Chapter 15: Dysmorphia

Tsumiki was on her way to the Kamo mansion as snow coated her carriage white. I can't believe they all hid it from me! She screamed in her head as a frown formed on her face. She grasped her kimono skirt tighter. Ever since she got to Tokyo, everything seems to be normal and welcoming; however, she overheard discussions about an attack from an evil group. Her eyes widened as they mentioned Yuji getting hurt. Immediately, she got dressed to see him. Tsumiki knew she was barging in without an invite; but, she couldn't sit still when Yuji was in pain. The two were similar in that sense; showing up announced.

"Lady Tsumiki!" The guards bowed; unexpected. They were surprised that she showed up even though there was no confirmation from their lords that she would be stopping by.

"I-I am sorry to stop by so soon!" Tsumiki bowed in embarrassment. "But, I heard the news and wondered if Lord Yuji is okay…" her voice trailed off, a blush forming on her pale face.

"Please, come inside. It's very cold in the snow" Rumi came behind the guards and took the lady inside the palace. They walked on the veranda. It displayed glass walls where wooden rails used to be; signs of preparation for winter. "It's great to have you back! How were your travels Lady Tsumiki?".

Tsumiki looked up as her thoughts were interrupted. "Oh yes!" Her face lit up with excitement. "It was wonderful! You should definitely go when you have the chance. There is so much to see out there" she clapped both of her hands as she explained her adventures. The two were happily conversing as they walked to the tea room. Although Tsumiki looked happy, her mind was still filled with worry for Yuji.

"Here. Please sit while I prepare tea and breakfast" Rumi told her as he headed out there.

"Oh Rumi!" He turned around to look at her. "Tea is fine please" Tsumiki called out as Rumi nodded before exiting.

"I hope you weren't waiting too long!" Yuji chuckled as he entered the tea room. A bright smile coating his face. His cheeks were red from the cold.

"Lord Yuji!" Tsumiki turned around from the window to look up at him. She slowly began to drag her eyes from his white-socked covered feet to Yuji's colorful kimono to his dazzling face, dazzling to her at least. Her eyes glistened as a blush coated her pretty face. She missed him so much. "How are you?! How is Choso?! I heard about the attack so I came rushing!" Tsumiki said it in one breath.

"Haha! You needn't worry Tsumiki. We are a-okay" Yuji gave her a thumbs up with a wink. Tsumiki didn't mind him calling her without any honorifics. In fact, she enjoyed the personal touch. Yuji sat in front of her as Rumi delivered their hot tea; perfect for a snowy day. The white petals fell onto the ground as the two took their first sip; Rumi left them alone.

"Ouch! It's hot" Yuji exclaimed as he burned his tongue. Tsumiki giggled as he blew air on his palm.

"Please be careful Yuji" she poured him some water. Yuji took the glass and gulped it down.

"Thank you. Haha I usually have to wait for the tea to be cooled before I take a sip" he told her after putting the glass back on the table.

"But, why did you drink it hot then?" Tsumiki wondered.

"Because I didn't want you to drink alone" Yuji smiled as Tsumiki's eyes widened. How considerate. She thought as a faint blush formed on her face. Yuji's gesture warmed her heart more than the tea warmed her body.

"You know. I really appreciate what you did back then" Tsumiki looked down at the ripples in her cup, eyes gleaming. "For saving my life that is".

"You are still hung on that?" Yuji asked her. "That was ages ago. Haha, of course I would help you out Tsumiki. You are precious to us". Tsumiki looked at him in awe. She thanked him several times for his kindness but couldn't get over how Yuji was practically the reason why she is breathing today.

"Haha" her eyes closed as a chuckle escaped her lips. "I will be thanking you for the rest of my life, you know. So, don't get so comfortable,Yuu-ji~" she took a sip from her cup. Yuji looked at her, watching her drink. For some reason, Tsumiki was always nice to him. He knew how thankful she was but she was overtly nice. How kind. He thought.

"I don't mind it at all. Bring it on" with that, the two talked away. Yuji invited Tsumiki for lunch and she happily took the offer.

After a long time, the Kamo residents enjoyed a hearty meal at their dining hall with Tsumiki, Yuji, Choso, Yuki-who was stopping by, Noritoshi, Momo, and the rest of the clan members.

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"Son" Naobito poured sake into his small cup. "I am asking you as a grandfather rather than a former leader of the Zenin clan" he proceeded to pour into Yuta's cup next. "to give up on Maki". He sat the bottle down.

"I don't think you understand how much she means to me grandfather" Yuta glared at him; he held a completely serious expression.

