Chapter 40: The Conspiracy Behind Promotion

After the Yagyū family members left, the dojo finally returned to its usual calm. However, this calm was soon disrupted by a wave of excited chatter.

"Master, what's the name of that weapon?"

"Master, this sword is incredible! Where did you get it?"

"Master, you can't forget about me when you get your hands on good stuff! I'm your most beloved disciple, the one who'll carry on your legacy!"

"..."

Shunichi felt a bit awkward under the flood of questions. He didn't know how to respond.

His victory today had been purely thanks to Satoshi's Zanpakutō. But in the end, this Zanpakutō belonged to Satoshi, it wasn't something he could claim as his own.

Just as he was struggling for an answer, a heavy cough suddenly interrupted the noise.

"Have you all finished your training for today? Why are you standing around?"

At the sound of Kumaen's voice, the surrounding Kyokushin-ryu disciples immediately scattered like startled birds. Not daring to protest, they silently moved into position, gripping their wooden swords.

Within moments, only Shunichi and Kumaen remained in the center of the dojo, staring at each other.

After a long pause, Kumaen finally spoke.

"Congratulations on your victory over Yagyū Saemon. At the very least, your position as one of the Four Great Masters of Kendo is secure for another year."

His tone was cold. Though his words sounded like praise, there wasn't the slightest hint of warmth behind them.

"This was only possible because of the Zanpakutō forged by Young Master Satoshi."

Shunichi lifted Suzumushi slightly, hoping to make Kumaen acknowledge Satoshi's talent. He wanted him to realize that isolating Satoshi had been a mistake.

Satoshi had now successfully forged a second Zanpakutō, proving that he could support Satoru—contrary to the Twin Curse Faction's claims that he was a burden.

The moment the word "Zanpakutō" was spoken, the movements of every Kyokushin-ryu disciple froze for half a second.

So it was true.

This weapon really was the legendary Zanpakutō.

The same thought ran through the minds of every Kyokushin-ryu disciple. If only they could wield such a powerful weapon themselves…

"Elder Kumaen! Satoshi should not be treated this way."

Shunichi wanted to push the Twin Curse Faction to acknowledge Satoshi properly.

With Yagyū Yusuke gone, and Satoru and Toji having left earlier, he had no need to hold back his words.

"You've seen the power of Suzumushi firsthand. Can't such a cursed tool help Master Satoru?"

"Young Master Satoshi and Satoru both possess the Six Eyes. If they work together, the sum of their abilities will be far greater than their individual strength alone."

The so-called "False Six Eyes" theory had been something the Twin Curse Faction used to undermine Satoshi. Now, Shunichi was determined to dismantle that narrative.

The Six Eyes were the Six Eyes. Just because Satoshi had no cursed energy didn't mean his Six Eyes were "fake."

His words shook some of the surrounding disciples, who instinctively turned to Kumaen.

As the leader of the Twin Curse Faction, how would he respond?

"Shunichi, you said this is a Zanpakutō? A cursed tool similar to Sode no Shirayuki?"

Kumaen didn't answer directly. Instead, he countered with a question, probing for more details about Suzumushi.

Shunichi hesitated briefly but then nodded.

"Yes, Elder Kumaen! Suzumushi is a Zanpakutō, a cursed tool that Master Satoshi just forged today."

His voice carried a trace of pride.

But he failed to realize the true intent behind Gojo Kumaen's question.

"Oh? So you claim your sword is a Zanpakutō, and its name is Suzumushi?"

"Then tell me—can you use Suzumushi's techniques in the same way Satoshi uses Sode no Shirayuki? If it's a true Zanpakutō, it should have corresponding abilities, shouldn't it?"

Kumaen's words made Shunichi freeze.

"I… I haven't learned how to use Suzumushi's abilities yet. But you've seen its strength! It's far beyond any ordinary cursed tool."

Shunichi argued, but Kumaen simply shook his head.

"If it can't use a technique, then it isn't a Zanpakutō. At most, it's just a strong cursed tool."

With that, Kumaen effectively dismissed Suzumushi's classification as a Zanpakutō.

He had immediately seen the current flaw of the weapon—or rather, the flaw in Shunichi as its wielder.

He knew that Shunichi, having only just obtained his Zanpakutō, would be unable to wield its abilities as skillfully as Satoshi.

Of course, he didn't actually doubt that Suzumushi was a true Zanpakutō.

But right now, he absolutely couldn't admit it.

If Suzumushi was publicly recognized as a Zanpakutō, then the reason the Kyokushin-ryu had defeated Yagyū Shinkage-ryu would be credited to Satoshi.

However, as long as Shunichi couldn't demonstrate its abilities, the nature of Suzumushi remained ambiguous.

As long as that uncertainty existed, it was the best possible outcome for Gojo Kumaen.

It gave him time, time to tighten his faction's grip over the clan before Satoshi could prove Suzumushi's true nature.

The Twin Curse Faction needed to solidify its influence before Satoshi's position became unshakable.

And before that could happen, Shunichi who now wielded Suzumushi had to be sent away.

"Shunichi, you've been lingering in the clan for too long."

"I've already arranged for the clan's Grade 1 sorcerers to recommend you for promotion to Grade 1. The Jujutsu Society has received the request."

"You already have the strength of a Grade 1 sorcerer. You shouldn't remain at Grade 2 any longer."

Kumaen delivered the news casually, as if it were a mere formality.

For the foreseeable future, Shunichi would be occupied with missions under a Grade 1 sorcerer's supervision.

And most importantly, he would no longer be in the clan, interfering with the Twin Curse Faction's plans.

"What? When did this happen? Why am I only finding out about this now?"

Shunichi was stunned. He had been a Grade 2 sorcerer for a long time, but he had never pushed for promotion.

Advancing to Grade 1 was a hassle. It required multiple recommendations from existing Grade 1 sorcerers, not to mention passing a series of difficult missions.

It wasn't something that could just happen overnight.

Yet, Kumaen had arranged for it without even informing him.

A sharp glint flashed in Shunichi's eyes.

Kumaen… what exactly are you plotting?