The Binding Vow of Lazarus

Chapter 2

He took a small bite of the rice, the taste bland and unsatisfying despite the quality. Every motion felt mechanical, like he was going through the motions of a ritual that no longer held any meaning for him. The silence at the table was thick, the occasional clink of chopsticks against porcelain the only sound.

His father cleared his throat, drawing Satoru's attention. "Satoru, your training session with the elders has been scheduled for this afternoon," he said, "They're eager to see how you've progressed."

Satoru nodded despite the idea of resuming his training under the watchful eyes of the elders filling him with a sense of agitation. It wasn't just about honing his skills-it was about proving himself, living up to the impossible standards they had set for him since birth.

"I see," he replied, keeping his tone even, "I'll be ready."

His mother added softly, "And your studies... We've arranged for the tutors to come later this evening. We don't want you to fall behind."

Behind. The word echoed in his mind, a reminder that no matter how strong he became, it was never enough for them. There was always more to learn, more to achieve, more to perfect. It was exhausting, suffocating, and now that he had lived through a life of fighting and loss, it seemed even more meaningless than the first time.

As he continued to pick at his breakfast, Satoru's thoughts drifted back to the amulet hidden beneath his yukata and resting within his sleeve. The warmth it had given him earlier was still there and it was a quiet reassurance amidst the coldness of his surroundings. Whatever had brought him back, whatever power that woman had tapped into, it had given him a chance-the chance to change things and make sure they didn't end so terribly.

But that chance came with challenges. The Gojo clan was a powerful force and he was their prized weapon. He couldn't afford to reveal too much too soon. He needed to play along, at least for now, while he figured out his next move.

His gaze flickered over to his grandfather who was still watching him intently. The old man had always been a master of reading people, of understanding their motivations and desires. Satoru knew he couldn't afford to let his guard down, not even for a moment.

He forced a smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Thank you for arranging everything," he said with a polite bow, "I appreciate it."

The three of them were taken aback at his sudden politeness. His father nodded approvingly, clearly satisfied with his response. "It's important that you remain focused, Satoru," he said proudly, "The future of the clan rests on your shoulders."

As if he needed the reminder.

The rest of the meal passed in a blur of polite conversation and stiff formalities. Satoru played his part, responding when necessary, but his mind was elsewhere and focused on the path that lay ahead. He knew what he had to do-he had to find out what "going back" truly meant and how he could use this second chance to change the course of his life and the lives of those he cared about.

When the meal was finally over and the attendants began clearing the table, Satoru rose to his feet with his mind already turning to the challenges he would face in the hours and days to come. He had a mission and a purpose that went beyond the Gojo clan's expectations and he wasn't going to let anything stand in his way.

As he left the dining room, the weight of the past and future settled heavily on his shoulders. But amidst that weight, there was a spark of determination. He had been given a second chance, and he intended to use it to its fullest.

No matter what it took.

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Satoru's pulse quickened as he approached the family's main meeting room, the heavy wooden doors looming ahead. This was where the real discussions happened and the decisions that shaped the future of the Gojo clan. He'd been here countless times before, but today felt different-more significant.