Chapter Text
”Don’t move! You're no longer human.” The scene started from where it had left off, showing Megumi getting ready for action. “Under Jujutsu regulations, Itadori Yuji, I will exorcise you as a curse!”
“Wait, really, I'm just fine!” Yuji said, holding up his hands in surrender as the tattoos disappeared, the only things remaining of Sukuna being two small scars on his cheeks were Sukuna’s eyes had been. “More importantly, you and I are both pretty beat up. Let's get to a hospital.”
“Wow, you’re seriously in control…”
’I can't tell if the one speaking right now is Itadori or the cursed object...’Megumi thought in anger, squeezing his fists.
“I don’t think that Sukuna can ever imitate Itadori so good.” Nobara laughed.
“He’s too proud to even do it.” Gojo nodded.
’Damn it! What should I do?!’
“What's the situation?” A new voice suddenly said, causing Megumi to turn around, only to find his teacher standing behind him.
“SENSEI!” Yuji beamed happily while Gojo laughed, throwing his hands in the air. “I’m here!”
“At last.” Suguru laughed, though his eyes were now glued to the screen in interest, taking in how his best friend looked in the future. He couldn’t get a good look on the first scene given the fact that he was sitting in a chair that covered most of his body and was also in a room where the lights were so dim. And well…he looked good. No baby fat on his face anymore and his posture was also a bit different. More elegant and powerful. His hair were a bit longer too and…he was way taller…and just when Suguru thought he couldn’t possibly get any more beautiful…
”Gojo-Sensei?! Why are you here?” Megumi asked in surprise, turning around to look at the man while his cursed energy slowly vanished from around him.
Shoko gasped. “No ‘dad’?!”
“Yo!” Gojo grinned, waving up a hand. “I wasn't planning on coming,”
“Good thing you did cause those two were about to tear each other apart.” Yuki chuckled.
On the screen Gojo leaned forward to Megumi, “But man, you're roughed up.” He laughed, taking out his phone and started taking pictures of the boy. “I should show the second-years. Face this way.”
“Now that’s definitely a father son interaction!” Even Riko was teasing them now.
Maki burst into laughter. “So that’s what these photos were about!”
“He…actually sent them…?” Nanami asked…looking over at a tired Megumi in sympathy. “Poor guy…” Utahime nodded.
“I hate you.” Megumi fired at his teacher who laughed harder. “No you love me.”
Itadori kept staring at them in pure shock.
“Man he should be so confused.” Shoko chuckled.
“I’d be.”
”The higher-ups wouldn't shut up with a special-grade cursed object gone missing. So I stopped by while doing some sightseeing. So, did you find it?”
“He’s going to be in one hell of a surprise.” Utahime giggled, looking at Gojo who sighed tiredly. “I literately thought they were messing with me at first.”
”Um…” Yuji held out a hand, finally getting Gojo’s attention. “Sorry, but I ate it.” He said, pointing at himself.
“…For real?”
Geto burst into laughter, looking at Satoru’s smile frozen on his face. “Oh my god look at your face.”
“He looks so shocked!”
”For real.” The two teenagers deadpanned at the same time and hearing that, Gojo tilted his body a bit to have a better look at Yuji before he walked forward, leaning down to look at the boy’s face, his hand under his chin and humming thoughtfully.
“Why are you so close…” Shoko grumbled, rubbing her temple as she looked at Gojo’s face and lips being just a few inches away from Yuji’s.
“And why are you blushing?!” Nobara added, turning the atmosphere even more awkward.
“…He’s pretty.” Was all Yuji said with a shrug, causing slaps to be heard all around the room while Gojo laughed, smiling seductively at the boy. “So you think I’m pretty?”
Yuji sighed. “Anyone with eyes can tell that. You still didn’t have to get so close though! I almost had a panic attack!”
“Or rather a gay attack.” Nobara muttered.
Gojo only laughed harder and Geto rolled his eyes. He couldn’t blame Yuji though. That man really was pretty. The most gorgeous person to literally ever exist. And looking this close…his lips were pretty as well. Even prettier and pinker than his teenage self’s.
”Damn, it really did combine with you. That's hilarious.” Gojo leaned ever closer, laughing, and Yuji finally took a step back in shock. “Anything off with your body?” Asked Gojo after pulling away.
“Not particularly.”
“Can you swap out with Sukuna?”
“Sukuna?”
“The curse you ate.”
“Oh…” Yuji nodded. “Yeah, I think I can do that.”
Hearing that, Gojo smiled, stretching his legs and body a bit. “Then give us ten seconds. Once ten seconds are up, come back to us.”
“You’re…going to fight him?” Yaga asked the question they all had, his student nodding. “Yeah, I wanted to know how strong he is.”
Suddenly everyone’s eyes were glued to the screen, wanting to both know the strength of Sukuna and Gojo.
”But…” Yuji hesitated a bit but the albino was quick to interrupt him. “Don't worry, I'm the strongest.”
Hearing the words, Suguru couldn’t help but smile softly despite the small pang of hurt those words caused. “I.” So that really meant he was dead here. Or left. Whatever.
Megumi, Hold on to this.” Gojo called, throwing a paper bag at Megumi who was still kneeling on the ground. “What is this?”
“Kikufuku from Kikusuian.” Gojo answered, stretching his hands. “It's Sendai's specialty, and it's super good.”
“This guy actually went and bought souvenirs when people were out here dying!” As Megumi muttered in shock, Gojo was shown buying the package from a woman a few hours ago, grinning like a child.
“…Seriously?” Nanami asked, just as speechless.
“You never change, do you?” Geto laughed, his heart warming a little at the thought.
Gojo shook his hand. “It's not a souvenir. I'm going to eat it on the bullet train home.”
“Ah okay no one really wants to know so just pay attention to Sukuna!” Utahime panicked as Sukuna was shown taking over Yuji’s body again while Gojo kept on babbling about his stupid Kikufukus.
”Behind you!” Megumi shouted just as Sukuna jumped in the air, attacking. Though Gojo kept on feeling unbothered, stopping only when Sukuna hit the ground so hard it broke and there was dust everywhere.
When Megumi opened his eyes, Sukuna’s red eyes were staring at him only a few inches away.
“What the f-“ Yuki started but was soon cut off as the angle of the camera changed, shouldering Gojo sitting on the back of a Kneeling Sukuna. “Oh my god…”
”And the whipped cream inside is simply exquisite...”
“No one’s interested in your stupid sweets!” Utahime screamed.
As if agreeing with the girl, Sukuna roared, turning around and attacking Gojo with his nails while a crazed smile appeared on his lips.
Though the sorcerer clapped his hands together, teleporting away and reappearing behind Sukuna, the curse missing him. He continued doing so every time Sukuna attacked, stopping when they were back to back.
’He’s not even bothering…’ All the past audience thought.
The teacher leaned his head a bit back, “My student's watching, so I'm going to show off a little.”
Megumi rolled his eyes. “You’re always showing off.”
Gojo made another quick teleportation then and grabbed Sukuna’s shoulder, landing a hard hit to his face and causing the curse to flip around in the air.
’He's unbelievably fast? No that’s not it…’ Sukuna thought in shock just as Gojo landed a punch so hard it sent him flying to the other end of the roof, only stopping because of the metal bars at the end.
’It’s like he’s playing around with a toy…’ They all thought, looking at Gojo fighting the king of curses, not using his techniques or even moving much.
“For crying out loud…You jujutsu sorcerers are always trouble, no matter what the era!” Sukuna roared, jumping in the air and came crashing down on Gojo so hard it sent half of the building they were standing on into ruins.
“He’s…too strong…” Riko whispered.
“And that’s just one finger.” YuKi reminded them.
“But seriously, you guys just destroyed the remaining half of that school…”
Sukuna smirked, “Though that doesn't mean much to me.” He said, but his smile soon fell off his face when the air cleared, showing Gojo standing there unharmed with Megumi hugging the bag to his chest, sighing tiredly while Gojo counted the remaining seconds.
