RESIDUALS

Part 1


Author's Note:

This chapter is dedicated to VampireSiren, who also coincidentally celebrated her birthday this week! I wish you more good ones to come! She's not just a loyal reader but my new friend and partner in crime who has helped me with a loootttttt of content for the story, including some very beautiful illustrations that I can't wait to share with you all. VS, I can't wait for us to officially collab. We have some very interesting ideas for our beloved characters haha.

Please do send her some love! Love ya! 3

Other shoutouts go to sexykatsudon, Juju, fushi9urou, ryla, MaxOliver, simperella and elia ^w^ thanks always for your support!


IMPORTANT!

To my readers, after pondering, I have decided to change my rating from T to M for mentions of some mature and sensitive content in this chapter and the chapters that will follow (also placed a long time ago in my tags). Each chapter which I feel would need some trigger warnings will be placed at the start of the chapter. If I have missed anything, feel free to message me.

Trigger warnings for this chapter:

Graphic depictions of violence, mentions of death and dying, *mentions/implications of childhood trauma, depression and mental health issues, use of profanity

*only a small sliver of the story will mention this theme, it is mostly implied.

The depictions (save for the fight scenes) are mostly not explicitly narrated and are just mentioned to avoid too much emotional unease that may be experienced.

I apologize for the unease in some parts that it may bring but do know that my story will also have a lot of HOPE and recovery in it.

Anyway, I do hope you enjoy reading this update. ^w^


Summary:

The Aftermath of Suguru's betrayal has made a huge dent on the pillars.

He takes one last trip to meet his friends and end up starting a long, arduous journey alone.

While he begins his new life away from the Institute, another struggles to keep hers.

Shouko laments on his betrayal.

Satoru finally decides to become a solution.


1 Month Before Suguru's Last Mission

"Thanks for the invite, Sachi, sorry it took a while," he wiped the sweat that dripped from his chin that came from his sprint from the cafeteria to the training grounds. He was still catching his breath as he squatted beside her in the covered grass. Honestly, Suguru didn't intend to grab lunch and was already halfway through the dorm when he got her text so of course, knowing that there wouldn't be any intrusions with his alone time with her (and how very rare it was nowadays), he found himself grabbing the fastest set he could buy and head on to meet his friend.

Sachiko had already prepared the spread intended for sharing. He didn't mind that it looked like two perfect sets of bento that was meant for someone else but knowing her, it was probably because she usually made specific dishes for each of them and prepped them in containers that were available. At least that's what he chose to believe.

She was already nibbling on a watermelon when she straightened up to greet him and covered her juice smeared mouth with her small hand, the space left in her face enough to focus on the smile on her crimson eyes that made his own twitch at how cute she looked albeit a little perplexed by his surprise arrival.

"No worries," she said, after swallowing and wiping her mouth with her handkerchief. She quickly scooted over to reach for the extra set of chopsticks and the lid of one of the bentos and handed it to Suguru, "Itadakimasu!" she proclaimed, making Suguru snicker.

"Thanks for the food," he clasped his hands together before proceeding to dig in to the assortment of nigiris and side dishes she had prepared. He always looked forward to sharing meals with her, it was very comforting to him. She was one of the people who calmed his thoughts.

He also liked to relish very subtle moments such as the brushing of her elbow against his, the mere seconds she makes eye contact with him as she listens to him speak and simple gestures such as placing more food on his plate or dusting off the side of his uniform was enough to make him anxious.

Anxious, only because it was hard to keep his pretenses. He wasn't comforted or happy because he was in the company of his close friend but because it was her.

There were no other explanations for the pounding of his heart that synched with her giggles, the tingled warmth that would spread to his ears whenever she would pull on his lobes or even ruffled his hair when they were exchanging jokes. And the moments he would spend alone, still filled with vivid thoughts of her that never failed to uplift his mood.

"Suguru? You're not eating. Something wrong?" she gave him a skewed smile.

Suguru blinked two times to snap from his reverie before proceeding to refill his plate,

"Sorry, got-a little distracted," he cleared his throat. His eyes wandered a little longer on the set to keep him composed, "Tuna, tako and salmon, are you sure this is your lunchbox? Or ours?" he sighed, "Oh, unagi, never mind, this is yours," enumerating each of their quartet's favorites being present meant that she had really hoped for them to see each other that afternoon. Lately, Sachiko had been making extra efforts for them to bond.

She nodded, "Well of course!"

He took another bite of his sushi, "You never disappoint with your cooking," it was true. She had an extra talent for it. Perhaps he was biased with his preferences. But for some reason, the fish tasted so fresh, the vegetables were seasoned to perfection and the rice was very rich and savory on its own. The taste was distinct, perhaps it was because-

Rationalizing. Why do I even bother? The answer is all the same.

"Thank you! I actually had help this time so," her voice trailed off but the smile lingered in. She directed to her bottle of water and took a swig, "I'm glad you like it,"

Suguru knew where the hesitation sprung. News of their guardianship wasn't exactly something they could keep within their inner circle. It still irked him that Satoru didn't even bother telling him that it was the main reason he was so occupied for the past few weeks. He wasn't sure if he was being considerate of his feelings or just didn't really have time to explain. Fact was, it was already done. He had secured another bond with her. Once more leaving him in the sidelines.

He understood. Personal matters weren't a popular topic between them lately. He too was busy with his research. Extensively going through ancient texts even delving back to religious epitaphs to see if he could find something, anything that could help give him some guidance in his personal exploits with his beliefs all the while searching for a solution to have more days like that day with her, even if what he felt was one-sided.

"It's been a while since I ate with you like this," she quipped as they proceeded to tidy up the lunch boxes. Content with the fact that Suguru was able to finish more than half of it himself.

"What do you mean?"

Her head whipped sideways suddenly making him flinch as her squinted eyes neared his, their height difference allowing him the advantage of jutting his jaw upwards and back away to create an unsuspecting distance.

She sighed, "You did lose, weight!" she crossed her arms, "Satoru and Shouko were right, though," she tapped on her lips, "I noticed you didn't have much appetite lately, but I do hope it's not because, of something serious?"" her brows shot upward, eyes spectating at his startled expression, hoping he could give her some sort of reassurance.

I don't have much appetite for anything lately. Much less food. What I hunger for are answers.

I could only be satiated if I have answers.

"I'm alright, don't worry," he shrugged, "Just been busy, but I guess," his eyes darted towards the empty containers she was about to wrap, "I covered half of my losses today,"

She returned to her comfortable sitting position and pursed her lips, "Hm…if you say so,"

"You don't believe me?" he gave out an airy chuckle, "Should I finish the rest?" he said, holding out a belch.

She shook her head, "Not, it's fine. I know you're busy, and you don't have to tell me why but, don't forget to take care of yourself or else I'm force-feeding you and Ieiri will have you hooked on an IV while Satoru holds you down, got it?" her tune was playful but a little serious.

They were worried about him.

He raised both of his hands and nodded repeatedly, "Alright, I swear,"

She continued wrapping the bento with the cloth she had used to keep it warm,

"They're very worried you know. Ieiri told me you had been beating her stick record with your nasty habit and Satoru…he says it outright, like he feels that you've been quite different," she set the bento to the side and tucked her legs behind her and nudged him on his arm, "I feel the same way, is there, something that we can do to help? I don't mean to pry but,"

"No, nothing really, I'm just adjusting to how things are getting more and more complicated as we progress with missions but, I appreciate everyone's concern. Sorry for making you worry."

My heart is broken partially because you have chosen Satoru over me but more so at the thought of me causing you to stir and be discomforted by the decline in my health. Especially since-

There were tricks being played by his eyes. He could see, clear as day, that she was paler than usual from the lack of pink in her cheeks and lips, from the multiplying strands of silver that flowed down her braid and the feel of her resting aura, weaker than days before. Even the long sleeves of her uniform wasn't enough to cover up the Kitsune markings floating on her skin.

-you should worry about your own.

"Okay. But, I know I've told you before, but you can talk to us. Any of us. Quite frankly, Satoru has been whining about you being too quiet lately,"

"It's impossible to get a word in with him sometimes. I mean, he blabs a lot,"

"That's true," she giggled, "Hey, you think we can stay here a little longer?"

"Sure. We don't have any more classes after lunch so, yeah,"

"Great! I feel like if Mr. Yaga sees any of us, he'll find another reason to deploy us," she groaned, "I don't feel like going,"

He snorted, "Same here. So, what do we do?"

She shrugged, "You decide,"

They had spent the afternoon talking. It was nice to catch up with each other. In fact, Sachiko was even comfortable enough to open up about her new friends, the two kids she just meant and are now housed at the dojo. She didn't tell him exactly about the arrangements, but it was nice that their presence actually made her seem more cheerful than before.

Suguru was also opening up to her a little, telling her about his readings and his recent missions and even casual talk about the latest publication from their shared favorite author. It was nice, to pretend that nothing was wrong in his world. That, moments like these with her were reserved for just the two of them.

Delusions. Is what they are. Or wishful thinking at least.

"Suguru?" she looked up at him, curiosity mixed with hesitance splayed in her eyes, "What was she like?"

"Who is?"

Sachiko folded her lips and clasped her hands together, "Riko…"

"….hm…" Suguru's lilac eyes flocked down, a solemn look invading the quiet that existed between them that Sachiko immediately regretted having to force him to think about her.

She waved her hands to dismiss her question, "I'm sorry! It was inconsiderate of me, please don't mind my inquisition, I'm really sorry!" her voice rose in panic, but Suguru reassured her that he wasn't offended.

"N-no, it just startled me that's all but if you wanna know, I can tell you,"

Sachiko nodded slowly.

Suguru folded his arms and cupped his chin as he spoke with eyes fleeted upwards, "Let's see, she was a little bit naïve and yet very brave. She was just a kid.," he shrugged, "Though I have to admit, she kind of reminded me a little of you,"

Sachiko crooked a brow, "Naïve and brave? Hm, sounds about right,"

Suguru chuckled and softly knocked her temple with his knuckle, making her rub it as she snarled at him.

