Ends Where It Began
December 31th, 2018 (Nine Hours Till New Year's Eve)
*Crunch, Crunch, Crunch*
The glass cracking underneath his feet was the only sound that filled the air as he crept along the hallway. With only darkness entering his sight, the damaged walls were his only guide through the pitch-black building. One hand sliding along the wall, while his other held a firm grip on a jutte-like dagger with black handle.
After what felt to be nearly an eternity of deathly silence ….
*Crunch, CRACK*
…. A loud, but brief sound echoed down the hallway.
He froze for a moment, straining his ear for any more noises.
*Nothing*
After a few minutes, he allowed himself to sigh in relief.
"Yo, Kama."
Suddenly, a light appeared on him, causing Kama to jerk back in shock.
"Fuck!"
Stumbling over his own feet, Kama swore under his breath as he fell on his butt.
Kama winced as he felt shards of glass poking his ass. Lifting his head, he glared at the perpetrator with mild annoyance.
"Fucking Yin! What are you thinking? Surprising me like that. I could have killed you!" Kama scowled quietly at his hooded friend, squinting his green eyes from the light. "And turn off that light. You're gonna get us caught!"
Blinking, Yin shined his flashlight around the hallway before turning the light back on Kama.
"Dude, we're the only people here. I made certain of that and I didn't sense any curses since coming here." said Yin, certain of their safety.
Kama narrowed his eyes at Yin, who met his gaze with his own showing no deceit. Kama sighed before raising his hand, the hooded teen grabbed it and raised him up. Yin smiled softly as he watched Kama clean himself off, muttering about how annoying he is.
Once he was done, Kama faced Yin with a serious expression.
Holding up the dagger, he presented it to Yin and said.
"Here it is."
Yin took the dagger from Kama and began to inspect it. Meanwhile, Kama grew uncomfortable with the silence surrounding them.
"Will this really work?"
Without looking at him, Yin insisted. "Trust Me."
He grimaced, "That's the problem. I have to trust you to do something that could ultimately screw us in the worst way possible." Turning his attention towards the dagger, his concerns grew more apparent. "And then, I'm going to have to trust you to keep my ass from getting absolutely fucked, while I'm helping your friend rescue Tengen from someone like HIM and escaping alive!"
Just as Kama was about to lose himself to fear, Yin rested his hand on his shoulder and brought him back to reality. The young man stared deeply into the sorcerer's eyes and saw Yin's true feelings.
Fear, Frustration, Uncertainty; things that should have made things worse.
Instead, the sheer determination burning in Yin's eyes saved Kama from the depths of despair.
Taking a deep breath, Yin said, " I know that you're scared. I know that because I'm scared too and so is everyone else. Everything we have done has been leading to this. I won't lie to you and say 'that will be alright or that we'll all make it out alright.' In fact, our chances of victory…."
Clenching the dagger in his hand, Yin persisted with a scowl.
"...is close to nothing."
Sensing Kama's feelings, Yin continued.
"However, being close to nothing is better than having nothing. It's better than giving up and accepting death." Yin sighed, regret etched deeply into his soul. "I know this doesn't affect you, but a lot of people lost their lives to Kenjaku. People who were close to me, people who I despised, even those who had no connection to his plans were killed. All of them, used as nothing more than sacrifices for his twisted obsession. I don't want their deaths to have some meaning other than pieces for the new era to be built on."
Determined, Yin pressed on. "I can't let everyone's choices be for nothing and I know I'm not the only one thinking this; Megumi, Maki, Yuta, even Choso. We're all riding on this opportunity. This one chance that we can actually win." Releasing his grip on Kama, Yin kept his gaze directly on him and continued. "However, we need everyone for this plan to work. That includes you, Kama. In fact, your role is very important, maybe even the most vital part."
Kama looked away from Yin.
"I-I I don't think I can do it. Th-There are just so many things that g-go w-wrong." He stammered. "And besides, what's the point of even trying if the chances for success are less than nothing!"
Yin interrupted Kama's near breakdown.
"I never said that our odds were less than nothing. Only that they were close to nothing. And you want to know why they're there that way?"
Without facing him, Kama nodded.
"Because you're here."
Shocked, Kama swirled around and faced Yin.
"There was no deceit in his eyes." Kama thought, completely stunned. "Yin's serious?"
Without giving him a chance, Yin continued.
"Your abilities are our greatest asset at the moment. In fact, they're our ace in the hole. Once Megumi confirms that he has gotten Tengen out of Kenjaku's reach, that's where you will come in. Using Sekai, you can help them escape Kenjaku in an instant." Shrugging, Yin gave an encouraging, albeit slightly forced smile and pointed his thumb at himself. "Now I will admit, that doesn't help in the long run, but that's where I come. I'll keep the bastard focused on me."
Kama sighed. "So I'm right when I say that we actually have zero chances."
"Have some faith in yourself!"
"Against outrunning Kenjaku? Fuck no."
Now, Yin sighs annoyed.
"Then, have faith in us. We haven't let you down so far, haven't we?"
Opening his mouth, Kama paused and, after a moment, groaned.
"Since when do sorcerers place their trust in cursed users?"
Yin grinned.
"Since the curse users we encountered have shown more heart beyond their greed."
Kama grumbled, "Yeah, yeah, yuck it up. I'm glad that my shattering views of proper jujutsu society are entertaining you, Yin."
Despite his venom, Kama was secretly glad for Yin's encouragement.
He's right.
There's no time to back down now.
Now, it's do or die.
"I sure as shit ain't dying." Kama's eyes glowed with renewed determination. "I promised my mother that she didn't have to worry about her little Tatsumi. That she could rest easy. I can't break that promise. I may not believe in myself, but I believe in Yin. If he says I can do this, then I can!"
