[Author Note]
Disc: HrPrTeam
If you were in JJK, would you HONESTLY hit the Kenjussy knowing everything you do about Kenjaku? (There is only one correct answer)
In other words, are you down bad enough to bang the main villain of the series, even if it means you have a good chance of death?
Yes:
No:
__________
Naohiro
I reply with a stoic face. "I'm confused. What are you implying?"
Tengen's expression doesn't change. "You're strange. I wanted to get to know you since you're an extra puzzle piece that doesn't fit into the entire puzzle that we call our world. So, I am asking you why you are that extra puzzle piece."
After pondering for a moment, I speak up. "I don't know how to answer that. I've been called odd before but never been told that I'm not supposed to exist."
Tengen closes her eyes. "So, you don't even understand your own existence."
Is it just me, or does that sound rude?
Tilting my head to the side, I speak back up. "Given how you invited me here and with how you are speaking, I can assume that you wanted to know if I'm some sort of threat, right?"
Then it clicked in my mind: "Which is why Yuki is here—in case I turn out to be a threat to you."
Without even denying it, Tengen nods her head.
Yuki speaks up. "The granny will be merging with the star plasma vessel soon, so she wanted me here in case you were hostile. I told her you were a chill brat, but based on what she's told me, she made it sound like you're the next Ryomen Sukuna."
It isn't the time for humor...but she isn't completely wrong.
Tengen opens her eyes. "On a basic level, this world is powered by a system. It works with balance and deals, hence the existence of heavenly restrictions, binding vows, and balance between sorcerers and curses. The world compensates for balance shifts, which is exactly why you are strange. The world didn't account for you."
I quickly respond. "So what does that mean for me?"
Tengen crosses her arms. "It means that you have the potential to turn the system upside down. No matter what you end up doing, as long as you exist, the future will be unknown and in chaos."
Hmm. "Shouldn't it be good that I'm with the sorcerers then?"
Tengen narrows her eyes. "It isn't a matter of 'good or bad.' People on both sides die, but the system of the world has kept things intact. Even in the Heian period, where there was constant chaos, there was still balance."
Her eyes narrow more. "There is also the matter of an old friend of mine. If I know about your impact on the world, they for sure know about you."
I knew exactly what or who she was talking about.
Thankfully, Yuki asked a question. "Who are you talking about?"
Tengen spoke up. "I had a friend named Kenjaku a long time ago. He has no problem dealing with things using force. He hasn't shown himself in a few hundred years, but I'm positive that he is still alive."
She sighs before continuing. "With how he functions, he will come after you and use you as a tool for his 'plans.'"
The dude is already using me and has nearly killed me!
I give a nervous grin. "That doesn't sound fun. If he's making you sound worried, then I'm probably not going to become friends with the guy."
She looks at the sky. "No, you won't...hmm, I've decided. You and Satoru Gojo are going to protect the star plasma vessel."
Yuki stands up. "You speak about all of the danger surrounding this kid, and you want him to hover around your vessel!? Oh no, have you gone senile?"
Do I get to choose in this circumstance?
She responds with a neutral expression, "Even with his situation, it doesn't change the fact that aside from you and Gojo Satoru, no one is strong enough to get past him. I've already heard that you disagree with the concept of a vessel. Also, if Kenjaku wants to make a move against the vessel, having Naohiro there will allow for more security."
Yuki asked, "What about replacing him with Suguru Geto? He is also among the strongest sorcerers, even in his second year."
Tengen ponders for a moment before I speak up. "Sure, I'll do it."
Geto can not get attached to Riko if we want him to avoid monkey genocide, but I'll also need to make sure that Kenjaku won't get his hands on his body.
Yuki looks a little irritated but keeps quiet after Tengen starts to speak. "Very well, in two weeks' time, the new star plasma vessel will assimilate with me. Her name is Riko Amanai, and she attends Renchoku Girls' Junior High. Your job will be to follow her last requests while bringing her towards Jujutsu high. It's the least we can do for the girl."
I nod my head. "I'll relay the information to Satoru and get Yaga to explain the specifics to us."
Tengen returns my nod. "Good, I shall await your results then."
With that, Yuki and I walk out together.
Getting on the elevator, Yuki decides to break the silence. "You aren't pissed at me?"
My head tilts in confusion. "Why would I be pissed at you?"
Yuki closed her eyes. "Because she would've asked me to kill you if she deemed you too much of a threat."
I sighed. "*Sigh* I figured as much. It was fairly obvious when she didn't deny that you were here to protect her."
She crossed her arms and leaned back against the elevator wall. "*Ugh* Trust me, the last thing I want to do is fight a freak like you, but this shit is serious, and she really sold me on the whole 'threat' thing. Look, I know you're a nice kid, but Jujutsu society is fucked. Personal feelings often come last when going through missions."
I chuckle a little. "Yeah, I've had that figured out since I learned about it."
...
After that, a wide smile appears on her face. "Now that we finally get a chance to talk, I can have you answer my question. What's your type?"
After pondering for a moment, I respond, "I am a man of very many interests. I'm not sure how I should answer that. What is your type?"
She huffs with a smile. "My type is a hard-working, tough guy who isn't afraid to get his hands dirty."
I smiled at her. "I'm curious: How often have you heard 'you're my type'?"
She grins. "Surprisingly little. Most are scared that I'll punch their head off if they try to say it, but...it isn't a bad type to have."
After thinking a little more, I tell her my type: "As I said, I'm a man of many interests—quiet, loud, tall, short, reserved, or outspoken. It doesn't matter much to me. If I like her, I like her; no specific selling points needed."
She raises an eyebrow. "That it?"
I turn my gaze. "Nice boobs aren't bad."
She laughs before wiping away a tear. "*Pft* Hahahaha, honest guys aren't bad either."
We chatted for the rest of the time until we returned to the main campus.