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Ema @risingstar_fish
WHAT!!? Who was going to tell me that Gojo and Sukuna are going to be competing on Head to Head??? #headtohead #GojoSatoru #Sukuna
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Gou (STREAM INFINITY) @gojosleftpinkie
I didn’t even think Sukuna was relevant enough to be on a show like that
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Kane @homemadejorts
Another gojo stan mad that Sukuna will no diff him
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Gou (STREAM INFINITY) @gojosleftpinkie
LMAO if you think Sukuna can actually compete with Gojo ur delusional get help
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Teru @goatkuna
Typical gojo dick rider behavior if Sukuna loses its only because the show was rigged from the start
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Kyoka @daddyshome
Already coping because you know your fav is going to lose to our glorious king Gojo? Makes sense, Sukuna is some edgy wannabe who clearly has issues and tour the weirs one for liking him haven’t up seen all the problematic shit he said
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Teru @goatkuna
Gojo’s not going to fuck you
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The whistling of the kettle on the stove broke Yuuji from his doom scrolling, which was definitely a good thing, he’s pretty sure that next tweet was that person’s address. Yuuji closed out of the app and set his phone on the sleek marble counter next to the stove. Twisting the knob that controls the electric heat down, Yuuji grabs the kettle pouring the boiling water into an awaiting cup of noddles that looked so out of place in his brother Sukuna’s fancy state of the art kitchen it was funny. The kettle was set back on the burner to keep the remaining water warm.
Yuuji carefully transported the cup of noodles to the glass coffee table in the living room before jumping back into a luxurious black leather couch across from it. Yuuji switches on the flat screen tv for some background noise (high quality background noise at that, with Sukuna’s impressive collection of speakers all around the apartment to provide surround sound). Belatedly remembering he left his phone in the kitchen he pads across expensive hardwood floors to retrieve the device and set a timer for his noodles.
He collapses back into the plush give of leather with a sigh. He thinks about scrolling on twitter some more to kill the time but pushes that thought away he’s had enough of people arguing on the internet for one evening. Yuuji liked to stay up to date with what people were saying about his brother but most of the time it devolved into senseless fighting and eventual doxxing.
Yuuji curls further into couch, mindlessly taking in the apartment his brother owned, it’s been months since he moved in and he still wasn’t used to it. The apartment has a modern design, sharp edges and sleek furniture everywhere. There’s minimal decor except for a garish bull skull by the front entrance and a handful of abstract but brutal looking paintings lining the walls. Yuuji was sure it was only there to intimidate guests, not that Sukuna had any.
With an attitude like his, Yuuji’s surprised the man has friends let alone a following of fans. But his older brother was irritatingly talented. The music he left their childhood home in Sendai to make all those years ago was popular enough to pay off all of their grandfathers medical bills and subsequent funeral expenses.Their grandfather had passed away only a few months ago. Yuuji still couldn’t believe it sometimes.
Sukuna had moved out a couple years prior to their grandfather being hospitalized so Yuuji was left alone to watch over the house and care for their ailing grandfather. By the time he needed to be admitted Sukuna was a fully fledged musician and didn’t have time for either his younger brother or grandfather. As far as Yuuji knew Sukuna never once went to see the old man before he passed.
Wasuke and Sukuna never got along, the two would constantly get into shouting matches over Sukuna’s choice of career. It didn’t help that the kind of music Sukuna gravitated towards was filled with face melting vocals and riffs so erratic it rattled your bones. Wasuke often criticized Sukuna for the type of music he played. Trying to live off any kind of music was bad enough to the old man but Sukuna’s particular sound was especially egregious to him. Sukuna wouldn’t back down and kept working on his songs, practicing full volume anytime day or night. Which of course only led to more arguments.
It got so bad that as soon as Sukuna turned eighteen he moved out and dropped all contact with the older man. That last argument the two had before Sukuna walked out of their lives was vicious, Yuuji didn’t like thinking about that night.
Once Sukuna moved out he dove head first into cultivating his music career. Sukuna was never known to do anything in halves, he pursued making music with the intensity of a prowling tiger stalking its prey. The man already had his hands in a couple venues, having worked events when living with his grandfather. Those connections were able to land him gigs performing to crowds larger than any up and comer had the right to. But Sukuna has an undeniable magnetism about him and once he was on stage the roaring tones of his electric guitar could not be denied.
Most of Sukuna’s initial rise to fame Yuuji learned from obscure heavy metal forums online and keeping a constant eye for any mention of his brother’s name on social media. Any lick of new information about Sukuna was quickly devoured by his young brother and most supportive fan. Yuuji was twelve and desperate for any news on his amazing older brother at the time. He was so proud of his Suku-nii for pursuing his dreams but sometimes the boy wished he never left at all.
He had missed his brother, the two didn’t get many opportunities to be close as children. When Yuuji was old enough to comprehend things Sukuna had started middle school and took up playing guitar, he didn’t have the time or interest in entertaining his much younger brother. That wasn’t to say the two didn’t have their moments, Yuuji fondly remembers times when Sukuna would humor him and would learn anime songs for him. Yuuji would chase him around the house relentlessly demanding he play the opening to whatever anime he was watching at the time squealing in delight whenever Sukuna would relent.
