001:送你夺舍,助你开挂

Gifted Possession, Helping You Cheat

My head hurts...

It felt like being shaken awake after a heavy hangover, accompanied by a violent, throbbing pain. Kana Shizumi opened his eyes hazily.

Then, he saw a mocking, stitched-up face.

The pale skin revealed the non-human identity of the other party, and the curious silhouette was reflected in heterochromatic eyes woven with gray and blue.

He lowered his head, prying open his eyelids like a voyeur staring at a cat's eye, and opened his mouth to ask.

"Is this guy... already dead?"

Another humanoid thing with a single eye and a hunched body stood beside him, looking down at him with an expressionless face.

"Not sure, anyway, that guy Kenjaku's arrangements were a mess to begin with..."

"Hey, hey, hey~ will we have made this trip for nothing?"

"Nine times out of ten. Remember to complain to Kenjaku later."

"Fine... but Jogo, look, this guy seems to be alive again?"

"...Really? Let me see."

Two people with three eyes leaned in at once, making Kana Shizumi almost unable to catch his breath.

Huh?

What is the situation now? Did I transmigrate? Jujutsu Kaisen???

Is it that epoch-making work where everyone is family, and in the end, the grandson takes a bunch of people to beat up his little grandpa like crazy, beating him into a pulp before he commits suicide out of shame?

Although I can barely understand this setting, why is it that the moment I open my eyes, I run into these two natural disasters...

Mahito and Jogo?

Is this an elite spawn-camp at the start? What's the point of playing... just give up!

At the same time, various memories of the young man named Kana Shizumi surfaced in his mind, allowing him to quickly understand the sequence of events and the outcome.

He was originally a seventeen-year-old native of Kumamoto City!

As a result, for unknown reasons, two natural disasters killed their way into his home and slaughtered everyone in his family except for him.

The blood flowing on the ground was still warm, and the scent diffusing through the air was exceptionally pungent...

After trying to accept reality within three seconds, Kana Shizumi closed his eyes as if resigning himself to fate, giving up on excuses and resistance.

Might as well restart; let's just call it a nightmare... Goodbye, Jujutsu Kaisen!

"Is this guy pretending not to see us?"

"It's a little irritating."

However...

Before Kana Shizumi could speak, footsteps sounded nearby. A moment later, a lazy tone drifted down the hallway...

"The so-called 'resurrection from the dead' is merely an appearance. In essence, this person still retains his original look, but the inside is already 'unrecognizable.' After all, the time I set for him back then was seventeen years."

A moment later, a man wearing a kasaya, sporting a bun, and looking very detached stepped into the light.

He kept his hands folded within the loose contours of his sleeves, looking down at Kana Shizumi from a high vantage point.

A shallow, mocking smile appeared on his face.

"Although it was considered a relatively mature technique before, since this is a rather special 'incarnation' vessel, can we expect a little performance?"

He spoke as if to himself, but his gaze remained fixed firmly on Kana Shizumi.

At this moment, he urged, "Stand up, let me see what your condition is like now?"

"..."

He told me to stand up? Should I listen to him?

After a brief hesitation, Kana Shizumi opened his eyes with some trepidation and met the gaze of this man who looked both Zen and bizarre.

Kenjaku.

In a sense, this guy is the most calculating person in the entire Jujutsu Kaisen.

Hand-crafting Itadori, a thousand-year layout, Tengen's bestie, a super troll... his titles alone could fill dozens of lines, but unfortunately, there isn't enough room here.

If one were to transmigrate into Jujutsu Kaisen, and choose the one person they least wanted to meet or contact, this guy would definitely be on the list.

It's just... after hearing Kenjaku's words, a subtle thought inevitably surged in Kana Shizumi's heart.

He called me an incarnation vessel...

As everyone knows, the essence of incarnation is to process the remains of a sorcerer after death into a cursed object, and then "resurrect" them by inserting them into a vessel.

In other words.

It's possession (the correct answer).

"Did Kenjaku help me take over this body? Why would he do that?"

The timeline shouldn't have reached the Culling Game yet, right? Otherwise, the two beside me should have already been reduced to ash.

Besides...

"He doesn't seem to realize that the person who took over is wrong?"

You've been overwritten by a transmigrator, dear.

Kenjaku stepped forward slowly, taking the opportunity to fish something out of his sleeve.

It was a fist-sized piece of ten-year-old zombie meat that was pale blue and looked like it had thawed after being frozen solid. Kenjaku looked at him with a smile.

"Although your memories might still be a bit chaotic, there are more important things at hand, so I'll be a bit reckless."

Taking two steps forward, he shoved the meat into Kana Shizumi's mouth.

"Swallow it, savor it, and then remember who you are."

