After being released from the infirmary,

Sukuna sat in the back of the classroom in his usual seat. Listening to the many whispers and murmurs being exchanged amongst his classmates, he would let out a small sigh. Ignoring their voices as he stared out the window in silent thought.

It's been a couple of days since he officially met Hikari. The injured boy had been experiencing strange emotions in his stomach ever since she announced her words against him. He wasn't exactly sure why they were bothering him. But they were.

After seeing her, he couldn't seem to get her out of his mind for a while, and he couldn't figure out why. The sole purpose of his existence is to become the strongest sorcerer in this world and conquer the curses of the world thus making a name for himself. Prove others wrong that outsiders can be just as strong as a sorcerer. No one needs to come from a noble family to be strong, nor do they have to be endowed with such abilities to protect others.

"Next time I see you, I won't hold back. I will make my way to the very top and prove to you that an incompetent little girl can be just as strong in the sorcerer world."

Sukuna heard those exact words echoing in his mind as if they were like a chant. Every time that scene reactivated in his mind, annoyance began to itch in the back of his mind. That boy could care less that Hikari saved him, so it still angered him to the point of no return that someone such as her will be his potential teammate. Somehow, for some strange reason, he could not shake the negative feeling he harboured against the star-eyed girl. He doesn't understand why her existence bothers him so much to the point where he doesn't want to be around her. Nor does he want to recognize her as a potential strong sorceress. Sukuna does not quite understand why he just doesn't want to watch her fight at all. Even the mere thought of it seems to make him crazy.

He acknowledges without hesitation that she has saved him and has been grateful to her for it, but he still cannot accept the fact that she is a fighter. The females in his school are mostly healers and support when it comes to missions. Sure, some can also fight, but he has yet to meet a powerful woman in the world of sorcerers. Which are primarily run by men.

Although Hikari has the potential to be his potential teammate, he would expect that it would be more related to missions, since she doesn't attend the school that Marin-sensei runs. Only powerful sorcerer clans like Taiyou receive admission into the school, as far as the boy knows. With the few exceptions like himself.

Perhaps he can assume that Hikari won't be joining this school due to the fact that he has never ever seen or heard of her abilities. It wasn't until recently that he heard of pure energy users that exist in this world. Marine-sensei would never allow such a girl to attend his school that uses a different element from the one they have been taught. How could a person of her abilities be able to work in such a school that focuses on using negative energy as their primary force?

This doesn't make any sense at all.

While fiddling with the brush in his hand, he would rest the wooden end against the table before him, looking out the window as more and more questions flooded into his mind. Questions that Sukuna needed to know, and how he could obtain the answers he needed. The poor boy couldn't figure out where Hikari came from and why she was here in the first place. Who would want someone with such an extraordinary ability to attend a school like this? Additionally, why does his teacher even know who the girl is in the first place?

'I don't understand,' Sukuna thought to himself, staring off into the distance. 'What is Marin-sensei up to?'

Letting out a small sigh, he glanced at his friend and was about to ask him a question. However, as he looked at the seat next to him, he noticed that Taiyou was also quiet. Playing with a kendama in his hand, Sukuna could hear wood clacks every now and then. He was unsure why his friend was silent, but all he could really agree upon was that he still feels guilty about putting the pink-haired boy in the infirmary. Particularly how he put Sukuna's life in danger because of his greed. Despite the boy's odd affection for him, he is not his bright, regular self. He's busy playing with his toy, waiting till Marin-sensei shows up.

In the midst of that, his friend wondered why he appeared nervous. Narrowing his eyes toward the boy with black hair, he watched him play with the toy he has in his hand. He was continually tapping his foot on the floor and sweating nervously. The wooden toy kept clacking against the section of the cup. He didn't know why he was extra nervous, but Sukuna kinda had enough of his silence and decided to speak out towards him.

"Taiyou," Sukuina said, sighing, "Why are you so quiet?"

The black-haired boy blinked a few times as he gazed at the pale pink-headed boy as if taken aback. As he fiddled with the wooden kendama string, he whistled awkwardly as he tried to avoid his friend's gaze. He tried to bite his lower lip, then look away from his friend.

"I have no idea what you mean."

Not pleased with Taiyou's response, Sukuna began glaring at him. He would grab a hold of his friend's toy and throw it behind him, causing the nervous boy to jump. His eyes flared with irritation, leaning in close to the nervous boy deciding to interrogate his friend.

