Gaiden - Zenin Zoro 15

After Fushiguro Megumi left, Fushiguro Toji was left alone in the room. Sitting on the bed, he mumbled absentmindedly.

"Now, is that guy coming in?"

That peculiar green hair. Fushiguro Toji thought of Zoro.

He didn't know exactly who he was. Probably a jujutsu sorcerer. He had to be; no one who wasn't a sorcerer could be that strong.

"His cursed energy was on the level of a non-sorcerer, though..."

Enough. What good does it do to think about such things now that he's already dead?

It was also difficult to dwell on thoughts for long. While he wasn't entirely out of his mind like before, the murderous impulse still lingered.

"...!"

Like a flash of lightning, the strong urge dominated his body again. Shaking with the destructive desire to go out and kill someone, Fushiguro Toji gripped the blanket tightly, letting out a hollow laugh.

"Truly a beast."

Maybe it's better to die quickly. Then again, wasn't he already dead?

With a cynical smile, Fushiguro Toji shattered the vase beside him with a snap of his hand.

Just as he picked up the largest, sharpest piece, the door burst open.

"...!"

Seeing the broken vase and the shard in Toji's hand, Zoro moved swiftly. Striking Toji's hand to make him drop the shard, Zoro then stomped on the pieces, turning them to powder.

"You..."

Zoro sighed, cutting off whatever Toji was about to say.

Thinking he might get beaten up a bit before he died as a punishment for being troublesome, Zoro suddenly thrust something in front of Toji. A single red pill, covered in tiny, sand-like characters.

"Take it."

"I don't die from poison."

At most, it would just upset his stomach. Unless it was some special artifact created by the young master of the Gojo family? Then it might kill him.

"It's not poison. Just take it."

"I'm not—"

About to ask why he should trust Zoro, Fushiguro Toji suddenly heard a voice he could never forget, whispering softly in his ear.

—You shouldn't do that, Toji.

Be gentle.

Fushiguro Toji nearly bit his tongue. He looked up at Zoro with wide eyes.

Gray eyes met green ones. Eyes like a foggy autumn dawn. Eyes that made him happy just by looking at them, eyes he had once loved more than anything.

...They were exactly the same color as Chie's eyes.

Realizing this, he heard that clear, articulate voice again.

—Please.

Damn it. Fushiguro Toji turned his head away from Zenin Zoro entirely. He couldn't tell if it was because of that guy's technique or if he was finally going insane due to the reincarnation technique.

"Hey, are you okay?"

—It's okay, Toji.

"...Shut your..."

Mouth. Just as he was about to say that.

—■■.

Like thunder, Chie's voice pierced through Fushiguro Toji's mind. Two syllables, that short word resonated through his entire body in a way he couldn't understand.

But he couldn't recall exactly what the sound was.

Like replaying a very old movie, a faded and broken scene filled his vision.

—It's our son.

Chie said, smiling happily while holding a baby wrapped in a blanket.

Chie in his memory looked younger than his last memory of her. It seemed like three or four years before Megumi was born. Chie hadn't been pregnant then. Megumi was her first and last baby.

Yet it didn't seem fake.

—Since you couldn't decide on a name, I chose one.

—■■. How about it?

—It doesn't really have a meaning or kanji, but... I think that's good in its own way.

—Hold him, Toji.

The baby's image that Chie held out didn't seem obscured by black pen scribbles. The hair color, the facial features.

Toji carefully accepted the baby. He held him as if even a little force might break him.

The baby wriggled in his arms, radiating warm heat, as if to prove his existence. In that moment, a tidal wave of relief and joy spread through him.

He had desperately wished for this child to live.

"Toji?"

At the call from reality, Fushiguro Toji took a sharp breath like someone resurfacing from underwater. His shaking green eyes focused on Zoro, who was watching him with a concerned gaze.

A memory that shouldn't exist.

...More precisely, a memory that wasn't his.

Earlier, some memories had resurfaced when he was rampaging like a slaughtering puppet. When a man who looked exactly like him confronted him, that person had stood between him and Zoro and said,

"What business do you have with my son?"

Probably, the person in front of him...

He was his son in another world.

"…What's your name?"

At Fushiguro Toji's question, Zenin Zoro seemed momentarily surprised but then answered.

"Zoro."

—Zoro.

Zoro's voice overlapped with the unheard voice of Chie in his memory.

Memories from over a dozen years flooded Fushiguro Toji like a tidal wave. As the memories rushed by in a split second, he couldn't capture them all in his mind.

But some things remained.

A small green-haired boy walking briskly in the wrong direction turns to look at him. A small face that seemed to hold both annoyance and affection. A sharp, painful tightness in his chest.

"What are you doing? Aren't you coming with me?"

Father.

The small face overlapped with the young man's face in front of him. Zoro spoke, driving in the wedge.

"My name is Zenin Zoro."