His mouth was covered, and he couldn't spit it out even if he wanted to. Kana Shizumi could only struggle "symbolically" before completely giving up resistance.

As the meat was swallowed into his stomach, Kana Shizumi shuddered as if electrocuted, and then he seemed to lose consciousness.

Mahito, standing behind, couldn't help but say, "Whoa."

"He rolled his eyes..."

"Just a normal phenomenon. After all, in terms of nature, this is probably equivalent to a 'secondary incarnation' process."

Releasing Kana Shizumi, Kenjaku seemed to be in an excellent mood, the upward curve of his mouth showing no sign of falling.

Jogo stared at the young man twitching on the ground and said in an extremely flat tone.

"So, what is so special about this guy? We had to make a special trip to Kumamoto to find him among the ordinary people?"

"Death Paintings... ever heard of them?"

After saying this, Kenjaku chuckled as if realizing he was asking for trouble. He waved his right hand as if swatting away a fly buzzing in front of him.

"Forget it, you probably wouldn't be interested in knowing... To describe it simply, the Death Paintings are a product of an experiment I conducted using a woman with a special constitution as a carrier."

After understanding the ins and outs, even someone as mischievous as Mahito couldn't help but stick out his tongue.

"You're truly twisted, you know that?"

Kenjaku had no intention of responding, just lowering his gaze flatly.

"Although the process was complicated, the research on the Death Paintings still didn't meet my expectations. At best, it only realized the possibility of something half-human, half-cursed spirit... Based on this, I made two subsequent arrangements."

The first one...

He shifted his gaze to the side, thinking for a moment before revealing a mocking smile.

Better not say it for now; after all, that side is still in the process of growing.

As for the second, it is as seen before us.

"Observing the decay of corpses and white bones, and even the emptiness reached after the dust settles... that is, seeing the undefiled essence of all phenomena from the flow of impermanence, and seeing the true suchness of 'neither defiled nor pure' within the impure. This is the 'extra-logical' aspect I created. Right... I should give it a suitable name."

Rubbing his chin, Kenjaku said thoughtfully.

"Let's call it the 'Non-Defiled Aspect'."

Mahito crouched down, poked the half-dead guy with his right hand, and asked with great curiosity.

"So what's different about him? Isn't he just a half-human, half-cursed spirit at best?"

"That is merely his starting point."

Kenjaku's gaze fell, staring at the figure on the ground, his tone subtle.

"I want to see more possibilities from him. If the Death Paintings are the process of death itself, then what I want to explore in him is the 'seed of rebirth' that might appear at the very end."

Mahito shrugged, but Jogo seemed to finally take a slight interest, looking toward Kenjaku at this moment.

"Taken from pure awareness that transcends defilement and purity... your ambition is too great. Is such a thing really possible?"

"You seem to know quite a bit, Jogo."

"I've lived for so many years, after all. It's just Buddhist lore; of course I've read it... I'm just not interested."

Kenjaku chuckled and folded his arms across his chest, saying in a relaxed tone.

"It was just an attempt to begin with; it doesn't matter if it fails. After all, to ensure this pawn is definitely usable, I have to place several layers of insurance and binding... Of course, first, he has to be able to wake up."

Come to think of it.

"You should be able to regain consciousness by now, right? Non-Defiled."

"..."

Kana Shizumi had actually been awake the whole time.

But he didn't dare to speak; after all, none of the people present were kind souls.

And when he swallowed the meat just now, the things that appeared before his eyes also required time for him to understand.

[Best Misalignment System]

Seeing this, the person in question finally breathed a sigh of relief.

The protagonist still has privileges; if I didn't have a cheat, I really wouldn't know how to survive.

It's just that, considering the origin of his identity and the timing of the cheat's appearance, Kana Shizumi had reason to suspect Kenjaku was doing a good deed with bad intentions...

What do you mean by helping me possess a body and then throwing in a cheat?

Truly, there's no one like Mom in the world.

[Reference the original plot, selectively make changes, and obtain corresponding numerical rewards.]

Such a simple description. Does this mean I'm supposed to be a troublemaker?

Considering the setting where everyone in Jujutsu Kaisen is a lunatic, it doesn't seem difficult to achieve this level.

It's just that, as the description says, "selectively" making changes is very important.

For example, the sealing of Satoru Gojo must be done... otherwise, how is Sukuna, who hasn't eaten enough fingers, going to fight Satoru? Should I go up there with that guy?

I wouldn't even be enough to serve as a speed bump.

While sighing with emotion, Kana Shizumi took the opportunity to look at the panel content related to himself.

[Kana Shizumi]

[Total Cursed Energy: 39]

[Cursed Energy Efficiency: 18]

[Cursed Energy Output: 22]

[Innate Technique: Crimson Blood Manipulation (Modified)]

[Taijutsu and Cursed Energy Manipulation: 33]

[Derivative Abilities: None]

[Note: A value of 30 is the average level for Grade 2, 60 is the average level for Grade 1, and 85 is the average level for Special Grade.]

