Chapter 94: Inamichi’s Ambition

Ieiri Family

"Shoko, did you personally witness the forging of the Zanpakutō this time?"

Upon hearing the news from his daughter, Inamichi was visibly shocked.

He hadn't expected Shoko to already be involved with Satoshi and the others, let alone be present for the actual forging of a Zanpakutō.

"Was there anything special about Satoshi-kun's forging process?"

Though he knew it was likely Satoshi's secret, Inamichi couldn't help but probe for details.

Hearing her father's question, Shoko gave him a puzzled look. After a few seconds of thought, she realized that Satoshi had never explicitly told her to keep it confidential. In the end, she chose not to hide it from her father.

"The forging of a Zanpakutō requires existing, completed Cursed Tools as base materials. However, it seems that these materials only serve as the foundation, the most crucial part is that Satoshi appears to infuse a soul into the Zanpakutō."

Shoko explained based on her own observations.

"A soul?"

Inamichi was taken aback. Could Cursed Tools possess souls?

That shouldn't be possible… right?

"I'm not sure about Sode no Shirayuki and Senbonzakura, but when it came to Katen Kyōkotsu, I truly felt that a Zanpakutō must have a consciousness."

"The moment Toji touched Katen Kyōkotsu, he instinctively knew its name and seemed to have gained insight into its techniques."

"According to Satoshi's explanation, Toji and the former wielder of Katen Kyōkotsu were highly compatible. As a result, the lingering will within the Zanpakutō assisted Toji in mastering it."

Shoko's explanation carried a significant revelation.

"So… the Zanpakutō had a previous owner?"

Inamichi felt like he had a hundred questions, each leading to even more curiosity.

"I'm not certain about the specifics, but according to Satoshi, these Zanpakutō originally existed in some form, he merely unveiled them."

"That's why I said that Satoshi himself is the key to the Zanpakutō. Even if someone else understands the technique, they won't be able to replicate the process."

Shoko had already guessed her father's ambitions.

She knew he harbored hopes of revitalizing the Ieiri family through the power of Zanpakutō.

However, she also knew that was impossible.

That was why she told him all this—to dispel his unrealistic expectations.

"So that's how it is… The key to a Zanpakutō isn't the forging technique, but Gojo Satoshi himself."

Ieiri Inamichi sighed.

He had considered this possibility before, but now that it was confirmed, he couldn't help but feel disappointed.

Then again, if such a unique Cursed Tool could be replicated through simple forging methods, the Jujutsu Blacksmith Association wouldn't be struggling for relevance.

Still, the information he obtained from Shoko made the visit to the Gojo estate worthwhile.

At the very least, he now had first-hand knowledge, something far more valuable than secondhand rumors.

"Shoko, is it true that Toji defeated Zenin Naobito using the abilities of Katen Kyōkotsu?"

Inamichi asked about the rumors circulating in the Jujutsu world.

He had also heard that Shoko had assisted the Gojo brothers with medical treatment and had some direct contact with Toji.

Recalling what her father had just said about Toji's feats, Shoko fell into brief silence before whispering:

"Father, Toji is extremely strong."

"The Zanpakutō, Katen Kyōkotsu, likely played a role in his victory… but even without it, I believe Toji still could have achieved the same result."

Inamichi's eyes widened in disbelief.

What did she mean?

How could an ordinary person without Cursed Energy possibly be that strong?

Or was it that the Zanpakutō had been the true deciding factor?

"During my time there, Gojo Satoru, Gojo Satoshi, and Gojo Shunichi were all training in Hakuda under Toji."

"Toji possesses physical abilities far beyond human limits."

"Even high-level jujutsu sorcerers can do nothing against his sheer physical prowess. Uncle Shunichi, for example, fully acknowledges Toji's strength."

"But the most telling thing is that Gojo Satoshi himself recognizes Toji's power—so much so that he forced Gojo Satoru to accept Toji's training."

"Zenin Naobito was undoubtedly strong, but against someone with Toji's monstrous physicality and a Zanpakutō like Katen Kyōkotsu, his defeat wasn't surprising at all."

As she said this, Shoko seemed to recall something.

"Father, Satoshi's physical strength already surpasses Satoru's. I believe the so-called Heavenly Restriction might not actually be a curse."

"Instead, it feels as if the heavens took away the Cursed Energy of Satoshi and Toji, but in return, granted them unparalleled physical bodies."

"So, in Toji's case, the Zanpakutō only enhances what is already an overwhelming advantage. If anyone underestimates him just because he has no Cursed Energy, they will suffer immensely in the future."

Inamichi slowly nodded, his perception of Toji completely shifting.

At the same time, he realized something else.

Toji—an overwhelmingly powerful warrior had willingly remained by Satoshi's side.

That fact alone was proof of Satoshi's influence.

It was hard to imagine how many more people would gather around him as he grew older.

Inamichi thought of the Cursed Object he had examined earlier.

It was likely that the mastermind behind Satoshi's assassination attempt had foreseen his future potential.

But even I underestimated the Gojo family… Gojo Satoshi is no longer just the unknown, pseudo-Six Eyes prodigy people once dismissed. He now has solid backing within the clan.

This time, his visit to the Gojo estate had revealed something crucial.

At first, he believed that Satoshi's situation would become more precarious after Gojo Kumaen rose as the new representative of the Gojo clan.

However, what surprised him was that after taking charge, Gojo Kumaen hadn't made a single move against Satoshi.

Instead, supporting Satoshi seemed to have become a political consensus within the entire Gojo family—on par with their support for Gojo Satoru.

Realizing this, Inamichi felt a hint of regret.

Had he accepted the previous marriage proposal from the Gojo clan head, could the Ieiri family have also benefited from Satoshi's favor?

"The power of Katen Kyōkotsu must be formidable. A dual-bladed Zanpakutō is a perfect match for Toji. I'm curious to see what kind of Zanpakutō Satoshi will create for me…"

Shoko sighed while nibbling on a snack.

Her casual remark made Inamichi freeze for a moment, then his face lit up with ecstatic realization.

(To be continued.)