A/N: This is a LONG chapter than my usual ones—20 pages and roughly 10K words in total
"Wh-what do you mean you cursed our bloodline?!" You exclaimed in confusion, standing in front of Kameko. She was a tall, elegant, and beautiful woman. She dressed in expensive silk draping around her body as her hair was up and decorated with gold accessories. It seemed like she hadn't aged, retaining her youthful look from her prime years. To top it off, you looked identical to Kameko, sharing the same face, eyes, and hair color. No wonder why Sukuna said I have the same face as his master.
Out of nowhere, Kameko sat down in a fancy chair as if it conjured it in thin air. She crossed her legs while her sandals popped out from her milky skirt and propped her face, staring at you. Kameko didn't look arrogant sitting in her chair but rather sad and hurt. There was an expression that held so much regret and anguish. You didn't know what Kameko went through, but you knew it scarred her. Her silence and wavering eyes curled her face downwards. This made you sad as you took a step closer to her.
"What happened?" You asked, staring into her eyes. "All the jujutsu books I've read about you repeat the same thing—you're the founder of jujutsu and slayer of Ryomen Sukuna. There's nothing about your pre and post life after Sukuna's death." Your heart was swayed to know more about your ancestor. This was your only chance to talk to her without searching through archives to find the same statement.
You went on your knees, settling right next to Kameko's legs as you leaned over her thighs. Gazing at her with big curious eyes. It twinkled with unanswered questions about your lineage. You knew something was up when there weren't any other reports about Kameko. You had to know who Kameko was.
Kameko teared her saddened orbs off from you and looked to the distant. You watched how her facial expression contorted to her current emotion stabbing her body. Her pink lips parted, exhaling her woes before saying anything. "I was a fool who had a heart of gold. I let others push me around so I can maintain peace and balance. Everyone controlled me…" Kameko's voice was controlled compared to her face as she sounded so detached from the world she used to live in. "I should've listened to my student, Sukuna when I had the opportunity to." Kameko confirmed your suspicions weeks ago that they had a student-teacher relationship. She closed her lips, pursing them tightly to gulp down her past. As her eyes weren't on you, she moved her hands so they could stroke your hair. Kameko's slim fingers ran through your locks like her hands were grazing against soft grass.
You were slightly confused by her action but let her do it anyway. This might be something for her to calm down her tense body. Also, you found comfort in her warm fingers as it dragged across your scalp. Lying your head down, you listen to Kameko's story.
"I've died by the hands of the higher ups…"
Kameko's dooming words sent dread to your heart. You kind of stopped breathing while your heart pounded loudly in your chest. Your whole body stiffened up as you couldn't believe what she said. "The…higher ups?" You repeated their position, letting it sink into your skin. Your brain reminded you about how they mistreat you, and a frown plastered on your lips as you realize you might end up with the same fate as Kameko. "They don't treat me with respect because I've been absent in the jujutsu society until recently."
Sensing the similarity between you and Kameko, she lifted your face by your cheeks as she made you look at her calm composure. "My child, you will be the one to uplift the curse because the only way to break free is to kill the higher ups." She said in a cold and numbing tone. Kameko wanted them dead in cold blood as she's out for revenge.
"What did they do to you?"
"Everything," Kameko whispered softly, hearing her pain in the single word she pushed out. She leaned her forehead against yours as she told her past through your mind.
/
[Kameko's Past - Kameko's POV]
My family was poor so I joined a sorcerer shrine and worked there to provide a stable income for my parents and younger brother, Tengen. I had potential due to my immense cursed energy and technique. It'd be easy to make money. Although I didn't want to leave, I had to so I wouldn't put my family in a hard living situation. So I left home at age 13 and only visited home every few months. I still recalled the tearful look brimming my brother's eyes as he pleaded and begged for me not to go. Tengen's eyes looked puffy as if he was stung by a bee and a nose red as the cold winter blowing in a village.