His brother was so passionate about music, his usually stoic older brother came alive when his music was involved. Yuuji doesn’t remember when Sukuna took up the guitar but he viscerally remembers that Sukuna would play so much his fingers would bleed, guitar strings stained red with how much he would practice. He flushes as he recalls wrapping his brother’s fingers in his coveted Pokémon bandaids and kissing the injuries better. Anytime of day he could press his ear to the shared wall between their bedrooms and listen to Sukuna practice on his guitar for hours. Yuuji spent a majority of his time pressed to the wall softly singing along to songs he recognized or letting the muted melodies lull him to sleep at night.
Those few years when his older brother still had time for Yuuji were very precious memories. But then Sukuna grew up and left them behind. Yuuji knew it wasn’t entirely his brother’s fault but it was still hard to accept. The next time Yuuji saw his brother after the night he left was three years later at their grandfathers funeral.
It was then that Sukuna told Yuuji he was moving to Tokyo to pursue his career as a full time artist. Hearing that was like a knife being plunged directly into his heart. When Sukuna had left their home he was still living in Sendai, Yuuji felt comforted knowing his brother was near, but now he was moving on such short notice. Yuuji had just lost his grandfather the only parental figure he knew, and then Sukuna was leaving him too?
He had been living alone for the past year since their grandfather was hospitalized, and he didn’t like it. The house was too big and too empty, but he told himself it was just for the meantime and he visited Wasuke constantly, much to the chagrin of the old man. But now no one was coming home and his only remaining family member wanted to move hours away from him.
He begged Sukuna to let him move to Tokyo with him, he didn’t want to be left behind. Yuuji bit back tears as he plead to his brother, trying not to cry, Wasuke’s voice ringing in his head to ‘toughen up’ but he couldn’t help it. Yuuji recalls how his eyes stung and tears flowed down his cheeks as he clung to the sturdy form of his older brother in front of him. He remembers being pulled even closer into Sukuna’s strong chest as he cried. A calloused hand finding its way into familiar pink locks, petting the curls gently. He pressed his face into the soft material of Sukuna’s worn patch covered bomber jacket to muffle his sobs. He had never cried that hard in his fourteen years of life.
It was only when all of his tears dried up did Sukuna agree to letting Yuuji move in with him. He could have jumped for joy with have relieved he was, but soon found out moving to Tokyo would not solve all of his problems.
Winter was just coming to a close when the two had uprooted their lives and settled down in the city. The lingering chilling bite in the air seemed harsher when it was ripping through the towering skyscrapers of Tokyo. Spring, however, was right around the corner and Yuuji wished that the start of spring would signify the start of a new relationship for the two brothers.
Yuuji had been so excited to live with his brother again for the first time in years. The condo the two moved into was fully furnished and reflected Sukuna perfectly, his manager having bought the place in advance and getting ready for Sukuna’s arrival. But in the months since they moved into their new and expensive apartment Yuuji has only seen his brother a handful of times. The other was either working in his studio, on tour, or spending the night at his managers house. It didn’t seem to matter that Yuuji moved to Tokyo with his brother, nothing changed he was still alone.
A shrill alarm from his phone jerked him from his depressing thoughts. His cup noodles were ready.
Thankful for the distraction, he eagerly grabs his noodles from the table, ripping the paper lid from the package and inhaling the salty goodness that was instant ramen. He slurped at the noodles gleefully and cast his attention to whatever was on TV.
It was the tail end of an absurd ad for a gum, Yuuji looked around the couch for the remote so he could switch it to a channel that was hopefully playing reruns of a drama he’s been meaning to watch. His search was cut short by a familiar lick of Sukuna’s beloved Schecter C-1 guitar.
Yuuji’s head jerked to the TV so fast he was worried he was going to get whiplash. But those fears were pushes to the side as Sukuna, his older brother, the man who left their family three years ago to pursue a music career, was on TV? And not some random indie music channel that only broadcasted late at night, but prime time television?
Yuuji’s eyes were glued to the screen as segments of Sukuna’s concerts were shown interspersed with different footage of Sukuna posing with his guitar, or him smirking wickedly at the camera. Before he could fully process the information a VS. title card appeared on screen and the image shifted.
A medley of complex sound crash through the speakers accompanied by a sinfully dulcet voice reverberating through the apartment. His skin prickled at the noise.
On screen a man dressed in all black was poised in front of the camera, an arm casual rested on his hip head jerking up in an assured smug fashion. A shock of white hair artfully styled to peak out from the confines of a sleek black blindfold wrapped around his face. Even with half of his face covered the man’s whole aura exuded confidence.
The scene switched to a professional recording of a sold out venue that man from before on center stage. A large artful backdrop reading the name Gojo Satoru. The camera switched to a closer view of the man, large hands flying across the fret of his beautiful and expensive looking guitar. A close up of his face still covered in a blindfold angled down, wisps of snowy white hair gently caressing the peak of his angular cheek bones.
