Chapter 17: Sorrowful Times and Endless Nights
Another night of snow coated the streets of Tokyo white as two Zenin members sweeped the floor with their rapid feet. There were barely any signs of life after eight p.m. either from the cold or invisible monsters lurking by. Fushigoro and Naobito quietly made their way into the narrow hallways to reach the Gojo mansion. Despite Yuta declaring departure between the Gojo and Zenin's, Fushigoro managed to reason with him. Naobito was still ashamed of the situation; so, he didn't bother annoying Fushigoro that night.
"The Kamo's are there already, right?" Fushigoro asked his companion.
"I believe so" Naobito faced forward as they made their long strides. When Yuki sent out letters about Sukuna being the leader of the evil group and wanting revenge, the three clans didn't waste any time waiting for Satoru Gojo nor any personal disputes between the Zenin's and Gojo's; they had to meet soon to discuss how to handle the troublesome special grade curse.
Naobito's face jerked away as a shard of icicle missed him. He slides across the empty road as his cheek cuts through to reveal blood.
"Lord Naobito!" Fushigoro screamed his name as he parkoured away from several icicle attacks as well.
"Tch!" Sukuna sucked his teeth in disappointment as he ran a hand through his pink hair. "Uraume! Take the oldie while I handle Fushigoro. After all, I have been waiting to tear him apart" he smirked as he produced fire on his palms. Uruame nodded and just as she produced a line of icicles on the road, Sukuna's fire skidded across it. Both powers competed past each other and attacked their designated target.
"Fushigoro! Don't worry about me; as the head of the Zenin clan, you must kill Sukuna!" The old man instructed Fushigoro as he noticed his worry for Naobito. The old man was handing everything off to Fushigoro; afterall, he was the leader now. Naobito then used his projection sorcery technique to slow Uraume's ice crystal attacks. However, she was overpowering him; the falling snow gave her a leg up in the situation.
Fushigoro clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. He felt heavy pressure on his back. He knew being the leader of the Zenin clan held more weight to it than the sword crown on his head. Fushigoro had to protect his people and more importantly, the world once again. This time, he will put an end to this evil curse named Sukuna.
Before the fire could reach him, Fushigoro's shadow sank him under the road. Sukuna turned around and raised his left leg in the air as he said, "too slow", a sly grin plastered across his face and he kicked Fushigoro's right cheek when he appeared from his shadows to attack Sukuna. He was jammed against an abandoned house, the walls collapsing on impact.
"Fushigoro!" Naobito yelled while Uraume blocked his body.
"Your fight is with me old man" she threw punches and kicks at him as Naobito tried slowing her down again.
Sukuna lunged at Fushigoro again, picking up his limp body from the debris. "Did you really surpass Satoru Gojo or was that to save face for how weak you are?!" He kicked Fushigoro again as his body landed on the snow-covered street. The lights shattered as their attacks created massive blows and explosions. The Zenin's were at a disadvantage.
"No" Fushigoro rose to his knees. "I am not weak" he stared at Sukuna with a deathly glare as he grinned at him.
"Then show me you brat!" Sukuna could barely finish before Fushigoro's shadow creatures rushed in to hold him down. Instantly, he gained the upper hand as he used his shadows to appear in and out on the road. Sukuna tried bursting out and unraveling the creatures with no avail, all the while trying to shuffle left and right, watching Fushigoro's movements. He looks down in wait to catch him coming out of his shadow ink again.
"Here!" Fushigoro appears from above and hits Sukuna's neck as he crumples to the floor. Before he could gain control of his movements, Fushigoro lunges at him with several jujutsu techniques at once. Mixing in with his fast agility, Fushigoro overpowers Sukuna. The two clash several times meanwhile Naobito tries his best to flee from Uraume and recuperate.
