Whispers of the Cursed Heir

Chapter 10: Return to the Stronghold

The journey had taken its toll on me, but as I finally reached the gates of the Fujiwara Clan, a wave of relief washed over me. The massive wooden gates, darkened by time and weather, loomed ahead, standing as a testament to the clan's enduring strength. The symbols of the clan, representing the sun, moon, and stars, adorned the banners that fluttered gently in the evening breeze.

The guards at the gates straightened as I approached, recognizing me instantly. Without a word, they began to open the heavy gates, the creaking wood echoing through the quiet evening. The familiar scent of incense and fresh earth filled the air as I stepped into the stronghold, the weariness in my bones momentarily forgotten.

Inside, I was met by a contingent of elite warriors, their expressions a mix of relief and respect as they greeted me. "Welcome back," one of them said, his voice steady and reassuring. "You've done well to return."

"The council is eager to hear your report," another added. "But first, you must recover. The journey has been long and arduous, and you've earned some rest."

I nodded, grateful for their understanding. The fatigue that had been gnawing at me finally began to catch up, but I forced myself to stay upright, to maintain my composure. "Thank you," I managed to say, my voice hoarse. "I appreciate the welcome."

A group of attendants appeared and guided me to a private chamber, where they quickly set to work tending to my wounds and helping me change into fresh robes. The warmth of the room, the scent of jasmine and sandalwood, offered a momentary reprieve from the chaos of the past few days. I barely registered their movements as they cleaned and bandaged my injuries, my mind still racing with the events that had brought me here.

Once I was dressed and ready, I was led through the halls of the stronghold, the path familiar yet somehow different in the fading light. The attendants informed me that the council had been briefed by the young sorcerer who had returned earlier, his report detailing the encounter with Sukuna and the one who traveled with him, Uraume. They spoke of how highly he had spoken of my abilities, how he had credited me with his survival.

The doors to the council chamber loomed ahead, massive and imposing, carved from dark wood and inlaid with gold. The air was thick with anticipation as they opened, revealing the council members seated within. The room was lit softly by lanterns, casting long shadows across the polished floor. The weight of the moment pressed down on me as I stepped inside, taking my place before them.

The heavy doors of the council chamber closed behind me with a muted thud, sealing me inside the grand room where the leaders of the Fujiwara Clan and the generals of the squadrons were already gathered. The room was vast, its high ceilings adorned with intricate carvings of celestial bodies and the walls lined with tapestries depicting the clan's storied history. A long table stretched out before me, with the clan's leaders and generals seated in silence, their expressions grave as they deliberated over the young sorcerer's report.

Their eyes turned to me as I stepped forward, the weight of their expectations pressing down on my shoulders. I could feel the tension in the air, the unspoken questions that hung between us like a thick fog. They had been discussing the report, no doubt weighing the gravity of the situation, and now it was my turn to speak—to confirm or deny the young sorcerer's words.

I took a deep breath, steadying myself before addressing them. "The reports are true," I began, my voice firm despite the exhaustion that still clung to me. "The battle between Sukuna and myself occurred as described. His power... it's unlike anything we've ever faced."

There was a murmur of concern among the council members, but I pressed on, recounting the events that had led me here. "The encounter began when I was tasked with investigating a village plagued by a curse, believed to be linked to Sukuna. It wasn't long before we met. The battle was fierce, and despite my best efforts, I was forced to flee to ensure that I could report back on his strength."