It's been two years since I adjusted to my new lifestyle. Lucky enough, I've begun training young sorcerers to wield their cursed energy and discover their cursed technique. Older sorcerers have been praising me, calling me a genius as I uncovered what jujutsu really is. In the shrine, I was recognized as an important figure to look up to. Many young sorcerers asked me for guidance, and I will help them since it's selfish of me to keep everything to myself. I want everyone to prosper and thrive from my knowledge especially in the world filled with many cursed spirits walking the planet.
On my way back to the shrine after a long trip to a far away village, I came across a man raising a hand at a young boy. I couldn't walk past it as if it wasn't happening, so I stopped my horse before she could go any further.
"Gentle, my girl!" I pulled the rein as the horse halted, and I hopped off my seat, pulling my horse with me.
I rushed over to the older man with the young child, blocking the man from laying a hand on the boy. "What's going on? Why are you raising your hand against a child?" The boy looked like he was 12 years old.
"Kameko-sama," The man nervously shuttered, avoiding eye contact with me. He knew my title and popularity throughout Japan. Regular humans knew about sorcerers since they were in constant need of protection. My name and face were everywhere so of course people would know me. "That child needs to learn a lesson. He's a branded criminal, don't you see the lines on his wrists?"
Turning around, I looked at the young boy. He looked so boney and restless. His red eyes were baggy, his face was hollow, his pink hair was dirty as well as his body, but what attracted me was his abundant cursed energy. That child has potential and it would suck if I let him waste away. I want to make a world where there's enough sorcerers to exorcise cursed spirits so there shall be peace for non-sorcerers to live in.
"Sir, this child is my new student. Whatever he did in the past is nothing now. I'm going to raise him into the finest sorcerer. He's going to pave the way for this era."
Little did I know my words would backfire on me…
After I took in the boy and cleaned him up, I made sure he had new clean clothes and food to eat. I watched him from the ajar door as he gobbled up the whole tray of food within seconds. I didn't want to make my presence known until he was fully recovered. My heart twinged in pain because he must've been fighting for his life for a long time. I know my parents did that too. They did so much for me and my brother to live even if it meant doing dirty work.
"Kameko-sama," A high ranked sorcerer below me called my attention.
I moved away so the boy wouldn't hear the conversation since he's enjoying his food. "Yes?"
"Are you really going to take in a street rat? He's not from any prestigious clan who has the potential to exorcise curses! Taking in stray kids will soil the line of work—"
I cut the man off. I didn't want to hear any of it as it boiled my blood. How could they forget that I was just like that kid? I didn't come from a powerful clan; I came from the dirt and rose to the top because sorcerers saw my potential. I can't believe sorcerers can be so ignorant and blind from the truth. "Don't speak ill of him, Gojo-sama. I understand your concern; however, this isn't your business to interfere. I know what I want for this world. I'm not going to let my title get into my head. Now please escort yourself from this vicinity. I don't want to talk about it."
The head Gojo clan stormed off, feeling irked that I didn't obey him.
Sometimes I really do question if they remember that I'm more powerful than them.
Once the boy finished eating, I sat in front of him with a warm smile. I'm pretty sure he was treated with contempt, disgust, and disapproval. But I want to show him that there's a brighter side to this society we live in. I don't want him to hold grudges because sometimes it's better to forgive and forget.
"Hi, I'm Kameko—" Before I could even introduce myself to the boy, he rudely interrupted me as I kept my composure under control. If I had my guards or servants around me, they would cut off his tongue for being ill-mannered. I know it's their job to protect me, but they're forgetting that he must've gone through a lot to survive each day. They need to remember that people will struggle to get to where they are whether they're successful or not.
The boy's eyes were brimming with rage and confusion even after I had treated him well. "What do you want from me?! Am I going to be your little sex toy? Is that why you're treating me so well?!" He growled at me as if he's ready to pounce and run away after committing the horrendous crime.
I felt no agitation swimming through my body. I kept a smile on my face regardless of the things he said to me. A confused young boy would definitely think like that because luxury is a big price and something or someone will have to be sacrificed in order to obtain a wealthy lifestyle. "No, I don't want your service. You're barely a man as I'm still a teenager trying to grow up. I took you in because I see potential in you. You can be the strongest sorcerer under my teaching. I've never seen a lot of cursed energy reside in a person's body like that besides me." I was delving deep into jujutsu terminology so he would understand what I'm talking about. I tried my best not to sound like a nerd even though I'm passionate about this lifestyle, but I wanted him to understand what it means to be a sorcerer.