"Damn you are a pain woman" Naobito smirks to himself as blood drips down from his forehead. He received a massive blow from her previous attack. Naobito has no time to rest as he tries opening up his domain; however, Uraume recognizes his hand signs and places her palms against the dark road as several ice particles create a forest around the old man, overpowering his technique. No matter what ability Naobito utilizes, Uraume is onto him like she studied him in a textbook. Uraume is the type to always plan ahead and use her head meticulously. Naobito was no exception. She has no time to waste on an old man like him; the main course is Fushigoro. According to Noritoshi Kamo, the leaders of the clans were meeting at the Gojo mansion to discuss next steps. She planned for Deto, Zano, and Gato to attack the Gojo's where Yuji Itadori, Choso, and Yuta Okkotsu would be there. She knew those minions wouldn't be enough to kill those three enemies but they could distract them while Sukuna and her took out one of the heads: Fushigoro. This will cause terror and the clans to crumble from within. Uraume smirks to herself as she watches the old man bleed from all sides, knowing that she is minutes from victory.
"Lord Naobito!" Fushigoro yells his name, distracted from Sukuna by the massive blows Naobito was receiving from the woman. He could barely turn around to face Sukuna as he almost slices through Fushigoro's neck, only to be stopped by Satoru Gojo. The three fall back; Fushigoro next to his sensei while Sukuna on the other end. "Tch!" Sukuna utters with a disgusted look on his face.
"Yo!" Satoru has his usual smile on and two-fingered waves. Before Fushigoro could ask, Naobito yells a blood-curdling scream as the two freezes and looks behind them. They rush off towards the old man; Uraume stops them.
"Fushigoro, I got them! Look after Naobito!" Satoru tells his student as he prepares to face off Sukuna and Uraume; alone.
"Fushigoro" Naobito is in the black-haired boy's arms within seconds, body laying down on the floor as blood pools around his dying form.
"Don't talk! I need to take you to Ieri Sensei!" Fushigoro's eyes are clouded as tears form in them. He grits his teeth and utters, "dammit!", under his breath.
"Fushigoro my boy…" Naobito struggles to breath as he holds a hand to his companion's cheek. "As the next generation of leaders, I leave the three clans to you, Yuji, and Yuta" with that, the old man passes away in Fushigoro's arms.
Tears stain his cheeks as it falls onto the still body on the ground. Fushigoro is joined by Yuji and Yuta not much afterwards, who are in a bad condition from fighting off Sukuna's minions from earlier. Choso joins Satoru to fight off Sukuna and Uraume while Yuji and Yuta huddle around Naobito's body; tears coating all three of the leaders' faces. The three boys looked so small and vulnerable next to his body; no one would think that they were the head of the three prominent jujutsu clans. Afterall, they were just young boys, who were given overbearing responsibilities at such a young age. The snow continues to fall; mirroring their sorrow. Soon, they are joined by Satoru and Choso, who console them. The five say nothing as the moon watches them from above.
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It's been a week since the tragedy. Despite the cruel winds and wet weather, all of the three prominent jujutsu clans engaged in a grand funeral honoring Naobito Zenin. Everyone shed a tear- whether they were close to him or not. The old man had such a presence over anyone that everyone felt pain. His eulogy consisted of a lengthy essay of all the positive and heart-warming things he has done for not only the clans, but also the people. The crowd departed soon from the area and each clan had to go on their separate ways to prepare for the evil that still lurks within Tokyo. Everyone was on edge. Sukuna and his minions could strike any moment.
Nobara walks quietly back to her room after the sun disappears and darkness fills the Zenin residence. Dinner was just as quiet as it was the first night that Naobito hadn't joined. His grand chair at the opposite of Fushigoro's on the lengthy dining table was left empty. It was a reminder of the sadness coating people's hearts. No one dared to fill it. Conversations were short just like the winter days. Nobara feels cold; not from the weather exactly. Her friends at the residence: Maki and Tsumiki, have been mourning still. As for Fushigoro, he is more silent than usual. Nobara felt lonelier each day. She sighs to herself as a figure blocks her presence.
"I am sorry to intrude Lady Kugisaki" Arata bows his head in front of his soon-to-be first lady. Nobara snaps out of her discomforting thoughts.