The cameras are so high quality that they were able to capture the bead of sweat that trailed down the plains of his face. following the sharp cut of the man’s jaw. Past his glossed lips, pressed into a firm line of concentration, and finally dripping off his angular chin as the man nodded along to the fast pace of the guitar he was playing.
Wasn’t this portion lasting way longer than Sukuna’s segment, he wondered in a slight daze? With that thought another title card popped on screen as an excitable voice read out. “Japan’s most beloved competition show is back and it’s bigger than ever. Two artists will be competing to see once and for all who is the Strongest!”
A shot of Sukuna and Gojo staring each other down filled the screen. Sukuna was just as imposing as Yuuji remembered him to be but Gojo didn’t back down. The man himself wasn’t anything to scoff at either, he stood almost a head taller than Sukuna and met the other with a sharp grin of his own.
“Tune in next week to see the ultimate showdown between these two powerhouses but with a twist never seen before!”
Close ups of Sukuna’s and Gojo’s faces as their voices overlapped.
“I am.” A vicious growl cut in.
“I am.” Playfully taunting voice rung out.
“The Strongest!”
The air time for the show flashed on screen one more time before the show from before the break continued playing.
Yuuji was shocked, his brother was talented, that couldn’t be denied. But the kind of gut punching, ear bleeding music the brother made didn’t tend to be something that mixed well with the general public. He knew his brother was gaining traction online, his name popping up in casual conversations. But to appear on what seemed to be a high budget popular game show was a different thing entirely.
This must be what those people on twitter were talking about. It seemed that this Gojo guy also has a large following, the editors of the promotion especially seemed to enjoy that guys work.
He grabbed his phone and opened twitter back up. Sure enough his entire timeline was filled with gifs from the promotion and people arguing with each other over who would win. It seemed most people were rooting for Gojo, but Sukuna’s supporters weren’t quiet either. He scrolled for a couple more minutes reading a couple posts on how much better Gojo’s music was then ‘that nobody Sukuna.’
He wanted to be angry on his brother’s behalf, but he knew Sukuna would hate it if he found out Yuuji was playing white knight for him on twitter. Sukuna’s music was good and he didn’t need reassurances from his little brother to know that. That much should have been obvious from the way he’s been ignoring him for these past few months.
Gojo’s music on the other hand was a bit of a mystery to him, for as much as people sung his praises online, Yuuji doesn’t think he’s ever listened to his stuff before. But thinking back to when that first chord cut through the stark silence of the apartment and sent a full body shiver careening down Yuuji’s spine, the guy was clearly talented. Maybe he would look up his music later?
Yuuji could already feel his older brother shooting daggers at him if he ever found out he wanted to listen to his supposed rivals work but he had to come home first to even do that. Yuuji hoped Gojo could knock his stubborn brother down a peg or two over the course of the show, Sukuna had it coming.
His older brother had changed so much ever since he moved out and started producing music. He was never the shining example of a family man before, but he would occasionally make time for Yuuji. Sukuna had even occasionally reached out to his younger brother after he moved out, but once he started preforming more and touring across Japan those calls stopped all together.
Yuuji didn’t want his career to fail but he hoped that maybe a defeat would stop his fast tracked pace of becoming an influential artist and force the other to spend some time at home with him.
Those thoughts were flimsy at best but Yuuji needed them to convince himself that Sukuna was just too busy with music to see him and not because his older brother was tired of him and didn’t want anything to do with Yuuji at all. He wanted to be the one to convince Sukuna to come home, but he doesn’t think he’ll get the opportunity with how Sukuna has been avoiding him.
So Yuuji wished Gojo all the luck in beating his brother in the competition, hoping it wasn’t too late to stop Sukuna from leaving him behind forever.
————————————————————————————————————————
The loud noise of a sneeze punched through the hurried murmuring of the filming studio.
Hundred of eyes whipped to where the offending noise had come from, only to dart to the ground when greeted with the hulking figure of Ryomen Sukuna staring right back at them. No one on set liked dealing with the man, he was completely different from the usual actors and idols they worked with. They ignored him when they could in hopes of not drawing his ire. Satoru scoffed.
Weak
The crew members returned to work milling about the large filming studio that reminded Satoru of a prison cell the longer filming went on without his required daily dose of sugar. Yaga would say otherwise but if they thought working with Sukuna was bad now, they didn’t want to see Satoru annoyed.
Those sorry excuses for baked goods catering provided did not meet his standards at all. He’s not sure who hired them but they needed to be fired, he’s had better sweets from the school cultural festivals he crashed back in high school.
Satoru grinned leaving his mark on stage and sauntering over to Sukuna, leaning into his space to tease the man who started growling like some untrained dog.
“Sorry director, someone must be talking bad about our little Sukuna right now.” He dipped out of the way of a meaty fist trying to grab him.
A loud sigh resounded across the expanse of the set, a tired “Cut.” Followed shortly after. Their director Yaga Masamichi collapsed back into an awaiting canvas chair and rubbed a tan hand down the expanse of his face. “I’m not sure how much longer I can deal with this, why haven’t I retired already?”