"So, will you join me? You will live in this territory with me and other students that I'm teaching. You will have a roof, bed, food, and clothes. All you have to do is carry out your duty as a sorcerer and never abuse your power if it's not exorcising curses. If you do, I'll have to take it away. I don't like it when sorcerers turn into curse users. Can you promise me that? If you're able to obey my rules then we can make this happen." It was an easy deal.
The boy looked hesitant as he wasn't sure if he wanted to commit his life to jujutsu. However, he didn't really have a choice. It's either to live on the streets and fend for himself, or get his necessity and thrive as a sorcerer. "Fine… I'll do it." He fixed his red eyes at me. It didn't look like he was glaring at me, but more like making sure I'm staying true to my words.
I stood up from my seat and smiled at the boy. "I'm glad to hear that. I'll have one of my attendants inform you about sorcery before you come into class tomorrow. What is your name and age?"
"Sukuna. I'm 12 years old,"
So he's only 3 years younger than me. He's going to learn so much from being under my wings.
5 years rolled by and I noticed my pupil, Sukuna's behavior changing overtime. His arrogance and selfishness never changed towards his peers, but with me he's a different person. He's more gentle and calm. . His temper never gets in the way. I never understood why but I assumed it's because he's grateful that I took him in and gave him a bright future.
Within 5 years, Sukuna has been gluing himself by my side. There are days where he's protective over me, buys me food, always hangs around in my study room, and such. Nonetheless, I do appreciate his company if I do say so myself. It gets tiring upholding my title and a proper image. Sometimes I want to crack from all the pressure given to me, and I do when Sukuna's with me. He's the only person who I vent to and who has seen my vulnerable side. I trust Sukuna with all my heart.
THUMP! THUMP! THUMP!
I heard fast and heavy footsteps coming from the hall and to my study room. The sliding door slammed open as I jolted from the loud bang. "Woah!" I stared at my two students heaving heavily as they were out of breath. It seemed like they were running for a long time. "What's going on? Are you okay?" I removed myself from my desk and jogged towards them.
"Kameko-sama…. It's… It's…" Student A was having a hard time saying his words due to his shortness of breath.
Student B finished the line. "Sukuna is using jujutsu against another person!"
My heart stopped for a second as my eyes widened from the sudden news. Lately, Sukuna has been making snarky comments and even small threats toward a student from the Zenin clan. They were cheeky words to get underneath the Zenin boy's skin and rattle him up. I've told Sukuna countless times to stop teasing his peers but he never listened. It frustrates me but I can't think about Sukuna all the time since I have bigger priorities to think about. I'm trying to build a jujutsu society where no one has to rely on me. Right now there's no structure and it's irking me.
I sighed, holding in my annoyance. No matter the situation, I have to keep calm and composed. It won't help if I'm allowing their bad energy to affect mine. I need a straight mind to handle this. "Alright, let's go…"
After catching Sukuna using cursed energy against his peer, I dragged him to a prison cell for his own good. He didn't fight me nor tried to justify his actions. I looked at Sukuna with disappointment written on my face. It's hard not to be upset because that's the number one rule to follow: never abuse your power if it's not exorcising curses. On the other hand, Sukuna didn't look fazed. In fact, he looked smug, not regretting it at all.
"Why? Just why?" I felt so dumbfounded because I didn't understand where this was coming from. "You know you can't do that! It's a rule I made so clear to everyone in the area!" My hands were waving in the air, expressing my concerns. "Even if you don't get along with your peers, you still have to have mutual respect and boundaries. I can't have you picking fights. I can't watch you 24/7. I am busy with my work! You don't know how stressed I am because everyone is depending on me!"
