Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

When Yuuji swallowed the Finger, he nearly gagged. Both because of the hand of a monster—Curse, he faintly recalls Fushiguro calling it “Curse”—and because of the taste. Its taste is simply overwhelming and he was losing consciousness over it.

Power surges out from not-his-stomach-not-his-chest-but-somewhere-deeper and Yuuji gasped as he fell down and down and down.

He could feel his body move. Faintly feel the way the pressure from the mon—Curse’s grip gone. The way he feels emotions that was not his own yet making home in his head like it belongs here.

“How interesting.” A voice not his own warbled through his mouth. Quiet, composed, does not shout, nor scream, but nothing less than viciousness and scorn given voice. A hint of dark amusement fleeting through. “How different be the stars. How different be the buildings. How different be the garments. A brand new board. A game set anew. O World, how doest thou demands of This One.” Yuuji could feel his mouth pulled into vicious smirk.

A flicker. That’s what it took. Yuuji finally could see-but-not-really as the one who piloted his body turned around to stare at Fushiguro. He was immediately slammed by surprise-delight-concern-curiosity. Though Yuuji think his own feelings contributed to those swirls of emotion.

He did not expect to see inks and shadows overlapped through Fushigurou like layers of paints, after all.

“My my! A challenger, forthwith. Art thou not too bruised, Child of Shadows? Hm, thou art newly emerged out from conflict, and yet thou dost stand before This One.” Footsteps. Yuuji could feel he-they-whoever-it-was-his body approaching Fushiguro who was freezing on the floor. Pretty green eyes marred with terror. “Pray tell me, Child” the body snatcher croons. “art thou in despair?”

A clawed hand, and Yuuji tried to ignore it lest he go into hysterics cause ohmygodhegrowsclaws, reach out for Fushiguro.

Yuuji didn’t even think.

He reached out. Past the torrent of emotion that wasn’t his, to the centre of power, and wrestle it.

“What are you doing with my body?! Give it back!” He demands.

It was meet with waves of Shock it sends him staggers back but he held strong.

“Who art thou?” The warbled voice asks. Demanding, curious. Urgent. “And why art thou there?”

There? Doesn’t he mean here? “I mean, this is my boy, duh!” Yuuji replied tersely and yanks harsher.

It feels like breaking through surface of water as something else—someone else—is dragged underwater, and suddenly Yuuji knew he was back in control of his body.

It was easier than he thought, but he thinks it’s partially because he seizes the chance when the other entity was stupefied and not in any mental space to fight back. He means, even now he can feel the press of shock-disbelief-“impossible”.

(He can feel the Longing and the Grief and Mourning and Loss)

(He can feel the surge of Excitement and Relief)

Yuuji pushed away the feelings and look at Fushiguro. Relieved that he can see the other teen well and nor marred with inky paintings. Before he could say something, Fushiguro immediately pointed at him with his hands bend into a seal, like in Naruto.

“Don’t move!” He barked. “Itaori Yuuji, Under Jujutsu Regulations, I shall exorcise you as a curse!”

“He doth not mean it.” A voice whispers at the back of his head.

Yuuji could agree to it. He can see the way Fushiguro’s eyes tremble with conflict and reluctance and the faint spasm in his hands. It was pronounced more when Yuuji raises both his arms in surrendering gesture and spoke in calming tone he uses towards neighbouring kids, “Whoa, calm down! That guy is not in control anymore” He tried to coax Fushiguro to relax before he pulls a muscle or something equally stupid. Though Yuuji faintly could feel disgruntlement but he ignores it. “More importantly, we need to get you to the hospital and get those wounds taken care of!” And Sasaki-senpai and Iguchi-senpai too.

That was the moment someone else appears.

The first thing Yuuji notice about him was his stark white hair. The second thing was blindfold. The third thing was that guy was carrying stuff that turned out to be souvenirs and holy shit dude it’s not time to fucking joke! Fushiguro need medic attention, like, five minutes ago! One of these “Second-Years” better be trained in First Aid kits or something!

“So, did you find it?”

It? Oh. Oooohhh yeah…

“Uh, sorry.” He apologizes. “I ate it.”

The tall guy, Gojo-sensei? He did hear Fushiguro call him that, stood still. Probably shock.

“For real?”

“For real.” He and Fushiguro chorused, further adding the tall guy’s stupefied state.

Yuuji didn’t blame him. That Finger was as nasty as it looks. He can’t believe he swallow it in one gulp and not tearing his throat or something. The nail looks mean.

The guy immediately was in front of him, peering at him like the blindfold means nothing.

“Man. You both were right. That dark, cursed energy can’t possibly be the kid’s. They definitely combined.”

Yuuji feels a shock-elated-overwhelming-joy and huh. That was not what he expects. Movies tend to portray body snatcher tends to be angry if the OG was still around. Or was They planned to use him as cover?

“Does your body feels okay?”

Yeah? Is… is he not supposed to? Think again he now got a tenant in his head. Maybe he should expects headache?

“Can you switch with Sukuna?”

“Sukuna?”

“The guy whose finger you chomps down like it was delectable snack. Think you can give us a moment? About ten seconds?”

Yuuji frowned and reached inside and almost let out a yelp when he thinks he touched something soft and smooth. Silk-like texture. Is that… Sukuna?

“Correct, child.” The voice whispered in his ears. “This One doth presume thou wishest to fulfill the request? Well, 'tis far from This One to refuse.”

Okay then. Yuuji let go of the grip on his body, or he thinks so, because? It didn’t work? Huh. How… how did he switch again? Should he pull the power—Sukuna—to the surface? Like pulling a guy from the sea?

He flinches when he feels sensation of someone batting his hands away.

“Be patient.” His tenant chastise. “The one who doth request audience with This One refuseth to turn and face Us. If This One hath but ten counts, then shall This One make every count matter.”

Yuuji can understand the reluctance. Gojo looks like he’s more interested in lecturing Fushiguro about Sendai’s specialties than preparing for the face-off.

Once Gojo stop narrating poems about Kikufuku, Yuuji feels the tug on his… soul? Yeah. He feel the tug on his soul and did not fight it.

He fell into the “water”. Nowhere near as deep as it has been the first time around, but he was not in control of the body anymore.

“Good Evening, King of Curses! How does it feels to be reincarnated”

Yuuji feel Sukuna crosses his arms. Mouth quirked up in a facsimile of a smile.

“My. Evening to thee, Young Empyrean.” Sukuna greeted back. Voice still warbled like Radio waves that got disrupted but it was better and smoother than before. Yuuji caught a teasing lilt to his(?) voice. “Well, art thou not going to offer me one of those delectable treats thou dost praise so highly?”

One. Yuuji counts.

“Eh? You are more interested in mochi?”

“Wert thou not the one who slighted This One by attempting to waste This One’s limited Ten Seconds? This One’s time is most valuable and precious. Many have paid a high price for mere moments of audience with Oneself. For thy insolence, parting with one or two of those treats is the least thou canst do. Furthermore,”

Two.

Within a blink Sukuna suddenly lifted one of Kikufuku Mochi from its container. Causing Fugushiro to yelped and backtracked in surprise.

“Thy ravings have made This One curious. If thou seekest to blame anyone, blame thy own self.” With that being said, Sukuna tore through the wrapping and take a bite. Yuuji’s eyes widened when he can taste the Mochi. “My. Thou art correct. This is truly exquisite. How far hath humanity improved, to create such delectable treats?”

Three.

Gojo lift a rubble and throw it at Sukuna. Yuuji screamed in protest because that’s his body dammit! However, Sukuna manage to caught it and Yuuji gawked like a fool when the guy diced the offending item into neat cubed-shaped pebbles, like it was a playdough or something. Kikufuku Mochi still in his hand with a good chunk of it bitten away.

“Oh?” Far be it from angry, Yuuji can feel excitement-anticipation-thrill from Sukuna. “Are we to proceed straightway to the Main Events? Yet, we have not parleyed the terms of victory and defeat! Or, perchance, have we indeed? Ah. So that is the matter.”

Four.

“You are quite a chatty one.” Gojo grinned through his teeth.

Sukuna laughed.

“This One must commend thee on thy attempt at Deceit.” He chirped. “Verily, Young Empyrean, dost thou believe thou canst beguile This One into rendering Oneself a fool? This One is not so dim as to fail in recognizing the Twisted Blessings of the Limitless and the Six Eyes!”

Five.

Yuuji observe how Gojo and Fushiguro stiffens.

“Hm? Is that This One not supposed to know?” Sukuna ponders, taking another mouthful bite of mochi. “But it is most apparent! Thou hast concealed thine eyes from the world, yet dost move with the confidence of one whose vision is unimpeded. Didst thou not observe… this boy… through those fabrics? What else could it be but the Six Eyes? And the manner in which thyself overflows with assurance of triumph, even within This One’s grasp, must surely stem from a knowledge of Guaranteed Safety. This callous confidence doth speak of those blessed with a Dimension of their own, the Limitless.”

Six.

“Ah, that’s the famed genius mind at works.” What Gojo did was less of a smile and more of baring his teeth. “You’re correct. You are talking to holder of both Limitless and Six Eyes, the Strongest Sorcerer of this Era—Gojo Satoru!” He gives a mocking bow. “Pleasantly Dreadful to Meet You!”

Oh my god. The Sass.

Seven.

“If thou art willing to indulge this One’s inquiry, wert thou Curse-Blessed with both aspects of Sky Fragments at thy birth?” Sukuna ask. Voice subdued.

“And if I am?” Gojo challenge with a smirk. “Scared?”

“Nay!” As quick as it comes, Sukuna’s personality took a 180 degree turn into that chipper attitude. Yuuji can feel pulse of relief to his disbelief, because? Relief of what? And why? “This one is pleased to hear it. Surprised, why, of course. But not so much as when This One did witness through another’s eyes how thou dost hover over a Child of Shadow. I was not aware thy clans have reached such understanding! Speaking of,” Sukuna looks around. “Should This One expects Crimson Flows to be near?”

Crimson what now? Also, Eight.

“You are awfully confident of yourself, O King of Curse.” Gojo remarked. “What? Thinking you can hide behind the boy you use as Vessel?”

“My oh my.” Yuuji flinched as Sukuna’s jovial mood swiftly turn into rage, even as he could feel a smile still plastered on his face. “What a mouth thou dost possess, Young Empyrean.” He flicked another rubble at Gojo, which was easily dodged. “Beware. Thou must needs keep watch o’er thy words, lest thy mouth invite a calamity. Perchance it is for the best that thou art Curse-Blessed with Sky Fragments and not Divine Words.”

Nine.

“And who are going to punish me? You?”

Gojo teleported in his (theirs?) personal space and delivered a kick that got Yuuji winced because, dude, he sends his body across the rooftop. He hopes he didn’t get too bruised. Or busting a rib on top of ankles.

“What an uncouth, callous knave thou art, Young Empyrean.” Sukuna tut-tutted, getting up from the floor. “Thy teacher ought to re-teach thee. Ere thou speakest something thou shalt regret.”

‘Ten’

Yuuji knew at once, that was the tenth countdown, and he switched back the control of his body. Flinching at a fist that stopped right just before his eyes. Yikes! That was a close call! If Gojo’s fist connect, black eye will be the least of Yuuji’s worries!

“Whoops! Sorry.” The man apologises and retracted his hand. “Wow. You really got it under control, dontcha?”

There’s an indignation feeling at the back of Yuuji’s skull and deep at his chest.

“Uh, I don’t think Sukuna appreciate being called an ‘It’.” He states hesitatingly.

Gojo hummed. “No.” He agrees. “I don’t think he does. So!” Clapping his hands, he peered down at Yuuji. Again. “Sorry for the roughhousing! You aren’t hurt badly, are you?”

Now that the man mentions it… for someone who got kicked really hard—and trust Yuuji, he knows a painful kick was like—he wasn’t worse off. Actually, he feels fine. Like he wasn’t hurting at all. Not even the aching feeling of a bruise forming from being manhandled by Curse earlier. How strange

“I’m fine.” He finally replied after checking himself.

Gojo hummed. “Is that so? Wow. You must be a sturdy one.” Do tell him. Yuuji is always… let’s say a league of his own when it comes to physical matters. “Well, guess it’s enough excitement for the day, don’t you think?”

The last thought Yuuji have when his world turned dark, was a simple ‘Rude!’

Chapter Text

If Satoru has to be honest, he’d grown to like Itadori in a short time frame they got. Which, is interesting because Satoru usually is not this quick getting attached, you know? He barely know the boy! There’s something about Itadori that draws him in.

Perhaps it was the way the pinkette (brunette? His hair is dual-toned and Six Eyes swear up and down it was au natural, not dyed) wear his heart in his sleeves. It was adorable, refreshing, and concerning at once. It was truly nice to be looked at and not being recognized as Jujutsu Society’s Golden Child. Satoru just knew despite hearing him boasting, Itadori haven’t truly understand his reputation as “The Strongest”, only that Satoru is a “nice guy who fought for my continued life” and that’s… nice. It's nice to be seen more than just labels that were slapped on him, despite Satoru's boastings might give other impression.

The sentimentality and attachment made Satoru even more determined to give Itadori his chance to life as normal teenager as long as possible, not just Sukuna’s Vessel and their ticket to getting rid of the King of Curses. Starting with giving three days to settle his business.

Megumi did say he caught Itadori right on the day his relative passed away and then the whole fiasco with Sukuna’s finger on that very same day and… yeah. Satoru knew his social skill can be shitty at times, but he is aware that people need time to mourn.

Alas, higher ups must have their heart made of stone, because they demand he got Itadori transferred to Jujutsu High ASAP. Not in those words of course, their exact words are much more demeaning.

Thus Satoru had to cut the mourning period short, and get on transferring Itadori to Tokyo. He already got transfer paper signed, the paperworks regarding ownership of the apartment taken care of, and…

“Itadori-kun?” He called. “Is that… all?” He pointed at the containers that holds Itadori’s personal stuff.

His newest Ward nodded. “Uhm.”

“Uh, not being disrespect, but aren’t that a little… too few?”

Itadori scratched his cheek.

"Uh, not really? I don't need much stuff.”

Right. The breadwinner of the family was hospitalized and in no shape to bring income. And bills don't give a damn about anyone's situation.

“Are you eating well?”

“I eat meals three times per day. It’s easy to get discount if you know where to look and when to get it.”

Satoru is going to fucking Spoils Itadori. He knew Megumi would likely joins him instead of giving him the side eyes once he knows about Itadori’s living condition. It gonna hits home, hard.

(It might be trick of light but he thinks he saw Sukuna’s Cursed Energy curled around Itadori protectively)

They took a bullet train to Tokyo. As much as Satoru want to show off and teleports, he doesn’t think Itadori have ever got out of Sendai outside mandatory School Trip (like one Megumi and Tsumiki gone through in their Middle School), so he let the boy enjoys the experience riding First Class train.

The excited face Itadori make made his snack taste all the sweeter and his chest fuller.

Once they reached Tokyo, a Manager drove them from the Station to Jujuts High.

“Are we still in Tokyo?” Itadori looks around.

Satoru didn’t bother to stifle his smile when he explained about Jujutsu High. Oh, not to forget the Entrance Exam! It was mean, he knows, but Satoru did get amusement from watching Itadori panicking.

"This One doth ponder, as the Mightiest, thy words dost carry weight, Empyrean." Itadori jumped a foot in the air when the scars under his eyes lift open—and yoooo, those are eyelids? His mouth was moving out of his control though. "That thy decree would guide all Insects to stand behind the line. Perchance this One was Mistaken."

Satoru feel his eyebrow ticked. Oh that thing does not—

“Are you calling me a Liar, Sukuna?”

Itadori’s honey gold eyes were wide with fear while Sukuna’s crimson ones curved in amusement, further ticking Satoru off.

“This One doth not dare.” The tone was lilt, like an adult nodding absentmindedly at a toddler’s tantrum in hope it quickly passes. “Merely—" Itadori slapped his mouth shut, only for one of the eyes to close and when it open it was a fucking mouth like what the fuck "Merely recalling that Court Intrigue is not to be taken at face value. If This One were in thine shoes, This One would consider making a pre-emptive example to ensure that message be delivered, that disrespect to This One's wish would bring forth heavy repercussion. Perhaps adding a Binding Vow to be sure. A knife in the back doth sting."

