NOVEL WEB Chapter 23: Chapter 23: Does Satoshi Have Any Trump Cards?
Shinsuke never expected to hear such an unfamiliar phrase from Satoshi's mouth.
Although this kind of duel had not taken place in a long time, every core member of the Three Great Families was aware of the custom—Zenin Shinsuke included.
What he couldn't understand was why Satoshi would invoke an Imperial Duel over something so trivial.
He acknowledged that Satoru was incredibly powerful, his speed and the sheer strength of his cursed energy earlier had surpassed his own in every aspect.
However, Satoru was not the one who initiated the duel.
It was Satoshi.
A six-year-old boy with Heavenly Restriction, someone incapable of using cursed energy, had actually challenged him—a Grade 3 sorcerer to a duel?
Shinsuke's face twisted in anger.
This was an insult.
"You have no cursed energy. If I accept this duel, it would be nothing short of bullying you."
Despite his arrogance, Shinsuke carried the pride of the Zenin clan.
Although he despised Toji for possessing Heavenly Restriction, he had never outright bullied him.
Now, despite his dissatisfaction, he was unwilling to use his status as a Grade 3 sorcerer to humiliate Satoshi.
"I refuse!"
His refusal was reasonable.
However, Satoru was not about to let him off so easily.
"You just insulted my brother. That alone meets the conditions for an Imperial Duel."
"Therefore, the duel has already been established. You are not allowed to refuse."
After witnessing the power of Sode no Shirayuki last time, Satoru was extremely confident in Satoshi's strength.
Although Shinsuke was indeed strong, in the face of Sode no Shirayuki, a mere Grade 3 sorcerer should not pose a significant threat.
Originally, if Satoshi hadn't initiated the duel himself, Satoru had been fully prepared to personally teach this rude fool a lesson.
But now that Satoshi was taking matters into his own hands.
Satoru was more than happy to let him.
Under the pressure of Satoru's overwhelming presence, Shinsuke had no choice but to accept.
"Young Master Satoshi, don't blame me for what happens next!"
His eyes gleamed coldly.
"I don't know what kind of trump card you think you have… but in the world of sorcery, those without cursed energy are nothing but ants before a real sorcerer."
As the most talented member of the Zenin clan's younger generation, Shinsuke had never feared a battle of techniques.
He was not particularly skilled in other areas, but when it came to jujutsu combat.
He excelled.
To him, this duel meant nothing.
If Satoshi wanted to embarrass himself, then Shinsuke was more than willing to play along.
The duel was officially confirmed before Zenin Ogi, Gojo Kumaen, and Ieiri Inamichi—who, upon his unexpected arrival, was immediately dragged in as a witness.
—
"Shoko, what happened? Why is an Imperial Duel taking place?"
Inamichi was still baffled.
He had only come to the Gojo estate with Shoko to treat the clan head.
He never expected to get caught up in a major conflict between the Three Great Families.
Wasn't this supposed to be a simple gathering of sorcerers?
How did it escalate into an official duel!?
Hearing her father's confusion, Shoko quietly explained everything that had just transpired.
When Inamichi learned that Satoshi was a bearer of Heavenly Restriction, a flicker of shock appeared on his face.
Finally, he understood the true meaning behind the Gojo clan head's earlier words.
…You actually want Satoshi and Shoko to be engaged?
His expression darkened.
The Gojo family had clearly discovered Shoko's talent in Reverse Cursed Technique.
And now, they wanted to secure a marriage with a Six Eyes user to strengthen their bloodline.
If the one they had chosen for Shoko was Satoru, the true Six Eyes heir.
Inamichi would have had no objections.
However—
If they were suggesting that Shoko should be engaged to Gojo Satoshi, someone who, despite having Six Eyes, was bound by Heavenly Restriction and would never become a sorcerer…
That was completely unacceptable.
He would never allow his daughter to marry someone who could not wield jujutsu.
And to make matters worse.
This boy actually believed he could fight a Grade 3 sorcerer using only physical combat!?
Has he completely lost his mind!?
Inamichi immediately labeled Satoshi as arrogant.
However—
Unlike her father, Shoko sensed that Satoshi was different.
Even though he had no cursed energy.
Her gaze remained locked on the katana in Satoshi's hand.
Satoshi… are you skilled in kendo?
She could sense that the sword was special.
But could swordsmanship alone compare to jujutsu?
Shoko wasn't sure.
But she was curious to see how Satoshi would handle this duel.
Unlike her father, she wasn't convinced that cursed energy was the only path to strength.
—
Meanwhile, Zenin Ogi and Gojo Kumaen remained entirely unaffected by the confrontation between Satoshi and Shinsuke.
Each of them had their own goals and priorities.
To Gojo Kumaen, Satoshi was not someone he favored.
So he didn't care about the outcome of the duel.
As long as Satoru continued to grow, Satoshi's reputation or lack thereof was irrelevant.
Eventually, the difference between them would become obvious.
To Ogi, Shinsuke was merely a moderately talented member of the younger generation.
He had no interest in the younger generation.
What he did care about was how to use this duel to strengthen his own influence.
His goal was simple.
To one day become the head of the Zenin clan.
—
On the training grounds of the Gojo estate, Satoshi and Shinsuke stood opposite each other.
Toji observed with amusement.
He rarely displayed his strength in front of others.
But he knew for a fact—
Shinsuke was not his match.
Still, he was interested to see what kind of fighting style Satoshi would use.
Would he rely on pure physical strength, like Toji himself?
That seemed unlikely.
Satoshi was only six years old, far too young to fully develop peak physical abilities.
So, what kind of trump card does Gojo Satoshi have?
The other members of the Gojo family also gathered around to watch.
Like Shoko, their attention was drawn to the Zanpakutō in Satoshi's hand—Sode no Shirayuki.
A week ago, rumors had spread that Gojo Satoshi had forged a powerful cursed tool.
A new type of weapon, one capable of unleashing tremendous cursed energy and unique abilities.
It was said that this Zanpakutō would revolutionize cursed tools in the future.
Many had been eager to witness this supposed epoch-making weapon for themselves.
However—
Over the past week, Satoshi had destroyed the forge five times attempting to create a new one.
So this duel.
This was finally their chance to see Sode no Shirayuki in action.
The atmosphere grew tense.
Everyone present had their own reasons for watching.
But one thing was clear.
This duel could shift the balance between the Three Great Families.