Chapter 2

Yuuji was in the middle of a meeting as well. In fact, it was rather strange that he was taken to the land of divine for this, but, it was understandable. "Young master, we have found the one you were looking for." Kitsune said.

Yuuji saw him, a ghost of a former sorcerer.

Hiromi Higuruma.

He appeared just as surprised as Yuuji was, he looked about and yet, appeared confused. "Where… where am I? Wait… aren't you Sukuna's vessel?" he asked.

"Much has changed in the time you have been alive," Kitsune said gently. "Young master… ahem… Yuuji Itadori, is no longer bounded to Sukuna in such a manner, in fact, he has become more powerful than the demon sorcerer. He's a dragon." She explained.

Higuruma paused for a moment as he looked over Yuuji. "Okay… if that's the case, why am I here? I died, didn't I?"

Kitsune nodded. "Indeed, you did. However, death is not always the end. In fact, the influence young master has now is rather remarkable, so much so, that it has brought your spirit to us. Now then, the reasoning why you are here…"

"Kitsune, may I?" Yuuji asked gently.

She politely bowed and allowed him to speak. Yuuji approach Higuruma, and lowered his head. "Please, become my fox guardian."

When he looked up again, Higuruma was visibly confused. "Your what?" he asked.

"My fox guardian, all dragons have one. A fox is a messenger between the dragons and other great beings, they are also a protector and offer sound advice. When I was told that I would have to chose a new one, you were the first person who came to mind for me. You saw beyond my situation, and went as far as helping me too. I… I have always wanted to repay your kindness somehow… I was saddened to learn that you passed in the culling games. But now, it's a chance to live again. But, you won't be considered human but a divine creature."

He was rather taken aback by the offer. He looked to Kitsune oddly. "Let me guess, a fox?" he asked of her.

"I was his original guardian. For he held a dragon that I was protecting and serving, but, since that dragon is no longer with us, my duties must be taken on by another. I will be here to help and train you to service young master. But, that can only happen if you accept."

Higuruma paused oddly, as he began to consider his options. He looked to Yuuji, stared him dead in the eyes and said. "I've killed people."

He nodded in understanding. "So have I,"

But he shook his head. "No, this is without being controlled by another. I did so since I was angry and frustrated with how things were done!" he protested.

"Those you killed… the judge and the lawyer… they had been taking bribes to ensure those who are innocent are put in jail." Kitsune said. "Your moral compass may appeared to have altered in your mind, but in fact, it stayed true. Those two were corrupt, you did the world a favour."

"But I didn't know that and still took their lives for the sake of it!" he protested. "I am not perfect…"

"Higuruma, I know how you feel." Yuuji said gently. "I… had to kill people who were transfigured into curse beings… before I became aware as to how to turn them back… I have taken lives as well."

"Young master…" Kitsune began to say.

"I know, I didn't have that ability at the time, but, had I waited…"

"Then they would have suffered, you felt that too when you freed those from such a situation…" she said in a gentle voice.

"Itadori…" Higuruma began to say. "What's the real reason?"

He smiled to him. "Saw through that huh?" He laughed a little nervously but sighed. "To be truthful, Higuruma. I need a mature mind to look out for me. I am not exactly… the smartest dragon out there, and I know I am going to need a lot of guidance as well… Kitsune has been amazing for not just me, but my friends as well. So, I was hoping that perhaps, with your insight, wisdom and just understanding of the world around me… you would be best suited to become my fox guardian. I won't force you, but, I hope you would consider it."

Higuruma paused, he took a moment to think it over before he turned to Kitsune. "What are the benefits?" he asked of her.

She smiled a little. "When one becomes a fox, you are in service to the dragon you have been requested from until the dragon dies. Should that happen, you remain a fox, but assist others in their tasks. Also the dragon can outlive you, if your time comes, you need to train your replacement. However, we foxes live very long lives, we rival that of our masters." She said with a proud grin. "But as what my former young master said is true. However, what he didn't tell you is this. If a dragon desires something for themselves within reason, they may obtain it without obstruction."

"Kitsune?" Yuuji asked nervously.

"It means, he can say no. But if you tell him he will be your new guardian, he is forced to accept." She explained.

Yuuji froze, but shook his head instantly on the notion. "That is no better than slavery…" he said and turned to Higuruma once more. "I won't ever force you, that's not fair of me nor is it fair to you…"

The thing about Higuruma, is that his face is rather hard to read. He doesn't show much emotion in a sense…

"I accept." He said.

"I'm not forcing you, am I?"

Higuruma smiled to Yuuji. "No, but what you said told me how you are as a dragon. Despite that information, you were never going to use it against me. I could have said no and you would accept it. But I also understand your reasoning for asking me to be your guardian, and it's rather mature of you to see your own flaws and know how to improve upon yourself…"

"You are a very well read person."

"A lawyer has to be," he said.

Kitsune then turned to Yuuji once more. "Now, since he is to be your guardian, you are able to give him a gift in a sense, a skill." She explained. "Think wisely on this, young master. What would be a good skill for him to have to better help you?"

Yuuji paused to consider it, but, he thought of the perfect one. "You know defence law inside and out, correct?" he asked. Higuruma nodded to this. "But he doesn't know every law… so his skill will be this. No matter the land, place or incident. Higuruma will be well versed and know the laws of the land, of the situation before him to better build a defence, argument or even just to put someone in their place. I wish for his skill to be all knowing law."

Kitsune paused oddly, so did Higuruma. "For a kid, you really do think this through huh?"

Yuuji nodded. "We don't always deal with humans to be honest with you and I want to ensure you get the best grasp of the situation if needed to help me and those I care about better. Does this sound reasonable to you?"

"More than that, it's rather remarkable you would consider such a thing. I'm grateful." He said and lowered his head. Higuruma then turned to Kitsune. "So… how does this happen?"

Kitsune smiled.

She brandished her fan and suddenly waved it before the spirit of Higuruma, it was like a blink of an eye, one moment he's a ghost, the next, a small fox sat in his place.

He was a black fox with a red strip down his front. "Aww, he got to keep his tie!" Yuuji said in a gushed tone.

Kitsune snickered. "Higuruma, we shall begin your training now."

The young fox nodded as the two vanished.

Yuuji made his way back to the domain, yet, the moment he arrived. He froze. "What…" he said with a snarl.

He was quick to rush to his son. Kiyoshi was just coming out of the kitchen, and Sukuna was waiting for him!