“He is so used to this! Look at his face!” Shoko laughed loudly.
“He’s literally like that all the time!” Maki said aggressively
“Show off.” Inumaki nodded.
“He’s annoying!”
“But he’s so cool!” Yuji suddenly said, making Gojo grin from ear to ear.
“Stop altering his ego. He’s just annoying.” Fushiguro rolled his eyes.
“But so cool! Have you guys seen him fight for real I mean?! He once fought Mount Fuji and man that was awesome.”
“Why would he…fight Mount…Fuji?” Suguru slowly asked, making sure he’s heard right. Had his friend finally lost his mind for real…? Fight a mountain…? Wha…? And he was laughing like a maniac at his question…
“No not really Mount Fuji! I mean that volcano curse!”
“You two have fought that? When?” Nobara deadpanned, grabbing his arm for attention.
Yuji hummed before answering. “That time when I was considered dead…it was a few days after that I think.”
“What’s this you keep saying with being considered dead?” Choso couldn’t help but ask.
“Oh the higher ups tried to kill me once, as Gojo Sensei told me. But I didn’t die because of Sukuna, and Sensei hid me until I was stronger so they couldn’t do it again…”
“Awww aren’t you such a dad?” Suguru chuckled, pinching Gojo’s cheek who rolled his eyes trying to slap the hand away. Cute.
“Let go of me you fucker! Shut up!” He tried to get away to no vail. He really hated his best friend. What was up with him calling him a dad every few fucking seconds?! Did he have a kink or something?!
“Don’t be shy daddy.”
“SHUT UP!”
“Man they are hilarious…” Nobara whispered, her friends nodding. “I never thought someone with the power of annoying Gojo Satoru existed.”
“They’re as terrible as each other!” Shoko screamed, trying to get as far away as she could from the best friends.
”Should be time.” Gojo said with a smile and Sukuna immediately felt his would getting pushed back as Yuji took control again. ’Damn it... Again? I can't take over. Who the hell is this... Itadori... brat?’
The said boy grinned widely.
”Oh, was everything okay?” Yuji asked, now back in control.
“This is truly interesting. Boy, you’re something else.” Yuki chuckled.
”I'm shocked. You really can control it.” Gojo beamed, Megumi looking at Itadori in shock as well.
“He's kind of annoying, though. I can hear his voice.” Yuji said, smacking the side of his head a few times.
“You could hear him? What was he saying?” Geto asked curiously. His technique might be similar to how Yuji had gained his powers but they were still completely different. He could never hear the curses’s voices thank god. Or he would’ve gone mad by now.
“He was nagging. Like, he nagged all the time! Over everything! Like seriously I was buying clothes once and he kept on screaming how he didn’t like the color. Or he would complain about some of the foods I ate. Even my taste in women! He wouldn’t even shut up in the bathroom, saying how pathetic we humans are!”
“Why…on earth would he say that in the bathroom?” Maki asked, her eyes twitching. This curse really was something else. Nothing like the image she’s had in her mind…
“Maybe he has two dicks? I mean, since he has a second pair of every body part we do…” Gojo suddenly said, his hand under his chin as if he was lost in thought and they all fell in silence, giving him dead stares.
“Man…now I can’t I see it…” Nobara slapped her hand over her eyes.
“Do curses even have sexual organs?!”
“I mean…wasn’t Sukuna human once?”
“Please…can we not talk about this anymore?”
Thankfully the show continued, showing Satoru walking close to Yuji. “It's a miracle that's all he's doing.” He said as he hit the boy on the forehead with two fingers, causing him to lose consciousness and fall forward, the albino holding him in place quickly.
“Sensei, that one hurt.” Yuji groaned, rubbing the area Gojo had hit on the screen.
“Well it was supposed to nock you out, wasn’t it?”
Megumi sighed. “Be grateful it didn’t bleed.”
“What did you do?” Megumi demanded.
“Knocked him out. If he isn't possessed by
Sukuna when he wakes up, he might have potential as a vessel.” He explained before turning to look at his student. “Now, I have a question for you. What should we do with him?”
“Even if he is a vessel, jujutsu regulations demand
Itadori be executed. However…I don't want to let him die.”
“Your personal feelings?”
“Yes. Please do something about this.”
“Awww Fushiguro, I love you too!” Yuji giggled, wrapping his arms around Megumi’s shoulder, the boy pushing him away.
”Now it's a request from a precious student. Leave it to me!” Gojo agreed, showing a thumbs up and the scene changed back to the one they had seen at the beginning of the first episode, Gojo speaking once more. “With that, allow me to say it once more. You're being executed.” He announce, Yuji staring at him with eyes twitching.
Many broke into laughter, seeing the pure look of betrayal on Yuji’s face.
”The recap and current events don't line up, though.” Yuji muttered.
“Hey I did my best. The execution's still on,
but I got your sentence suspended.”
“Suspended? So you're not killing me right away?”
‘I’m not going to let them kill you anyway, but it’s better if you know.’ Gojo thought sternly but still nodded. “Yup!”
Yuji and many other, even the teacher himself looked a bit taken aback by the thought. “Thank you Sensei!” Yuji said happily at last, smiling at Gojo who grinned, ruffling his hair.
“I’m not going to let them kill my precious students.” He giggled, trying not to fret too much over how the display of his thoughts had shaken him. Be a he really hoped these thoughts wouldn’t get too deep or personal. Specially with the rest of the things he knew were going to get shown.
”This is the same as the cursed object you ate.” Gojo said, holding out another one of Sukuna’s fingers. “There are twenty in total. We possess six of them.”
“Twenty?” Yuji wondered. “Oh, each finger and toe?”
“No, Sukuna has four arms.”
“See my point?”
“Shut up! I don’t need to be reminded of that!”
On the screen, Gojo threw the finger in the air, hitting him with a strong attack that caused the wall behind the finger to burn even though the object remained unharmed.
Yuji stared at the sight in horror and Gojo stood up, taking the finger again. “As you can see, we can't destroy them. The curse is just that powerful. It grows stronger by the day, and the seals of modern-day juiutsu sorcerers can't keep up.” He beamed, pointing at Yuji. “That's where you come in. When you die, the curse inside you will die, as well. Our elders are cowards, you know.” He explained as the face of Yoshinobu Gakuganji was shown.
“That guy is just so terrifying.” Maki said, making a face and all her friends and even Gojo nodded along. “Tch, he annoys me the most.”
”They're demanding we kill you right away. But that would be a waste, wouldn't it?”
“A waste?”
“There's no guarantee another vessel capable of handling Sukuna will ever be born again. So this is what I proposed: If we're going to kill you anyway, why not kill you after you've absorbed all of Sukuna? The higher-ups agreed.” ’Only after I threatened to kill them before they killed Yuji but anyway.’ “So now you have two options before you. You can die right now, or you can find all the parts of Sukuna. and die after you've absorbed them.” He said with a blank face and Yuji looked at him wide eyed before the scene changed and the opening was playing once more.
“That was…a bit harsh don’t you think?” Despite knowing Gojo wouldn’t let the kid die anyway, Kuroi couldn’t help but ask. Really…the life of a Jujutsu sorcerer was a hell. She knew very well. Too much for all the innocent kids that were pulled into the world. Like Yuji. His friends. And even Gojo and his two teenage friends as well. She knew it had probably been the hell the white haired man had lived through since birth to make him seem so cold at most times, but still…none of them deserved it. Her little Riko definitely didn’t deserve it.
“Sorry…but I wanted him to know well that this was no joke.” Gojo answered, shrugging a bit.
“It’s not a problem, I know that now.” Yuji smiled softly.
”Episode two: For myself.” was written on the screen as the Sugisawa Hospital was shown once again.
Sasaki was inside a hospital room, sitting beside Iguchi’s bed who laid there unconscious, his head wrapped in bandages.
“Itadori.” The girl said, noticing the boy standing on the doorway.
“How’s Iguchi senpai?” Yuji asked, coming to stand beside the bed.
