The group followed Satoru toward the forge, and the fluctuations in the air grew stronger and stronger. Shinsuke noticed that as they approached, a faint blush appeared on Riko's face, and her whole body seemed to glow.
At that moment, Satoru suddenly stopped. The door of the forge slowly opened, and a figure appeared faintly in the green smoke.
The smoke gradually dissipated, and Satoshi's figure came into view. His slender silhouette loomed in the green haze.
In his hand was a Zanpakutō that had not yet fully formed. Strange golden patterns flickered along the blade, contrasting with the green smoke. The powerful fluctuation of Cursed Energy made everyone present feel a tremor in their chest.
Riko stared blankly at Satoshi, her heart deeply shaken. The powerful energy she had never felt before caused the power in her body to resonate on its own.
Such a powerful aura, several times stronger than what I felt at the Yorozuya. Is this Satoshi's true strength? Beneath that gentle exterior lies such terrifying power.
"Satoru," Satoshi's voice was a little tired, but more than that, it carried barely concealed joy. A sly light flashed in his eyes. "It seems you already guessed it."
Satoru leaned lazily against the doorframe, his hair swaying gently in the breeze. "So, this Zanpakutō is tailored for the Star Plasma Vessel?"
"You are still as sharp as ever," Satoshi chuckled. The golden lines on the Zanpakutō in his hand grew brighter, and the fluctuations of Cursed Energy throughout the forge intensified.
Shinsuke instinctively took a step back, cold sweat trailing down his cheek.
His gaze moved between the brothers, deeply shocked. The twins of the Gojo family, one looks lazy but is actually fiercely assertive, the other appears gentle but is unfathomable. No wonder a pairing like this can dominate the Jujutsu world.
Naoya stood off to the side, his clenched fists damp with cold sweat. It is unbelievable that Satoshi anticipated all of this and even prepared a special Zanpakutō in advance. Such foresight. Is this the man who defeated Shinsuke nine years ago?
Suguru wore a smile, though a hint of solemnity shadowed his eyes. He stepped forward, leaned toward Satoru, and whispered, "The aura of this Zanpakutō is very special. It seems to resonate with the Star Plasma Vessel's traits."
"Yeah," Satoru still looked nonchalant, but his eyes sharpened. "He has always been like this, seeing what others cannot. He has been like that since childhood."
Riko stood in place, feeling the surge of Cursed Energy saturating the air. The golden lines flowing along the not-yet-complete blade seemed to produce a mysterious resonance with the star power in her body. An unprecedented sense of intimacy washed over her.
This feeling, even though it radiates such great power, makes me feel completely at ease. What kind of existence is Mr. Satoshi?
Satoshi took a few steps forward, each one stirring the Cursed Energy in the air into greater turbulence. The Zanpakutō in his hand chimed with each movement, golden lines flowing as if alive.
"This Zanpakutō is called Sakanade (Counter Stroke)," Satoshi's voice was gentle, yet carried a majesty that could not be ignored. "It can reverse the sense of direction in space."
As soon as he finished, the golden lines on the blade flared, and the entire space inside the forge seemed to distort for an instant.
Naoya felt the world spin. For a moment he could not tell east from west, north from south.
He hurriedly grabbed a nearby pillar to steady himself.
What a terrifying ability. He broke out in a cold sweat. It is this powerful from a simple demonstration. If this were actual combat.
Satoru narrowed his eyes and raised a playful smile. "Impressive. You can even distort space. It seems those nine years of sleep were not in vain."
Suguru stood aside, eyes burning as he stared at the blade. It is not just simple spatial distortion. This sword contains some special power.
At that moment, Riko let out a soft cry. A faint light began to spill from her body, and the power of the Star Plasma Vessel surged uncontrollably.
"I see," Satoshi said softly. "It seems Sakanade has acknowledged you."
Shinsuke watched with a grave expression.
Satoru straightened from the doorframe, his lazy demeanor swept away. "We need to inform the clan head. After all..." He glanced meaningfully at Riko. "The Gojo family is about to welcome a special guest."
"But before that," Satoshi's voice remained calm, and the Zanpakutō in his hand suddenly burst with a brighter golden light, "we still need to complete the final forging. Satoru, protect me."
Satoru chuckled and turned to Suguru. "Take them to the main hall to wait." As he spoke, he stepped into the forge, powerful fluctuations of Cursed Energy radiating from his body.
Riko felt the star power in her body grow more and more agitated, as if answering a call. She subconsciously wanted to step forward, but Shinsuke stopped her.
This feeling is like something is calling me. Riko stared blankly toward the forge.
Suguru stepped forward with a light smile. "Everyone, please follow me. The final forging process should not be disturbed by outsiders, and besides..." He glanced meaningfully at the thickening green smoke around them. "This level of Cursed Energy fluctuation is not something ordinary people can withstand."
Naoya swallowed hard, feeling the almost tangible weight of Cursed Energy in the air. Is this the true strength of the Gojo family? Just to forge a Zanpakutō requires such terrifying power to guard it.
"Let's go," Shinsuke said softly, giving Riko a complicated look. "Trust the Gojo family."
Just as they turned, a deafening clash of metal rang out behind them, followed by Satoru's lazy but serious voice.
"Hey, Satoshi, do not push yourself."
"Don't worry," Satoshi replied with a smile. "This is a gift prepared for the Star Plasma Vessel."
(To be continued.)
***
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