Eclipsed Radiance

Chapter 1: The birth of Renji Kurogane



The sky tore open the night Renji Kurogane was born. Thunder rattled the mountains, and rain lashed against the windows of the Kurogane clan's ancestral home. Inside, the dimly lit room was heavy with tension, the flickering candlelight casting eerie shadows across the walls. His mother's cries of labor rose and fell, muffled by the relentless storm. Elders from the clan stood in silence, their faces pale, as if anticipating something far greater than the birth of a child.

"The heavens are restless," one of the midwives whispered, clutching a charm in trembling hands. "This child... he is different."

When the moment came, the world seemed to hold its breath. His first cry was not loud or piercing, but low and resonant, a sound that sent chills down the spines of everyone present. The midwives stepped back in unison, their hands trembling as they stared at the infant. His eyes were open—unusual for a newborn—and in them swirled an otherworldly pattern, like shattered glass reflecting infinite dimensions.

The head of the clan, Hiroshi Kurogane, stepped forward, his face lined with years of wisdom and worry. He knelt by the newborn, his gaze fixed on the boy's strange, luminous eyes. For a moment, he said nothing, his expression unreadable as he studied the patterns within the infant's gaze. The room grew colder as he began to speak.

"Eyes that perceive everything," he murmured, almost to himself. "A distortion in cursed energy, an unnatural equilibrium. The traits described in..." His voice trailed off as the realization dawned. Slowly, he rose to his feet, his expression a mixture of awe and trepidation. "The inverted Six Eyes."

Gasps rippled through the room. The elders exchanged uneasy glances, their faces pale. "But those were only myths," one of them whispered, shaking her head. "Stories told to frighten children."

Hiroshi's gaze remained fixed on the child. "Myths are born from truths long buried," he said gravely. "And tonight, we witness the unearthing of one."

For a brief moment, time itself seemed to stutter. The rain froze mid-air outside the window, droplets hanging like shards of glass in the sky. The flickering candlelight warped, stretching and bending unnaturally as if space itself refused to remain stable in the child's presence. One of the younger clan members stumbled back, clutching his chest. "This... this can't be natural," he stammered.

The boys' mother, pale and exhausted, reached out weakly to touch her child. Her fingers trembled as they brushed against his cheek, her expression a mixture of love and unease. "He's just a baby," she whispered, though her voice lacked conviction. After a moment, her gaze softened, and she whispered, "Renji... Renji Kurogane. That's his name."

"A baby born to restore balance," Hiroshi replied gravely. "And balance always comes with a price."

One of the elders, a woman with sharp eyes and a voice like cracking ice, stepped forward. "Satoru Gojo broke the world when he was born," she said. "Our clan has always believed in balance. But to wield such power in opposition... it is a burden no one should bear."

Hiroshi nodded, his gaze never leaving the child. "And yet, the burden is his to carry." He turned to the gathered clan members, his voice firm despite the storm. "From this day forward, Renji Kurogane is not just a member of our clan. He is the fulcrum upon which the scales of the jujutsu world may tip. Guide him well... or the balance we seek will become our undoing."

The rain resumed its descent, and the room seemed to exhale. But the weight of Renji's birth lingered, heavy and unrelenting. As the midwives swaddled the newborn, the storm outside began to subside, leaving only the soft patter of rain against the windows. Yet, within the hearts of those present, an uneasy silence remained.

Far away, Satoru Gojo stood within his domain expansion, Infinite Void. The swirling space of absolute knowledge and limitless comprehension surrounded him, trapping the cursed spirit he faced in the overwhelming flood of information. The spirit's shrieks were distant, almost muted, as Gojo casually observed its form breaking down under the pressure.

Then, he felt it.

A ripple—subtle at first, like a faint tremor in the vast ocean of cursed energy. But it grew stronger, resonating through his senses like an echo of something primordial. Gojo tilted his head, momentarily distracted. His domain remained stable, but his attention shifted entirely to the disturbance.

"That's not normal," he muttered, a faint smirk forming on his lips.

The cursed spirit disintegrated, the domain collapsing around them as Gojo allowed the technique to fade. The battlefield returned to the quiet night, the scent of charred earth lingering in the air. Gojo didn't seem to notice. His focus was elsewhere, his senses threading through the layers of energy stretching far beyond the horizon.

It wasn't just the strength of the spike—it was its nature. A raw, unrefined force that resonated like an inverse reflection of his own power. "Balance, huh?" he murmured, recalling the old prophecies and rumors about equilibrium in the jujutsu world. "So this is what it feels like when the scales try to even out."

His blindfold hid the gleam of intrigue in his eyes, but the faint grin on his lips betrayed his excitement. "Well now," he mused, turning his gaze to the distant mountains where the Kurogane clan resided. "Things just got a whole lot more interesting."

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Kenjaku sat motionless, the shadows of the room closing in around him as he pondered the unfolding situation. His hand hovered over the ancient scrolls and tomes scattered before him, their contents filled with strategies for world domination, the manipulation of cursed energy, and countless failed experiments. Yet now, none of them seemed to provide the answers he so desperately needed.