"Arata!" Her face lights up in delight, glad to finally talk to someone. Arata rests in his usual Zenin bodyguard fit: white blouse tucked in a navy blue hakama but this time, he is wearing a yogi. "How are you on this pleasant night?" Nobara knew the answer to that question but she asked anyway out of habit.
"Ah, I am well. I assume you are the same?" Arata focused on her pale face. Aside from his strenuous fighting skills, Arata was popular amongst the many Zenin guards due to his medical expertise. Nobara seemed to be lacking with her diet; he could tell just by looking at her.
"As good as I can be" she sighed again, looking down, a hand on her forehead. "I am alright though" she looked up at him, not wanting to worry Arata. She was grateful for all that he provided. He was always a pleasant person to talk to.
"That's good to hear" Arata got ready to bow and walk towards the corridor that leads to the guard residence where his room lies.
"Actually Arata" Nobara reached out her hand to signal him to stop, causing him to turn around. "I-is there any new cases with the guards? I mean. Did" Nobara gulps before she continues, "did any of the guards die just like how one did back in the forest?".
"Fortunately, no. Please be assured that we are more on alert ever since Sukuna's attack" he politely bowed while Nobara smiled. The two said good night as they each headed to their chambers.
Nobara finally makes it inside her cozy haven. Even if her room wasn't her style, it was the only place that she could be herself. She could think clearly. Nobara walks to the sliding doors. She knows it's freezing outside but goes anyway. She leaves one of the sliding doors open and sits next to it. The extension wood pavement is warm as she sits-surprisingly. The coy fish still swims in the small pond, unbothered by her presence. Nobara hugs her shawl tighter to her chest- she was wearing just a normal kimono, which wasn't helping. Yuji didn't respond to her letter; something she totally understood. Afterall, everyone was dealing with the aftermath of Naobito's death and everyone was exposed to the truth about Sukuna. Somehow, she felt her letter was useless. A heat rushed to her face as Nobara clenched her fists. Yuji found out about Sukuna not long after she exposed herself to Yuji. She felt embarrassed but what could she do? Nobara was just glad that she confessed to someone about Sukuna. She felt severe guilt but telling someone about it made her feel a little better. Nobara sighed in relief as she remembered Arata's response to her question. At least no Zenin guards were being killed while she skipped her meeting with the devil.
"Damn it's cold" Nobara said against the falling snow. She had to go inside soon and a groan escaped her lips. She reached out her right hand to run through the almost frozen water of the pond. She quickly recoiled.
"I missed you" Sukuna appeared in a flash, setting himself down beside Nobara, hands wrapped around her body while mouth against her right ear, which were brimming red. Nobara jumped in shock and her eyes opened wide as her head shifted towards her back. Her eyes locked on his.
"What are you doing here?!" Nobara's glare was visible despite the darkness of the winter night. Flashes of anger, hatred, and disgust rushed through her face as she gritted her teeth.
"You didn't come to see me despite our deal" Sukuna's grin turned into a full-on smirk, ignoring Nobara's fury.
"Get off me" Nobara continued to grit her teeth as her eyes displayed complete hatred. She was ready to take him down.
"No" he whispered in her ear to annoy her even further. Sukuna wrapped his arms around her even tighter, stopping her movements.
"You dare show your fucking face after what you did!" Nobara was shouting now, guards would be there in seconds but the howling winds drowned their voices.
"I love how feisty you are. Makes me even hornier No-ba-ra" he bit her earlobe as she squirmed and flailed in his grasp, unsuccessfully. This bastard! He is acting all normal after what he did! Should I scream? I know I can't take him on my own so I should alert everyone. She thought to herself as Sukuna used one of his hands to let go of her in one second and before Nobara could flee, he used the same hand to hit her at the back of her neck, knocking Nobara out cold. Before the figure Sukuna sensed could open the bedroom door and see them through the glass sliding doors, Sukuna picked up Nobara and disappeared.