"…"

"I am the son of Zenin Toji and Tanaka Chie."

"…"

"And for the record, I'm not part of the Zenin clan. In my world, they've already been completely wiped out."

"…What?"

"Oh, they might get wiped out here too."

They can't even do their job as caretakers properly; the name of the esteemed Zenin family is wasted on them. Zoro spoke coldly.

"Anyway, that's not what I'm here to talk about."

"…"

"Do you want to live?"

"…What?"

"Your reincarnation technique is different from ordinary ones."

Investigating the deceased sorcerer Ogami revealed that she had attempted to reincarnate Fushiguro Toji's body into her grandson.

However, the body of a zero-cursed-energy heavenly restriction couldn't be maintained by just any soul, and when her grandson's soul was defeated by Toji's body, and the reincarnated Toji killed Ogami, the technique was left unfinished.

The body was already reincarnated, and with part of the soul reincarnated, performing a ritual to stabilize the soul would essentially make Fushiguro Toji like a living person.

"Is that how it works?"

"It's not possible with an ordinary reincarnation technique, but you're someone who can break fate."

The fate and order of this world are structured around cursed energy. Someone with absolutely no cursed energy could defy fate and order. They could even slightly alter the flow that immediately sends the dead into the cycle of reincarnation.

"Of course, measures must be taken to ensure he can peacefully pass on once the reincarnation ends."

That was already prepared. This red pill was for that purpose. Zoro carefully rolled the red pill in his hand.

"Given the things you've done, even if you do live, you won't be free. You won't be able to take on any requests, and you'll have to cooperate with the Jujutsu High under a binding vow with this world's Satoru."

"Hah, would that guy really do something like that?"

"I've already discussed it with him."

The jujutsu world is always short of manpower. Someone of Fushiguro Toji's caliber would be an invaluable addition. Though his character is questionable, it can be controlled with binding vows. This world's Gojo Satoru agreed readily.

Additionally, it was also because he listened to the advice from people in Zoro's world that opposing Zoro over his family's life and death matters would not be a good idea.

"If Zoro loses his temper, he might go berserk? When he does, he's worse than me. Japan could end up in three pieces."

The Gojo here took seriously what his counterpart from another world said in a joking manner. He knew that it was the absolute truth, despite the playful tone.

Ignoring the words of someone who had subdued Sukuna, even at 14 fingers, without a single scratch, was too risky for Gojo.

If he wanted to live, he had made it possible. The choice now was up to him. If he could have stayed by Fushiguro Toji's side, he would have ensured his survival right away, but since he couldn't, Zoro decided to ask him directly.

"What do you want to do?"

Zenin Zoro asked seriously.

Fushiguro Toji let out a bitter laugh. The child in front of him was earnestly asking about his intentions. Did he want to die or live? It was absurd.

There's no way I can tell you I want to die right in front of you.

'This is ridiculous.'

He never imagined that he would continue his life because of a boy who wasn't even his real son. Likewise, this boy, stepping up for a man who wasn't his real father, was just as absurd.

He seemed strong but was also soft. He understood why the other guy couldn't leave his side.

Under Zoro's persistent gaze, Fushiguro Toji reluctantly opened his mouth.

"...."

Zoro's face relaxed upon hearing his answer. What's so good about that smile? I'm not even your father. He was about to say that but stopped himself.

"Thank goodness."

Zoro said softly.

It was a truly strange feeling to have someone be so relieved about his survival.

Fushiguro Toji leaned back against the headboard of the bed and thought about his future life.

"...."

For the first time since Chie's death, it didn't seem so terrible.

...

After handling the Shibuya incident, Zoro stayed in this world for several more weeks, along with other close sorcerers from his world.

First, Zoro stabilized Fushiguro Toji's reincarnation technique, disguising the Shibuya incident as an evacuation drill caused by an earthquake. Given that a mild earthquake actually occurred due to Zoro's Conqueror's Haki, it was easy to convince non-sorcerers.

Then, based on the mission data organized from Zoro's world, he traveled across the country with the assistant director, capturing special-grade curses and dangerous sorcerers. There were 16 registered special-grade curses at Jujutsu High and many unregistered ones.

"How did you even know there was a special-grade curse in such a place?"

Gojo Satoru asked curiously as Zoro returned from a village with less than 30 residents, having captured an unregistered special-grade curse from an abandoned mine.

"The locals had blocked the mine entrance to prevent accidents, so there hadn't been any civilian casualties for decades. How did you even get in?"

Geto looked at the distant sky. Zenin Toji replied.

"Got lost."

"Ha! The gorilla from another world even jokes."

"...."

"...It was a joke, right?"

"I wish it was."

He had a friendly healer lift Tsumiki's curse.

"...Megumi?"

"Sis...!"

He overthrew the Zenin clan.

"Hey there. Can't even keep track of one set of remains, you trash."

