Jujutsu Kaisen: Transmigrated As Satoru's Father

Chapter 9

Seijuro's breath hitched. 'Why now?' he thought.

Seijuro had always expected to cross paths with Toji Fushiguro eventually. As the current head of the Gojo clan, it was practically inevitable. The notorious sorcerer killer was infamous for targeting high-profile sorcerers, and Seijuro knew his position would paint a large target on his back. But this encounter was far too early—earlier than he'd prepared for.

His mind raced as he assessed the situation. Satoru was only seven years old, still developing his cursed techniques and far from the unbeatable powerhouse he would become. This alone put them at a significant disadvantage.

And then there was an even bigger problem: Megumi Fushiguro hadn't even been born. Without Megumi as leverage—the child Toji would one day care for and, in his own twisted way, protect—Seijuro had no way to use Toji's paternal bond as a bargaining chip. That meant he could exploit no emotional tether to sway Toji's hand or negotiate.

Toji was a mercenary, and everything about him screamed practicality. Without Megumi, Seijuro had nothing to offer to make the sorcerer killer reconsider his mission.

'Great... no chips, no Satoru at full power, and no prep. This is bad,' Seijuro thought, gritting his teeth as he kept Satoru behind him protectively.

He would have to rely on his wits and whatever power he could muster—whether cursed energy or otherwise—to deal with the deadly man before him.

"Satoru, get out of here and take the cat with you," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Also, get some help, would you? Quickly."

Satoru hesitated, clutching the kitten tighter in his small hands. "But Father—"

"No buts!" Seijuro cut him off sharply, though not unkindly. "Listen to me. You're not ready for this fight yet; I must protect you. I need you to be smart and do as I say."

Satoru hesitated momentarily, his young mind torn between his instinct to obey his father and his fear of leaving him behind. But the tone in Seijuro's voice made it clear—this wasn't a request. It was an order and one meant to protect him. Reluctantly, he nodded, taking a step back.

"I'll be back, Father," Satoru said, his voice trembling slightly.

Seijuro gave him a reassuring smile, though his focus never left Toji, who watched the exchange with mild amusement from the rooftop.

"I'll hold you to that," Seijuro replied. "Now go."

Satoru turned, clutching the kitten tightly as he sprinted away. His small figure disappeared into the shadows, heading back toward the Gojo compound for reinforcements.

Seijuro exhaled, his expression hardening as he turned his full attention back to Toji. 'Now it's just you and me, Toji.'

Seijuro kept his stance firm, his crimson eyes locked onto Toji's piercing green ones. "Toji Zenin," he said evenly, his tone calm but laced with underlying tension. "I wasn't expecting you to be here."

He was certain of the timeline—Toji hadn't met his future wife yet, and Megumi wasn't even a thought in his mind. This meant that the man before him was still fully immersed in his mercenary lifestyle, unbound by any familial ties that could be used to sway him. That made him even more dangerous.

Toji raised an eyebrow, a cocky grin spreading across his face. "Oh? The head of the Gojo clan knows about me? I'm honored," he said mockingly, his voice dripping with amusement.

Seijuro didn't flinch, his gaze unwavering. "Tell me," he continued, his tone sharper, "how much did your client pay you to assassinate me?"

Toji's grin widened, and he chuckled softly, the sound low and menacing. He crouched slightly, resting one arm on his knee as he sized Seijuro up, like a predator toying with its prey.