Fushigoro slides Nobara's door open with a thud, not caring how she would react. He moves his head frantically, trying to catch the strong presence he felt in the residence. Despite Sukuna's perfect masking, Fushigoro could still feel a cursed presence in the area. Afterall, he didn't surpass Satoru Gojo for nothing. Fushigoro was laying down in his chamber earlier, thinking of all the responsibilities he will have now that Naobito wasn't there. He sits up as a big sigh escapes his lips. His father was absent in his life so Naobito, along with Satoru, was Fushigoro's adult figures-ones he looked up to. Suddenly, his mind snaps to the present as a sickening feeling coats Fushigoro's chest. He squeezes his yogi that rests on top of his heart and grits his teeth. Sukuna's image flashes across his eyes and instantly, Fushigoro darts across the dark hallway to reach Nobara's room.
As he stands in the center, Fushigoro looks around for his fiance. Nobara was nowhere to be found, which was odd because he felt her presence seconds ago, along with the cursed spirit. His eyes look toward the back of the room as he notices one of the sliding doors was wide open. Fushigoro's eyes narrow and he proceeds to go outside. He felt it; he knew that she was here just before he made it into the room.
"Dammit!" Fushigoro punches the side of the wooden wall.
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Maki didn't know what she was doing at the Gojo clan's residence at this late hour. She shivered in the veranda as she made her way past Miwa's chamber. Thankfully, her friendship with her returned as they had a long and deep conversation about the situation. Both Muta and Maki agreed after Naobito's death that marriage between them was only in contract due to the old man. However, it expired after the proposer was no longer present. Maki and Muta were free to love anyone and be with anyone they wished as long as they abided by the clans' rules, which will probably be altered after their oldest member passed away. Who knows what the three leaders: Yuji, Fushigoro, and Yuta will do now that they have more control over their prospective positions?
Actually, Maki knew what she came for but he wasn't there. Her sensei, Satoru Gojo, was not in his room. Despite receiving a summoning from him to talk about more findings by Shoko Ieri, Satoru was nowhere to be found. Maki muttered a curse under her breath as she made headway towards Miwa's room. Unsurprisingly, her long-time sweet friend opened the door and saved Maki from the freezing temperature. After Maki departed her chamber, Miwa fell asleep-getting a good amount of rest after a long while.
"Master Yuta" Maki bows her head at the entrance of Yuta's room. She felt a little uncomfortable; her body was having these disgusting fuzzy feelings that she was trying so hard not to show on her face as Yuta perks up from his book in hand. If Maki couldn't find her sensei, the next person she had to go to was Yuta. However, he wasn't in his usual office as one of the servants told her, which meant Maki had to either go to Yuta's room next or go back empty handed. She couldn't afford to miss any information in a dire time such as this; however, seeing Yuta was the last thing she wanted. Seriously, why was this man always making her heart flutter? Yuta looked so beautiful, illuminated by the moon's light behind him from the round-shaped window.
"Ah Maki!" He chuckled as his free hand rubbed the back of his head, a habit that she was well aware of. "It's been a while since you have been to my room". He no longer smiled. His words hung in the air, awkwardness sweeping in.
"I am here for business" she made sure to send him the message; Maki didn't come to his room like the last times. Their days of pleasures were over.
"Come closer" Yuta demanded. His words felt strange to her. Was Yuta always like this? Maki gulped. Suddenly, she felt trapped. The door behind her was closed so the cold air couldn't flow in. However, the danger lay inside.
"Why? You can tell me from where you are" Yuta was standing at the center of his room; the book was now placed back on its shelf on the left. His lavish futon was behind him, waiting for the two lovers to mess it up with their passionate sex.
"If you want it, then come get it Maki" his words sent a shiver down her body. Maki tensed up as she proceeded towards him. She wasn't going to waste any time. If this continues, Maki possibly will have to spend the night here.
Yuta grabs her right hand as she gets close and pulls her closer, placing a hand behind her waist. Maki yelps as their body collides. She stares up at him while he looks down at her. The two breaths heavily, waiting for the other to make a move.
