Cursed Tools
Cursed tools are weapons and support objects used by jujutsu sorcerers, deliberately imbued with a curse.
Unlike cursed objects, which contain a curse within themselves, cursed tools are weapons infused with cursed energy.
Because of this, even non-sorcerers can use them to fight cursed spirits.
It should also be noted that conventional weapons, such as katanas, can gradually become semi-cursed tools over time if their user constantly infuses them with cursed energy.
However, newly acquired weapons that are simply reinforced with cursed energy are not considered cursed tools.
They need time to become one, thanks to the cursed energy of their user.
Like sorcerers and cursed spirits, cursed tools are ranked from Grade 4 to Grade 1, as well as Special Grade.
The higher the grade, the greater — and sometimes outright unfair — the advantage granted to the user in a jujutsu battle.
High-level cursed tools also possess more advanced cursed techniques. Every Special Grade cursed tool Jin could remember was imbued with a cursed technique.
Although their grade was not officially confirmed, the Black Rope and the Slaughter Sword of Makora possessed effects equivalent to those of Special Grade cursed tools.
"Powerful cursed tools are extremely valuable to the Twilight Guild, but also dangerous in a certain way," Jin muttered as he observed a pair of black combat gauntlets.
(Image)
Some cursed tools can be used by non-sorcerers, allowing them to injure or kill without being immediately bound by conventional laws.
There was also the risk that certain members of the Twilight Guild might develop dangerous ambitions upon possessing such artifacts.
Especially since Jin also recalled that the value of a high-grade cursed tool could reach up to one hundred million yen.
An amount of money close to 700,000 dollars, according to the current exchange rate.
Even Jin would have to think twice before spending such a sum — something that might not have been the case for a man like Toni.
Jin had no proof. However, he suspected that his unemployed friend had obtained all his equipment from the Zenin clan at the time of his desertion.
"Splendid!! You've created another masterpiece," Juzo declared, looking at the cursed tool Jin was holding in his arms.
Hearing his assistant's compliment, Jin gave a faint smile of satisfaction.
Over the past several weeks, Jin hadn't produced any notable works.
So this gauntlet was a pleasant surprise for a man seeking relaxation in his workshop.
"Hm… thank you, Juzo. However, you shouldn't be hanging around here doing nothing. We have a huge demand to fulfill," Jin replied while wiping the sweat from his face with the towel the bald man handed him.
The demand Jin mentioned came from an idea that Charl Choi had recently implemented within the Twilight Guild: the sale of cursed tools.
Charl Choi's idea was simple on the surface, but held unexpected complexity.
He wanted to transform Jin's guild into a necessary evil for the upper echelons of the jujutsu world, because in the long run, the identity of a clandestine organization would be detrimental.
That was why he aimed to make the organization vital in one way or another.
Like a poison that could keep another poison under control.
'The idea of selling cursed tools is extremely profitable for the guild, but it's not without risks either,' Jin thought as he stored the two combat gauntlets among the items meant to remain in the guild.
The dragon princess in *Game of Thrones* had bought many slaves under various lies before using them to destroy the slave trader.
Thus, Jin refused to sell high-grade cursed tools.
He didn't want to create an uncontrollable weapon.
"Problem?" Jin asked the curse user standing motionless beside him.
Juzo's inaction made him frown.
The gesture was simple, but the curse master understood that his master was losing patience.
He had to speak, and quickly.
"N-No… far be it from me to be rude or avoid my duties at the forge. However, Charl wanted to report Nayuta's disappearance," he replied in a slightly hurried tone.
Jin let out an exhausted sigh upon hearing that Nayuta had disappeared again.
He was somewhat used to it now.
"I remember that her babysitter and childhood friend can no longer handle her personality," he thought while massaging his neck.
Jin already knew that being a father wouldn't be easy. However, he had always tried his best for his daughter and Yuji.
But… he had underestimated the task.
"Whatever. Uh… is this a message from Toji?" he muttered under his breath as he recognized the nickname he had saved for Toji in his contacts.
The message was from two or three days ago, but Jin hadn't paid any attention to it.
He had been too focused on manipulating steel in the forge, as well as the incantations and sorcery required to create high-quality cursed tools.
"Good old Toji, I told you to be more selfish with yourself. That's no reason to start thinking about another woman, hehe," Jin teased as he read Toji's comments about a single mother at Megumi's daycare.
Unfortunately, his good mood quickly turned into a frown when he read the last part of the message.
[ I heard you've become active again. Gong also informed me that your favorite mask has resurfaced.
Hahaha, that's good news since I've started working again too.
However, you're being a bit greedy by accepting all those job offers with your organization and still keeping the one from the Astral Cult. Can't you share a little? My wife is going to kill me if I don't pay this month's bills. ]
Jin had never heard of any agreement between his guild and the Astral Cult. Especially since he hadn't resumed his curse user activities for a while.
On the other hand, the face of a pouting girl came to mind at the mention of the Vanir mask's reappearance.
"Is that why she wanted it so badly?" Jin muttered as he quickly replied to Toji.
He no longer had time to waste, because his daughter was potentially in danger.
"Toji, are you capable of killing someone before me? The loser owes the other a favor," he wrote quickly.
At the moment, it was a bit of a pipe dream to hope he could arrive in time to stop Nayuta from doing something stupid.
That was why Jin bet on Toji.
[ You've gotten way too cocky, haven't you? Who do you want me to kill? ] Toji asked after a short moment.
Jin's reply was swift:
"Gojo Satoru"
***
Author's Note: At 80 stones, I'll post the continuation immediately!!
So vote!!
Small note:I'm relieved to be on vacation because now I can post a lot more chapters.