“The doctors say he's fine, but he hasn't regained consciousness.” Sasaki answered, her eyes filling with tears. “It's all my fault. if I hadn't asked him to come to the school that night…I know you won't believe this, but this weird monster attacked us, and I was captured, too.”
“I believe you.” Yuji said. “Those weren't monsters. They were curses. That finger was a special-grade cursed object.” He said, cashing the girl to stop and look up at him, taken aback.
“You just confused her more.”
Yuji shrugged. “I just thought she had the right to know.
”It was mine for picking it up.” Yuji continued, his hand tightening around the bed’s bars.
“It wasn’t your fault either. None of you guys had any idea.” Fushiguro said, looking sternly at a shocked Yuji, the boy soon smiling brightly at him.
”Sorry. It'll be alright, though. Someone capable of fixing Iguchi-senpai will be here tomorrow.”
“Me? Is that me? Are you talking about me?!” Shoko asked in excitement, laughing when Yuji nodded. “Yay.”
”Itadori?” Sasaki called in shock.
“Sorry, Senpai. There's somewhere I need to go.” Yuji said, turning around to leave while Sasaki stood up trying to process the words. “Bye-bye.” The boy called, waving with a soft smile as he walked outside.
On the next scene, he was sitting on a bench outside the hospital with Gojo. “Who passed away?” The teacher asked.
“My grandpa. Although he was like a father to me.”
Gojo nodded. “I see. Sorry it happened at a time like that.” He paused, before asking, “So have you decided what you want to do?”
“Are casualties like these from curses pretty common?”
The present Yuji couldn’t help but sigh sadly at the words, now knowing very well how often people died because of curses. That night, no one had even died. Only injured. But now…all those people…Junpei…
”This one was a rather exceptional case but in terms of the damage, it happens all the time.” The man explained. “It's a good night when someone dies a normal death after encountering a curse. Finding a body that's all torn apart is on the better end of the outcomes.” As he said that, a completely torn body of a human was shown, blood splattered all around them and their bones being almost the only thing left.
Many felt sick at the sight while Gojo tensed a bit, remembering the sight from one of his first missions as a Jujutsu Sorcerer. He was literally a child back then…and the Gojo clan elders had forced him to take part in the mission.
”If you plan to hunt down Sukuna, you're going to witness some gruesome scenes, and I can't guarantee you won't end up that way yourself. So choose your hell.”
Yuji fell in silence after that, remembering the events of the past few days, Fushiguro’s hurt face, Iguchi’s unconscious body and Sasaki’s cries flashing before his eyes.
The scene changed to the place Yuji’s grandfather was held and the boy was shown packing the remains of his bones while the man’s last words played inside his head.
“If all the parts of Sukuna were gone,” Yuji started, Gojo who had been standing in the corner of the room and leaning on the wall listening to him patiently. “would there be fewer people who get harmed by curses?”
“Of course.”
“Well…he is the king of curses after all…” Yuki muttered.
”Do you still have that finger?” Yuji finally made his decision after a while, walking towards the sorcerer who held out Sukuna’s finger for him.
“Looking at it again, it's pretty disgusting.”
“Wow you just realized?” Nobara laughed, trying to lift the atmosphere a bit. She hated seeing her friends so down.
The teenage opened his mouth then, Gojo watching as he swallowed down the second finger, ’Well, that's the second one. One tenth of the whole. What's going to happen?’ He thought, looking at Yuji who stayed unmoving for a few seconds before his eyes flew wide, Sukuna’s cursed energy bursting out of his body as his tattoos reappeared on the boy’s face.
“Oh shit.”
Seeing that, Gojo also clenched his fist, ready to attack if anything happened as he watched Yuji taking a few steps towards him before leaning on the wall, laughing a bit hysterically before standing back up straight, no traces of Sukuna visible. “Gross!”
And everyone burst into laughter.
”So gross it's funny.”
Gojo grinned widely. ’That settles it. It's not just a physical tolerance. He can control himself against Sukuna without issue. We haven't seen someone with talent like that in a thousand years.’
Yuji smiled a bit arrogantly at that. “I’m just that amazing.”
”Something wrong?” The boy asked, acknowledging Gojo’s smile.
“Oh, it's nothing. I take it this means you've steeled your resolve?”
“Not at all.” Yuji sighed loudly. “I'm still wondering why I have to be executed. But I can't just do nothing about the curse. That last request is gonna be a pain in my ass.” He sighed, looking at a picture of his grandfather smiling. “I'II eat every part of Sukuna. I don't care what happens from there.” He turned to look at Gojo, “I've already decided how I'm going to die.”
The albino grinned widely. “Nice! I like people like you. Sounds like a fun hell awaits. Make sure you're packed by the end of the day.” He said, turning around to leave a surprised Yuji. “We going somewhere?”
“Coming to Jujutsu high, I presume?” Yaga asked and the two turned around, nodding. “Yup!”
”Tokyo.” Fushiguro said as the door was opened by Gojo, standing there with bandaged forehead and cheeks.
Yuji beamed immediately at seeing him. “Fushiguro! You're looking good!” He threw a thumbs up, saying that.
“You think so after seeing this?” Megumi deadpanned, pointing at his bandaged head. “You're going to transfer to the same school for jujutsu sorcerers I attend.”
“Huh?”
“Tokyo Metropolitan Jujutsu Technical High School.” The school was shown as Megumi answered.
“It looks…a little different.” Geto muttered, everyone else from the past nodding along as they took in the new appearance of the school.
“Well, some of the building were destroyed and thus rebuild at some point.” Gojo answered with a shrug.
“Destroyed? How?” Geto wondered.
“Some of them by you. Some of them by Toji…” He stopped, humming a bit. “I guess I destroyed a few as well…”
“…”
“…what?”
”By the way, you're the third first-year.” Gojo popped up in between their conversation, holding out three of his long fingers.
“Only three?!” Yuji exclaimed.
“It’s just like us!” Shoko giggled, throwing her arms around Gojo’s and Geto’s shoulders out of the sudden.
On the next scene Itadori was shown paying one last visit to his grandfather’s grave, “Okay, I'm heading out, Grandpa.” He said at last, standing up and walking away, the scene soon changing to the boy and Gojo walking up to Jujutsu high, the former looking amazed. “This is really deep in the mountains! Is this actually Tokyo?”
Gojo chuckled. “Even Tokyo's like this on the outskirts.”
“Where's Fushiguro?”
“He's been treated by a sorcerer, and now he's fast asleep.” As Gojo answered, the boy was shown on his bed, deep in slumber.
The present Megumi flushed a bit at the sight.
”Tokyo Metropolitan Jujutsu Technical High School. It's one of only two jujutsu educational facilities. On the surface, it's known as a private religious school. Many jujutsu sorcerers continue to use it as a base after graduation, so it's a pillar of the jujutsu community not just in education, but for support and mediation in missions.”
As Gojo explained, Geto couldn’t help but smile a bit proudly at him, watching him walk through the place he had once studied in, now as a teacher; doing everything in his power to keep his students safe and taking care of them. Something no one had done for he himself in his youth. But his heart also ached, watching him walking up those stairs all by himself, with no one else by his side. All alone. Where even Geto himself had left him, it seemed. He should’ve been there, by his side. He shouldn’t be alone, his shoulders heavy with the pain of whatever’s happened to turn everything like that. Because despite his big smiles and stupid remarks, Geto could clearly see how much they didn’t match his face. As if his whole posture was a facade. A mask to hide the pain. Like he’s always had. And somehow, even worst now on the screen. And his present self…Geto didn’t even want to think about it.
”Anyway, you're about to have an interview with the principal.”
“The principal?”
“Screw it up and he could reject your admission, so go all-out.” Gojo said with a chuckle, leaving Yuji screaming in panic. “HUH?! And what then? Immediate execution?!”
“Sensei, why do you always do this?” Yuta sighed but before anyone could answer, Sukuna’s voice was heard on the screen, causing them all to stare at it wide eyed.
