The Jujutsu World.United States.
On a scorching beach, the air was thick with youthful energy. Countless graceful figures played along the shore.
A tall man, bare-chested, lounged on a beach chair, peering through his sunglasses as he soaked in the unique flavor of summer.
"Yeah, a place like this is just perfect."
Jinsuke Zenin was choosing his next target.
No plain bodies. No broke women. If he was going to freeload, he'd pick only the best.
With his towering frame—over 190 cm—his flawless physique, and handsome face, he never missed when it came to sweet-talking his way into someone's wallet.
"Excellent aura, stunning looks, and that bracelet on her wrist is clearly worth a fortune. Definitely not hurting for money."
Having settled on a rich-looking foreign woman, Jinsuke prepared to get up and strike up a conversation—enough to cover his living expenses for the next few days.
But just then, a familiar figure blocked his view.
The woman flicked her long hair, struck a playful pose, and raised a pale hand near her sparkling eyes, flashing a peace sign.
"What type of woman do you like?" The blonde girl asked with a bright smile.
She wore a tight black crop top and teal jeans, radiating a bold, stylish charm.
Seeing her, Jinsuke slowly slid his sunglasses off, his gaze filled with weary resignation.
"I'm telling you, are you sure you didn't put a tracker on me?"
He knew this woman well— and had known her for years.
Yuki Tsukumo. Special Grade Sorcerer. She never accepted missions from the higher-ups, a free spirit who spent most of her time overseas.
Thinking about it, they'd known each other for four or five years now.
"Do I look like the kind of woman who puts trackers on people?"
Like she owned the place, Yuki grabbed the iced juice beside Jinsuke, took a huge sip, and sighed in bliss.
"Ahh—finally alive again! This heat is brutal."
Jinsuke was long used to her antics—numb to them, even.
"So, how exactly did you find me? I've only been in this city for a few days. Don't tell me it's just another coincidence."
One of the reasons he kept moving from city to city every few months was to avoid Yuki. But no matter where he went, this woman clung to him like a stubborn curse, always tracking him down. Hence his suspicion of a hidden tracker.
Yuki blinked playfully, her expression mischievous. "Of course it's not a coincidence. It's fate!"
"Don't you think we're destined to meet?"
She pressed her hands together and bowed deeply. "So, let me study your body again, please! This time, I'll definitely uncover your secret!"
Her eyes gleamed as she scanned Jinsuke's scarred body like it was a priceless treasure.
"...Hah."
Jinsuke sat up, a flicker of interest in his eyes. He knew exactly why Yuki was so obsessed with him.
The reason was simple: Heavenly Restriction.
He had lived in the Jujutsu world for over twenty years now. When he first learned he had been born into one of the Big Three Clans — the Zenin Clan — he had been proud. After all, that made him part of a prestigious lineage. Not only that, he was the elder brother of the infamous Toji Zenin.
With that background, he figured he had nothing to worry about. With the clan's resources, becoming a Grade 1 Sorcerer should've been a given.
But fate wasn't so kind.
As if the world wanted to toy with him, the moment he was born, Heavenly Restriction was imposed on him. His body contained not a single trace of cursed energy.
Still, he knew the trade-off well: in exchange for cursed energy, he had gained peerless physical ability, resistance to cursed techniques, and heightened senses.
He couldn't exorcise curses as a sorcerer, but in terms of raw strength, he surpassed most sorcerers. With cursed tools, even weaker special grade curses weren't beyond his reach.
He didn't mind lacking cursed energy. But…
He knew the Zenin Clan valued cursed techniques above all else. Disdain was inevitable — but their hostility toward him had far exceeded his expectations.
Having lived through the same scorn Toji once endured, Jinsuke finally understood why his younger brother had chosen the path of a Sorcerer Killer.
As for why he now lived abroad like Yuki—it was… complicated.
"Pay up."
Jinsuke extended his hand toward Yuki.
If she wanted to study his body, then she'd have to pay. He was short on cash anyway.
At his words, Yuki's face fell, her spirit instantly deflating.
"I don't have money."
"Seriously? Is money all you ever think about?"
Puffing her cheeks, Yuki pushed out her impressive chest and snapped, "Don't I have any charm for you at all?"
She couldn't understand why this man only ever talked about money. Didn't he realize she was broke? Out of the entire Jujutsu world, she was probably the poorest sorcerer alive.
Sure, she was a Special Grade. She could earn ridiculous sums if she accepted missions. But she despised the higher-ups, hated their ideology, and refused to take any of their jobs.
That was why the clothes she wore were just altered uniforms from Jujutsu High, customized into her own style.
Other than being broke, she was perfect! Gorgeous body, ridiculous strength, youthful energy, both charming and bold. Where could he find another woman like her?
"No money? Then scram. Don't get in the way of my freeloading."
Jinsuke lost interest instantly. Without money, how could he enjoy his soft life? He wasn't about to let anyone mooch off him.
"C'mon, we've known each other for years. Just this once — no charge, okay?"
When seduction failed, Yuki switched tactics, clinging to his arm with tearful puppy eyes.
"No."
Jinsuke shut her down coldly. Sigma male. Immune to cutesy tricks. His faith in freeloading was unshakable.
"I'll owe you! Put it on my tab!"
She wouldn't normally stoop so low, but to achieve her dream, she'd swallow her pride. One day, she swore, she'd wring every cent she'd lost to this bastard back out of him.
"That works. But double the price."
"You—!"
"What do you mean, you? Even loans have interest. Why wouldn't I charge extra for a tab?"
Jinsuke's tone was utterly matter-of-fact.
Yuki's face flushed red with outrage. She had never met a man so shameless.
"...Fine! I accept!" she snapped through clenched teeth.
So what? She'd take on a few missions if she had to. She was a Special Grade Sorcerer—she wouldn't be defeated by mere money.
"In that case, come with me."
Seeing her agree, Jinsuke finally allowed himself a satisfied smile.
But in Yuki's eyes, that smile looked nothing but sly—devious.