Chapter 12: Newborn Calves Are Not Afraid of Tigers
Over the next few days, the four human-shaped cursed corpses acted like sponges, absorbing knowledge about all aspects of the human world at a rapid pace.
Although they learned language at birth and understood some common sense, there was still a lot to learn. Tama taught them everything in detail, from basic living needs and using money to operating modern technology like phones and computers, as well as social norms and interpersonal interactions.
At the same time, she faithfully executed Gojo Satoru's instructions, carefully observing the unique characteristics of each cursed corpse to let them think about what kind of work they were better at or preferred to do.
Kaze showed strong drive, a protective nature, and a talent for dealing with people, always able to display just the right amount of warmth and care. On top of that, he made rapid progress when learning combat techniques, boasting the strongest combat power among the four.
Yuki lived up to his name—calm, detailed, and strong in logic. He showed extremely high sensitivity to computer data and map routes, able to quickly memorize complex information with a near-photographic memory.
Tsuki seemed lazy, often finding the most time-saving and effort-saving ways to do things, but he could always offer sharp, spot-on advice at critical moments. He seemed to have an intuitive grasp of human hearts, making him a born master of negotiation.
Hana, with her sweet and cute appearance and harmless aura, easily made people lower their guard. She had sharp observation skills, often noticing details ordinary people would miss, and was light on her feet, coming and going without a trace.
Tama reported these observations in detail to Gojo Satoru.
After listening, Gojo Satoru felt the situation was even better than he had expected.
Not only did Kaze, Hana, Yuki, and Tsuki possess complete self-awareness, but they also showed distinct differences in personality. Combined with their strong learning ability and absolute obedience to orders, it saved a lot of time in tailoring their education.
Gojo Satoru summoned the four cursed corpses again.
"How have you been feeling these past few days?"
The white-haired youth dressed in a kimono sat in the main seat, casually sipping his tea.
"Reporting to Lord Head, the human world is super interesting!" Kaze was the first to answer, his eyes sparkling.
"I have learned a lot of useful knowledge," Yuki said, keeping it short and sweet.
"Hmm... it would be even more perfect if there were a bit more rest time," Tsuki chimed in lazily.
"It's been very fulfilling! I will keep learning and live up to Lord Head's expectations!" Hana pumped her fist, full of energy.
Gojo Satoru smiled and set down his teacup: "Looks like you're all adapting well. In that case, it's time to assign you some basic 'homework'."
Under his planning, the four were given different directions for their training.
Kaze was to learn physical combat, firearms, driving, as well as reconnaissance and anti-reconnaissance techniques, becoming a well-rounded battle and guard expert capable of ensuring mission completion to the maximum extent in any environment—the most versatile "torso" of the team.
Yuki was to master hacking techniques, build an information network, handle intelligence gathering, and train his combat abilities as a sharp blade in the dark, eliminating enemies without a trace when necessary—the sharpest "eyes" of the team.
Tsuki was to specialize in intelligence analysis and strategic planning, extracting key clues from massive amounts of information, reading target behavior patterns and psychological weaknesses, and crafting thorough action plans behind the scenes—the smartest "brain" of the team.
Hana was to improve her social and speaking skills, master stealth, disguise, infiltration, and escape techniques, aiming to blend perfectly into any occasion, gain others' trust, or go under cover with an appropriate identity—the nimblest "limbs" of the team.
If the four could grow smoothly, reach the peak in their respective paths, and coordinate with each other perfectly, they would surely become an indispensable help in his hands.
Of course, if Tama were the only "teacher," even as an AI who never got tired, she wouldn't be able to handle it all.
Gojo Satoru had stayed in the organization for so many years after all, and just in New York alone, he held quite a few secret connections. Finding them a few professional coaches was a walk in the park.
When he had free time, he could also teach them himself.
The bodies of high-level cursed corpses could naturally be enhanced through cursed energy, gaining extraordinary strength, speed, and defense. With Gojo Satoru's massive cursed energy flowing inside them, the four naturally possessed potential far beyond ordinary people.
Therefore, besides basic physical training, they also needed fine-tuned cursed energy control training.
Once their control over cursed energy reached a certain level, Gojo Satoru would guide them to try developing "technique-like" special abilities—unique capabilities belonging solely to cursed corpses.
