𝔄𝔫𝔞𝔪𝔫𝔢𝔰𝔦𝔰
𝕂𝕠𝕣𝕚
Chapter - 3:
The Kori clan had always been a cult posing as a clan. Operating in the deep shadows of the jujutsu world, their existence was known only to corrupt higher-ups and the members sworn to their secrets. They practiced various rituals forbidden in the jujutsu world. Prohibited because they were used entirely for self-interest, which included aiding others only in exchange for something greater. A deep sense of superiority permeated the clan; after all, they held knowledge that most of society remained blind to. In order for the rituals to work, the clan needed an heir capable of absorbing negative energy. It was a hereditary trait, and only through such an heir could the rest of the clan achieve the ability themselves. Most members possessed weak and unstable absorption. They could perform simple rituals, but the more significant ones remained entirely out of reach. Even basic rituals demanded grueling effort and constant practice. None could compare to Hina and her younger twin brother, Hikaru; The heirs of the Kori clan in the modern era.
Rituals were not the only thing their absorption could accomplish. Birth of local curses could be suppressed, though it was nowhere near enough to combat the overwhelming number of curses in the world. It barely made a dent. Still, their absorption possessed a secondary, involuntary effect: they acted as emotional sponges, inadvertently soaking up the misery of those nearby and leaving them with a hollow, fleeting sense of peace.
For Hina and Hikaru, the ability came naturally.
Yet the gift was far from a blessing.
It was forbidden for a reason, wreaking havoc on both the mind and the body. Unless one could utilize the Reversed Cursed Technique, the ability was essentially a slow poison— and even then, it was a harrowing power to possess. Although absorption came with a healing factor, it was like a dimming light fighting against the wind; a constant struggle to endure the filth. Clan members had to go through it too. The only reason they survived it at all was because of their heirs. Not only did they gain power through them, but they also relied on them like a renewable source, their own negative energy continuously drawn in by the heirs like a vacuum. Once the inheritors died, however, the clan would not lose their abilities immediately. Instead, the accumulated negative energy would slowly consume them from within.
Agonizingly.
*** The Kori clan is governed by a strict triumvirate: the Executor, the Advisor, and the Overseer to ensure everything remains in order. They genuinely believe they will rule jujutsu society one day. Hina harbors a deep resentment toward their objective. Well, it doesn't really matter what grandeur they promise when it strips you of your rights, or of the things that make you feel human, reducing you to a mere source for others' gain. She tries her best to keep her brother from falling into their twisted ways.
Even though she possessed the hereditary technique and traits, she was never considered a candidate for heirship, simply because she was a woman. Hikaru met enough of their requirements for them to eagerly shape him into the future face of the clan. There was only one problem: Hikaru was weaker. Being twins only made things worse. In jujutsu society, twins were considered a bad omen—two souls dividing what should have been one. As a result, neither could ever reach their full potential. Because of this, it was initially proposed that Hikaru be executed. Their mother was the one who begged endlessly for her child's life to be spared, pleading a case to compromise and use them both for different purposes: Hina would act as the official powerhouse and heir, while Hikaru would handle the clan's operations from the underground.
Even so, growing up Hina and Hikaru didn't receive much of their mother's love. Yet, not even for a second did Hina truly blame her. Their mother had been forced into this life at a young age, her own years sacrificed for children who couldn't even relieve her of her pain. Ungrateful children. Hina had thought many times, "well she's a human too right? Or...?"
No human deserved something so cruel.
Abuse was not always direct violence: sometimes it was being forced to harm others. It could be handled by both: a human and a weapon. The only difference is that a weapon could not confess the sins it had witnessed nor speak of the atrocities it had committed, willingly or not. Complaining was not an option. It was a curse.
So what did that make her mother? A weapon, or a human? The answer was not clear. She only knew her mother deserved better.
Being a human is much nicer, though. That way, feelings are not a weight you must carry. As someone's tool, however, you must face whatever nature they wield to defend themselves with. Their true selves.
*** Actually there's more I wanted to reveal about Hina and her clan. But I decided it's not something I wanna tell in one go. This chapter was also supposed to have a second part, but I could not finish writing it yet. I don't wanna rush it and try to write my best. Thank you for your patience!