Not going to lie. Those sounds appealing. However,

“Preemptive Punishment sounds tyrannical.” Satoru commented. “That could have made them even more angry you know?” Not like incurring those old geezer’s wrath a big deal.

“Dearest Empyrean, art thou truly content letting Viper’s Nest deciding the fates of those bellow?” That, that was definitely a mocking tone. “Let this be Counsel from One who had Lived through times of Peril. If thou dost still thine hand and suffer the Vipers deludes themselves in dreaming of leashing thee like a mutt, Thou shalt wept bitter tears of regret.”

The secondary set of eyes closed. Leaving Satoru staring at Itadori’s horrified expression.

Immediately the boy bowed ninety degrees.

“I’M SO SORRY SENSEI!” He shouted. Shame and regret and fear-of-disappointment is evidence in his voice. “I… I don’t know he can do that! I promise I’ll do better next time!”

Oh yeah. Satoru was talking about how Itadori might be executed if he didn’t do well in the Interview.

“Maa, maa. No harm done, Itadori-kun.” Satoru waved it off, as if it didn’t pierce his consciousness and making a home there. Like unwanted weed. He pulled Itadori to continue walking to Yaga’s office. “Though if he ever does that again, tell sensei, ok? Sensei will set him straight.” Satoru couldn’t even begin to fathom how it felt to have your own mouth being controlled by someone else.

Itadori doesn’t deserve that.

It seems Satoru have to work harder in finding a way to exorcise Sukuna without harming Itadori.

Itadori hesitates.

“Uh, sensei?” He called out. “Between you and Sukuna… which one of you is stronger?”

That’s a good question.

There’s a thousand years gap between time period where they lived, and whatever records of Sukuna that survived are disjointed at best. There are records of him massacring army of sorcerer so he must be Special Grade.

However,

“Well, if Sukuna regained all of his power, he might be giving me trouble.”

“But would you lose?”

Throughout Heaven and Earth, Gojo Satoru alone is the Honoured One.

“Nah, I’d win.”

The door swung open, and Yaga-sensei was nonplussed at his tardiness. Hah. Eleven minutes. That was not too long, old man. Plus, wasn’t Satoru sweet as to give him time so he could make his dolls? He should be thanking him, not scolding him.

Satory stood to the side and let Yaga-sensei “interview” Itadori. He has faith Itadori’s ability. The boy may not have Innate Technique (that Satoru know of, who knows if that will change in the future), his knowledge was next to zero, what being from normie and all (and it shows with how badly he receives the beatings… hm? Was it fluke or did he just improve on the spot? Fascinating). He may be naïve, but… Itadori has the sheer determination in spades. He is not the sort of person who born into this world, but Satoru want to believe that Itadori is the sort who can weather it all and not broke into thousand pieces.

“What do you mean to do once you’ve learned jujutsu and how to exorcise curses?”

“To collect all the fingers of Sukuna and save as many people as I can.”

“People die every day from accidents, violence and diseases, but you say you can’t stand by if someone’s death is caused by a curse?”

“It was my grandfather’s dying request!”

“Insufficient!”

Satoru winced when the Cursed Corpses increase their ferocity. Yeah. That answer doesn’t please Yaga-sensei.

It’s reminded him of what Suguru used to spout back when he was Satoru’s Suguru and the other half of Strongest Duo. That Jujutsu Sorcerer exist to protect the weak.

And then Suguru broke.

Suguru blames the existence of the weak, the normal people, as cause of Sorcerers’ suffering, and descent into mania that Satoru thought only exist in most classist, judgmental, senile elders. Suguru who began to call normal people “Monkey” and harbour ambition to kill them all in order to create so-called “World without Curse”.

Yaga won’t accept that lackluster excuse of being Jujutsu Sorcerer just because of someone else’s wish. Not when there’s a possibility Itadori fell into the darkside the same way Suguru did. And neither does Satoru.

He had lost his One and Only. He doesn’t want to lose anyone like that. Not again.

“I’m here! Because I’m the only one who could control Sukuna!” Itadori declared, squeezing a Cursed Corpse in his hands, “I don’t know how I’ll be when I die! But I DON’T WANT TO REGRET THE WAY I LIVED!”

Satoru smiled.

Good

That’s what he wanted to hear.

Live your life to the fullest. Enjoy your youth because its your right. Even if tomorrow skies not always clear, even if you stumble and cries and bleeding, never regret the path you choose.

Please let the tragedy never be repeated ever again.

Chapter Text

Long strands of two-toned hair, bearing resemblance of blossom tree at its peak season, is pushed behind ear. The pair of crimson orbs intently read scrolls upon scrolls, which she liberally “borrows” from her… vessel… memories. The paintings it contains are drawn in fluid, real-life manners, moving and telling a tale with occasional words added—her Vessel’s thought. This was her Vessel’s memories. A few samples of it. Its vividness represents how well her Vessel remembering the events. Having a byōbu spread to her right, displaying what her Vessel currently saw, helps the comparison.

Mayhap that foolish child and Young Empryean thought she was skulking. Unhappy with her predicament, of having briefly taste freedom after a thousand (THOUSAND!) years of sealing, only for a plebeian to put a leash on her.

They cannot be further from the truth.

For Sukuna, in fact, was doing something productive.

The manners of society had changed in her absence. From the shapes of building (reaching to the sky, build upon some kind of stones and see-through porcelain, shaped like boxes stacked together of some sort), the manner of how to wrap the garments around one’s body (it looks so simple), the speech pattern and the writing method (kana script are liberally used, not just by women but also men. People spoke straight to the point without hiding it behind euphemism), and even the currency and means of entertainment.

No longer people barters item. They now use coins and painted paper to exchange. Some, like the Young Empyrean, use a rectangular item. Sukuna assume that item has higher value, with how he remains in possession of it instead of trading it with item and receive the change. The way her Vessel stares at it in surprise, as if that was not a sight one commonly found, further enhance it.

Perhaps that rectangular thing is Symbol of Wealth and Status of this era.

Sukuna needs to know these things, so that she may not make a fool out of her esteemed self when her Vessel relinquish his Iron-Grip of the control of their now shared body.

She supposed that was fair.

Her Vessel is new to this whole thing. Having to share his body with someone who could steal and control his limbs without his explicit permission must have been traumatic. Humanity does love their… what does the current era’s words of it? Ah here it is. Autonomy. Yes. Human love their autonomy, includes—no, especially over their own body. The way Sukuna undermine his, and stealing his mouth for a brief exchange with Empyrean, must have spook him badly.

It would be for the best if she waits a few days before making approach. The wound is fresh still.

There are games you can only win if you possess patience in spades.

And Sukuna is a very good player.

In regards of player, it seems that her Vessel is put in same team with Child of Shadows and a new player. A girl with personality of a rampaging bull. It was especially apparent when Young Empyrean deceive them with promise of sight-seeing yet ended up taking them to a Curse’s nest.

“THIS IS NOT ROPPONGI!” Above her head, the chimes rattle, transmitting the girl’s outraged shrieks.

Sukuna had to cover her mouth with her sleeve.

Young Empyrean do have taste in humour.

Yet, Sukuna found her smile disappears and replaced by an offended scowl when the man handed her Vessel… something.

That thing, is not a weapon. Certainly not one meant to combat curse with. It was too flawed. No Curse energy of its own. At least, not one to decent level, leave alone satisfactory. No special feature. None. None that merit its name. It was, at best, an amateur’s first foray into smithing, and at worst, insult to any self-respecting Curse Smith.

Sukuna had known a Kitchen Knife with better quality than that thing.

That thing better not be the standard quality of this Era’s Cursed Tool. It better not.

(Her Vessel must have felt her rage at the offending item if the tension on his shoulder was any indication.)

Perhaps crafting a superior Cursed Tool and gifting it to her Vessel would make a fine apology gift. In order to do so, Sukuna need to know her Vessel’s fighting style. Gifting him a powerful yet incompatible tool would cause more harm than good and that would be unacceptable.

Fortune is on her side, as she gets the front row of her Vessel’s fighting capability.

Sukuna had to admit being impressed with her Vessel’s high combat aptitude. Floundering at the beginning he may be, he quickly improved and able to, what does they say nowadays? Turn the table. Yes. Her vessel is able to turn the table and exorcise a curse with nary a Cursed Energy. Merely using pitiful pittance stored in that brittle knife.

Sukuna notes down hand-to-hand combatant on a blank scroll, separated from her Vessel’s memories, when her Vessel punched through a wall. Again, without using even a drop of Cursed Energy to augment his strength.

Was he a Pure Human? No. It can’t be. Sukuna would know if he was one. Perhaps a gift of his Lineage?

Folding the byōbu now that the excitement is over, Sukuna poured her attention to her Vessel’s memories. The question of her Vessel’s uniqueness become more apparent with each event.

“How was your first mission go? Exciting, right?” Gojo-sensei asked.

Currently they are sitting in a famous Sushi place in Shinjuku. Celebrating Itadori and Kugisaki’s first successful Field Exercise. Kugisaki gleefully picked whatever plates that caught her attention, content letting Gojo-sensei footing the bill. Itadori, on the other hand, is very conscious at the price and seemingly only pick cheapest option available.

Megumi decided to add several more plates to him.

“Fushiguro?!”

“Gojo-sensei has more than enough money to foot the bill.” Megumi told him. “Stop worrying so much.” Itadori seemingly is a physical fighter. He could do with more calories and nutrients if he wants to be adept Jujutsu Sorcerer. Especially when he was holding Sukuna at bay.

(He certainly did not see his Past Self in Itadori shut up Gojo-sensei don’t think Megumi won’t notice the sly look you adopted right now)

“Yeah!” Kugisaki nod shamelessly. “If this beanpole offers, you shouldn’t refuse!”

Being tag-teamed made Itadori reluctantly accept the extra plates.

“Say, Sensei.” Itadori asked, “what about the boy?”

That’s right. There was a hostage that Itadori and Kugisaki saved from the Grade 4 Curse, wasn’t it?

“You’re asking what will happen to that boy?” Gojo-sensei replied. “Well, first, we got an Assistant Manager to take him to hospital to check up on injuries. Then we return him to his parents. Oh but, the we also placed a Window to monitors him. You know how normal people only able to perceive curse when they are in mortal danger, right?” Megumi feel a little pleased that Itadori nodded, signifying he remember the short, hurried lecture Megumi gave him on the other day. “Well, in a very rare cases, there were some who develop innate talent as Sorcerer. So, the Window’s duty is to see if the boy will lose the ability to see Curse or if he will retain it. If it’s the former, the boy will made to sign an NDA and keep silent about Jujutsu. If it’s the latter, we will reach out to the boy and recruit him as student once he reaches your age.”

“Oh, so that’s how Sorcerers are recruited!” Itadori nodded, as if understands.

Megumi had to bite his tongue before he can blurted something that break the other teen's heart.

That little boy was lucky that the people who found him were Itadori and Kugisaki, who are Gojo-sensei’s students. If the boy ends up developing talent as Sorcerer, Gojo has power to select who will recruit him, if he didn’t decide to do a personal house visit. And if he doesn’t, Principal will do it.

That was a much kinder fate than some Sorcerers from Normal background had. Usual recruitment tends to involve copious amount of blackmailing. Even Itadori's "Recruitment" has shades of it. If a potential sorcerer is unlucky enough, the recruiter will not just stop at blackmailing. They might hold family or friends hostage.

(Megumi did not want to imagine the world where Gojo-sensei failed to take over his Guardianship from the Zenin Clan)

(He did not want to be separated from Tsumiki)

(He did not want to lose his only family left)

Itadori is really lucky that Megumi was the sorcerer deployed to track down Sukuna’s Finger that appears in his school.

Ah right.

“If I recall,” Megumi turned to Itadori, “you mentioned that you know other people who can see Curses.”

That draws Gojo-sensei’s attention. “Oho? Care to share the names?”

Itadori swallows the Ikura-sushi. “Uh, only a handful though.”

"A handful is more than you thought, actually." Gojo stated. "Usually, outside clans and families of Sorcerer, it was near impossible to find people who can see curses. You knowing others is an outlier unless..." he paused. "Was it your relatives?"

A nod was the answer.

Perhaps Megumi has been hasty in thinking Itadori come from normal background.

“Ha?” Kugisaki look at him sceptically. “For real? You are such a normie, though. Even I know more.”

Itadori shrugged. “Well, yeah. Grandpa said my dad could see curses when he was alive but not as good as Grandpa did.” So, his mother is presumably normal human? “Grandpa didn't give a damn about curses though. They never bothered him.”

“Not even once?”

“Ah, sorry. Wrong words.” Itadori coughed. “By never bothered him, I mean, the most curses were fucking terrified of him. Like, between Fight of Flight, the curses always chose Flight. Whenever Grandpa was around, the curses high tailed and ran away.”

Megumi stares.

And stares some more.

He then looks down on his drink.

It wasn’t spiked with alcohol, right?

“What the fuck” he heard Kugisaki breathes. “Are… are you high?”

“I’m not!” Itadori shouted. “I’m serious. Back when grandpa was alive, curses took one look at him and start running for the hills. When Gojo-sensei mentioned Hospital being curses’ favorite place to hang out? Yeah, not the hospital grandpa admitted to. At least, not the floor and the wing he was placed at. That section is completely clear. Swear to god I am not making this up.”

Itadori didn't looks like he was lying.

(Actually Megumi wonder if Itadori even know how to lie.)

But if that was the case... just what is with his family?!?!?!

“Itadori-kun. Say,” Gojo mused, “do you ever do family tree project?”

“I… think I have one back at Sendai. Why?”

“Cause Sensei want to borrow it!” Ah. Yes. If Itadori was saying the truth, further investigation is necessary. Not even Gojo-sensei cause Primal Fear in curses that they flee at mere sight of him. Not even Grade 4 which are beyond outclassed. Add with Itadori’s unique situation as Sukuna’s Vessel… and you got impression that there is more about the family. "So your grandpa and dad can see curses. What about your mom? And grandma?"

"Never meet grandma. She died before I was born. And..." Itadori trailed off. "Well. I didn't remember mom all too well. She and dad passed away in Car accident... and Grandpa really, really, really didn't like talking about mom. Like, the kind of hate you got for cockroach. So I... just don't talk about her. Don't know much about her. This is my first time talking about my parents, actually."

Is that why Itadori freely spill his home life? Because he has been holding it all this time? Megumi could never--

(A faint smile he barely remembers)

(A head of dark hair on wide shoulder, leaving the door and never return)

(A pale body lying on hospital bed with no confirmation whether she will ever wake up or not)

Megumi shook his head.

Not the goddamn time.

"How about cousin?" Gojo-sensei continue to fish out information. "Got any?"

Before Itadori could answer, Gojo-sensei's phone went off. Oh. That was an assigned mission for sensei. From the higher-ups.

Sigh.

Megumi could just tell that Gojo-sensei won't be doing a lot of teaching.

Their outing ended with them finishing their meal and returning back to the Campus. Almost like any other day in Megumi's life, with added flavor of curiosity regarding Itadori's family.

"Itadori Yuuji." Megumi mused within the safety of his dorm. "Just who and what are you?"

There's no way Itadori was a Normal Person who comes from Normal Family. Not after the bomb he dropped off.

Chapter Text

“K-Kugisaki.” Stammered Itadori. “Haven’t we visit enough shop?!”

It was Sunday and Nobara have been waiting all week long to finally stretch her legs at Tokyo. Especially after she got the pay from the Exorcism. Really. The Salary is the only highlight of that mess.

(The Celebratory Lunch didn’t count. That Potato head had to ruin it with dropping bomb ‘bout his absurd family)

In revenge for ruining the lunch, Nobara had made Itadori “Potato Head” Yuuji her pack mule. If he could punch through walls, he damn could carry her bags.

Alas, it seems Nobara underestimate how much country hick he was.

Potato Head fucking shrieked at the sight of the price tag. Proclaims it too much. Loudly, in fact, which was embarrassing until Nobara had enough and grinds his toes under her heels. Then he would have a proper reason to be high-pitched whiny baby.

“If you pretend to be tired, forget it, don’t think I didn’t notice you haven’t broken a single sweat.” Nobara clicked her teeth. Finished paying the cute top and that mean skirt. “And stop acting like you’re in poorhouse. Didn’t you get the payments? Have you look at your bank accounts?!” Being Sorcerer is rich rich. Their hazard job demands luxurious pay. Even Grade 4 net you five digits. Gods. This is why Nobara become Sorcerer. Like fuck she lived in that middle-of-nowhere with prejudiced folks when she can live the life here.

