Jujutsu Kaisen: Sukuna's Family History

[The written history of jujutsu first began during the Nara period (c. 710 – c. 794) combining early forms of Sumo and various Japanese martial arts which were used on the battlefield for close combat. The oldest known styles of Jujutsu are, Shinden Fudo-ryū (c. 1130), Tenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryū (c. 1447), and Takenouchi-ryū, which was founded in 1530s. So i believe kenjaku is from nara period.]

**Chapter 1: The Dawn of Cursed Energy**

The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. The gentle sound of the river flowing beside him provided a soothing background as Kenjaku sat on the grassy riverbank, lost in his thoughts. His fingers absentmindedly traced patterns on the ground, his eyes reflecting the colors of the sunset. He wore a simple yukata, its dark fabric contrasting with his pale skin and dark hair.

Kenjaku was pondering the essence of cursed energy, the unseen force that flowed through the world. Despite the peace and beauty of the moment, his mind was consumed by thoughts of power and the mysteries of jujutsu. He yearned to understand the secrets behind the legendary cursed spirits and sorcerers, the ones who had shaped the very foundation of their world.

A soft voice broke his reverie. "Kenjaku, what are you doing here? It's getting late. Let's go home."

He turned to see Tengen standing a few paces away, her blue eyes sparkling with concern. Her white hair cascaded down her back, and she wore a light-colored yukata that fluttered in the evening breeze. At sixteen, she possessed a calm demeanor that belied her age, and her presence always had a grounding effect on Kenjaku.

Kenjaku smiled and rose to his feet. "Oh, Tengen. I was just lost in my thoughts. But you're right, it's time to go." He brushed off his yukata and walked toward her.

Tengen gave him a curious look. "You always seem so deep in thought. What were you thinking about this time?"

Kenjaku glanced back at the river before replying. "I was thinking about the three great cursed spirits—Sugawara no Michizane, Taira no Masakado, and Emperor Sutoku. They established the three great clans: Gojo, Zenin, and Kamo. Their power and influence are legendary, but I wonder... Is there something greater than them? Something that surpasses even the greatest cursed spirits and sorcerers?"

Tengen's expression softened. "It's natural to have such questions. The world of jujutsu is vast and mysterious. But sometimes, it's important to focus on the present and the people around us."

Kenjaku nodded thoughtfully. "You're right. There's much to learn from the present as well."

As they walked back toward the village, the conversation continued, the air filled with the chirping of crickets and the rustling of leaves.

---

The village they called home was a small yet bustling place, nestled within the lush, rolling hills of the Nara period. Wooden houses lined the narrow streets, their windows glowing with the warm light of lanterns. Villagers went about their evening routines, some gathering around fires to share stories, while others prepared for the night ahead.

As Kenjaku and Tengen approached the center of the village, they were greeted by an elderly man named Isamu. His face was lined with age, and his eyes twinkled with wisdom.

"Good evening, Kenjaku, Tengen," Isamu greeted them with a bow. "I trust you had a pleasant walk?"

Kenjaku returned the bow. "Good evening, Isamu. Yes, it was peaceful by the river. How are you this evening?"

Isamu chuckled. "Old bones still holding up. I was just about to tell a story to the children. Would you care to join us?"

Tengen's eyes lit up. "We'd love to, Isamu-san."

They followed Isamu to a small gathering of children, their faces eager with anticipation. The elderly storyteller settled onto a wooden stool, his voice carrying the weight of countless tales.

"Tonight, I will tell you about the origins of the three great clans," Isamu began, his voice resonating with authority.

The children leaned forward, their eyes wide with fascination.

"Long ago," Isamu continued, "the land was plagued by chaos and unrest. Cursed spirits roamed freely, terrorizing villages and towns. In the midst of this turmoil, three powerful sorcerers emerged: Sugawara no Michizane, Taira no Masakado, and Emperor Sutoku. They were not just ordinary sorcerers but beings of immense power, each harboring the potential to change the fate of our world."

Kenjaku listened intently, his curiosity piqued. Though he had heard variations of this tale before, Isamu's storytelling had a way of breathing new life into old legends.