"No, not just that," he continued in between laughing, "You had the same color of hair. And-both of you-your will-to live-was the same,"

"Is that so?" Sachiko said, voice turning low at his inference.

The boy with the long raven hair ducked sidewards to catch a glimpse of her crimson eyes. The color of fire was there but the light was faint. Inside of him burned a question he had been asking her in his thoughts daily. A question he often answered for her with each page he read from a text that could provide light to an even harder question if it was possible.

Suguru placed a hand on her shoulder now making her jerk at his sudden hold. Fingers carefully winding on the covered part of her skin then soon his warm, rough touch reached the side of her face where he caressed it just once to send just a sliver of his emotion across whilst delivering a heavy inquiry, "Sachi…you do want to live…longer, right?"

Sachiko's eyes instantly moistened and her lips, the faint pink that colored it began move ever so slightly, keeping words from flowing out of her mouth that Suguru felt extremely unsettled, but he knew, her answer would change the way he would approach her restriction forever.

"Sachi?" he voiced out once more.

Sachiko caught the hand that held her arm, slowly, she had removed it from her shoulder and instead repositioned it in her palm so that she was holding him in her hands. He had never held her hand before, twining his fingers in hers was a foreign sensation and it was excruciatingly making him so flustered and a little confused.

She lifted his hand and directed her eyes at him and nodded, "Of course…more so than ever,"

Forty-seconds. That's all Suguru needed as an affirmation that she wanted help but didn't know where to look for it. She wanted to live.

I am going to help her.

Her slow release of her hold was only meant for her to show how much she appreciated how caring Suguru was towards her. She always viewed him as quite selfless and very kind but most of all reasonable. Lately however, that side of Suguru seemed to be hidden but it was best that she gave him very hopeful news which could help bring a part of him back.

Sachiko took a deep breath as she faced forward,

"To be among those I love and to continue feeling the sense of belongingness and importance for them, I'd like to believe that I am allowed to continue living just for these moments too…"

Suguru straightened up, "You're getting stronger. I can see it. That means, you're overcoming your consumption, right?" his voice edged with longingness for agreement, and he found himself deepening his frown with each sideward movement Sachiko made with her head.

Sachiko's arched brows was coupled with an apologetic smile making him still his breath at the correction he knew was part of a possibility. The one he would never accept.

And he had to sit there and listen to her voice out his fear.

"No," her voice was steady, but her hands weren't, "It's you guys who are getting stronger, I'm only gaining momentum but-the more I am able to do-the less time, I am given to demonstrate it,"

Suddenly, Suguru felt like he was inside a bubble. He was looking at her, but he couldn't form a focused outline of her face. He had heard her words clearly yet the ringing inside of his ear was making him dizzy and unsure if he was processing what he just received. And then, he clenched his teeth, and he heard the crack of his knuckles as he formed a hardened fist with both hands.

Infuriated by the news, he clicked his tongue and interrupted her speech,

"Then quit. You don't have to be a sorcerer if you can live longer,"

Sachiko was taken aback at his statement, "Was that supposed to be a joke?"

Suguru tensed, "I'm extremely serious Sachiko," he hissed.

"You're not the first person to suggest that you know and you're not going to be the last," she said, seriously, making him wipe off the anger on his face and replace it with a bit of sadness.

He looked away, embarrassed by the way he snapped at her, but he still had many inquiries, and he couldn't find another moment to ask them except now, "Did Satoru ever ask you? Did he say the same thing as me?"

Sachiko giggled which made Suguru more wary, "No. He told me that even though he was tempted to, he never could ask me to,"

"Did he say why?"

Sachiko shifted her seating and stretched her legs forward and allowed her hands to drop on the sides to keep her balanced, "He said, because its who I am. And making me give-up what I love to do…won't make life meaningful. He'd rather I live a life where I feel fulfilled than live a very long but very discontent one,"

Suguru bit his cheek, "That sounds…a little selfish but-"

"Logical. He's right though. I don't want to have any regrets," she gave him a wry smile.

She tucked her hair behind her ear as a soft breeze went over them and continued, "You once told Satoru, to have meaning, especially amongst sorcerers is important and I completely agree,"

That doesn't sound like me, but I'm glad I said something sensical and actually quite helpful to current predicament too.

She continued, "If I stop being a sorcerer, then what would I be left with? Who would I be? Where would I go? I'd rather face and feel it all. The struggle, the pain, the peace, I'd feel more complete if I am able to do so."

Suguru couldn't bear to continue hearing the words that she was spewing because it was so sincere, and it was very much like her to lay down her line for the good of all. The selflessness he wished she would discard for once.

If he were to truly answer her question, he would tell her that she was all that mattered to him.

She is his everything.

"Sachi," he positioned his hand an inch away from hers, eyes locked on the delicate space he hesitantly left vacant, willing himself keep collected, starving himself from her warmth he longed to be enveloped with since doing so would cross boundaries that could destroy the comfortable bond, he had with her now. But his heart would not betray him.

"To me…you'd still be my Sachiko…my beloved…" he swallowed the rest of his feelings then, the taste similar to the orbs he would be forced to digest when he acquired curses. And this, his locked-up love, was his own, "…friend,"

Sachiko's head softly landed on his shoulder. The sudden show of her comfort to rest her weight against him made his heart race. It wasn't unusual for her because she trusted him completely. He had been one of her confidantes. Suguru was her friend and part of the family she had been gifted since she entered the school. And it hurt him that she could not see beyond that, but it was enough for him to hold unto to an ounce of hope.

Sachiko was smiling. Peacefully,

"I'm glad that I'll have someone by my side even if I walk away but-this, everything in this realm is my life. For so long as there are curses, I have decided to devote my li-remaining days with you guys by my side. For me, walking away, is an even worse sentence,"

Sachiko smiled with her teeth now, "Being part of this world gave me freedom," she placed both hands above her chest and closed her eyes, her smile unleaving her face, content with the joy she felt with the vocal realizations she was entrusting to Suguru, "I intend to continue living, for so long as I can and be free…"

Suguru's eyes narrowed as he gnashed his teeth together. She was talking about limits and sentences, and it was all too much. He was good with compromise but not this one.

"Then-let me help you," he sounded stern.

"Hm?" Sachiko lifted her head up to face Suguru but he didn't do the same. He kept his expression serious, fiercely so that Sachiko felt a little worried that she had offended him on a personal level.

Suguru spoke without turning his head away from the darkening horizon, "I wasn't able to save Amanai but, I'll be damned if I can't save you," he whipped his head to the side and helped her stand. Positioning his hands on her shoulders, he began to plead, "Sachiko, consider me as a real prospect,"

Sachiko flinched, "Wait-h-how?"

Suguru's grip tightened, "Yahiko-senpai told me everything and I-you should know, I'm here, if you need me but-I also know that my chances of you choosing me are slim. But, I promise you, I will find a way. Even if you don't choose me, I will do my best to help you overcome your restriction,"

Sachiko was too shocked to respond. His eyes told her everything she needed to know. The days he would spend in libraries, his meet-ups with her cousin, everything started to make sense. She felt guilty and a little scared that Suguru might have found a devastating end to his research, and she didn't want him to suffer anymore. Not at her expense,

"Suguru, there's no need-"

"No," he shook her once and slowly wound his arms her for a short hug, "There is," as he let her go, she took her trembling hand and kissed the back of it, unmeeting her eyes at the fear that she would look at him with derision but he couldn't help himself, "I ask for nothing in return," he kissed her hand once more, "I swear to it. I swear to you. You will live,"

Suguru had decided that for her salvation, he would forgo all other thought and live with purpose that wouldn't distort his own beliefs.

There are still good people in this world. People who are deserving of second chances.

Including a previously scorned young sorcerer.

In hindsight, he still recognized faces of people who are willing to help. People who will go out of their way to correct the mistakes committed to ill sounding words. Twisted images to be forgotten by good action.

People contributing to the peace that sorcerers rarely get.

A glimmer of light cascading the familiar eyes that surrounded him.

The source of hope, multiplying with each thread that tangles in the open space of the new dawn that awaited them.

For the betterment of myself.

For the progression of humanity.

For the strengthening of the Jujutsu realm.

She must remain a part of it.

I can't do this alone anymore.

But I will be its initiating force.

I must throw away all of my doubts and embrace the truth that humanity can provide me options.

I must accept that this suffering. This cause. This marathon has a definite and positive end.

I am not alone in my desires.

I am with her. I am with my friends.

Together.

Yes.

I can find a way, if I accept both halves of my soul-the divine and the mundane.

Together.

Every single person matters now.

At least one should be able to help me with my cause.

I cannot live with you being just a memory.

You will live without regrets.


Everything changed in a split second.

It only took one breath.

One thought.

One decision.

That had many consequences.

In accordance to article IX of the Jujutsu Regulations,

Suguru Getou is now considered a curse user

and subject to execution.


The skin bunched around his eyes, the cords on his neck turned visible, pulsating at the horrid news he had just received. His lips made a tight line, teeth clenched, the taste of copper sneaking itself in as he bit the side of his cheek to keep from retching out the contents of the stomach.

His entirety froze, time became irrelevant as minutes passed by with him remaining mute and short of breath, easily swayed off balance should he be moved by force. From whatever strength or even reason he had left, he could only manage a single word,

"What?"

Yaga let out an exasperated groan, his left hand massaging his temple, eyes avoidant to the boy in shock, "Don't make me say it again…Suguru fled after killing everyone in the village…"

Satoru winced, beating down his own brewing confusion tantamount to the disgust he was feeling towards a name he could not believe belonged to his best friend.

"I heard you, that's why I said what," his shades dropped to the tip of his nose, pale lashes fluttering down to cast shadows under his eyes.