So what if she had to put her life in danger? Life Fast, Die Young!

(Well, except the Die Young part. She would prefer to live till old age as cool granny thank you very much!)

“I mean… yeah but…” Potato head stammered.

“Also,” Nobara pointed a finger at hi stupid face. “Don’t think I don’t notice how you were eyeing Yukata earlier.” A female yukata at that.

Potato head turned red.

“T-that was because Sukuna!” He excused.

That got Nobara pausing.

“Sukuna? The creepy crusty guy whose finger you ate?” The damned King of Curses himself? “Are you fucking with me?”

“No! It just-he just-he saw that Yukata and got really interested. Swear I’m not lying!”

“I don’t know His Murderous Majesty is interested in shopping.”

Itadori made a strange expression. “Uh, he said something about Noble Color?” Wincing, he continues. “Okay okay, so, unless I got it wrong, he said something about back on his heyday, purple is costly. As in, you need to work in the court and you need to be of high rank to be… allowed? Am I using the correct word here? Yeah. You need to be of high rank to be allowed wearing purple. Top of the food chain.”

“Huh.” Nobara blinked. “So purple is Rich folk color.”

“…apparently it was back then. And—” His expression become bewildered. “Did you just admitted that you blackmailed and strongarmed people just to get purple nail polish?!” He asks incredulously.

That earned odd looks from passerby. Nobara pushed Yuuji to continue walking. Better not standing in same place like a fool.

“So, Sukuna wants purple Yukata?” She pondered.

“Or red.” Itadori mumbled. “Which apparently, while not as high as purple, is also noble color of… Propriety? What the connection here? Huh? It’s also cost you a fortune to get back then?!”

“Any other color?”

“…blue. Which also used in court rank and… Benevolence? Huh? You’re picking it just because my name contains its kanji?!”

Nobara raised an eyebrow.

“Looks like someone have expensive taste.” She half-teased half attempting rage-baiting. “What? Commoner color is not good for His Murderous Majesty?”

Itadori open his mouth, paused, and look incredulous.

“Seriously?”

“What does he says?”

“He…” potato head twitched. “He said darker color would contrasted my hair nicely, making it stands out in a good way. Like… what the fuck Sukuna.”

Nobara can understand.

Was the Curse thinking how he look while wearing Yuuji’s body like another layer of clothing? Creepy.

(She can’t deny the King of Curses have good taste)

(Wait, is she seriously contemplating asking fashion advice from the King of Curses?!)

“What a way to ruin my day.” Nobara scoffed. Glaring at Itadori (or more specifically, the curses inside him).

“Sorry?” Itadori looks awkward. “Um. Wanna go out and buy drink?”

“You’re paying.” He’s offering and its half his fault her mood is ruined.

“Yes. Yes.”

They went into a café not far from the mall. Nobara got herself the café’s signature drink while Itadori got himself a cappuccino. The girl rolled her eyes when Itadori just straight up drinking his orders. Not a single thought of snapping a photo and post it in social media. Waitaminit.

“Oi Itadori.” She calls out. “Do you have social media?”

“I, uh, have Facebook?”

…exactly how much of country hicks he is?!?!?!

“Don’t give me that look!” Itadori squirmed. “In my defence I only got a phone after entering Jujutsu High!”

Seriously? “You lived a sad life.” The more Nobara heard about it, the more tragic Itadori’s life was. Was his family that conservative and rejecting any technology? “What next? You lived in old house with no heater, no tv, and washing clothes by hands? Squat Toilet?”

“Oh, bite me!” Itadori harumphed. “I used to live in an apartment with grandpa. We used modern amenities; you know.”

“But not phone.”

Itadori shrugged. “Bills are more important. It wasn’t like we didn’t have landline phone.”

Holy Heaven. Itadori is either a) even worse country hick than Nobara thought, b) poor (which explain his reactions), or c) both. Nobara leans on the last one.

“You give me a headache.” She told him that much.

“Uh, sorry?”

Nobara hit him.

“I,” she grinded out, “am going to teach you all about social media. There’s no way in hell I am going to be associated with a fucking potato. First, you are going to take out your phone and download Instagram and Twitter.”

“O-okay.”

“Good.” She stood up. “I’m going to the restroom. By the time I back, you better already have account on both.”

“Yes ma’am!”

Nobara spends a quick time in restroom. Only doing light touch up on her makeup. Good gods, Itadori is lucky she deigns to spend her time teaching him the necessity of social media! That guy missed so fucking much. News travel fast in the Internet! She really needs to get him up to dates before he gets left behind even further.

When she returned, Itadori was staring outside the window with his phone raised. Nobara narrowed his eyes.

“Are you taking someone’s picture?”

“Ah, no?”

“Is that a question or an answer?”

“Answer.” Itadori answered. “It’s just… I saw someone. Someone I think I’ve met before.”

“Your Classmates?”

Itadori shook his head.

“No. I would know if it was my classmates. I,” he paused and thinking really hard, “I think I saw them when I was little. It’s kinda… hazy?”

“Whatever.” Nobara has no time or patience dealing with whatever inside Itadori’s brain right now. She has more important matter to address. “But you didn’t take their picture, right?”

“Nope.”

“Good. Cause that’s creepy. And Stalker-ish. Seriously, never take someone’s picture without their permission! Maybe you can’t avoid accidentally snap someone’s photo when you take a pic on scenery, but at least make sure they are not the focus and if possible, have their face blurred. Especially if you planned to post it on Social Media. Actually, we are so going through what is allowed and what is not allowed to do when taking pictures.” The law on this one varied case-by-case basis. So, there will be a lot to cover.

Though it basically boiled down to “using your common sense”.

Nevermind that Jujutsu Sorcerer probably having to take pictures illegally, but she hopes it was because the mission required it.

Or that she hasn’t teach him about filters yet.

Ugh. So many things to do…

Chapter Text

Sukuna was strumming a well-known song of her Vessel era upon her Koto (that rectangular box her Vessel bestowed with was a masterpiece of human’s invention!). She had taken great pleasure of familiarizing herself with the current era’s method of entertainment. She does need break once in a while as to not bore herself.

(Having something to do ease the ache in her heart)

In middle of the impromptu performance, she suddenly plucked a string too hard that it snapped.

“Oh dear.” She mused, eyeing the snapped string. “This is not a good omen.”

(but for who?)

Closing her eyes, she snapped her finger and the byōbu she used to view unfolds and play most recent memories. A feat easier than going through older memories solely based of how they are still vivid within her Vessel’s mind. Once she deemed it informative enough, she reaches out to the surface. Her Vessel flinched at the intrusion and immediately be on guard. Sensing his curiosity, Sukuna shushed him. Now is not the time for query. She is curious of what happening out there.

Her curiosity increased when the borrowed ears caught words “Special Grade”. My, unless she remembered things wrong, she was categorized as Special Grade.

An “emergency” mission, against a Special Grade. Assigned to her Vessel, who only has a forthnight practice, at the very best. With Empyrean was nowhere within reach. Undoubtedly works of the Viper’s Pit.

Ah yes.

Sukuna can see what is happening.

“This One could hear Empyrean’s heart shatter from sorrow and wrath.” She mused to herself.

A fact that is only enforced the second her Vessel and his comrades stepped into the Curse’s Den. Sukuna can feel the shift in the air. The change in pressure that signify how they no longer in human’s world. Something that neither of the children caught on until a few moments later.

Ah. Greenhorns.

She foresees a tragedy.

“You re way too calm!” Child of Shadows snarled at her Vessel. Sukuna let out a dry laugh at that. Oh, if only he could feel what she feels. Panic-Fear-Worry-needtocalmdown-needdistraction. The sliver of hurt that her Vessel feels at the harsh tone made her grin gained a feral edge.

An edge that sharpened upon her Vessel’s first proper view upon Curse’s victim.

Having grow around a Protector that keep the worst at bay, her Vessel never have seen such a gruesome scenery outside a few “Movies”. However, Sukuna is keenly aware difference between “Fiction” and “Reality”. And if he doesn’t… well, the way horror-disgust-anger-horror-fear flooded the Innate Domain was more than enough clue. It was quite powerful and able to tip her Vessel off the edge (Sukuna know this more than anyone).

The way Child of Shadow snapped at her Vessel, who tried to lived up to his name, setting up an Argument, irritates her.

“Cease thy trifling disputes, children.” She spoke, hoping at least her Vessel would heed it, with how close she was to Surface. Alas, perhaps she should keep her calm, as her irritation merges with her Vessel’s anger- agitation-whyyoucantbeconsiderate-indignation and fuels it.

Before the stupid, stupid, reckless boys could brawls—

Crack

Sukuna closed her eyes as she feels a malicious energy echoing her own mauls and tore apart the Divine Dog. Followed by they barely able to notice how the Rosethorn sinks in puddle of malice.

“Kugisaki!”

Her Vessel and the Child of Shadows, with valiant hearts, did grasp Rosethorn by her arms and in vain did strive to extricate her from her dire plight. Yet, not even the inhuman might that her Vessel possess could avail much. This signify that other forces are at play, namely, the warped echo of her own Cursed Energy that appeared behind them.

Terror-Panic-Anxiety-Panic-Terror-Fear-Help

With her Consciousness so close to the Surface, she can feel the world slowing down.

“Fugushiro.” Her Vessel breathes. Panic and terror reached its peak and somehow circled back to being calm. “You and Kugisaki find a way out. Once outside give me signal. I’ll switch with Sukuna.”

“Arrogant Child.” Sukuna scoffed.

She wishes to say more, but oh, she will get her due time.

That foolish Vessel of hers had thrust the Child of Shadows down with Rosethorn before either could utter a word. At the same time, the False Bearer did strike forth and sever his arm, which still clung to Rosethorn.

The Lanterns inside her Domain flickers. One of the Sudare briefly lifted itself before going quiet.

Oh?

Sukuna didn’t have much time to dwell upon the phenomena or what it means. Not with Panic-confused-hurt-hurt-hurt-dizzy-terrified-desperate-PAIN flooded her mind before she swiftly pull down the curtain that hides her from the rest of Domain. Muting the sensation to a degree in exchange of no longer just beneath the Surface.

“Sukuna!” Her Vessel rasped. Desperate. “It’s your turn now!”

Contrary to what her Vessel expects, Sukuna yawned.

“How rude.” She clicked her tongue. “Thou dost chain This One, denying This One a brief respite in the world beyond, and now dost demand This One clean up after thy failures? Dost thou think to command This One merely because thou holdest a fragment of This Esteemed One’s grandeur? In thy dreams!”

“Don’t you know?! If I die here so are you!”

“This One fail to see why it pose a problem.”

She did not ask to be resurrected. She was given a second chance against her will. If she dies, then she dies. End of the story. It was not a big loss to her.

(He was not here, after all)

Confusion-horror-indignation-Panic-whatdoIdonow

Despair

“Su-Sukuna…”

The Devil of Fortune sighed.

“Well.” She mused. “This One suppose it would be a folly not to frolic a while… or to savour what thy age hath to offer.”

She can feel how her Vessel bite his lips. Half in pain due loss of limbs, and half because he was torn of what to do.

It’s easy.

“If… If you agree to saved Fugushiro and Kugisaki… I’ll let you out more often.” Her eyebrow raised at the promise. “I… I will lend you my eyes and my mouth. Just…”

Help us. Help me.

“Very well. But first, shall we discourse upon the terms? This One desire this promise be sealed with a Binding Vow. Thou humans possess most lamentable habits of breaking thy word, and This One do loathe those who betray promises.” Loopholes is one thing. Outright breaking promises, or worse, pretending it never exist, irked Sukuna more than anything. “In exchange for vanquishing this Curse, This One shall have dominion over thy body for a fortnight. This doth mean, This Sukuna is in command. During this time, thou shalt regain thy body only if This One grant thee permission. Thou mayest scream, curse, or throw a tantrum to thy heart’s content, yet the control shall remain in This One’s grasp unless This One choose otherwise. Thou shalt reclaim control once the fortnight hath elapsed.”

Her vessel breathes in frustration. “Fine. But you are not allowed to kill Fugushiro or Kugisaki when you’re in control! Actually, you are not allowed to kill anyone!”

Sukuna smiles.

Oh sweetie. He was so naïve.

Killing doesn’t always equal to maiming. And hurting is not always physical.

“Verily well. In addition to vanquish this Curse, This One shall refrain from harming any unless This One first assailed. Surely, thou shalt not begrudge This One for self-defense? Wouldst thou prefer if Curses received not similar treatment?”

“Fine.”

A sound of rustling chain seals the deal.

“The pact is sealed. Strive not to perish ere the Child of Shadows grant thee the signal. Thou didst pledge to afford him that much time, didst thou not?”

Standing up, she parted the curtain and march through the halls. Past the door, through the courtyard, she reached the very edge of her Innate Domain. A large red Torii gate that separated her soul from her Vessel.

She heard a wolf howling.

Ah. So that’s the signal.

Crossing the gate, she feels the Soul of her Vessel pass her by as their position reversed.

Breathing in foul, foul¸ stench of death and decay, she opens their eyes. Both eyes she borrows from her Vessel and the secondary pairs that was hers.

The False Bearer eyeing her. Making ridiculous, incoherent sounds as it posturing. Foolishly thinking it was superior than her. What a foolish, foolish notions.

Sukuna ignores it. She instead pivoted to where the remains of Half of Divine Dog lays and kneels.

“Oh thou poor creature.” She whispered. Brushing fingers against the white fur. “Thou must be in torment.”

Gathering the deteriorate body, Sukuna gather her Vessel’s feeble energy, coaxed it to go along with her instruction.

Sukuna jumped and danced out of the harm’s way, dodging the False Bearer’s strike. Loosening the tight grip of her Cursed Energy, letting it unfurled like petals, she channels some to the leg and kicking the Curse flying through several walls.

“Dost thou mind? This One is occupied with far pressing matters.”

Clicking her tongue, she focused to isolated her Vessel’s cursed energy from hers, and guide it to the Divine Dog’s form. Amplify it and twisted the negative energy into something happier. Despair into Distress into Worry. Worry become Care and finally transform into Love. Fear circle back into Tranquillity. Anger become Boldness and filtered into Courage. Sukuna draws the memory of moments prior. Of how her Vessel prioritize the wellbeing of others. Of how he clung to this Divine Dog as mean to reassure himself as to not worry others.

Because her Vessel is Benevolent as his name suggest. Foolishly so.

(But that was his charm)

It was a slow process (by her standards) before she managed to pull together the dog, that it no longer at death’s door. It would be a shame if this Divine Dog were to die, no?

(Its poor surviving twin would be burdened by its death)

(For no power is worth the death of your other half)

The Dog opened its eyes and stared at her. Growling and huffing. Sukuna smiled.

It must have recognized her as the one who heals it, yet it knows without a doubt the Cursed Energy that pulls it from Shinigami’s grasp was her Vessel. Thus, giving it a conflicted thought whether to decide she was an enemy or not.

“Off with thee, Little Yin.” She patted it (soft). “Thy Master and thy Other Half must be in great distress, no? Repair to their side.”

The Divine Dog huffed and butted its head against her (Her Vessel) torso in semblance of ‘Thank You’ and ‘Don’t Die’ before turned around and raced outside.

Sukuna smiled at the dog. Even as she raised an arm to caught a punch.

“My. So, thou art acquainted with that Technique.” She tilted her (Her Vessel) head, noticing the False Bearer suffered slight damage, despite her knowing she had struck it hard enough to mangle its torso. “My my. That was quite a talent…”

She unfolds her Cursed Energy a little more.

“…for a thief that is!”

Blink. She punted the Curse through several walls. Blink. She planted a foot deep in its stomach. Crushing it underfoot.

“Hey.” She mused. Mouth curved into a crescent moon yet two sets of eyes glaring down like hellfire. “Vipers and Sorcerers alike proclaim thee a Special Grade. But art thou? Truly a Special Grade? For This One see naught special in thee. Endurance? Speed? Strength? Prithee. Neither of which standing out. Oh, thy sentience? Thy intellect? This One grieve to break the tidings, but This One have witnessed a Grade 4 perform the selfsame.”