"You asked 'why'? It's because your students don't really care about jujutsu, they just want to learn for their personal gain then dispose of you! You're nothing but a stepping stone. That's why I was beating that Zenin guy up!" Sukuna raised his voice at me, gripping the wooden bars that trapped him in the cell. "Him and other sorcerers were going against your virtues of sorcery, so how am I wrong when I was trying to show them their place?" He was also getting frustrated as he expressed his reasoning.
As much as I wanted to believe Sukuna, I just couldn't. There's no way my students would do that. They've been training under me for a few years, and I've gotten to know them well too. "Please, just stop." My head began hurting just by listening to him. There's so much on my plate and now I have to deal with him being rebellious. "If there's ever a problem, you come directly to me and I'll see it for myself." My hand dragged down my face as I didn't want to say this but had to for his own good. "Sukuna, you're going to be in the jail cell for a few days then under house arrest. I can't have you being a threat to my students."
Just when I was about to turn away, Sukuna called out to me as he snarled. "Didn't you say those who misuses their cursed energy will get their power taken away by you? Why aren't you going to do that with me huh?"
My heart squeezed from his harsh yet truthful words. Indeed I mentioned that before to him and my students, but I feel too weak to do that against him. I've watched him grow to be a great sorcerer. He's like a baby brother to me. I nurtured him until he could fly on his own and leave the bird's nest.
I didn't look back. I let him face my back. It'll only hurt me more to know that I have to punish him somehow so I'm giving him a fair charge. Biting my lips, I suppressed my feelings and thought rationally. "Because this is a light warning. You don't usually make mistakes like this, that's why. I'll see you once you're done with house arrest."
It wasn't even long until news broke into my study room, where I was doing paperwork, that my guards rushed in to drop a bomb. "Kameko-sama! Sukuna have escaped his jail cell and ran out from the—"
I raised my hand, stopping them from speaking any further. "Leave him be. We'll keep an eye on him. I can't have my life surrounded by Sukuna." I felt too drained to deal with him. Being a big figure is hard enough as it's digging into my bones. It gets harder to wake up each day, filling out papers and sending sorcerers to help people when it's just me who's doing this. I get no help because I haven't had time to build a structural system for sorcerers to follow and abide by.
2 years rolled by, and there's been many rumors circulating about Sukuna using his power to wreak havoc. Many sorcerers reported it to me, but I kept pushing the topic aside and I was in denial that he would use it for evil. I didn't want to think about him when sorcerers were begging to have some type of foundation to follow. They were getting demanding each day so my mental health was going down the drain.
"Kameko-sama, you have to look into Sukuna! He let curses savagely tore up a whole village and there's no remaining survivors! You can't overlook him now!" My retainer shouted at me in fury, forgetting who had the bigger authority in the room. But I let it slide since everyone's agitated.
I closed my eyes. I didn't want to think about Sukuna and the mess he's been creating, but I can't push it back any further. I have to stop him even if it's hurting my heart. The boy I raised was now turning against me and my values of jujutsu.
Biting the inside of my cheek, I hardened my gaze at my retainer. If I don't seek him out now, it'll only worsen. "I'll investigate it by myself—"
"No! Kameko-sama, you can't! Bring some guards with you. From what I heard, he's a dangerous man now!" My retainer strongly opposed it in fear that I'd die in an instant.
I shook my head. "I won't. I can confidently say that. But he won't hesitate to kill you if you guys tag along." I warned my retainer. I knew Sukuna too well and the things he will do to make others suffer. He has no heart towards the people he doesn't blink his eyes at. "If you care, you'll trust me."
After the conversation with my retainer, I threw on a black cloak and rode out on my horse to find Sukuna. I went to the village which should have his residuals lingering around the area. If I can track that then I'll be able to find him. I'm determined to understand why he's acting like this. This wasn't my Sukuna who I raised. I know I taught him better than to be a madman. I need to get to the bottom of this.
Once I got to the bloody murder scene, I was disgusted and horrified to see half eaten corpses, blood splattered on walls and grounds, the smell of death, and the terrified expression of the dead. So many lives were lost because of Sukuna's doing. Clenching my fists tightly, I sought him out. This enraged me.