How should I put it?

At first glance, it seems a bit complicated, but after actually analyzing it calmly, one can quickly understand the differences and classification criteria.

As everyone knows, Satoru Gojo once said that a sorcerer's overall strength is basically determined at birth.

Because core techniques are basically things you are born with; you have a wooden stick, I have an assault rifle, we are naturally not on the same level...

Besides.

"Theoretically, the only things that can be trained should be taijutsu, combat experience, and barrier techniques."

Of course, these things also depend on talent.

For example, Higuruma could understand a Domain as soon as he started, and learn Reverse Cursed Technique in a high-pressure environment. And Mahito's 0.2-second Domain Expansion, etc...

Reversing from the results, it is not difficult to see that the Jujutsu world does not value hard work.

So, to sum up, analyzing from the current situation...

There is good news and bad news.

The good news is that Kana Shizumi's innate technique is the specialty of the Kamo Lineage, Crimson Blood Manipulation.

Although this thing doesn't have any particularly outstanding strength or characteristics, the benefit is that it can attack and defend, and it can play out many different tricks.

Also, what's up with this "Modified"?

I can only tentatively understand it as Kenjaku adding some ingredients for himself... I'll explore it when I have the chance.

As for the bad news, it's simple.

From the panel content, it can be known that Kana Shizumi's current strength level is probably not even as good as a Grade 2 sorcerer.

Brother, what is the level of a Grade 3 sorcerer below Grade 2?

Let's briefly count who is on that list.

Miwa Kasumi, Mai Zenin, Nishimiya Momo (quasi-Grade 2 in the original work)...

Being on the same level as these geniuses, just thinking about it makes Kana Shizumi feel like he's being laughed at by his own anger.

After the rant, I can only say.

If there were no system help, it would really be better to just use blood manipulation to give myself a headshot.

"You, can you hear me?"

Kenjaku's voice came, with a hint of impatience.

Kana Shizumi snapped back to reality and glanced to the side. After meeting Kenjaku's calm and emotionless eyes, he couldn't help but feel a bit nervous.

Calm down a little, and try to analyze the situation first.

"I am Kenjaku's next test subject after the Death Paintings. In terms of nature, I'm about the same as the other ancient sorcerers who have signed contracts..."

Theoretically, I should have been awakened during the Culling Game stage, but there are exceptions.

For example, Fushiguro Megumi's sister is different.

"So now, do I have to follow Kenjaku's intentions and express my loyalty?"

After all, even if one wants to grow, one must first survive. If all else fails, I will just grovel before Satoru Gojo and get hired at Jujutsu High!

Who isn't a brother to Itadori, anyway?! (Righteously)

"This guy looks a bit dim, is there really no problem with him?"

"Regarding safety, I have placed restrictions and vows on him, and I have also prepared the instilled memories and content in advance... Honestly, I cannot find a reason for him to betray me."

Since the topic was raised, he took the opportunity to look toward Kana Shizumi and asked with a face full of smiles.

"Kid, do you know who I am?"

Should I call you "Mommy Jailer" and see if you dare to answer?

Although that was what he thought, Kenjaku's current identity was special; if he gave the wrong answer, he might trigger the "Merciful Mother Cleans House" ending.

Following the garbage content stuffed into his brain, he smiled stiffly and whispered.

"Kenjaku... Father."

Clap.

Kenjaku pressed his palms together, a rather bright smile appearing on his face.

"Very good. It seems my experimental theory is not wrong; this prototype seems quite stable."

As soon as he finished speaking, Kana Shizumi's vision blurred for a moment. He blinked subconsciously and shook his head.

[Distorted the plot of "Predetermined Death"]

[Reward: 3 Free Attribute Points]

...Huh?

Kana Shizumi was slightly stunned, then reacted two seconds later.

If it had followed the original plot, he would have likely answered incorrectly nine times out of ten, triggered a bad ending, and been executed by Kenjaku on the spot...

No wonder there was no mention of this "tenth phase" in the original work. In the eyes of an old monster like Kenjaku, incorrect experimental data has no value for further research, and naturally, there is no room for discussion.

It was a "failed product" that wasn't even worth mentioning.

Who would have thought? Just by opening and closing his mouth, he had saved himself.

Could this be considered a talent? It was hard to say.

Besides, although he had saved his life for now, the future was uncertain.

After all, the villain faction is hard to navigate...

Sukuna, that big daddy, is a fickle guy; once he comes out in Shibuya, he will smash both the heroes and the villains to pieces.

There was no way to contact the heroes either, as the higher-ups of the Jujutsu Society were all controlled by Kenjaku. The moment you slipped out, Mommy Jailer would be riding a cursed spirit right behind you...

