Jujutsu Kaisen: I Have A Gardevoir

Let's talk about some trivia. The Kamo family's hereditary technique, "Crimson Blood Manipulation," originates from Emperor Sutoku, one of the Three Great Vengeful Spirits. So where does the name "Kamo" come from? It's worth noting that the Japanese emperors are said to be a lineage without a family name, having only personal names.

The answer is "Kamo."

During the Heian period, alongside Abe no Seimei and Ashiya Dōman, one of the Three Great Onmyōji was Kamo no Tadayuki—the "Kamo" comes from him.

Though not as famous in modern times as the other two, Kamo Tadayuki's rank was higher; he was even a teacher to Abe no Seimei in his youth.

Abe no Seimei's rise and his service to the court were significantly helped by Kamo Tadayuki.

At that time, Kamo Tadayuki was the imperial court's designated Onmyōji, and the Kamo family was recognized as closely linked with the imperial family.

Japan's restrictions regarding social standing were stricter than those of China's aristocratic era.

As time passed and mysteries were buried in the shadows of history, these families known for their mysteries had to adapt, changing their names.

The Abe family changed their name completely, first to Tsuchimikado, and later to Zen'in.

The Kamo family, however, either due to reluctance to let go of their past glory or just being lazy, took the first character of their surname and modified it, becoming "Kamo."

Just from the family name, you can see that the Kamo family is even more conservative than the Zen'in family.

As Akira once described this family: the show-offs of history, nouveau riche of time.

Indeed, nouveau riche.

In Akira's view, fundamentally, there is no real difference between the nouveau riche and so-called aristocrats.

Nouveau riche like to show off their wealth because they have lots of money.

And aristocrats are the same. It's just that, after being wealthy for so long, they aren't satisfied with flaunting money; they need to flaunt other things.

So they begin talking about heritage, about history, always claiming their family is something from centuries ago, and always boasting about ancient traditions like wearing formal kimonos.

Even though modern clothing produced by industrial means is far superior, they still cling to the old. Akira could only see this as showing off, with no other reason.

The Kamo family's main estate, the headquarters, is the same.

It's a property passed down through generations, with a history traceable back to Heian-Kyo a thousand years ago.

Maintaining it for that long is indeed impressive, but the longer it goes on, the harder it becomes to modernize, with annual maintenance costs that are enormous.

Akira complained about it countless times before leaving home.

There are so many examples of cultural preservation worldwide; can't you just copy them? Keep only the most valuable parts, and renovate or rebuild the rest to suit modern life.

Surely living more comfortably should be common sense? Instead, they just insist on showing off their ancient heritage.

Kamo Noritoshi was walking in such a residence now.

Having been born and raised there, he should have been used to his family's environment. He hadn't felt anything strange before, but after enrolling at the residential Jujutsu High, Kamo Noritoshi did notice the inconveniences of home.

For instance, walking on the wooden corridors often makes noise, and stepping on spots affected by termites can create an irritating creaking sound.

Indeed, the Kamo family should change.

The thought came to the mind of the young heir, but he soon extinguished it.

Because he had arrived at the study.

That was where the family head worked and spent most of his time.

The young heir had entered here many times before, but today, unlike usual, he stood at the door for a moment, trying to collect himself.

Before he could adjust his mindset, a familiar voice came from inside: "Noritoshi? Come in."

"Yes, Father."

Kamo Noritoshi's heart skipped a beat as he tried to keep his expression neutral, pushing the door open with familiar ease.

Sitting behind a wooden desk of at least a hundred years of history was a middle-aged man.

He was also dressed in a formal kimono, with narrow eyes that resembled Noritoshi's, though he was taller and had broader shoulders.

He sat formally, radiating a composed air. On the surface, he did not seem like one of the top-tier Grade 1 sorcerers; instead, he resembled a scholar.

Once Kamo Noritoshi also sat formally, the middle-aged man slowly spoke, his voice as deep and rich as someone into mature men might find delightful.

"Is it about 'Akira'?"

"So Father already knows."

"It would be hard for me not to know what happened at the exchange event."

The calm statement reflected the indisputable influence of the Three Great Families.

"I am curious, though—how did you find out? When Jujutsu High submitted the records of the new students, I hadn't thought about it. Not until Kenshin made himself known at the exchange event did I order an investigation into his background. Yet, I know you did not contact anyone."

Noritoshi wasn't surprised at his father's analysis.

Had he been the family head, seeing someone rise above Grade 1 would have led him to investigate, and naturally, the truth would have come to light. Noritoshi himself had arranged Akira and Hayami's registrations.

"Akira came to me directly and asked to meet tonight, and that's how I confirmed it."

The middle-aged man's curiosity was piqued. "Tonight? In Kyoto?"