To think Sorcerers would grade this creature in the same level as her, just because it can withstand power from a Finger. Truly. If that’s the case, her Vessel should be a Special Grade, no?

“This One is affronted to be cast in the same category as thee.”

Sukuna wonder, if the Den of Vipers think they could get rid of her, by pitting her against this lowborn False Bearer. Huff. As if. In terms of raw power, now that she is in control of the body, she is vastly superior. This Curse may have One (1) of The Finger. She, however, had regain two of her Fingers.

(Three if she count one that was sealed deep within her Vessel, just out of her reach—for now—but jury’s out whether that one counts or not)

The mere thought of her losing to this thing…

Ahhh. She was insulted a lot today.

“This Sukuna is mad.” She states. “Very, very mad. That’s why.”

She plunges her hand to its torso. Ripping out a Finger.

“This One shall reclaim this ill-begotten blessing, heal thee, and rend thee asunder. Hardship doth forge character, or so This One have heard! If This One thrust thee through hell, surely, thou shalt evolve and rightfully obtain thy fame as a Special Grade by thine own power, no? If thou survived the ordeals, This One shall let thee flee. Oh but if thou fails... dost This One must spoke further?”

The thing trembles in fear. Finally recognizing the Apex Predator before itself.

Sukuna bares her (her vessel) teeth.

“Let us commence the game. Strive not to perish too swiftly, prithee?”

Chapter Text

Megumi laid on infirmary bed. IV drip connected to his hands.

Ieiri-sensei managed to patch him and Kugisaki up. Fortunate, she said, that they didn’t sustain worse damage and will make swift recovery. All they need is time.

Megumi snorted.

Worse damage?

No. She was wrong. Sukuna had delivered the worst blow upon him.

He was waiting outside the Detention Centre for Itadori. Kugisaki was pacing behind her, mumbling unkind words beneath her breath in vain attempt to keep her temper. Megumi had the Black Divine Dog howls as signal. When he didn’t feel Sukuna’s malevolent energy erupted, he feared the worst: that the Special Grade had killed Itadori before Sukuna could took over. It was a reasonable fear. Sukuna had twenty fingers. Losing one or two won’t be of much difference.

Perhaps it was for the best. That the King of Curses was eradicated before he could regain his full power. There were doubt that Itadori only managed to “tame” Sukuna because the Curse was weakened.

And yet… and yet it didn’t made Megumi feels better. If anything, it made his chest hurts terribly and his stomach twisted at the thought of when Gojo-sensei arrived, all he would find was Itadori’s lifeless eyes.

Remembering his last words to Itadori, Megumi could only cover his mouth. Biles rose at the back of his throat, thinking Itadori’s last thought was Megumi being needlessly cruel towards him.

He was always taking things for granted and only realize it when he lost them.

Why he kept doing it? First Tsumiki and now Itadori

Blessing. What a joke. Megumi was not a blessing. He was the furthest thing from blessing.

His breath was heavy, shallow, and quicks. He was ready to throw up and cry—because Itadori deserved to be mourned gods that boy deserves better—when his ears picked a howl.

It was Divine Dog’s howl.

But… Megumi glanced at the Black Dog which stared back at him in confusion.

But the howl come from inside the building. But the Divine Dog was here next to him. So what made the sound—

“Oi Urchin Head! Isn’t that your dog?” Kugisaki pointed.

Megumi’s eyes widened at the sight of White Dog running out of the building. Alive. It was alive. Megumi thought it was dead. Killed by the Special Grade. Its twin had begun to inherit its power, with how its paw gained white fur. But turns out, White was alive?

He reached out to the Dog. Feeling the fur under his fingers cemented that it was not a hallucination. Its twin nuzzled it.

“How…?” He mumbled. Staring at the White Dog that as no longer pure white.

There were streaks on its fur. Most notably at the tip of its ears and tail. Pale pink streak.

Itadori’s hair was pink, wasn’t it? The shade of pink upon brown that reminds Megumi of Cherry Blossom viewing.

A powerful malevolent aura surged out from the building, and Megumi’s body sagged.

He’d never thought there would be a day he found Sukuna’s energy reassuring. Ah. He must have had hit his head when he landed wrong earlier.

The energy receded. Megumi furrowed his brows. Waiting for a familiar pink hair to emerges from the darkness.

He got his wish, except—

Wrong, wrong, wrong.

“Oi Potato head! Who told you you can take your sweet fucking time—”

“That’s not Itadori!” Megumi barked.

Once the body fully emerges from darkness. Megumi swallows. Four , Red, half-lidded eyes were gazing at him and Kugisaki. A black mark painted between his brows in style that reminded Megumi of character from C-Drama Tsumiki used to watch, and a pair of eye-like tattoo at the corner of his eyes.

“Sukuna.” Megumi breathes. Relief from earlier was gone, replaced by trepidation and fear.

The King of Curse lifted the corner of his (Itadori’s) mouth.

“Afternoon to thee, Child of Shadows. Rosethorn.”

“Sukuna.” Megumi gritted his teeth. “Where is Itadori?”

Is he still alive?

"The one whom thou seekest doth currently slumber.” Sukuna replied. “And he will not be available in the near future.”

“What do you mean?!”

“Forsooth, there is a promise—"

“Shut up! You’ve done your job, now go back to your kennel, old man!”

Where he faltered, Kugisaki quickly made decision. She hit a nail and send it flying to Sukuna. Before Megumi could say anything Sukuna was already punching Kugisaki in the stomach.

Startled, Megumi commands his Divine Dogs to attack, but White stopped its twin. Megumi look at it in betrayal. Why did it—no. Not now. If it didn’t want to, if it was going to hindered them, Megumi had no choice but to dismissed it and call forth for Snake. It slithers and attempted to get in between Sukuna and Nobara.

Sukuna merely throw Nobara at him before swiping a claw at the Snake, taking a good chunk of its body but not killing it. Megumi cursed and dismiss it.

"Children. Thou shouldst truly refrain from interrupting when thy elder doth speak." There’s a serene feeling in Sukuna’s voice. It sent hairs on Megumi’s neck to standing on their end. The only other time he recalled a similar experience, was when Gojo-sensei gone really quiet and lose all his tomfoolery. This was the kind of calm that heralding a storm. "This One was about to inform thee of the Binding Vow This One made with the Vessel."

Megumi’s heart dropped.

Itadori. You dumb fucker. What have you done?

“Binding Vow?”

Sukuna smiled. It was not a nice smile. It was wrong. Terrifying. Itadori’s face should never looked like that.

“In fear of this one run amok, Itadori Yuuji had This One swore to not harm humans… provide, of course, they haven’t warrant anything, such as attacking This One.”

Oh.

Oh

No wonder the White Dog stops its twin and refused to attack.

"This One had planned to go upon This One's way. Yet with thee attempting upon This One, the Vessel cannot begrudge This One for enacting Punishment and Self-Defense."

Fuck, Megumi thought as he and Kugisaki scampered up. Barely able to dodged a deadly wave of Cursed Energy that carved a crater where they previously have been.

"Afraid? Where is thy audacity to demand upon This One, Sorcerers?" Sukuna drawled. "Or was thy bravado naught but a false façade, meant to deceive This One's Vessel?"

He did not just imply that… he did not …!

“Hairpin!” Roared Nobara, sending forth her attack and detonate it on impact the second Sukuna was within reach. Knowing it was far from enough, Megumi summoned Toad then switched the seals to Nue. Toad’s tongue wrapped around Sukuna (Itadori Itadori Itadori) torso and held him in place while Nue rammed at him full force, crackling with electricity.

Except

Except Sukuna grabbed Toad by tongue, undone the bind by force and not so small removal of cursed-energy-made-flesh, and swung it like a rope before flinging it at Nue. Sending both Shikigami flying with the Toad being the recipient of Nue’s electricity. Followed up by a punch so strong Megumi was forced to dispel both Shikigami lest he lost them.

Kugisaki attempted to shot more nails at him, while Sukuna coated the body in Cursed Energy before kicking those nails back at them. Kugisaki swore as she had dodged her own weapon that go turned against her—

Sukuna appeared above her and drop kicked her. Sound of bones snapping could be heard as the sole of shoes meet Kugisaki’s mid back as he pinned her to the ground. Under his heels. Kugisaki’s rasp for air.

Desperate and panic, Megumi’s hands had formed a handsign. Of holding a wheel.

Before he cold uttered a word, air was knocked out of his lungs. Sukuna, within blink of eye, had slammed him on a wall with a chokehold grip threatening to snapped his neck.

“Pathetic.” Scorn the Curse. “Rosethorn, thou art weak. Pathetic. Foolish. Thou didst arrogantly believe thyself to be at the pinnacle, when thou canst not even govern thine own technique when it is turned against thee. Thou canst not even master thine own cursed energy to halt it, but instead dost flee like a simpleton. Even then, thy display of physical prowess is naught but pitiful. An inflexible mindset, sluggish reaction, and a dearth of creativity. Such an extraordinary Innate Technique is squandered upon thee. And thou,” Four eyes pinned Megumi under its terrifying gaze.

“Pathetic doth not begin to describe. Perhaps apathetic would suit thee better.” Sukuna hissed. Low and terrifying. “Thou art weak. Feeble of mind. Thou art worse than Rosethorn. She at least possessed the courage to confront her troubles directly. Thou? Thou hast the right and the means to ascend as Sovereign, yet thou hast cast it aside. At the mere hint of inconvenience, thou didst deem a Suicidal Attack a splendid notion.”

Megumi’s eyes widened.

Sukuna knew?

A dying wheeze involuntarily escaped his mouth as the hands around his throat tighten its grip.

“Such a foolishness! Such idiocy!” Through blurry sight, Megumi could barely make wide, sharp, mocking smile. “Thou carest not for anyone or anything! Not for This One’s vessel, nor for Rosethorn, nor even for thyself! Thy heart is as cold and hard as stone!”

A figure that should have protected him left him behind

His own Father had tried to sold him like cattle.

Megumi feebly tried to kick Sukuna.

“W-wr’ng.” He rasped.

The curse smirked.

“Thou art correct.” H-huh. “A heart of stone doth imply thou carest for thyself. Thou possessest not that much. The space within thy breast? ’Tis empty.”

Megumi went still as Sukuna whispered on his ears.

“A heartless Sorcerer, even unto his own self. Now This One hath seen all. Thou wouldst make a fearsome Curse, Fugushiro Megumi.”

Megumi is not a blessing.

“Perchance that is why thy efforts as a Sorcerer are but half-hearted. Ten Shadows. A technique that hath granted thee the ascendance as a Sovereign. Heartless and Powerful make a terrifying combination.”

Megumi is never a blessing to anyone who ever loved him.

“Shut up your yapping!”

Sukuna staggered a Nail explode on his (Itadori) back. Forcing him to let Megumi slip from his grasp.

Megumi fell, gasping for air. Wide, terrified eyes staring at Sukuna who took care of Kugisaki, if the brunette falling limp, unconscious, on his feet was any indication.

As if to rub salt on the wound, the Curse turned to him with malicious smile.

“Come forth, Child of Shadows. Unveil thy Final Trump Card! Show This One thy readiness to sacrifice all in pursuit of thy chance for glory! Come, summon that creature and behold how it slay thyself, become a curse, then witness how it doth end This One’s Vessel, Rosethorn, and bring ruin to all!”

Oh.

How could Megumi forget? Kugisaki was there. She was… she was within the ground zero. If Megumi summons Mahoraga, she would try to do something and made herself a target as well.

Heartless. Sukuna was right. He was a Heartless bastard.

Itadori’s smile flashed in his mind.

Regret swells up in Megumi’s heart. And with it, comes Anger.

Anger at the world that forced him to this position. Anger at Curse that took Tsumiki away. Anger at Itadori for being stupid and self-sacrificing. Anger at Sukuna who taunts him telling him the truth about himself. Anger at Gojo-sensei for being away and leaving them in times of need.

Most important of all.

Anger at himself. Loathe, even.

For being weak. For being stupid. For being Heartless bastard.

Perhaps Megumi was halfway becoming a Curse himself, because with anger, comes clarity.

He remembered something.

Clasped his hands together in a Mudra, he chanted, “Domain Expansion: Chimera Shadow Garden.”

He remembered he have this.

Inky sea of Shadow spreaded from his legs, swallowed the grounds. As quick as he could, he summoned Escape Rabbits to form a ground beneath Kugisaki.

His Domain Expansion is incomplete. It didn’t have Sure-Hit effect. But… but it’s fine. In fact, this was what he needs. Kugisaki won’t be in danger because there’s no Sure-Hit effect, and Megumi has freedom to do as he pleased. To attack as he desired. To summon Shikigami as much as he wants.

He summoned a wave of Toads to bind Sukuna from multiple angles. Ensuring he couldn’t even move a limb. Then, Divine Dogs. Both of them lunges at Sukuna. The Black one somehow inherited fragments of its twin’s power, giving it ferocity and speed that was amplified further by his Domain.

Sukuna’s Cursed energy surged (no, it was wrong choice of words, it gradually increases. Like flower petals unfold one by one), and he cut apart offending limbs. Before he could strike Black dog, its White twin intercepted with an impact that send him staggered, quickly jumped back and then manoeuvre its and its twin position to be able to adapted better against any incoming retaliation.

(It reminded him of Itadori)

Yet Megumi’s hopes to win the battle was quickly dashed when Sukuna smiles.

“How cunning. How Magnificent. To think thou art capable of such. Perhaps thou art not as hopeless as This One didst suppose.” He praised. “Allow This One to return the favor, then.”

Megumi’s heart stopped when Sukuna’s hand formed a mudra.

“Domain Expansion”

His own Domain shudders as something overtake it. A palace like the one he saw in Kyoto, one that reminiscent Heian Era, formed from the shadows, towering over him.

The next thing Megumi knew was pain, pain, and more pain. And flashes of red.

When it’s all over, all Megumi could do was lying on his back upon the cold, hard ground. Rain started to fell, drenching his pathetic state. He let out a weak cry when he caught Sukuna walked away.

“Stop.” Don’t go. “Whe-where are you going?” Don’t go.

Sukuna looked back and smiled.

“This One’s Vessel hath graciously consented to This One’s stipulation to possess the body for a fortnight. ’Twould be a shame if This One did not exploit it to the fullest.” Megumi choked. Itadori, you dumb ass. “If it bringeth thee comfort, This One is still bound by inability to inflict harm or carnage unless This One be in peril first.”

That… does not make things better. Who knows what Sukuna would do, with or without causing carnage.

“You can’t,” a cough broke out of his body. Red liquid dripped from the corner of his mouth. Oh. His throat was clogged with blood a little. “You can’t just… go. You can’t-you can’t use Itadori’s body as you pleased…!”

Don’t take Itadori away.

Don’t take anyone from him again.

“Who bestowed upon thee the right to make demands, Child of Shadows?” Sukuna asked. “Thou art not Sovereign whom This One could respect. Furthermore, the last time This One didst check, thou carest not for This One’s Vessel.”

Memories of what happened before everything went to shit resurfaced.

“You-you know no-nothing.” Megumi tried to push himself up. “I-I care. I care about Itadori.” Move, body, move, “I don’t—I don’t have a reason to spare him back then. I should-should have killed him but… I don’t. I refused to. Itadori is” he chokes, “Itadori is a good person.”

“So, thou dost spare his life because he is a goodly soul, yet dost not spare a glance at the cadaver within, for to thee he is a criminal?” Sukuna raised an eyebrow. “What a selfish creature thou art, Child of Shadows.”

“So… so what?” Megumi managed to flipped himself into laying on his stomach. His body decided to not cooperate by made its protest known. “Sorcerer… I am… sorcerer. Not a hero.”

His duty was eradicating curse. Saving people was side effect of it.

Silence stretched between them. Only broken with Megumi’s heavy pants and groans as he tried to push himself up and failed.

“Thy eyes do not deceive. Yet thou art unable to act. What a conundrum.” Sukuna finally said. “Very well. Thou hast persuaded This One to grant thee a chance. Let us make a wager.”

A wager?

“Of what kind?”

“This One doth believe, thou wouldst call this ‘Hide and Seek.’” Hide and seek? “This One shall depart the premises. Within a fortnight, thy task is to seek out This One. Success in thy endeavour shall be rewarded, for This One shall willingly grant the Vessel dominion over the body.”