Yaga continued, pausing to briefly assess the mental state of his student. He knew he was already in shambles, but he would do him a disservice if he left out any sort of information regarding Getou, "Suguru's parents' home is vacant as well. However, from the blood stains and residuals…it seems he might have done the same to his parents,"

"THERE'S NO WAY!" Satoru couldn't help but make a knee-jerk reaction with his sudden outburst. It was an honest reaction. He knew who Getou Suguru was and Masamichi Yaga had been describing a stranger.

A monster.

"Satoru, I also…have no idea what the hell is going on…" he took a deep breath now, ashamed of how he, as their mentor, failed to protect his student from his wrong decisions. He was as much as at fault as any for not reaching out to the pained boy. And having to deliver the news of his betrayal made him feel like an even bigger failure.

Gojo Satoru was drenched in his own sweat, the anxiety and disbelief eating at him with every minute that passed. His pupils were blown, teeth chattering as he processed what had just happened. There was evidence to his best friend's crime and yet, a huge part of him chose to neglect it.

"There's absolutely no way…" he mouthed, voice transitioning into a stale tone, wanting reprieve from the hellish dream he was being forced unto.


Four Days Earlier

Fushimi Momoyama Baseball Field

"You've got a pretty good hand," he said in between breaths, balancing his water bottle he had chugged clean in one hand and using the other to swipe a towel across his forehead and jaw to keep his sweat from dripping. He used his fingers to rake and ruffle through his blue-black hair before fixing stray strands that covered his scarred right eye, the glowing opal, and the hazel of his left, following the movements of his younger colleague setting the bat down and positioning himself beside him.

"Thanks, I should be flattered to get a compliment from an incoming leaguer," Suguru mused before taking a swig of his water.

The unlikely friendship between the Six-tailed Kitsune's cousin, and also her brother figure, stemmed from a curiosity that turned into a bit of a mission that they shared. Suguru had asked questions and then Yahiko had provided insufficient answers and it went on and on until his nagging turned into a partnership which even earned him a position as his prospect for Sachiko.

They would train together, study together and even go on missions together outside of their research but since his announcement to forgo any claims for clan leadership for his ambition with the sport, it did place a dent on any of his suggestions so, his access to some privileges were revoked pending their assessment of his plans.

"Yeah, well, don't hold your breath. My petition is under review but at least I got a girlfriend and this field at my disposal," he snorted, "And hey, I got a batting partner who won't lecture me every time I pitch,"

Suguru cackled, "Are you talking about your cousin or your grandfather?"

"I'm talking about Iori, but don't tell her that," he sighed, "I mean, she wants to have a more normal life with me, so I thought she'd be thrilled to live outside of the clan system if I gave up being a sorcerer but that wasn't-" he grumbled and allowed his bottom to fall on the benches, "Anyway, let's not talk about my love life kid, you're not here for that,"

Yahiko hadn't talked to Suguru for weeks since their search reached a plateau. He had opened the possibility of being a familiar once again and Suguru's answer was demoralizing but also quite brave.

Why would I be her familiar? I'm not the one she loves.

It was plain and simple. He wasn't ready to take his name out of the game, but he already knew he had lost in that aspect.

Except, he wasn't ready to lose the real fight that mattered.

"Am I that obvious?" Suguru crossed his arms and jut his chin upwards, looking towards the expanse of the military castle that stood majestic in the Sengoku period, he couldn't help but be a little intrigued at how life would be like amidst a constant civil war and social upheaval, if it were easier to deal with than what he was burdened with now.

The half-Inari Miura noticed the change within his friend. He used to be very blunt but very reasonable. He wasn't a hot head and was very optimistic for the most part. Now, he was more solemn and had a disturbed focus bordering on obsession.

The weird med student had asked him about his behavior since he came back from Okinawa. At first, it didn't seem like much had changed. The trauma and the adjustment from a mission gone wrong would definitely take time to heal but her inquiries may have had an even deeper foundation.

Something was off.

Maybe, I should start talking to that brat with the white hair too.

"So," Yahiko leaned back and tilted his head to the side, his heterochromatic eyes remained calculating. Suguru was acting like his normal self upfront but his aura was different. He hated to admit it, but it felt a little sinister, "What's on your mind?"

Suguru aligned his palms together, the tips of his fingers rested on top of his lips as if he was trying to rehearse his statement one last time. The lilac in his eyes turned a shade darker, from their distance Yahiko was able to see how he was physically different. The healthy junior he played baseball with transformed to the toughened, experienced sorcerer whose aged eyes sharpened the way he viewed the world but perhaps not in the best sense.

"I've been thinking," he began.

"About what?"

"About why, up until this time, there hasn't been an alternative for her restriction except for the familiarship but even with that option, it doesn't guarantee a hundred percent success and depending on how the familiar is energy-compatible, the lifted restriction might not even be enough,"

Yahiko winced, "Yes, what you just said is true, but, you have to admit despite the odds, we have living proof that it works. Aunt Koda has a familiar, she overcame the restriction-"

"She is a two-tailed Kitsune, by affinity, she is weaker, and her consumption is more tolerable," his interjection made Yahiko a little uneasy. His spoke rather prudely but he allowed him to continue anyway,

"Her familiar is a first-grade sorcerer, so yes, it does work but, she's a lot more vulnerable too because of it. She lost her ability to withstand poisons, she lost her elemental technique since the merging,"

Yahiko lifted his left arm and adjusted his seating, "Yes, but she honed her reversal techniques to perfection," He cocked a brow, irritation plastered on his face at Suguru's indirect slander against his aunt that he challenged, "What's your point in all of this?" he flinched upwards, "With the current familiar in line, Sachiko might get the best shot. Let's lay down the facts here, despite my apprehensions, Gojo is heaven sent,"

Suguru gritted his teeth. The mention of his best friend's name was bound to come up sooner or later. Out of all the candidates, Satoru was the best and again, he only came in second. Even with that knowledge, it didn't seem like Satoru was keen on being the familiar in his perspective. So, with that hindrance, Suguru couldn't stand idly.

Yahiko blinked as he massaged his temple, adjusting his tone to drive a point, "He's a special grade, practically guaranteeing that he'd be able to sustain the cursed energy requirement she would borrow from him during the consumption, hell, her consumption might be moot if the binding goes perfectly,"

Suguru eyed his senior through his periphery, "His cursed energy was designed specifically to eliminate curses which Sachiko has a part of embedded in her soul. She is a six-tailed Kitsune, the stronger the affinity, the more it will become resistant to a large powerful core coming from a special grade sorcerer,"

Yahiko groaned, "The chances of that happening are very low. Incompatibility hasn't happened in the history of familiarship,"

"Yes, it has," he was quick to interrupt his senior's words. He has read all the texts available regarding the history of their clan and there was one paragraph, a short one that recorded such instance,

"A Kitsune died because the familiar was overwhelmed with the Kitsune's lifeform and as a result she sacrificed herself to keep the familiar alive. I have no doubt that's exactly what's going to happen if-"

Yahiko grabbed Suguru by the collar, his eyes burned with rage as he tried to eliminate the pessimism written in the younger one's face. Suguru remained still, mouth in a straight line but his eyes were equipped with equal pressure towards Yahiko. His grip slowly loosened around Suguru and he was quick to make some distance after letting him go. Suguru didn't retaliate so Yahiko spoke,

"Suguru, this whole thing is a gamble but it's the best we've got. We're not gonna force anything unto them. Gojo as the familiar was hypothetical and yet now I see, it just irks you that it has to be him. What is it that you fear the most? The possibility of losing her, the woman you love to her curse? Dragging your best friend into a possible life sentence and even death? Or is it the possibility of losing her over him that maddens you? Which is it?" he contested.

"If I told you, it was all of them, you wouldn't believe me," He straightened, "I just think that a flawed binding that is rooted in chances isn't worth it,"

Yahiko rubbed his mouth with the back of his hand and sighed, "As opposed to what? What is your brilliant plan that has less consequences and has better odds at success in keeping my sister alive? Where did you find such a solution? From the mountain of files and avalanche of people we asked and found nothing, where did you find an answer?"

A smile played on Suguru lips now, "The mirror,"

"What?"

Suguru met the stark stare of Yahiko and rivaled it with a self-assured set of eyes making the other double back, "I have a solution senpai, please calm down and hear me out,"

Yahiko's differently colored pairs of eyes darted Suguru's right hand, his cursed energy was close to activation that he could feel his Inari ready to make its presence known, still he decided to give him the benefit of the doubt,

"That would be easier if black smoke isn't emitting from your palm," his eyes quickly reverted into its Inari form, the crescents sending a warning to Suguru to take a step back as a caution for an impending retaliation.

"Oh this, this is just a reminder," he extinguished his cursed energy and raised his hands in surrender as he erased the intensity of his glare, "Yahiko-senpai, please, humor me," Yahiko gritted his teeth then reluctantly bobbed his head, "Kitsunes are sorcerer-cursed spirit hybrids, correct?"

Yahiko's brows weaved, "Yes, Kitsunes have two halves of one soul but what are you-"

Suguru nodded, "Well then, that's where I come in," he grinned, "I'm a cursed spirit manipulator, all I have to do is extract the cursed spirit within her and entrap it so she can live without any restrictions. She'll still be a sorcerer but would probably be reclassified but, she'll live," he lifted his shoulders, "Of course, that's part of my theoretical plan. But you have to admit, it's a pretty good one,"

Despite still processing what Suguru had said, he actually did present a plausible solution. His theory was unproven only because in those years of having Kitsune-hybrids, it was only now that someone with cursed spirit manipulation was born.

Is this part of his destiny too? Why does it feel-grim?

