"So, you set the meeting time for seven days later?"
In the evening, inside the villa, An Xora listened as Makima delivered her report.
"If we act too eager, it may arouse unnecessary suspicion."
After all, from the moment Jogo and Hanami returned without anyone immediately noticing something was wrong, Kenjaku and the others were already fish trapped in a jar. Naturally, Makima didn't mind spending a bit more time letting the prey relax their guard.
"Additionally, after this period of research into the jujutsu system, I've successfully mastered the techniques of Binding Vows."
After finishing her arrangements regarding Kenjaku and the curse faction, Makima smoothly shifted the topic.
"Binding Vows?"
Hearing this, An Xora showed rare interest.
Binding Vows were an extremely practical technique in Jujutsu Kaisen. At their core, they involved voluntarily placing restrictions upon oneself, paying a certain price in exchange for targeted enhancements.
For example, the common practice seen in the original story—revealing one's cursed technique to the enemy in order to strengthen its effect. Or Ryomen Sukuna's advanced application: permanently adding various activation delays and restrictions to his slashing technique, in exchange for a zero-windup, point-blank spatial slash capable of killing Gojo Satoru in a single strike—creating one of the most infamous scenes in the entire series.
The former was the simplest use of Binding Vows, something most decently skilled sorcerers or curses could manage. The latter, however, represented a far more complex and advanced application, mastered by only a select few.
The barrier deployed in the forest during the inter-school exchange incident was also an extremely high-level Binding Vow—by allowing everyone else to pass freely, it achieved the effect of being absolutely impassable to Gojo Satoru alone.
It could be said that while the overall upper limit of the jujutsu system wasn't particularly high, Binding Vows were an incredibly versatile ability—one of the few true highlights of the entire system. Once learned, they were always worth it. If one truly understood the principles and could apply them across other systems, it would become a lifelong, high-end technique.
And now, since Makima had deliberately brought this up, it clearly wasn't a matter of simple mastery. At the very least, she had grasped advanced Binding Vow techniques—hence her report to An Xora.
"Just as my master anticipated, my current command of Binding Vows is already quite proficient. Through the establishment of restrictions, even the authority of a Herrscher can be enhanced using these techniques."
"Furthermore, I've also gained some insights into Domains. Given a bit more time, it's possible that both Seele and I will be able to use Domain Expansion, just like the cursed spirits and sorcerers of this world."
Binding Vows and Domain Expansion—
The former was the most practical ability in the entire jujutsu system; the latter was its strongest.
Once these two abilities were mastered, Seele and Makima—already overwhelmingly powerful—would receive yet another major boost. And this time, it wouldn't come from abilities granted by An Xora, but from growth achieved entirely through their own learning.
Though even without Binding Vows or Domains, Seele and Makima were already practically unrivaled in this world.
"This really is something worth celebrating."
An Xora raised his hand slightly. Makima immediately understood, stepping forward to the sofa, then bending down and resting her face against his leg.
"So, tell me—what reward do you want?"
As he gently stroked Makima's smooth red hair, An Xora asked calmly.
Makima smiled faintly and subtly pressed herself closer.
"What reward I want… hasn't my master already known that all along?"
"But it's already pretty late. If you don't go back soon, won't someone notice something's off over there?"
Feeling the soft, supple warmth pressed tightly against him, An Xora's heart stirred—but he still asked.
"I've already made arrangements with the Headquarters. My family is completely under my control now. Even if I don't return for the night, there won't be any issues."
Makima's hand traced along An Xora's body as she spoke softly, dispelling his last concern.
"At this point, nearly the entire upper echelon of the jujutsu world is under my control. And after the exchange event, my public identity has already become linked with my master."
"That means… now, no matter what my master wishes to do with me, no one will dare raise any objections."
Feeling Makima's closeness, An Xora took a deep breath.
With things spelled out this clearly, there was no need for him to pretend to be a gentleman anymore.
If battle was to be joined—then let it be joined.
...
The next day.
After properly washing up and changing into a fresh women's suit, Makima headed toward the villa's exit, greeting An Xora as she left.
"The jujutsu world is now more or less fully under control. During this period, I'll frequently make time to accompany my master."
"This will both make our relationship appear even closer in public, and allow me to replace Seele during the daytime—to stay by my master's side. Please look forward to it."
"Mm. I understand."
An Xora nodded, though his thoughts were elsewhere.
Last night's "battle" with Makima—without Seele's participation and lacking the support of Creation—had left him struggling to withstand Makima's offense, despite possessing only the strength and physique of a Grade 1 sorcerer.
This time, he had underestimated the situation.
It seemed that strengthening himself would have to be put on the agenda as well. Otherwise, as more and more avatars appeared in the future, even if Seele supported him every time, there would eventually come a day when he would be defeated.
Even once Makima dealt with Kenjaku and the others in a few days and the entire jujutsu world posed no further danger to him—
In this regard alone, as a man, he absolutely could not afford to lose.
"I just hope that once the system update finishes, the discount section of the shop refreshes with something I can actually use."
Even if it didn't, that was fine too. Worst case, he could just look through the non-discounted items for something suitable.
Meanwhile, after leaving An Xora and Seele's villa, Makima arrived at a street corner and hailed a private car, heading toward the Headquarters.
Although Mahito had infiltrated the place just the day before, resulting in several deaths, the Headquarters—being a critical institution maintaining the jujutsu world's operations—naturally wouldn't grind to a halt over such a matter. Aside from an increased number of stationed sorcerers, everything else continued functioning as usual.
Upon arriving, a woman dressed as a secretary immediately approached Makima and reported:
"Lady Makima, the two individuals you specifically requested earlier are already waiting for you in your office."
"Mm. Thank you for your hard work. You may return to your duties."
Makima nodded to the secretary, then proceeded toward her office.
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