"Listen up—" Gojo Satoru walked closer to the four cursed corpses, looking around at them as he spoke: "Even though you won't get tired, won't age, and won't be troubled by sickness or death... now that you have your own emotions and wills, you must treat yourselves as real humans."
"It's a good thing to have goals you want to achieve, but if you charge ahead recklessly without care for anything else..." A pale blue light of cursed energy flickered on Gojo Satoru's fingertips: "Even the toughest cursed corpse body will break down under overexertion."
The four cursed corpses held their breath in unison, watching the jumping energy in the head's hand gradually condense into a ball of light, then disperse into nothingness the moment it bloomed.
"The path of training is long, so there's no need to rush for quick success. First learn to enjoy the feel of the sun, the touch of a cool breeze, the sweetness of snacks... these are the nutrients that will support you in going further."
"So, no rush, just enjoy life first."
Hearing this, the four were deeply touched.
It was crystal clear that Gojo Satoru didn't view them as cold tools, but genuinely cared for them.
This made the newborn cursed corpses even more determined in their loyalty.
"We understand, Lord Head!"
"Alright, go get busy." He waved his hand and reminded them: "Learning comes first, safety comes first. If you run into a situation you can't handle, contact me or Tama right away."
"Yes!"
Watching their energetic backs as they left, the corners of Gojo Satoru's mouth curved up slightly.
...
Peaceful days passed quickly. After handling the accumulated family affairs, the weekend arrived as scheduled.
Gojo Satoru set off once more, heading for the witch's castle deep in the northern forest of Ekoda.
This time, he went in his capacity as a "family tutor," preparing to give Koizumi Akako her lesson.
When he passed through the barrier again and stepped into the castle hall, he found Guren already waiting there with a warm smile, even having the butler bring over a spread of rich snacks for him. "Mr. Gojo, I noticed you quite enjoyed the desserts here last time, so I made some for you in advance." Guren blinked: "Rest assured, no strange ingredients were added this time."
"Though even if you added them, it wouldn't affect me anyway~"
After a brief chat with the grand magician and eating his fill out of "reluctant polite acceptance," Gojo Satoru was brought to a spacious training room where he met Koizumi Akako.
According to Guren, this was where Akako usually practiced her magic.
As if not wanting to disturb Gojo Satoru's teaching, Guren didn't say much more and took her leave.
However, Gojo Satoru knew very well that a mother could never be completely at ease leaving her daughter alone with a relatively unfamiliar adult male.
Certain magical items hidden in the room proved this point.
If he showed any signs of being a threat, Guren would definitely rush over immediately.
"Good afternoon, Little Akako."
Today, Akako wasn't wearing her noble girls' school uniform, but had changed into an elegant dark robe. Her long crimson hair was tied in a high ponytail, making her look quite sharp and capable.
Her right hand tightly gripped a delicate magic wand, looking as though she had just finished practicing a spell.
"You really arrived on time, Uncle Gojo."
Gojo Satoru's smile cracked slightly upon hearing that "Uncle," but quickly returned to normal.
"Looks like you're ready for class?"
"Not yet." Akako raised her chin, her wine-red eyes shining with eagerness to try: "If you want to be my teacher, then let me test your strength first."
"I want to know just how big the gap is between us."
Her thought process was simple—
If the "jujutsu" Gojo Satoru possessed wasn't as impressive as her magic, or wasn't that much stronger, then there was no point in her becoming his disciple.
Facing the young girl's challenge of a newborn calf not afraid of a tiger, Gojo Satoru didn't get angry at all, but found it rather cute instead.
He agreed generously: "Oh? Want to test your teacher's capabilities? Come at me with all you've got then~"
Seeing him agree, Akako said no more, waving her wand while chanting a spell.
"Servants of the red flame, awaken using my magic power as sustenance—'Flame Spirit Summoning'!"
A large ball of blazing fire appeared out of thin air, turning into scattered fireballs that launched toward Gojo Satoru.
Yet, Gojo Satoru didn't even shift his feet.
When the flames were still a foot away from him, the wild fire hit an invisible wall, coming to a quiet halt in midair without throwing off a single spark.
Akako's pupils shrank, but refusing to back down, she chanted several different spells and waved her wand again: "'Binding Vines'! 'Ring of Lightning'! 'Shocking Ripple'!"