”What? So you're not the boss?” The curse asked with a laugh, forcing Gojo to stop in his tracks and slowly turn his head around as Sukuna kept talking from the second mouth that had appeared on Yuji’s cheek.
“What the hell?!” Riko exclaimed, her eyes blown wide and Yuji laughed sheepishly, shrugging. “That also happened sometimes.”
”Any hierarchy other than strength is worthless.” Sukuna said just as Yuji slapped his cheek, causing the mouth to disappear. “Sorry, Sensei. He pops out sometimes.” He told Gojo who was now looking at him with his hand under his chin. “What an amusing body you have now.”
“Truly amusing…” Shoko laughed a bit crazily, the people around giving her weird looks while Yuji pushed himself even farther with a terrified laugh. “Man I’ve forgotten how scary she can be at times…”
”I owe you a favor, you know.” Sukuna suddenly spoke again, his mouth reappearing on Yuji’s hand and the boy groaned. “Not again!”
“Once I make this brat's body my own, you'll be the first one I kill!”
“It's an honor to be targeted by Sukuna.” Gojo replied, not sounding bothered at all and even a bit amused. Excited.
“You’re crazy…” Suguru muttered while covering his eyes, his body shivering a bit as he remembered that curse had ended up being the one to kill his best friend. Or…not exactly. But he just couldn’t think about Gojo being the one to have killed himself at the end. Because just thinking about how much pain he must’ve felt to be driven to do that…it just made him want to scream. And hold onto the albino and never let go maybe. So he could be sure that he was safe.
”This guy's really that famous?” Yuji asked, pulling him out of his dangerous thoughts.
“Ryoumen Sukuna is a fierce imaginary god with four arms and two faces. But he's actually a human that really existed, though it was over a thousand years ago.” As Gojo explained, the scene changed into a man standing on top of a mountain of burnt bodies and bones. “In the golden age of jujutsu, sorcerers gathered up all their might to challenge him and failed. Crowned with the title of Sukuna…” The scene now focused on the body of a curse, his four arms stretched out wide, smiling maniacally with a crazed look on his four eyes as he watched the slaughter caused by himself.
“That’s…Sukuna’s original form?” Yuta muttered, looking at his teacher whose eyes were also blown wide in shock and horror. “I guess…”
“He’s…terrifying…” Kuroi swallowed tightly, everyone else agreeing with her silently. Just looking at that man was enough to make their hearts shiver in fear. The aura…the look…the enjoyment in his eyes as he killed so brutally…
”…we couldn't even destroy his grave wax, as he traversed the ages after death as a cursed object.” Gojo continued his explanation on the screen. “Without a doubt, he is the king of curses.”
“Who's stronger, you or him?” Yuji suddenly asked, realizing just what the fuck was inside his body.
“Well…” Gojo hummed a bit, “If Sukuna regained all of his power, it might be a little draining.”
“Would you lose?” Yuji asked, his hand covering the back of his other hand where Sukuna’s mouth had been a few seconds ago.
“Of course not.” Gojo tsked.
“…But didn’t he…kill you?” Choso asked, looking at the man with a raised eyebrow, remembering about when he explained to them how he was back in the past.
“Well,” Gojo chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. “He didn’t actually kill me. It’s more complicated than that. But, knowing his techniques and strategies…I will win this time. If I go all out. But he was way stronger than I thought. I’m not sure if I’d win even if I had stayed.” He said, because that no; he really was not that sure anymore. He and Sukuna had been almost equal in power while fighting and though Gojo still had more tricks up his sleeve, he knew Sukuna had as well. And given how long their fight had taken, they had both weakened as time had passed, something none of Gojo’s past opponents had been able to do. That curse really was something else. Winning against him meant he had to go all out. And keep fighting for god knows how long and try to be smarter. And absolutely not let him use Mahoraga and kill the thing before any kinds of adaptation happens. Screw Sukuna. Not that that was gonna happen this time again though.
“Then…what happened?”
“Well winning like that, wouldn’t have really felt like winning, after everything we had lost. And knowing there might be a second chance…I decided to push back our fight a bit more by traveling back in time. And since I wasn’t really sure if I could survive as well, I decided not to risk everything over if I’m stronger or not.” He grinned as if he hadn’t just confessed to something no one’s thought he ever would, “But man, I’ve gotta say, he’s one hell of a curse. He really did a number on me and could still fight back easily even after hours. It was thrilling actually. Never thought there’d come a day where someone could challenge me.”
“HOURS?!” Megumi exclaimed. For Sukuna to actually have been able to hold yourself against that man for hours…and for Gojo to say all these…
Gojo chuckled. “It would’ve been way easier to defeat him if he wasn’t in your body you know. His powers were combined with your shadow technique and that gave him the upper hand.”
Megumi shivered at the thought. Was his power really that strong for Sukuna to have targeted him? Thought of possessing his body as his winning card? As a way of defeating the strongest sorcerer alive? That Gojo had actually had trouble defeating him because of it? So the man had really meant it when he said Megumi could become as powerful as him one day; when he told him about one of his Zen’in ancestors with the same technique being the only one to have been able to fight against someone like Satoru to the point they had both died at the end?
“Did you have any idea you could combine your Shikigamis together into a whole new monster? The asshole even unleashed Mahoraga on me! Like seriously, that wasn’t fair!” Gojo kept on babbling mostly to himself now, throwing his arms around like a child, oblivious to the wide-eyed-boy staring at him.
“Mahoraga?!” Megumi exclaimed in terror. To fight that thing and Sukuna together…and also a new…monster formed by combining his Shikigamis?! What was that again?
“Um…what’s that?” Yuji wondered, holding out a hand sheepishly.
“The Eight-Handled Sword Divergent Sila Divine General Mahoraga.” Megumi answered, only confusing him more.
“The what what and what now?! How the hell have you even memorized that name?!”
“It’s one of the most powerful shikigami that can be summoned using the Ten Shadows technique. The Zen’in clan considers Mahoraga their ultimate weapon, yet no sorcerer from their clan or any other clan has ever successfully tamed its wild power.” Yaga explained to the boy, gazing at Satoru who smiled widely. “Sukuna could~”
“Man I really want to see that fight now…” Maki muttered longingly, feeling impatient. God knows how long they should wait until reaching that.
Suddenly the scene being shown shifted, the words “a few months later” showing on the screen and before any of them could realize what had just happened or ask questions, a deafening sound was heard and Gojo was soon shown, a maniac smile on his face while throwing a man across a few buildings, smashing them all down along with his opponent.
“…what…the hell…?” Yuji was the first to speak, not remembering such thing happening between his and Gojo’s conversation. Though he was soon silenced as the other man’s face was shown, causing Megumi to suck in a breath at the sight of his features covered in Sukuna’s familiar tattoos, an evil smile that did not match his face at all, covering it as they all slowly realized what this was. Or rather when.
“M-Megumi?!” Maki yelled in horror, being the first one to gain back her voice. “Wait-does that mean-is that?!” She stuttered, looking at her teacher who was staring at the screen just as shocked. She was not expecting to see this for real.
The man finally nodded slowly. “Yes that’s…that’s somewhere in Sukuna and I’s battle…” He muttered. “But how-why?”
And suddenly, all his students were screaming. Because after everything the man had just told them, who could not be feeling excited? And horrified. “NO FUCKING WAY!”
“IT’S SHOWING IT! IT’S LITERALLY SHOWING IT!”
“WOAAAAAH BEAT HIS ASSSS!”
“THIS IS THE FIGHT OF THE HISTORY!”
“AAAAAAAAA.”
“NO WAIT I’M NOT READY!”
“Wow…they’re crazy…” Utahime muttered, her hand on her heart. “I was not expecting this.”
“They say they hate him.” Shoko chuckled. “Seems not.”
As Gojo threw Sukuna around, the curse also didn’t stop for so long and soon attacked Gojo from behind, trying to kick him but the albino was quick as well and dodged, soon landing another attack that sent the rest of the buildings crashing down.