Yahiko collected his thoughts, scanning his mind for any mention of his suggestion but he knew there was none in writing. Still, he had to lay down some interesting points to at least give the boy some sort of validation,

"You, as the host, will be able to overlook the bond and dispel the consequence of sharing cursed energy by eliminating the Kitsune's cursed spirit, yes, but partial spirit exorcisms in Kitsunes have never been done," he scratched his hair, "We don't even know if it's possible," he gave out a sharp exhale, "It's more likely that you'll kill her in the process unless-"

Suguru shook his head, "Unless, I perform a splice. I will remove the Kitsune and replace it with an equivalent amount cursed energy which I can source with another special grade cursed spirit that will not consume her since the curse will be killed before hand,"

It scared Yahiko to think that Suguru had also gone through blood magic literature. The practices of the curse-users were banned years ago and if anyone were to find out that he had been going through the texts, it would mean his immediate expulsion. He couldn't let him go a dark path, even if it meant losing another option to save Sachiko.

Yahiko gripped the side of his arm to make him listen. He would have to be harsh with his words, truthful to the point that it would discourage him from further exploits.

"Even if the splice is successful, you could end up giving her an even worse fate!" He held back from escalating his tone, but he had to get across Suguru somehow,

"Listen, that is a good proposition but, if you do manage to separate the sorcerer from the spirit, you would be forced to entrap the spirit in your domain. She might become an empty vessel too for all we know! We'd be risking losing the very essence of who she is or worse, you'd be taking her will-"

Getou's eyes narrowed at his allusion. He was already painting him out to be a villain when he was trying to be the opposite. He knew his proposition wouldn't be taken kindly initially but it was valid nonetheless, "I'd be taking her will?"

Yahiko's arms turned static from the thunder that circled like sparks matching the glow of his eyes. He took a step forward, unblinking at his young colleague.

"You'd be saving her life," He gave him two thoughtful nods as he pursed his lips, feeling unsettled at Suguru's commanding presence. Wrinkling his nose and clicking his tongue, he took one more step forward, "-possibly, but you'd be taking control of it too…is this the alternative? Her life at the expense of her freedom?"

"No, I don't want to take her freedom away. I'm not that crazy. But I want to know that there are options,"

"Suguru, your option may seem like it has a better chance at success, but it doesn't mean that it's the right one. If you're that desperate, just beg my grandfather to make you her familiar!" he yelled.

"I've already lost that battle. Besides, she will need someone stronger and more stable than me as a familiar," he took a deep breath and placed one hand on his waist, one hand wiping his face clean from the derogatory look he etched,

"I guess, you're right…I might be wrong…I'm sorry," he sounded more relaxed then, but Yahiko knew better than to take his apology lightly. He looked like he was actually listening to his heeding, but Yahiko could only hope that the old Suguru was still there.

"So, you proposed it because that way, you would win? Is that it?" it hurt him to make his friend sound pathetic, but it was getting increasingly harder to make him realize the flaw in his plan.

"I only did so, because, that way, I would have chance. But if that ends up killing her or taking away her will, then, it shouldn't even be an option," his eyes fell on the floor, the shame slowly making its entrance that took with it an ounce of frustration the settled within his chest. He knew he sounded preposterous, but he wasn't given much choice.

Yahiko's hands dropped to his sides. Kneading the side of his face as he waited until the empty stare of Suguru would at least lift but then he heard him snicker. A treacherous sound which he tried to muffle out with his hand as he turned an angle to cover his face. Then he felt it-the fear.

The blood on Yahiko's face left him and his brow twitched from the hyperextension of his lids that it felt so dry. In front of him was the body of the promising young lad but his soul, was nowhere to be found.

"You've changed Suguru, I'm worried. What's going on?" Yahiko sounded frantic but he had every reason to, but Suguru wasn't at all alarmed by his reaction.

He merely tilted his head sideward and shrugged, "Nothing. Just-growing up and building my own principles, I guess,"

"What the hell are you talking about? You're not making sense and you don't fool me!" he narrowed his eyes at him once more, his Inari slowly emerging beside him, "You say you won't pursue it but just for the heck of it, you're going to-" he spoke through gritted teeth which was mirrored by his shikigami, "You, Suguru, you're going to-"

He began to make his leave now after giving Yahiko a slight bow, "I might die in the process or get crippled trying but to me, this is worth it for her. I don't have much to lose anyway,"

Yahiko rushed to make him turn, gripping the other boy tightly, shaking him, pleading to him to at least listen to his words but alas, his yelling didn't, "This is madness. Even for you!" his fingers slid down until he finally set him free. He trembled in anger, and it took extra effort for him to not drive his fist across Suguru's face.

Suguru took advantage of Yahiko's brooding as his chin dropped to his chest and continued walking away. Taking one last look over his shoulder, he licked his lips and spoke, "Some call it love, or maybe it is madness. Right now, I call it conviction,"

Ambition is like love, impatient both of delays and rivals.

Yahiko lifted his arms, cursed energy gathering around him and his Inari, but he kept his head down, "I can't let you go like this Suguru,"

"Please, save your strength. I don't want to fight. I promise you; I won't do anything I'll regret, and I won't ever hurt her,"

Yahiko's Inari landed in front of the cursed spirit manipulator, the blue-black fur of the large fox rose and sparked, its teeth growling at him but he hardly recoiled,

Behind him, Yahiko bore the same expression, "Suguru, this is your last warning, as my friend and my lowerclassman, I am going to give you one last piece of advice. Don't be selfish. It is better to do nothing, than to do what is wrong. For whatever you do, you do to yourself! You know what has to happen,"

Suguru lifted his hand now, a cloud of black smoke forming a gale that alerted the Inari even more, The young, cursed spirit manipulator tucked one hand inside his pocket as he summoned the Nogitsune, the very symbol of betrayal towards Sachiko's clan, animated at his side, "Believe me, I know what has to be done, in the end, she has to choose,"


Miura Metro Dojo

"Okay, now, take a deep breath for me," she moved the bell of the stethoscope from Megumi's upper back to the lower lung bases to auscultate for his breath sounds. Kodansha weaved a satisfied smile as she removed the buds in her ears and tucked the kid's shirt back down.

Megumi jumped off the bed and went to his sister's side who gave him a pat in the head.

Kodansha clapped and beamed at the children, "Everything seems to be fine. You two are as healthy as bears," her mobile phone began to ring, and she excused herself after gesturing for Shouko to watch them.

Shouko rubbed her eyes and yawned. Exhausted from the night shift she suddenly had to join and was dragged early in the morning to check on the kids with her mentor as per request of her best friend.

With unsuspecting eyes, Shouko slumped on the bed and peered towards the two curious children,

"I'm Sachiko's best friend, Shouko Ieiri, you can call me whatever you want," she yawned once more making the two young one's exchange looks, "Huh," she observed how the two didn't exactly look alike for siblings but wasn't that surprised knowing who their parents were. She pointed her fingers at the two,

"So, you two are the squirts that are keeping those two dumb love birds occupied huh? Megumi and Tsumiki right?"

Megumi pouted, "Don't call Sachiko-san an idiot, Shouko-san,"

Shouko's eyes blew wide open, and she couldn't help but laugh loudly, "So just Gojo then?"

Megumi shrugged.

"I like you kid," she swung her legs to the side and sat and extended her had towards Megumi which he reciprocated with an awkward high-five. Tsumiki on the other hand tugged on Shouko's pants, "Yes?"

"Um, where's daddy?"

"Daddy? Oh yeah right, I think he's deployed right now," Shouko's eyes went to the clock, "Is Sachiko still sleeping?"

Tsumiki nodded, "When mommy comes home from a trip, she wakes up after lunch, so she'll probably wake up soon,"

Shouko paused. Her Kitsune slumber was getting more frequent. Check-ups were unremarkable in between. She was fit to work as a sorcerer but Kodansha and Ieiri feared that she'd one day come home from a mission and end up in a permanent coma or worse.

Without a doubt, Sachiko was getting stronger when in battle. She was refining her techniques well, but the consumption was speeding up alongside her strides and there was very little they could do for her.

Shouko tried to hide the concern on her face and braved speaking with the kids who treasured her best friend. Inside of her, she knew that even Sachiko was suffering from the thought of having to leave the two behind. She cleared her throat,

"Alright. I'm gonna leave my number here, just in case you need anything, okay?"

Tsumiki saved her number on her phone and smiled. As Shouko's phone lit up, she instructed the kids to wait for her by the kitchen so she can prepare their snacks.

Kodansha reappeared not long after. She looked a little worried behind her smile, giving the go signal for Shouko to go on ahead back to the Institute. She figured that it was probably Yaga whom she spoke with earlier, and the topic of the vice-principal's message was the same as his text.

She hurriedly left the dojo, forgetting to bid the Fushiguros farewell and instead briskly making her way out until she had arrived at the train station. She badly wanted to pop a cigar in between her lips and her leg and fingers were shaking uncontrollably. She felt suffocated inside the train that as soon as the doors opened, she rushed through the crowd until she was able to sneak in the smoking area behind the campus.

It took her a few tries to ignite her lighter and with her first hit, she let out a rather hoarse, smokey breath. She tapped the cig over the waste basket and hissed at the recollection of the message,

"Shit, you have got to be fucking kidding me Suguru,"


5 days after the incident

As the incoming principal of Tokyo Jujutsu Technical School, Masamichi Yaga was tasked to spearhead the investigation of the village. From day one, he had been actively surveying the scene and meticulously trying to piece out every remnant of cursed energy to see if his student had an accomplice or if there was even a small chance that he was coerced by a different sorcerer to do such a thing.

The higher-ups Initially thought that it was the curse he was sent to exorcise that had caused the massacre, but further inspection confirmed residuals belonging to Suguru Geto's curse manipulation technique.

Principal Yaga treaded heavily across the now desecrated rubble that was once a village. The bodies had been collected earlier on, not many were recovered, the rest were assumed to have been destroyed during the attack. The children who were detained in the cell went missing as well and no house was left unturned.

How could a young boy from our institution do such a thing? Yaga thought, recalling the times he had spoken with his student and not finding an actual connection to what had happened. He left no such clue.

What he did leave was something Yaga wished he had kept.