"Marriages between the clans are forbidden" Naobito spoke in a monotone voice as if he said that sentence so many times.

"Don't you think I know that?" Yuta's sake glass sat untouched while Naobito gulped down his. "I don't care about what the old rules say".

"Yuta please. Maki has already decided: she wishes to marry Muta" Naobito went to pour more sake in his cup. Recently, the old man has been drinking too much. All the stress has been getting to him. Naobito had to worry about Muta and Maki's wedding, Fushigoro and Nobara's marriage, the evil group, and now, Yuta's declaration to break off Maki's engagement and give her hand to him. He drank more, not waiting to clink his glass against Yuta's to toast as it sat there; unattended.

"Maki only agreed because she didn't wish to disrupt the clans" Yuta had anger in his eyes. He clenched his fists, restraining himself from attacking Naobito. "She always acted upon the best interest of the clans; but, has the clans ever given a shit about her feelings?! What she wants?!" Yuta was shouting now. His body trembled in fury.

"I am sorry Yuta but Maki made her decision. I can't do anything about it" Naobito was speaking half-truthfully. Sure it was her decision but Maki was only doing what the clans wanted.

"It's not…" Yuta's voice trailed off as he looked down on the ground in Naobito's office. A few tears escaped his eyes as it fell on the tatami mat. His parted black hair covered his eyes. Yuta got up and turned around to leave, "since you are against me, I suppose I have no choice but to declare the Zenin clan as the Gojo's enemy". Naobito's eyes widened in shock as he stared up at him.

"Yuta-" Naobito was interrupted.

"From here on out" Yuta turned his head to look at Naobito. He put on a fake smile, "the Gojo clan will cut any ties with the Zenin family" with that, Yuta walked out of the office as Maki looked up at him from the door. Her body was resting up against the wall.

"You are a fool" she told him as her teeths were clenched.

"Haha, I guess I am" he rubbed the back of his head as he laughed.

"Tch!" Is all Maki said before she walked away. Fuck! I can't do this shit anymore. She thought before running to her room.

That night, for the first time in a while, Maki cried to sleep.

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The grand library of the Kamo residence was filled with many ancient books that would easily rival many universities. It held a plethora of information for people who sought it. The room-calling it a room wouldn't give it justice to its grand size- stationed five rows of shelves that parted once in the center as a little hallway to let readers pass while continuing its stretch to the end of the room on the other side. Each row held different sections of books ranging from medicine to modern era politics. The Kamo's had it all. Afterall, they were one of the three prominent jujutsu clans. In the third row, Yuki searched for information regarding curses. She looked up as the lengthy shelves towered over her despite her huge stature.

"Oh boy" Yuki held a hand to her forehead as if to scout out any familiar books she could find. A red one seemed to stick out to her as the words seemed old Japanese. "Damn you are really high up". Yuki shuffled her body to the left and right, trying to see if she could find a ladder.

"Ahah!" She placed a fist on her palm, "bingo". Yuki walked over to a silver ladder that parted to two sides. Meaning that two people can climb it from both sides and meet in the middle at the top. Yuki was a strong woman; she felt no pressure as she grabbed the tool and headed back to the third row. The door to the library was to her right side. Despite being in the middle row of the five, she was shielded from the view of the entrance. Yuki opened the step ladder and climbed up from the right side to the top of it. There was a seat on the top but she rested her feet below some steps and leaned her body on top of the seat instead of sitting. Yuki then turned her body to the shelf as she took out the red book.

"A little dusty" she blew away the germs. "Ancient Curses: Evil Ancestors and Monstrous Incident Records" she read it out loud to no one. The library was empty as it usually is; other than the occasional visit by Choso or Noritoshi. Yuji practically never even set a foot in here.

"What are you reading?" Choso asked Yuki as he looked up at her.

"Oh my god!" Yuki looked down at him as her right hand held the book. "I could have fell Choso!".

"You didn't" he replied monotonically.

"Well, what do you want? I am kinda busy" Yuki huffed as she opened the book again to go back to her reading.

"I asked what you are reading" Choso began climbing the ladder from the left side and stood symmetrically as Yuki's body laid on the ladder.

"Oh nothing important" Yuki waved him off. "Just about a few curses". She still had her eyes fixated on the content.

"Are you trying to learn about those creatures that attacked my brother and I?" Choso asked her, observing. She usually reads strange books but now, Yuki is actually focused on research about cursed objects. Choso wondered. She never fails to surprise me.

"It's been bothering me" Yuki finally looked up. "The bastards who attacked you have to be minions, which means their leader is gotta be more powerful than them. Lord Yuta and Lord Satoru have concluded that the leader might be looking for revenge against the clans, which also means that it's someone we know…" Yuki's voice trailed off as she placed a hand under her chin.