Although Satoru Gojo is gentle with his students, he is quite ruthless toward outsiders.

Before finding a suitable opportunity, there was little point in showing his cards to that guy—not to mention, Kana Shizumi still had to rely on the plot to obtain point rewards.

Otherwise, with his current level as a Grade 3 sorcerer, the best way to survive would be to move out of Japan and return only after the Shinjuku incident was over.

Shout "Itadori, we are brothers," and then happily play pinball with his cheap little brother for three hundred years...

The loneliness born from being an absolute powerhouse—let me teach you the true joy of life with three hundred years of pinball!

Thinking about it like that, it doesn't seem too bad?

But regardless, he had to survive the current complex situation first. Later, he would find opportunities to slowly improve his strength, break free from Mommy Jailer's control, and regain his freedom!

While secretly sighing in relief, Kana Shizumi suddenly felt his body turn cold.

He looked up and saw True Person staring at him with a half-smile...

Yikes!

Kana Shizumi was terrified, hurriedly stood up, and took half a step back.

This freak didn't look like a normal person to begin with. Whether in the manga or the anime, Kana Shizumi's biggest impression of him was the arc where he fought Mechamaru.

It was like having a cursed image shoved right into your face...

"So, is this guy considered our companion now?"

True Person didn't mind his attitude and now looked toward Kenjaku as if seeking confirmation.

"Of course. Is there a problem?"

"Hmm~"

Without answering directly, True Person just rubbed his chin with one hand.

Just looking at his expression, it was easy to associate him with a child full of malicious intent—and right now was the moment he was racking his brain, preparing to disgust someone.

"I'm just worried about whether this guy's strength level will satisfy me..."

True Person shrugged and spread his hands. While the smile on his face held a hint of smugness, he glanced behind him as if he were ostracizing a newly enrolled student.

"Although there aren't many of us, everyone is quite strong, right?"

No one responded.

But Jogo soon made his stance clear.

"I don't care about these things, but since True Person brought it up, testing him a little shouldn't be a problem."

...Eh?

Kana Shizumi, who had just relaxed, felt a sharp pain as if his skin had been pulled tight.

Out of the tiger's den and into the wolf's lair?

Given his own level as a Grade 3 sorcerer, all three of these people were speed bumps to him... Resistance was impossible, so he could only call for help.

"Father!"

To survive, I even called him Dad.

Save me!

However, compared to Kana Shizumi's nervousness, Kenjaku's reaction was much calmer.

He did not stop this cheap son from retreating behind him, but instead wore a thoughtful expression, whispering to himself.

"Although he generally inherits the bloodline and abilities of the Kamo Household, he has been mixed with the lineage of ordinary people, so his strength should be diluted quite a bit..."

As he spoke, Kenjaku rested his right hand on his chin, turning his head like a sheltered noblewoman hesitating between sukiyaki or high-end sushi for dinner.

He looked down at Kana Shizumi from his high position.

"By the way, since the opportunity is here, let me see your level."

He raised his left hand and waved it with a smile, as if greeting someone.

"Let's do it here. Use 'Piercing Blood' on my palm. I will reinforce my palm with cursed energy beforehand, so don't worry... No, rather, if you can hurt me under these circumstances, it would make people think you are at a normal level."

Ah?!

No, wait.

I'm supposed to pierce through Mommy Jailer's cursed-energy-reinforced palm with "Piercing Blood"?

In the original work, even Choso during the Shibuya arc couldn't do that, right? For a newcomer just starting out, this requirement is way too high!

Yet, True Person was clapping and cheering on the side.

"Great, great! Is our new partner actually such a capable guy? I'm starting to see you in a new light! Hey, Jogo, don't you think so?"

The volcano-head pulled a chair from the room, sat down, and crossed his legs.

He had the look of a bystander waiting for the show to begin.

Kana Shizumi stood there, stunned.

Why do these people act as if they assume I'm strong? I just awakened; I haven't used Crimson Blood Manipulation even once, and you want me to use some advanced technique to beat someone up?

Seeing that Kana Shizumi didn't react, Kenjaku kindly reminded him.

"What's wrong? Don't know how to use 'Piercing Blood'? I should have attached these things to the memories I bound, and they are all the ancestral techniques of the Kamo Household..."

Could it be.

"You don't know how to use it?"

Looking at the scrutinizing expression on Mommy Jailer's face, Kana Shizumi swallowed hard.

Theoretically, once an innate technique is understood, one should know how to use it, but clearly... Kana Shizumi was the exception.

I have no idea how to use this...

At this moment, he deeply realized the malice of the jujutsu world.

No talent? If you have no talent, go get reincarnated! You're just wasting everyone's time by staying alive!