"What are you hiding from me?"

Taiyou stumbled, "N-Nothing! Just don't worry about it!"

With only one comment from his friend, Sukuna was worried, and that led to him leaning in close to his friend, who suddenly became flustered and intimidated.

"Now you're causing me to be worried. Why are you so fearful?"

"Because you threw my toy away!" Taiyou added, his cheeks puffing up. "Plus, you're always intimidating, especially when things don't go your way."

Yawning, Sukuna rolled his eyes, leaning his arms back on the floor. "What can I say, I don't like it when things are out of my control."

Taiyou scoffed at his comment, rolling his eyes. "Listen, you can't always control everything, that's not how life works."

Looking away from Taiyou in annoyance, he leans his hand on his desk and growls. Even though Sukuna is usually the wiser of the two, today Taiyou is the wiser one.

"Shut up."

"Make me."

Sticking his tongue out, Taiyou would soon lean his arms on his desk and look away. Getting up to get his toy back that Sukuna threw away from him. In addition to taking the wooden stick from the pink-haired boy, he sat down beside him and put it back in a leather satchel.

Both boys wondered and watched their classmates talk amongst themselves as they looked amongst the classmates. He would listen to them laugh and mess around in the classroom, his eyes narrowed, staring lost in thought. He would let his mind wander for the next few minutes until his friend interrupted him.

"I heard some teachers talking before I got to class." He spoke up, grabbing Sukuna's attention.

He asked naively. "Like what? Those old bastards usually gossip and make a noise out of their asses."

As he heard his comment, Taiyou could not help but to chuckle softly. He placed both of his hands on the wooden desk. Looking off in the direction of where Marin-sensei would usually stand and teach.

"It's different this time," said the black-haired boy. "It appears we're getting a new student."

Sukuna stared at Taiyou wide-eyed, "How could there be a new student when our first year is almost over?"

"I'm not sure," Taiyou frowned, "However, are you surprised though? Our class is an odd number. Considering its only the two of us and how Marin-sensei told us that Hikari being our new teammate; I'm not surprised if she ends up being the new girl as well."

"I understand if it's related to missions. Sorcerers would work with others from different regions. Like how sensei would collaborate with the others in Kyoto to take out a high-level spirit," Sukuna said, narrowing his eyes a bit, "But seeing her being a part of this school is extremely unlikely. I don't see a sorceress who harnesses pure energy would want to attend a school filled with curse users."

Taiyou frowned at his friend's comment, "Marin-Sensei has to see potential in her, and if he does, we know he'll bring her into our school. Since there are so few sorcerers as it stands, he can't pass up an opportunity for someone as strong as her to join us."

"Yeah?" Sukuna scoffed, "I don't think it's going to make any difference to her to come here. The fact she was accepted into the school in the first place suggests she comes from a noble family. My guess is that her parents paid their way into this school to make sure she attends."

As his friend narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest, "Despite her noble heritage, the evil curses out there won't annihilate themselves. You know how bad they have gotten recently. So just go easy on her "

Sukuna replied, "Even if that's the case, I still don't like her so I refuse."

Taiyou sweatdropped,

"You only met her for a few moments though...I don't seem to understand why you hold such a grudge against her."

Sukuna raised an eyebrow, looking over at Taiyou. Clicking his tongue in annoyance as he looked out the wooden pane window. He refused to look into his friend's eyes as he watched small spirits flow about. If he was being honest with himself, he doesn't understand it himself on why he dislikes Hikari.

He just does.

"Some things don't need an explanation." Sukuna continued slowly, "I just don't like her, ok? Something feels off about her."

Taiyou snickered a little. "Maybe it's because you like her~?"

The thought of liking the star-eyed girl had Sukuna twitching uncontrollably as he swung his head towards his friend. A sudden flush of red burst through his cheeks and became irritated at the idea that he liked her in such a manner.

"I do not!" Sukuna exclaimed.

"Whatever you say, Su-kun." Taiyou teased, snickering once more.

The pink-haired boy was about to respond when everyone's attention was now drawn to the front of the classroom. With the sound of the sliding door opening loudly, Sukuna caught Marin-sensei's signature fox-like grin. As he walked into the classroom, everyone immediately scattered to their respective seats, and the loud noises of students conversing now became silent.