Nobara, “Did you two destroy the whole city…?”
Gojo shrugged with a laugh.
“Sensei, you’re looking good.” Yuji commented, pointing at Gojo and they all finally focused on the man actually and not the hype of the fight; seeing that yes, he did look a bit different. More muscular. And his hair were a bit shorter.
“The hell? Didn’t it say this is just a few months later?” Maki exclaimed, the man shrugging before answering. “What? You think I’m all skin and bones under these clothes?” He giggled, “Also, it was a lot more time for me in the prison realm, and I didn’t just sat around in there.”
“Still…”
“It’s good.” Suguru muttered before realizing what he’s just said and coughed, ignoring Gojo’s stupid “Aw Suguru you think I look good? Do you like it?” ,and giggle.
The two landed on the ground then, Gojo soon starting to run around the curse as his body suddenly multiplied, and a few clones were now surrounding Sukuna to confuse him.
“WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT?!” Shoko joined the screaming, looking just as wide eyed as everyone else in the room.
“Can-can someone explain to me what the hell is happening?! This is happening to fast! Slow down a bit!!!” Yuji exclaimed, grabbing at his head in stress. This fucking show had really just jumped from a nice stroll through their school to the fight of the ages. “And shit that is so cool!”
“I’ve never actually seen that in action before!” Yuki said, amazed. She had heard of this technique happening when a jujutsu sorcerer combines their cursed energy and shapes it like their own body while walking pretty fast to make doubles but to actually see it happening… “How fucking fast can you run to make that happen…?”
“What is it?!” Yuji wondered again, impatiently.
“It’s a technique to confuse your opponent but not anything powerful. Buys a little time considering how fast they can recognize the real one. Which with Sukuna, was pretty fast.” Gojo said, pointing on the screen as Sukuna quickly found the real gojo, blocking the fist coming for his face.
“Gotcha.” Sukuna laughed.
“Whoopsie.” Gojo smiled idiotically.
“…”
“Gotcha. Whoopsie. You two are two grown ass men!” Shoko exclaimed, pulling at her hair.
“They’re tearing each other apart, and they’re still joking around! What the hell is wrong with you?!” Maki snapped before placing a hand over her heart to take a deep breath. “I’m not ready for this shit!”
“This is just too sudden! Weren’t we just watching me in a Shojo anime?!”
Sukuna smiled then, throwing Gojo away with a strong punch, the man managing to stop by grabbing at the street lamps and sitting on top of them with a “Uh-Hup”.
“He actually managed to throw you away.” Yaga examined, remembering how Sukuna hadn’t been able to even land a small hit on Gojo on their first encounte. But now…
All the students swallowed, realizing they were really going to witness their teacher fight seriously for the first time since they’ve known him. Yes he already told them so but…hearing was one thing and seeing another. It also seemed that even Yaga and his past friends were just as disbelieving. They knew Sukuna might’ve been able to fight Gojo head-on, but the though had never hit them so hard. It’s always been them believing that there was nothing Gojo Satoru couldn’t handle. But now, witnessing this with their own eyes, they just realized what “The King of Curses” meant.
“Sensei, why are you posing like spider man?” Yuji suddenly giggled in amusement, pointing at the man on the screen; the question lifting the heavy atmosphere and causing all the past and future kids along with Gojo himself to burst into laughter.
“Now that you mention it; that’s literally Spider Man pose!” Nobara laughed.
“Who’s the better Spider-Man now? Huh?!” Gojo questioned like an excited child.
On the screen Megumi’s face was finally shown clearly, smiling devilishly as he walked closer to Gojo.
“That’s…” Megumi swallowed, his heartbeat picking up at seeing himself just being used and under the possession of that curse, attacking his fucking father. Is that also another reason why Sukuna had chose that body? To have the upper hand even emotionally? Gojo wasn’t really going to hold back because it was him being possessed right? Because unlike Yuji, Megumi had no control over his body it seemed. And Sukuna was also in his full power on top of that.
“You actually look hot like that.” Panda said, completely pulling him out of his thoughts and rendering him speechless. “…eh?”
“He looks terrifying! Megumi, please never smile like that! I can’t believe I actually like you not smiling at all! Just be your usual grumpy ass self, fighting that was terrifying!” Gojo exclaimed and he was suddenly reminded of why he hated this man so much. Never mind. Just let Sukuna tear him apart.
But as he was about to shot back, his eyes caught the sight of the wheel on top of his-or Sukuna’s head, “Wait is that…?” He asked, eyes growing wide as he pointed at the screen, taking everyone’s attention.
“Yes…Mahoraga’s wheel.”
“What’s that?!” Many wondered loudly.
“That wheel represents complete circulation and harmony. Once Mahoraga has been attacked, the wheel turns, starting adaption.” Megumi explained, somehow confusing them more.
“Wait adaptation?” Geto asked in shock. “As if, it can adapt to it’s opponents attacks?”
“Yes, that’s right; putting it simply.”
“But…” Suguru muttered, turning to look at his friend. “Does that mean it can adapt to infinity? Limitless?”
His eyes widened when Gojo nodded. “Even those.”
“WHAT?! So there’s no way to kill it?!” Yuji shouted.
“You can. You just have to kill it before it adapts completely. It takes some time you know. And anyway even if it can adapt, that doesn’t make it immortal. And it can’t adapt to all your techniques, there’s a limit. So first, you have to fight and try to destroy it without using your techniques as much as you can.”
“Still! That’s too OP!”
Gojo laughed. “Well, why do you think no one’s been able to tame it?”
Just on that moment the wheel turned with a sound, doing the first spin.
“…shit.”
“Oh man this is seriously happening so fast, I can’t take it!” Nobara mumbled, fanning herself with her hand. What the fuck was wrong with the timings of this show?! Yes this was awesome but her poor heart was going to burst any time now.
’When he uses domain amplification to touch me, the wheel turns black.’ Gojo thought, his blue shining eyes blown wide and a crazed smile on his face.
“Sensei…you don’t look any better in terms of being terrifying…” Yuta said, scratching the back of his hand.
“Yeah…I’ve never seen him looking like that…” Megumi nodded and everyone else just agreed enthusiastically. He was always calm, fighting curses. As if he was bored and didn’t have the time for such stupid stuff. But this…he looked like a whole new person. Even Suguru was having problems recognizing the man on the screen. Fighting curses has always been child’s play to him. Always goofing around and not taking any of their fights seriously. And now…he was actually and seriously analyzing his opponents attacks. Yet on top of that, looked as if he was…
Gojo cackled. “Well I was having fun.”
’…fun?!’
’It’s safe to assume that it interrupts any adaption process. So he can’t activate his domain but he can use amplification probably ‘cuz the area of his brain I hit was in charge of barrier techniques.
’In order to avoid the adaption he isn’t using anything aside from his cursed technique lapse…?’ Sukuna thought on the other side. ’Well that’s to be expected.’
Shoko clicked her tongue, “Seems like he’s read your mind.”
He looked up when a clicking sound was heard and saw Gojo attacking straight at him and dodged before jumping up with a smirk, grabbing at the street lamp at tearing it off, throwing it at the sorcerer.
The scene changed after that, showing some people watching the fight from many TV screens.
“…the hell?” Riko asked, taken aback. Those two were fighting to death while some people were just watching it like a TV show…? Yeah that’s pretty much what they were doing too but this was different!
“Oh those are Kinji Hikari and Atsuya Kusakabe. Our third year student and a grade one sorcerer.” Gojo explained when three new faces were show. He smiled, pointing at the last one. “And that’s Mei Mei. They were watching the fight using her technique.”
“That’s Mei Mei?!” Utahime asked with wide eyes. “Why has she styled her hair like that?!”
“It looks stupid…” Suguru nodded.
”I suppose this means it’s adapted to “Unlimited Void” five times.” Mei Mei said.
“Isn’t that your domain?!” Yaga exclaimed.
