"I want to bring back the strongest sorcerer. And for that I need your curse technique" Megumi said.
"Be gone! My technique is not for such evil workings. I would not disgrace the name of our family" the lady spoke angrily.
"Evil you say. Don't you know or have you forgotten old hag that this technique of yours was the most used to kill people. Your family by profession were assassins. And do you know why you don't have a single patrons anymore?" Megumi spoke more and more aggressively "because we live in a peaceful era. But I can break this peace and bring a time where your crafts can thrive to the best. The poverty that you endure will be replaced by riches. So why don't we compromise."
The woman was taken aback but gave a no as an answer.
"So sad. I knew it would come to this. Sanso please hand me the souvenir" Megumi asked Sanso. Sanso from his bag pulled out a box and handed it to Megumi. He laid the box in front of the lady and opened the lid. Upon seeing the article inside, her eyes were wide open.
"Spirit candles, a very expensive article and indispensable in your craft. I got this box during one of my raids. I thought I would have gifted it to you in return for your assistance"
The woman was shocked. She stretched her hands to touch the candle but Megumi pulled the box towards him.
With a smile he said "Why don't we make a binding vow?"
"Alright I will lend you my assistance" she said hesitantly.
"No not you. I want your granddaughter" Megumi corrected her.
The woman vehemently refused.
"Well her talent will only get wasted trapped inside this shrine" Megumi said with contempt.
The old lady was stressed up. Megumi's words were true, yet to leave her daughter with such a dangerous person was not a good choice either.
"Alright, she will go with you. But I will add another condition to the binding vow" she said at last.
The girl was sitting at the wooden steps of the shrine. The door slid and three of them came out.
"You don't have to pack anything. You will get everything you need in the base. So let's get on the road" Megumi said to her.
"What is he saying Grandma? Am I to go with this man?"
"Exactly. This man has come with a mission and you have now become a part of it. There is a world much bigger than this shrine. To understand Jujutsu you must venture into the world of sorcery. I have taught you what you have to learn. Now don't be a burden on me and just go with him. I'm not listening to anything else. You three, leave at once or I will kick you out."
"You heard her" Sanso said mockingly.
With teary eyes and an angry face the girl left the shrine and ran after Megumi and Sanso.
'Please be safe. You are a talented but naive girl. That man might use you and at last throw you down the pit. To distrust people and yourself too, you must grow and see the world. So please God keep my granddaughter safe' the lady prayed with rolling tears.
[With this chapter the Preparation Arc completes. The next volume will contain the Revival Arc. Hope you all have been enjoying the story till now, and will look forward to future chapters]