Chapter 40: Ch 39 - New Path
The moon hung low in the sky, casting silvery light across the sprawling villa Liam called home.
The air was cool, carrying the faint scent of pine and jasmine from the nearby gardens.
Liam and Toji walked up the long stone pathway leading to the front doors. Toji's gait was relaxed, hands tucked casually into his pockets, but his sharp eyes scanned the area out of habit.
"You've had quite the day, boss," Toji said, his voice low but tinged with a hint of amusement.
Liam chuckled, his hands in his coat pockets. "And you've been quite the performer, Toji. I'm impressed."
Toji smirked. "Yeah, well, we made a mess today. Those Time Vessel Association folks will retaliate if they get the chance."
"That's why they won't get one," Liam replied, his tone growing colder. "Tomorrow, I want you to hunt down every last member of their little cult. No exceptions. Make it clear that anyone who aligns with them will face the same fate."
Toji raised an eyebrow but nodded, his smirk fading. "Got it. But you should keep your head low for a while. You showed off too much today. Guys like Gojo don't forget."
Liam waved a hand dismissively as they reached the villa's entrance. "Let him stew in his confusion. I have bigger plans."
As the front doors swung open, the warm glow of the villa's interior spilled out.
Aiko stood in the foyer, her hands clasped in front of her apron. Despite her age, she radiated elegance and allure, her long dark hair tied back neatly.
Beside her stood her daughter, Akane, a vibrant young woman with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes.
Sakura, lounged casually on a nearby couch, flipping through a book but perking up at the sound of the door opening.
"Welcome back, young master," Aiko said with a slight bow, her voice gentle but firm.
"Brother!" Sakura called out, tossing her book aside and bounding over. "You're late. What kept you?"
Akane grinned, leaning against the staircase railing. "Yeah, spill. Did you have some grand adventure or what?"
Liam smiled, his usual calm and charismatic demeanor slipping back into place. "Just business as usual. A tough day, but nothing I couldn't handle."
Aiko frowned slightly, stepping closer. "You look tired, Master Liam. Are you sure everything is all right?"
He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I'm fine, Aiko. You worry too much."
"Only because you don't tell us anything," Sakura huffed, crossing her arms. "One of these days, we're going to follow you and see what you're really up to."
Liam chuckled, ruffling her hair. "And ruin all the fun? Never."
After a brief dinner and some lighthearted banter, Liam excused himself and headed to his study. The room was spacious yet cozy, lined with bookshelves and illuminated by the soft glow of a desk lamp.
He closed the door behind him, ensuring his privacy. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned Kamui's swirling portal, and from it emerged Rika Amanai.
The girl stumbled slightly as she stepped out, her wide eyes darting around the unfamiliar surroundings.
When her gaze landed on Liam, she froze, her body tensing.
"W-What do you want with me?" She stammered, her voice trembling. "Why did you bring me here?"
Liam leaned back against his desk, crossing his arms. "Relax, Rika. If I wanted to hurt you, I'd have done it already."
His casual tone did little to ease her nerves. "Then why did you take me? What's your plan?"
He smirked, tilting his head slightly. "You're awfully suspicious for someone who just got saved. Maybe I should've left you for the Time Vessel Association after all."
Rika's face paled, and she took a step back. "You're lying!"
Liam laughed, and the sound was light and teasing. "Am I? Maybe. Maybe not."
Seeing her expression, he raised a hand in mock surrender. "All right, all right. I'm kidding. Don't look so scared. You're safe here."
Rika's shoulders relaxed slightly, though her eyes remained wary. "Why did you save me?"
Liam's smirk faded, replaced by a more serious expression. "Because leaving you to die felt… boring."
She blinked, clearly taken aback. "Boring?"
He nodded. "Yeah. You see, I'm not like Satoru Gojo or Suguru Geto. They're tied down by their obligations to the Jujutsu Society. Even if they wanted to protect you, they couldn't. You'd have been killed eventually."
Rika frowned, processing his words. "But you… you're different?"
"Exactly," Liam said, pushing off the desk and taking a step closer. "I walk my own path. No one controls me. And right now, I've decided you deserve a chance to live your life on your terms."
Her eyes widened, a flicker of hope breaking through her fear. "You… mean that?"
"I do," Liam said, his tone softer now. "Starting next year, I'll send you abroad with a new identity. You'll study, make friends, and live a normal life. My sister Sakura and Akane will go with you. You'll be safe there."
Rika's eyes filled with tears, her hands trembling. "Why are you doing this for me?"
Liam smiled, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Because I can. And because someone like you doesn't deserve to be a pawn in their game."
The atmosphere in the study grew lighter as Rika began to relax. She wiped her eyes, a tentative smile forming on her lips.
"Thank you," She whispered.
"Don't thank me yet," Liam replied, his smirk returning. "I'm not exactly a saint, you know."
She laughed softly, a sound that was equal parts relief and disbelief. "I'll take my chances."
"Smart choice," Liam said, stepping back. "Now, get some rest. You've had a long day."
Rika nodded, and as she left the study, Liam leaned against his desk once more, his gaze thoughtful.
"I'll take care of the Jujutsu Society," He muttered to himself. "And when the time comes, hehe..."
Outside, the villa was quiet, the world seemingly at peace. But within its walls, plans were being set in motion—plans that would shake the foundations of the Jujutsu Society and redefine its future.
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