Suddenly, the wall behind Yin broke apart and the two sorcerers quickly readied themselves. It was only when the dust cleared and the attacker was revealed, did they let their guards down.
"Choso!/Choso." Yin shouted and Kama sighed tiredly.
The older male immediately took notice of Yin (and Kama, he guessed not caring at all) and smiled at him. He quickly made his way towards Yin and gave him a quick look over. Once he was certain that Yin was unharmed, Choso let out a sigh of relief.
"Thank goodness, you're safe. When you separated to face Neko, I was so worried. Please, don't do anything like that again! The big brother is meant to protect their younger siblings." Choso furrowed his brow and said. "I already failed with Kechizo and Eso. If I lose you…."
Yin interrupted his elder brother, walking towards Choso and hugging him.
"Sorry about that. Neko wasn't gonna leave us alone until I stopped him. I know it worries you, but it had to be me who faced him." Yin smiled. "Besides, I managed to acquire the last five fingers from him. All in all, I'd say that made it all worth it. Wouldn't you say, bro?"
Choso looked at Yin before letting out a chuckle.
"You never change, do you?"
Scoffing, Kama made himself known to the brothers.
"Like you're any different, Mr. Blood Bank." Kama said in a mocking tone.
Choso narrowed his eyes, while Yin rolled his eyes.
"Here we go again." Yin mumbled, shaking his head.
"What did you mean by that, Kama?" Choso insisted, looking down on the youngest sorcerer.
"Only that you're a…? What is the word I'm looking for?" Kama took the time to look around before snapping his finger in false realization. "That's right."
Pointing at Choso, Kama said.
"A Pervert."
Choso let out choked noise from his mouth.
"A-A-A Per-Pervert!?" Choso stammer in shock before turning to rage. "How dare you assume that my love for my brother is anything other than familial. And I don't want to hear something like that coming from YOU of all people."
"Hey." Yin said, but Choso and Kama were too busy to hear him.
Kama scowled. "Got something to say, Bloody Virgin."
"Why yes. For someone who claims my brotherly affection as perverted, then shouldn't the same be said for you." Choso feigned ignorance as Kama turned red with embarrassed outrage. "A boy overly obsessed with his mother to the point of becoming a curse user, a wanted criminal of the jujutsu world."
"Hey." no results again
With a gentle smile, Choso drove the nail into the coffin.
"If we are going by your logic, then I believe the scientific term for your situation is called the 'Oedipus Complex.' Ever heard that term, Kama? When we have the time, I could educate you on it. After all, being a fourteen year old amongst a group of older people must be hard, right? As one of the oldest, it's my duty to help my juniors. Wouldn't you agree?"
Kama fuming like a tea kettle moments before the steam whistles out.
Steam was definitely coming out of his head.
"You Bastard!"
"Look who's talking, little boy!"
"Hey." Yin said.
"Don't talk crap about my mom, curse! I'll drown your diseased-carrying ass!"
"Hey." Yin repeated, with little force.
"Disease!?" Choso looked as though he had been struck. "I'll have you know that technique is not diseased, it is poison!"
"That explains why you're so fucked in the head!"
"Hey." Yin repeated, with more force.
"What Did You Say, Turtle Brat!?"
"You Heard Me, Fucker!"
"Why You Little…..!"
"ENOUGH!" Yin shouted, ending their argument. "We don't have time to waste arguing, especially over stupid shit like this!"
Yin turned to Choso.
"You said you're grown up, right? Then act like it! Don't start acting childish just because someone insults you. Especially when they're younger than you."
Switching targets, Yin continued, "As for you, Kama. You shouldn't insult people simply because you don't like them. Even more so when it relates to family. It's hypocritical of you since you were mocking Choso for caring about me, even though you are practically the same when your mother is involved."
Yin began walking past his older brother.
"I know we're under a lot of pressure right now due to the current situation, but that doesn't either of you should take those frustrations out on each other. we're all on the same side, we can't let ourselves become divided after all this shit." Looking over his shoulder, Yin stopped and insisted that, "If you're pissed, then save it for the enemy. The final battle is nearing and we can't afford to screw around. Got it."
*Silence filled the room*
"I said." Yin repeated. "Got It."
With the silence broken, Choso and Kama glanced at one another before facing Yin.
They nodded.
"Good." Yin gestured for them to follow, which they did, before continuing down the hallway. "The meeting point is located on the other side of this building. Will be able to rendezvous with the others and go over the plan one last time before we begin. The nine hours before the end is upon us. Let's not waste another second, alright? Let's move."
"Right/Right."
And with that, the trio began sprinting toward the rendezvous point.
Meanwhile, Yin felt his mind drifting away. To simpler times.
"It's funny when you think about it." Yin thought idly. "It's been only six months when this all started. Six months since I found the first one."
"Six months since the throne became barren."
June 25th, 2018 (Six Month Till New Year's Eve)
*Ring, Ring, Ring*
Leaning against the wall, a boy using his house phone. The boy was wearing a yellow hooded jacket with a pair of denim jeans and red sneakers. The boy scratched his head, his fingers pushing against his pink hair.
*Ring, Ka-Click*
"Hello, Sugiwara Hospital. How may we help you?"
"Finally." The boy thought with mild annoyance before responding. "Hi, this is Yuji Itadori. I called my grandfather about a week ago. Just wanted to see how things are going? Is he ok?"
"You weren't informed?"
"Informed of what?" Yuji asked urgently, concerned for grandfather.
"Well, we thought your grandfather had contacted you. Your grandfather's name is Wasuke Itadori, right?"