A sound of chain rattling echoes in Megumi’s ears.

“Until then, Child.”

“W-wait!” Megumi shouted. “What-what would happen if I lose?!”

Sukuna did not answer. Merely continued walking away.

“Stop!” No… don’t blackout. Not now. “Answer… answer me! Don’t ignore me!”

Megumi’s ears caught sound of something breaking.

Oh.

That’s his heart.

He did have one?

He couldn’t stand. He couldn’t even crawl.

He just could lay there. Drenched. Pathetic. Weak. Waiting for someone to saved him. To make things right.

Always the one needed to be saved. Never the one who did the saving.

“Damn it.” He cried as everything become dark and cold. “Damn it. Damn it. Damn it. Damn it all!”

Pitiful wretch.

That was all he ever amounted to.

“Megumi.”

Megumi’s head snapped up. “Gojo-sensei.” He whispered.

“I’ve talked to the Higher Up.” Megumi’s fingers twitched. “Don’t worry, ‘Gumi. They won’t pull the same thing ever again.”

“…they shouldn’t attempt this in the first place.” Megumi mutters darkly.

The Detention Centre. The situation with Sukuna. It was all the Higher Ups’ fault. If only they didn’t try to meddle, this all wouldn’t have to happens. Itadori would’ve been here. With him them.

“No.” Gojo-sensei agrees. “They shouldn’t. But what happens, happened. All we could do is to cope and do what we could.” He sighed. “I’ll contact Nanamin and see if he heard anything about pink haired teenager running around. Good thing Itadori’s hair is striking, eh? In meantime, focus on your own recovery, ok?”

What?

No.

Don’t tell him…

“I-I’m coming.” Megumi insisted. “Gojo-sensei, I’ll find Itadori!”

Gojo-sensei give him a sad smile and ruffles his hair—Megumi bat his hand away. This is not what he wants or need.

“It’s fine Megumi. We may have the King of Curses roamed in Japan, most likely already attained and consumed his third finger. I however, framed it that it could be either Itadori-kun or the Finger Bearer. I told them that they should pray it was Itadori-kun emerges as the winner, albeit confused and scared out of his mind. He was the better choice than the Finger Bearer and those geezers really should have think things thoroughly before having a Stupid Plan. Making Itadori’s values rise should buy us time, and hopefully, if those lazy bags of bones have any self-preservation, they won’t give “Kill on Sight” command.”

That

“Just focus on your recovery and take it easy, ok? Sensei will bring your classmate back.”

Megumi stares at Satoru’s retreating back.

Oh.

He was left behind again.

Enough is Enough

Megumi rip out the IV drip.

Focus on his recovery? Take it easy? Time? Haha. No. No way. That was impossible.

Sukuna gave Megumi a clear deadline.

A fortnight. Fourteen days. That was how long Megumi had to find that damned Curse. Before he lost Itadori for good.

He can't afford to waste time.

He needs to find Sukuna Itadori.

Itadori’s Binding Vow is to give up control over his body to Sukuna for fourteen days. Itadori can only get his body back if Sukuna allows him to.

Megumi’s wager with Sukuna, the Binding Vow between them, is that if he fond him before fourteen days are up, Sukuna will return the control back to Itadori.

Therefore, Megumi is the only one who can bring Itadori back.

He is the only one who can save Itadori from Sukuna’s grasp.

Him. He alone and no one else. Not other sorcerers, not Nanami-san, not even Gojo-sensei. Him.

“Divine Dogs.”

Megumi's Cursed Energy was only enough to summon the dogs. But that was fine.

“Find Itadori.” He commands the dogs. Specifically, the White one (the one with Itadori’s color). “Track his scent, his Cursed Energy. Track Sukuna’s if you have to. We are going to find Itadori. One way, or another.”

If Gojo-sensei won't let Megumi come with him, won't let him help, that's fine. Megumi will find Itadori on his own. Even if it means incurring Principal Yaga's wrath for sneaking out and going on unauthorized mission.

No more sitting idly, hoping for miracle. No more being complacent. No more being left behind. He want to obtain something? Want to hold the ones he held dear and never let them slip through his fingers ever again? Then he damn well work his ass off for it.

(Another sound of rattling chain echoes in his ears.)

Chapter Text

He woke up in the middle of Camellia bushes. Two different kinds of Camellia. Tsubaki that blooms in the spring, and Sazanka that blooms in the falls. It was quite a struggle to get out from the bushes, and Yuuji tripped over a root, ending up in him faceplanting into rock-covered ground.

Groaning and swearing to himself, Yuuji picked himself up and look around.

He was in of some kind of garden. After the bushes of camellias, he found asters and azaleas and hydrangeas. Yuuji touched the flowers. Oh, those feel so real. They also smell real. If fact, they smelled richer than any flowers he had encountered before.

Looking up from the flowers, Yuuji notice white flowering tree. Upon closer look he found them to be plum blossoms. The petals are round, after all. And-are they made of ice? Yuuji squinted. Yes. The flowers, they are made of ice. Delicate and refined craftmanship, unparalleled. Deserving a noble prize. Despite that, despite being made of ice, the blossoms emitted soothing fragrance. Yuuji took a deep inhale and relaxed. He… he didn’t know he was stressed until his nose caught the whiff of the blossoms. It feels like someone is reassuring him that everything will be alright. It was… nice.

Following the trail, Yuuji notices the plantation changed. Sazanka ceased and Tsubaki increased in quantity. Some flowers had fell on the ground. Whole. He recalls how fallen Tsubaki flowers represent beheading. A noble death to Samurai, but a death nonetheless.

(That’s why he never brought them when visited Grandpa, despite it being Grandpa’s favorite)

The further Yuuji walk, the less Plum Blossoms he encountered. Eventually, where no longer he found the crystalline flowers, he  saw it.

A pair of weeping willows framed a bridge entrance. Yuuji hesitated for a brief second before began crossing the bridge. Beyond the canopy, he could see where it leads to.

A small island. Only big enough to house a shrine. Red-painted walls and pitch-black roof. The dark water near the island framed with red dots. Spider lilies.

The shrine emitted a sensation. A pressure.

His monkey brain screamed that Yuuji should be scared. Terrified. Something about the Shrine is wrong and out of place but the rest of his brain stated it feels familiar.

It was hypnotizing.

“This One, afeard, thou art not permitted to venture thither.”

A voice spoke, breaking the spell.

Yuuji whirled around and stare. Frozen.

At the beginning of the bridge, between the weeping willows, was a lady. Her hair was pink with black roots, resembling a cherry blossom tree in full bloom. Just like his own.

(Just like Grandpa)

“Who…”

The lady turned around and begins to walks away. Seemingly realizing Yuuji was standing still as statue, she looks back.

“Well?” She spoke. “Art thou not coming?”

Startled, Yuuji ran after her. Her hair trailed with each step, mostly undone and reaching past her waist, except for a few strands that was pulled into half updo and secured with Peony kanzashi.

She led him to other direction of the garden. To a palace no less imposing than the temple Yuuji saw at distance. She led him entering the building through the backdoor, Yuuji think it was kitchen area, down the hallways framed by plaster walls, with occasional Fusuma and Shoji.

It feels like he was Chihiro from Spirited Away.

Does that make the lady Haku?

“Ah,” Yuuji remembers. “I… I’m sorry for intruding. And… who are you?”

The lady stops. The Fusuma with yin yang koi fish painted upon it, slides open. Revealing a grandeur hall. How… how big was this place??? The hall has second floor!

“This One doth marvel that thou didst not recognize this esteemed self.” The lady murmured. “Perchance thy brain was more scattered than This One didst suppose.”

“Eh? What do you mean?”

The lady fully turned to him. Yuuji realized she has eerie strong resemblance to him. Albeit with red eyes instead of his Honey Gold. It was as if she was his long-lost big sister. Or a very young aunt.

(That cannot be. Yuuji did have a grandaunt, but last time he checked, she died when he was little, and she was closer to grandpa's age)

“What was the last thing you remember?”

Yuuji frowned at the question, then recall his memories.

He was… let’s see… he was talking with suit guy… Ijichi. He thinks his name was Ijichi-san. There was Fushiguro and Kugisaki. Then… a crying woman? And—

His eyes widened.

“The Curse!” He was fighting a curse! He-his hand was cut off! “Fushiguro! Kugisaki!” They-where are they? Are they alright?!

“The curse was no more.” The lady answered lightly. Gliding across the floor towards the platform. She moves as if she was dancing to a song only she could heard. “The little sorcerers will live. Shaken, but whole and alive.”

“You…”

"Verily, thou canst not be so dense."

Yuuji swallowed.

“That way of speaking… the nickname…” There’s only one person who talks like that. “You are Sukuna.”

Sukuna smiled and lift her (her???) sleeves to cover her lower face, bowing in a grandiose manner it feels like she was mocking him.

“The Devil of Fortune herself, in the Mind and Soul.”

Devil of Fortune? “Not King of Curses?”

“Devil of Fortune, King of Curses, Guardian Deity of Hida. Those were titles bestowed upon me by the folk.” Sukuna waved her other hand dismissively. “It was matters of preference. "It was but matters of preference. Naught to stir thee so.”

Just a nickname huh… yeah. That’s not important.

“Where are we? And… and why do you looks like me?”

"For thy first query, we currently dwell in mine Innate Domain."

Innate Domain?

"A place that doth reflect the shape of mine mind and soul. Imagine it as a mindscape. The form of mine soul hath taken shape as a painting that cometh to life."

So, it’s like Inner World from Bleach. Or, or mindscape from Naruto?

“As for our likeness”

“?!”

Sukuna suddenly was within his personal bubble space. One hand tilted his chin up.

“This One doth wonders,” she smiled. There’s something in her eyes. As if she knew something Yuuji isn’t privy too. “Pray, Vessel, This One doth recall, thou didst mention of inheriting thy hues from thy forefather. This One doth hope thy old abode remaineth untouched. ’Twould be a shame to find a lifeless lead.”

“Gojo-sensei did said he want to see my old genealogy project…”

“Oh, thou art mistaken, little one.” Sukuna chirped. Suddenly Yuuji has a bad premonition. “This One shall not await the Empyrean to present his findings. This One shall retrieve the knowledge herself!”

Yuuji frowned.

“…but that was in Sendai?”

“This One is aware.”

But then—

No.

“Sukuna.” Yuuji breathes. “Where are we?”

The Curse smiled as she let him go.

“This One doth believe thou wouldst call this conveyance ‘Bus’? Quite a marvelous carriage. Days and weeks of travels are reduced to mere hours. This One mayhap must share spaces with fellow travelers, but our comfort and safety are assured. No more fearing the rain and wind. Convenient, isn’t it?”

Ahhh…!!!

This is bad!

“You can’t do that!”

“Oh?” Sukuna grinned behind her sleeves. “Alas, little Vessel, in exchange for saving thy life, thou Vowed to grant This One dominion o’er our shared body for a fortnight, and only regain it if This One doth permit. Not a night. Fortnight. Fourteen sunsets.” Fuuuuuuccckkk. Yuuji did made that Vow. He must had been dizzy from adrenaline crash and blood loss to not notice the duration, or he would’ve haggled. “Fortune still smilest upon thee; the Child of Shadow seemeth to regard thee as his darling. Enough that he agreeth to play a game with This One.”

Child of Shadows? “Fugushiro? What did you do?!” Please don’t be a Stupid Thing like what Yuuji did…

“Within Fortnight, the Child of Shadow must find This One. If he succeedeth before the fourteenth day, This One shall restore control unto thee. This Vow doth not contravene ours, thus This One shan’t be penalized for This One doth not break the Vow.”

That… doesn’t sounds bad. Actually, that was amazing! Fugushiro is amazing! Yuuji makes note to give Fugushiro a really tight hug, then cooking ALL of his favorites as much as he wants.

“So… how long it has been?” An hour? Two?

A whole day?

“This One doth believe the second sunrise is presently occurring.”

Yikes.

“I don’t think Fugushiro would need that long.” He has dogs, right? Oh. Wait. Dog. The White one died. That must’ve limited his range. And Tokyo is a big city.

“Well, first things first, This One doth believe the Child of Shadows must needs recuperate from his wounds ere all else.”

Oh. Oh shit. “Did you hurt Fushiguro?!”

Sukuna looks at him amused. “Thou didst grant permission to strike back should This One be assailed.” ARGH! What else did Yuuji promised?! “Furthermore, This One did so to shield thy Paramour. This One doth abhor self-sacrifice.”

His what now?! “What do you mean by protecting him?”

Sukuna lowered her hands. “What dost thou know of his Innate Technique?” She asks, unusually serious it caught Yuuji off guard.

“Uh, he can summon dogs?”

“Shikigami.” Sukuna corrected. “Ten Shadows is the name of the Technique. It doth allow the user to summon Ten diverse kinds of Shikigami. The hounds are but one amongst them. Each of the Shikigami possess unique abilities of their own. As far as This One knows, none hath been able to tame the Final one. The tenth number.”

Why?

"Eight-Handed Sword Divergent Sila Divine General Mahoraga. A Shikigami of such might, it surpasseth the control of its summoner; thus, if confronted without due preparation, wits, and might, it is most likely to turn upon its summoner, leading to the demise of said summoner."  Sukuna explained, to Yuuji’s horror. “Someone drew nigh, yet ultimately stumbled, and the result that followed was not... it was not for the faint of heart.: Even Sukuna turned slightly green and Yuuji really do not want to know. "Your paramour had been planning to unleash it as Suicide last resort. Surely, dearest Vessel, you would agree that it was better for Child of Shadows to be injured but alive, than dying in false glory?”

Yuuji bites his lips.

He… can’t disagree with that.

“…thank you.” He whispered. Tired and stressed but also relieved. “For stopping Fushiguro.”

"Thank not This One. This One did declare she doth abhor senseless self-sacrifice. Especially that which is founded upon the absence of self-esteem and self-care, indifferent to those who remain behind."

The tiredness and bite in her voice spoke of a tragedy.

There’s sound of chime.

“It seems we have finally arrived in your hometown.” Sukuna mused. Her face become serene, as if putting on a mask. Or just a really good compartmentalization. She glides past him. Yuuji tried to followed her, but something invisible blocked him at the palace’s front entrance. Separating him from Sukuna. “This One will allow you to reach beneath the Surface, to receive secondhand transmission through the eyes and ears. This One had visited Mutsu exactly once, and undoubtedly, a thousand years had changed the region. Therefore, This One needs a guide.” She flashed him a smile.

“Make yourself comfortable insides, dearest Vessel. You’ll be here for a long time.”

[Hide and Seek Game Countdown: 297 Hours left]

Chapter Text

[Tokyo, the Previous Day]

“♪♪♫♬”

Hiromi paused his stride as the melody flow to his ears.

It was such an enchanting melody. Slow, drawn out, ethereal sound with eerie undertones. The sounds then soon accompanied by a voice singing.

“…Through the peripheral lines, darting and dashing~ Hurriedly toiling about, no big deal~” The voice sang. “Young boys and girls, unmatched among warmonger~ As foretold by this fleeting world~”

Ah. Hiromi know this song. It was one of those popular Vocaloid song. One of his coworker has this song as ringtone. What was it called again?

“Thousand cherry blossoms entwine with the night~ Even your voice shall not reach here~ Herein rages a feast, a cage of steel~ From that guillotine, looking down upon~”

That’s right. Senbonzakura. The title of the song is Senbonzakura.

Though Hiromin recalls his coworker’s ringtone was much… energetic. And fast paced. This one was slower, with emphasis on echoes. Giving a solemn timbre as if the singer was lamenting a tragedy.

“Passing through a Torii gate~ The blissful land, driving out evils~ Surely the finale will be laded with happiness~ In between applause~”

Perhaps this performance is a slowed down rendition of the original song?

A little curious, Hiromi approach the source. He quickly found a small crowd gathering around. Apologizing and pushing people aside, Hiromi found the performer.

It was a youth playing a koto. Their face was covered in half-face kitsune mask, and the way they wrapped the kimono around their body is… unique. Not wrong just… rather than sash, their obi was a thin, cordlike belt. It was a unique way to wear obi, reminding Hiromi of mannequin in museum.

“Thousand cherry blo~ssoms entwine with the night~ Even your voice shall not reach here~ Herein rages a feast, a cage of steel~ From that guillotine, jumping right off—”

“Thousand cherry blossoms, entwine with the night~ You shall sing, and I shall dance~ Herein rages a feast, a cage of steel~ Here with this gun, do go wi~ld~!”

