Chapter Text
You'd think dying would hurt like a bitch. It doesn't. The thing leading up to your death however, that's what makes you wish for it all to end.
Getting taken out by a gas leak is definitely not a peaceful way to go, but hey, that's what you get when you combine a government that's too greedy to change out the ancient ass terracotta fireplaces for some decent radiators and pyromaniac classmates.
The burns only really stung for a bit, then a pleasant warmth spread through my body and the sirens were slowly fading as darkness greeted me.
It was peaceful and quiet for a while. I was curled up somewhere in that infinit void of inky black, with a gentle force embracing me like a hug. It was nice... Until something started shoving me and I was blinded by a bright light.
I tried to protest, but clearly some god out there must've had it out for me cause the moment I opened my mouth I felt like I was drowning. At some point someone or something must've taken pity on me and removed whatever membrane was on my face and I was finally able to let out a displeased gurgle.
...Wait, gurgle?
I tried to get out some coherent speach with no luck so instead I opted to open my eyes and, wow, somewhere along the line, human eyes must've gotten an upgrade cause that's an ultra wide angle, right there. Everything was blurry to hell and back, but my vision was already shit anyway, so nothing new there. I was greeted by what I think was a man (a doctor?) and I could vaguely hear people arguing around me.
I tried to squirm a bit too, get a better look around and something wasn't right. I have, uh, four arms???
What the shit?
"THAT CHILD ISN'T MINE! IT'S A CURSE AND IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT, YOU AND YOUR 'SORCERER' FAMILY!"
Uh oh... Four arms, wider vision, curses and sorcerers? I'm Sukuna, aren't I?
This is definitely gonna suck!
(Also, how the hell do I understand Heian era Japanese? Is this my apology gift for being reborn in such a shit role?)
Apparently, looking like something straight from an unethical lab didn't do me any favors. The moment I could walk and talk they threw me out like trash. Which, rude by the way. Being a four year old Sukuna on the streets wasn't exactly a stellar experience, 0/10, would not recommend.
I'm lucky cause dogs don't seem too eager to approach me so I'm the king of the dumpsters, heh. People don't throw out much food, (though I don't blame them, times are rough) but it's enough to get by. I can also steal the occasional rice bowl left on the window seal to cool. Which helps, like, a ton.
My first winter out was bad. Like, really bad. Genuinely though I'd die again kinda bad. Thankfully I did find the village's forge and the Smith didn't mind me too much (he threw the occasional stone at me but that's fine, it's whatever. I'll figured out a bit of OGkuna's fire technique and I'll get the hell outta dodge!)
I got the hang of everything around the second year and by then I also stole a map of the land from an unsuspecting merchant. Soon enough my summers were filled with just going out and trying to find the next village I could settle in for the winter.
Summer was the best, while the heat sucked and the travelers I met sucked harder, at least I was never too far from a berry bush if I was ever hungry. It took a bit of trial and error, but I figured out most of the edible stuff and everything that could kill a horse (they called Sukuna the king of poisons at some point, so imma make these plants my bitch! I got nothing better to do anyway.)
I've spend about six years like this, travel and settled down for winter. I recently found this cool village in a cherry grove with looked wealthy enough to throw out a decent amount of food, so this was definitely home for the next cold season. There's a bunch of fancy people there too, and boy is it fun messing with them! As per usual, no one particularly liked the skinny child with four arms but hey at least they weren't throwing stuff at me, they had 'class'.
Some sorcerers tried to exorcise me a few times and, for supposedly trained men, it was laughingly easy to get away from them. The jujutsu world should really step up its game if they want to have any chance at avoiding Shibuya. That's not for another thousand years or so though, so I guess they can relax a bit for now.
Ooor maybe not. Some very rich looking guy was getting mug in my alley and those fuckass sorcerers weren't doing jack shit! What a butch of losers. Anyway, if there's something I love, it's ragebaiting assholes, so I'm coming to your rescue rich guy, hold on.
I took the first piece of wood I found and threw it straight and the first guy's head, who let go of the victim and fell down with a thunk. Did I really hit him that hard?
The second guy abandoned the mugging completely and just came at me like a bulldozer. I barely got out of the way in time and I tried to make a run for it, but the fucker grabbed my ankle. Unlucky for him, I had ten years to figure out Sukuna's fire arrow thing, so bro was cooked.