I stormed off to find him.
I wondered where the sorcerers I sent out were at? There's always at least one or two, maybe three sorcerers per village. They couldn't have run away. They've dealt vicious curses before. How could they just abandon these people and disappear?
I'm too confused about this situation. None of this made any sense. I have loyal followers as I'm respected and looked up to.
"Master, are you looking for these men?"
Turning around, it was none other than Sukuna dragging two of my dead sorcerers, whom I deployed here, by the wrists as he smiled proudly at me. He was drenched in blood as if the sky rained it. I couldn't help but be in disbelief.
"This… This isn't my Sukuna…" I murmured, trying so hard to wrap my mind around this new image of Sukuna. "Who the hell is he?" I wasn't sure what to believe. In two years, he turned into this? An unrecognizable person. My heart and mind faltered, only tracking back to the past where we created beautiful memories. I recalled his happy moments, his sweet smile and acts. Now standing in front of me was a cold hearted man who's turning his back against this world I'm creating.
In a blink of an eye, Sukuna was right in front of me, caressing my cheek with his red stained hand. Cold shivers shot down my spine as we were very close to each other. "You have grown very beautiful, Master. Have men asked for your hand in marriage yet?" He tilted my head upwards, forcing me to look at him in his emotionless red eyes.
My heart skipped a beat from a foreign feeling swimming in my chest. I couldn't describe it since I didn't know what it really was. Nonetheless, I pushed that feeling aside and showcased my anger at him. "Is that how you're going to greet me?!" I swatted his hand off my face, pushing him away from me. "Everything that I've done for you, you pay me this in return?! You let innocent people die by the hands of curses, and you also killed the only people who are able to protect the weak!" I shouted at him for the first time. I never let my emotions control me but this time I am. It even brought tears to my eyes because he doesn't know how hard I'm working to build a better world.
I expected Sukuna to give me a warm response like he used to back then, however, I received the opposite. He was undisturbed and careless about the situation and my feelings. "Haven't you heard, master? I'm the king of curses and I have people worshipping me. Instead of exorcising them, I tamed them like wild beasts. They obey and listen to my every order. They know who's the boss because I show them through sheer power. I make them know who has the power. I don't let them boss me around like sorcerers do to you." His sharp and detached voice was just stabbing me in the heart.
"Sukuna, I'm not letting them boss me around. I'm opening my ears to hear their input and implementing it into this new world I'm creating. They know not to push the limit. I don't know why you can't understand it. They're not hurting me." I wholeheartedly know I'm not being used or mistreated. If I ever felt that way, I would obviously talk to them and express my concerns. "You need to stop this or—"
"Or else what? You're going to take my powers?" Sukuna snapped in retaliation, pushing my button as a crooked smile appeared on his smug face. Then Sukuna stalked over to me, towering my figure and grabbing my face again. He leaned his face closer to mine as our noses were touching. "I don't think you would, dear… Because you're weak hearted."
I felt his breath hitting my skin. "You're right. I am weak hearted…but that's because it's you." The built up tears streamed down my eyes, allowing him to see me cry. "H-how can I hurt my beloved student? You hold a place in my heart…. It already hurts me to know that we're on opposite sides instead of being on the same team."
His thumbs wiped my tears away, and I knew his gentleness was still inside of him somewhere. I needed to find a way to dig it out and revive it. Wrapping my hands around his wrists which held my face, I was going to bring back the old Sukuna I knew and loved. "Please, come back to me. I miss having you at my side. There's no one to talk to nor anyone who knows me well like you do." I spoke in a calm voice to soothe his mind. I'm trying my best to coax him, and I hope it works.