He stopped at the entrance of the village, a shiny object caught his eye, half-covered in dirt. He crouched down and picked up the item, carefully dusting it to reveal an object that once belonged to his student-a gold pin with a vortex design, the symbol of the Tokyo pillar.

With a heavy heart, he balanced the piece in his palm and recognized no trace of his student's cursed energy, but it did embed itself with an even heavier symbol of what he had forsaken.

He had left behind his old life.

Once and for all.


Tsumiki knocked on Sachiko's door after the third time she had not responded to her call to join them for lunch. The little girl carefully opened the door and popped her little head inside to check on her guardian, brown eyes wandering the neat room, looking for any sign of Sachiko.

The bed was empty, and the blanket was left half-folded alongside the weirdly angulated pillows which was unusual for Tsumiki. Sachiko had always reminded them how important it was to fix their bed upon waking to kick off the start of the day and she couldn't believe that she would live her room in such state.

"Sachimommy?" she called, checking the dressing room if she was there only to find it unlit and kept in order.

Megumi on the other hand had been following his shikigamis who had been barking and rushing towards the garden. Something about the way they reacted made Megumi a little nervous.

He heard two different voices emerging from the center of the garden but for some reason, his dogs had prevented Megumi from going near. He stood on his toes to peek at the owners of the two shadows. A tall man with hair tied in a bun seemed to be tying something on Sachiko's hair.

"Sachiko-san?" he muttered, moving his head sideways and up to take a closer look at them speaking. From what he could make out, Sachiko sounded flustered and the other man who wore a white polo who was trying to calm her down. Worried for her welfare, Megumi implored his shikigamis to watch Sachiko as he went to fetch his sister for help but as soon as he turned around, he heard he a soft thud making him quickly turn around.

His green eyes constricted but his lids widened at what he saw, from behind him, he heard Tsumiki gasp.

"Mommy!" she called, making the man beside her turn but within the next blink, he vanished.

The two had rushed over to her side. Shaking her and bidding her to return to consciousness. Tsumiki was already dialing her phone when Megumi had run to fetch the old gran.

Megumi returned drenched in sweat and had informed Tsumiki that the caretaker had already asked for help, "Have you called him onee-san?"

Tsumiki was close to crying, "Satoru-san isn't answering but I left him a message!"

Megumi's face contorted, "Let's go back and stay with her!"

They both call out for her name, rushing over to the place they had left her but when they returned, she was no longer there.

The divine dogs were howling in circles as Megumi approached them. He had wondered why they kept on circling the same spot, and then he saw it, scattered areas where he saw fragments of cursed energy remained. His small fingers brushed against the stained pavement, and soon, dropped his weight on the floor, feeling helpless and once again, left behind.

Come back home, mom.


"Sachi?"

There was nothing like living beside the beach. The air that entered and exit the windows smelled like the fresh ocean and the breeze was cool enough to temper the rays of the sun that made the water shine like diamonds.

The scenery was breathtaking, much like living in a painting where every detail was rendered to perfection. She was lost in the pull of the ambient breeze, the way it pricked her skin with the dew and sand that it took with it sent a relaxing chill throughout her body. Oddly enough, the gold light that traced over her eyes lit it up like fire, the blaze so captivating that it made the man beside her silent for a few moments just to look upon her face.

A creak disturbed his melancholy, realizing that it came from himself, he took a deep breath and placed one hand on her shoulder, "Sachi?" he called once more, softly this time.

Her expression remained serene as she placed her attention on her host. Suguru's heart pulsated at the way she looked at him thoughtfully. It had been such a long time since he saw her so healthy. Her cheeks so full of color, her eyes so lit up and enhanced by the natural lighting the beach had provided. Her hair, neatly tied in the purple ribbon he had gifted looked very glossy as it danced in the sea breeze.

For a moment, he hesitated to bring the most important matter to stage. Suguru needed help. Not for himself, but for two other people.

Sachiko blinked repeatedly and rubbed her eyes, finding herself a little bit confused at her current circumstances. For one, she could not remember where they were and how they even got there. She began looking around the beach house, nothing was familiar to her except her friend.

"Sachi? Are you okay?" Suguru dipped his head and placed both hands on her shoulders to steady her. He only had a few moments left for his plan to work and for it to reach completion, she needed to remain oblivious to what was actually happening.

"Suguru?" Where-h-how?" she began asking.

Suguru folded his lips, "We're on a mission, don't you remember?" he needed to sound convincing despite the lie eating at his core.

"Oh, uh, could you remind me-?" she was having trouble finding the words to say. She felt a little light-headed, but Suguru's words actually made sense to her. Save for their jackets, they were both wearing their school uniforms and he was able to briefly detail the progress of their mission up until they arrived at the beach house.

"There were only two survivors in the village, two little girls and we had to bring them here for now, to keep them safe but, they seem to be plagued with something and both Lady Kodansha and Ieiri aren't responding, maybe you could do something?" he sounded sincerely worried as he ushered her in the sole quarters of the cabin.

Two little girls, probably around the same age as Megumi were lying down, writhing in pain. They were both very pale, close to emaciation and badly beaten that at first glance, Sachiko had begun her examination.

"What happened to them?"

"Bad people happened to them Sachi…and I think they were given something that's making them like this…"

Sachiko's hands embedded in cursed energy hovered over the children, the blue blaze scanning their fragile bodies for any traces of a toxin and true enough she had identified at least three and to make things worse, none of them were cursed-based, all of them were manmade.

It was fortunate that the children were born with cursed energy or else, the dose they had received would've been fatal.

The little girls were partially awake during the reversal session, they watched as the black-haired lady created healing beads that originated from her own core. Opening her mouth as she exchanged the poisoned breath from the children's staggered exhalation, she quickly directed the Kitsune-bi essence inside their mouths, making them jerk forward as if they were forced to catch their breaths before slowly settling back down on the soft mattress until they finally went back to sleep.

Sachiko was eerily quiet as she and Suguru started bandaging and cleaning some of their wounds. With each dab of cotton soaked with an antiseptic and each paint of blood and debris that they removed; the light that was once present in her eyes faded. She saw herself in the twins and Suguru felt the same but more so guilty that she was the only one who could help him now.

Sachiko pulled the blanket over them and tucked them in, their steady breathing finally made her sigh in relief, "I guess we should leave them to rest," Suguru nodded, slowly closing the door of the quarters as he followed her outside.

"Are you alright?" it was a stupid question to ask her, but he had to as part of courtesy.

"Yes, I just, with the other two and now the twins, I'm just grateful that they got rescued before anything else happened,"

Suguru didn't have the heart to ask about the children she and Satoru had shared guardianship with mostly because he felt very jealous of his best friend. And he already knew, they were doing a very good job with it.

He just hoped that he could do the same…without her.

"They'll be okay, I promise," he forced a smile which thankfully made Sachiko unweave her brows. At his periphery he saw the sky's color was changing and the sound of the crashing waves were getting harsher and harsher that he couldn't help but downturn his lips at the realization that his time with her was almost up.

"Sachi,"

"Yes?"

He lifted his right hand and smiled at her fervently, lilac eyes, the kindest of its form she had ever seen that she felt a little flustered at his offer to hold unto him.

"Will you take a walk with me? Let's watch the sun set," his voice remained steady, but his emotions stirred like a whirlpool of hurt and sentiment the longer he looked at her. He ached all over, struggling to feign the confidence that had left him since he forcibly placed her under his spell but he didn't need to say anything else as Sachiko felt the longingness and the desperation of her touch that she didn't even hesitate to slide her hand unto his and allowed him to guide her to the pebbled sand of the beach.

Her hold was loose, but it remained secure in his grasp. With each step they made under the cloudless sky painted in reflection of the color of their eyes, he watched her, observed her, memorized her and felt every being of her, and she allowed him to.

She was happy there. Secure. Content.

It was everything he ever wanted.

With her there, he could have had a new home.

Until he realized that the details he wished to erase still remained.

Inside the sphere of his dreams, the markings of her curse were present. Her lifeline still faded as evidenced by the pale strands that decorated her raven hair. Even in this trance, the pull of her cursed energy remained weaker than before.

At his state, he still wasn't prepared to initiate the plan he had briefed with Yahiko Miura but he wasn't going to throw away that option yet.

Especially now.

But that discussion, he would have to reserve for a separate time, today, he would have to do something he never thought he'd have the courage to do before.

"Sachi?"

She hooked her hair in place behind her ear with her free hand and leered towards him unsuspectingly, "Yes?"

To keep his hand from trembling, he twined his fingers in between hers and tightened his hold, eyes fixated on the sand, slowly being uncovered by the clear water with each wave, "I have to leave,"

"Leave?" her voice rose, "What do you mean?"

Suguru lifted his chin and directed his eyes on the sun slowly abandoning the beach, allowing the rays to directly hit his eyes in an attempt to dry up the ocean that was forming from within,

"I am leaving, and I am not going to return," he hesitantly turned to her now, the lump on his throat hardening from the emotions he was trying so hard to suppress.

"Where are you going?" she looked concerned now, "Why won't you return?"

"It's better that you don't know…for now. But don't worry," a smile played on his lips for a split second, "I'll be alright,"

Sachiko took a step closer towards Suguru, "Suguru, you're scaring me a little, what's going on?"

"If I tell you everything now, you'd hate me and ask me to leave at once…"

Or worse.

She shook her head, "I'm sure whatever it is, I'll understand, so please just-"

"Then stay with me," he gritted his teeth, "If you stay with me, then I'll tell you everything…"

Her mouth quivered to a close. Questions were piling up and his insistence on her companionship despite staying in the dark wasn't something she was willing to compromise with, "You know, I'll always be by your side,"

He sighed.

That, is a no, then.

"I'm not so sure anymore…which is why, for now," he gulped, "I just wanted to-"

"No," she frowned, "Tell me the truth," she unwound her hand from his and gripped his wrist. Upon contact with the bracelet that connected with the strings she had given him, Suguru's face widened in terror. He was very careful not to trigger anything that would give her a connection to reality, and he had forgotten to ward off the strong connection he had yielded in his hand.