"Yes, that is his name. I tried calling earlier, but I got nothing." Yuji sighed, both relieved and annoyed. "Sorry to bother, but could someone please check on him" It's frustrating and concerning when the gramps just ignores my calls."
"Alright, one moment please."
"Thank you."
Yuji waited for the nurse to get his grandfather.
"I'm sure the old man is gonna need some company." Yuji thought with a nod. "Must get lonely all by himself in that hospital."
Yuji's head dropped slightly.
"Then again, it's pretty lonely in this house with him in the hospital."
*Click*
"Hello?" Yuji asked, bringing the phone closer to his head…
"LEAVE ME ALONE!"
Only to quickly pull it away from his ear.
"Fucking hell. Man's 78 and he can still reach pitches that high." Yuji thought while cleaning his ears.
"Tell him not to come! He should be in his club! His club!"
"Thank you grandson. I really appreciate that you would take the time to visit your poor hospitalized grandpa. Really, I truly appreciate it." Yuji thought dejectedly.
The nurse asked "Uh-um. You heard that, right?"
"Me and everyone in that hospital." Yuji sighed. "Tell his grouchy ass that I'm going to visit him tomorrow evening and that I won't take no for an answer."
"Of course. However, what club are you in, Yuji?"
Yuji smiled softly and reached into jacket pocket. He pulled a hexagonal pendant made from obsidian attached with a string of black beads. Carved into the center of the pendant was the yin-yang symbol, while the edges featured the Bagua Trigram.
"I'm a member of the Occult Research Club." Yuji stated proudly. "Always willing to see the world beyond human eyes."
With a soft laugh, the nurse said. "Sounds interesting. Well, we'll see you tomorrow. Have a great day."
"Thank you and have a great day as well."
Hanging up the call, Yuji stared at his pendant for a moment before putting it back in his pocket. He made his way back to his room. Upon entering, he looked around before finding his backpack and putting it on.
"Better hurry, I don't want to be late for this." Yuji muttered to himself as he left his house.
Sugisawa Municipal High School #3
After a bit of time, Yuji managed to sneak onto the school grounds. The sun had already fallen, leaving the moon to shine down upon him.
Looking for any guards, Yuji whispers. "Alright, Setsuko told me to meet her and Takeshi near that Stevenson screen. That's behind the gymnasium building."
With that mind, he sprinted over to the gym and noticed someone peeking around the corner.
A tall teenager with short black hair with thick eyebrows, and thick lips. He was wearing a purple t-shirt with black pants and white sneakers.
Upon seeing Yuji, he waved at him before placing his finger in front of his mouth. Nodding, Yuji made his way over to him quietly.
"Sorry about that, Itadori." He apologizes as they make their way to the back of the building. "Takagi-Sensei is inside with the members of the rugby team, so we'll have to be quick."
Yuji nods, "Gotcha Takeshi. Where is Setsuko?"
Takeshi chuckled softly, "Where do you think? She has been waiting for us to arrive since school ended. I don't think she even left. Just hid in the club room and waited for security to leave."
"That sounds Setsuko to me."
Once they arrive, a young woman with a black bob hairstyle fiddling with the Stevenson screen. She was wearing a beige colored vest over a white long sleeve shirt with a striped tie. She was also wearing a dark blue skirt, with grey socks, and light colored shoes.
Yuji and Takeshi shared a glance at Setsuko.
"Called it." They thought with amusement.
"Come on, you stupid lock. Open up." Setsuko mumbled as she attempted to pick the lock, her black hair .
"Not working, is it?" Takeshi commented, making Yuji smirk.
Setsuko yelped, moving away from the box and tried to look innocent. Upon realizing it was her clubmates, she dropped her innocent look and pouted.
"This isn't easy, you know." Setsuko mumbled angrily.
Yuji snorted.
"I heard that."
"Sorry."
Takeshi and Yuji walked up to Setsuko and stared at the Stevenson screen. It was an old box with a simple padlock.
While Yuji examined the instrument shelter, Takeshi turned to Setsuko.
With an eyebrow raised, Takeshi asked. "Why are you messing with this, anyway? Couldn't you have asked the Meteorology Club for the combination?"
Setsuko shook her head and said. "I tried, but they claim that the school doesn't have a Stevenson screen. Even tried to bring the club president here as proof, but they just kicked me out. Didn't want me wasting their time on stupid occult stuff."
Setsuko looked slightly frustrated while Takeshi stared at his feet.
"Ignore them."
They turned their attention towards Yuji as he grabbed the padlock.
"The only reason they call our club stupid is because they aren't willing to accept things that can't be explain with science. It's actually easier for people to laugh at the unexplainable because they don't want to believe that there are things that can't be explained."
With his free hand, he pointed at himself.
"For instance, take me. I'm the freakishly strong kid whose family seemingly freaks themselves. No one's ever tried to understand my family traditions or our views. Instead, they've always kept their distance. Only coming to me for their own benefits. If something doesn't reach the expectations society has for them, then it is seen with scorn. Never understand because people aren't willing to look from another view."
Yuji smirked at his friends before looking at the padlock.
"Well to the proud members of society, I say…."
He crushed the padlock in his hand, before tearing it off the Stevenson box.
"Fuck'em."
Setsuko and Takeshi looked slightly surprised before Setsuko quickly made her way next to Yuji.
"You made that look so much easier than it should have been."
Yuji shrugged and threw the broken lock into some nearby bushes.
"That's just my Balance, that's all."
Takeshi joined their conversation with a questioning look.
"Balance?"
Yuji shook his head and said, "Later, let's focus on this matter at hand."