"Yes." There was no way to deny it, not without insulting his father's intelligence.

"Interesting. The information shows he has returned to Tokyo, yet he stayed behind? And you returned now—did you meet him?"

"Yes."

"And how did you meet?"

"Purchasing firearms and testing the possibility of blood-infused bullets."

"Good idea. Kenshin's thinking is commendable, and it's also good that you could apply it."

The fact that everything at the exchange event had been reported to the Three Great Families was evident from this.

"Will you not ask? About Kenshin."

"No need—I can mostly guess.

If he dares to show himself this way, it means he believes he has the power to face me. The previously undetected 'Pokémon Manipulation' and Gojo Satoru's favor indeed indicate a strength that could intimidate even the Kamo family.

His deliberate behavior at the exchange event suggests he still harbors resentment against me and the Kamo family.

However, his guidance to you in the individual match and then inviting you to meet afterward shows he still considers you his brother, likely due to Hayami.

Am I wrong?"

"No."

Noritoshi lowered his head involuntarily, a slight sweat forming on his forehead.

This was the father he knew well—a man with an overwhelming command over the Kamo family.

Could he really deceive this man?

"Tell me your thoughts. That's what I need to hear."

"I… leave everything to Father."

"That's all?"

The man's quiet gaze seemed to crush the boy's spirit.

But just as Noritoshi's head was about to drop completely, a sudden surge of courage rose in him. He looked up and said, "There's more—I hope Father will not go too far in dealing with those unrelated to the Kamo family. I lost in the exchange event due to my lack of skills."

This statement slightly deviated from Akira's plan, but Noritoshi felt it needed to be said.

"Understood."

The middle-aged man's reply was indifferent, his expression calm.

"Father—"

"No need to say more. I have my considerations. As for you… stay out of it. Spend the next few days at home; I will arrange for the special ammunition."

"Yes." Noritoshi knew his father's decision was final, and he dared not push further.

Unlike his stepmother, he had both resentment and respect for this man.

"Return to your room and rest—it's late. Tomorrow, pay your respects to your mother."

"Yes." Noritoshi bowed respectfully, stood, and left.

As he reached the door, his father called out:

"Noritoshi—"

"Do you have further orders, Father?"

"Is Kenshin driven by mere resentment?"

Noritoshi hesitated briefly, then nodded, "Yes."

"I see…"

Hearing no more, Noritoshi finally left, his footsteps fading into the distance.

Only then did the middle-aged man slowly exhale:

"Not being a bird in a cage is not necessarily a bad thing."

The man stood, stepped through a side door, across a short corridor, and into a room styled similarly to the study.

Inside, a woman dressed in a bathrobe greeted him: "Master, did Noritoshi say anything?"

"He met Kenshin."

"A meeting? Kenshin, wasn't he—"

The woman was momentarily stunned, then smiled, "As expected of my son! What did Noritoshi say—"

"He will not involve himself in this matter."

The woman's smile widened.

"As expected of my son. These years weren't wasted teaching him."

The same words, yet with a different meaning.

"Master, what's your decision?"

"I'll do nothing. Kenshin is still in Kyoto; let's see what he plans."

"But—Master, aren't you curious? That unheard-of 'Pokémon Manipulation,' even if not as good as 'Cursed Spirit Manipulation,' must be valuable."

"He is now Akira, a person unrelated to the Kamo family. Let's not do anything unnecessary."

Hearing the implication, the woman nodded quickly.

Though curious about the mysterious "Pokémon Manipulation," revealing the past wasn't an option.

"Yes, Master. But there's one more thing."

"What is it?"

"Our bloodline produced Kenshin, so why not create a second Kenshin?"

The woman spoke, her robe gently sliding down her smooth, rounded shoulder.

Though she wasn't young anymore, she was still of childbearing age, and if she could give birth to a child with Special Grade potential…

"It's not that simple." The man sighed.

Before he could do anything, her hand was already reaching for his belt, her smile enchanting: "Even if it's not easy, we have to try, don't we?"

"Then let's try." The ceremonial clothing slipped off.

Well, traditional clothes may be hard to wear, but they are easy to take off.

But even as they undressed, a trace of coldness remained in the woman's eyes.

Akira?

Why must it be "Akira"?

Are you trying to challenge me?

This look did not escape the man's eyes, but he said nothing, merely narrowing his gaze and enjoying his wife's service, thoughts unclear.

PS: The Three Great Families are all the same. Judging by glimpses of the Zen'in and Gojo families, it's no wonder Gojo Satoru rarely goes home—who would want to?

PS2: Traditional Japanese houses are indeed like this. It's reflected in other works too, like the famous Emiya residence in Fate/stay night. When Kiritsugu bought it, the house was in poor condition. It was only after the Fujimura clan helped renovate it that it became what we see later.