But a snarled look painted Sukuna's face. He already saw through my bluff which was actually sincere rather than lies. I really did miss him but I can't have him be like this either. "Hah!" He stepped back from me. "You don't have to lie to my face, Master. You just want me back so you can kill me. Why don't you be honest?!" Sukuna ran his hands through his hair, breathing harshly as his mind and heart were clashing with each other. "Like I said, you can't kill me because—"
"Same can be said to you!" I harshly replied, not backing down from him. "You can ruthlessly kill sorcerers, but when you're with me, you're also weak hearted right?" I saw his face twitched as I hit the nail. "Or are you the cold hearted monster people have been talking about. Unless you're a bad guy then do it—kill me, Sukuna. Rip my heart out, stab me in my chest, break me into pieces! Do something that'll show me you're not soft against me like how I am towards you!" I opened my arms wide, allowing him to do whatever he desired. I won't fight back, I'll accept it and die in peace or something.
From afar, Sukuna wavered as his body trembled every time he tried to bring his arms up in a fighting stance. He knew he was weak against me. It's not easy to wash away deep memories and a thick bond between master and student. Instead of finding words to retort against me, he fled. Sukuna felt the pressure on his shoulder so he had no choice but to retreat until next time.
At that moment, my knees buckled and I crumbled on the dirt. I hunched over as my hands were planted on the ground, propping my upper body up from falling face first. Biting my lips, I held in my cries as tears were forming again. I'm so confused about Sukuna. I strongly believe it's not truly him but a facade right? That's the reason why he left because I'm his weakness. His heart still wants to be by my side so why can't he just let go and come back to me?
"Did you capture and kill Sukuna?" My retainer asked when I arrived back to my study room.
"…no, he escaped. He's… He's different from before."
5 years later passed by like time just wanted me to suffer even more. So many things went down as Sukuna caused more destruction and damage. Sorcerers were being killed left and right because I didn't know how to handle this situation. I don't want to kill Sukuna but he's been testing me for many years now. Innocent lives have been taken away, no child can live out their youth without fearing curses, and birthing out pure babies to be put into this world of hell. Head clans and other powerful sorcerers have been demanding me to do something about it. They wanted him dead and that's what I have to do. Kill him.
It tears me apart thinking about killing Sukuna with my own hands yet I have to do what's right. He's out of control, out of reach—he needs to be gone. Me and other sorcerers have planned to kill Sukuna next month. Just remembering the plans only ached my heart as my chest tightened.
I sat on the window sill, gazing at the beautiful white full moon. A frown drew upon my lips. "Wow… We used to look at the moon together," my lips quivered, feeling the tug of war happening in my chest. "As much as I want to live in the past, I can't… He's not the boy I raised."
I calmly breathed out, closing my eyes. I wanted to wipe away the thoughts of meeting him for the last time before I had to kill him. No matter how many times I tried to wash those bad thoughts of mine, it kept coming back. It encouraged me to do it. My mind wanted to see how much he's grown and how much I'll miss him after his death.
"I have to. If not, it's going to bother me!" So I left my room and went to find him.
There's been rumors of Sukuna's status and whereabouts. He's known as the king of curses, he's more demon than human, his cursed energy is phenomenal, and he's a sadistic man. He has both non-sorcerer and sorcerer followers. He's worshipped like a god if they treat him right. If not then they're killed quickly.
I managed to find his hideout. He lived in a black shrine engraved with gold accents. I did my best to sneak around like a professional assassin. I didn't leave any marks to alert any of his followers if they were guarding the area.
Peaking my head through a dimmed room, I found Sukuna reading a scroll at his desk. I felt my heart strings tugging my very existence. He looked so grown. He's gotten taller, muscular, handsome, and mature. He's not a little boy anymore. Where has the time gone? I wanted to see the day where he finds a perfect partner to marry, but that's never going to happen.
Even from afar, I can feel his immense cursed energy. He's truly a monster. I can't save him because he's no longer human. I never thought that there'd be a day where a human is capable of turning into a cursed spirit, yet he exceeds my expectations isn't that why he was my student?
"Master, how long are you going to watch me? Sukuna spoke from where he sat, not even batting an eye at my direction.
It surprised me how sharp he became. He didn't have to hear a noise to notice my presence.
I stayed where I was at. I didn't want to move or else he'll try to find a way to trap me in his domain. Sukuna's a dangerous man. I have to be cautious around him. "I see you still call me master after 7 years." I shouldn't be amazed but I am. I thought he wouldn't regard me to that useless title now. He's a different man close enough to be on my level.