They gathered around the Stevenson screen. Yuji unlocked the door before looking at his club mates. Setsuko nodded while Takeshi kept watch for witnesses. Yuji nodded back and opened the screen door. The inside was almost empty except for a small wooden case with faded writing on the front. Yuji looked back at Setsuko.
"This is it?"
Setsuko took a glance at the case.
"Guess so. From what I've pieced together, the issues involving the rugby fields seemingly began with this Stevenson screen."
Takeshi interrupts their conversation with a silent warning.
"Guys! I think someone's coming!"
After closing the shelter's door, the Occult Club ran from the Stevenson screen. Going around the back of the gymnasium, they didn't stop running until they reached the school's entrance and burst through the gates.
Setsuko and Takeshi were sweating heavily, struggling to catch their breath after running so much. Meanwhile, Yuji wasn't even exhausted. He kept watch for any stragglers while his friends recovered.
After a few minutes, Yuji nodded.
"I think we're good. No one's following us, so I guess they didn't see us. Are you sure you saw someone, Takeshi?
With one hand pressed against the wall, Takeshi kept looking at the floor. Sweat dripping from his face, he nodded his head.
"I'm certain that someone was coming." He panted. "I couldn't recognize who because it was too dark. I don't think they noticed us either."
Setsuko, who leaned Against the wall, looked at her friends.
"Never mind that." She said, exhausted. "What about the case? Did anyone…."
Yuji went into his pockets and pulled out the wooden case for his clubmates to see.
"Great." Setsuko nodded. "Now we have a lead into our investigation. Open it."
Yuji shook his head.
"Let's not do this now. It's late and you two are dead on your feet. We should continue this tomorrow."
Setsuko was about to object until Takeshi agreed to this plan. Being outvoted by her friends, Setsuko sighed.
"Fine." She says before adding. "But we are going to start first thing tomorrow. Got that, Itadori?"
Smiling, Yuji walked over to Setsuko and helped her stand up. Looking over, he saw Takeshi had recovered as well.
"Alright, let's head home."
And with that, the Occult club started walking away from the school. As they reached their neighborhood, Takeshi looked over to Yuji.
"Itadori."
"Yeah?"
"Back at school, you mention something about balance."
Setsuko turns to Yuji as well, before asking, "He's right. When you broke that lock, you said that it was 'your balance.' What is that?"
Looking back at them, Yuji looked slightly amused.
"It's my family secret." Yuji grins at them before continuing. "However, you guys are my friends, so I'll tell you. Only if you promise not to tell anyone. Ok?"
After they agreed, Yuji explained. "Alright then, well Balance is a tradition in my family. The Itadori Clan was composed of master martial artists." He chuckled. "My grandfather taught me everything he knew about karate. Although, it was me who wanted to learn more martial arts in general. Actually, I'm a master of Taido."
Takeshi nodded.
"That does explain your past achievements."
Setsuko raised her eyebrow.
"Achievements."
Takeshi glanced at Setsuko.
"You never heard about it. Before high school, Itadori was slightly famous in his youth as a champion in martial arts tournaments. Although it was only minor tournaments, it made him pretty well known in major athletic circles. Even now, he's been called the Tiger of West Junior High because of his unusually high athleticism."
Setsuko looked at Itadori up and down.
"He's more of a gorilla than a tiger. Don't cha ya think?"
"Ignoring that." Yuji threw a small glare at Sasaki. "Martial Arts actually plays a small yet important role in Balance. You see, Balance is the unification and harmonization of all aspects of our bodies. Martial arts involves utilizing more than just the body. It involves utilizing the mind and soul alongside the body as a single being. Especially the soul, which is the most sacred aspect of the body. Without a soul, existence wouldn't be possible."
Takeshi asked, "So, this balance is just a way of thinking?"
Yuji ponders on this question before pulling out his pendant.
Staring at the pendant, He answers, "Not exactly. The best way to think of Balance is like Yin and Yang. Yin represents the mind, while Yang is the heart. Yin is the negative aspects of the Soul, it represents the negative thoughts and actions that we, as humans, are capable of. That is why it represents the mind, where all our darkest thoughts are created and given meaning in our existence. Then there is Yang, which is the positive aspects of the Soul, that is represented by the heart. The heart is where our morals exist. If someone was willing to commit the dark thoughts in their mind, then their heart would try to appeal to their better judgement."
"What about the body?" Setsuko asked.
Yuji raised his finger at her.
"I'm getting there. When one is able to unify both the mind and the heart, the yin and yang, then Balance is achieved and a strong soul is created."
"So, Mind and Heart give power to the body." Setsuko remarks on his explanation.
"It's more like Yin and Yang creates Balance, which empowers the body through our soul."
"Okay." Setsuko nods while Takeshi looks at Yuji's pendant.
"What's with the necklace?"
Yuji playfully hits Takeshi and pouts at him.
"It ain't a necklace. It's a pendant."
"Ok. What's with the pendant, then?"
Holding the pendant up for his friends to see, Yuji explains.
"The pendant is a family heirloom. It is given to those who've mastered Balance and is meant to be a symbol of acknowledgement. Against family belief, Balance is very treacherous and can even be fatal if done improperly."
"And you participated in this!" Setsuko rebuked, concerned for his safety.
Yuji raised his hands.
"It was completely optional and it wasn't all bad. My grandfather told me that there were some members who didn't attempt it and that wasn't a bad thing. Besides, he made sure to prepare me for that trial because he didn't want me to get hurt." Yuji chuckled fondly as he recalled those memories. "In fact he was as against it as you are right now. It was only when he realized that he couldn't stop me that instead chose to prepare me."