"Good morning my students," Marin-sensei chirped, placing a scroll down on his desk. "I hope all of you are prepared for today's lesson!"

Hearing him beamed, Sukuna heard a couple of snickers among the class as they whispered to one another about their teacher's rejuvenation. Even though he doesn't like his classmates, they do have a point about his overly chirpy mood. As he looked away from them, he turned back to his teacher as he listened attentively to everything he was saying.

"But before we begin, I am delighted to inform you that we will have a new student joining us today!"

Marin-sensei's words caused a shockwave in the class. Although some students were happy to have a new student, others were confused as to why someone was transferring so late into the school year.

Like Sukuna discussed earlier with Taiyou. As the two boys were staring at each other with great interest, the boy couldn't help but become nervous when the sudden news being. As Taiyou predicted, he was right so far.

Marin-sensei crossed his arms over his chest as he replied, "I know some of you are confused with our sudden gain of a new student. However, like all of you, this student possesses abilities that can help us battle the cursed spirits that afflict us. Despite their unique abilities, I still expect everyone to treat them with the same respect you show each other."

Then, with that last bit, Sukuna noticed Marin-Sensei gazing right at the boy. His emerald green eyes bore straight into his soul, as he wanted to make sure he understood that he was directly addressing the boy. Anger built up within Sukuna's body as his hands clutched in annoyance at the message.

"Now without further ado, I would love to introduce you to a member of the Bushida family, Hikari."

It suddenly felt as though everyone suddenly stopped in their tracks when a new figure entered the classroom. As everyone's gaze was now focused upon the new girl in the room, the classroom suddenly became deathly silent.

A pair of hakama pants with a blue ombre design with a solid black long sleeve top, her short navy hair flowing behind her. A signature hairpin in the shape of a star on her hair. Her presence on the scene was strong, yet graceful at the same time, just like the first time he saw her. Although her attire was different, what always captivated him was her star-filled eyes. She sparkled like a gem with stars somehow trapped inside of them. Her signature monotone expression was hard to read as she stood by Marin-sensei's side. While the older man would speak with his students, Sukuna noticed her eyes scanning around the room, looking at everyone in curiosity. Eventually, her gaze landed on his as their eyes connected.

In the process of watching her, Sukuna's chest tightened as if his entire body had been attacked. The more she stared at him, the more his heart began to beat so many times that it ached. He couldn't understand why she had such a strong effect on him, it confused him more than anything. He turned his hand into a fist and felt his handshake in his lap as he was trying to understand these feelings. The discomfort was caused by something more, but he simply couldn't grasp it with his fingers.

Despite the distance, he felt a connection with the girl not long ago. It was like a thread connecting them both somehow.

"I expect you all to treat her well," Marin-Sensei said, giving a stern look to his students.

Everyone nodded in agreement. They would then have a sudden outburst and call out to the new girl. The people greet her and say hello while she waves in return. Looking up at her teacher, she would watch the older man point towards the spot beside Taiyou, instructing her to sit by Sukuna's table.

"Since Taiyou and Sukuna are only ones without a third member, you will be assigned to be a part of their squad." Marin-sensei explained, "So boys, I expect you to treat her well, yes?"

"Hai, Marin-sensei!" Taiyou beams in excitation.

On the other hand, Sukuna rolled his eyes and mumbled negatively. As he was not as enthusiastic as his friend.

"Hai, Marin-sensei..."

At that moment, Sukuna watched his teacher talking to Hikari a little bit more as the conversation was between the two of them. Seeing how the girl nodded her head in response, she would bow her head respectively and started to walk towards her spot.

"Alright, while Hikari gets settled in with her new squad, please prepare for today's training." Marin-Sensei instructed, "Please prepare yourselves amongst your squads. I expect you all to arrive at the training field in the next fifteen minutes."

The moment he clapped his hands together, the students suddenly dispersed and got into their teams. As they started to talk amongst themselves, Sukuna could tell that everyone was still watching her as she walked towards him and Taiyou.

Her wavy hair and natural beauty assailed the students' attention with every step she took. Everyone stared at her in awe, while others were filled with envy. They were all struck by how much authority and power she already had the minute she stepped into the room. It was hard for Sukuna to comprehend how much this new girl was radiating. As his eyes narrowed towards her, he knew she would be getting special treatment.

The more he thought about it, the worse he disliked the girl.