“Now now Yaga,” Satoru chimes in. “Then you wouldn’t be able to work with your best pupil anymore and wouldn’t that be a shame?”
“A shame indeed.”
Sukuna lets out a frustrated growl. “Are we finished here or not old man I got better places to be than this dump.” He crossed his bulging arms showcasing the clean line work tattoos that dipped and curved with the rippling of his muscles.
A poor attempt at an intimidation tactic, for Satoru at least. Even with his limited vision, due to the blindfold, he could see some of the crew flinching back from Sukuna’s presence alone. Pathetic.
Though even Satoru could admit the other certainly stood out against the colorful backdrop of the game show stage where most of the filming would take place. The set was an atypical game show design. The stage sparse except for two large couches and a podium for the host who hadn’t arrived for filming yet.
But considering the concept of the show the staging made sense as most filming would be done off site on locations either rented out or owned by the studio. Satoru gave an exaggerated sigh shoving his hands into the pockets of his designer black slacks. He agreed to this show thinking a competition style game show would be more fun than the movie shoots he’s been doing recently but so far he was disappointed. All they had done so far was filming promotion and since the twist of the show was supposed to be a secret until the first episode aired he wasn’t even able to drag Megumi around and tease the stoic kid.
“Alright we’re done for the day we should have more than enough footage for any last minute ads marketing might want to run.” Yaga called out much to Satoru’s delight.
Before Satoru could even call Ichiji, his personal assistant, to fetch him Yaga called out once again. “I expect to have your trainee’s information before the filming of the next episode, we held off this long so the news wouldn’t leak to the public but we need to do background checks before we film the first episode.”
Satoru nodded along with Yaga’s words prancing up to the man. Now this was the real reason he joined, the shows premise relied on how well the two established artists could create the next big generation of idols. Satoru was more than excited to drag his protege into this.
He had taken in Megumi years ago from the Zenin group as a favor to the boys old man, he didn’t have much opportunity to look after him with how busy he was but he made sure the boy was trained appropriately to become a musician as thats what Megumi wanted.
He was a little shocked at the time when Megumi said he wanted to pursue music as thats what the Zenin would most certainly have him doing. But if was something the kid thought he needed to do then he wasn’t going to stop him, and he had thought it would be a good way for gloomy little Megumi to express himself without directly talking about things.
Satoru was fully expecting to hear some edgy songs from the boy but Megumi kept the music he made under pretty tight wraps. Satoru loved to tease his protege but even he knew music could be personal and left it at that.
But now that he was old enough to have an official debut what would be a better way to introduce him to the world then by a competition game show? And if it gave him a chance to embarrass the dark teen? All the better.
Satoru couldn’t wait to see the look on Megumi’s face when he told him. Too busy fantasizing about how Megumi would surely thank Satoru for looking out for him so well he didn’t even notice when Sukuna had approached Yaga before he could.
“Oh Sukuna you already have your pick?” Yaga asked pleased that at least one person was taking this seriously. Too used to Satoru pulling pranks on set and delaying the production.
“Megumi Fushiguro.” A deep voice supplied.
And suddenly Satoru’s fantasy of pestering Megumi on set crashed before his eyes. He must have something in his ears theres no way he heard that right.
Yaga shot a glance at Satoru knowing that the man had been cultivating the young boy for some time now. But he nodded along, if Megumi had agreed to work with Sukuna there wasn’t anything the Yaga could do about it.
Sukuna smirked at Satoru who stopped halfway on his path to Yaga, there was no way Sukuna didn’t know that he was going to pick Megumi. That bastard was doing this on purpose. “Good luck finding another trainee, you’ll need it to find someone with better upbringing than him.”
Satoru could feel his blood boil, as if he didn’t already know that! He was the one that made sure Megumi got all the best teachers when he said he wanted to enter the music industry. He’s the one the spent his precious free time teaching the boy guitar and taking him along to see what it was like the shoot on major productions. Sukuna and everyone else in the industry already knows this, he’s just trying to rile him up. And it’s working.
“You have until the end of the week Satoru, the studio will provide you with some potential candidates if you don’t have any ideas.” Yaga added unhelpfully. Sukuna laughed while flipping him off and left the set with his creepy manger who was cosplaying as some traditional monk.
Satoru glared petulantly at Yaga as the director made his exit as well. Grumbling his annoyance he fishes his phone from his pocket and dials Megumi’s number. He’s not even sure how Sukuna got into contact with Megumi but he’s positive once the boy knows that Satoru is an option he’ll change is mind immediately.
“No.”
Satoru had just made Megumi aware that he was an option and he didn’t need to work with a bastard like Sukuna but his broody little Megumi said no?
“Look Gojo I’m grateful you took me in but I can’t keep working under you forever, I want to make it on my own without the Zenin or you hovering over me.” Megumi’s tired voice continues.
“I’m not hovering! And you really think Sukuna will be able to help you?”
“He’s a self produced artist that started from nothing, I respect that. I want my music to stand for itself, I don’t need people listening to it because you were the one that helped me get to where I am.”