"He should have been more stern about it." Setsuko insisted with her arms crossed.
Yuji smirked.
"He should have been, but the look of pride on his face when I accomplished it." Yuji beamed with pride and stared at his pendant. "It definitely made it worth the trouble. This pendant was actually his before he gave it to me."
Takeshi smiled while Setsuko rolled her eyes in a friendly way.
Yuji placed his pendant around his neck, before noticing his house across the street.
"Anyway, it's late and there's my house." Yuji waves to his friends as he heads home. "See you later."
"Wait." Setsuko stopped him from leaving.
"What?" Yuji asked, surprised.
"I know we agreed to investigate." Setsuko relented before insisting, "But should we at least open the box. Just a peek."
"Tomorrow and I'll keep it with me."
She pouted.
"Meanie."
"You know it."
Takeshi shook his head at them before saying.
"Come on, Sasaki. Just leave it for tomorrow. It can wait."
Relenting, Setsuko made his way to Takeshi and they left.
With them gone, Yuji went inside and towards his room.
With a sigh, he pulled out the wooden case and examined it.
"Wonder why this was the only thing in there?"
The longer he stared at the case, the more he felt compelled to open.
Shaking the cobweb from his brain, Yuji groaned in annoyance as he entered his bedroom.
"Too tired for this. I'll deal with this in the morning."
Throwing the case onto his nightstand, Yuji plopped himself down on his bed. Closing his eyes, he quickly fell asleep.
June 26th, 2018
*Ring, Ring, Ring*
"Mmm." Yuji slowly opened his eyes. The ringing in his ears drives his tired mind insane. With the small moan, Yuji raised his hand and blindly reached for his alarm clock. With the ringing persisting in his ears, he finally located his clock and slammed on the mute button.
*Ring, Ring, Ring*
"Huh? It's not the alarm clock?"
Raising his head, Yuji attempts to Pinpoint the location of the ringing. Eventually, he realises that the noise was coming from the hallway.
"It must be the landline."
Yuji rises from his bed and briefly stretches while looking at his clock.
2:23 am
With a grimace, he makes out of his room and marches straight to the phone. Taking the phone into his hands, Yuji answered the call.
"Hello." He said with forced politeness.
"Hello. Is this Yuji Itadori?" A woman's voice was on the other line.
"Yes."
"Good this is Doctor Yuma Sakai. I would like to tell you that your grandfather has requested your presence. Normally this wouldn't happen, but his condition is getting worse."
"Worse?" Yuji felt a cold sensation pass through him, before urging Dr. Sakai. "Wait a second. What do you mean by getting worse?!"
Sighing, Dr. Sakai braced herself for what she was about to tell him.
"As of last night, Wasuke Itadori was undergoing treatment due to abnormal vital signs that kept changing sporadically. For now, his vitals are showing that he is stable. However Mr. Itadori, you must remember that grandfather is very old. His immune systems don't have the strength to stand up to diseases that those younger in age could survive. I'm sorry to tell you this, but it's very likely that he won't live past today."
*Silence*
Yuji's feet just gave out from under him. His back hitting the wall, sliding down to the floor. His eyes held no life in them.
"This can't be happening."
"Mr. Itadori! Are you still there?"
"This is just a dream."
"Mr. Itadori, if you can hear me, then please listen."
After no response, Dr. Sakai sighed. "I know you don't want to believe it, but death comes for everyone, and it makes no exceptions. We can try to delay and maybe even succeed at doing so. In the end, there's no stopping death. Even so, that doesn't mean it should be painful or tragic. Right now, your grandfather just wants to spend his last moments with his grandson. Even if it hurts you, you shouldn't let that stop you from being there for him when he goes. He may not show it, but I think he does care that you show up to visit him. Now he's asking for you to visit because he doesn't want his last word to be told to you though a stranger. He wants to be able to see you, for one last time."
*Silence*
After a while, Dr. Sakai nearly ended the call until Yuji finally spoke.
"I'll be right there shortly." Yuji's voice was barely audible.
With a solemn smile, Dr. Sakai said, "Alright, I'll be waiting for you at reception. Goodbye."
Leaning his head back against the wall, Yuji ended the call and just sat there. Thinking to himself about how unfair it was. His grandfather, his only relative, was going to die. Was it going to be like before? Was he going to be alone?
From the depth of his misery, Yuji glanced at his pendant.
"There's more to Balance than just accepting the good and evil of your being." His grandfather's voice echoed through his mind. "It is also about coming to terms with the external world as well as your internal world; love and hate, happiness and sorrow, positivity and negativity, naivety and ignorance, wisdom and arrogance, man and woman, life and death. You must learn not to suppress your thoughts and feelings, but to be in harmony with them. Just as death is a certainty for all of us, so too is life. Why spend your days wallowing in fear of what is to come, when you can spend it cherishing the time you have? Why spew hatred at someone, when you could be loving those closest to you? Yuji, the world is full of Yin and Yang. Just as every being that lives in this world carries are a Mind and a Heart. Too often, are we bound by the conceptions of society? We allow ourselves to be controlled by the expectations the world has for us. And when we fail to reach those expectations, then we are looked down upon with scorn as our heads drop in shame. To that we were checked those views placed upon us. Even if our voices are weak and frail, as long as we keep speaking out, someone will hear us. The scorn of others shall not move us. Their feelings will not shake us."
Slowly, Yuji rises from the floor. His grandfather's words bring life back to his body.