“It is. We did domain battle a few times already until we couldn’t anymore. The last time Mahoraga was there and surprisingly adapted to it. Man I had almost hit that bastard.”
“A FEW TIMES?!” Did Mei Mei said five? No sorcerer could use Domain Expansion even two times in a row!!! And they were both still standing…? Did that mean Sukuna could withstand Gojo’s domain as well?! Which one of their domains were stronger then?!
”Does that mean it needs to turn several times, in order to adapt to Gojo San’s “Limitless” technique?” Hakari asked with narrowed eyes and Kusakabe nodded. “It’s possible. Considering how little regard those two have for what’s impossible.”
Toge, “Yeah no shit.”
”You payin’ attention?” Sukuna asked Gojo who was now leaning on the wall of a brigade.
Gojo looked up at him, “You need four spins in total, yeah? That leaves only three…” He jumped up, standing a few feet away in front of Sukuna. “Three more spins until Mahoraga adapts to my “Infinity.”
Everyone looked as terrified as the three watchers on the screen.
“Only Four?! That’s…fewer than I expected…” Yuki muttered, leaning closer, eager to learn more about one of the greatest jujutsu techniques of the three great clans.
”Just three spins left…” Yuji was shown, looking just as terrified.
“Why do I have so many scars?!” The boy exclaimed after getting g over the excitement of seeing himself. Although despite the new scars on his face, he couldn’t see Sukuna’s marks anymore. Just like right now. But the fact that that meant Sukuna had possessed Megumi instead of him in this future wasn’t making him feel any enjoyment over the fact.
“Mahito.” Gojo answered. “The patch face.”
“Oooooh right that’s his name!” Yeah, he could remember Junpei and that grasshopper calling him that. Yay. “Wait he screwed up my face too?! Man I just keep hating him more and more…”
“You have no idea…” Gojo muttered sadly, glancing at Nanami but looking away quickly before anyone could notice. Another thing he’d definitely change this time around, was facing that fucker first and wiping him out of the face of earth himself. He was not going to ever let him get near any of his students. And definitely not Yuji. That boy had had enough trauma from Mahito already.
Gojo cackled as Sukuna raised an eyebrow at the reaction, saying: “Looks like we have ourselves a count down. To when that smirk will be wiped off your face, that is.”
“Right back atcha!” Gojo grinned in arrogance. “I’ll beat you dead before you even hit three spins.”
“…did you?” Riko chuckled, swallowing nervously.
“Nope.” Gojo answered to their pure horror.
”He hasn’t forgotten about Megumi…has he?” A new face was shown, asking the question from Yuji and Choso sitting next to each other.
“CHOSO! You’re there too!” Yuji beamed at the man who looked a bit taken aback at first before nodding. So had he and his brother gotten…close? Is that what this meant? He was gonna cry…
“Who’s that guy?” Megumi asked, pointing at the winged girl who had called him by his name and Gojo answered. “Hana Kurusu. A sorcerer with Angel technique. Pretty strong. She was the one to free me from the prison realm.”
“She was?!” They looked back at the girl, this time with more interest and focus. “How?”
“Her technique is to disable all techniques.”
“Wow…that’s…actually awesome.” Yuta muttered.
“Mhm. And I think she has quite a crush on you.” Gojo continued, laughing teasingly at Megumi who exploded. “WHAT?!”
”…He might’ve.”
Yuji answered, casusing Megumi to groan tiredly and Gojo to laugh. “I hadn’t! I was just…thrilled!”
“Thrilled my ass!”
”It’s fine. Let ‘im forget.” Another person they didn’t know answered, Hana shouting back, “THAT’S NOT FINE!!”
“Before you ask, that guy’s Hajime Kashimo. A sorcerer. I don’t know much about him either. No one did. Not until the culling game.”
“Oh.” Yuji nodded, before pausing. “Wait-what culling game?!”
Unfortunately, the show continued before anyone could answer or think too hard on the matter.
The two opponents attacked each other again, Sukuna smirking at the wheel turned another time.
“That’s the second spin!” Yuji panicked.
“Two more spins and it’ll adapt to Gojo’s Infinity. Hurry it up, Gojo!” Kusakabe said just as Gojo ran forward, jumping into the air and hitting the place where Sukuna had been standing with his fists fused with his limitless techniques but Sukuna dodged the attack quickly, jumping on the bridge’s pillar but soon jumping down again as Gojo attacked with a “Blue.”
Seeing an opening, he dashed towards the albino, throwing his leg at the man though Gojo blocked it quickly before smashing Sukuna down with a kick of his own.
Sukuna smiled, as the wheel turned once more.
“Oh fuck fuck fuck this isn’t looking good.” Nobara panicked, biting down on her nails and Panda nodded. “Yeah, as awesome as it is, I’m only feeling terrified! And I’m a panda!”
”The third spin! One more left!” Hakari yelled.
“Is it “Time” needed for the adaptation? Or is it “experience”?! Yuji wondered out loud, his eyes not leaving the fight.
“…? Oh I see. You’re asking if it needs time after taking the attack to adapt or adapt incrementally after taking the attack for a few times?” Kusakabe asked, a hand under his chin. “Well, considering Gojo hasn’t used any technique other than “lapse”…which could it be?” Now he looked just as confused as Yuji.
“He said all that so seriously I thought he knew the answer…” Riko face palmed.
”Either option is possible…” Kashimo smiled. “That’s all there is to it.”
The fight kept on, Sukuna hitting the ground and Gojo stared at him deadly, Mei Mei’s crows flying around the scene at the same time. ’I’ll give him hell.’ Gojo thought with a dead stare. ‘I’ve throughly convinced him that all I’ll use is “Blue”. With this timing, he won’t be able to react.
“Woaaaah yes hit him with “Red!”” Maki screamed, and hearing that all the people of the past who hasn’t seen Gojo using that technique yet had their eyes glued on the screen, waiting impatiently.
”Cursed technique: Reversal,” Gojo said, pointing his fingers at Sukuna like a gun. “Red.”
All the future students screamed but their excitement soon died out at seeing Sukuna managing to block the attack with his arms.
“FUCK YOU!” Shoko screamed.
Gojo clicked his tongue angrily. ’He used amplification to minimize the damage.’
’As expected, even if amplification can neutralize the low output of his neutral “Limitless”’, Sukuna though as he was shown, his arms and face, being half burnt and flesh and bones showing because of Gojo’s attack.
“I’m…going to have nightmares about that for the rest of my life…” Yuji muttered quietly, looking at the damage on his friend’s face even though it was healing very quickly.
Megumi looked no better, his eyes blown wide in terror at the sight. He knew he was probably going to die. He had to. He was lost. And they needed to kill Sukuna even if it meant killing him. They couldn’t risk the fate of the universe for him. That was the right decision and the had to do it. But to actually witness it…he couldn’t help but shiver internally, both at the thought of dying and not dying. At the thought of what would happen to Gojo if he was forced to kill him, and the thought of what would happen to himself, if he killed Gojo. He couldn’t take it. Not with that man. Not with the person who’s saved him and raised him as his own son since he was so young, no matter how much Megumi wanted to ignore it. Not with the man who meant everything to him and he loved so dearly even though he would never admit to it to his face. He couldn’t take it if he ends up being the one to kill him. If Sukuna killed him. He just couldn’t. He was all the family he had left.
He gazed at the man slowly, frowning at seeing the obvious pain in his eyes even while watching the fight he’s already been through. Fuck it, just what had happened to him in this future?! He looked even worse than always. Even…even worse than that night…
”He misread it…at this rate…” Kusakabe’s voice shook as he spoke, covering the lovers half of his face with his hand, sweating in panic.
“It’ll adapt!” Yuji completed him, looking just as horrified.
“Such sloppiness.” Sukuna laughed as his face almost healed completely, looking at Gojo who’s eyes were blown wide in shock. “Lost your cool after your hand was read?”
“Ya know, that “Red” from just now…” Gojo suddenly smiled widely, “…still hasn’t exploded.”