Before I could summon anything more than sparks, a blue something dashed over my head and collide with the thief, compressing his head into a much smaller space than any adult human's head should fit. That's when, without getting up, I slowly turned my head enough to take a better look at rich guy™.
He had blue and white robes, his snowy white hair was tied in a low ponytail and his eyes were covered by a matching blue fabric which tied around his head several times.
I'm supposed to have better vision now, so, pray tell, how the everloving fuck did I miss Pre-Gojo? Am I cooked too?
He started approaching me (or the thief, I don't know really) and, boy, did fight or flight hit me with the third secret option: freeze.
The man stopped besides me and cocked his head as if looking at me curiously through his blindfold. When all I could do was stare at him and hope he just goes away, the asshole had the audacity to chuckle, fucking chuckle at me. Gojo's definitely his descendant, no DNA test needed.
"Are you quite alright, little one?" The man asked bending down slightly.
"I uh- yeah, 'm good," I reply, with much eloquence. In my defense I didn't expect him to be polite or concerned.
He let out a soft hum, and fully bent down to pick me up from under the armpits like some stray kitten he just found. He sets me down on my feet though and takes a step back after, so kudos to him, he's not a total creep. I totally would've just sat there until he left if he didn't pick me up though.
"While I did have the situation handled, your help is much appreciated, little one!" Uh huh, cool! Good to know. "Is there anything I can do to repay you?"
Hold up, this could go really bad, really quickly.
"W-what do you mean?" Ah, fuck you social anxiety and unused voice cords for making me stutter.
"Well, you did do me a service so I am in your dept. If there's anything I can do to repay you, I'd be more than happy to oblige! Within reason, of course!"
Ok, nope! Gojo definitely didn't descend from this one, he's too polite.
"Uh, I dunno? I mostly did it just to- just to loot these guys. Cause- cause, y'know, I'm not gonna steal from innocents. 'S kinda rough out here, so- so it would've been win-win for us, y'know? Y'don' get mugged an' I get some goodies."
You're doing great, Kuna. Remember to dodge if he decides to kill you too.
The man's lips pursed and he cocked his head again, but now I felt like my very soul was being watched. Sooo this is probably six eyes, which means I'm royally fucked. On the bright side, if I die here, there's no chance I'll ever turn into OGkuna, so there's that at least.
"You have the makings of a great sorcerer, little one." Eh? "Strong cursed energy, resilient personality and some rough combat abilities too!" The man let out a small chuckle at the last one. Maybe don't mock my good intentions, you unseasoned noodle, that could be someone's villain origin.
"How about this, I can teach you all about jujutsu sorcery and keep a roof over your head and in exchange you will do your best to learn and occasionally accompany me on my outings, what do you say?"
"I'd say 's too good to be true," I deadpan. I can't sense any malice from him, but life's fucked me over once, I don't need a second round. "Plus, I don' even know your name..."
"Ah, my apologies! I am Keiji Sugawara, head of the Sugawara clan! It is an honor to meet you, little one!" The man bowed slightly, hands folded together.
"Ah, uh- I'm Sukuna um- just Sukuna..."
"So, what do you say, Sukuna-kun? If it's any reasurence I will make sure no one keeps you on my grounds against your wishes. You would be free to leave at any point, with no strings attached."
"You willing to take a binding vow on that?" I dare to push, just to make sure.
"If it will put your mind at ease, of course! Just state your terms!" The man, Keiji, replied with far too much flower power energy. He's just a golden retriever with incredible manners, huh?
"Oh, um- no- no need! I was just making sure you were serious!" I'm seriously getting tired of this stutter, I lived for 30 years in total by now, I should be able to get out a fluent sentence, God damnit! "Uh- not- not many people like my uh- my appearance so, um- yeah! Just- just being safe..."
"That is quite smart!" Keiji started motioning for us to make our way out of the alley and onto the main road.
"Luckily, I hold no such prejudice!" he said lifting his blindfold slightly and revealing milky eyes "Not much point to it, as you can probably tell!"
"Oh um-... I'm sorry" I mutter, because really, what else could I say at that point. I can't imagine how upset he might be about it, but I know I'd be pissed if I lost my sight.
"Ah, no worries, little one! I was born this way, so no need to mourn something I never had!"
The mood lighted after that, making the walk back to the Sugawara compound quite the enjoyable experience.