Renji—the boy with the inverted Six Eyes—was a problem. A powerful one. And as much as Kenjaku wanted to snuff him out before he could become a real threat, a seed of doubt had begun to take root in his mind. Killing the child, as he had done before with a Six Eyes baby, might not be the solution.

The memory of the first time the Six Eyes had resurfaced after his intervention played in his mind like a nightmare. He had thought himself clever when he killed that child—another potential Satoru Gojo, another force capable of disrupting his grand plans. But less than a month later, another child had been born with the Six Eyes. He had tried to eradicate the curse of the Six Eyes, but it seemed as though the world itself rejected that attempt, forcing it back into existence.

The realization had been bitter, like a taunt from fate itself. The Six Eyes were more than a simple anomaly to be controlled or destroyed. They were an inescapable force, a constant cycle that would reappear, no matter how many times he tried to stamp it out.

Could the same happen with Renji? If he killed the boy, would the world simply replace him with another? Another child born with the inverted Six Eyes, just as it had replaced the first? It was an unsettling thought. The idea of a never-ending cycle of Six Eyes children, always one step ahead of him, was something Kenjaku could not afford to entertain.

"There's a pattern here," he murmured to himself, the words almost lost in the dimness of the room. "The Six Eyes are a constant. A force that persists despite my interference."

His fingers traced the edge of a cursed artifact, its smooth surface cold to the touch. It was clear that killing Renji wouldn't be a permanent solution. The power of the Six Eyes, whether inverted or not, was tied to something far greater than any individual. It wasn't just about the child—it was about the curse itself, the balance it represented in the cursed energy flow of the world. And no matter how Kenjaku manipulated things, the Six Eyes would find a way to return.

Kenjaku's mind raced through his options. If he killed Renji, another child might simply emerge, and the cycle would continue. But if he allowed Renji to live, what would happen then? Could the boy, with his inverted Six Eyes, actually tip the balance in a way that would destroy everything Kenjaku had been working toward? Was Renji an ally or a foe? Did the boy even understand the true magnitude of his power?

A chill ran through Kenjaku's spine as he realized that for the first time in a long while, he felt uncertain. The one thing he had always believed in—control—seemed to be slipping from his grasp.

For now, Kenjaku knew one thing for certain: he could not afford to act rashly. Killing Renji would only ensure the continuation of the cycle, but allowing him to live would risk throwing his entire plan into chaos. He needed more time, more information. He would need to understand Renji better, to figure out whether the boy's power was truly a threat or if it could be bent to his will.

Kenjaku's lips curled into a dark smile. "No... killing him is too simple. Let's see what he can do, first. Let's see if he's truly the balance the world seeks or just another piece to move in my game."

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The Kurogane estate was quiet when Satoru Gojo arrived. The sprawling compound, nestled high in the mountains, was an impressive blend of traditional architecture and mysticism. Its thick walls and towering gates radiated with subtle layers of protective barriers—effective enough to deter most intruders, though little more than a formality to someone like Gojo.

He strolled through the front gate unannounced, his hands in his pockets and a disarming grin plastered across his face. A few clan members guarding the entrance tensed at his sudden appearance, their curses flaring instinctively.

"Relax, relax," Gojo said, waving a hand dismissively. "I'm not here to pick a fight. I just want to talk. Well, talk and maybe get a peek at your golden boy."

One of the elders stepped forward, their eyes narrowing. "You have no business here, Satoru Gojo. The Kurogane clan does not welcome outsiders."

"Aw, come on," Gojo replied, tilting his head. "You make it sound like I'm just any outsider. Don't you think someone like me deserves a VIP pass?"

Before the elder could respond, the sliding doors to the main hall opened, and Hiroshi Kurogane stepped out. His face was calm but stern, the years etched into his features lending him an air of authority. His gaze locked onto Gojo, and for a moment, the two men stood in silence, their opposing presences crackling in the air.

"Gojo," Hiroshi said evenly. "Why are you here?"

Gojo's grin widened. "Oh, you know, the usual. I heard whispers about a kid with some interesting eyes, and I just couldn't resist coming to check it out. You understand, right? It's not every day someone like me gets a rival. Or a counterpart. Or whatever you're calling him these days."

Hiroshi's expression darkened slightly, but he didn't rise to the bait. "The boy is not a spectacle."

"Of course not," Gojo said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "But I'd be a terrible teacher if I didn't at least come say hi. Who knows? Maybe we'll get along."

Hiroshi hesitated before finally nodding. "Very well. Follow me."

Inside the Kurogane estate, Renji sat cross-legged on a tatami mat, his violet eyes fixed on the rain-soaked garden outside. The faint hum of cursed energy lingered in the air around him, but his expression remained calm, detached.

When the doors slid open, his gaze shifted slightly, taking in his grandfather and the tall figure with snow-white hair and lightly tinted glasses standing beside him. Renji's sharp, violet gaze lingered on the stranger, an unspoken curiosity flickering in his otherwise stoic demeanor.

"Renji," Hiroshi said, his voice steady but weighted. "This is Satoru Gojo."

Renji rose to his feet, his movements deliberate and graceful. He inclined his head in acknowledgment. "I've heard of you."