As soon as she had activated some cursed energy from the string, a strong pulse went through her that registered the remnants of Suguru's own and because of this, she saw images, very vivid ones of what had just transpired. She was finally reminded of the truth. She saw it with her own eyes, the blood, the cries the torment-everything.

She pushed him back.

Struggling to find balance as she stood on the wet sand, she clasped her chest and found it increasingly difficult to breathe. Her vision was blurring, and her ears were ringing so bad that she stooped to deflect his equally horrified face.

What was that? She questioned herself. Partially denying the truth she was just given that felt the blood leave her face.

Suguru caught her in time before she fell on the sand. Her head landed on his chest and Suguru wrapped an arm around her back to steady her. He expected her to push him away again, but her strength was evanescing that all she could do was ask,

"Why?" her voice cracked, tears, forming at the corners of her eyes, the crimson color glistening like the fire in it was slowly being put out, "Why?" she pleaded once more, lifting her chin to meet his heartbreaking stare.

He didn't respond because there was no answer that could ever give her the kind that she wanted. His reasons were self-centered and could only be justified if she shared the same ideals.

And he was certain, she wouldn't accept any of his explanations.

"Why won't you answer me?" Suguru felt her shiver, making him peer down at her small frame. She rubbed her eyes and then slowly lifted her face to force him to look at her in the eye.

And it broke him.

The first sound of her whimper.

The first tear that trickled down her face.

The way she looked at him like a stranger.

He would remember it even in his unconscious state.

And because he was the reason behind her sadness, it would haunt him forever.

Suguru reached out for her, but she quickly stepped back. There was also fear that twined with her emotions and he felt like she was very distant from him.

"Suguru, if you won't explain then, at least-"

"I'm sorry Sachi, but I won't surrender, I have come too far for that. I know it's difficult to understand but I had to do what I had to do,"

"Do you regret it?"

"What?"

"Answer me. Now, that I know, do you regret it?"

"…No,"

"I see…then…if that's the case,"

She positioned her hand into a benediction and grated at him reciting the words that would not permit him to escape,

"Emerge from darkness, blacker than darkness," she eyed him fiercely, "Purify that which is impure," her voice was low, but she still sounded determined and it alarmed Suguru that he was able to make her look so furious at him. He didn't even know that it was possible, and he felt the same type of hatred for himself that he could ever hurt her this way.

For a better cause, I must do this.

Despite her will to extract cursed energy to cover the whole beach with her veil, Suguru didn't change his stance. He left himself unguarded, unable to look away with her with such sad eyes. And it was because,

It's not working. My technique, it's not activating.

Suguru lifted his hands to show that he was unarmed and did not intend use his technique against her, all he wanted to do is inch his way closer to calm her done.

"Forgive me Sachi, but, it won't work here…because you are inside my illusion domain,"

Sachiko's hands fell to her sides, her face still wet from the overflowing water that decorated her cheeks that she traced her fingers over them just to check if it were real.

It didn't feel like an illusion. The way her chest tightened at his betrayal, the way her stomach churned from the images she saw earlier. All of it felt very real.

"Suguru…why?" she asked once more, pleading to him to make her understand why he had to turn into a person she could no longer recognize, and it was all too much.

The skies swirled in a harsh shade of Suguru's eyes and the warmth that was previously present dissipated into a glacial atmosphere. Sachiko felt paralyzed.

His mouth was shut tight, yet his rueful smile remained. And the water than fell on his face looked so crystalline that it was hard to believe that they were material. She reached out for him; the shattering of her heart almost audible even from a distance that Suguru knew she could no longer deny the truth.

And it was hard. Excruciatingly hard for him to force her to accept him.

The new him.

This is why, I must pursue the solitary course.

"Suguru…" one step and she found herself losing her strength. Suguru quickly scooped her up and steadied her body against his, resting his temple unto hers and placing one hand behind her head, he held her like she was glass. So delicate and fragile and he was breaking her, with one hand resting on his palm, each connection cracking the surface of what was left of their old friendship.

Her eyes grew heavy. Darkness threatening to overcome with each trickle of tear that continued to pulsate from her eyes and her heart.

But he was wide awake. Too aware and too conscious that her image continued to burn in his mind as she continued to descend into her slumber.

"Suguru…" she spoke his name once more, hoping he would, at the very last minute, change his mind.

He didn't wipe away his tears as he responded, "I have no regrets Sachi and I must leave," he let out a shaky breath and smoothened her hair, "Please, take care of yourself and please do not look for me, especially when you remember…forget about me and think only of caring for yourself,"

He felt her hand grip his shirt, "Don't leave us behind…don't leave Ieiri, Satoru and I behind…please…"

He held back a whimper, "I'm sorry, I have to…I can't-"

Sachiko shook her head slowly, "You can…" she gasped for air, "I know you; this isn't you, it's not too late, we can still make things right, I'll help you," her grip tightened, and he felt his chest getting wet from her tears and it was making him erode inside his rotten core.

He shook his head, "It's too late for that…and I can't drag you into this any longer. Consider this my last moment of selfishness for you, I just wanted to see you one last time," he admitted.

This whole scheme was just to buy him enough time to say goodbye to her. He originally wanted to let go of her the easy way but disappearing without a word would've been cruel and yet-it was exactly what he was going to do.

"Suguru…you're breaking my heart…" her hold on his shirt loosened and as she peered up, his tears rained on her face. He forced himself to keep his smile because he didn't want her to see how he was truly feeling inside, he had to lie or else, he wouldn't make it.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry…but to keep the rest of it intact, I must leave…unless…" he held her close to his chest now then slowly lifted her chin as he searched her eyes, making her heart jerk in response to his advances.

She had very little energy left to discourage him so with what was still present, she listened, "Unless, you tell me, what I can do to make you choose me?" he shook her now, allowing the water to fall faster on her face,

"Tell me, what does he do to keep you his? How can I call your name to make it mine? What is it that you want from me to make you want me to save you from your dark fate?"

"What? Suguru? I-"

Suguru grimaced and scoffed, "You see? There is nothing I can do for you anymore. Nothing you would permit so you would choose me…I've accepted that. Even if I were to surrender, you would never be mine. You were the only thing left that I had wanted to claim is the world I am trying to build…but, if one day, you are prepared to join me, I shall be waiting,"

"Suguru…don't go…" she felt limp in his arms, turning in to a deep slumber, continuously fighting the urge to shut her eyes, yet all efforts seem forlorn.

Suguru ignored her imploration and cupped her face as he cradled her in his arms,

"This is not truly goodbye, my beloved Sachi, this is, only goodnight," he pressed his lips against hers, a soft peck as a conclusion to his brief yet painful rendezvous with the one he loved.

He allowed himself to hold her a little longer, crying and muffling his tears against her shoulder until she faded into the illusion and left his arms, forever.

That day, I stole more than just a kiss.

I stole her time and even the last memory of hers looking at me as me.

I will never forget that day.

My last day as the Suguru she knew.

I would be lying if I said that I left my love for her that day at the beach.

But even as I tread to dangerous territory, some things will never change.

Except this time, my priority has shifted.

My purpose.

My alliances.

They've all changed.

Yuu's words echoed through him, "I'm a good judge of character,"

I'm sorry Haibara.

I have changed.

"After all, the root of suffering, is attachment,"


"Hey! SUGURU! Where the hell are you going? WAIT!"

The alleyway was quite inconspicuous. He had been following his friend for almost an hour now. He didn't know why he suddenly asked to meet by the post office but as soon as he met Gojo's shadow, he began pacing and running around in circles.

He didn't say a word until Satoru finally outsmarted him and drove him to a corner. Except when he turned around, he knew right away, Six-Eyes left minimally active, that the person he was chasing, wasn't his best friend.

The fake Suguru threw his hands up as soon as he was forced to turn, and sans the uniform, every bit of his glamour faded, "Wait, Gojo-san! I can explain!"

Gojo winced, "Jan? What the hell were you doing?" he yelled, confusion branding both of their faces at the situation at hand, "Where the hell is Suguru? Why are you pretending to be him?"

Jan looked away but something about the way he acted alerted Gojo, "He needed me to buy time for something…I had no choice!"

Gojo scratched the side of his face and grumbled, "Did he threaten you? Where is he?"

"No, not exactly but-my mother, she's, she's not like us so-he promised if I helped, he'd-"

So, Suguru threatened to use the non-sorcerer of his family…damn it, how could he stoop so low?

Disheartened, Gojo took a step forward and gave the young illusionist an inquiring look, "Where is he Jan?"

Jan was worried. When he met with Getou, his air was extremely different. He was dangerous and the tormented soul, the vengeful one he saw in Dali's gallery was the version of him he met on his doorway, "I don't know…he came to my house. He didn't tell me anything except…he was carrying something with him,"

"What is it?" Gojo's voice rose. Any clue proved vital to finding Getou but what Jan revealed made the boy with the Six-eyes more anxious.

"A purple ribbon,"


Shinjuku Crossing

"Is she a high schooler?" one of the men in a business suit was perturbed as to why a high schooler was hanging around in the smoking area.

Shouko flipped her hair to the side and dug through her pocket to grab her half-empty box of cigarettes and quickly popped one in her mouth, ignoring the whispers and stares she was getting from the other adults. Her mind was elsewhere anyways. Caught in between the crossfire of her friend and the school, she was too stressed and maddened to keep her urge in check.

This is bullshit. She cursed in her head, but her disparage was displayed for all eyes to see.

Her leg was shaking, and she did her best to control the tremors she had developed after reading the text from Mr. Yaga. She balanced her cig in between her fingers and took a moment to close her eyes as she massaged her temple. The ash began to fall as the stick continued to burn without her breathing in the cancerous smoke but before she could do anything else, footsteps drew near and a voice, all too familiar, disturbed her peace.

