Chapter 19: Guidance

After the meeting, Ren realized that he needed to take his control to the next level, he had noticed how his elders began to sweat every time his energy unintentionally leaked out. Although no one said anything, he knew his cursed energy was causing discomfort. It was not his intention to intimidate them, but it was clear he needed to be more careful.

Besides, during these days he would have to meet with Kaito. The last thing he wanted was to be an uncomfortable session of sweat and nerves from the pressure of his energy.

Ren smiled to himself as he imagined it, while it would be fun it wasn't ideal. 'I have to fix this before anything else,' he thought.

His first step was to perfect his control as much as possible before that meeting. With that in mind, Ren checked the system panel:

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[Upgrade: Cursed energy manipulation (grade 2) cost: 1200 CP]

[Next upgrade: Cursed energy manipulation (grade 1) cost: 2400 CP]

[Next Upgrade: Cursed energy manipulation (Special Grade) cost: blocked]

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His current points were 6,890, and he decided to use 3,600 CP to bring his control to the special grade.

After making the upgrade, he instantly felt the difference. His control over cursed energy had been greatly refined. He was able to adjust and use his energy with a precision he had previously not thought possible. The constant leakage that had previously been barely noticeable, but present, was almost completely gone. He noticed with surprise how much cursed energy had escaped up to that moment without him noticing. Now, with a simple thought, he could control it and hide it at will.

Ren took a deep breath, satisfied. If he had gone a few more days without controlling that excess, he probably would have attracted the attention of Gojo or even Kenjaku. If anyone in the clan had talked about the amount of energy he was unintentionally releasing, it would have drawn the attention of important figures in the Jujutsu world, something he preferred to avoid for now. It was best to keep a low profile, at least until he was ready for any eventuality.

Now, when manipulating his energy, he noticed that the wear and tear was minimal and techniques or movements that previously required conscious effort now flowed naturally, almost instinctively. This was ideal for maintaining discretion and not revealing his true power.

However, Ren couldn't help but wonder about the next level. He knew that the special grade represented the maximum limit of control that an average sorcerer could attain, with the exception of figures like Satoru Gojo, with his mastery of the Six Eyes. It was a level of mastery far beyond what any ordinary person could dream of. However, for now, he was in no hurry. He knew he could reach that level at some point.

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The next day, after finishing his daily routine, Ren decided to assign the dojo training to Daiki. After training him, he knew he was someone Ren could trust to run the dojo while he attended to other matters.

When Ren announced his decision, he noticed how the clan members sighed in relief, these days, they had endured Ren's intense cursed energy during training, and although it was a challenge that helped them improve, they couldn't deny that training under so much pressure was exhausting. Ren simply watched the scene with an amused smile.

With the dojo chores taken care of, Ren prepared for his meeting with Kaito. He knew this meeting would not be like any other, as it was about guidance in taking command of the clan.

Kaito took him through several areas of the clan, which, up to that point, had been out of his reach.

The first place was where the clan's most valuable and dangerous items were kept. Ren watched the doors locked with multiple seals. Ren could feel the powerful cursed energy emanating from within, but he said nothing, even in his inventory was a special grade tool.

Afterwards, Kaito led him into a forbidden room, where the core of the barrier protecting the clan was located. "This barrier is what keeps us safe from intruders and attacks," Kaito explained earnestly. Ren paused for a moment to examine the complex structure of the barrier. He understood that without this protection, the clan would be vulnerable to any outside threat.

In the main mansion, Kaito also spoke to him about how relations with other clans were organized. "Our clan has always maintained a neutral position," he explained. "We have alliances with some clans, but we avoid depending too much on them. Independence is our greatest strength." Ren nodded. He knew that getting too involved with other clans or groups could bring trouble in the future, especially considering how the Jujutsu world operated.

Ren, curious about the Kurogane clan's relationship with the sorcerer's council and higher ups, brought up the subject during their conversation. Hearing the question, Kaito frowned visibly and replied with disdain.

"Our relationship with them is not good," he said, his tone laden with frustration. "We have never been a clan to kowtow to them, and it has cost us dearly. They despise us, assign us the most thankless missions, and barely provide us with the support we need to maintain our forces."

Kaito paused, sighing as he looked at Ren with a mixture of weariness and determination. "That's partly my fault," he admitted. "I've kept the clan low profile for too long. Unlike other clans that are constantly trying to curry favor with the higher-ups, I preferred to keep us away from that dirty politics. And that has made us a sort of outcast clan."

Ren nodded, understanding his clan's position and Kaito's decisions better now. While to other clans this seemed like a grave strategic mistake, to Ren it was the most expedient thing to do at the moment. He knew that the council and the higher ups were known for their thirst for control and their need to impose their will. The fact that the Kurogane clan was ignored by them, while seemingly a disadvantage, allowed Ren and his clan to operate in the shadows without so many restrictions.

"well, it's almost a relief," Ren thought, "that we don't have a close relationship with them." He knew that, in the world of Jujutsu, the clans most involved with the sorcerer's council and the higher ups were always under constant scrutiny and pressure. The more prominent clans like the Gojo or the Zenin were caught in that web of politics and power, and while they were respected, they were also closely watched. Ren preferred the freedom that came with being ignored.

Kaito looked at him, as if reading his thoughts. "Don't think it's easy. Keeping the clan low profile has limited us too much."

"But we can also take advantage of this, to increase our power in secret" Ren mused. He knew that being underestimated was a strategic advantage he could exploit, and thanks to his system, he had the tools to do so.

Kaito smiled as he saw Ren's intentions, although he still had his doubts about this he was also glad to see that attitude, he already looked more like a future leader.

As Kaito and Ren continued to chat, Ren couldn't help but feel that although the road to being a clan leader to him was full of challenges, having Kaito as a mentor and the independence of the clan gave him a unique opportunity with the plans he had in mind.

With a barely perceptible smile, Ren concluded that, at least for now, he preferred to keep the clan and its power hidden, waiting for the right time to show it.

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Cursed Energy: 140,822

Cursed Points: 4510