"Even so, there's nothing wrong with exposing oneself to emotions. For how can we live if we cannot express yourselves? There will be times where you will feel great rage. There will be times where you'll feel great sorrow. Should you ignore these feelings? Absolutely not. If you bottle these feelings, then they'll eventually consume you from within your very soul. Instead, accept these emotions as being a part of you. A clear mind is a mind that knows feelings, but doesn't let them control your actions. I know what mind you have, but do you know, Yuji?"
Yuji sighed.
"Forcing me to accept truths I don't want." Yuji let out a weak chuckle. "What a cruel old man."
"You've done so much for me." Yuji thought as he gripped the pendant around his neck. "Might as well repay that kindness. Even if this will be the last."
Sugiwara Hospital 3:40am
"Thank you for coming." An elderly doctor nodded to Yuji as she took him to Wasuke's room.
"Shouldn't I be thanking you?" Yuji asked. "I have a feeling that doctors aren't really allowed to accept requests from their patients."
With a smirk, Dr. Sakai said, "Depends on the hospital and their CEO, which I am."
Yuji whistled, impressed.
"Besides, I know a thing or two about having regrets, especially with the deceased." She said with a frown. "I made a vow to myself that I wouldn't let that happen to anyone else. If that makes me unprofessional, then at least I have a heart."
"And it's better to have one, then to abide by unfair rules." Yuji said to the elderly doctor, who nodded her head.
"Exactly."
The rest of their walk was filled with silence. Once they reached Wasuke's room, Dr. Sakai and Yuji exchanged a quick bow to each other before she left.
Taking a deep breath, Yuji relaxed his body and cleared his mind. Knocking on the door, he stood there with his right hand fiddled nervously with the pendant around his neck. The longer he waited, the more scared he became.
"I should just open the door." Yuji thought, yet he didn't move. "But what if I enter and he's already…."
Before his thoughts could go down that path, a voice called out, much to his relief.
"Who is it?"
Yuji sighed, "It's Yuji, grandpa."
"Enter."
Opening the door, Yuji was greeted by the sight of his bedridden grandfather. Wasuke was a elderly man with many wrinkles on his face and short white hair. However, his green eyes flickered with life.
"Life that may soon fade." Yuji thought with a grimace.
"Took your ass long enough." Wasuke frowned at his grandson.
"Sorry, I had to run all the way here." Yuji apologized.
Suddenly, Wasuke started coughing heavily, horrifying Yuji.
"Grandpa!" Yuji rushed to his side, only for Wasuke to wave him off.
Once he stopped, Wasuke took a moment to collect his breath. Yuji just stood there anxiously.
"Regardless, it's rude to keep a dying man waiting on his deathbed." Wasuke said, still winded from his coughing. "Still I'm glad that you made it."
"I wouldn't abandon you." Yuji started with a wistful smile, "You practically raised me from the start. You're more like a father to me, than a grandfather."
Wasuke smirked at him, before sighing as his head rested on his pillows.
"Yuji, about our family…."
"I don't want to hear about them." Yuji interrupted. "Not when you're dying and they're not here."
"That doesn't matter, Yuji." Wasuke disagreed with his grandson.
"Doesn't matter? How can you say that!? They never have been my family! I haven't seen a single relative since birth! Not an uncle, aunt, not even my own parents! As far as I'm certain, you're my only family!" Yuji shouted at his grandfather.
"Yu-" Wasuke was interrupted by another coughing spree, with him hacking a bit of blood.
"Hey. Are you okay!?" Yuji panicked at the blood leaking from Wasuke's lips.
Wasuke scoffed at his grandson, wiping the blood from his mouth.
"Tsk. Nothing that I can't handle." He stated before looking Yuji right in his eyes. "Look, Yuji. I know you don't like our relatives, but there's a reason why they're involved in this. Our family has a secret that only a few in our clan know about. Today, I have to tell you that secret. So, please just bear with me and keep an open mind when listening. Understand?"
Yuji looked conflicted about this, but he nodded anyway.
"Good."
Wasuke took a moment to gather his thoughts before asking.
"Would you believe me if I told you our clan was created from a spirit?"
Yuji was stunned by the question.
"Spirit?" Yuji blinked.
Shaking his head, Wasuke amended his question.
"Spirit doesn't sound quite right, does it?" Wasuke grumbled before resuming. "More like the child of a spirit."
"That doesn't make it any easier." Yuji scratched his head.
"Told ya to keep an open mind." Wasuke sat up from his bed. "Regardless, I know it sounds unreasonable, but it is the truth. The Itadori Clan was created by a spirit. A cursed spirit at that."
Yuji pondered for a second, before letting out a sigh.
"Alright. I believe you."
Wasuke raised an eyebrow toward his grandson.
"That was rather quick. What happened to all that astonishment you just showed?"
Yuji gazed intently into his grandfather's eye.
"You're not the type to make crazy lies or insane jokes. You're always serious about everything and that makes you very reliable. You've been the only family I've had ever since I was a little, so of course I'd believe me. If you say that we're related to a spirit, then we're related to a spirit."
It was touching to hear his grandson say that. Wasuke didn't show it, but he was happy someone cared about him.
"And besides, I'm a member of my high school's Occult Club." Yuji grinned. "I'm supposed to believe some stuff like this. I'm sure if Setsuko was here, she'd be taking notes on this."
"You can't tell anyone about this."
"Why? I told them about Balance, so why not this?"
"You told outsiders about-" Wasukes stops before begrudgingly ignoring it. "Nevermind, just don't do it again. Regardless, the forefather of our clan was a powerful spirit. It was said that he ruled the underworld with absolute authority. His strength was matched only by his cruelty. Toying and killing whoever he pleased, the spirit lived for his own desires, and nothing else. Revered as a god, yet hated as a mortal. This hatred for his existence was so great, that countless lives were lost just to end his own."
