Chapter 13: Back at Last

"Maki!" Nobara called out her name as she was getting ready to rush off to another meeting. Nobara has been trying to reach her friend ever since she heard about Maki and Muta's engagement; however, Maki has been extremely busy.

"Nobara, it's good to see you" Maki didn't have time but she desperately needed to talk to someone about the crazy things that had been taking place in her life. In all honesty, she misses talking to Nobara about normal things; things that would distract her from the current circumstances.

"How are you doing? I have been trying to reach you" Nobara could tell Maki was in a hurry. She was glad she stopped to chat for a bit. "Are you heading somewhere?".

"Yeah. I am sorry I don't have much time" Maki noticed Naobito Zenin heading off to Fushigoro's office. "Is it okay if I stop by tonight? I really have to go to this urgent meeting. I am sorry Nobara''.

"Yes but-" Nobara grabbed onto Maki's hands before she could head back. She has been feeling worried lately. Naobito and Fushigoro left the dinner table early last night even though everyone was celebrating Muta and Maki's engagement. Nobara wondered if anything serious happened, "I have this strange feeling that something awful happened. Please, tell me is everything okay?".

Maki knew she should keep important matters of the clans between the higher-ups. But, it wouldn't hurt to tell her friend about it right? "Sadly" Maki looked down with worry. "Lord Yuji was attacked by the mysterious evil group we have been battling with. He is alright but we suspect that the group is targeting him. Please keep this to yourself" Maki squeezed Nobara's hands. "I will explain more later but I have to go to the meeting to discuss next steps". With that, Maki left Nobara standing there; horrified.

Nobara watched Maki enter Fushigoro's office. She felt horrible hearing about Yuji's attack. She covered her mouth in shock. Nobara then rushed to her room, thinking about what to do. She felt extremely guilty about the whole thing. It was his fault. Sukuna was the one responsible. How could he? Here I was thinking Fushigoro would be safe when I broke the deal with Sukuna but I failed to see that they could attack the others. However, Nobara couldn't tell anyone about her involvement with Sukuna. She could get killed for meeting with him.

Nobara opened her drawers and pulled out a piece of paper and a pen. She began writing. Nobara decided to write a letter to Yuji. If Yuji is willing to confess his feelings to me even if it means betraying his best friend, Fushigoro, I can trust him with this information. She reasoned in her head.

Dear Lord Yuji,

I hope this letter finds you well. I have heard of the unfortunate news regarding an attack by an evil organization in Tokyo. I apologize if I came off rude the last time we saw each other. Please forgive me for causing any worry. I feel awful for what happened since you took time to visit me, which led to your danger.

If there is anything that I can help you with, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I wish for your steady recovery soon.

I am actually reaching out to you for a selfish request. I feel that I cannot trust anyone with this information. You have shown to me your loyalty, which is why I am asking you if you could keep this between us. I know I am requesting too much; but, please. I can't seem to rely on anyone about this matter.

Sincerely,

Nobara Kugisaki

She finished writing the letter and read the contents at least a couple of times. Nobara wanted to make sure that Yuji understood the emphasis on keeping it between them only. She wanted to warn him straight away; tell him about Sukuna and his plans to kill Fushigoro and slaughter all the clans. However, she couldn't put the details until he gave her reassurance. Nobara was caught up with Sukuna, which will surely lead her to be excommunicated from the Zenin clan. Something she cannot afford.

"Is this all Lady Kugisaki?" Arata Nitta asked her.

"Yes, please deliver it to Lord Yuji's hand, Arata" Nobara replied.

They were stationed near the gates of the Zenin mansion. During her time here, Nobara has made friends with a few maids, Maki, and Arata. Arata is one of the guards of the Zenin clan, who serves below Muta Kokichi. This means that he doesn't directly report to anyone, which reassures Nobara that she can trust him. Nobara met him when she went to check on the body of the fallen guard who was killed by Sukuna. Of course, Nobara couldn't tell Arata about the situation or what happened but she felt guilty for not being able to save him. Arata was a close friend of the guard. He and Nobara bonded after that incident. Arata was surprised at how caring Nobara was; she had no reason to feel such responsibility over a guard. He was taken aback. The two became close and he became Nobara's aid. He was the one who provided her with information about Tokyo: designers, companies, latest fashion news, jobs, places to stay, and overall, how to survive on her own. Valuable information that Nobara needed after she departed the Zenin residence for good. However, this time, Arata was tasked with a different mission. A mission that he couldn't tell a soul about.

"I understand" Arata placed the important letter in his bag. "I will only deliver it to him and none else. You can trust me" with that, Arata departed the residence. Nobara watched as he disappeared from her view.

"You weren't in your chamber" Fushigoro stated. Nobara jerked up at his words; she quickly turned around to see him standing behind her. Nobara was spooked out.

