That Time When I Fell Down the Stairs and Became a Jujutsu Sorcerer

Chapter 68 - The Ruined World - Part 1

In the distance, the sound of drums echoed through the streets of Tokyo. Spectators gathered along the sidewalks, dressed in festival Yukata with masks disguising their faces. Colorful banners and traditional lanterns adorn the elaborately decorated floats that glide down the street towards the deep black barrier in the center of Shinjuku.

Performers dressed in vibrant costumes resembling curses and sorcerers danced to the rhythmic beat of taiko drums and the melodic tones of flutes and shamisen. The air was full of excitement and anticipation as the parade approached its goal. The crowd cheered as a majestic cursed whale floated just above the asphalt, its eyes glowing with an otherworldly light and its human-like teeth grit in rage.

Atop the whale was a man draped in dark monk robes, his face concealed behind an intricate and mesmerizing kitsune mask. He stood tall, exuding an aura of mystery and power as he guided the whale through the streets with an ethereal grace. Flanking the monk are two women dressed in elegant Yukata, their own kitsune masks mirroring his own. They move with fluidity and precision, adding to the enchanting atmosphere of the procession.

In front of the monk and his companions are three children. A ten year old girl wearing a beautiful purple kimono with a white tree embroidered in its silken fabric, her mask adorned with deep purple markings and her sandy blonde hair fluttering in waves behind her. She stood proudly at the front, looking straight for the barrier. Just behind her were a set of twins, both wearing kimono themselves with mirroring trees embroidered on them. One boy wore a deep red, his fox mask’s left eye glowing brightly. The other in a deep blue his own fox mask opposite to his brother’s with a glowing right eye. Finally, behind the monk was the smallest of the children. Wearing a kimono dyed a gentle blue, she clutched onto his sleeve. Her foxes mask had closed eyes, and in one hand she held tight to a small white stuffed lamb.

Together, the procession wove a tapestry of culture and tradition, captivating all who witness its grandeur and beauty. It stopped in front of the barrier, and as the last echoes of the drums faded into the distance the riders on the whale stepped off. The monk approached the barrier first, tilting his head curiously. He strode inside a moment later, then only his hand reached out to beckon to the children. The two women stayed behind as the little ones followed the monk, running with a happy skip in their steps.

Once inside, immediately the eldest of the children pulled at her kimono belt and let it fly open. Beneath she had on bike shorts and a tank top and a pair of sneakers, and the smallest child hurried forward to catch the beautiful fabric as it fell. The blond reached up to tie her hair back, her hands already crackling with purple energy.

“Akie.” The monk said calmly, “Remember to keep your mask on.” She grunted, then nodded to him, turning to help the twins roll up their sleeves and tie them back. “All of you, stay within my range and don't engage with more than you can handle.” he continued, “We will not leave until this barrier is cleared.”

“Yesssss.” All the kids replied in unison, already getting ancy, clearly.

The monk sighed, “Alright, go ahead. Have fun.”

Immediately Akie tore off, her energy flashing brightly and a loud laugh echoing down the ruined streets within the barrier. The twins hesitated, but the monk reached down and gently nudged them forward with his palms on their backs. They took each other's hands, then ran forward together.

With a sigh, the man set off with the smallest child behind him. He glanced down at her and asked, “Yukie? Would you like to try your technique today?”

The little one's fingers knit tighter into his robe and she shook her head. The monk nodded as cursed spirits manifested at his will, “Alright then. Just stay with me “