"Only the good stuff, I hope," Gojo said, flashing a disarming grin as he stepped into the room. He crouched slightly, bringing himself to Renji's eye level, his glasses catching the light as they reflected the boy's unusual, swirling violet eyes. "So, you're the inverted Six Eyes everyone's been whispering about. Nice to meet you."

Renji's expression remained neutral, his gaze unwavering. "And you're the man who shifted the power dynamics of the jujutsu world."

Gojo chuckled, his grin widening. "Ah, I like the sound of that. Makes me sound important, doesn't it?" He leaned back on his heels, giving Renji a once-over. "Though I can't take all the credit. The world just wasn't ready for how awesome I am."

Renji blinked, unamused. "Your reputation precedes you."

"And so does yours," Gojo shot back, his voice light but carrying an undertone of curiosity. He tilted his head, studying Renji more closely, as though searching for something beneath the boy's composed exterior. "What's it like, having the whole world watch you, waiting to see what you'll do next?"

Renji's tone was calm, measured. "I could ask you the same thing."

Gojo laughed, a genuine, booming sound that seemed to shake the tension in the room. "Fair enough, kid. Fair enough."

The conversation between Gojo and Renji unfolded like a delicate dance, each testing the waters of the other's personality. As Gojo made his way toward the exit, his usual air of casual confidence followed him. Yet, something lingered in the atmosphere—an unspoken weight that Renji could no longer ignore.

"Wait."

Gojo paused, his hand resting on the doorframe. He glanced over his shoulder, his grin softening into something more curious. "What's up, kid?"

Renji stepped forward, his posture steady and composed, though the intensity in his violet eyes betrayed the magnitude of what he was about to say. "Train me."

The room seemed to hold its breath. Even Hiroshi, standing silently at the edge of the room, tensed slightly, his expression unreadable.

Gojo blinked, his grin widening into something bordering on amusement. "Train you? That's a big ask, you know. You've already got a whole clan full of people who probably lecture you daily."

Renji didn't flinch. "None of them understand. Not the way you do."

Gojo raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? And what is it that I supposedly understand?"

"What it feels like," Renji said, his voice calm but firm, "to have cursed energy warp the world around you. To carry something so profound that it changes how the universe itself reacts to your existence." He took another step forward, his violet eyes locking onto Gojo's with unwavering resolve. "You're the only one who knows what that's like."

For a moment, Gojo didn't respond. He studied Renji with an intensity that few ever saw, his usual playful demeanor giving way to something sharper, more thoughtful.

"Big words for a kid," Gojo finally said, though his tone lacked its usual teasing edge. "You sure about this? I don't do half-measures, and if you're asking me to train you, it's not going to be a walk in the park. Besides," he added with a smirk, "it might mean spending a lot of time listening to my jokes. You ready for that?"

Renji didn't hesitate. "If it means learning how to control this power—and understanding what it means to live with it—I'll do whatever it takes."

Gojo straightened, his smirk softening into a genuine smile. "Alright, kid. You've got guts, I'll give you that." He turned fully to face Renji, his hands slipping into his pockets. "But let me make one thing clear: I'm not here to make you a copy of me. Whatever this power is, it's yours. Your job is to figure out how to use it your way. Got it?"

Renji nodded. "Understood."

"Good." Gojo glanced at Hiroshi, who had remained silent throughout the exchange. "What do you think, old man? You okay with me stealing your star pupil for a bit?"

Hiroshi's gaze flicked between Renji and Gojo. After a long pause, he nodded slowly. "If Renji believes this is the path he must take, then I will not stand in his way."

Gojo's grin returned in full force. "Great! Then it's settled." He turned back to Renji, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Pack your bags, kid. Training starts tomorrow. I've got some things to handle so drop him off by my place at 7:00 tonight. I should be home by then."

As Gojo left the Kurogane estate, the grin on his face lingered longer than usual. There was something about Renji—something raw and unpolished, but brimming with potential. For the first time in a long while, Gojo felt a spark of genuine excitement about what the future might hold.

Meanwhile, Renji watched him go, the weight of his decision settling in his chest. He didn't know what lay ahead, but one thing was certain: his journey with Gojo would change him in ways he couldn't yet imagine.

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A/N: Hi everyone, welcome to my second fanfic. I've been thinking about this for a while now. I have everything up till season 2 already planned out. Soooooo, while you guys are reading these chapters, I'll be working on season 2. I really wanted to see how the story of Jujutsu Kaisen would change if there were "two Gojos". And here we are! I hope you guys will like this. Sorry though, the chapters are kind of long....

But yeah, I hope you liked this. As for Renji's technique. I'm writing a character profile chapter and will release it soon. I'll also explain his inverted six eyes. For now, Renji can teleport, control gravity. That includes both attractive and repulsive forces as well as making things float or crushing things with gravity. He can make singularities, little black holes and big ones too. Later on, he gets a domain too, but for now this is all he can do. While these techniques are powerful, after he awakens, they get even more powerful. 

I won't be working on season 2 for now so. It won't get in the way of my quintuplet fanfic. Chapters will come out every Sunday, except for today obviously.


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