"Need a light?" he said before lifting his hand to wave at his friend, "Hey, Ieiri," he sounded like his usual, calm, nicer, self that only made Shouko more suspicious of his attitude. Despite the news of what he had done, there he was, casually walking about with not a care in the world.

Her right brow angulated as she dug the shortened cig unto the tray and scoffed, "If it isn't the culprit himself. What do you want?" she mused, popping another stick into her mouth.

Suguru lit her up and stood at some distance beside her, not frazzled by the implication of her statement. He smirked, "You could say I'm testing my luck,"

"I see," Shouko couldn't look at him in the eye and instead offered a cig, "Want one?"

"No thanks, I quit,"

She crumpled up the box and returned it on her pocket before cackling, "That you quit," she breathed out black smoke and clicked her tongue, "The hell is wrong with you?" she sighed, finally turning her disgruntled expression towards her friend, "I'll ask for the hell of it-are these accusations against you false?"

Suguru crossed his arms and silently drew his eyes away from his feet and into the crowded street, "No, I'm afraid not,"

Shouko blinked and bit the side of her cheek, "Another one for 'ya…why'd you do it?"

Finally, Suguru looked more optimistic. He unlaced his arms and etched a crooked smile as he spoke steadily, "I'm going to create a world of only Jujutsu sorcerers,"

Shouko's previously knotted face flattened into amusement that she almost dropped the cig from laughing too hard. Before she responded, she took out her phone and began dialing, "What the heck does that even mean?"

"I'm not a child anymore. I don't need everyone to understand," he said drearily making Shouko more irritated at his ridiculous plan.

She rolled her eyes at him but didn't get any retraction. She felt herself tensing up the longer they stood beside each other, and she hated that Suguru was acting so unbecoming of a special grade sorcerer that she blurted out, "Sulking because no one understands you…sounds awfully childish if you ask me."

The line on the other side finally picked up and at her periphery, she saw Suguru align.

Without moving a distance away from him, Shouko spoke, "HEY! Gojo? Getou's here, yeah in Shinjuku…" there was a brief pause that followed as the boy on the phone responded making Shouko vex at his instruction, "No way! I don't wanna be killed,"

She dropped the call and was surprised to see her friend still standing calmly beside her,

"Hey, you're not running away?"

"Why bother?"

"True," she took another hit before she nudged his shoulder at him. He was pissing her off, so she had to pull one last act of indecency towards him to make him rethink his actions,

"So, what are you gonna do when she finds out?"

"She already knows,"

Shouko's eyes widened. He said those words like he was stating the weather. There was no pain or regret mixed with it, just facts. She wondered if he had really turned so cold and so immune to morality that even the mention of the one person, he loved the most didn't weigh more than his ideals.

"Really?" she said in disbelief, "You had the balls to tell her? Cause we've been keeping her in the dark just so she won't run after you."

"Why would she run after me?" there was minute sadness that wavered in his lilac eyes that Shouko almost missed from the next moment she blinked. She knew bringing her best friend into the conversation might make him snap back to his senses. What she wasn't prepared for was how little she mattered to him now.

"You're pathetic!" her yelling had off-set the bystanders that crowded them that for a moment, Suguru felt a little disconcerted. But he didn't halt her from lashing out at him. He knew in some way, he deserved it. She split the stick in her hand and brought out the now emptied box she threw on the can forcibly then whipped her head towards him,

"It aint' because she's gonna runaway with you or shit, it's because you're family, idiot!"

Suguru's eyes drooped downward, and her statement only reminded him of what he was sorely giving up. His mood had been soured since he said goodbye to Sachiko at the beach and it took a few hours for him to contain himself before he could bring himself to see the other two. So, with a heavy heart, he decided that it was best to finally initiate his closing remarks. He lifted himself from the railing and began to walk away,

"I won't be a burden to any of you anymore. I promise you that,"

"Liar. You already gave us a heavy cross to bear," Ieri felt a lump in her throat now. She couldn't believe his blatant disregard for her feelings and how his actions would greatly affect not only their friendship but their standing in the Jujutsu community.

"I'm sorry Ieiri," his voice trailed off and though his eyes spoke of sadness, his heart didn't falter too much.

It was unfortunate that he had to lose a close friend. Ieiri had been very supportive of him and was always honest about her opinions, so he didn't expect any less from her reaction.

Ieiri initially thought that she'd begin to cry but she couldn't spare him any tears at that moment. She didn't see her friend in that tall figure so she couldn't look at him with anything except anger, "No you're not, if you were, you'd be surrendering right now,"

An airy chuckle left Suguru's mouth making him pause his leave, "She said the same thing,"

Ieiri flinched, "Who did? Sachiko?"

He looked over his shoulder and there, Shouko saw, on his profile, the look of a man with no penitence, "No, my mother,"


Satoru grasped his dark spectacles and quickly lifted it off his face. Immediately, he was hit by different thermal energies and an overwhelming spectrum of colors that registered different objects and people both of cursed and uncursed nature. He felt the cloud of each lifeform creep into his being that felt like needles were pricking his fingers, like a lighter was passing through the skin on his face and like a strong gust of wind was going in and out of his lungs.

By now, he thought he would get used to the sudden sensory overload when he activated his Six-Eyes. But in that moment, no dampener could hinder him from finding out the truth that was screaming at him from inside.

He needed to hear the answers and he needed to look him in the eye and see if there was any trace of his humanity left…if there was even a slight chance that his dear friend, his one and only best friend still resided inside the man whose shadow looked so dark and soul so vacant, standing in front of him from across.

Already, his decision to abandon his uniform was already a bad omen.

Suguru stood a few meters away, unlike him, his posture was bent, and his eyes would not meet his friend's. Suguru turned his back from the crowd, literally going against the current that Satoru stood in coherence with.

Satoru cleared his vision and erased the rest of the moving bodies that surrounded them. To him, they were like the two pairs of stars that shone in the darkest of nights and they were both swimming in a galaxy of nothingness except the tiny specter of their will serving as each other's beacons.

Gravity didn't seem to work either. The magnetic pull that was meant to reunite them become a repulsive force that kept them even further apart.

What was once a bond that was instinctively certain and filled with a very tangible form of trust now scattered into specs of dust, almost as small as atoms, refusing to unite to create a solid entity that could diffuse the relentless tension growing between the two individuals.

In his eyes, Gojo Satoru could also see a gray outline of his friend. He wasn't certain if the color reflected as so because he felt his emotions waver or if were some sort of justification for the sheer will he displayed to keep himself composed despite feeling uneasy in the sea of strangers, with Gojo readying to detain him.

Despite being the detainer, the boy with the cerulean eyes felt like he was imprisoned in his own rage. He felt suffocated and the urge to hit the boy with the lilac eyes only grew fonder as he tasted copper fill up his mouth from gritting his teeth too hard.

So, with a blazoned demeanor, eyes fully dilated, stare boring through the former Jujutsu high student like he was a piece of paper being run through by the heat emanating from glass, Satoru demanded,

"Explain yourself, Suguru!"

Suguru merely lifted his head, seemingly accepting his silent attack and slowly coming to terms about the real truth that was being painted before him. Perhaps his cursed energy registered as red or maybe even black in his eyes that saw through his soul but only Satoru would know. Suguru preferred to be seen the person whom he really was,

"You already heard from Shouko, didn't you? That's all there is to it," he said, nonchalantly, making Satoru grit his teeth even more.

He took a step forward, fist clenching until his palm turned white, refusing to accept his rationale, "That's reason enough for you to kill all non-sorcerers?! Even your parents?" he challenged, making the passersby's make curious turns but also evade their heated pathway.

But the dark-haired boy's purple eyes plunged to his feet. Of the two of them, it was the light-haired one who partially sounded like a child that he couldn't help but snort,

"It wouldn't be fair if I made an exception for my parents, would it?" he shrugged, making Satoru jerk back at his bluntness but he egged on, "Besides, my family now consists of more than just them,"

Satoru stomped his foot and widened his stance. He heard Suguru's voice clearly, but his delivery was remarkably different from the person he knew. Perhaps it was his denial that the allegations made against his friend were true that made him resistant to his crass statements, but the fact was, he chose the words he released, and he had no choice but to consider that matter.

He puffed up his chest and continued his interrogation,

"That's not what I'm talking about. You were the one who said killing non-sorcerers is pointless!"

Suguru shook his head, "There is a point and meaning to it. It's also…justice,"

Satoru howled in anger, arms flinging in the air before they dropped heavily on his sides,

"NO WAY! Killing all non-sorcerers to make a world of only sorcerers?!" his voice only ascended,

"That's impossible! And there's no point in attempting the impossible!"

Suguru shot his eyes on him now, determined to weave his feelings in without prolonging the conversation but what he said displeased him. Satoru was being hypocritical about limits. Of all people. And it made Suguru furious at how trivial he treated his ideals that he couldn't help but scoff harshly at him,

"How arrogant! Is that what you think?" he narrowed his eyes at him, purposely provoking him even more by using Ieiri's technique he picked up earlier. It proved effective on him, so he had no doubt that it would also rub him the wrong way, "Even about her?"

Folds appeared on Satoru's face, his expression filled with contempt as he hissed, "What?!"

Suguru didn't need to spell out what he meant. One word was enough. He was challenging him, pushing him to step up and be the man he was expected to be as her better half. Yet, after all this time, he remained idle and hesitant, and it didn't make sense.

He loved her. Without a doubt.

He could very much prove that some things that are deemed incredible farfetched were attainable.

It could only be him.

If only I were him. I could do anything. I could be both. But, since I am not, I had to choose.

And I chose the hardest one.

There was no way he could pacify his friend. Not after he had taunted him on a personal level.

Admittedly, Suguru felt bad that he brought up a separate and more sensitive topic when the one Satoru came to confront him with was a different matter in itself.

But Suguru already knew that making him understand was pointless and his only resolve would only come with giving him something to ponder about.