"Lord Fushigoro!" She said louder than she meant to. Fushigoro had an unreadable expression; something Nobara was used to by now. He was in formal attire as usual: dark blue hakama, off-white nagagi, and dark purple haori. Fushigoro looked like he was straight out of a Japanese men's style magazine. Compared to Yuji though, he avoided colorful garments. "I am sorry you went through all the trouble".

"You can drop all the formalities with me" Fushigoro told her to which Nobara was shocked. I can't understand this guy! She thought. "Let's have some tea in my office" Fushigoro turned around to walk without addressing the first part.

"Right" that's all Nobara uttered. She didn't know how to interact with her fiance without it being awkward. Frankly, she felt a little uncomfortable in his presence. He was unpredictable.

"Thank you for the tea, Miss Jee" Fushigoro told the maid before she bowed and left. Nobara and him were sitting across from each other in his office. A tea table separated the two.

"That kimono suits you" Fushigoro told Nobara to which she jumped again. She was wearing a blush pink linen kimono with purple wisteria leaves and white wisteria flowers along with green shrubs on tiny branches. The wisteria were displayed on her shoulders and slid below her back where it meets the green florals at the bottom. The whole set is tied together with a dark blue obi. He is really unpredictable; I am always on edge. Nobara concluded in her head.

"Thank you Lord Fushigoro. You look great in yours" Nobara bowed; a habit she was so used to.

Fushigoro took a sip from his tea and set the cup down. "I told you to drop the formalities" instead of looking angry like Nobara expected, he was blushing. Nobara was once again thrown aback. Fushigoro continued, "Do you wish to look at the material? You do enjoy sewing right?".

Did I leave a mess in my room? Was Fushigoro searching when he went in there. How long was he in my room? Nobara pondered. "Ah, yes!" She replied cheerfully. "I learned it from my grandmother. I really love designing clothing. I guess my favorite has to be designing kimonos in general" Nobara continued to explain her hobby, moving her hands and making all types of gestures. Fushigoro watched her. He has been wanting to see his fiance ever since their encounter from the other night. Frankly, he just wanted to touch her again; feel her one more time. God dammit. He thought. I can't focus. Fushigoro's heart was fluttering as Nobara continued talking. He just listened and tried to focus on her words. His eyes kept failing him though. It kept going to her neck. The kimono and the fabric underneath it was covering too much. He just wanted to pull it all down. Focus Fushigoro! He told himself. He kept thinking back to the time he visited her room earlier. It was kept neat by the maids but he was sure Nobara left messes, which he wanted to see more of. Fushigoro ran his hand through her bed, pillows, and drawers. He saw all of her sewing kits and new pieces. He wished she would have made something for him. Fushigoro opened a drawer where Nobara's recently worn kimonos sat folded. He picked up an orange one, which reminded him of her hair. Fushigoro picked up the dress and smelled its perfume. Instantly, it smelled of her; the smell he missed. The smell that filled his room not long ago.

"I-I am sorry. I have been talking about it for a while. I get a little carried away about that stuff" Nobara sighed. She felt embarrassed. Here she was talking away about her hobbies when Fushigoro probably didn't care for it. Nobara was scared to appear too boring to Fushigoro. What if he broke off the engagement because she talked too much?

Fushigoro got up from his side of the table and walked over to Nobara. She watched as he sat next to her, facing his body forward. Nobara also positioned herself forward. They were facing each other, the silence returning. "I don't have any patterns on mine but it's made of the finest quality" Fushigoro reached out his hand so Nobara could feel the kimono he was wearing. She held the fabric in both of her hands. A heat rushed to Fushigoro's face as he felt her soft fingers underneath his kimono sleeve. Nobara was studying the piece. Holy shit! This must cost thousands. No ordinary person can dream of affording it. She looked up and locked her eyes with him.

Nobara's lips parted as she looked into his dark eyes. Something about them seemed so captivating; she felt hypnotized. Fushigoro's free hand went to caress her cheek. A blush formed on her face upon contact. His fingers were cold; it felt good against her warm skin. They stood there in silence. Time ticked away. Fushigoro's finger slipped from her cheek to Nobara's bottom lip. He rubbed it across and paused at the center. The whole time, their hearts were racing. Fushigoro couldn't contain himself anymore.

"Fushi-" Nobara could barely say his name before their lips collided. Fushigoro tilted his head to capture her lips fully. Nobara closed her eyes this time. She has been hit with many surprise kisses that she prepared herself. Afterall, Fushigoro told her last time to kiss him back.

Before it went any farther, Fushigoro dragged her body down. He stopped falling midway as Nobara laid under him. He studied her. Fushigoro's palms were stationed next to her head, a few inches away from her resting hair. Their faces were in heat just as their bodies. "It's too hot in here" Fushigoro finally broke the silence.

