Golden runes flowed from her fingertips and expanded rapidly in the air. Although the scale was not as large as Satoru's, the weave of the patterns was extremely precise.
The entire Kidō net emitted a gentle, steady light, showing a high degree of completion.
"It is unbelievable..."
Suguru let out a quiet sigh.
She can master almost all Kidō under #30 after a single lesson. This kind of learning speed is rare even in the entire history of sorcerers, right?
Shoko looked at Riko's focused profile and recalled her own first experience learning Kidō.
If she continues to improve at this rate, she will definitely become an excellent sorcerer, and one who can master Kidō.
The identity of the Star Plasma Vessel has become secondary.
However, without that identity, Riko probably would not have been able to sense the power of Cursed Energy.
"It seems some people are born for this path," Satoru said with a smile. "How about it, Riko? Want to try a more advanced Kidō?"
At that moment, Satoshi spoke. "Build a solid foundation first. Real combat is different from practice."
His tone remained calm, but his eyes were extremely serious. Riko had been a little excited, but when she heard Satoshi, she immediately nodded. "I understand. I will keep practicing these basic Kidō."
She trusted Satoshi.
The Zanpakutō he forged for her had already given her that conviction.
That pure will... Perhaps this quality is what matters most.
"Let's go," he said, turning away. "There is still work to do."
Satoru paused, then smiled knowingly. "Finally figured it out?"
Satoshi did not answer, but his steps grew lighter. The afterglow of the setting sun fell across his back, casting his tall figure in gold.
Suguru watched Satoshi's retreating back, then turned to Satoru. "Looks like he has a new idea."
"Yeah." Satoru stretched lazily. "He is always like that. Once he understands something, he gets right to work. But..." A deep light flashed in Six Eyes. "This time, the Tenshintai transformation is probably more important than anyone thinks."
Shoko asked softly, "Is it because of Lady Tengen?"
On the training field, Riko continued practicing the Kidō she had just learned. Each cast was more polished than the last, and her focused look made others reluctant to interrupt.
"The Curse Users have already started to move," Satoru's voice suddenly turned serious. "Given their nature, they will definitely find a way to stop Tengen's merger."
Suguru frowned. "So Choso and Uraume's silence..."
"Exactly," Satoru nodded. "They are probably waiting for orders from the one behind the scenes. The guy who attacked Satoshi nine years ago is famous for his schemes. He will not act until the last moment."
The sunlight grew softer, casting long shadows across the field. Shoko looked at Riko, who was practicing intently, and a trace of worry rose in her chest.
Even with Sakanade, even with her astounding talent for Kidō... is it really enough to face the coming storm?
"Do not worry," Satoru seemed to read her thoughts. "Riko is no longer the Star Plasma Vessel who needs to be protected. Satoshi has always had a good eye. Since he chose to forge Sakanade for her, he had his reasons."
"That is true," Suguru smiled. "I have never seen anyone master low-level Kidō so quickly. Everything under #30 is almost instant. That kind of talent is rare even in the Gojo family's history."
It is not just talent. More important is the desire to become stronger.
"Hadō #1 Shō."
"Hadō #4 Byakurai."
"Bakudō #12 Fushibi."
Riko kept repeating the spells, and each time her execution grew more proficient. Sweat rolled down her cheeks, yet her eyes only grew brighter.
Shoko whispered, "Maybe this is Satoshi's purpose. Through Sakanade and Kidō, let Riko find her own path."
After all, before Riko proposed learning Kidō, no one imagined her talent would be so strong. Before this, she had not even awakened any technique at all.
Going from no technique to directly practicing Kidō and producing results like this is already shocking.
"Looks like the results are good," Satoru said with a smile. "Better than I expected. The girl not only has strong comprehension, she also has a unique feel for power. Maybe..."
Before he could finish, a loud boom came from the distance, from the direction of the forge, accompanied by a powerful wave of Reiryoku.
"That troublesome little brother," Satoru sighed. "Is he doing some dangerous experiment again?"
There was no worry in his tone, only a hint of anticipation. Seems like you really did find a good idea.
"Want to go take a look?" Suguru asked.
Satoru shook his head. "Leave him be. Once he gets into the groove, it is best not to disturb him. Instead..." He turned to Riko. "Let's continue. I will teach you some practical combo applications next."
The dusk light spread over the training ground, coating everyone in gold. On this seemingly peaceful autumn afternoon, the gears of fate turned quietly.
Whether it was Satoshi focusing in the forge, or Riko training hard on the field, they were all preparing for the coming storm in their own way.
Tenshintai, Tengen, Itadori Kaori... Satoru looked at the setting sun. This game is finally entering its most critical stage.
In the distance, the forge's fire still burned bright, lighting Satoshi's focused profile.
He seemed to have found the key to Tenshintai, and the tools in his hands struck in a steady rhythm. The clear ring of metal echoed through the dusk, as if announcing the birth of a new possibility.
On the training field, Riko's posture remained straight. Each movement was carried by firm conviction, as if declaring to fate that she was no longer a vessel to be protected, but a sorcerer who could choose her own destiny.
The last rays of sunset vanished beyond the horizon, but the day in the Gojo household was far from over.
(To be continued.)
***
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