Suguru let out a hoarse sigh, the cloud that left him made Satoru's brow twitch. His former classmate looked even more serious now,

"You," Suguru began, "You could do it…Satoru. You're trying to convince me that it's impossible, when you yourself could do it," he said matter of factly which did not lighten the other one's mood.

The sky-like eyes that saw through the raw, dark and troubled emotions in the form of Suguru's misshapen aura had moistened and his chest grew heavy from the weight Suguru had just imposed on him and for a few moments, he found the words stuck in his throat, his voice box, uncharacteristically paralyzed by a soft-spoken friend he thought he knew.

There was very little change from the intensity of Suguru's stare as he continued his speech. He had successfully broken him down, even just a morsel of his pride sufficed that gave him the courage to release his next set of words. A question that had also plagued his mind ever since they met,

"Tell me, are you the strongest because you're Satoru Gojo? Or are you Satoru Gojo because you're the strongest?"

Satoru briefly rubbed his cheek, unsure about what kind of answer he had hoped to extract from him, "What are you getting at?"

Satoru had wondered if was trying to decipher what was his real purpose for being proclaimed as the strongest and having himself retain the title when he believed in the impossible. He wondered for a split second about who he truly identified with-his reputation, his birth right, or his inevitable destiny?

Even he was quite unsure.

I am just me. My birthright and my strength do not fully define what I am, nor do they make up my core identity. But they are part of what I am known to be.

I am so much more.

I am both and at the same time I am incongruently refracted from the ideals I have been brought up with.

I am Gojo Satoru.

I am the strongest.

Those are just facts.

Parts of me.

But it's also impossible for you to understand.

My strength doesn't just come with my name.

My name doesn't automatically equip me with my strength.

But I have been given it anyway, because, as you said, everything has meaning.

His nonresponse is what signaled Suguru to turn his back, albeit diffidently. Once only his shadow breached the space where the other boy's own occupied. He tilted his chin upwards, directing his eyes on the crowd of mundanes he was now ready to leave behind, including his most treasured friend and brother.

He stopped in his footing briefly and opened his mouth, modulating his voice so that Satoru would be sure to hear him clearly,

"If I could be you…wouldn't my impossible ideal become possible? This is the life I've chosen." All I can do now is give it all I've got," he peered sidewards, over his shoulder, just briefly, where a pale face and blue eyes was left washed out by his haunting words and yet he continued,

"You'll see…pretty soon, you'll be able to make something impossible, possible as expected of you," there was a tinge of sentiment in his voice at the sudden recollection of a pair of crimson eyes whose light he had stolen earlier on. His lips trembled at the memory that he had to quickly redirect his attention elsewhere, "I should thank you for it. It's something, I will owe you for the rest of my life once you've pursued it and I hope you do,"

Or else, I will take it upon myself to make it happen.

Gojo Satoru could no longer find justification in words that by instinct as a sorcerer, he quickly lifted his arms and positioned his arms ready to attack as Suguru Getou, a curse user, began to make his leave.

Extending his right hand with his index finger opposed to his thumb, his left hand positioned into a benediction. Fierce, bright blue eyes, a vortex of tears and shards of duplicity, cursed energy pulsating through his core aligned towards the man who had betrayed the very people he fought alongside with.

And Suguru expected it.

"If you want to kill me, kill me," he said tranquilly, "There's a meaning in that too,"

But the boy with the Six-Eyes, the strongest sorcerer of all, the man entrusted to save humanity from curses and all those who threatened their peace could not bring it upon himself to dispose of the newest and perhaps the greatest enemy of the pillars.

His best friend.

And so, with a reluctant pause, he stood as still as a statue watching Suguru Getou's figure fade into the crowd.

His fingers curled into his palm, forming a tight fist that was tight enough to cease his circulation, pain making him snap back into the reality he had just allowed.

But he only partially regreted letting him go.

As a courtesy to the memories they had shared, but even that wasn't enough to give meaning to this type of betrayal.

So, this is the path you've chosen, huh, Suguru Getou?

Nourishing your hatred and anger, until you burn yourself?

In that moment, Satoru began to question all of his memories with Suguru. That shard of doubt sent a dreadful taste in his mouth and that's what made him feel so detached to the friend he once knew. He felt extremely wounded and peeved that nothing about what had happened made sense.

The sting felt like he had been pierced through a sword, the cold steel boring a whole in his chest until he felt-nothing.


END OF RESIDUALS PART 1.


AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Thank you for dropping by! Part 2 will be posted on Friday.

Sorry about the very heavy chapter.

If you wish to view the art and the completed chapter, you can visit my AO3 page.

I really appreciate reading all of your comments, messages and even kudos. It really helps keep me motivated.

P.S. Who else stayed up late for the Vol. 0 trailer?


GOOD JUJU

Laundry Day

"No silly Satoru-daddy, you have to separate the white ones from the colored clothes! You also have to fold the socks together, so the pairs won't get lost!"

The little brunette girl couldn't help but giggle as she hovered over her guardian who was ruffling his hair and forming beads of sweat as he tried to salvage the mistake of tossing all of his clothes in one outlet.

"Really? I thought you just dumped them in the washing machine," he jeered as he grabbed his soaked colored shirts and set them aside.

Tsumiki climbed over the stool and began examining the contents of his laundry basket,

"Oh and with that fabric, you have to handwash them,"

Satoru scratched his head and grimaced, "Wow, this is a lot to process!"

She laughed once more, "You're funny! This is something grown-ups should know!"

He felt a little embarrassed at how he was so terrible with actual adulting stuff around the house. If anything, he preferred handling the bills and school papers for the two but seeing as they had to prepare the siblings to be independent, he needed to step up.

Mundane things actually made him a little insecure. It seemed like everyone he knew was adept to it and he didn't like being left out. Perhaps it came with him being a spoiled little boyfriend to a girl who would definitely flourish as a lady of the household. But now that a little girl was making him confront his shortcomings, he thought that it would be best to at least try,

"Sorry, I wasn't taught how to do these…"

Tsumiki lifted her shoulders and raised one finger, "Oh I see, you're rich so you had tons of nannies and butlers,"

This made Gojo snort out of her blunt statement. She was absolutely right, "No-not really…"

Tsumiki tilted her head sidewards and looked at him owlishly with her big, brown eyes,

"But Sachimommy is also rich, and she knows how to do chores,"

"Well, your Sachimommy is good at everything…" he said shakily while closing the window of the machine then after pressing the on button.

Tsumiki clasped her hands together and cheered, "I think she'll make a really good mom someday,"

The way she spoke about Sachiko always made him extremely happy. Tsumiki was always a sweet and honest kid, and he knew how much she looked up to her.

Who wouldn't commend her? She was everything you could ever ask for a partner and friend,

"Yeah? But she is a good one to you and Megumi-chan now, right?"

She nodded enthusiastically at him as she folded some of the dried clothing, slowly showing Gojo how to do it efficiently with Megumi following suit,

"Uhuh! But I mean, when she gets married and stuff, when she has her own babies!"

The thought about Sachiko getting hitched and having children, made Satoru a little thrilled and honestly warm in his chest. He already knew that his ears were pinking up as he continued to imagine her perfect picture in those two roles. She fit them to a T, and he wanted that so much for her.

And him.

"I think so too…" he commented, leering away from Tsumiki to hide his flushed face.

Tsumiki handed him a pile of clean clothes which she instructed to set aside and beamed,

"When I grow up, I'm going to help Sachimommy too!"

"That's great to hear Tsumiki, she'll be happy to hear that," he gave her a high five.

Tsumiki then placed her little hands in between Gojo's face, making him arch his back to stay in her level. His glasses drooped low, and he felt a little nervous as Tsumiki gave him a stark stare,

"Which is why, while she's not married yet, you have to do your best to learn okay?"

"Hm?"

She squished his cheeks together making Gojo put out a funny face to which Megumi didn't seem too impressed with. Tsumiki took a deep breath and squinted her eyes at him,

"You want to be with Sachimommy and not just pretend right?" she puffed out her cheeks.

This kid, like her brother was very discerning, not that he kept his feelings about Sachiko barely noticeable, still, he knew the place where the both of them were coming from. Three months in, they had started looking at Sachiko as their mother-figure and now that a few years had passed, she had kept her promise of taking care of them like her own.

They were never found wanting because of her and he was extremely glad that he had asked for her help. Without her, it would have been tough and because he was able to give them a home, he felt like he had one too.

"I'll help you!" Tsumiki proclaimed, releasing her hold and allowing him to recoil,

"But first, you have to learn how to take care of the house,"

He grinned now, elated to finally earn the support of the little girl he cared for,

"Thanks, Tsumiki-chan, for believing in me,"

To his surprise, Tsumiki had suddenly given him a hug and even ruffled his hair, a trait surely, she had gotten from her 'mother,' and that sweet gesture gave him enough encouragement to actually be better at things outside of his job.

Megumi suddenly stood beside him, frowning, making him crouch down and pat his head to signal him to say what's on his mind. The little boy downcast his eyes and spoke,

"Satoru-san, is Sachiko-san okay? Is she sick?"

His sister looked at him, equally expectant to hear the truth.

Despite their age and their lack of knowledge regarding her restriction, those two knew their guardian very well.

"She's…" he began, making them take a step forward. He cleared his throat and shifted into a more confident tone,

"She will be. I promise, I'll take care of her so you two won't have to worry," he outstretched his arms and each of them took his side as they huddled. Megumi surprisingly not pushing him away reminded him that in his own way, he did look at him as part of his family.

This little boy meant the whole world to Sachiko, and he was sure that he felt the same.

He tugged on Satoru's shirt but kept his eyes hidden from him, "Promise?"

Satoru nodded, "I promise!"


This Good Juju has a part 2 as well, hehe, I wanted to bring some light in the whole chapter so, I thought it was a cute little tidbit for the little family. Hope you enjoyed!