As their finger plucks final notes, Hiromi found himself joining the applause.

It was simply superb performance. He wondered if the youth as a talented person seeking employment. Talent Scout would go wild in scouting them.

Remembering a certain scandal, and how cutthroat entertainment industry can be, Hiromi approached the youth.

“Hello.” They spoke. It was curios how Hiromi can’t determine their gender, be it from their gesture, cloth, or voice. Perhaps a natural-born androgynous is a thing. “May This One help?”

They use an interesting method to refer to themselves. Old fashioned, too.

Hiromi find it slightly amusing.

He handed them his card name.

“If you ever found yourself in trouble with pushy agents, or needing to sign a contract, you may consult with me.” He told them. “That’s all. Please have a good day.”

The youth tilted their head. Mouth curved in a playful smile.

“Thou as well.”

Satisfied, Hiromi turned his heels and walked away. Heading back to his office.

It was, mayhaps, foolish of him to offering his services when he wasn’t done with his current case. However, Hiromi hates to see an innocent get take advantage of. Speaking of that, he needs to review again what he knew about Oe’s case. It was strange how the prosecutor insists that Oe-san is guilty. The man’ background reveals he only receive pocket money during New Year’s Eve and still have to pay rent fifty thousand yen a month. The case was won with Oe-san found innocent yet prosecutor demands retrial.

Why? Does the prosecutor know the victims? Have a grudge against Oe-san? Against him? Personal feelings should not be brought to court. It muddles everything. Yet humans aren’t infallible.

What angle did he have to see the case from, to ensure Oe-san deserve the justice?

Before Hiromi noticed it, the sky had turned dark. His office was full of paper and notes and opened books.

“Higuruma-san.” One of his co-workers knocked. “Someone is looking for you.”

Surprised, Hiromi left the office and heading to the reception area. There, he found the youth from earlier sitting in one of the chairs.

Approaching them, Hiromi bowed in greeting. “Ah, good afternoon.” He greets somewhat clumsily, not knowing which pronoun he should use to address them. Is it sir? Is it ma’am? “You are from earlier…”

“This One can be addressed as Haruka.”

“Haruka-san.” Hiromi taste the name. It was… fitting yet hollow. “Is there anything I can help you with?”

Was they actually scouted by talent agency and needing a consultation?

Haruka-san smiles and pulled something from under their sleeve.

“This One believe this is thine.”

Hiromi blinked. That was… gavel. Yes. That was a gavel. His gavel.

Did he drop him on his way back? No. Why did he even take it with him on lunch break to begin with?!?!?!

“Yes. Yes it is.” Hiromi took his gavel back. “Thank you for returning it.”

“Please take care of it.” Haruka-san replied. “Thou should not lose something important.”

For some unknown reason, Hiromi feel a chill going down his back. The youth was talking about the gavel, right? So why does it give him the creeps?

Or that he feels they were talking about something else as well.

“Aaa. I will.”

“This One shall not disturb further.” Haruka-san bowed and left.

Hiromi was about to call out for them, about to offering calling a taxi because, oh, it was late, and the youth was carrying a large, heavy-looking bag that must’ve contain Their koto. He was worried about their posture. Who carried a Koto like that?!

Except Hiromi’s attention was caught elsewhere, by a flicker of color at the corner of his eyes.

He looked down at his gavel. The item feels heavy in his hands, weirdly enough. It was as if it’s wrapped with something thick and layered. Though the sensation only lasts a few seconds. Aside from that, it looks like a normal gavel, like it was always been.

When Hiromi looked back at the entrance door, the youth was gone.

The man can only sigh. Rubbing his face with one hand.

“Maybe I should go home and rest.”

He must be real tired if he started to hallucinate…

.

Sukuna grinned. Pleased.

Who would’ve thought she would find something interesting?

Sorcerers are human with ability to perceive Cursed Energy and manipulates it. Some were born with it, some need time for their ability to grow strong enough for the task. Few need to be put through life-or-death situation before their ability finally kicked in. Most humans only able to create curses, and isn’t that amazing, in macabre manner? To see their negative feelings take a shape independent and spread malice and misfortune. Creating circle of evil

That man, that lawyer, he doesn’t seem to be able to see curses, yet Sukuna could feel the Cursed Energy inside him. Building up, like a pile of firewood. All it takes was not a grievous harm to self, but a misfortune. One misfortune is enough to tip him over the edge and create a terrifying curse.

How amazing. How interesting.

Sukuna can’t help it, she discreetly stole the gavel and keep it with her person throughout the day before she decided it was time to return it.

“Higuruma Hiromi.” Sukuna smiled. Her Cursed Energy warped around her vessel’s vocal cord, giving the voice a higher pitch and disguising it from anyone who is familiar with her vessel. “This One doth wonder what kind of potential thou conceals.”

A lawyer.

Based on its name Sukuna assumes that Higuruma was working with law. Using law. How much it affects his soul, she wonders? Would it become foundation of His Innate Domain? Oh, what a shame he was not a Sorcerer. He would made a splendid Sorcerer. This Jujutsu world could use a rule observer. Perhaps then, the Viper’s nest could be managed.

Or they get worse.

It was an equal chance.

“Hope thou could use the Gift when thou need it the most.”

A gavel, imbued with faintest of her Cursed Energy. If the Lawyer were to awoken as sorcerer, some of his Cursed Energy, his resentment, would flow into the gavel, properly turning it into a Cursed Tool. Giving him the ability to Perceive Curse and strike them back so long he held onto the gavel. A pseudo sorcerer, to say. Oh, who he shall strike, she wonders? A curse? A cursed user? Sorcerer? Or normal folk who happens to push him over the edge?

Alas, only time could tell. But that’s fine. Sukuna is not in a hurry.

She has a fortnight to enjoy this new era while Child of Shadows chase after her trail. Hm, mayhaps she injures him worse than she thinks, since he hasn’t been able to tracked her down, despite he should be able to. The Dogs were good trackers, if she recalled it correctly. Or perhaps Sorcerer nowadays are lacking in Reversed Curse Technique?

Oh dear.

Does it mean she was without entertainment? She enjoys being chased but if the chaser is unable to… that would mean she is playing by herself? (She hates playing by herself. It’s lonely. Sukuna hates being lonely)

Perhaps she needs a change of scenery. That’s right. Her Vessel is from “Sendai”. Why don’t she go there and pay respect to his grandfather? And while she was at it, why don’t she visit her hometown and see how much it has changed? Of course, she would not forget Tokyo or her game. She did want to give Child of Shadows a chance of victory.

Now, how should she proceed? She wishes to experience this “Train”, but it seems the last train had departed. How annoying. She does not want to wait till next sunrise. She has places to be.

Oh, wait. Trains are not the only method of transportation. There’s “bus”, and fortunately for her, there are those who departs later. But she has to make reservation first.

That’s fine. She could do that. This rectangular device is truly useful, it can show her the how-to.

Humming to herself, she was busy booking a bus for her trip, that she ignores a Curse with a patchwork face that passed her by.

[Hide and Seek Game Countdown: 304 Hours Left]

Chapter Text

[Tokyo]

“Dearest Star-Born, art thou truly content letting Viper’s Nest deciding the fates of those bellow?” Let this be Advice from One who had Lived through times of Peril.

Satoru tapped his phone. Sending messages after messages on people he knew. Question, or jokes, or just plain bothering them. He doesn’t care. He needs a distraction before he did something he would regret.

“If thou dost still thine hand and suffer the Vipers deludes themselves in dreaming of leashing thee like a mutt, Thou shalt wept bitter tears of regret.”

CRACK!

The Strongest Sorcerer exhale harshly as he accidentally put too much pressure and cracking the screen.

“Fuck.” He cursed.

He hasn’t feeling this helpless in years. He hates this feeling. Hates how this is reminding him of his greatest failure (Amanai. Suguru). Hates how it feels like tragedy ten years ago repeated again even if the context is different (he can’t find him why he can’t find him?!).

More than anything, he hates how he wished he had listened to Sukuna.

How the Curse was right. He should make pre-emptive example out of the Higher Ups. He should make them pay, bleeding like carved up pig, for daring to endanger his students. He doesn’t give a flying fuck if they were targeting Sukuna. However! He draws the lines when they decide his students, Megumi, Kugisaki, and Itadori, were acceptable sacrifices!

“…Court Intrigue was not something to be taken at face value. If This One was in thine shoes, This One would consider making a pre-emptive example to ensure that message was delivered, that disrespect to This One’s wish would be resulting in heavy repercussion. Perhaps adding a Binding Vow to be sure.”

He should have done that. He should have made pre-emptive example that Gojo Satoru was not someone they should cross. He should have reminded those useless bags of bones that he alone was the barrier that keep Sorcerer survived against more potent threats. That those old geezers should curry his favor and stayed in his good graces, instead of testing how far they could push his limits before he snapped and followed Suguru’s footsteps.

(He should have pointed Suguru at them and let his One and Only got his fills exterminating Pests.)

(Because while humans created Curse, Those Elders and their closed-minded thinking, their prejudices, were big part of why there were so few sorcerers exist. That their stupid useless politics includes infighting despite knowing Sorcerers are rare, dying breed)

“Knife in the back hurts”

Yes. Yes, it hurts. It hurts so damn bad Satoru feels he’s going mad!

Satoru knew he shouldn’t listen to a Curse, much less the King of Curses. Sukuna’s personality is different from what history says. He’s not bloodthirsty monster who revels in carnage (or at least not hamming it up 24/7) but he was granted title King of Curse for damn good reason. That bastard’s more of Viper lying in the grass, waiting the right time to strike. Whispering honeyed poison that corrupts and by him, does it works???

Satoru want to deny that he wasn’t affected (but that would be a lie). The Curse already sink his claws on his brain and made a home there. Egging him to indulged in his rage and gave in to desires to play as Karmic Retribution to the Jujutsu Elders. Satoru has to repeatedly reminded himself that Sukuna is a curse and he shouldn’t listen to him, no matter how tempting his suggestions were.

(It’s reminded him on his conversation with Suguru and way worse because Sukuna pointed to a much appealing target that nobody important would mind if they’re gone, nor whose death won’t cause catastrophic collapse in economy and society)

(Honestly if the elders were dead, Jujutsu Sorcerer’s collective IQ and common sense might’ve improved by leaps and bounds)

(Assuming Gojo can find at least “decent” replacements)

If Gojo Satoru has trouble getting Sukuna’s voice out of his head, then Megumi have it worse.

That kid had begun a rebellious streak by breaking curfew and sneaking out to Search Itadori. Permission granted or not. While still recovering. Any attempts to make him consider slowing down or, please at the very least let your body rest, meet with dark, nasty glare.

(The kid had encountered Sukuna, twice, and Satoru really afraid of what the Curse must have done to him)

Dammit.

“Where the fuck is Sukuna?”

Heavens and Earth, what is the Curse planning?

.

[Sendai]

Sukuna sighed as she sinks into the water. “This is life~”

So what if she was wearing a boy’s body and naked? Why, in her time there’s no such thing as segregated bath. Especially in natural source of water like this.

The rules of washing the body and then rinse it thoroughly before she was allowed to enter the hot spring amuses her, as it reminds her of purifying ritual. She could appreciate it, however, as it keeps the water clean. Even if she won’t have to share the water with anyone else, had renting a private booth, having seeing sweat and grime floating in the water would taint the experience.

Of course, Sukuna would be covered in sweat and grime! Why, she did not straight make beeline to her Vessel’s old abode. No, she took detour. First, she strolled in the Morning Market, and then she found out Sendai has distillery, for making alcoholic beverage, and she never goes there and thus it piqued her curiosity. She does not know what a whisky was, so by heavens, she would make that detour. The drink tasted unique. Very different from Sake. Novel experience.

Then she heard about Craft Village and she knew she have to visit. Her artisan soul is crying out to the village and Sukuna is very weak to art. But oh, on the way she passed by Astronomical Observatory and really, how was she supposed to not be interested? Stars are rarely studied in her time except for fortune predicting and other Omnyouji stuff. And… and knowing that they were on [Earth], who is but one of several planets orbiting the Sun, and not even the biggest… well.

That was something.

Her worldview got off-kilter, and she only get it back on track when she decided to walk to the Artisan Village. Passing by pet cemetery on the way and get jumped by Curses that were formed by grief towards deceased beloved animal companions. Nothing that she couldn’t handle, but dear, oh dear, does she feels how much her Vessel overwhelm with grief and longing when he saw a curse in shape of a wolf dog?

Sukuna had to inform him that she healed the White Dog, which made Yuuji very happy and even thanks her.

Good deed for the day done. Sukuna continued her journey, passing by a gorgeous Gorge. She has the urge to jump and swim, but console herself that she could do that later. She got crafts to made and her hands were itching for it.

She drew Kokeshi doll in likeness of Uraume (the shape of the doll reminds her of them), and pour her heart and soul into crafting wooden keychain in shape of lifelike sumire. She really, really, really wanted to get her hands on the Tansu, alas, she cannot. Perhaps another time…

She needs to recharge her energy and what’s better than experience the Onsen? Mmm… she’s hungry. Maybe she can get Sendai specialties as late lunch. Her breakfast was something she picked on a whim in a Convenience Store and lunch was in Italian Restaurant (and Sukuna floundered for good minutes because she is unfamiliar with the menu, until her Vessel took pity on her and decided to offer his opinion).

“I can’t believe you took detour instead go straight to my old apartment.” Her vessel sighed, most likely shaking his head in disbelief.

‘Silly child,’ Sukuna chuckled. ‘Unless thou art telling This One that thy Family Tree project can sprout limbs and flee, This One doth not see any need to be in haste. Did not This One tell thee? If This One hath but limited time, This One shall make every moment count.’

Life is good when you stop being overachiever and enjoying every little thing it has to offer. From good place to good food to new experiences.

She heard her Vessel snorts. “Nobody would believe me if I said The King of Curses is more focused on doing Tourist Stuff than killing and eating human.”

Instead of being offended, Sukuna laughed.

‘Child, whilst This One doth have a taste for human flesh, This One hath no desire for a stomachache!’ She laughed. ‘This One’s original body had been accustomed to tear and digest human flesh. Thine, not so much. This One fears that one bite would cause the stomach to rebel. A cast-up morsel is a wasted morsel, and that would be a shame. One should not waste food unless it be poisoned or unfit for consumption.’

Her adorable Vessel should know it the best. Only someone who know poverty who could understand the unwillingness of wasting even a single scrap, so long it’s still consumable.

Furthermore, ‘This One is more inclined to savor local delicacies. Dost thou know that sugar was a luxury only affordable to the wealthy? Even then, it was served only in Daimyou court or during ceremonial rites as offerings to the gods. Not a snack to be purchased at one’s whim. And fried food? The only fried delicacy we had in those days was Karakudamono, a wagashi, and if sugars were rare, oils were even rarer. No such thing as fried vegetables or meat. At best, there were grilled fare.’ In fact, meat was only privilege to the noble, who are allowed to hunt certain animals, while the rest of society come to be stigmatized if they dare to.

Fucking hypocrite.

(Not that she adhered to the rule. Food is food. Source be damned)

It was gladdening to find no such restriction imposed in modern era. Meats are available to anyone so long they have money to pay for it. And they even come in variation! The source, the quality, and the parts. Speaking of part, it even includes part she didn’t know is possible to turn into food.

The Gyuutan piqued her interest oh so much. She never ate tongue before. Would it taste good? Silly her, of course it would taste good! Else why it become the local specialties?

(She wonder how human’s tongue taste, or would it be too small to be proper dish?)

She feels her Vessel sighed. Disgusted, but mostly just resigned.

“Please don’t cut anyone’s tongue just because you’re curious how they taste. Actually, please don’t cut anyone’s tongue. Period. Whether they offends you or not.” He pleaded. “That being said, where did you get money for all these. Pretty sure my wallet is not That fat.”

The Curse snickered.

‘Oh. Worry not thy pretty head, child.’ Sukuna teased. ‘This One hath her own income.’

She feels her Vessel paused, apprehension spikes.

“You didn’t murder-rob someone, right?”