Looking at the ceiling, Wasuke recounted the spirit's name and lessons his own parents told him.
"This spirit was given the name of Ryumen Sukuna. From his soul, our clan was born."
"Wait? Wait a minute?" Yuji stopped his grandfather, realizing something. "You're saying he's dead and I understand that, but how could his spirit create our clan?"
"If you would shut up for a moment and listen." Wasuke gave a short cough, a harmless one to grandson's relief. "Then you'll remember that I mentioned he had a child."
For a solid minute, Yuji was completely silent until slamming his fist into his open palm.
"Oh yeah you did." Yuji said, with certainty.
"You idiot." Wasuke scowled weakly
Yuji rubs his hair, while mumbling.
"Sorry. So, what happened next? From how the story goes, I doubt Sukuna's enemies were happy to hear about this."
"They weren't. Those who worshipped Sukuna viewed the child as their king reborn, while those who feared Sukuna saw it as a disaster waiting to happen. On the day of the child's birth, a battle took place in the very shrine the baby was born in. Both sides fought valiantly until the worshippers were wiped out and the child killed."
Yuji looked disturbed, the thought of someone killing a baby made his blood boil.
"Why? The baby didn't do anything wrong! The sins of the father should never be upon the child!" Yuji said, fuming.
Sitting up on his bed, his grandfather sighed softly.
"In a perfect world maybe. However, nothing is completely perfect. Remember, the world is full of Yin and Yang. For every positive, there must be a negative and vice versa. There is no black or white. Sometimes, one must do horrible acts for good reasons or commit good acts for bad reasons. It's rare to find someone with only yin or yang without even a little of the other, but it's not impossible. Take a soldier for example. They are expected to kill because they have to protect their country. In war, neither side can be considered the hero because both believe themselves to be right and the other to be the villain. You're upset about the attacker's choices, but try to understand how they felt. Sukuna had done many things; pillaging, murdering and destruction for starters. It's known for certain that he never showed any regrets for his actions. Sukuna saw himself as something above all. To someone like him, all the lives he's taken were no better than insects crushed under his foot. It's possible that they feared the child would become no better than the father or worse. The worshippers would have influenced the child into seeking vengeance for his slain father."
Yuji bit his lip, looked conflicted.
"So you think they did the right thing?"
Rolling his eyes, Wasuke looked out the hospital window. The black sky was glimmered with stars.
"It's not about right or wrong. For every person, the idea of fair and unfair are as stretched as far the stars in the night. For one man, it is a crime. For another, it is justice. These views have existed for as long as humanity existed. And it will continue to exist even after Humanity has ended."
Wasuke smirks at Yuji.
"That said, all living things have a heart. And sometimes, the heart knows more than the Mind ever will. The child never died in the shrine. Instead, one of the attackers, a woman, took pity and, during the battle, ran away with the child."
Yuji sighed.
"Thank goodness. You could have told me that instead of lecturing me."
Wasuke ignored Yuji's grumbling and resumed the tale.
"With the child in hand, she fled to her village and raised the child as her own as Shiki Itadori. For many years, the child of Sukuna had gone through life never knowing his lineage to the King, even when the child became a man himself."
Suddenly, Wasuke gave a dark look towards his grandson.
"Until one day, a group of bandits had entered the village, wanting everything the villagers had. When they refused, the bandits pillaged everything in their sight until they killed his mother before his very eyes. Enraged by her death, Shiki manifests his father's power into his very being and kills every bandit with own hands. Once the rage faded from his being, he found himself standing atop the corpses of the bandits. Shocked by his own ferocity, Shiki left the village in search of answers. During his journey, he was met by a strange monk named Tengen and learned of his true birth. When the young man felt all hope was lost, Tengen knew a way to purge Sukuna's influence from his soul. However, Tengen showed him how to control his rabid body by unifying his heart and mind. Through this, Shiki would gain complete control over his very being through harmony."
Wasuke gazed down at his old pendant around Yuji's necklace.
"To honor Shiki's triumph over the cursed influence, Tengen rewarded Shiki with a gift. A simple pendant."
Yuji looked down at the pendant.
"And thus ends the story of the Itadori Clan beginning." Wasuke concluded as he laid on the hospital bed with a sigh.
While Yuji considered what he had heard, he moved over to the window.
"Is this all you wanted to tell me?" Yuji asked, leaning against the window. "The origins of our clan and how Balance began?"
"It's the oldest tradition we have." Wasuke explained, weakly. "Only those who have achieved Balance are allowed to hear it. Who knows, maybe you'll tell this tale to your children when you're grown up."
"I doubt it." Yuji muttered, embarrassed at his romance life, or lack of.
"Me too." Wasuke nodded
"What?!"
"Balance is not something most achieve. It is hell for the body, mind, and soul."
"That's what you meant." Yuji mumbled, with relief.
"Plus, you suck with girls."
"Damnit! Look who's talking!" Yuji pointed at his grandfather.
Despite his current state, Wasuke smirked arrogantly.
"Since you're here, I definitely got laid, and so did my son. You can't say that I don't have some skills with the ladies."
Going green at the thought, Yuji turned desperately towards the window.
"Does this open? I think I'm going to hurl." Yuji placed a hand over his mouth.
Wasuke laughed victoriously over his grandson, before violently coughing.
Finally, reality returned to Yuji's mind as he clenched the window sill.
Once the coughing stopped, Wasuke wiped his mouth and noticed Yuji's gaze.
"Don't look at me like that." Wasuke shook his head. "I haven't died yet."
"But you will be." Yuji lamented. "I don't want you to go."
