Chapter 5

Megumi POV:

It has been five days since I first met Satoru. And our lives had undergone quite a few changes. We moved to bigger apartment, got new clothes and learned the basics about jujutsu. Though the last part was more during yesterday. Seeing Satoru actually being a decent teacher is quite the surprise, considering the fact that he himself graduated from Jujutsu High this year. Was he actually that good of a teacher in the manga too? Not that I can remember, considering the binding vow and all that. Yes, that's what it is called. Giving up most of my memories also resulted in me forgetting the method how I did it. It's ironic, isn't it? I mean that's what this is right? I really don't remember if it's the correct use of the phrase. (I just really wanted to say that once.)

Wait, I'm getting sidetracked. Where was I? Yeah, I was in the middle of my monologue about binding vows. Binding vow is basically a contract which works like a classic barter system, just on a supernatural level. It either can be placed between two or more people where each of them promise a certain thing which has a severe consequence if broken. Or made to one's own self for a temporary or permanent boost. But on a basic level we give something to get something. Generally, when a vow is made, the expenditure and gain from the vow must be of equal value. Now, this value differs from person to person so, making a vow between different people is much easier as long as both agree to the terms. But in case of a single person, equal value takes a stricter approach. Well, that can also be curved as long as you provide a sufficient amount of CE. Still, no amount of CE is enough to make something as ridiculous as, increasing the total amount of CE permanently, possible. As that comes under the category of soul manipulation which is simply impossible to do with a vow without sufficient sacrifice. So, given the fragments of memories I have of my past life, the memories I sacrifice was not under my control. Therefore gaining the amount of CE I did, I had to lose most of the plot of the manga and few more of my important memories.

Now, should I be worried about the said important memories? Yeah, I should. But, am I? Nah.

See the benefits of my monologuing; I reached my prison without even realizing it. Don't worry comrade, only a few more months and you will get an upgrade in your cell.

"I should get going now, Gumi" says my sister dearest.

"Bye, sis."

She leaves for her class but not before giving me a bright smile. Love. That's what this is. A pure unadulterated love. For a step-sibling. She shouldn't be that naïve but rather she actually believes in me. That I am her brother. Even if I only met her a month or so back. She loves me as if I actually am her brother. No expectations, no doubts. Only love. For someone like me?

Such a person must be protected. And that's what I'll do. Yeah, no need for any shying away now. She is my sister. And her happiness is my responsibility.

Satoru POV:

Ten shadows technique. The jewel of Zenin clan. It provides the user with two dog familiars or shikigami at the start and lets the user perform exorcism rituals to amass a total of 10 different familiars. The user must defeat each shikigami by himself with the familiars he gained to complete the ritual. If the user receives any external help during the ritual, the ritual gets invalidated even upon the defeat of the shikigami. Shikigami or familiar conquered by the user is summoned using the shadows, created by utilising handsign as a medium during the activation of the technique. The different familiars possessing different abilities allow the user a wide range of techniques during a fight. The 10 shadows namely are Divine dogs, Toad, Nue, Great Serpent, Max Elephant, Escape Rabbit, Round Deer, Piercing Ox, Funeral Tiger and Eight-Handled Sword Divergent Sila Divine General Mahoraga.

And the user of the said technique of the current generation is moving out of his class…..with a friend? No, wait. Isn't she the girl whose family owns the dojo that Gumi-chan wanted to join? It's a good thing I rejected it. A sorcerer doesn't necessarily need to learn martial arts, especially a shikigami user. Experience gained during a fight will result in better skills that are personalized to the user. Different CT require different styles of fighting, especially a technique as versatile as his. Therefore, learning a set of moves might be more of a shackle than a benefit.

Good. Now he's alone. All I need to do is wait till my dear Tsumiki gets here. Though I shouldn't probably observe them from 40metres height using my obviously impressive eyesight. Should I go down and give him a scare? That would be fun to watch; his expression that is.

Though it is seriously amazing, how close I got to these siblings in few days. Credit would definitely go to Tsumiki; that girl is a piece of art. The kindness and warmth she radiates to complete a stranger is noteworthy. Moreover, the trust she has on a brother she only met a little more than a month. Even though she was a little suspicious at the beginning, she instantly accepted me the moment Megumi confirmed I was trust worthy. And, despite what Megumi may believe, he is the one depending upon her and she definitely understands this.

It's late. Tsumiki is never late without prior notice (atleast that's what Megumi said to me the first time I came to pick them up). Looks like Megumi is also worried considering the boys he is approaching are classmates of her. Should I scan the school and look for her? Wait, why did Megumi suddenly punch the boy? Ah, the idiot must have made some comment on Tsumiki. Tch, these brats are courting death. Oh yeah, a bar fight without a bar. Should just go down watch. Maybe get some popcorn too? Nah, I might miss it.

Wait, why is the first guy getting up? And others aren't knocked out either. I mean, his strength passively enhanced by CE should be enough to atleast knock these little brats. Then, why? Has he already gotten enough control to only apply required amount of force? No, even in that case knocking them out would be better.

Taking my glasses of to observe them a bit more accurately; causing a considerable amount of gasps around me. My, my~~ how troublesome. Even from this distance, I can clearly make out what is wrong. Our little star is holding back, even if subconsciously. But this shouldn't happen to someone of his age, especially in the first fight of his life (which is pretty clear from how horrendous his moves are). This happens in latter half of an adolescent's life when his/her brain develops a subconscious fear of hurting one's own self.

Maybe that dojo would be necessary after all. Because even if he did win due to his obviously exceptional brain, it was still horrible to look at. All right Megumi, looks like today we have to take a detour to, what was it called again? Yeah, Ryõzanpaku. After all as a responsible guardian I should give them a heartfelt thanks for this opportunity.

"Mom, look that muscular aunty is grinning like a villain." says a random passing by child as his mother pulls him away.

"…"