Sadatsuna Ashiya

Suddenly, someone burst into Aqua's office, breathing heavily. "I have urgent news, Aqua-sama," the messenger said, clearly agitated.

Aqua, slightly irritated by the interruption, replied curtly, "Go ahead."

"The Minamoto clan has clashed with Ryomen Sukuna, and it's a complete massacre," the messenger reported, struggling to catch their breath.

"It was a massacre," he continued with a grimace. "Sukuna walked all over them, utterly one-sided."

"And apparently," he added, voice lowering in disbelief, "Sukuna did it just for laughs and giggles—no reason at all."

A chill swept through the room as Aqua absorbed the messenger's words. The implications of Sukuna's senseless devastation were unsettling, to say the least.

"Is there any survivor account?" Aqua asked, his voice calm but edged with urgency.

The messenger shook their head solemnly. "None, Aqua-sama. The few who managed to escape were too traumatized to provide coherent details. It was as if Sukuna toyed with them, enjoying their suffering."

Aqua clenched his jaw, his mind racing with the implications of Sukuna's actions. The curse's unpredictable nature and immense power made him a formidable threat, capable of upending the delicate balance among sorcerers.

"We cannot allow Sukuna to continue unchecked," Aqua muttered to himself, his gaze steely and determined. "Prepare our strongest barrier teams and alert neighboring clans. We must be ready for whatever comes next."

The messenger bowed deeply. "Understood, Aqua-sama. I will see to it immediately."

As the messenger departed, Aqua's thoughts swirled with a mixture of apprehension and resolve. The reports of Ryomen Sukuna's devastating power echoed through his mind. Known as the "King of Curses," Sukuna's arrogance and strength were legendary among sorcerers, a force to be reckoned with.

"The king of curses, huh? What an arrogant title to grant," Aqua mused quietly to himself, his tone tinged with a hint of disdain. "Pathetic sorcerers. As the strongest sorcerer of now, I wonder if he can give me a challenge."

Aqua's words carried a confidence born of years of mastery and leadership. Yet, deep down, a flicker of doubt lingered. Sukuna's capabilities surpassed anything Aqua had encountered before. The prospect of facing such overwhelming power stirred a mix of excitement and trepidation within him.

As Aqua reviewed his plans to fortify their defenses and mobilize their forces, he couldn't shake the feeling that Sukuna represented a threat unlike any other. The balance of power in the world of sorcery hung in the balance, and Aqua knew that the coming days would test his skills, resolve, and understanding of what it truly meant to confront the "King of Curses."

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After three weeks of walking and enjoying her trip, Rin found herself surrounded by a group of people whose eyes lingered on her with unmistakable desire, clearly captivated by her extraordinary beauty.

"Ah, the beauty standards in this era are surely low, to be so easily swayed," Rin remarked with a hint of amusement as she strolled past them. Their admiring gazes did little to impress her, and she casually extended her hand towards one of the men. In an instant, his entire form froze over, turning him into an ice statue. The onlookers gasped in shock and horror as Rin left them behind, their expressions frozen in a mix of awe and fear, and continued into the city.

As Rin entered the bustling city, the contrast between her serene demeanor and the chaos of the urban landscape was stark. People hurried past her, unaware of the supernatural power she wielded or the chilling display they had just witnessed.

She walked with purpose through narrow alleys and crowded streets, her presence drawing curious glances and sparking whispered conversations among the passersby. Ignoring the murmurs and stares that followed her, Rin sought refuge in a quaint inn, its wooden sign creaking softly in the breeze.

Seated at a corner table, she ordered a meal and decided to sample alcohol for the first time, intrigued by its allure and the stories she had heard. The warmth of the tavern enveloped her as she waited, the aroma of cooked food mingling with the faint scent of ale and smoke.

Her anticipation grew as her order arrived—a hearty plate of roasted meat and vegetables, alongside a glass of amber liquid that promised both excitement and uncertainty. Just as she was about to take her first sip, two figures approached, their faces hidden beneath hoods.

"Are you the one responsible for the massacre of that village?" they demanded, their voices low but filled with accusation.

Rin paused, her expression unreadable as she regarded them with calm detachment. She continued eating, savoring each bite before finally taking a sip of the alcohol. Its taste was a surprising blend of bitterness, sourness, sweetness, and a burning sensation that tingled down her throat.

"What if I did?" Rin responded casually, her tone nonchalant as she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, a gesture that contrasted sharply with the inn's decorum. Her eyes flickered with a hint of amusement, curious to see their reaction to her brazen admission.

The two figures exchanged uneasy glances, their hidden faces betraying uncertainty and wariness. They had expected defiance or denial, not such casual acknowledgment of responsibility for such a heinous act.

"You're not afraid to admit it?" one of them asked, voice tinged with disbelief.

Rin's gaze flickered between them, her demeanor remaining composed. "Fear is a luxury I cannot afford," she replied cryptically, her words carrying a weight of experience beyond her years.

The tension in the air thickened as the inn's patrons seemed to sense the gravity of their conversation. Whispers grew louder, speculations weaving tales of the mysterious woman at the corner table.

"Why did you do it?" the other figure pressed, their voice edged with a mix of curiosity and caution.

Rin set down her glass, the alcohol's fiery burn lingering on her tongue. "Why does anyone do anything?" she mused, her tone thoughtful yet enigmatic. "To prove a point, perhaps. To assert dominance. Or simply because I can."

Her words hung in the air, a challenge wrapped in layers of ambiguity. The two figures exchanged another glance, realizing they were in the presence of someone far more complex and dangerous than they had anticipated.

"Be careful," one of them finally said, their tone a mixture of warning and resignation. "This city is filled with Sadatsuna Ashiya's disciples. Try to Keep your head on your shoulders."

With that cryptic message, they stood and left, their departure leaving behind a palpable tension in the air. Rin watched them go, her expression unreadable as she contemplated their words and the path she had chosen.