“What’s wrong with getting help from the great Gojo Satoru? It’s not like it’s any different if it’s Sukuna who is the one producing your music. Except instead of working with an amazing and talented star like me you’re getting help from some backwater metalhead.”
“Goodbye Gojo.” With that the line goes dead and a dial tone is all he’s left with.
Satoru clicks his tongue in annoyance. So much for that.
————————————————————————————————————————
The next few days Satoru spent working on a filming for a couple of different projects and going over the portfolios the Head to Head studio sent him. He glanced through the applications but it was all industry standard. A couple years of dance, professional vocal training and some modest awards from different creative fields. Not a single person stood out as someone he would be willing to record with for the next two months.
It was a rare day that Satoru didn’t have to film for anything or make an appearance anywhere. He didn’t want to spend it cooped up in his apartment staring at headshots of people that wouldn’t even stand a chance against a random street performer let alone Megumi.
He was sure that most of these girls only applied to get closer to Satoru himself. His appearence on this game show had caused quite the stir, it was the most public project he has worked on in quite some time. The crew for the show had to go through some intense vetting just to make sure there were no dangerous stalkers in the mix. He’s very aware most if not all of the applicants were after his status.
He uncaringly threw the files of candidates to the side, done with going over them for the day. He needs some sugar if he’s going to get through the rest of this process.
Satoru was sure that no matter who he chose he would be able to raise them into a top charting star in no time, especially if his name was attached to them. But the main reason he agreed to do this was to have a bit of fun at Megumi’s expense and now he couldn’t even do that?
Satoru had been working in this industry a long time, longer than most, he was entitled to have a bit of fun when he wanted to.
Grabbing his high collared coat from the bar stool in the kitchen he forgoes his usual blindfold and opts for a pair of sunglasses today not in the mood to deal with obstructed vision. Wearing sunglasses all throughout his teen years was a vanity choice more than anything, not wanting to even look at the people beneath him. He’s (mostly) grown out of that thought process but covering his eyes became such a large part of his character. Now he covers his eyes completely with a blindfold, he liked how mysterious it made him seem.
But the sunglasses worked just the same and fans loved when he wore them as it gave a slight glimpse at his glittering blue eyes. Satoru knew he was handsome, his fans never let him forget it and he also knew that there was a running tally of how often his eyes were shown to the public. Satoru had a blast shoving that into Nanami’s and Shoko faces when he had first met the two.
Leaving his pent house suite, one of the nicer properties he owned, Satoru called for the elevator just outside his door. The building he lived in rented out full floors instead of typical apartment complexes. Not having to worry about nosy neighbors was certainly a plus, pushing that idea even further Satoru rented out the floor below him as well, he recently turned that space into a home studio for when inspiration struck. Not that he was feeling particularly inspired lately.
A soft ding announced the arrival of the elevator, he’s been talking with the property manager to get a private one installed for him, but the old man was surprisingly stubborn. Satoru will get his way eventually though, he always does.
The elevator faced the exterior glass wall of the building, overlooking the Tokyo skyline, so at least the view made up for the slow decent.
Finally arriving on ground floor, Satoru waved goodbye to the concierge on duty and started his walk towards one of his favorite bakeries. Usually even if his destination was a quick walk away he liked to call his personal attendant Ichiji to drive him, just to see the younger man squirm. But he was frustrated from not being able to choose a good candidate for the show and wanted to blow some steam off on the walk.
Summers in Tokyo were typically so humid it felt like walking through water, but today was blissfully cool. With a gentle breeze stirring through the winding roads of the city. Satoru took the backroads when he could to avoid a crowd and when the towering skyscrapers lining the streets started to dwindle he knew he was close to his destination.
A quaint little bakery on the edge of the city next to a railway. They served cute themed desserts and had a rotating catalogue of seasonal treats. Satoru grins at the thought, maybe he’ll get one of everything and a whole cake to take back home as well.
His blissful imaginings are cut short when he feels a piercing gaze on his back. Someone was watching him.
Now this wasn’t unusual, Gojo Satoru was a brilliant actor, model, singer, and a slew of many other titles. He had millions of adoring fans. It would be strange if someone wasn’t watching him. But over the years Satoru developed a skill for picking out what kinds of stares he was receiving.
The adoring gaze of his fans, to the awed looks from the general public, and even the envious glares from fellow members of the industry. Plus countless other looks Satoru has received in the past decades. Some people were disturbed when he was able to call out to whoever was watching him without looking. His friends called it creepy saying he had eyes in the back of his head. But the man considered it one of his many impressive talents.
The stare he was on the end of now didn’t feel malicious, however it was much more intense than a regular fan’s stare, even the really obsessed ones that tried to follow him around. Although he hasn’t had anyone successfully stalk him since he was a child, Satoru was too observant.
He continues at his leisurely pace to where he knows the bakery is located. If he gets the chance he’ll try to see who it is but he isn’t too concerned about the matter, he’ll be able to figure out who it is whenever he wants.
