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The Eternal Sorcerer: Naoya's Ascension (Jujutsu kaisen)

An evil guy from our world got transmigrated to the Jujutsu Kaisen world, finding himself in the body of Naoya Zenin. [AU]

Idle_Soul · Anime & Comics
Not enough ratings
9 Chs

Chapter 4: Mastering the Zenin Arts

Naoya Zenin, now fifteen years old, had secured his position as the head of the Zenin clan through ruthless determination and sheer power. But this victory was just the first step in a much larger plan. The Zenin clan's legacy, with its cursed techniques and deep knowledge of jujutsu sorcery, provided Naoya with a strong foundation, but his ambitions far surpassed that of any mere clan leader. His ultimate goal was immortality, and he would stop at nothing to achieve it.

The early morning light streamed through the paper screens of his private chamber, casting long shadows across the scrolls and cursed objects meticulously arranged on the floor before him. The room was silent, save for the faint rustling of parchment as Naoya studied the ancient texts. His mind, however, was anything but quiet—it was racing with thoughts of power, immortality, and domination.

The Reverse Cursed Technique was the focus of his study. This technique, which allowed a sorcerer to heal by converting cursed energy into positive energy, held the key to Naoya's ambitions. He saw beyond its immediate applications and into the deeper potential it offered—not just for healing, but for extending life itself. If mastered completely, it could become the cornerstone of his quest for immortality.

But Naoya's thoughts were not limited to just the Reverse Cursed Technique. With his knowledge from his previous life—he was acutely aware of techniques and powers that few others in this world knew about. Chief among these was the ultimate expression of a sorcerer's power: **Domain Expansion**.

Domain Expansion was a technique that only the most powerful sorcerers could manifest. It allowed the user to create a separate space, a domain, where their cursed techniques were guaranteed to hit their target with absolute precision. Within this domain, the sorcerer's will became law, and reality itself could be reshaped according to their desires. This, Naoya realized, could be the key to achieving his goal.

Sitting in the dim light of his chamber, Naoya considered the possibilities. He knew that the Reverse Cursed Technique was crucial to extending his life, but merging it with a Domain Expansion could create something far greater. A domain where he could manipulate the flow of time, reverse injuries, and even slow down the aging process—it would make him not just a powerful sorcerer, but an immortal one.

His thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock at the door. Naoya's irritation at being disturbed quickly dissipated as he composed himself. "Enter."

The shoji door slid open, revealing Maki Zenin. Her expression was as unreadable as ever, but Naoya had learned to detect the subtle nuances in her demeanor over the years.

"You've been studying since dawn," Maki observed, her tone neutral.

"Time is a luxury I cannot afford to waste," Naoya replied, not looking up from the scroll. "Every minute spent idle is a minute lost in my pursuit of immortality."

Maki stepped closer, her gaze skimming over the array of scrolls and cursed objects before settling on Naoya. "Immortality is a dangerous obsession, Naoya. You're already the strongest in the clan. Isn't that enough?"

Naoya finally met her eyes, his expression cold but intense. "Strength is fleeting, Maki. No matter how powerful I am today, there will always be someone stronger tomorrow. And even if I manage to defeat all my enemies, time itself is the ultimate foe. Immortality is not just a desire—it's a necessity."

Maki remained silent for a moment, then nodded slightly. "If that's what you believe, I'll support you. But you should be cautious. Power can make enemies faster than it can eliminate them."

Naoya smirked. "Enemies are inevitable. The key is to ensure they are never a threat."

Before Maki could respond, there was another knock at the door. Naoya's smirk faded, replaced by a mask of calm authority. "Enter."

A young servant, Aoi, whom Naoya had recruited years ago as his informant, entered the room and bowed deeply. "Master Naoya, the elders are gathering in the main hall as you requested."

Naoya nodded, rising from his seated position. "Very well. Tell them I will be there shortly."

Aoi hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "There's something else, my lord. Elder Jinshi has been... questioning your leadership among the others. He's been particularly vocal about your... methods."

Naoya's eyes narrowed slightly, though his voice remained controlled. "Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Aoi. You've done well."

As Aoi left the room, Naoya turned to Maki. "It seems not everyone is content with my new position. How predictable."

"Jinshi has always been a traditionalist," Maki said. "He might see your methods as too extreme, even for the Zenin clan."

Naoya's expression hardened. "Then I will remind him why I am the head of this clan."

---

The main hall of the Zenin estate was a grand space, with high ceilings supported by thick wooden beams and walls adorned with banners representing the clan's history. The atmosphere was charged with tension as the elders waited for Naoya's arrival. They were an aged group, each having lived through multiple clan conflicts and power struggles. Among them was Jinshi Zenin, a stern man with a face etched by the years of battle and leadership. He was the most vocal critic of Naoya's ascent to power.

Naoya entered the hall with Maki by his side, his presence commanding immediate attention. He walked with measured steps, his gaze sweeping over the gathered elders before settling on Jinshi.