"What are you implying, Yuki?" They didn't use honorifics when they were alone together.

"Isn't it obvious who is behind this?" Yuki asked rhetorically. "It's Sukuna".

Choso's eyes widened. "Of course, why haven't we thought about that?" He pondered as things started to make sense in his head.

"And something tells me he is planning something big" Yuki added, a hand under her chin. "We need to inform the other clans. But before that, how did they know that Yuji was alone?".

"I pondered about the same thing as well" Choso nodded. It seemed odd that the night that Yuji decided to visit the Zenin's by himself, the group immediately attacked. Surely, they had to know that Yuji wasn't accompanied by Choso, which was a rare occasion. They couldn't have guessed, which also means that someone told them. "We got a mole, huh?".

"We have too many members at the Kamo's" Yuki followed Choso's train of thought. "Besides, it could be someone from the Zenin clan as well. Let's not try to suspect one another" Yuki explained. Sconces on the library stood in a row against the walls and lit brightly as the moon shone outside. All of the windows were closed to keep the snow from dashing in. Choso and Yuki's words were audible to anyone who stood in any part of the giant room. Noritoshi, however, was outside the library. Stationed near the window despite the slicing winds and white droplets. It was the best position to hear Choso and Yuki without any alarms setting off. He hugged himself and clenched the inner sides of his elbow tighter, gritting his teeth. Took them a long time to figure it out. He thought.

"Also" Yuki continued. "I think we should talk it over with Yuji and send out messages to the other clans tonight. What do you think, Choso?" She asked him. Yuki already knew the answer but needed confirmation as he is the one who handles all of Kamo's affairs.

"What about my brother, Noritoshi?" He asked her to which Yuki looked at him, a little surprised. She knew how much Choso cherished his brothers despite not being directly related to them. It warmed her heart knowing that he really cared about others like that. "Tch" is all Noritoshi said to himself. The wind drowned his voice; a perfect way to stay unheard. Noritoshi appreciated Choso always looking after him and considering him as much of a brother as Yuji. He felt a little guilty; but, Noritoshi had one goal and no matter what, he was going to take the crown.

"Yeah" Yuki looked down after thinking for a while. "We can't leave him out; but, it's best to just keep it between the higher-ups of the clans" Choso nodded to her statement. Noritoshi rushed to his room afterwards. He began writing to Uruame. If anything is going to clear his name, it is going to be this information. Noritoshi had to gain Sukuna's trust.

Choso, Yuki, Noritoshi, and Yuji discussed plans that very night. Tsumiki left after lunch; safely carried back to the Zenin mansion. Yuji went immediately to sleep after the day passed away. Momo's distance from him was getting longer and longer, which she took notice of. She didn't look too fond of Tsumiki when she and Yuji were sitting next to each other, conversing away as if his fiance wasn't there. Tsumiki had to know that Yuji was engaged. Momo was on edge the whole time. It felt like the two important men in her life were slipping away from her.

Yuji opened the door, half-asleep as he rubbed his eye. "What ya guys wa-ant?" a huge yawn escaped his mouth. "Yuki, Noritoshi, and Choso?". The three then discussed their findings and Yuji was immediately awakened fully when Sukuna's name was brought up. That bastard! He clenched his teeth after thinking of ways he is going to end him. Yuji was sure that this time, Sukuna was going down. They began forming two formal letters named: Zenin on one and Gojo on the other. A few guards rushed to deliver it despite the odd weather and timing.

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That night, Nobara was once again called by Fushigoro. She fidgeted nervously with her fingers as maid Jee walked her quietly in the hallway towards his chamber. Despite having been there already, Nobara couldn't quite get used to the intricate hallways that led to the main building where all the higher-ups stayed. She tried making small talk with Miss Gee but she doubted this old woman was good at hearing. Most of the time, she nodded and smiled. It wasn't much of a conversation. Miss Gee held a lantern in her hand as she guided the way.

"Thank you Miss Gee" Fushigoro told the old woman. This time, he was standing outside the door, waiting for her. If he went to my room to search before, why didn't he come to get me tonight? Nobara wondered. Fushigoro wore a navy blue yogi with white birds on the bottom that seemed heavy but comfortable. It was snowing outside with harsh winds; so, it made sense that everyone wore heavier clothing. Nobara was no exception. She was also wearing a yogi, which was purple with white flowers spread out. Miss Gee left the two alone.