Fifth-teen minutes later and sugary goodness is just a block away and whoever was watching him was still hot on his trail. He’s starting to get annoyed Satoru didn’t want any overbearing eyes on his back while he was trying to relax on his day off. He then decides to find out just who has been following him this whole time, he’s going to make them regret choosing today of all days to get on his nerves.
His pace never falters as he subtly glances around for a spot to enact his plan. Eyeing a small park with vending machines down the road Satoru keeps a steady stride and approaches the space. He can feel the eyes just behind him, this spot should do just fine.
Casually Satoru inspects the vending machines glancing at the selection. Making note of some new flavors he would have to try later, was that a spicy cheese drink? But mostly using the reflection of the glass to watch an alley located directly behind him, right where the stare was coming from.
Just barely peaking out of a shadow right at the edge of the alley way, is a man dressed in a dark track suit with the Head to Head logo on it and carrying a semi professional grade camera. The man was seemingly trying to be inconspicuous and failing terribly. The video display is popped out and the man has his head flush with the view finder unaware of his surroundings.
Satoru sneered at the reflection of the man, already annoyed at the start of his day and this guy isn’t making it any better. He’s clearly some production assassitmant from Head to Head. But really? Recording Satoru on that low grade camera? Is this what he thinks being discreet is? Following an A-list celebrity around barely a block behind and hoping he wouldn’t notice? Which would be impossible when dealing with a man like himself.
The man certainly was thinking if he was discovered he could claim wanting to record B-roll for the show. Being decked out in paraphernalia from the filming studio would help convince random onlookers but he knew better. Filming for the first episode hadn’t even started yet and all the promotional material had been recorded and released already. Satoru lets out an annoyed sigh, this isn’t the first time paparazzi or the like has tried to catch him doing something he shouldn’t. But the sheer lack of thought behind this plan was pissing him off.
There has never been a moment where he hasn’t been notified before filming, he wasn’t even wearing a mic. While the man hunched over in the dark between buildings might actually be a member of the crew, he came to the conclusion that the man was not here on behalf of the show and here for his own ulterior motives.
Unsure and uncaring what those reasons were, it was always something dumb in situations like these, Satoru changes course and heads back to the direction of the city. If this man was secretly recording him in hopes he would catch Satoru doing something unflattering or incriminating then he was more than happy to lead the other around Tokyo on a wild goose chase.
Before he was even half way down the street there a loud thud coming from the alleyway the PA was in. Followed by muffled arguing. Intrigued, he leisurely crossed the street standing at the mouth of the alley.
Taking a moment to let his eyes adjust to the darkness of the alley he notices something deep in the shadows. Leaning over the curled up production assistant on the ground was a kid no older than sixteen. The two were fighting over a grip on the camera in the PA’s grasp.
Too stunned to move Satoru doesn’t move from his spot. Was he watching a robbery take place right now? There no way that shitty little camera could be worth anything.
Satoru stood at the mouth of the alley going over his options. He could easily cut in and save the poor worker but he wasn’t feeling very generous at the moment. Maybe a scrap with a middle schooler will teach the guy not to follow him around. And the kid was saving him time of dealing with the annoyance himself. Maybe he should thank him.
The decision was made for him when the camera was ripped from the mans grasp. With a newly acquired camera in hand the attacker zipped to his side presenting the camera.
What?
“Hey mister that guy has been following you around for the past couple blocks. I think he’s some kind of stalker should I call the cops?” Earnest honey brown eyes stare up at him.
Wait, theres no way right?
Taking in the sight before him it couldn’t be denied. A strong athletic build, that angular face with just a bit of baby fat still desperately clinging to his cheeks, and of course the iconic unnatural pink hair. Compete with even the same dark hair shorn to a manageable undercut.
Satoru knew he was lucky, but this? Fate must be on his side. Standing in front of him trying to protect him from the corrupt worker who was slowly getting up from the ground, was Sukuna’s brother.
Said man deemed it time to interrupt Satoru’s revelation. “You little brat! I’ll have you arrested for assaulting me and damaging company property!” Spittle flew in the air from how aggressively the man was yelling. Gross.
“Hey man you’re the one that was recording this guy-” Waving the pilfered camera around. “If anyone is gonna be arrested it’s you!” Bright eyes narrow into a fierce glare.
Satoru doesn’t bother hiding his chuckle. The mans face burns red in embarrassment or rage he isn’t sure. “You stupid boy! That’s Gojo Satoru, it’s my job to follow him around and record him. For the show he’s going to appear on?” The tone goes from outrage to dripping with condescension as the man gestures between Satoru himself and the emblem on his tracksuit.
A small noise escapes the boy next to him. Pink hair bouncing as his head whips back and forth from Satoru to the PA. He can practically feel the confusion pouring from the boy. When the swivel finally stops and that disbelieving honey gaze lands on him Satoru fully amused with the situation raises his sunglasses to wink at the boy.
Embarrassment graces his features and a grin finds its way to Satoru’s face, pleased with this turn of events. Enjoying the flush that spread across the teen’s face.