"Elders of the Zenin clan," Naoya began, his voice clear and authoritative, "I have summoned you today to discuss the future of our clan under my leadership. But first, it seems we must address some... concerns."

Jinshi did not flinch under Naoya's gaze, though there was a flicker of disdain in his eyes. "Naoya, your victory over Naobito was indeed impressive, but it was also reckless. The Zenin clan has always valued tradition and wisdom. You risk everything by pursuing your own ambitions so... aggressively."

Naoya's lips curled into a thin smile. "Reckless? Perhaps to those who lack vision. But to me, it was necessary. Tradition is only valuable if it serves to strengthen us, not to bind us in the chains of the past."

Jinshi straightened, his tone growing sharper. "And what of the risks? You gamble with the clan's future for your own gain. What assurance do we have that your path will not lead to our destruction?"

Naoya's smile faded, replaced by a cold, calculated expression. "The assurance, Elder Jinshi, lies in my power. I have not only defeated the former clan head but also brought new strength and knowledge to our clan. I am leading us toward a future where the Zenin name will be feared and respected above all others. However, if you doubt my leadership, I invite you to challenge me."

A heavy silence fell over the hall. The tension was palpable as Jinshi and Naoya stared each other down. Finally, Jinshi broke eye contact, his expression begrudging. "I will not challenge you, Naoya. But know this: the path you tread is perilous. The Zenin clan's loyalty must be earned, not forced."

Naoya inclined his head slightly, his victory in this confrontation clear. "Your advice is noted, Elder Jinshi. However, remember that loyalty is also a matter of survival. As long as I lead, the clan will survive and thrive. Resist me, and that survival is not guaranteed."

Maki, who had been silently observing, glanced around the room. She could see the unease in the eyes of some of the elders, but there was also respect—a grudging acknowledgment of Naoya's strength and determination. As much as they might distrust him, they couldn't deny that he was a force to be reckoned with.

---

After the meeting, Naoya and Maki walked through the Zenin estate's gardens, a rare moment of relative calm amidst the storm of clan politics.

"Jinshi will fall in line for now, but he won't stay silent forever," Maki said, her voice low but firm. "He's too proud and too set in his ways."

"Let him scheme," Naoya replied dismissively. "His pride is his weakness. I'll deal with him when the time comes."

Maki studied Naoya's face, searching for any sign of doubt or hesitation, but there was none. "You're playing a dangerous game, Naoya. You're strong, but strength alone won't keep you at the top."

Naoya stopped walking and turned to face Maki, his expression inscrutable. "I'm aware of that, Maki. That's why I need more than just strength. I need knowledge—knowledge of techniques and power that goes beyond what anyone else in this clan, or this world, possesses. That's why I'm going to master Reverse Cursed Technique. And that's why I will achieve immortality."

Maki crossed her arms, her gaze unwavering. "And if you fail?"

Naoya's eyes gleamed with cold determination. "I won't fail. I can't afford to."

---

As the day turned to dusk, Naoya returned to his private chamber. The scrolls and cursed objects awaited him, each one a step toward his ultimate goal of immortality. But tonight, his thoughts were elsewhere. He could feel himself getting closer to something—a realization, an epiphany that had been just out of reach.

Naoya sat down, his eyes fixed on the scroll detailing the intricacies of the Reverse Cursed Technique. The words blurred before him as his mind wandered, piecing together the fragments of knowledge he had accumulated over the years. He knew that mastering the Reverse Cursed Technique was crucial, but it wasn't enough. Immortality required more than just healing wounds and reversing injuries. It required control over the very fabric of reality, something that only the most powerful sorcerers could achieve.

Then it hit him.

**Domain Expansion.**

In his past life, Naoya had read about Domain Expansion in the *Jujutsu Kaisen* manga. He knew that it was the ultimate expression of a sorcerer's power, a technique that created a separate space where the user's cursed techniques were guaranteed to hit with absolute precision. Within this domain, the sorcerer's will became law, and reality itself could be reshaped according to their desires.

Naoya's eyes widened as the pieces fell into place. A Domain Expansion wasn't just a powerful technique—it was a means to immortality. If he could create a domain where the Reverse Cursed Technique was fully integrated, he could control the flow of time, reverse injuries, and even slow down the aging process. Within this domain, he would be invincible, untouchable.

He would be immortal.

The excitement surged within him, but Naoya forced himself to remain calm. This revelation was only the beginning. He needed to refine the concept, to understand how to merge the Reverse Cursed Technique with a Domain Expansion, and then to practice until he could manifest it flawlessly.

Naoya leaned back, his mind racing. The path to immortality was becoming clearer, but it was also more dangerous. Mastering a Domain Expansion required immense cursed energy and absolute control over it. It wasn't something that could be achieved overnight, but Naoya was nothing if not patient. He had already surpassed the expectations of the Zenin clan, and now he was on the brink of achieving something no sorcerer had ever accomplished.

---

The following days saw Naoya devote himself to training with an intensity that surprised even Maki. She watched as he pushed his body and mind to their absolute limits, practicing the Reverse Cursed Technique over and over until it became second nature. He meditated for hours, expanding his cursed energy and refining his control over it, all while envisioning the domain he intended to create.