"This way" Fushigoro wasted no time standing in silence like usual. He led her to the left side of his chamber that held a door. He opened it to reveal the inside. Nobara followed. Instantly, her whole face lit up in surprise and she was beyond words.

The room looked like an office but instead of a typical business environment, the place held a large table in the center with the latest sewing machine technology. The room also displayed shelves throughout the walls with supplies such as: fabrics of different kinds to make kimonos, yukatas, and hakamas along with other clothes, patterns ranging from simple to intricate designs, sets of sewing needles and endless supplies of it were stationed, and even knitting gear, which Nobara have yet to involve herself in, was stocked there as well. Furthermore, a mannequin stood at the back with a white measuring tape around its neck. The office held everything a designer would need for their work. Compared to her grandma's sewing station, this was a complete upgrade with the latest tech that Nobara had never imagined getting there until she became a professional. It was like a dream come true and she had only Fushigoro to thank for it.

Fushigoro cleared his throat and asked, "well, do you approve?". He didn't need to ask that question since Nobara was speechless. Her mouth tried with several attempts to make different words to respond.

"Y-yeah" is all she could utter. She was caught off guard by him once again. Fushigoro slid his hands in hers; a jolt hit their body. His hands were cold, a contrast to her warm ones. Fushigoro dragged her to the center of the room where a sitting pillow occupied the tatami mat. He sat her down slowly.

"Try it out" his breath was hot against her ear. Nobara tried not to show her nervousness and nodded. She then grabbed a piece of clothing that laid there as if it knew she was going to do this. The maids probably prepared all this for me. I could picture Fushigoro giving them directions on how he wants things to be placed. The thought warmed her heart, which she tried pushing it away as she got ready to use the machine. The equipment was also prepared with a gold thread. She focused; Fushigoro watched as a completely different person took over her body. Her full concentration on the task at hand; seamlessly, she dragged the thread over the blue fabric. Nobara ran it a few times to create a simple design.

"Make me a kimono of your liking as your first client" he told her to which Nobara's heart fluttered. His voice brought her back to the moment. She was a little embarrassed as she remembered him watching her work from behind. A faint blush formed on her cheeks; he was so close to her. His body practically rested against hers. Suddenly, the yogi was too hot against her skin.

"I will" she responded with confidence. Howling winds could be heard from outside but the pounds of their hearts was all they could hear. Nobara prepared herself for Fushigoro's touch. One of his hands was on top of the tatami mat while the other was placed on her shoulder; the same shoulder, which held her dominant hand that held the newly designed fabric. This time, Nobara was ready for Fushigoro to explore her body.

"My office is on the right of my chamber" he spoke without moving an inch. "I thought I would have your office be to the left since we will be staying in my room after the wedding". His words hung in the air as Nobara's eyes widened. She hadn't thought about it before but once they are married, Nobara will have to occupy the main part of the house along with the higher-ups. Not to mention, she and Fushigoro will stay in the same room; share the same bed. Another blush coated her pale face. Her ears were red with embarrassment to which she was sure Fushigoro saw. He got up, however.

"It's getting late" Fushigoro stopped before he opened the door. "I will have Miss Jee escort you back" is all he said before exiting. So unpredictable. Nobara thought to herself, watching him leave. She sat there for a second, admiring the room. She smiled to herself before remembering that she forgot to thank Fushigoro. Shit! Nobara walked out of the room and Miss Jee followed her without uttering a word. Nobara stood in front of his door. The room was dark under the panel. She stopped herself from knocking. I will have more opportunities to thank him later. He probably is sleeping. She reassured herself before turning around to let Miss Jee guide her into the darkness.

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Naobito rubbed his temple from stress. He was occupying his office again, already through a couple shots of sake. He just read the letter, which the Kamo's sent that detailed information about Sukuna and his minions. Naobito didn't wish to wake Fushigoro up and decided to tell him in the morning. The old man poured more sake into his cup, dreading the conversation between Yuta and him earlier. Things were getting complicated between the clans in the time when strong curses were attacking.

"Lord Naobito" Muta entered the room, closing the door behind him as he approached the old man's table. He made sure to bow before taking a seat on the tatami mat.

"Ah, Muta" Naobito was happy to see another face. Unfortunately, Muta was another person he couldn't share a drink with. It didn't matter though as Naobito was taking all the alcohol for himself.

"You shouldn't drink so much. It's not good for your health, Master" Muta stated, sounding more robotic than usual. If he was a machine, he would utter the health defects alcohol presents.

"I am getting old. Lemme enjoy a little" he proceeded to gulp down more, ignoring Muta's warnings. He felt bad for him. Poor man has been through a lot in his life.