Emerald magic vines sprouted from the ground, trying to entwine him; glowing lightning condensed into rings, attempting to bind him; waves of magic power surged like a tide, intending to disrupt him... all kinds of spells came one after another, colorful and grand in momentum.
Pity it was only grand on the surface.
All the attacks hit the invisible barrier around the white-haired youth and couldn't advance a single inch further. He still stood there completely at ease, without even the hem of his clothes fluttering, maintaining that relaxed and comfortable expression.
When it came down to it, Akako was still too young and weak right now.
For Gojo Satoru, simply turning on his passive technique was enough to block such weak attacks.
After a while, Akako stopped, panting slightly, fine drops of sweat forming on her smooth forehead.
Looking at the unhurt Gojo Satoru, she bit her lip and couldn't help asking: "Why... why do you only defend? Why don't you fight back?"
Hearing this, Gojo Satoru acted as if he'd heard a strange question, spreading his hands as a matter of course: "As a teacher, how could I attack a student who is trying her best in battle? I care a lot about young sprouts, you know."
Akako wrinkled her cute little nose, her face filled with refusal to accept it.
She felt Gojo Satoru's composed attitude was completely treating her like a kid, which annoyed her to no end.
"Even if you're an adult, don't look down on me!"
Her clear voice carried stubbornness. Hands gripping her wand tightly, the magic power around her surged violently, and the air temperature spiked instantly.
"Watch out, Uncle Gojo, this is the strongest magic I can use right now—"
"Unextinguishable flames that burn all things, turn into a crimson dragon that swallows everything for me—'Flame Dragon Purgatory'!"
Blazing fire several times larger than before erupted from the tip of her wand, condensing into a lifelike fire dragon that roared toward Gojo Satoru with its giant mouth wide open.
This magic was far beyond the previous small-scale attempts, truly carrying a hint of danger that could be felt.
Facing this fierce attack, Gojo Satoru finally stopped relying purely on defense.
"Nice spirit. But..."
With one hand in his pocket, he gently opened his other hand forward—
"Technique Reversal: 'Blue'."
In an instant, everything around seemed as if someone pressed rewind.
The fire dragon was grabbed by the neck by an invisible giant hand, forced to turn around, and all the scattering sparks contracted inward against the laws of physics. The originally expanding fire vortex turned into an inward-collapsing red storm, rushing back toward the caster at a speed faster than it came.
Facing the inferno rushing right at her face, Akako couldn't help widening her eyes.
Just when she thought she was about to be hit by her own magic, that red storm suddenly split into two blazing streams, accurately veering off course, and slammed hard into the side wall.
"BOOM—!"
The fire dragon exploded behind her, melting spiderweb-like scorch marks into the specially reinforced wall.
Koizumi Akako stood frozen on the spot, her heart still pounding wildly.
In that moment just now, she didn't even have time to set up a protective barrier. "What on earth was that move? Reflecting attacks?! And why was all my previous magic completely useless against him?"
Although she had expected that relying on herself alone would likely yield no results against Gojo Satoru, the current situation still went way beyond her imagination.
[Ding! Impression value from plot character Koizumi Akako increases by 800 points!]
Because releasing that magic just now almost drained Akako's magic power, she felt a bit weak and her brain started to feel dizzy.
Only after a good while did she regain her clarity.
At this moment, Gojo Satoru—who had teleported behind her back at some unknown point—was holding her magic wand, examining it with a face full of curiosity.
"The gem set on this is pretty fancy~ By the way, do you magicians have to mutter so many spells every time? Isn't the wind-up time way too long? That's super dangerous in real combat, you know."
Facing this terrible adult who stole her wand and kept muttering complaints, the crimson-haired girl's cheeks flushed red with anger. She tiptoed to snatch her weapon back, but stumbled slightly due to a lack of stamina.
"Gi-Give it back to me...! It's not what you think at all!"
While reaching out her hand, Akako still tried to defend the dignity of magic: "That's just because I haven't learned higher-level 'Silent Magic' yet! Once I work hard for a while longer, I'll definitely be way stronger than now!"
Just as the girl was about to blow her top, Gojo Satoru knew when to quit while he was ahead, dropping his teasing tone. Flipping his wrist, he gently placed the magic wand back into Akako's open palm.
"Alright, alright, giving it back to you~"
He wasn't stingy with his praise: "To master so many different elemental magics at such a young age and even combine them in use, you really are a little genius."
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