"Maki, I want you so bad it hurts" Yuta pours out his feelings. He was always telling her how much he loved her. Who knew how this love came to be. Perhaps it's her strength, resilience, or harshness towards him that Yuta loses his mind over.
"Yuta" Maki couldn't let this happen again. Even if Naobito was no longer posing a threat to their relationship, she had to abide by the rules. If the higher-ups find out, Maki will be the one blamed for trying to seduce the Gojo clan's ruler. "Please stop. I am not worth it". It hurted her to say those words; however, Maki had to do it.
"I don't care. I will give my title up for you" Yuta still had her in his grasp. He tightened his grip on her while Maki tried shoving him away.
"Yuta!" She had tears in her eyes, which surprised him. Maki never showed this sight of her to anyone. She loved him so much as well that it hurt to act so cold all the time. She just wished they could embrace one another without having to fear any rules. "You have to-". Her lips were captured at last. She leaned into the kiss as if expecting it for sometime.
"Mmh" Yuta's fingers held her wrist and waist as his lips searched her mouth. He wanted to make love with Maki once again but this time, the hunger was unbearable. He couldn't contain himself. Yuta switched his head from left to right as he tried finding the perfect position to taste her. He wanted to devour Maki; make her his. Now that the old man was gone, no one stood between them.
"Yuta" Maki could barely suck in fresh air as Yuta grabbed her by the hair to search her mouth with his tongue again. He moved his hand from her waist to her ass while the other captured her right breast. He rubbed both spots, eager to rip the clothes off of her. Maki didn't have the energy to push him away any more. She loved a man who was stronger than her; who could overpower her. Yuta was about to do just that and she had no room to complain.
Maki was finally able to breathe as Yuta took to her neck, licking both sides and leaving marks. She squeezed his ink hair with one hand while the other squeezed his shoulder to keep them balanced. Maki never saw Yuta be this hungry for her before. It felt like he was releasing what he was holding for a long time. He stopped his act and in a swift motion, pushed her on the bed, jumping on top of her.
Typically when they make love, Yuta always says sweet words and smiles throughout the whole process, showing his enjoyment. However, this time around, he displayed something opposite. He looked serious; Yuta looked like a man. A man that was going to destroy Maki. Her body shivered in excitement, blush coating her face. He reached out to remove her purple rimmed glasses and untie her silky green hair that spilled out on the white pillow.
"Maki" his voice sounded hoarse. He was thirsty, ready to drink her up. "I am not letting you go tonight" he brushed the back of his hand against her red-stained cheeks. Maki was fully embarrassed and she didn't know how to respond to him. She just stared at his beautiful dark eyes and watched him lower his mouth to kiss between her collarbone.
"Aaah" a moan finally escaped Maki's lips as Yuta licked and kissed at her smooth skin. Her head tilted back as both of his hands cupped her breasts. She bit her bottom lip as Yuta forcefully removed her kimono, revealing her bosoms underneath. The cold she felt against her hardened nipple began to dissipate as his warm mouth captured one while his fingers squeezed the other.
"Aah!" Maki moaned even louder, still embarrassed from her acts. Yuta was occupied with his task at pleasuring her. He wanted to drive her crazy just as she was doing to him. Her fingers bruised the edges of the pillow as it squeezed and squeezed from Yuta's attacks. He made his way down her milky white skin, each time parting the kimono even further.
"You smell so good Maki" Yuta had his face between her thighs. He rose up to look at her beautiful face. Maki was red, hair messy, and with pleading eyes. She didn't have to ask him for anything, Yuta was going to have her tonight and no one was stopping a thing.
He held her right leg in the air as her kimono slid down, revealing her muscular, yet, tender skin. It glistened by the moon's light that towered over them from above. Instantly, his mouth licked it from the knee and down to her thigh. She squirmed from his action. Yuta's other hand rubbed Maki's left leg up and down in a slow motion. Both were impatiently waiting for the main event but since they had the whole night, Yuta was taking his time. Afterall, he wasn't stopping until the winter's sun shone through the round-shaped window.