"Lord Naobito, if I may" Muta continued after Naobito nodded. "It seems that my marriage with Lady Maki will be on hold since a bigger threat arises, which is why I believe it's best for me to acquire a body as soon as possible" Muta was testing the waters. Things were getting complicated as the evil group were targeting the main jujutsu clans. The weddings kept getting delayed. Unfortunately for Muta, Miwa was slipping away from him. He needed to give Naobito a push. "Afterall, the faster I get a full body, the more prepared I will be to take on the monsters".

"Hmm" Naobito held a hand to his chin. "You make a good point Muta" he was half-drunk but still considered the situation properly. Since Yuta declared the Zenin's as enemies, the two clans won't be collaborating together to fight Sukuna; however, they needed all hands on deck. If Muta acquires a body now, he will have some time available to prepare before Sukuna's team hits. Muta will be very powerful with a full body as well. The old man considers many options as he makes a decision.

"It can't be helped with the wedding; however, I do believe you should receive a full body now" he declares.

"Thank you!" Muta's head immediately hits the floor as he bowes. Tears streamed down his face from the control room. He was honestly grateful to Naobito.

"Raise your head son. You deserve it for the loyalty you have to this clan and to me" Muta listens to his words and raises his head. He feels a ping in his heart; a sign of guilt. Muta knew he was betraying two of the most important things in his life. His hands were clenched as he looked down.

"Follow me then" Naobito got up to take Muta to an underground passage that led straight from his office. The ground opened up when Naobito moved some pieces and furniture in his office. He utilized his power to make fire as he led the way down. The stairs spiraled down to an underground area where several sets of ancient books and a long table sat unattended. "Lay down on the table" Naobito ordered as Muta adhered.

"Whatever I do here, will translate to your body in the control room. Soon, you will be able to walk" is all the old man said before closing his eyes to chant from the ancient books. The rest of the time was a blur to Muta as he lost consciousness.

Muta opened his eyes slowly. Everything seemed unfamiliar at first and his head felt like he just survived the worst headache. He looked down from his sitting position as legs dangled on the chair. He couldn't believe how his body was complete for the first time in his life. His heart ached and tears overwhelmed his eyes. Muta grasped the sides of the chair and took his dominant leg to have its first step. His teeth were clenched and sets of black wires fell from his lap from the movement. The first contact to the ground sent shivers down his spine as Muta took the next step with the other leg. He stood for a second before trying to walk, instantly, his body fell on the ground. It felt like someone practicing wearing six inch heels for the first time. Muta sat there, crying and laughing. He got up more and practiced walking in his room at the Zenin residence in the soldier quarters. Muta forgot about Naobito as Miwa was the only one in his mind. He immediately got dressed for the winter and headed towards the Gojo clan. The first person to see Muta was going to be no one else but Miwa.

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Tsumiki shut the door behind her as she got ready to jump on her bed. It's been a long day. After arriving back to the Zenin mansion from the Kamo's, she gave an earful to both Fushigoro and Naobito. She couldn't believe they kept such important things from her. That night, they made her favorite duck soup for dinner. Tsumiki forgave them after that but made sure to tell them to include her more next time.

"Ugh! I am so sleepy" she yawned and sat on a low pink stool next to her dressing table. Tsumiki took the brush from its station and began running it on her long brown hair. She thought back to lunch.

What's more shocking...Tsumiki began thinking as her face stared back at her in the mirror. Yuji is engaged to Momo. I only met her a few times before but she never seemed interested in him. She bit her bottom lip as tears formed in her eyes. I have been gone only for a year and they got engaged. So much has changed. I should have confessed when I had the chance. Tears streamed down Tsumiki's face as her face heated up. One hand still held her brush while the other covered her mouth from being audible. Tsumiki sobbed quietly. But, I love him! Maki and I are on the same boat. We can't marry the ones we want because of these stupid rules!

Tsumiki clenched her teeth as she cried some more. "But it's not like he loves her" Tsumiki told herself. She noticed how during lunch, Momo only spoke to Noritoshi. She didn't even bat an eye as Yuji conversed with everyone else, but her. In retrospect, Momo and Yuji didn't interact even once when Tsumiki was there. After they finished, Momo followed Noritoshi out of the door. She observed them while the others were occupied with other things. Tsumiki wondered if they were involved romantically. She might be jumping into conclusions; however, how could someone ignore the obvious? Especially in the era they were living in.

Tsumiki finished brushing and braiding her hair. She walked over to her futon and slid inside the mustard yellow comforter. She rested her head on the matching pillow as she assured herself that her feelings for Yuji are valid. There was still a chance. Unbeknownst to them both though, they were in the same situation…