“OH MY FUCKING GOD!” Yuki screamed along with the rest of the teenagers as Gojo’s technique suddenly exploded from behind Sukuna, throwing him up gasping and choking on blood, eyes as wide as the rest of the room who stared at the destruction the sorcerer’s technique had caused.
“What the…” Shoko muttered, mouth hanging open.
“Just how…strong are you..?” Suguru whispered, eyes not leaving the screen as he watched the amount of power his friend held in the future. At his friend who had become a literal monster and he wasn’t even using his domain or full power so Mahoraga wouldn’t adapt. Just what the actual fuck?!
Gojo just gave him a toothy grin. Man they haven’t even seen him use his other techniques or Purple in combat. Or Domain.
”Gah!” Sukuna gasped, feeling his bones getting crushed. ’From behind me…? Did he plan from the start to have “Red” strike after making a full lap around?’ He thought as the layout of the beuilding was shown.
“You’re a genius!” Shoko actually praised, smiling proudly and Gojo beamed but the scene continued before anyone could add anything, silencing everyone as Gojo used his opening and hit the curse straight in the chest with a “Black flash” while everyone who were watching the fight on the screen were shown, gaping.
“B-Black flash…?” Nanami whispered just as the same time as the on screen Yuji did, the rest of the audience’s expressions just as shocked as the ones on the screen as Sukuna was left throwing up blood, his pupils now white.
“No way in FUUUUCK! THAT WAS AWESOME!” Yuji screamed at the top of his lungs, hands grabbing at Gojo’s shoulder before he could stop himself and started shaking the man in pure excitement. But he just used Black Flash! And it was awesome!
“Wait wait wait,” Maki suddenly gasped, her eyes finally noticing herself on the screen after getting over the shock of what just happened. “Is that…me?”
Hearing that, everyone’s eyes slowly focused on the on screen audience, their eyes widening at the sight of Maki’s half burnt and scarred face; her hair short and almost unrecognizable.
Nobara swallowed on terror. “M-Maki-San?!”
Yuta looked just as horrified. “What’s…happened to you?” He asked, turning to look at Gojo who sighed tiredly before answering. “I wasn’t…there when it happened,” ’Like always.’ “But I know it was the Volcano curse who did that when you two fought.”
“I fought that and survived?!” Maki took a deep breath, gazing at herself once more before chuckling. “Well, it doesn’t look that bad.”
‘Seriously?!’
Nobara beamed along, patting her on the back. “I think you look as cool as always! Even more badass!”
“YESS!”
“Let’s continue watching, this shit was getting good!” Maki said, looking back at the show in excitement, remembering the fight. She shouldn’t waste their time by worrying over something that hasn’t happened no matter how much it’s shaken her. There were many more important things. It’s not like she was dead or anything. Like many of them were.
But the audience’s previous shock didn’t last for long, as Mahoraga’s wheel fell from Sukuna’s head, somehow managing to do the last spin just as a shadow appeared under Gojo’s foot, the actual Mahoraga’s hand coming out to grab at his waist.
“FUCK!” Even Megumi screamed. “SENSEI!” “SATORU!” “GOJO!” Shouts of his name could be heard from both the screen and the people around him, Yuji’s hands on his shoulder tightening just as Suguru took his other hand as well, watching in terror as Mahoraga crawled out of the shadow, slashing Gojo’s chest up to his shoulder and throwing him backwards.
“…Guys calm down…I’m literally here.” Gojo laughed awkwardly, breaking the sudden silence that had filled the room after that scene and all eyes focused on him, calming down a bit as if they’ve just remembered his presence. “That was just a cut…”
“But…that…” Suguru muttered, looking a bit scared and honestly, Gojo couldn’t really blame him. Suguru’s never seen him fight like that. And all the opponents and the curses they had exorcised so far weren’t anywhere near as strong as Mahoraga. And he also didn’t know about Gojo’s reversed cursed technique healing him until a day ago so it was possible for him to forget about it in this situation. Mahoraga’s hit would’ve been fetal if he couldn’t heal anyway…and many of his next attacks as well…ugh, why did this thing have to show this fight now?!
“Hey it’s fine. I can heal myself remember? Stop looking so scared y’all.” He laughed, trying to lift the atmosphere; his heart warming at the care.
“Yeah…right. But…we’ve never seen something like that happening…specially with you…” Yuta defended, the boy looking just as scared as the rest, as if they had just realized just what kind of an opponent Sukuna was, specially with being able to control the “Ten Shadows Technique” now. Realizing that maybe Gojo was killable too. He was human too after all…
And why haven’t any of them thought of that until now?!
“I’ve never seen him even bleed…” Yuji swallowed in terror, just looking at all the bruises, the blood, and now the gash covering his Sensei’s body.
In the fight, Gojo jumped a few feet back, blood gushing out of the wound as Yuji, Yuta and Kusakabe stared in shock.
“He’s not finished yet…” Yuji muttered hopefully.
“Even if adapted to “Infinity”, they’re still on equal footing.”
A female voice spoke, casing Shoko’s eyes to widen unconsciously. Was that…her voice?
“And even if he’s injured, he can quickly…” The angle of the camera changed, showing the female sorcerer staring at the TV screens in worry.
Shoko’s mouth fell open. “Is that ME?!” She screamed.
“Yes! Imagine our surprise!” Nobara exclaimed.
“Yeah…” She chuckled, feeling a bit uneasy at how she looked. “Huh, I look so dead…”
“You look beautiful.” Suguru and Satoru suddenly said at the same time, causing the girl to look at them a bit in surprise before smiling goofily and hugging their necks. “Aw, I love you guys too! Now that you’ve mentioned it, I do look pretty hot! Hey Choso! We kinda have the same eye makeup!” She giggled at the surprised man.
Suguru rolled his eyes.
”No…his wounds are clearly taking longer to heal…” Shoko realized.
“And you’re still talking shit behind my back.” Satoru threw his hands in the air and Shoko smiled toothily at him; the interaction bringing a sad smile on their other friend’s lips as he realized he was the only one not there. Not alive anymore. He should’ve been there…he should be helping Satoru fight that demon. He shouldn’t be alone, trying to save his son all on his own. Suguru should’ve been beside him. They were…the strongest together after all. And yet, there Gojo was; shouldering everything all on his own. Shouldering the fate of humanity all on his own. With no one by his side. With no one strong enough to even be on his side.
“I’m sure he’s still able to use Reversed cursed technique beyond firing “Red,” but his output is definitely dropping.” Shoko continued, her words causing Yuji to frown in worry.
“Sorry.” The woman apologized, shaking her head. “It’s likely the same for Sukuna, with the damage sustained by his brain.”
After that, some words appeared on the screen beside the watchers. Even with the strongest in history, the king of curses as his opponent...all thought the idea to be in some respects, impossible. But in this moment…the possibility of gojo satoru losing flooded their minds.
That same thought…struck Gojo himself. The scene changed to Gojo, lost in thoughts and his hand holding his wounded chest. ’How long it’s been…’
“Man this isn’t looking good…this should be a first…” Utahime swallows, the thought of Gojo himself thinking about the possibility of losing shaking her to the core.
“It’s not. I’ve thought I was going to lose once in the past too. I kinda did...” Gojo said, as if that was supposed to make her feel any better. Or maybe it should. If Gojo had thought about losing once before but was somehow still alive…yeah it did make it better. Slightly at least.
Just on that moment Gojo was reminded of a dark haired man with a scar on his lips and a worm looking curse wrapped around his body and hanging off his shoulders; causing him to smirk. ’Well, that goes without saying…’
“Who was that?” Megumi questioned when the scene shifted, frowning a bit.
“The first man to almost defeat me.” Was all the answer Gojo gave. He wanted to tell Megumi, he really did, but now was not the time. Not in this situation. And he hope this viewing would give the boy a better opportunity to understand the whole story. He deserved the truth.
Meanwhile, everyone else stared at the guy in interest, none of them actually recognizing him. And the ones who did, aka Yaga and Yuki…did not say anything.