‘How barbaric! Dost thou truly view This One as something so simple-minded and vile?’ Sukuna gasped dramatically. ‘This One would have thee know, This One hath class. This One refuseth to resort to such brutish, inelegant manner.’ What does he think she is? Uncouth monkey?

“…then…?”

‘Hast thou heard of the Lottery?’

There’s a pause. A long pause, that Sukuna wonders if her Vessel fainted from shock or something—

“EEEEEHHHHH?! YOU ACTUALLY HIT THE JACKPOT?!”

Oh. Here it is.

‘Why yes.’ Sukuna grinned. ‘It took this one many an attempt, but at last this one doth manage to win ninety thousand! This One is glad her fortune still holdeth strong, even as the game is against This One.’

Lottery has no rule. No pattern. It was a game of chance. Of picking the numbers and pray that you guessed it correctly.

It was infuriating.

It was exhilarating.

Oh, Sukuna has found her new hobby!

‘Of course, that was not the sole instance.’ Sukuna giggles. ‘This One didst visit a house of gaming and play a game with men adorned in paintings upon their bodies—’

“You went to Yakuza’s place?!”

‘Verily, this one did. There is where the game was held.’Sukuna did not understand the significance of it, or why her Vessel freaked out. She guessed it has something about bad stigma. ‘This One had wager and lose a quarter of the winnings, but this one did reclaim those and more when This One fully comprehended the rules and terms of Victory.’

Mahjong is fun. The strategy, the wits required to pick and discard fatal hands in quick succession, oh it was wonderful. She could feel her wits being tested! It was different from form of gambling she was used to, but it’s fine! She likes new things! So what if she loses? So long she kept close eyes on how much she loses, and ensure she has enough to fed, clothed, and rest the body, so long she does not touch her vessel’s wallet, she is free to do as she pleased with her own money.

“…Sukuna.” Her vessel called, weary, “Are you a gambler?”

‘This One doth take pleasure in the simulation of leaving matters to chance.’

“Oh my god.” Her Vessel sounds horrified. “Not only underage drinking, but also gambling?” He whimpered. “Sukuna, you are going to get me in trouble!”

Huffing, Sukuna rinsed from the pond.

‘Do not be foolish.’ She scolded. ‘Thou may not be able to see it, but This One doth use [Overlay] to conceal thy age.’

“…overlay?”

‘A technique of This One. It’s… hmm…’ What’s the right word for it? ‘Think of it as Illusion. A layer of paint upon another drawing. To the beholder, This One appeareth several years older and of no discernible gender. Thus, This One is permitted to enter places barred to minors.’

“So it’s like Genjutsu!” Her vessel lit up. “Wait. Doesn’t it mean Fugushiro can’t find you?!”

‘If thy dearest seeketh me based on thy visage, aye. However, if the Child of Shadow tracketh me by my Cursed Energy, or thine, he hath a chance.’ Sukuna reached for bathrobe and wrap it around the body. ‘Have faith in thy Lover, wilt thou?’

Embarrassment that wasn’t hers dyed the cheeks in pinkish hue. “Fushiguro is not my lover!” Her vessel yelled.

‘Not yet’ Sukuna corrected.

The robe is not made of silk, but by the Heavens, do they feel nice on the body? Sukuna is considering stealing it. She likes it that much.

‘Now, since it is clear that This One’s disguise shall deceive authority and keep thine name untainted, This One is free to spend time as This One desireth.’ Sukuna told him. ‘Perchance thou wishest to join?’

“W-wha…! No way! No way! Grandpa would come back from afterlife and wallop my ass!”

‘Oh, come on, Vessel!’

“No! I won’t let you corrupt me!”

‘Truly? Not even a harmless amusement? This One promiseth to ensure thou dost not go overboard. Surely thou art curious?’

Sukuna found a jackpot when she feels reluctant-admittance-curiosity-shame from her Vessel.

‘So you do!’ She crowed. ‘What is't? Reveal unto this One, and we shall forthwith embark thither. This One would even lend the reins of control.’

“This is my body, I should not need to get permission to use it.” Her vessel grunted, before continue in small voice. As if ashamed. “I’m… always curios about Pachinko Parlor.”

‘This One hath ne'er heard of that place, nor of that game.’ Sukuna admitted. Eyes shining in curiosity and delight. ‘It seemeth this shall be an experience for us both!’

[Hide and Seek Countdown: 287 Hours left]

Chapter Text

Yuuji added “breaking into your own home” into “Criminally Stupid Things You Do When Possessed” List.

He really, really, tried to shut out the connection. The whole thing was painful to witness and he want nothing but to knock himself unconscious. Except, his sense of responsibility refused to left Sukuna without a minder…

…as much as he could be, locked within his own body…

"This One was not to blame. Thou didst not bring thy key with thee." Sukuna huffed, finally manage to unlatched the window and slipped in. Yuuji can’t believe he was thanking every single deity he could think of that Sukuna did spends a good majority of afternoon hunting down Lottery places and somehow winning the third place of Today Special Lottery after losing a thousand yen on “duds”; then have evening spend in Pachinko.

(Which he may or may not be participating)

(As in he gets to control his own body and play Pachinko)

(Oh gods, if Grandpa is not coming back from Afterlife and kill him, Fushiguro would)

(“You enjoyed it” yes he was shut up Sukuna, it doesn’t make things better, it just make his guilt worse!)

By the time they arrived in Yuuji’s old apartment, it was really late and Sukuna only has CCTV to avoids.

“In my defense, I was not expecting to go back this soon!” Yuuji pouted. “I mean, yeah, the place is still under my name, but I know I will be busy with school or sorcerer stuff! No time to visit home at all except maybe, Christmas, which was not for another six months!” He wishes he had a throw pillow here.

Sukuna made noncommittal hums as she turns on the flashlight she got from Pachinko place.

At least she knew that turning on the lights when nobody is expected at home is suspicious.

"The dwelling in this age is something else." Sukuna mused. "So many families dwell within the same edifice yet remain independently apart."

Yuuji racked his brain to remember history lessons. Oh wait. The byobun over there has its picture moving and changing and… is that Sukuna’s memories? Kind of like weird cinema, but workable.

“Well, yeah. Things changed.” Yuuji shrugged. “Population increased, and it’s expensive to buy lands. I mean, there’s only so much space available.”

In a way, Yuuji glad Gojo-sensei help him with all the paperwork and legalese to keep Grandpa’s apartment. The tax was painful, and it serves as reminder that Yuuji is in debt to Gojo-sensei so he really should stop making troubles for him (he’s definitely failed in that front).

"...were there any troubles with the inheritance?"

“You could say, inheriting property was not common.” Yuuji replied. “Inheritance Tax is stupidly expensive. That is the main reason why inheriting property, like house, was uncommon and were seen as burden than gift.”

He flinched when one of the pillars cracked from sheer rage that Sukuna feels.

"The government doth dare to turn blessing into burden and maketh the child become unfilial and ungrateful for their elder’s gift?" The Curse hissed. Furious. "For all the advancements humanity hath made, thou art also taking steps backwards."

That was… one way to put it.

“It’s fine.” Yuuji mumbled, though his heart didn’t mean it. “Anyway, Sukuna. That’s bathroom you’re heading to.”

“…allow This One to explore.” Sukuna wasn’t embarrassed, but Yuuji guess it’s the closest thing he can get as “embarrassed” from the shameless, capricious, hedonistic curse.

Once Sukuna was satisfied in exploring the apartment, she followed Yuuji’s instruction and pulled out boxes. Yuuji groaned in embarrassment and added “robbing your own home” into the list.

If Kugisaki ever finds out, she would never let him lived it down.

Yuuji’s self-depreciating musing was broken out when the whole domain shakes. Uh, is there supposed to be earthquake, or was it symbolism? Like, literally everything here? And if yes, what was that supposed to be? Earth-shattering revelations? The feeling of disbelief drowns out everything else.

“Hey, Sukuna? Are you ok?”

“…mm.” Yuuji blinked. That was… unusually subdued. "This One found the images of thy grandfather in his youth. He doth resemble..."

Oh. Oh yes. Yuuji remember that picture. It was one of few pictures grandpa had from his youth. The only way Yuuji could see his grandmother.

Yuuji did said to Gojo-sensei that Grandpa was more like a father to him. The picture just reinforced the idea, with how Grandpa in his youth looks like a grumpy, perpetually resting bitch face, version of Yuuji. A contrast to his own dad who has softer looks.

Dad certainly got Grandma’s genes.

(Yuuji used to entertained thoughts that Grandpa was actually his aging father, and his Dad was actually his much older brother. It was especially prevalent when Father’s Day rolled in)

"And his forebears had the hue?"

The pink-and-brown hair? “I mean… yes?” Grandpa called it ‘Itadori Color’, when school called in about Yuuji’s “dyed” hair.

He heard Sukuna laughed.

It was not a jolly thing she had when winning lottery, or teasing and making fun of Yuuji. This one is wet, with strong hint of sadness-relief-nostalgia undercurrent.

"Child. Remember when thou didst ponder our likeness?"

Still am.

“Why?” Yuuji asked.

He thinks, no, he feels Sukuna wiped out a tear. Mouth pulled into a shaky grin.

"Congratulations, little one, thou art of my Kin."

Eh?

“C-could you repeat that?” Did he hear it right? “We’re related? Like, related-related?”

He feels the Cursed Energy in the domain rushed to him. Cloth falling from nowhere and wrapped around him like weighted blanket. A mimicry of a hug. Yuuji think he was in some sort of fever dream because he also heard titters and chatters from the upper levels. His ears can’t make out clear voices, it’s all feels like background noise, but it sounds like celebration or something.

(If he looked outside the window, with the partitions lifted, he would see the gardens are in full blooms, even more vibrant than the state Yuuji arrived at, with new plants added to the collection)

"Indeed, child, thou art of This One’s kin. Thy hues that have been passed down from parents to children mark thee of Ryomen | Sukuna’s Lineage."

What.

"It also doth explain why thou art uniquely suited to share Soul Space with This One and dost manage to retain sense of Self. Had it been any other but This One’s blood and legacy, there would be a struggle for dominion, with the vanquished subsumed into the victor. Indeed, it was our shared blood that protecteth thee from harm, for This One’s cursed energy would ever recognize Kin."

Yuuji sat with his face cradled between his hands.

He was Sukuna’s grandchild? His family had been Sukuna’s descendant? THAT was why he’s a perfect Vessel for Sukuna?

(What would Gojo-sensei say if he knew?)

(What would Kugisaki and Fushiguro say?)

“…Gojo-sensei never mentioned you have any children.”

Shouldn’t something as big as the most feared curse having any child is something Gojo-sensei need to inform him? In case they targeted him or something?

(Turns out Yuuji was one of those said kids… if he removed several generations between them)

"This One was not surprised. Someone hath labored hard to erase this knowledge. A blessing, truly, else thou wouldst never have been born, and that would be a shame for the world." His… grandmother? Honored Ancestor?... replied. Yuuji think she was flipping journals and album pictures. His Family Genealogy project is easy to do, since Grandpa keep journals of their ancestors piled up neatly. Now that Yuuji think about it… maybe he should’ve paid attention.

(Grandpa was about to say something about his parents before he passed away, right?)

"Is aught the matter, child?"

“No. It just…” What does it mean for him? Was Yuuji human? Or was he, and his entire family, a something else? How many generations you have to be before your inhumane-ness become very thin and nonexistent? A thousand years have passed, and yet the trait is still going strong. Or was he somehow scored Genetic Throwback for whatever odd reason?

The scars… no. The secondary eyes. Were they always meant to manifest, and Sukuna—grandmother—just accelerate it?

“I just remember… grandpa was about to told me about my parents… but I didn’t listen.”

Looking back that was pretty rude.

“Thy parents?” Sukuna—grandmother—rummaged through the files.

“Dad looks like me and Grandpa.” Yuuji began to narrate. “But according to Grandpa, dad need glasses. Oh, his hair was comb neatly.” Maybe that’s why Dad looks… soft and home-y compares to Yuuji and Grandpa. “I think Grandpa once said Dad used to work as Landscape Designer.”

“What of thy mother?”

“Grandpa hates her.” Yuuji answer bluntly. “Like, hate hate. Grandpa would tell stories about dad if I asked, but when it comes to Mom… I asked about her once and he got… really, really, really mad. And scary.” The scariest he ever been.

If someone were to told Yuuji his Grandpa killed his mother and hid the body, he would believe them. No question asked.

That was how much Grandpa hates mother.

Yuuji touch the byobun and tried to recall faint memories about his mother. It was hard. His parents died when he was very little, so he tried to remember any memories from that age. He tried to recall his first grade… no. He had lived with Grandpa. Preschool—

He realized the air become strange. Tense.

Like an incoming storm.

The hairs on the back of his neck were standing on their end.

“…grandmother?” He asked fearfully. “What’s wrong?”

"Nay… mine adorable Grandson. Dost thou mind answering This One's query?"

“Uh. Okay? What… what is it?”

"Pray… dost thou know of any dishes that incorporate brain?"

Oh.

That doesn’t sound good.

“I… I am not sure.” Yuuji gulped. “W-why?”

The answer was omnious and bone chilling.

"This One doth suddenly crave Brain. Most exceedingly."

[Hide and Seek Countdown: 282 Hours Left]

Chapter Text

[Sendai, Miyagi]

Sukuna arrived in the Cemetery. She gently touched the tombstone with name Itadori Wasuke engraved onto it.

“Hello, brother.” She whispered. Smiling wryly even as she held back tears. “To muse upon that tardiness bestowed upon me by but a few hours… Fate, indeed, is a cruel mistress, is she not?”

Her brother. Her twin brother whom the world forgotten, buried under her overwhelming reputation. Unlike her children, who were deliberately left out of history, for their own safety. Because the Sun sooner rise from the west than Sorcerer Clan refused to hunt down her descendant out of paranoia what they capable of, and just to spite her.

If Sukuna awakens a day prior, no, a few hours prior, she could have met her brother one last time. Short as it was.

No. That… would be wrong.

If Sukuna actually saw him, she won’t let him die. She would do something, what exactly she has no idea, but she won’t let him die, whether he wanted it or not. She might even do something that could be considered a Taboo.

Sukuna is a selfish thing. She cares about what she cares, and do things in her own terms. Her way of caring, of showing appreciation, did not always aligned with the one she favored. Sometimes, it even created frictions. One that she refused to bow down and apologized and acknowledged that she perhaps had made a mistake. She would told the other party to “suck it up” and “no amount of bitching could change the past”

(Something she and her brother shares, unfortunately)

“Thou knowest, brother, ’twas amusing how thou wert reincarnate to be born in this place.” She mused. “Hadst thou been born in the South, thou and Yorozu would have shared a hometown.”

Smiling softly, Sukuna nudge her grandson awake.

“Wha? What is it?”

“Morning, Blossom Tiger.” She decided that would be a fitting tithe for him. For Itadori Yuuji inherit her colorings, and a few anecdotes she manage to weasel out from him implied he had been likened to a Tiger.

A ferocious and majestic creature, fitting for her legacy.

“This One did think it wise for thee to share thy tale with thy Grandfather ere we depart.”

“I… yes please.”

Without further ado, Sukuna let the barrier that hinder her Grandson collapse as they switched place.

Already, she notices a new addition to her Innate Domain. Of Tiger Lily blooming shyly among bushes of Camellias.

To think Itadori Yuuji was not a mere vessel to bring her back to this world, but her legacy! Her blood kin! Indeed, it was fitting for the Lilies to grow between the camellias. Oh, Sukuna is going to teach him a lot of things. Her blood deserved to receive the utmost attention and quality in his education. Doubly so that apparently, now that she knows Jujutsu High employs lackluster teachings, relying on students’ innate learning drive and knowledge they gathered before stepping onto the hallowed grounds, regardless of the reputation the Instructors had in the Field.

A powerful Sorcerer does not always equal to a good instructor.

Empyrean is certainly NOT a good instructor. A decent field one, perhaps, but a class instructor is a mismatch. 

Her Blossom Tiger doesn’t even know the basics! Such as Sorcerer Ranking system and how they work! Good grief! He was not even taught how to channel Cursed Energy in stable manner! Was made to reliant upon insult upon proper Cursed Tool! Don’t get her to start with how offhand he was with his teaching. Leaving the class for a mission? Leaving them ripe for political manipulation and danger?! Knowing that her Grandson is under precarious situation and prime target for assassination? Even after he gave his word of protection?!