“I have half the mind to sue you for attacking me and destroying my equipment.” The PA continues. The boy in front of him stiffens and glances back down to the camera in his hands. His amusement is cut short when he’s reminded of the other mans presence. He would rather enjoy the flickering expressions on a face that is so familiar but different than look at the short sweaty man in front of him.
Satoru spares a glance at the mentioned camera, anything to not look at the incensed red face of the production assistant. He whistles, man that thing was busted. The display was hanging on for dear life, a singular hinge the only thing keeping the monitor attached. The plastic casing protecting sensitive computers inside was cracked and in some places piercing the inner working of the camera itself. What was that boy eating to crush a camera like that with his bare hands?
Although calling that thing equipment was certainly a stretch. It was a low budget device only used for home videos and apparently its stealth purposes. It was better off destroyed.
Sukuna’s brother tensed before making his way to the other man. Hand outstretched to give the camera back. Before he gets far Satoru grabs his shoulder and pulls the boy back to his side. A confused sound escapes the boy but he ignores it.
Satoru’s posture falls into a playful slouch, his arm snaking around the boy’s shoulder holding him close to his side. “Now now, theres no need to get up in arms about this, I’m sure he realizes his mistake.” The production assistant looks smug, clearly thinking that Satoru was looking out for him.
The boy at his side gulps nervously, Satoru watches his huge golden eyes flicker and his mouth set into an adorable pout. This kid was too much, but he didn’t let that distract him from turning his attention fully on the annoyance in the alley.
“So why don’t you get out of here before I let the director know you’ve been following the talent around for the better part of the afternoon without permission.” Satoru leveled the other with a taunting expression.
The sound of sputtering fills the alley. Satoru rolls his eyes before taking the camera from the boys slack grip in front of him with his free hand. Locating the cartridge for the SD card and promptly takes it out, briefly encircling the pink haired boy during his search. Then he tosses the now useless camera at the man’s feet.
“I’ve been working in this industry long enough to know what the standard procedure for filming is. And it’s certainly not one lone crew member following me around when I’m not even mic’d up.” Maybe he was showing off a little but seeing Sukuna’s little brother stare at him with open awe in his eyes was an ego boost he didn’t want to let go of.
Without another word the man scurries away not without giving Satoru a nasty glare. It doesn’t phase him at all, he’s been on the receiving end of much worse looks from his accountant Nanami. He’ll be sure to tell Yaga of this interaction later and get the man fired, but for now he was much more interested in Sukuna’s secret little brother.
Breaking free from his grasp the boy turns to give him a quick and polite bow. “Oh man thank you so much I was getting real worried there I don’t think I could afford a lawsuit.”
“Oh so big brother Sukuna wouldn’t cover the costs for you?”
The boy laughs shaking his head. “No way! I’m sure he would want me to take care of it myself.” Satoru holds back a laugh as he waits for the information he shared to sink in. It seemed this kid was a little slow on the uptake.
“Wait,” Wide honey brown eyes shoot towards him. “How did you know I’m related to Sukuna?”
Satoru holds back a laugh, the two are so similar they could be twins if it wasn’t for the obvious age difference. There’s no way the other wasn’t aware of that. “I have really good eyes.” The boy doesn’t seem pleased with this answer if the annoyed grimace on his face is anything to go by. He doesn’t bother holding back his laugh this time, which prompts some muttered curses from Sukuna’s brother.
Tired of standing in the dark grime filled alley Satoru motions for the boy to follow him as he locates the vending machines he was eyeing earlier. The boy tentatively follows him with a suspicious look on his face the whole time. Honestly this was too funny, that idiotic production assistant did mention his name, had the boy already forgotten who he was speaking with? There’s no other explanation why he was behaving so casually.
Crossing the street the two find themselves in the small park that takes up the middle of an enclosed intersection of buildings. The minuscule park is lined with flowering shrubs and moderately sized trees. A modest stone fountain lies in the middle, surrounded by a walkable path that cuts through the well kept grass reaching towards each corner of the park that is stocked with two different vending machines some benches to rest on and complete with a empty bike rack.
“You ever try this one?” Satoru asks pointing at the spicy cheese flavor drink in the display.
Dark brows furrow in confusion but amazingly the boy doesn’t question his change of subject or even location and approaches to get a closer look at the flavor. “There’s no way that will taste good.”
“Right?” Satoru enthusiastically agrees. “But I need to know what it tastes like, what if this becomes the next big flavor.”
The other nods along. “Hm I can see what you mean, some flavors work surprisingly good together but it feels more like a cold weather drink, Is this really safe to drink during the summer?” Gripping his chin and tilting his head to the side a deep look of concentration graces his face.
All previous suspicions the boy might have had about him are gone, as he quickly adjusts to the mood Satoru had set.
Before the boy could come to his senses Satoru fishes some change out of his wallet and buys two cans of the outrageous flavor. The machine dispenses their drinks and he tosses one beside him, caught by agile hands. He watches as the can is cracked and does the same for his own.
“Before we risk our lives on questionable cheesy drinks in the summer heat can I get the name of the person who is willing to risk getting food poisoning with me.”