"Life is never so generous." Wasuke says, soothing his grandson. "The only things that are truly plentiful in life are how unfair it is and how death greets us all."
Yuji scrunched his eyes, wanting to argue against this.
"I know that you don't like this, but that's how it is. Death isn't the final destination in life, but the beginning of new life. It is an endless cycle that all adheres to. For every death, a new life will soon take its place. For every disaster, a blessing is made. From creation brings destruction, and from that destruction, creation is born again."
Wasuke smiles fondly at his grandson. "It doesn't have to be seen as a bad thing. At least, their life will continue as long as they're held within someone's heart."
Yuji was at a loss on what to say. He understood what his grandfather was telling him, but at the same time, he couldn't. How was that even possible to understand, yet not understand.
With his time nearing the end, Wasuke closed his eyes and said, "Yuji, I have three requests to make for you. Are you willing to accept this?"
"Of course! What are these requests?" Yuji placed great emphasis on his grandfather's words.
"The first request is simple; you must always keep that pendant around your neck at all times. I know it sounds trivial, but it's important. It's been said that the pendant protects its wearer by cleansing harmful forces."
Staring at his pendant, Yuji nods fiercely.
"The second request is to help others."
"Help others?" Yuji repeated, tilting his head quizzically.
Sensing his confusion, Wasuke explains. "You're a strong kid. Even if it's only a few people, just help whoever you can. It doesn't matter if they appreciate your efforts or not, as long as you've tried your best. When you die, you should be surrounded by those who care about you."
Yuji thought about this request. Helping people? While it isn't unreasonable, it would still be a challenge. When it comes to giving aid, it's the intention that matters. Should he just help people, just so they could watch him die? Furthermore, it seems cruel to have the ones cared about watching you pass on. Death may be a part of life, but it still hurts. At least, Yuji knew that for sure.
As he continued to ponder, his grandfather asked for something that shocked him.
"As for my final request, I want you to live."
Yuji stopped and peered intently at Wasuke.
"I know what you're thinking, Yuji, but it relates to my previous requests." Wasuke clears his mind, and resumes, "As you know, Balance is the unification of the body, mind, and soul. To do this, we conform our internal self with our external self. Meaning that we are at peace with ourselves and the world around us."
Yuji nodded, wondering how this relates to his dying wishes.
"Yuji, it wouldn't be wrong to consider yourself as a prodigy within the Itadori clan. The fact you are able to wear that pendant at your age is nothing short of astonishing. I've always been so proud of you for mastering Balance at such a young age."
A hue of red spread across Yuji's cheek as he smiled softly at Wasuke's praise.
"However, I don't think you truly understand your own Balance, yet." Yuji's eyes widened at his grandfather's statement. "The reason for that is because you have yet to fully understand your place in this life and how it relates to the world around you."
Confused, Yuji asks, "'My place?' What do you mean by that?"
Feeling drowsy, Wasuke shakes it off and says, "That's not something I can tell you. You must learn this on your own. I do think if you weren't alone, then you would have a better time. Understanding yourself is the same thing as understanding the world. That is because the world is based upon your view of it. That said, it might become a little easier when you meet others who walk the same path as you. That is why you should help others, so that they may help you. I'm not saying that you should let them define who you are, but listen and see if it resonates with you."
Opening his eyes, Wasuke stared into Yuji's eyes.
"I know it won't be easy, but nothing worthwhile is ever easy. Knowing this, will you still accept my wishes?"
With only a moment's hesitation, Yuji hardened his resolve and nodded.
"Of course. On my word, I accept your requests. Rest easy, old man. I'll become the man you wanted me to be"
With the ghost of a smile touching his lips, Wasuke's eyes slowly begin to close.
"Calling a dying man old, huh? Disrespectful brat." Wasuke spoke softly, his smile bringing tears to his grandson's eye. "Don't be like me, be yourself. I have my regrets in this life, but raising you wasn't one of them. I'm proud to be your grandfather. I can only hope that your life won't be like mine, but there will alway be regrets. No one can change that. Instead, you should live for the good days. That way when we meet again, you tell me about all the fun you had in your life while I was gone."
Yuji rubbed his eyes, tears flowing down.
"Until we meet again. Right, Yuji?" Wasuke asked, as he ceased to move.
Yuji just stood there, trembling. Tears dripped down his chin as he covered his mouth. For what felt like an eternity, he eventually sat down on the hospital floor and sobbed silently. Once the tears stopped falling, he stared down at the floor and watched as his pendant glimmered in moonlight.
Yuji caressed the edges of the pendant, his heart still reeling from what just happened.
"Find my place, huh?" Yuji whispered, clutched the heirloom in a death grip.
Slowly, he stood up from the floor. Looking over his grandfather's body, he walked over to the intercom and pushed a button.
"Hello, Mr. Itadori. What is it?" A nurse answered the call.
"This is his grandson, Yuji Itadori." Yuji said solemnly. "I'm sorry to say, but Wasuke Itadori has died."
The quiet gasps from the intercom told Yuji that the other faculty had heard him.
"I see. Don't worry, we'll be there shortly."
After thanking the nurse, Yuji ended the call and looked out the window.
Until we meet again. Right, Yuji?
With a slight frown, He nodded.
"I promise, Grandfather." Yuji whispered, staring into the night. "I will live by my promises to you. And when we meet again, I will show you the person I've become."
With a sad, but proud smile, Yuji's eyes glowed with determination.
"I'll live and find my place in this world of ours." He declared, holding the family pendant up to his chest. "And I won't let anyone decide my fate."
Unbeknownst to Yuji, the pendant briefly glowed white before he stared at it.
"Not now, nor ever."
