After this attack, the jujutsu sorcerers in Miyagi entered a rare period of peace.
According to investigations by local Assistant Supervisors and the Window, the Cursed Spirits that had repeatedly attacked the city were actually Cursed Spirits that had been lurking near the outskirts.
Based on the records of Jujutsu Headquarters and the major jujutsu sorcerer families in the region, the Cursed Spirits around Miyagi had been completely eradicated in the recent battles.
Furthermore, it was currently summer vacation, so it would likely take a long time before new Cursed Spirits were born.
As a result, a break could finally be taken.
After leaving behind the necessary vigilance forces, most jujutsu sorcerers began to enjoy their summer vacation.
The only exception was the Tsuchimiya Family, who clearly knew they were being watched.
While the Tsuchimiya Family maintained a state of high alert, Isayama Mei arrived at their residence with several servants.
"Long time no see, Tsuchimiya Family Head."
Mei bowed politely.
"Ah, Mei, it has indeed been a long time. Please, come in."
Following behind Utata, Mei walked toward the Tsuchimiya Family residence with graceful steps.
Every one of her movements was perfectly aligned with proper etiquette.
"May I ask the purpose of your visit?"
Steaming tea was placed on the table between them.
Utata's expression remained as composed as ever.
"Uncle Naraku heard that you encountered the curse user from three years ago a few days ago, so he sent me to learn more about the situation."
Mei explained calmly.
Isayama Naraku had originally intended to visit in person, but Mei had taken the initiative to come instead, and he did not object.
"Thank you for the Isayama Family's concern. This time, we did obtain a great deal of information."
Utata had no intention of concealing anything.
After all, the alliance between the Tsuchimiya Family and the Isayama Family had lasted for a thousand years.
Utata never imagined that Mei had already fallen under the control of his enemy.
"Sesshoseki, and as many as five of them?"
A trace of greed stirred in Mei's heart, and she subconsciously reached toward her chest.
She had only obtained one sesshoseki, yet her strength had increased dramatically. If she could obtain five more…
Mei immediately suppressed the desire rising within her.
She dared not allow even the slightest fluctuation of cursed energy to leak out.
After all, sitting across from her was Utata, who also possessed a sesshoseki. Any abnormality would be instantly detected.
"This information is extremely important. I will report it to Uncle Naraku as soon as possible."
Mei bowed slightly. Utata did not press her to stay.
"Tsuchimiya Family Head, um, I would like to go pick flowers. Please return first. A servant can escort me later."
As she followed Utata out, Mei suddenly became bashful, her voice soft and her expression shy.
In Japan, for a long time, women considered directly saying they were going to the restroom to be improper.
Since the squatting motion resembled picking flowers, the phrase gradually became a euphemism.
"Hm. Ibuki, you accompany Young Miss Mei."
"Yes, Family Head."
A woman in a purple kimono behind Utata bowed respectfully.
"Young Miss Isayama, please follow me."
Ibuki led Mei toward the restroom.
After entering, Mei did not relieve herself.
She unfastened her clothing, revealing her fair chest.
Several butterfly cocoons burst through her skin and fell onto the floor.
The sesshoseki was also sealed within a cocoon, ensuring that not a trace of its cursed energy leaked out and avoiding Utata's detection.
After tidying her clothes, Mei left the Tsuchimiya Family grounds as usual with Ibuki.
That evening, after much hesitation, Yomi finally put on the kimono her father had prepared and went on her first date with Noriyuki.
This was not a simple yukata, but a luxurious formal kimono with more than a dozen components such as the collar, sleeves, and obi.
Wearing it, Yomi lost some of her youthful liveliness and gained a dignified elegance.
The two, who had come together through an arranged marriage, finally took their first true step forward after letting go of their prejudices and falling genuinely in love.
At the same time, at Eichi's temporary residence.
Eichi was listening to Medea and Michael's progress regarding Shishiou.
"So, creating a new Shishiou is feasible?"
Eichi nodded in satisfaction. The primary goal of this trip was close to being achieved, and he felt genuinely pleased.
"That's right, young man. Ms. Medea is truly incredible, very…"
Unlike Medea's calm expression and Eichi's quiet smile, Michael Kohara, the cursed tool blacksmith of the Isayama Family, was so excited that he began dancing awkwardly.
Although Michael's works were diverse, he had forged many swords and could be considered a half swordsmith.
After all, jujutsu sorcerers relied on cursed tools, and swords had proven through long history to be among the most suitable weapons for combat.
No swordsmith could resist the temptation of recreating a legendary forging technique lost for a thousand years.
It was like Senji Muramasa, who knowingly walked toward death to forge the Holy Sword of the Stars.
For a swordsmith, this was the meaning of living without regret.
"What do we need next?"
It took a while for Michael to finally calm down.
Eichi was genuinely worried the old man might collapse from excitement.
"Other materials are easy to obtain. What we lack is the most critical cursed object."
Medea picked up Shishiou, her finger tracing along the blade as a surge of cursed energy rose from it.
That was Shishiou's core, a cursed object formed from the death of a Special Grade Cursed Spirit.
"Indeed, the cursed objects remaining within the Isayama Family are not suitable for forging a sword."
Thinking of this, Michael thumped his chest in frustration.
Having discovered a method but being unable to test it immediately was torture to him.
"What kind of cursed object do you need?"
Eichi possessed cursed objects. Over the years, he had acquired some through exorcisms and requests, though they were stored at Tokyo Jujutsu High.
While shadows could store items, their weight would still burden him, so he usually carried only what he needed daily.
In combat, he lacked nothing in particular.
After mastering the Maximum Technique of the Ten Shadows, weapons and armor could all be substituted, aside from cursed tools with unique effects.
It was better to carry a few cans of honey tea to feed Suguru when bored.
"Just look at what's listed here."
Medea handed him a notebook.
Eichi opened it and clearly saw the requirements listed inside.
Size, cursed energy attribute, ability type.
He memorized everything at a glance.
"I will bring the cursed object as soon as possible. You two should rest for now."
Medea showed little reaction, but Michael already had dark circles under his eyes.
(To be continued.)