A resounding laugh fills the air, and the world around him seemed to get brighter with the joyful noise. “You knew I was related to Sukuna I’m shocked you didn’t know my name as well, it’s Itadori Yuuji!” Is the answer he gets between laughs.
Once again anyone could have come to that conclusion but Satoru enjoys how carefree the other is, its so different from his brother that Satoru is starting to understand how others would have a hard time telling them apart. Yuuji raises his can to Satoru’s which he meets with his own. “Here’s to not getting food poisoning.”
Bringing the can to his lips the thick texture that hits his tongue is immediately not what he was expecting. Followed by a heavy cheese flavor and an a shocking amount a heat. The spicy aspect of the drink wasn’t any added flavor but just an overwhelming sensation of heat.
The drink was disgusting. Judging by the pinched expression on Yuuji’s face he thought the same. Pleased that he had someone to share this awful experience with he fakes a gag and whines at the taste which Yuuji laughs at, commiserating with him.
Yuuji makes a decent attempt to finish the can but Satoru just tosses the rest of his in the trash with a perfect arc. He does an over the top bow to the awed claps from the pink haired boy.
It’s only in the middle of his fake acceptance speech does a look of realization flash across Yuuji’s face. “Gojo Satoru-“ He’s being pointed at now. “Like the one that’s going on that show with my brother?”
“You only realized now?” Satoru asked a little stunned. He thought maybe the boy was feigning ignorance to be polite. However, “But that guy said my name! And the show I’m going to be on!” His tone falls into a whine.
An embarrassed look crosses Yuuji’s face as he rubs the back of his neck. “I mean I figured you had to be some kind of famous person, but I was too worried about getting sued to really think about who.”
Satoru can accept that, even though that cowering man in the alley wasn’t intimidating in the slightest.
“Now that you know who I am, I have a proposition for you.” Tilting his head downward he lets his glasses fall lower on to the bridge of his nose revealing crystalline blue eyes. Keeping his eyes hidden as part of his image made the moments where he revealed them all the more enticing. Few could resist him like this.
But Yuuji meets his gaze without flinching, an open look of wanting to help written across his face, unrelated to how appealing Satoru himself was. “I’ll do what I can, what do you need?”
Crestfallen that his eyes weren’t evoking the usual charmed reaction Satoru pushes the shades to cover his eyes with a slight pout, but presses on. “You see the competition show I’m doing with Sukuna requires us to bring in and train someone to become an idol. I already had the perfect candidate picked out, I’d been raising him for the past couple years, it was a no brainer.”
Making sure Yuuji is paying attention, he is, Satoru continues. “But your dick of a brother-” He gets an understanding nod at this. “Stole him from right under my nose, I’m certain he did it just to piss me off. And what’s worse is Megumi agreed to it! Who wouldn’t want to be trained by me?” He gestures to himself with an over the top flourish.
“But now I have the perfect opportunity to blindside him. This is where you come in.”
“Me?”
Satoru nods. “Sukuna taking my protege from me is one thing. But if I show up with his little brother? Now thats perfect, he would lose his mind!” He sees the unsure look on Yuuji’s face but continues before he can say anything. “Don’t worry about any lack of skill, I can train anyone into the perfect idol. And wouldn’t you like to beat Sukuna at his own game? I’m sure that guy was a nightmare to grow up with, think of this as getting revenge.”
Yuuji appears to be thinking things over. Satoru takes a step closer to him, eager to hear his answer. He wasn’t lying, he’s sure with all of his skill he could turn Sukuna’s little brother into someone who could beat Megumi. It might take some work but Satoru could make anything happen. Plus he wouldn’t be shocked if Yuuji had picked some skills up from his older brother while living with him over the years. While aggravating the man was decently talented, if he also happened to impart some wisdom on Yuuji that would be helpful as well. And there was no better way to defeat Sukuna than by using his own little brother.
“I’ll help you.”
Satoru throws his arms up with a playful cheer. “But not for the reasons you’re thinking.” Lowering his arms in confusion he watches as the boy turns towards the city. Yuuji stares at the skyline the sun just dipping behind the towering buildings setting the city aflame in its golden light. Satoru can tell Yuuji is thinking deeply about something but for once it’s hard to read his expression.
“When I first heard about the show I’ll be honest I was hoping that you would win.” Satoru is a little shocked, did the brothers not have a good relationship after all? Sukuna had never spoken about a brother before, perhaps the two weren’t on good terms. “Not because I dislike Sukuna and want him to lose, but because I hope if he loses things will start to change.”
Yuuji faces Satoru with a fierce look of determination setting into his face. “And now that I have the opportunity to do that myself? I’m not letting that go.” His face then relaxes into a bright grin. “So please, let me help you defeat Sukuna!”
Satoru isn’t interested in family drama that is clearly going on between the two brothers but, seeing that confidant look on Yuuji’s face it was getting him excited. He didn’t think he would be able to enjoy filming for the next couple of weeks but now with Yuuji on his side he couldn’t wait to start. This was going to be interesting after all.
“Welcome to the start of your new career Yuuji.”