Ran away?

This Curse User, who possessed such a unique Domain Expansion, appeared so vulnerable under Toji's suppression. It didn't even feel like Toji had unleashed his full strength, yet Uraume had still chosen to escape.

Why? Was the Star Plasma Vessel really going to be left like this?

Didn't this make the villain look too pathetic?

Even though the Zenin estate had been nearly destroyed by Uraume moments ago, the thought still surfaced in Naoya's mind.

After all, in front of Toji, Uraume had been thoroughly suppressed.

This made Naoya think that the so-called terrifying Curse User wasn't that impressive after all.

Meanwhile, in the inner room, the sisters Maki and Mai were overflowing with admiration for Toji.

The Curse User who had single-handedly overwhelmed the entire Zenin clan had fled in front of Toji.

Maki's resolve to become like him grew even stronger.

Mai, however, felt a faint pang of jealousy. Why was her sister the only one born with Heavenly Restriction, while she herself was just an ordinary sorcerer?

If I had Heavenly Restriction too, I could be as powerful as Toji-niisan.

The two little girls had become Toji's most loyal fans. After all, the hero-saves-the-damsel tale was timeless.

...

With Uraume's retreat, the Zenin household finally breathed easier.

Even Toji himself felt a trace of helplessness. Her sudden escape had been beyond his expectations.

He had thought he would finally get a proper fight. He hadn't expected his opponent to be so lacking in resolve.

This cannot reach Satoshi's ears. If he knew I held back, he would definitely scold me.

Even when preparing to unleash Katen Kyōkotsu fully, Toji had only relied on its power, not his Heavenly Restriction body.

If he had combined both, Uraume could have been eliminated within ten minutes.

Anyway, Satoshi wasn't here. He didn't need to know what truly happened. Let's just say that doll-headed Curse User ran away.

With that thought, Toji walked over to Naobito and Naoya.

"Well, the crisis is over."

"Although most of this garbage heap was destroyed, at least there were no casualties. Still, the Zenin clan is disgusting. You even used your own daughters as shields. Are you sure you want people like that involved in clan affairs in the future?"

Toji spoke casually, then shrugged.

"Whatever. Family matters are your problem, not mine. Do what you want, just ignore what I said."

Stretching, he turned toward the door.

"But let me remind you, since you've found the Star Plasma Vessel, you'd better protect her properly."

"If you don't have the strength, hand her over to someone who does. I was nearby this time, but I might not be there the next. I heard from Jinichi that the Kamo family was attacked too, right? If the ones who attacked them show up together with this Curse User, you won't stand a chance."

Without looking back, Toji left the Zenin estate.

Naobito and Naoya both fell silent.

"Does he mean we should hand Amanai Riko over to the Gojo family?"

Naobito let out a long sigh.

"Toji is right. With enemies of that level, we cannot defend her."

Naoya's expression remained calm. He had not yet grown arrogant, and he did not think this conclusion was shameful.

Originally, the Zenin and Kamo families together could only barely contend with the Gojo clan.

But in terms of top combat power, the Gojo family could sweep both aside just by sending out either Satoru or Satoshi.

It didn't even need to be them. Just a single member of Yorozuya would leave both clans helpless.

Even that Special Grade Cursed Spirit would be crushed.

Naoya could not imagine why the Zenin clan had dared to take on the task of protecting the Star Plasma Vessel.

Wasn't that just handing her over to the Curse Users?

If Toji were still with the Zenin clan, at least there would be some confidence. But now, he stood firmly with Satoshi.

Hearing his son speak, Naobito's beard bristled. He glared and smacked Naoya on the back of the head.

"How can you talk like that? The Zenin family is not yours to mock!"

Naoya was speechless.

"Dad, facts speak louder than words. If you had the ability, you'd become a top sorcerer yourself. You could open a Domain and fight that Curse User directly, right?"

Naoya's blunt words left Naobito fuming, his face red with anger.

Finally, Naobito could only sigh deeply. His son was right. The Zenin clan was in a period of decline. They did not have the ability to protect the Star Plasma Vessel.

Better not to accept tasks they couldn't handle.

Perhaps it was time to reconsider.

"Hey, those two brats ran off. You're not going to stop them?"

Naoya mentioned indifferently as he watched Maki and Mai slip quietly out the door.

Naobito only sighed as he looked at their small figures disappearing into the distance.

"Forget it. Let them go. Their own father used them as shields. They probably don't know how to face him now. Better to let them follow Toji. Perhaps they'll grow closer to him."

"Maki has Heavenly Restriction. No matter how ruthless, we won't abandon the sisters."

Though Toji wished to sever ties with the Zenin clan, in the eyes of those who bore the Zenin name, he was still one of them.

"Huh? Those two brats are going after Toji? No way, I'm going too."

Naoya's face soured.

"Hmph, no. The family is in ruins, and you still want to run away?"

Naobito stopped him cold. With Zenin Ogi gravely injured, it was time for Naoya to step up.

"Hey, old man, I don't want to get dragged into this!"

Naoya tried to resist, but he was no match for Naobito. After struggling in vain, he could only resign himself in silence.

(To be continued.)

***

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