I've released all my stacked chapters already, and I've been away from home and my PC for two days now. I wrote this latest chapter on my phone, and it was extremely difficult. I won't be back home for another week, so I can't promise any new chapters this week—or the same level of quality. Thanks for understanding.
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My technique's name is Threads of Seraphic Judgment," she said calmly.
Naoya raised an eyebrow, fingers stroking his chin in exaggerated mock-thought. "Threads of Seraphic Judgment?. Never heard of it. Sounds like something a cult would print on a trading card."
He leaned forward slightly. "Explain it."
Makima didn't particularly enjoy the idea of exposing her technique. But strength meant leverage. And her father—irritating as he was—could give her power.
So she spoke.
"My technique allows me to manifest tangible cursed chains from my body. They usually emerge from my back, wrists, or my shadow. I can use them to bind, drag, suspend, or restrain targets—or objects."
She paused, eyes narrowing.
"Each chain has a unique cursed seal engraved into its links. These seals dictate the chain's function. I choose which one to manifest depending on intent."
Naoya didn't blink. "Go on."
Makima nodded once.
"Modular Chain Types. I can swap between them mid-combat."
---
1. Binding Chain – Prioritizes pure restraint. The more a target struggles, the tighter it coils. Resistance only strengthens the bind.
2. Weight Chain – Manipulates gravity. It increases pressure on a specific limb or area. One is annoying. Multiple makes dodging physically impossible.
3. Phantom Chain – It's tangible, but nearly invisible in combat. Ideal for stealth applications or deception.
---
Naoya stared at her in complete silence for a few long seconds.
"…can you use everything you just said now?" he finally asked, voice flat.
Makima didn't flinch. "I can only use the first type of chains. For now."
Naoya snorted. "That's probably because you're weak." He rolled his shoulders. "Use it on me."
She nodded once and slowly raised her hand, palm open.
From her shadow, a golden chain erupted—whipping forward like a serpent aimed at his chest.
Naoya casually sidestepped, his body blurring slightly. The chain snapped past where he'd just been.
"Huh," he muttered, watching it stop abruptly mid-air. "Fifteen meters. That's your max range?"
The golden chain writhed in place, unable to push past an invisible threshold.
Naoya reached out and grabbed it between his fingers. His eyes narrowed. "It's real. Not an illusion. And it's cursed—solid cursed energy construction."
Then two more chains lashed out from her shadow.
Makima stepped forward silently, golden threads coiling behind her like divine weapons.
Naoya didn't move.
"These chains aren't teleporting," he observed. "They've got real weight and momentum." He let them wrap around him, one after another.
Three of them bound him in place.
Makima's expression remained unreadable. In truth, she'd lied.
There weren't just 3 chain types.
There were four.
The Control Chain.
The most dangerous one. When wrapped around a target long enough, it allowed Makima to issue verbal commands. The longer the binding lasted, the more absolute the control became.
And right now… Naoya Zenin was bound by three of them.
Naoya raised a brow. "Well?" he said, amused. "Why aren't your chains doing anything? Too weak to handle me?"
Makima didn't answer.
Instead, she gave a single command, voice soft but clear:
"Bark for me."
The result was instant—and catastrophic.
CRACK.
All three chains shattered like glass.
Makima doubled over, blood spilling from her mouth as a powerful internal backlash ripped through her body. Her knees buckled, her breath caught in her throat. Her vision blurred.
Naoya didn't move. Not an inch. His expression didn't change.
"…You little rat," he said quietly. "You tried to command me?"
Makima wiped the blood from her lips with the back of her sleeve. Her breathing was ragged, but steady.
"It was… a test."
Naoya chuckled—cold and condescending.
"A test, huh?" He crouched slightly, meeting her eye. "You didn't tell me everything about your technique, did you? Those chains felt… odd. I like that. Means you're not stupid."
He stood, brushing imaginary dust off his shoulder like her attack had been more inconvenient than dangerous.
"Your technique's not broken. But it's not weak either. You've got some nasty utility. Not offensive, but clever. Strategic. You'll need brains to make it lethal."
He gave her a once-over.
"But unless you evolve it, it's not special grade material."
Makima looked up at him, blood drying at the corner of her mouth, eyes glassy but unblinking.
"Papa… how do I make my technique stronger?"
Naoya smirked.
"Binding vows."
Makima tilted her head, eyes narrowing slightly.
"…I don't know what binding vows are."
Naoya sighed and rolled his eyes, turning away to crack his knuckles.
"Tch. Of course you don't."
He flicked a finger over his shoulder.
"A Binding Vow is a deal you make—with yourself or someone else. You impose a restriction on your cursed technique… and in return, it gets stronger."
He raised a finger, pacing slightly.
"The tighter the restriction, the greater the boost. Risk equals reward. That's the rule."
He pointed at her without looking.
"Your chains cap at fifteen meters? Make a vow. Something like: 'I'll never use them for defense,' or 'They only activate when I speak a command.' That kind of limit will force your cursed energy to compensate. More power. More range. More precision."
Makima nodded slowly.
"Is that so? So… what Binding Vow would you recommend for me, Papa?"
Naoya gave a small smirk, pretending to think.
"Hmm… for you?"
He glanced back at her, then shrugged.
"I'll think of something good. I'll tell you when it matters."
Right then, his phone buzzed.
Makima's question came at the same time, voice soft and curious:
"Papa… I've wanted to ask you since that day. Do humans have the ability to regenerate? If not… how did you do it yourself?"
Naoya didn't answer immediately. His eyes flicked to the phone as a voice on the other end spoke:
"The game is ready to be released, Naoya-sama."
He ended the call without replying, slipping the device back into his pocket.
Then he looked down at her, smiling faintly.
"You'll know everything soon… about Jujutsu and about this world"