"W-we have to go to lunch" Nobara stated aloud. She didn't know where it was all heading but she wanted to escape. If Fushigoro continued touching her, Nobara might fall for him. Something she absolutely wanted to avoid. But marrying him would mean more sexual encounters. She had to plan her escape soon. Nobara rose up from the floor and tried to stand.

"We can skip it" Fushigoro took to her neck. Nobara yelped in surprise. He had one hand on her neck, pulling her fabric down to lick more skin. The other hand squeezed her butt. Nobara's face was burning with heat. She grasped his clothes.

"Fu-Fushigoro please" Nobara felt good. She didn't wish to but her body was getting aroused. "I am hungry!" she shouted.

Fushigoro stopped his advances. He loosened his grip on her and let go. "Tch! Let's go eat" Fushigoro stood up. His hand was covering his face, trying to hide the blush on his cheeks. Fushigoro headed out the door before Nobara could say anything. "R-right!" Nobara followed. Was he annoyed? She asked herself. The two were silent as they passed several maids, who bowed as they walked. Nobara was trailing behind him; embarrassed from before.

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Noritoshi clenched the letter in his hand. "Tch!" He sucked his teeth. "Dammit!" Noritoshi crumpled up the paper and threw it in the trash. He was standing in his bedroom; annoyed and angry. The whole plan failed. Uruame explained in the letter what took place. Noritoshi was caught by surprise when Yuji and Choso showed up in the Kamo residence with minimal bandages. Noritoshi expected to find Yuji dead but there he was, smiling dumbly; like a child, who fell on the ground and got hurt. Noritoshi of course acted like he was supposed to but once he got to his room, more bad news followed. Uruame sounded disappointed when she sent him the news. The mission failed.

"They still trust me huh?" Noritoshi looked up at the ceiling; a little relieved. "Guess I have to try harder".

Momo was listening in from the door. She had her ear glued to the wall. She tightened her hand when Noritoshi mentioned working with the evil group again. I want to tell him it was me; but, Noritoshi is getting farther and farther away from me. Momo was panicking in her mind. Will he hurt me too if I reveal what I did? Did I take Yuji's side?

"Whoever is outside the door, come in at once or I will kill you!" Noritoshi stated aloud. Momo instantly jerked up and opened the door to let herself be seen.

"Momo!" He came closer to her. "I am sorry. I thought you were a spy or something".

"Noritoshi…" Momo looked down with sadness in her eyes.

"What's wrong?" Noritoshi placed his hands on her shoulders. He looked concerned.

"You are still going to work with them?" Momo raised her head to show him her disapproval. Momo had tears running down her face; real tears. She couldn't tell him the truth. In honesty, Momo didn't wish to lose Yuji nor Noritoshi.

"Momo, you know I have to do it" it pained him to not listen to her. Out of everyone in his life, she was the only one he couldn't see hurt. Noritoshi used his thumbs to wipe her tears. "I am sorry but I can't go back".

"But didn't it fail? Aren't they suspicious of you?" Momo asked. She was hoping that she could get information out of him so Yuji can be safe. Momo felt severe guilt for betraying Noritoshi like this but if time came, she is willing to sacrifice herself to save Noritoshi in the end. She hoped he would love her even after the betrayal.

"Yeah they were but" Noritoshi placed a hand under his chin. "They said someone most likely informed Choso, which is why he came rushing in to save Yuji" his face became serious. It displayed anger. "I don't know who it is but I will end them once I figure it out" he stated as his other hand gripped Momo's shoulder.

"I hope you do" Momo was sure of herself now; she had to play both sides. "I must check on Lord Yuji" she departed Noritoshi's room without waiting for his response.

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The other night, Naobito Zenin and Megumi Fushigoro left Mechamaru and Maki's engagement celebration dinner early to check up on Yuji Itadori and Choso's injuries in a nearby hospital. Normally, Shoko Ieri would be the one who takes care of them but she and Satoru Gojo were away on vacation of all things. Yuta Okkotsu was also informed about the attack and he instantly joined the two to visit the hospital.

"Yuji! Choso! Are you boys alright?" Naobito was the first one to ask. They were stationed inside the medical room where both Choso and Yuji were resting. They were in pretty good condition considering the big attack.

"They were strong but nobody could take us down!" Yuji gave a thumbs up and a big smile. He was always positive; Mechamaru observed.

"Yeah. I am glad I made it on time" Choso was the calmer of the two. He explained the whole situation to Fushigoro, Yuta, and Naobito. Mechamaru, however, was focused on one person: Miwa. Usually, Yuta would be accompanied by Satoru but since he was away, Miwa was the acting bodyguard. Maki was there as well since she is Fushigoro's lieutenant. She was trying to avoid Yuta's gaze as Miwa was trying to avoid Mechamaru's. Mechamaru is usually cool with Yuta's presence but tonight he felt terror. Yuta's glare cut through Mechamaru's body. Overall, the room was very awkward.

