Chapter 23: The one who is against everyone
Night enveloped the place, a sanctuary hidden away from the city's lights, unseen to the naked eye. The temple exuded an ominous aura.
It was situated on a remote mountain ridge, surrounded by a dense forest that seemed impenetrable even under the moonlight. A narrow, moss-covered stone path led to massive gates with weathered wooden surfaces and intricate carvings depicting battles and spirits. The gates creaked as if alive, groaning with every movement as someone passed through.
The temple itself, shrouded in thick mist, appeared ancient and imposing. Its main building, constructed from dark wood, seemed steeped in centuries of history and mystery. The roof, covered with aged tiles, had curved edges adorned with depictions of dragons and sacred beasts. Tall pillars supporting the structure were etched with ancient inscriptions and symbols that seemed to exude darkness.
Inside the main hall, a dim glow filled the space. The faint light of oil lamps and scattered candles illuminated the expansive interior. Statues of Buddhist deities lined the walls, their surfaces dulled by time, yet still emanating reverence. At the heart of the hall stood a grand altar draped in dark fabrics and adorned with golden patterns. Ritual artifacts, offering bowls, amulets, and ancient scrolls lay upon it.
The silence of the night was broken only by the whispers of the wind slipping through the cracks in the walls and rustling dry leaves across the floor. From deep within the temple, a muffled sound echoed—perhaps the footsteps of someone unseen. The place felt alive, as if the surrounding nature and spirits listened to every movement.
Around the temple stretched auxiliary buildings, abandoned and crumbling. Their windows resembled hollow eye sockets, staring into the souls of those brave enough to approach. Occasionally, distant rustling could be heard, as though unseen eyes observed from the depths of the fog.
This dwelling perfectly reflected Suguru Geto's essence—a somber place brimming with loneliness, power, and enigma.
---
A woman ascended the narrow trail leading to the temple. Her figure was concealed under a long coat, and the moonlight occasionally pierced through the dense canopy of branches, revealing her calm, cold expression. This was Kenjaku, inhabiting Kaori Itadori's body. Her steps were steady but light, carrying the grace of a predator, emitting almost no sound.
The temple loomed before her, veiled in mist like an impregnable fortress. This place, hidden even from the most skilled sorcerers, seemed unreachable. Yet, she stood there, as though she had always known its location.
---
Inside the temple, Suguru Geto sat on the wooden floor, lazily watching a television show with Nanako and Mimiko. The girls sat on either side of him, commenting on the on-screen events, sometimes laughing or grumbling at the characters' actions. It was a rare moment of peace and relaxation in their tumultuous lives.
Suddenly, Geto's expression hardened. A faint, almost imperceptible pulse rippled through the temple. This presence was no ordinary visitor—it emanated from a powerful sorcerer who had somehow breached his sanctuary.
"Stay here," he said firmly but quietly to Nanako and Mimiko as he rose to his feet.
"Is something wrong?" Mimiko asked, her voice tinged with worry.
"A guest," Geto replied curtly.
Without waiting for further questions, he moved toward the entrance. His steps were measured and confident. Despite his calm exterior, Geto approached the situation with caution. The fact that this stranger had discovered the temple—a place even Satoru Gojo could not locate—was deeply unsettling.
---
Arriving at the massive gates, he stopped, remaining within the boundary. In the moonlight stood a woman. Her face seemed unfamiliar, yet there was something disturbingly familiar about her presence. She made no move, merely gazing at him with a faint smile.
---
Kenjaku's Perspective
Kenjaku studied Geto, observing his reaction. His tense but composed demeanor amused her. He carried himself with the dignity of someone in control, yet she saw the flicker of doubt in his eyes.
She knew he would be surprised by her arrival. This temple—his personal refuge, concealed by spells and cursed energy—was meant to be undiscoverable. Even Satoru Gojo himself wouldn't have been able to find it without guidance.
"He must be brimming with curiosity," she thought, suppressing a smirk.
Breaking the silence, Geto spoke:
"Who are you, and how did you find this place?"
Her voice was calm, carrying a hint of mockery:
"Does it matter? I'm here to talk."
His eyes narrowed, but he did not step forward. He could feel her power—an energy subtly distinct from any other sorcerer. Her aura was ominous, almost foreign.
"You've crossed a line," he said coldly. "This place is not for visitors."
Kenjaku tilted her head slightly, as if to dismiss his concern.
"Don't worry, Suguru. I didn't come to fight. I came with a proposal."
Geto remained silent but kept his distance, his senses sharp and on high alert.
---
Kenjaku smiled faintly, her voice smooth and almost friendly:
"I'm not here for conflict, Suguru. I'm offering collaboration. I believe we share a common goal."
Geto's posture remained rigid, his gaze sharp.
"And who are you?"
Kenjaku chuckled softly, as though the question entertained her.
"Let me introduce myself. I am Kenjaku," she gestured toward her body. "And as you might have guessed, this is not my body. Perhaps you've heard of me. My journey has spanned over a thousand years, during which I've seen much… and accomplished more."
Geto frowned. The name sounded vaguely familiar, but it was her confidence and power that unsettled him the most.
Kenjaku continued:
"You think this place is secret, don't you? Secure, impenetrable. But the truth is, there are no secrets. Not to someone who knows where to look. Just as there are no goals beyond reach… with the right plan."
She paused, letting her words sink in.
"Tell me, Suguru, what is it you're striving for? What is your plan?"
Geto clenched his fists, his voice cold:
"My goals are none of your concern."
He was no fool. Despite being one of the three special-grade sorcerers, Geto understood he was at a disadvantage. This stranger seemed to know everything about him, a thought that deeply unnerved him.
Kenjaku tilted her head, her smile carrying a hint of mockery.
"And that's the problem. You don't have a clear plan, do you? Only desires. Anger. A sense of righteousness… but that's not enough. You want to change the world, but you lack the tools and experience to do so."
Geto tensed but said nothing.
Kenjaku stepped closer, her voice lowering, becoming almost conspiratorial:
"I have lived for over a thousand years. I have witnessed the rise and fall of great sorcerers, empires, and eras. I have a plan, Suguru. A carefully crafted, multilayered plan. One capable of destroying our common enemy…"
"And who is that?" Geto challenged.
The corners of Kenjaku's lips curled into a predatory smile.
"Everyone," she said, savoring the word. "Everyone who stands in the way of our goal."
These words lingered in the air. Geto maintained his composure, but something inside him wavered
. Kenjaku saw it and relished the moment.
"Would you like to know how I plan to do it?" she whispered.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
MR_Ronin
MR_Ronin How do you address Kenjaku in Kaori Itadori's body? He or she?
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone