, correct?"
"You state the obvious."
"Haha. Just joking."
With that, Kenjaku disappeared.
Originally, he had only intended to prepare a vessel for Sukuna. But now…
'I'll need one for Takamura as well.'
Sukuna alone would be catastrophic for the future.
If another monster named Takamura were unleashed alongside him…
The thought alone was exhilarating.
A far brighter smile spread across Kenjaku's face.
---
One month later.
"I'll begin. Do not move."
Sukuna, Uraume, and Takamura lay motionless on the ground.
Kenjaku began transferring their souls into cursed objects, one by one. Gradually, their consciousness faded.
As the final soul was sealed, Kenjaku leaned close and whispered:
"Sleep well. Let's meet again in 1000 years."
Their awareness sank into endless darkness.
Only Sukuna's expression remained unchanged—
A faint smile lingering, as if anticipating the chaos of the era to come.
---
Author's Note:
Beginning in the next chapter, the original protagonist, Yuji, will appear.
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