Yuta kissed both of her inner thighs and Maki held in a breath as he removed the bit of clothing that blocked his view from her nether. "Yuta~" Maki let out a moan as he dived in, thrusting his tongue between her slit and up to capture her clit. Yuta continued this motion all the while drinking any juices that spilled out. He wasn't stopping until Maki came.
"Aah ah!" Maki could only moan in response. She moved one of her hands from the pillow to his silky black hair, tightening her grip on it each time his tongue went deep. It's been a while since the two fucked. She almost forgot his touch. Maki felt relief and tears of joy spilled out of her just as her juices invaded Yuta's mouth. She was much more audible now as his mouth sloshed around her pussy. Yuta pressed his fingers against her thighs, bruising a little, making Maki whimper. As much as she hated to admit it, Maki loved this side of him. To all outsiders, Yuta was a kind and lovable leader. No one would predict he could be so rough and violent. Maki knows exactly how he can be when he is with her. She shuddered as she thought of the ways he is going to fuck her tonight.
"Hahhhh!" Maki came at last. Her releases were drunk up instantly, however. Yuta rose from her thighs and grabbed her wrist to bring her body to his. Knees on the futon, the two stood at the corner of the bed as lips joined again. "Maki I love you" Yuta finally said it. He couldn't contain himself.
"I love you too Yuta" Maki whispered a response, she didn't care anymore. Yuta's eyes opened wide and a fire of passion ignited his form. He couldn't believe Maki still felt the same. He didn't wait any longer and removed their clothes, discarding it on the side. Maki kissed his neck while Yuta grabbed her ass to sit her body atop his, positioning her entrance on his hardened cock. He slowly sat her down and Maki screamed to the high ceiling as it filled her up.
"You are so deep" Maki panted while Yuta used both of his hands to lift her thighs up and as he did so, she crossed her legs behind him and did the same with her hands around his neck. Yuta pounded her upwards as Maki bounced on him, each time getting faster.
"Maki kiss me" she responded to his demands and the two continued fucking.
"Yuta! Yuta! Yesss harder please" Maki screamed at the top of her lungs, feeling the pressure of his dick digging into her belly. The faster he went, the more she craved. Maki was fading into unconsciousness but Yuta's thrust kept her awake, not wanting to give up on this pleasure.
"Maki! I wanna make you mine dammit!" Yuta couldn't contain himself as he watched her enjoy every moment of their engagement. "You are the only one I want to fuck. Maki you feel so good" Yuta's voice filled her head. Their bodily sounds overpowered their moans as it kept colliding at an extreme rate. "I am about to come Maki!".
"Yuta! M-me too" she began preparing herself by grabbing his hair tighter. Yuta kept pounding her harder before coming to a close. The two released a louder moan than before as their fluids sweeped out. Their bodies were sticky and their voices hoarse. Yuta and Maki kept panting as his cum filled her insides. She is going to take it all in; Maki has been pushing him away for too damn long. It's about time she was honest with her feelings.
"Maki, let's go again" Yuta didn't bother waiting for a response before he pinned her against the futon once again. "Ngh!" Maki quivered as his penis hardened and jammed her again.
"Go faster!" It was Maki who was demanding now. Yuta adhered and thrusted faster.
"Maki, bear my children" he had her hands pinned behind her head, tightening his grip, watching as she whimpered in response. It hurt but felt so good. Yuta was driving her crazy, messing Maki up. He was destroying her completely and Maki enjoyed every second of it. Yuta was making unusual demands now. "I will fill you up so much tonight, you won't be able to walk".
"Yuta-" Maki's lips were attacked by his. A little bit of blood poured out of her mouth as he bit her. Yuta was getting more violent, more than before. He was like a ravenous animal. Maki couldn't focus, her mind overflowed with pleasure. She faded in and out, wondering if she would be able to keep up until morning...