Uraume and the leader's expressions changed.
They both knew that once they attacked Satoru, it would mean completely severing ties with the Gojo family.
"Keep watching them," Choso's voice brooked no argument. "Especially that teacher-student pair, Satoru and Riko. If they go out again, notify me immediately. This time, I will make the Gojo family pay."
He walked to the window, looking down at the brightly lit Tokyo.
Enjoy this final peace. Soon, the world will welcome a new order.
As the night deepened, the office air grew heavier. All three were wrapped in thoughts of the coming operation. The great net woven by the Time Vessel Association was tightening quietly, while the Gojo family remained immersed in a false sense of security.
Choso picked up the photo on the table, his gaze falling on the figures of Amanai Riko and Satoru. Emotions are the easiest way to make people weak. That girl probably never imagined her feelings would become the Gojo family's and Satoru's fatal weakness.
"Starting tomorrow," he gave the final order, "we rotate surveillance twenty-four hours a day. I want the whereabouts of every Gojo, especially... those two."
Night fell over Tokyo, and certain plots began to grow in the dark.
For the Time Vessel Association, the best time to seize the Star Plasma Vessel was approaching.
For the Gojo family, a storm drew near in silence.
...
Spring sunlight filtered through cherry branches, casting dappled light over the old blue-stone paths of the Gojo residence.
A week passed quietly, and the mansion remained unusually peaceful, with no strange fluctuations of Cursed Energy near the grounds.
The air held a faint scent of cherry blossoms, mingled with sandalwood drifting from the far side of the courtyard, creating a calm and mysterious atmosphere.
On the training ground, dressed in black, Satoru stood at the edge of the field, watching Riko's every move intently.
His white hair shimmered softly in the sun, and his Six Eyes seemed more enigmatic behind the blindfold. Shoko and Suguru sat on the veranda nearby, trading thoughts from time to time.
This girl's talent is truly terrifying. In just one week, she has fully mastered the application of intermediate Kidō. Compared to us back then, she really is on another level.
Shoko propped her chin in her hand, watching Riko practice with steady focus, feeling deeply moved.
"Did you notice it, Suguru?"
Shoko spoke softly. "Riko's control over her energy is already extremely high. Especially in Kidō, she has a unique aptitude."
Suguru pushed his glasses up, the lenses catching the afternoon sun. "It's surprising. Even among past Star Plasma Vessels, this learning speed is rare. But..."
He paused, turning his gaze to Satoru in the middle of the field.
"What surprised me more is Satoru's attitude toward her."
Shoko smiled, amused. "Right? The Satoru who's careless with everyone is now teaching someone this seriously. Looks like he finally cares about someone particular."
Satoru, that guy, finally moved. But knowing his personality, maybe he hasn't even realized it himself.
In the center of the grounds, Riko focused on Kidō practice.
Her movements were crisp and precise, and the flow of her Cursed Energy grew more refined by the day.
She wore a white training outfit, her long black hair tied neatly into a ponytail that swayed with each motion.
Sweat beaded down her cheeks, yet her eyes remained firm and focused.
Satoru stood behind her, sometimes speaking to correct her force application, sometimes silently observing her progress.
Though his tone stayed as nonchalant as ever, a careful look would reveal a softness in his eyes that couldn't be hidden.
Her progress is remarkable. This kind of talent is rare even in the Gojo family.
Satoru made the assessment inwardly.
"Riko," he said suddenly, unusually serious, "your Cursed Energy output needs to be more even. For intermediate Kidō, stability is everything. Not even the slightest fluctuation."
"Yes, sensei."
Riko nodded earnestly, sweat already dotting her forehead. She steadied her breathing and began again.
I can't let Satoru down. I have to give it my all. Even if I'm tired, I will push through.
Finally, it was time to demonstrate.
The setting sun cast a golden glow across the training ground. Riko stood at the center, drew a deep breath, and prepared to show the results of the past week.
Resolve shone in her eyes, and a calm aura surrounded her.
"Satoru-sensei, please watch." Her voice was clear and steady, with a trace of nerves and anticipation.
This is my week's effort. I have to show Satoru.
The first technique she used was Hadō #31: Shakkahō.
A chant rang out over the training ground.
"O Lord! Mask of flesh and blood, all things, soaring high, O One who bears the name of man! Heat and strife, raging waves of the sea, go southwards."
As the chant ended, a blazing fireball condensed in her hands, its light reflecting on her focused face.
A moment later, it shot toward the distant target, tracing a brilliant arc through the air and striking true. The explosion's aftershock rolled into a heatwave that rustled the leaves nearby.
Very good. Rhythm and intensity under control. Much more stable than expected.
Satoru nodded inwardly, keeping his expression neutral.
Without pause, Riko followed with Hadō #32: Ōkasen.
Dazzling flames shot out like arrows in rapid succession, each one landing perfectly on the mark. Her movements flowed smoothly, almost like a dance. In the firelight, her figure stood out even more.
Even more stunning was her execution of Hadō #33: Sōkatsui.
As the chant crested, a mass of blue fire descended and swallowed the target completely. The temperature was so high that the surrounding air seemed to warp.
It's beautiful. This level surpasses many senior sorcerers.
Shoko couldn't help admiring her in silence, a hint of playfulness in her eyes as she glanced at Satoru.
(To be continued.)