Being chosen as Tengen's messenger, this Tsukumo Yuki was definitely stronger than him.
Shunichi's initial speculation about Yuki's strength had now been confirmed.
"Are you the Star Plasma Vessel beside Lord Tengen?"
As a Grade 1 sorcerer of the Gojo clan, Shunichi had access to a considerable amount of intelligence. The moment he heard the surname Tsukumo, he had already associated her with the Tsukumo family from Kyoto.
Now that she had openly identified herself as Tengen's messenger, he immediately matched her identity with the intelligence he had collected before.
A member of the Tsukumo family, and a messenger of Tengen. There was no doubt, this woman was the current generation's Star Plasma Vessel.
Star Plasma Vessel?
Hearing the term, Satoru and Toji instinctively turned toward Yuki.
Toji was clearly surprised, while Satoru looked more curious. He had only heard rumors of Tengen's significance in the jujutsu world, but knew little about the details of the Star Plasma Vessel.
Sensing Satoru's curiosity, Yuki didn't mind explaining and casually clarified the relationship between Tengen and the Star Plasma Vessel.
"The so-called Star Plasma Vessel is a human chosen to assimilate with Lord Tengen.
When Lord Tengen, possessing "Immortality," reaches a certain age, he begins evolving into a non-human form.
Therefore, once every 500 years, he must assimilate with a Star Plasma Vessel to reset his physical memory."
Yuki spoke of it with ease, but both Shunichi and Toji fell silent, while Satoru was left pondering.
"So, will you have to merge with Lord Tengen in the future?"
"From that point onward, won't you become Lord Tengen?"
Satoru's unique interpretation made Yuki laugh.
Although Satoshi and Satoru looked identical, Yuki found herself far less interested in Satoru compared to Satoshi.
"Lord Tengen will still be Lord Tengen. But I, too, will become one with him."
Satoru then realized, if the girl in front of him merged with Tengen, would she still retain her consciousness?
He wanted to ask, but Shunichi stopped him with a subtle shake of the head.
"I wonder, what exactly is Miss Tsukumo's relationship with Young Master Satoshi?"
Shunichi took the initiative to ask. Even though Yuki had played a crucial role in breaking the barrier earlier, he still needed to confirm her true intentions.
Even if she was Tengen's Star Plasma Vessel, he couldn't risk another assassination attempt on Satoshi.
"I'm Satoshi's girlfriend."
"Besides, I already have my own room in the Yorozuya."
Yuki spoke plainly. The shock on both Satoru and Shunichi's faces was immediate.
How was that even possible?
Satoshi had only emerged from seclusion two weeks ago, and before that, he had been solely focused on forging Zanpakutō. Where would he have found time to meet Yuki, much less start a relationship?
But then again, if there was nothing between them, why would Yuki go to such lengths for him?
"When did you and Young Master Satoshi meet?"
Shunichi voiced the question that had also crossed Satoru's mind. He knew today was Satoshi's first time stepping out in a long while. Could it be that they had only just met?
Yuki answered directly.
"We met today. Right here."
Satoru and Shunichi exchanged a helpless look, then turned their attention to Toji.
They both felt that this didn't match Satoshi's style. Although Yuki was undeniably beautiful, it was hard to imagine someone like Satoshi falling in love at first sight.
Noticing how familiar they seemed with Toji, Yuki shifted her attention to him.
"Which room should I stay in? Next to his?"
Realizing her intent, Toji narrowed his eyes slightly but made no move to expose her.
He could tell that Yuki genuinely liked Satoshi.
More importantly, Satoshi's situation still hadn't stabilized. If Yuki remained at the Yorozuya, it would at least provide an additional layer of protection.
Although both Shunichi and Satoru were here, Yuki's current strength surpassed theirs.
"Stay in the room next to Satoshi. That way, it'll be easier for you to look after him."
When Shunichi and Satoru saw Toji's response, their expressions froze slightly. For now, it seemed they had accepted Yuki's claim.
Even Yuki was surprised by how cooperative Toji was.
She had expected him to expose her or at least stay silent. What she didn't expect was for him to not only go along with her but even arrange her room next to Satoshi's.
She didn't know what Toji was thinking, but it was obvious he didn't object to her being close to Satoshi.
"Alright then. Since you're Satoshi's girlfriend, you might need to put in some extra effort for a while."
As Satoru finished speaking, the people who had just entered froze.
Girlfriend?
Ieiri Inamichi, Gojo Genichi, and Ieiri Shoko, who was holding her father's hand, all stared at Satoru and the girl he was speaking to—Yuki—in disbelief.
None of them recognized her.
What's going on? Satoshi already has a girlfriend? Isn't he only six? And the girl in front of us looks like she's at least in high school… That's got to be a six or seven-year age gap.
Genichi was filled with confusion.
Still, he said nothing. After all, he had witnessed Yuki's power firsthand.
Since Satoru had acknowledged her, he had no place to question it. Despite being the grandson of the current acting clan head, his status here was the lowest.
Unlike Genichi's calm, Inamichi's feelings were far more complicated.
Even though he had never formally agreed to the Gojo family's proposal, he had always considered Satoshi as his son-in-law. Otherwise, he wouldn't have encouraged Shoko to visit the Gojo clan so frequently.
(To be continued.)
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