And yet, just as signs of defeat show, so too rushes forth a feeling much more intense. Satisfaction. The loneliness that comes…with absolute strength…the one satisfying him now is…
Looking at the words, the watchers couldn’t help but look at the albino with small frowns of worry, though the man made no move to acknowledge them and kept his eyes on the screen, looking a bit troubled.
“Of course you’d be feeling satisfied in a life and death situation.” Suguru suddenly joked with a small laugh, throwing his arm around his best friend, trying to take everyone’s minds a bit off of the words, seeing how tense Satoru had become.
“I’m just too cool to feel anything but.” Satoru added as well, smiling at him knowingly as the plan seemed to work, causing a few huffs or eye-rolls from their audience.
The fight picked up once more as Gojo dashed towards Mahoraga, landing a hit straight to it’s face. “Phase. Pāramitā. Pillars of light.”
“What now?!”
“He’s reciting the incantations!” Kusakabe realized, Shoko adding in shock, “He’s trying to restore his decreased output!”
“Cursed technique: Reversal,” Gojo said, getting ready to fire his attack but Sukuna soon realized, unleashing a rabbit escape upon him to cover his sight so Mahoraga wouldn’t get hit.
“Oh my god those bunnies are so cute!” Riko couldn’t help the comment that flew out of her mouth and soon Nobara and Yuji were nodding along, clapping their hands together. “They are!” “Megumi! Why did you never tell us about this?!”
The said boy rolled his eyes.
“But I’ve gotta say,” Yuji laughed. “The king of curses unleashing bunnies on you is pretty hilarious.”
Nobara, “He got scared of red so he let loose the bunnies.”
”Looks like the “Black Flash” worked like a charm.” Gojo laughed, pointing down at the ground and firing the “Red”, causing half of the building and the rabbits to get destroyed and reveal where Sukuna and Mahoraga were.
’Mahoraga adapted to my “Infinity.” It’s on offense. And to make sure Mahoraga doesn’t get destroyed…’ Gojo thought, looking at Sukuna smirking. ’…Sukuna’s on protection duty.
Megumi clenched his fists. “He’s just standing aside and letting Mahoraga do his dirty work.”
On that moment Sukuna smirks, this time throwing a fire extinguisher to block Gojo’s sight and soon Mahoraga attacks from through the smoke, taking Gojo’s attention and Sukuna’s uses the opening to attack, clapping his hands together.
Choso’s eyes widened just as much as his on screen’s self, both of them left completely speechless and shouting at the same time, “Piercing blood?!”
“What?! Isn’t that your technique? Since when can Sukuna do that?!” Yuji screamed, eyes glued to the screen. “He’s not your secret brother too, right? Does that make me his brother as well?!”
Many facepalmed in disappointment.
Just as Choso had expected, a piercing ray of blood attacks Gojo, cutting through his arm and taking the man by surprise, Mahoraga using the opportunity to attack as well though Gojo was quick to jump away, managing to not take any more damage. ’So he isn’t just devoting himself to support. When Mahoraga erases my Infinity…Sukuna will use that opening to attack. Which means this is just a good old-fashioned 2-on-1.’
“This is so unfair…” Yuji muttered angrily and Gojo laughed. “Oh just wait.”
’Usually, he should be unable to use the shikigami's powers without summoning them. I mean, using “Max Elephant” to create a "Piercing blood" attack? He's as handy as I am.’
“So that’s how he did it…” Megumi muttered, eyes widening. How was that even possible?! That man was literally using another clan’s techniques. And using his Shikigami to do so…how did Sukuna even know how to use these? That he could? Combining the Shikigami’s techniques with his own body? Could he do it the other way around as well?
’Unless he applies it externally to his domain, he can't use his shrine and the ten shadows simultaneously. He's using shikigami other than mahoraga now since the adaptation to "Infinity" is complete, and he has more resources to allocate. In that case, it should take longer to adapt to the reversed "Red" than cursed technique: Lapse. I much prefer that to having mahoraga pluck cards from my hand one by one.’
“I literally have no idea what the fuck that meant but I hope it was good.” Yuji spoke tiredly as he covered his face with his hands, taking deep breaths to calm himself. His brain couldn’t process this anymore. This shit has already happened and Gojo-Sensei was completely fine and beside them. Yet somehow, all of them felt like their hearts were about to just pop out of their chest on any given second.
”Don’t misunderstand.” Sukuna suddenly cut off his thoughts, causing Gojo to look at him with a small surprised pout. “This isn’t a 2-on-1” The curse said as if he had read Gojo’s mind and clapped his hands together. “Nue: Totality. Fusion Beast Agito.”
And soon a monster just as large as Mahoraga was standing on his right.
“…”
“What…what is that…?” Megumi felt like his eyes were about to pop out.
“Exactly what you just heard.” Gojo laughed.
“DON’T TALK IN RIDDLES IN THIS SITUATION!”
“I don’t know what’s going on either! I’m not a “Ten Shadows” Technique user you know! I had no idea this was possible. And I have access to all the texts from the great clans. Nothing like this, was ever mentioned.” Just like his own “Purple” technique. Was this something like that one too? So impossible that it’s been lost in time and only someone as crazy as him like Sukuna could do?
Sukuna threw open his arms. “It’s a 3-on-1”
“Now that is so unfair!” Maki muttered angrily. “He’s so pathetic! He can’t win by himself so he’s throwing Shikigamis at you now? Pathetic!”
Gojo nodded enthusiastically. “Exactly what I thought!”
The albino made a face on the screen. “Dude, you look like a lost alien boy clinging to his parents!”
They all burst into uncontrollable laughter while Megumi just flushed, hiding his face between his palms at the stupid sight. Now his friends were never going to let him live this down…
“You truly never change, do you?” Geto laughed, looking at Satoru who chuckled. Seriously, only this man could just joke so seriously in a life and death situation like that and manage to bring a small on everyone’s face. And Suguru loved that about him so much. Just like he loved everything about this stupid man who will one day be the death of him for sure.
“That was so good…I can’t forget about it now…” Nobara laughed, wiping at her eyes while she and Yuji started patting Megumi on the back and saying “Now you have three dads”, the boy slapping their hands away and glaring at Gojo even though he himself was smiling a bit.
Sukuna’s eye twitched.
“Oh shit you’ve done it now.”
Both curses suddenly attacked on that moment and Gojo jumped out of the way, Sukuna who had disappeared, soon coming out of his shadow and doing another “Piercing blood” attack.
“Fuck I’m so sorry but that was awesome!” Shoko shouted, turning to look at Megumi. “Can you do that one too?”
“I’ve never really tried to go inside shadows like that. But yeah…I guess it’s possible.” He nodded. He had been able to make clones of himself using Shadows inside his domain to fool his opponent once. So this should be manageable too. And pretty handy in combat. It could even be considered as some kind of a teleportation. Just what else could he do with his technique?
The fight continued, Gojo now dodging attack after attack, Using “Red” on Mahoraga once more though the attack didn’t do much damage this time with the beast having adapted to the technique.
’Effective but barely, and not just ‘cuz my output’s on the decline. he only took one hit from "Red” and head-on; at that. So is the adaptation gradual, rather than a binary “0” to “100”? Just means I’ll have to take Mahoraga out in one hit. I’ll have to use that.’
“That? What’s that?!”
’On top of the charge getting ages, Sukuna’s guard is up. The fact that they're trying to close the gap between us, and continuing to attack relentlessly, rather than prioritizing the "Red” adaptation is solid proof of that. Which Means I have no other choice,’
They all stared at the screen in utter silence, afraid to even move and miss something.
A knowing smile slowly appeared on his face. ’I gotta settle this…with my “Unlimited Hollow” technique.’
And right on that moment the scene shifted backwards like a video did, stopping when it was back to a few months ago and picking up from where it had left off, Gojo smiling and answering Yuji’s question of “Woud you lose?”
“I’d win.”
“IT DID NOT JUST DO THAT!!!”