"You scoundrel, how dare you...!"

He took down the higher-ups too.

"We are from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. You are under arrest for murder, incitement to murder, assault, intimidation, harboring criminals, destroying evidence, child abuse, abandonment, trespassing, bigamy, and other charges. You have the right to remain silent..."

"No, no..."

In the case of the higher-ups, punishing them as sorcerers would have meant the death penalty, which would have caused a strong backlash from the sorcerer community. So, using non-sorcerer laws to imprison them was more practical. He utilized non-sorcerer media and public authority.

Zoro had many non-sorcerer friends, and with Zenin Toji's knowledge of avoiding barriers and CCTV due to having zero cursed energy, they were able to secretly gather substantial evidence.

He also gave Megumi tips on taming the remaining Shikigami and provided guidance to other students multiple times.

Finally, when the day came for Zoro to return to his world, with Tengen's realm almost completely closed off...

Gojo Satoru blinked as he looked at the now curse-free, clean Shibuya in Tokyo.

Some areas were still under repair from the Shibuya Day incident, but many places were already fixed. Although it wasn't as crowded as on Halloween Day, there were still quite a few people walking around Shibuya even on an early weekday afternoon, which was evidence of the restoration. It was hard to believe it was the place where a fierce battle with special-grade curses and special-grade sorcerers had taken place.

Gojo spoke seriously.

"You know, Marimo-kun. Why don't you just settle down here?"

"I can't."

That white-haired guy... Even as people from Zoro's world gradually returned to their original world, Zenin Toji, who stayed by Zoro's side until the end, hugged Zenin Zoro.

Zoro shrugged.

"I can't. I have things to do on the other side too."

"Right."

Seeing the genuine regret in Gojo Satoru's eyes, Zoro felt a bit uneasy. It felt like he was leaving a struggling friend behind.

"Take this opportunity to rest a bit; everyone needs a break."

"Yeah."

"Someday, someone will definitely appear."

Someone who understands your loneliness and shares your burden.

Zoro pulled out his Vivre Card. He tore it in half and handed it to Satoru. Satoru took the small piece of paper in his hand.

"It's proof."

Proof that someone understood you.

"Keep it until someone like me or you appears here."

Gojo Satoru remained silent for a moment before answering, "Yeah."

Zenin Zoro was about to turn away when he noticed Fushiguro Toji standing in the distance. He was so far away that he looked like a dot; without Observation Haki, Zoro wouldn't have noticed him.

I'm going, Zoro mouthed. Though he couldn't see Toji's reaction, Toji surely saw Zoro.

Zenin Toji dropped the cursed tool on the ground, shattering it. With a crack, the storm of cursed energy from the broken tool swallowed the two of them.

Shrrrk!

"..."

And then they disappeared from this world forever.

Gojo turned around. In the distance, he saw his first-year students kicking up dust as they ran towards him breathlessly.

With Nobara on his back, Yuji came to a screeching halt in front of Gojo, panting heavily like a car making an abrupt stop.

"Sensei, huff. Did Zoro-senpai, huff huff, already leave?"

"Yeah, he just left."

"What?! I didn't get to say goodbye!"

"Tengen-sama said that the passage between worlds suddenly narrowed, so there was no other choice."

Hearing this, Fushiguro Megumi looked at Gojo with a sullen expression.

"You could have at least told us by phone."

"We had a farewell party yesterday, remember? Plus, all three of you were on a mission when he left."

"We finished the mission this morning, though."

"...Did you?"

"Stupid blindfold. I had something I wanted to ask him!"

Gojo Satoru looked at the huffing Nobara with a blank expression. Then, suddenly, he smiled broadly and clapped his hands.

"Alright! To apologize, lunch is on this GTG today!"

"Yay!"

"Meat! Meat!"

"...You just wanted to eat meat, didn't you?"

Megumi said with a bitter smile as he watched his two friends quickly change their attitudes. Nobara and Yuji, meanwhile, were excitedly discussing which restaurant to go to.

"Where should we go? The yakiniku place we went to last time was a bit pricey, right?"

"Who cares if Sensei is paying. But I preferred the steak place we went to last weekend."

"They're remodeling due to the Halloween incident. It won't reopen until January. How about the place the second-year seniors recommended? It's trending on social media."

"Great! What do you think, Megumi?"

"...I don't care."

Gojo stretched his long arms to wrap his three students in a group hug. Though they let out surprised yelps at the sudden embrace, he paid no mind.

"Alright then, it's decided. Let's go!"

"Let's go!"

"Haa..."

Gojo Satoru ruffled Fushiguro Megumi's hair, ignoring his familiar annoyed sigh.

Listening to Megumi's grumbling, he walked energetically through the bustling streets of Shibuya with his students.

It was a cool, peaceful early winter afternoon.

—Gaiden - Zenin Zoro, Complete—

...

[Author's Note]

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