Seeing Hikari take her place, he looked up to see her standing opposite him on his table. Her star-filled eyes had once again captured his undivided attention as her figure stood opposite him. Looking at her with confusion, he wondered why she was standing in front of him. With that action alone, he heard whispers erupting throughout the class. He looked into Taiyou's eyes to see that he too was confused and yet also intrigued at the same time.

Sukuna quickly glanced away from Taiyou and looked back towards Hikari. Seeing her extended her hand towards him, he suddenly became confused by her gesture.

Now sitting upright in his seat, Sukuna eyed her hand and then back to the navy-haired girl, he asked,

"What are you doing?"

"My guardian taught me that handshakes are a sign of respect and a way to greet one another." She said, her cheeks dusting red a bit, "I recognize we didn't greet each other very well when we first met... so I apologize for my previous behaviour. Since we'll be working together, I hope we can get along and move forward."

Since he felt that she was being too nice to him, the boy tried to read her facial expression, trying to figure out what her ulterior motive is. Especially because he was mean to her right from the start. But when he looked at Taiyou again for confirmation, the boy would simply smile and beckon her to take her hand. Telling him that she meant well. In the midst of his hesitant action, Sukuna reached towards Hikari's hand, willing to take a chance and accept her token of peace.

But suddenly, his hand became frozen.

"Are you really going to accept her handshake?" A voice echoed in his head"Look. That girl threatened to usurp your position as the top sorcerer the other day. Are you really willing to take her peace offering?"

"Yet she tried to make amends...' Sukuna thought, 'How could that be a bad thing?'

Darkly, the voice in his head began chuckling, hearing them tsk like they were shaking their heads.

"You're just admitting defeat if you take her hand now." Then they retorted, "Come now, we both know you don't want that to happen now, do you? Making peace with your rival?"

'She's trying,' Sukuna thought back, frowning a little, 'isn't that enough? We're going to have to work together from this point forward. So isn't making peace with her the best option?'

As though hands were wrapped around Sukuna's neck, the voice whispered into his ear as the voice made a soft, sinister chuckle.

The voice growled, "Don't be manipulated by a weakling like her. Until she proves herself otherwise, she is far from being your equal."

The voice within his body suddenly vanished from his head, causing him to feel a sense of anger and annoyance once more. His eyes are looking up with sudden negative emotions as he turns to face the girl. Sukuna then did something that both shook Hikari and Taiyou, taking them completely by surprise.

He slapped her hand away.

"Sukuna!" Taiyou snapped at Sukuna, "What are you doing?!"

Hikari continued to maintain a shock expression, which is the most he'd ever seen her have since she arrived. "Not letting her touch me," Sukuna said, looking back at his friend for a moment.

Hikari would retract her hand toward herself quickly, and use her other one to rub her right elbow. Seeing how her hand is slightly red from a recent blow. Lifting her gaze upward, she would frown widely on her pink lips, tilting her head in confusion.

She asked sadly, "I don't understand. Was my apology not acceptable?"

Leaning in slightly, his face was close enough for her shock to grow even wider. Watching her become even more startled, and her cheeks grow hotter. At this moment, he didn't exactly care about her feelings. All he wanted to do was make sure his own thoughts are loud and clear. To make sure he had become clear one last time before the time came for him to meet with Marin-sensei on the training field.

Standing up, Sukuna said, "Until you prove yourself strong I won't even acknowledge you, much less treat you as my equal."

As he turned away from his two squadmates, he made his way toward the entrance as he didn't want to be around her anymore. He took a final glance at her as he walked away, his eyes narrowing towards her and glimmering slightly red.

The tone of his voice sounded angry and powerful. "I don't care whether you're from the Bushida family or not. All I see is a noble brat who somehow managed to get into this school in spite of her social status. So until I can see for myself the things you can do, I can only view you as someone of lesser status than myself. So show me what you got

new girl."

[END OF CHAPTER FOUR]

Author's note:

Hello my beautiful lovelies, I hope all of you are doing well during this pandemic!
I learned recently that 'Ryomen Sukuna' isn't his full name, but just "Sukuna".
I apologize if it triggered anybody! I will probably change the first bit of the chapter so it flows properly so please disregard the updates for the previous chapters!

Otherwise, that's all I have for now. Thanks again for reading.

Take care, everyone!

-Nezu