The Battle Against Zen'in (1)

Ryoma pov

Two years have passed since the massacre of the Kurogane Clan. Since then, my days solely consisted of killing enemy sorcerers and training.

Jujutsu Society constantly sent groups of sorcerers to kill me during these 2 years. None of the sorcerers who encountered me returned alive. That is probably why only a few weeks ago they seemingly forgot about my existence, not sending any more groups to hunt me down. Probably thought that I wasn't worth it. Heh.

With many enemy sorcerers trying to kill me, I have explored my innate technique to the max. I discovered that cursed energy and lifespan are the two most common things that I can "steal". When I steal cursed energy I permanently expand my cursed energy reserves. My cursed energy reserves have already reached an immense level. When I steal lifespan I heal myself and enhance my vitality permanently. I can probably also expand my own lifespan but that is currently irrelevant. I don't have the time to think about that.

While rarer than lifespan but still quite common, another person's strength is also something I can steal. Stealing the strength of someone adds a portion of their physical strength to mine. My physical strength, while not on the levels of very powerful sorcerers, is still incredible for a 9 year old child.

And the rarest of them all is a sorcerer's CT. I still haven't managed to steal another person's innate technique in these 2 years.

Apart from that, I explored the possibilities of Blazing Courage. The things I can do with it are quite impressive.

I also constantly practised coating myself with cursed energy in order to learn Falling Blossom Emotion. I still can't use it, but I have made significant progress. I am merely a few steps away from mastering it.

RCT is also something I made progress in. I can now use RCT and Blazing Courage at the same time. With my immense cursed energy, I can burn myself for a prolonged period without dying.

I tried to learn about my inner realm and my domain, but I haven't made significant progress in that department.

As for my brother, I haven't heard a word from him. He still might be overseas for all I know.

These encounters and training have shaped me into a very powerful sorcerer. I would say that my strength is on the level of a Grade 1 Sorcerer. With my prodigious understanding of hand-to-hand combat, superhuman physical strength, immense cursed energy, RCT and mastery of Blazing Courage, I truly am strong. But it is still not enough.

That is why currently I am standing outside the entrance to the Zen'in Clan Village.

Heh, if Jujutsu Society doesn't want to send livestock towards my way, I would get it myself.

3rd person pov.

A child was sitting in a garden by himself. He was Naoya Zen'in, the son of Naobito Zen'in. He was dressed in expensive looking black-green robes.

Suddenly, two men appeared before him.

"Young master Naoya, we need to leave." said one man, while the other grabbed his hand.

"Where are you taking me?" asked Naoya.

"There has been an attack on our clan. We need to escort you to safety, young master Naoya." replied the man.

"Who said you can leave?"

Swoosh

As those words resounded though the air, a child in ragged black robes appeared before them. This was, of course, Ryoma Kurogane

Without letting them react, Ryoma, his body strengthened with cursed energy, dashed towards the two men and Naoya.

The two Zen'in clansmen pushed away Naoya before being crushed by Ryoma's hands.

"Cursed energy and cursed energy. Nothing new." thought Ryoma as he turned towards Naoya.

Naoya had a terrified expression on his face.

"His CT hasn't developed yet. It's not worth it." thought Ryoma as he left Naoya, looking for more prey.

"Toji shouldn't be here, my biggest problem is Naobito. I would prefer to remove the biggest obstacle first by killing him. The rest are fodder." thought Ryoma.

As Ryoma killed more and more Zen'in clansmen, strengthening himself, a short man with a mohawk and a smiling expression appeared before him.

"That should be Chojuro." thought Ryoma as he dashed towards him.

Chojuro Zen'in, knowing that before him stood the child who exterminated many of the sorcerers sent to kill him, didn't waste any time activating his cursed technique.

Two large hands made of earth formed in an instant, clasping Ryoma between themselves.

"Dead." thought Chojuro.

Suddenly, the large hands erupted with fire.

Without giving Chojuro time to think, Ryoma, with fire on his tattered robes, jumped out of the rubble and charged towards him.

As Ryoma reached him, Chojuro, who was anticipating a punch, tried blocking him.

"Rookie mistake." thought Ryoma, who stopped and simply touched the man.

"Huh? Wait, my cursed energy is gone!" exclaimed Chojuro.

"Too late." replied Ryoma as he punched a hole through the short man's head.

With brain matter splattered across his face, Ryoma simply flicked some of it off and continued to go deeper into the Zen'in territory.

"The night is still young."

...

ch5 end.

A/N: shorter chapter today, will add more lengthy ones in the coming week