Maki, as always, trained alongside him. She was relentless in her pursuit of strength, and while her goals differed from Naoya's, she understood the importance of what he was trying to achieve. She pushed him when he faltered, challenged him when he grew complacent, and supported him when he needed it most.

One evening, after an especially grueling training session, Naoya and Maki sat in the courtyard, the cool night air a welcome respite from the heat of the day. The sky was clear, and the stars twinkled overhead, providing a momentary sense of peace.

"You're different lately," Maki observed, breaking the silence. "More focused. More driven."

Naoya glanced at her, a rare smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "I've had a revelation. I've figured out how to achieve what I've been working toward."

Maki raised an eyebrow. "And what is that, exactly?"

"Immortality," Naoya replied, his voice steady. "I'm going to create a Domain Expansion, one that integrates the Reverse Cursed Technique. Within that domain, I'll have absolute control over life and death. Time itself will be under my command."

Maki's eyes widened slightly. She knew Naoya was ambitious, but this... this was on another level. "A Domain Expansion is difficult enough on its own. And you want to merge it with the Reverse Cursed Technique? That's... insane."

"Insane, but possible," Naoya said, his confidence unshaken. "I've been training for this, Maki. I've pushed myself further than anyone else ever has, and I'm close—closer than anyone has ever been."

Maki studied him, her expression a mix of admiration and concern. "And what will you do once you've achieved it? Once you're immortal?"

Naoya's gaze shifted to the stars, his eyes gleaming with ambition. "I'll reshape this world, Maki. The Zenin clan will rise above all others, and I will be its eternal leader. No one will be able to challenge me—not Gojo, not anyone."

Maki nodded slowly, though there was a hint of unease in her voice. "Just be careful, Naoya. Power like that... it comes with a price."

Naoya didn't respond immediately, his thoughts already drifting back to his plans. He was aware of the risks, but they paled in comparison to the rewards. The idea of being the most powerful sorcerer, of bending reality to his will and achieving immortality, was too intoxicating to ignore.

Finally, he spoke, his voice firm. "Whatever the price, I'm willing to pay it."

---

As the weeks turned into months, Naoya's progress was undeniable. His mastery over the Reverse Cursed Technique deepened to the point where he could heal even the most grievous wounds with ease. He practiced expanding his cursed energy, pushing himself to the brink of exhaustion and beyond. Every day, he visualized his domain, refining the details in his mind until it became as clear as his reflection in a mirror.

But the final step—manifesting the Domain Expansion—remained elusive.

It was during a late-night meditation session that Naoya finally had a breakthrough. As he sat in the darkness of his chamber, his mind focused on the flow of cursed energy within him, he felt a sudden shift. It was as if the barriers between his cursed energy and the Reverse Cursed Technique had dissolved, allowing the two to merge seamlessly.

In that moment, Naoya's inner world became clear to him. He envisioned a vast domain, an endless expanse of twilight where time itself was malleable. In this space, he could control the flow of cursed energy to heal, to reverse, to manipulate life and death as he saw fit. It was a place where he was truly invincible, where his will was absolute.

Excitement surged through him as he realized what this meant. He had done it—he had created the foundation for his Domain Expansion, a domain where his mastery over life and death was unparalleled.

But this was only the beginning. The domain was still in its infancy, and Naoya knew he needed to perfect it. He needed to practice until he could manifest it flawlessly, until he could sustain it for as long as necessary without draining his cursed energy.

Over the next few weeks, Naoya focused all his efforts on refining his Domain Expansion. He practiced visualizing the domain, summoning it in short bursts to test his control. He experimented with integrating the Reverse Cursed Technique, healing himself within the domain and reversing the flow of time on small objects. Each time, he pushed the limits of his cursed energy, gradually increasing the duration and complexity of the domain.

Maki continued to train with him, though she watched his progress with a mix of awe and concern. She could see the toll it was taking on him—the strain in his eyes, the exhaustion in his movements—but she knew better than to try to dissuade him. Naoya was driven by a determination that bordered on obsession, and nothing would stop him from achieving his goal.

One day, after a particularly intense training session, Naoya collapsed to the ground, his body trembling with exhaustion. Maki rushed to his side, her usual stoic demeanor replaced with concern.

"Naoya, you're pushing yourself too hard," she said, helping him to his feet. "If you keep going like this, you'll burn out before you can finish."

Naoya gritted his teeth, forcing himself to stand. "I'm fine. I just need to rest, and then I'll continue."

Maki frowned, but she didn't argue. She knew how stubborn Naoya could be, and she also knew that there was no stopping him when he was this close to achieving his goal. "Just... don't forget that you're still human, Naoya. Even if you're trying to become something more, you still need to take care of yourself."

Naoya didn't respond, his mind already focused on the next steps. He had to keep pushing, to keep refining his Domain Expansion until it was perfect. Immortality was within his grasp, and he wasn't about to let anything stand in his way.

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