The Binding Vow of Lazarus

Chapter 17

Satoru’s mood darkened further as his grandfather's chide struck a nerve. “I’m not asking for your opinion, old man,” Satoru said, his voice icy, but still carrying that sarcastic edge he wielded so easily. “I’m asking for the ashes. Let’s skip the lecture on selfishness, yeah?” 

His grandfather’s eyes narrowed. “Do you even understand the consequences of what you’re doing?" He asked, "Changing the past isn’t something to be taken lightly. You might save your friends, but what else will you undo? Who else will you condemn?” 

Satoru scoffed, crossing his arms. “You’re acting like you didn’t already torture a child for this exact scenario. Why have a failsafe if you’re too scared to use it?" He snapped, "Or were you just planning to keep her locked up forever, you hypocrites?” 

The elder Gojo stayed silent, his jaw tightening. Satoru saw the hesitation and decided to drop the bombshell. 

“Look, let me make this simple. I’m not from 2005. I’m from 2018. I already lived this life, and I died. Sarah brought me back once already."

That got a reaction. His grandfather’s eyebrows shot up in genuine shock. “She… what?” 

“Yeah, surprise!” Satoru said with mock enthusiasm, throwing his arms wide. “I’ve already seen how this plays out. I know how this works, and I know what needs to change. And if you think for one second I’m going to sit here and play by your rules while you waste time, you’ve got another thing coming.” 

His grandfather straightened, regaining his composure. “Even so, I cannot allow you access to the ashes. They’re too dangerous to—” 

Satoru didn’t let him finish. In a flash, he slammed his grandfather against the wall, one hand gripping his neck tightly. The sudden movement knocked over a vase, shattering it on the floor. 

“I’m done asking nicely,” Satoru growled, his tone low and deadly. His usually lighthearted smirk was gone, replaced by a cold fury, “The only reason you’re still breathing right now is because I thought you might be useful. But if you want to keep testing me, I’ll happily rethink that decision.” 

His grandfather sputtered, his face turning red as he struggled to maintain his dignity. “You… you wouldn’t…” 

“Oh, I would,” Satoru said, his grip tightening slightly to emphasize his point. “And don’t think I won’t find the ashes without you. It’d just take me a little longer. But I’m offering you the chance to be helpful for once. So what’s it gonna be, old man? Your life, or the truth?” 

For a moment, his grandfather remained defiant, his pride keeping him silent. But when Satoru’s hand squeezed just a bit harder, he finally cracked. 

“They’re… they’re in the family grave,” he choked out. “Behind a secret wall.” 

Satoru’s grip loosened, and he stepped back, letting his grandfather crumple to the floor. “See? That wasn’t so hard,” Satoru said casually, brushing off his jacket like he hadn’t just threatened his own blood relative. “Thanks for the tip.” 

Without another word, he turned on his heel, leaving his grandfather gasping on the floor. 

His grandfather glared up at him, struggling to compose himself. “You’re a disgrace to this family,” he hissed between ragged breaths, his pride clearly still intact despite being manhandled by his grandson. 

Satoru chuckled without a glance back. “Yeah, yeah, put it on my tab,” he tossed over his shoulder. “You should just be glad I didn’t break your desk. Those things don’t come cheap, do they?”