Doesn’t he know, that once he swore in as Instructor, his utmost priority should be his students?! Short of World Ending catastrophe, everything else came seconds and distant thirds.

Oh, Sukuna seethes at sheer neglect.

(If she didn’t know better, she would’ve thought that her grandson was deliberately keep weak, so that when Execution Day arrives, he could not fight his way to survive.)

“Uh.”

Her Grandson tried to get her attention.

“Yes?”

“Can we go back to Tokyo now?”

It seems, her Grandson had learned the art of communication and bargaining. Cute.

“Not yet.” She has plans laid out. The newfound family relations don’t change it. Sukuna is open for revision in the plan. She can add Training her Grandson somewhere in the schedule. “This One doth plan to visit her Hometown.”

“Hometown…” Her Grandson mull about it. “I don’t remember Gojo-sensei ever mention it. Where is it?”

“This One was born in the region known as Hida.”

“Hida… Hida…” Sukuna reach out to use the secondary eyes. It spoke how much the Blossom Tiger had adapted to her whims, that he merely flinches. Ah yes. Sharing body with your grandmother would be weird experience indeed. Her grandson was using the device he was given by Empyrean. A Phone, she believed it was called? “So, Hida is a region in north Gifu, named after Hida Province which it was part of. So we’re going to Gifu.”

“Not quite.” Sukuna replied. “Before embarking upon the journey to This One’s homeland, this one did wish to visit Aizu.”

“Aizu? That’s… Fukushima. South of Miyagi.” The Blossom Tiger notes. “Huh… that… would take longer travel hours.”

“That is fine.” She quipped. “If it be possible, this one would fain avoid Tokyo.” Teasing the sorcerers would be interesting, but too much teasing would take away the joy, leaving only the duty and promise that must be upheld.

The Blossom Tiger scoffed.

“Yeah… it’s fine… for you. Fushiguro don’t know where we are and how is he supposed to track us down if he didn’t know we were NOT in Tokyo, or that we’re keep moving?”

Ah. He’s concerned.

“Shall we give a signal and leave a message, then?” Sukuna suggested. “The False Bearer held one of The Finger. Check thy pockets.”

He did, and found the item wrapped in a Talisman. One of Sukuna’s own making, using whatever material she could get and a few drops of her grandson’s blood.

“I don’t think no matter how good the Fugushiro's Dogs are at tracking; there's no way they could sense us all the way from Tokyo. Eating this or not.” The Tiger muttered. “I don’t think even Gojo-sensei could.”

“Perchance there be folk like the driver… what was it called again? A Window? One of them might be stationed in this city.” The Capital may be the base, but they should have spread their agents all over Japan. If Empyrean could be assigned mission overseas to another country, signalling they have agents there, how hard it was to stationed a Window in countryside and watch over for potential problem? “We could alert them, who in turn would notify thy Paramour and... teacher.” Loath as she was bestowing the title to Empyrean, after seeing what he considers as teaching.

“Just bombing the area with Cursed Energy and run off to doesn’t count as message!”

Sukuna grinned.

Good. The kid was learning how to mouthing off towards people of higher standing and prowess than him. Empyrean would get nasty surprise by the time he got her grandson back and tried to pull off absent teacher routine. Serves him right.

“We could leave a message in thy apartment.” She replied. “As a compromise, wouldst thou find it fair to promise the last day wholly spent in Tokyo?”

“That would be cutting it too close.” Her grandson rejected. “Five.”

“Ah, that would curtail This One’s time too much. Thou dost not wish This One to grow bored and begin causing havoc, dost thou?”

“Tokyo has other places aside from Jujutsu High! I bet you haven’t wholly explored it yet!”

Fair enough. “Three days.” Sukuna conceded. “And This One shall lose the restraint on This One’s Cursed Energy, thus making it easier for Sorcerers to Detect This One.” That would be also drawing unwanted attention, but that just means Sukuna had to cram important lessons into the schedule.

“…acceptable.”

Sukuna switched back the control.

"Now, let us relish the morning repast from thy cherished hometown and engrave the flavor upon our tongues ere we depart. This One is famished."

[Hide and Seek Countdown: 273 Hours Left]

Chapter Text

Megumi arrived in Sendai at one afternoon.

He didn’t mean to go there. Not when this place reminds him of Itadori (this is where he first meets Itadori and drag him to Jujutsu world—to danger. Itadori should have lived his normal high school life but then Megumi arrived and now he’s having to deal with Execution order that was barely suspended; and whatever is Sukuna planning).

Megumi didn’t mean to.

But he doesn’t want to stay in Tokyo… not for now.

Not after what happened earlier today.

(“You look like someone’s dead.”

Megumi stilled.

He didn’t remember what happened next. Not fully.

Only that Inumaki-senpai scream “STOP!”

And that he was physically restrained

Maki-senpai was holding her jaw, bruised.

“Megumi, what the hell is wrong with you—”

Gojo-sensei flinched)

Megumi groaned and rubbed his face with one hand.

Damn Sukuna. Damn him to hell and back.

He really didn’t mean to do that. Maki-senpai was just joking, he knew it. She has dark sense of humor. A lot of Sorcerer does. It was one of most popular coping mechanism to stay relatively sane in their line of duty, where death is on every corner. Megumi had heard her say more morbid stuff than that joke. He was used to treating it like water slid off a duck’s back. He shouldn’t have reacted to that simple, joking question.

And yet he did.

He snapped at her.

His patience had frayed.

He… he can’t treat the joke as harmless thing.

Not when it hurts the most.

“You look like someone’s dead.”

Megumi’s hands tremble.

No. Not yet.

Itadori is nod dead (yet). He is not gone (yet). He still has time. He has fourteen days to find Sukuna and bring back Itadori. He barely reaches one week. No. This was only just the fourth day. He still has time.

(Does he?

He had tried hard to track Sukuna down, but he couldn’t find where the curse was.

Gojo-sensei stopped him. Nanami-san stopped him. Brought him back to the Jujutsu High ground against his protest. Saying he was too weakened, not yet healing, and cannot do it. That he should left it to adults.

And oh. Isn’t the rejection stung?

Megumi is weak. So weak they can’t even trust him to atone for his mistake.

How cold he be so blind? He wasn’t trusted to save Itadori. He was too weak. Too unreliable. Past him would nod and agree and oh, the realization hurts. That he never accomplish anything by himself and needing others to do the heavy lifting for him, yet he still given the credit of participating. A very Zenin thing.

And Megumi didn’t even realize it.

Disgusting. That was disgusting. He was so, so, so disgusting)

Megumi was told by Gojo-sensei to stay put and recover—as if he has the luxury of it. As if the time is not ticking, counting down to Itadori’s demise with each hour Sukuna left alone. As if the trail hasn’t gone cold when Megumi sneak out for the second time and resume from where he was left.

(Gojo-sensei’s Six Eyes failed to find Sukuna)

(Megumi is both horrified and darkly amused)

(Serves the man right by forbidding him to join the search team)

Megumi should tell someone about the bet. About the Binding Vow and game he was forcibly made to play, with Itadori’s life on the line. Maybe if he does, Gojo-sensei would let him join the search team.

(But that would mean he’s admitting his weakness, that he can’t do anything on his own, and breaking his Second Binding Vow)

But what if that caused Gojo-sensei to doubled his effort to find Sukuna. Because Gojo-sensei have this bad habit of taking every burden, every duty, on himself.

What if Gojo-sensei found Sukuna… and Sukuna call it cheating? That Megumi use someone else in this… ‘Game’ and declaring it foul? That it doesn’t count or worse, breaking the vow? Not just nullifying his ‘victory’ but declaring there’s a penalty for it? That… that with Megumi cheating his way, Sukuna won by default?

A hives breaks out on Megumi’s body.

No.

No no no no no no no.

He won’t let that happens. Can’t.

He was the one ‘playing’. The one with Binding Vow enforced on. He can’t let anyone else interfere, can’t let anyone disturb the ‘Game’ lest there would be penalty.

His fault. His responsibility. His mess to clear up.

His game to win. His and nobody else.

Not even Gojo-sensei is allowed to disturb it.

“Excuse me.”

Megumi whirled around, alerts, hands positioned to summon his Shikigami.

He found a Manager sweating, pale-faced.

“You are from Jujutsu High, right?” The Manager asked him. “Are you—are you in mission? Are you in hurry?” He ask, almost desperate.

Megumi shook his head. “I… and not in hurry.” He lied. “Why?”

“There was an outburst of Cursed Energy as of recently in Sendai Cemetery, sometimes arounds 6.45.” The Manager informs him. “It, we didn’t know which Cursed Spirit who caused this. When I tracked it down, there was no Cursed Spirit waiting, as if it has moved. Another outburst of Cursed Energy is also traced in one of the Apartment in Skytree Apartment Complex at 7.20. Similarly, when tracked down, there was no Cursed Spirit lies in wait. We are believed those two cases ae connected.”

Megumi frowned.

An outburst of Cursed Energy… and no source? No Cursed Spirit?

He asks, “Could it be a Curse User?”

“We don’t know.”

Nodding slowly, Megumi let the Manager led him to the cemetery, where the first outburst was located. Summoning the Divine Dogs, he starts tracking down the energy.

It happens in front of one of new grave.

A grief? Mourners then? But the energy is potent and somewhat familiar—

Megumi stopped cold when he read the name in the gravestone.

Itadori Wasuke

Itadori

Just like Itadori Yuuji.

Same character.

Did… didn’t Itadori say he was mourning a recently deceased relative back then? When Megumi approached him for the first time, for the box that supposedly hold Sukuna’s finger?

It connects.

The familiar cursed energy. The potency in small outburst that then disappears almost completely, barely could be traced and even then he have to try really hard to detect it, ability to suppress the Cursed Energy to pass as normal human.

Sukuna.

Sukuna was here.

“The apartment.” Megumi whirled around to the startled Manager. “Was it—was the nameplate read ‘Itadori’?!”

“Ah? Yes.”

Megumi’s breath quickens.

“Take me there. Now!”

As he hurriedly walking to the second site, Megumi bites his lower lips. Mind churning.

Sukuna was here. In Sendai. Not Tokyo.

No wonder Megumi can’t find him. He searched in the wrong prefecture.

Sukuna never said he would be staying in Tokyo. Technically he could be anywhere in Japan right now.

Was the game rigged from the start?

The apartment was locked

But Megumi noted that the window hinges is not completely locked.

(If he wasn’t panic-worry-spiralling, he would’ve found it amusing that Itadori need to break into his own apartment like a burglar)

The apartment shown signs of someone have been here. There was places where someone leave their finger print on the dust. The lingering cursed energy that Megumi recognized as Sukuna.

One of the Cabinet is not properly closed.

Megumi opens it.

He found a keychain. A chibish form of a Tiger. Then a picture. Itadori and an old man that resemble him.

His grandfather then.

Next to the framed picture was a folded paper.

Megumi picked it up.

Fushiguro (if you are not Fushiguro, give this to him, stat)

SO SORRY FOR MAKING CONTRACT WITH SUKUNA! I AM REALLY SORRY!

But my options back then were limited and we didn’t know when help would arrive.

I couldn’t have the Special, just like, exist? What if it goes out and hunt you and Kugisaki? I couldn’t let that happen. And I may have, made some dumb decision.

I thought fortnight means tonight. One day. One night. Not… a whole two weeks.

I blame blood loss and panic on that mistake.

Anyway, Sukuna told me that she has plans… somewhere. I wish I could tell you where, but the whims is strong. Sukuna definitely would make detours or pit stop on the way and if I tell you, you probably heading there stat, and start panicking if Sukuna is not present.

So, I kinda, demand-bargain for leeway (did not pay the price for this one, calm down. This one is free… or maybe I was being persistent pest Sukuna let me be if only so I would just, Shut Up)

The demand is simple

Three days. Three last days. Sukuna have to be in Tokyo. Not going out from the town, leave alone leaving the prefecture. That way it should narrow your area of search.

(A Hide and Seek? Really, Fushiguro, I thought you were the smarter one between us? Did Sukuna scare you that much?)

I can bargain small timeframe to write this message. If you think this is Sukuna who try to screw with you further, I got my Cursed Energy stamped (don’t ask how I know how. You’ll not like the answer)

Anyway. See you in Tokyo!

(PLEASE GET SOME REST FUSHIGURO! SLEEP! BREAK! MAKING PREPARATION, ANYTHING! FOCUS ON LAST THREE DAYS ONLY!)

Sign

Your dumbass friend

Itadori Yuuji

Megumi’s finger traced the paper.

It was, indeed not Sukuna’s Cursed Energy. Nowhere near as malicious. In fact it feels like… the one that clung to White Divine Dog.

(How?)

Megumi’s eyes flicked at the letter.

Last three days. Sukuna is guaranteed to be at Tokyo during those last three days.

That was cutting it close but…

It definitely the best Itadori can bargain (Megumi refused to believe Itadori can get it for free, no matter how annoying he get. There must be a price. Somewhere)

The owner of Ten Shadows technique breathes.

“Itadori. You bastard.” He whispered to the empty apartment. “You stupid, brilliant bastard.”

Even when he was held hostage, he still manages to think about others. Just like how his binding vow come with clause to not attack human unless in self defense. It was Megumi and Kugisaki’s fault being hasty in attacking before Sukuna can explain it to them (and Megumi had… as twisted as it sounds… some faith in Sukuna being truthful. Binding Vow is sacred thing, even to a curse).

Which means, Megumi didn’t have to turn his brain into a mush to find out where Sukuna is.

He can wait, in Tokyo, until the last three days. Which then he can begin his hunt. Fully recovered, at top of his game. Not this… frayed at edge he was now.

(Gojo-sensei did told Megumi to take his time to recuperate and recover himself.

Itadori is the one who give him clear time frame how much time Megumi is allowed to be standstill)

Now. How is he going to make sure Sukuna did not leave? How is he going to make sure, to force, Sukuna to return the body back to Itadori?

Divine Dogs aren’t enough. Neither are Great Serpent, Nue, or Toad. Escape Rabbit was not even offensive-type.

Domain Expansion? Incomplete. Megumi could focus on perfecting it but… would it be enough?

No.

Sukuna had seen it. Know what to do with it.

Megumi need more trick. Something Sukuna won’t expect.

He needs to tame more Shikigami.

He had his eyes set to Max Elephant. A powerful physical attribute Shikigami with bonus of able to sprout water from its trunk. The information for it was clear. A Safe Choice but…

His eyes flicked to the Tiger Keychain.

Tiger…

Megumi faintly recalls of comments back then. Back when he was tracking Sukuna’s finger in Sendai and ends up meeting Itadori. About Itadori’s nickname. “Tiger of West Junior hig”

There was a tiger among the Ten Shadows, wasn’t it? One rarely summoned. Temperamental. Strong. Rumored to be born from grief and loyalty—the Funeral Tiger.

The conditions for summoning and taming it were unclear, and the few records the Zen’in clan Gojo-sensei got for him were frustratingly vague.

Max Elephant is safe, smart choice. It was not vague.

But Megumi is done playing safe.

Playing Safe won’t bring Itadori back. Playing safe means high chance Sukuna see through it and turn the table around. And Megumi has had enough listening to the curse prancing and prattling with, unfortunately, truthful painful words.

No.

If Megumi want any hope facing the Ancient Curse, he needs to get Dangerous.

Closing the Cabinet, Megumi folded the paper into his pocket and he walked out.

“Is the curse…?” The manager fretted.

Megumi did not smile.

But he reassured the poor manager. “I’ll take care of it. Be at ease.”

He thinks the manager misunderstood his words. Thinking he had exorcised the curse.

(Ha… if only it was That easy)

“That being said,” Megumi spoke, “do you know a spacious place? I wish for… training my Skill, while I am here.”

“It can be arranged.” The Manager nodded.

“My thanks.”

With the Manager turned around and begin to make the arrangement, Megumi looked down at his hands. He raised them and begin to form the handsign. It’s unfamiliar. A new territory.

One that Megumi had to discover all by himself.

“Wait for me, Itadori.” He whispers. “I’ll definitely bring you back.”

And you are not allowed to do something as stupid like this ever again. His eyes darkened.

His shadows rippled; Cursed Energy spiked up.

You are not allowed to worry me like this. Ever. Again.

[Hide and Seek Countdown: 267 Hours Left]