By late afternoon, the authorities—suddenly operating with astonishing efficiency—had already arrested everyone in the village involved in abusing children and imprisoning young girls.
According to the Seventh Elder of the Zenin Clan, even those whose actions were relatively minor would still be charged separately with crimes such as "unauthorized dueling," "unauthorized mushroom picking," "gathering to plan 'military exercises,'" and even "theft by using electrical outlets without permission," among others.
As for evidence… setting aside the fact that many of them weren't exactly clean to begin with, the Zenin Clan didn't need "evidence" to make a move.
...
"Ah~ It's finally over… Dismissed, dismissed. I'm heading back to sleep."
Naoya Zenin took out a small notebook and drew a red line across one of the entries.
"I've still got missions to handle. I'll get going."
"OK~"
After getting the reply, Naoya Zenin slid his blade behind him and walked back along the path he'd come from.
As he passed Suguru Geto, he gave him a slight nod. Clearly, someone who could summon a Special Grade Cursed Spirit right off the bat had secured a place among the "strong" in his mind.
Suguru Geto seemed to pick up on something and leaned closer to Akira Zenin.
"Akira, isn't it a bit harsh to work him that hard?"
Akira Zenin glanced at him and scratched the back of his neck.
"Believe it or not, having him constantly run missions is actually for his own good.
For a Jujutsu Sorcerer, innate technique makes up most of their strength. But experience, technique development, close-quarters combat skills, and real combat exposure—those all come from missions."
"The second half is undeniable. The first half… I believe you."
"Putting that aside, think about it. Being away from the Zenin Clan for so long because of missions means he's no longer soaked in their rigid ideology or shaped by that environment. He's become a lot more straightforward as a person. His future achievements won't be mediocre, trust me~"
Suguru Geto nodded lightly.
"The future, huh…"
Although Suguru Geto had gradually dulled his disgust toward swallowing Cursed Spirits through friendship and the idea of moving forward alongside his companions, he was still somewhat lost—especially after seeing the ignorant, ugly expressions on those villagers' faces earlier.
He had originally intended to sort out his problems on his own. But then he remembered what Akira Zenin had said:
"Respect your dreams. Talk more with real friends."
So he decided to voice his doubts.
"Akira, why did you become a Sorcerer?"
"Huh?
I've got the talent for it. Why wouldn't I become one?"
Suguru Geto opened his mouth to respond, only to realize that the answer… actually made sense.
Akira Zenin smiled at him.
"Sometimes you think too much. Planning ahead is important, sure. But your circumstances aren't fixed, so your goals and plans should change with them.
It's not that picking a direction and sticking to it is wrong. It's just that the world might present you with a better path."
"Akira, you're starting to sound more and more like Satoru."
Akira Zenin frowned, his face full of disdain.
"Really?
Or is it that you see Satoru Gojo in everyone?
Tsk."
Suguru Geto shook his head helplessly. There was no taboo between friends when it came to teasing.
"Akira."
"Mm?"
"I do agree with what you said—'A Jujutsu Sorcerer's problems should be solved with a Sorcerer's methods. Ordinary people's problems should be solved with ordinary methods.'
But you know, we live on the fringes of normal society. We're not exactly sensitive to the law. Do you think I should study it a bit, so I can use it if necessary?"
"Listen, Suguru.
That's not really our responsibility. All we need to do is judge, from a basic human standpoint, whether something is a crime. Leave the rest to the professionals.
I know you're used to thinking everything through on your own, wanting to account for every possibility.
That's a good trait. Satoru Gojo, Nanami, and the others all say you're reliable. The underclassmen admire you. And Yaga-sensei—well, Principal Yaga now—he says that with you keeping Satoru Gojo in check, he's got a lot more time to make his dolls…
But living like that is exhausting. And before you realize it, you start taking on everything, seeing yourself as some kind of savior the world can't function without.
Let professionals handle professional matters. As Jujutsu Sorcerers, we just deal with the 'supernatural.'"
After saying all that, Akira Zenin felt his throat go dry. Something brushed lightly against his calf. Looking down, he saw Mimiko holding up a bowl of water.
He took it and gently rubbed her head a few times, making the little girl squint and shrink her neck slightly.
After thinking it over, Suguru Geto nodded.
"You're right. I probably have been overthinking."
Akira Zenin gulped down the water and let out a yawn.
"Haaah~
Honestly, words alone rarely change a person. Suguru, just keep searching for your own path. As long as you don't stop before finding your answer, that's enough.
And like I said—don't look for shortcuts. Satoru and I will both support you."
Suguru Geto smiled again and nodded.
"Then when I get back, I'll consult a few experts in this field."
As if remembering something, Akira Zenin pulled out a slip of paper with a phone number written on it and handed it over.
"I've got someone in mind—Higuruma Attorney. Absolutely a man of justice. And a top graduate from Tokyo University, too~"
"OK~"
"And you say I sound like Satoru Gojo? You're not much different yourself."
"Haha."