"Can you describe how those monsters looked?" Fushigoro asked and the rest nodded, having the same question.

"Also, did they plan on killing Choso too or did they run away once he got there?" Yuta asked his question after Fushigoro's. The three leaders were listening to Choso and Yuji while their three guards were on alert. Maki felt terrible. She couldn't face her friend Miwa after what happened. She wanted to ask if Miwa was alright; she was looking pale. It was agonizing standing in the middle of Mechamaru and Miwa, knowing that she was the reason for their distance. It was worse when Yuta stood a few feet away; probably disgusted by her decisions. However, Maki had to focus on her duties. Right now, the evil group mattered the most.

"I see. We need to inform Satoru as soon as he gets back" Naobito concluded after Yuji and Choso finished. The rest agreed as they discussed more of their plans.

Mechamaru stole glances to look at Miwa. He just wanted to walk behind Maki, who stood in the middle of them, and hold Miwa's hand. Mechamaru knew he was the cause of her pain. Not to mention he was the reason Miwa and Maki's friendship was broken. Even so, he just needed to hold on a bit longer. Mechamaru clenched his fists. Just a bit more Miwa. I promise, we will be together soon.

"Please go home and get some rest; it's safer at the Kamo residence than here" Yuta reasoned. They wished Choso and Yuji a steady recovery and departed the hospital. Miwa watched as Mechamaru got into the carriage with Naobito, Fushigoro, and Maki. She felt pain in her heart.

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The maids bowed in front of the Zenin clan mansion. They had smiles plastered across their faces as the chilly wind blew the autumn leaves away. Tsumiki Fushigoro caught an orange leaf in her hand and studied the decaying piece. Not too long ago, she thought, dead leaves surrounded me when I was cursed. Tsumiki also smiled at the maids as she bowed her head.

"I am glad to be back!" she said cheerfully. Tsumiki always had the brightest smile in the residence. Everyone loved her: the maids, Maki, Naobito, the guards, and especially her dear brother, Fushigoro.

"Yes! We are so happy you finished your tour around the world" Saki, the lead maid, replied. "You must be tired Lady Tsumiki. Please follow us to the bath as we prepare you dinner" she and the rest of the maids led Tsumiki to her room.

"Tsumiki! My dear goddess. It's so good to have you back!" Naobito rushed from his chair to hug her. They were in the dining hall. Nobara watched from her seat as Maki and Muta got up to bow in front of the pretty lady. She wondered who she was. Tsumiki had brown hair tied up into a ponytail and she rested in a camel kimono with black vertical stripes tied together with a black obi. Tsumiki was smiling with delight as everyone from the table got up to welcome her.

"It's so good to see all of you again!" Tsumiki stated excitedly. "Fushigoro!" She went over to his chair and hugged him from behind. "Aw! I know you missed me! Stop being so grumpy" she ruffled his hair. Nobara was surprised that anyone besides Naobito would bother Fushigoro like that. Naobito usually got scolded but Fushigoro didn't brush Tsumiki off.

"I am glad you are back. It was about time Tsumiki" Fushigoro muttered under his breath. Nobara was still in shock as she watched the two conversate. Tsumiki was playfully teasing him while Fushigoro shooed her off like a kid trying to escape his mother.

"Ooh!" Tsumiki stopped bothering him and looked at Nobara. "Is that the pretty lady I have been hearing about?!" She walked to stand in front of Nobara, bowing politely.

"A-ah nice to meet you! I am Nobara Kugisaki" Nobara immediately got up to bow. She could tell Tsumiki is an important person of the clan. She wondered where she was all this time.

"Nice to meet you too. I am Tsumiki, Fushigoro's older sister" she said. Nobara was surprised again. Fushigoro has a sister?! I never heard of it before. Also, they look nothing alike! Yep, he is definitely unpredictable. She decided. "Let's enjoy some dinner and I will tell you all about my travels!" Tsumiki walked over to Maki, who was on Fushigoro's right side. She scooted over a seat to let Tsumiki sit next to him.

"Please! Tell us" Naobito took his chopsticks to gobble some food down as Tsumiki told them of her adventures.

"Nayoa will definitely have fun there!" Tsumiki paused her storytelling to mention that. Nobara wondered where that annoying dude went but she guessed he was away to travel. She wasn't complaining though. He made her uncomfortable on the dinner table not to mention how many times he tried stopping by her room to flirt. Nobara was glad that the pervert was away.

"He will probably be more busy chasing after all the women than enjoying the festivities" Naobito laughed while the others followed. The whole room was lit up by Tsumiki's presence. Nobara wondered if she would be friends with her. Afterall, Tsumiki is nice. The time ticked away as everyone of the Zenin clan, after a long time, enjoyed their meals normally…