"Sugawara no Michizane," Isamu continued, "was a scholar and poet whose mastery of cursed techniques was unparalleled. He founded the Gojo clan, known for their formidable cursed techniques and strategic brilliance. Taira no Masakado, a warrior of unmatched skill, established the Zenin clan, renowned for their strength and combat prowess. And Emperor Sutoku, whose cursed energy was said to be unrivaled, created the Kamo clan, experts in blood manipulation and cursed energy control."

Isamu paused, letting the weight of the story sink in. The children sat in rapt silence, their imaginations painting vivid images of the legendary figures.

"Together," Isamu said, his voice rising, "they brought balance to the world of jujutsu. But their legacy is not without its shadows. Their power attracted envy and fear, leading to countless conflicts and struggles. Yet, their influence endures, shaping the very fabric of our society."

As the story concluded, Kenjaku felt a renewed sense of awe and determination. The legends of the past held valuable lessons, but he was convinced that the future of jujutsu held even greater potential.

Later that night, Kenjaku and Tengen sat outside their modest home, the cool night air filled with the scent of blooming flowers. The stars twinkled overhead, casting a soft glow on the village.

"Do you ever wonder what our place in this world is?" Kenjaku asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Tengen looked at him, her expression thoughtful. "I believe everyone has a role to play, no matter how small. The important thing is to stay true to ourselves and to support those we care about."

Kenjaku nodded, appreciating her wisdom. "You're right, Tengen. But I can't shake the feeling that there's something more out there, something waiting to be discovered."

Tengen smiled gently. "Then we'll discover it together. Whatever the future holds, we'll face it side by side."

Kenjaku felt a sense of comfort in her words. With Tengen by his side, he felt ready to confront whatever challenges lay ahead.

The next day, Kenjaku awoke early, the morning light filtering through the paper walls of their home. He dressed quickly, eager to begin his training. Tengen was already awake, preparing a simple breakfast of rice and pickled vegetables.

"Good morning, Kenjaku," she greeted him with a smile. "Ready for another day of training?"

He nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, I feel more determined than ever."

After breakfast, they made their way to the training grounds, a secluded area on the outskirts of the village. It was a place where aspiring sorcerers practiced their techniques and honed their skills. The ground was marked with the scars of countless battles, a testament to the dedication and perseverance of those who trained there.

Kenjaku and Tengen began their exercises, focusing on the fundamentals of cursed energy manipulation. Kenjaku's movements were fluid and precise, his concentration unwavering. Tengen, with her natural grace and agility, matched him step for step.

As they practiced, an unexpected visitor arrived. A tall, imposing figure clad in dark robes approached them. His presence exuded an air of authority and power.

"Kenjaku, Tengen," the man called out, his voice commanding.

They stopped their training and turned to face him. Kenjaku recognized him immediately. It was Master Satoru, a respected sorcerer and a member of the Gojo clan.

"Master Satoru," Kenjaku said, bowing respectfully. "What brings you here?"

Satoru's gaze was intense as he addressed them. "I have been observing your progress. Your potential is undeniable, but you lack proper guidance. I have come to offer my mentorship."

Kenjaku's eyes widened in surprise. "You would train us, Master Satoru?"

Satoru nodded. "Indeed. The world of jujutsu is changing, and we must be prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. I see great promise in both of you. With the right training, you could become formidable sorcerers."

Tengen exchanged a hopeful glance with Kenjaku. "We would be honored to learn from you, Master Satoru."

Satoru's expression softened slightly. "Very well. Your training will be rigorous and demanding, but it will prepare you for the trials to come. We begin tomorrow at dawn."

With that, Satoru turned and left, his figure disappearing into the distance.

Kenjaku and Tengen stood in silence for a moment, absorbing the gravity of the situation.

"Tengen," Kenjaku said finally, his voice filled with determination, "this is our chance. With Master Satoru's guidance, we can achieve greatness."

Tengen nodded, her eyes shining with resolve. "We'll face whatever comes our way, together."

As the days turned into weeks, Kenjaku and Tengen trained diligently under Master Satoru's watchful eye. His lessons were demanding, pushing them to their limits both physically and mentally. But with each challenge, they grew stronger, their skills sharpening like a blade.

Satoru's teachings delved deep into the intricacies of cursed energy, revealing secrets and techniques that had been long forgotten. Kenjaku found himself captivated by the knowledge, his understanding of jujutsu