"Of course," Sukuna put down his scroll and looked at me with a small grin. "You're the one who taught me jujutsu. I'm indebted to you. My knowledge expanded as I grasped the true meaning of jujutsu." He chuckled, getting up from his seat and darting towards me. "You always loved to help people and give your wisdom and knowledge to them… And now look at me, I used it for my own personal gains."
"I know. I watched my people die because of you, Sukuna—"
"Oh, I love it when I hear you say my name, Master. It brings back old memories…!"
When Sukuna was close to me, I noticed more tattoos staining his body and face. I didn't know he had those until now. He's no longer the boy I picked up off the streets, and it hurts so much because I don't want to accept it but I have to. The real Sukuna is right in front of me.
"What have I done to make you turn into this?" I honestly asked, seeking the truth since I couldn't fully understand his sudden action in betraying me. Once I hear his answer, I'll leave and never look back. This will resolve my feelings in my stuffy heart.
Sukuna scoffed, looking me in the eyes as his face quickly hardened. He was baffled at my question as if it was stupid to answer but he had to since it's me, his beloved master. "You can't please everyone, Master. You're trying so hard to make sure everyone's thoughts and ideas are included but not yours. You let sorcerers push you around, allowing them to control you even if you deny it. Once they use you, they're going to throw you away. Also, if you haven't noticed, there's an increase of curse users because you failed to discipline those who fail to reach your ideal image of a perfect world and sorcerer. Most of them were your students until they decided to use it for their own greed, Master. You're blind and easy to push. The next thing you know, they're locking you up in a cell after they complete their greed of taking over this society. You're just their puppet as they're the puppeteer. You don't understand how many times I've refrained myself from interfering in your meetings with high-ranked sorcerers."
I recalled time after time where I had to control Sukuna from lashing out when sorcerers would oppose my ideas or even suggest their ideas over mine. I did feel embarrassed to the point where I had to keep him away from me. It wasn't a good atmosphere if Sukuna kept threatening and butting his head into the conversation.
"You being so soft hearted will be your downfall, that's why I left. To create a better world where people knew their place and never disobeyed. They knew the consequences before even trying to do anything about it. It's going to be a world where we hold power as those below us will fear—"
I shook my head in disbelief and disapproval. "No, no, no! That's an oppressed world where we're viewed as tyrants! I don't want to hurt people if it's unnecessary. I don't want to make them fear for their lives. I want them to know what safety and freedom is! I want everlasting peace!"
His views and my views were too different from one another. Sukuna needs to be removed or else this world will plummet. Gulping my spit down, I was about to say something to him but he beat me to it.
"That's a childish dream. It was nice seeing you again, Master. But the next time I see you, you're dead. I won't allow you to interfere with my matters. This time, I won't be a coward like 5 years ago. I will kill you in a blink of an eye." Sukuna's menacing words contradict his action. He kissed me on my forehead before walking away from me. It made me a bit emotional because that kiss felt so warm yet broken. It brought back painful memories of our past and my struggles to uphold my title and duty.
My lips quivered and a few tears slipped from my eyes.
One month later,
The day of killing Ryomen Sukuna was going well. Many of my strongest sorcerers were on the front line killing his curses. This was going to be the day where Sukuna dies and peace shall come through. I won't cry today. I'll turn off my emotions and make sure he won't sway me. This is his end after hurting so many people in the last 7 years. His death won't bring back the dead, but it will bring tranquility in the long run.
After pouring my power and energy into defeating Sukuna, I could tell he was close to the brink of death as we were surrounded by thick smoke of fire lingering in the air, blood, and rubbles of broken buildings. Our fighting caused many destruction around us.
I unleashed my last attack which will exorcise Sukuna once and for all. As my cursed energy enveloped his, weakening Sukuna at the same time, I stared at him with a stern expression. "I hate the monster you've become. Any last words?" I asked before ending his life.
Sukuna breathed heavily, glaring at me with blood painting his face. His shoulders were slightly hunched as he knew he was at his limit. A cruel smile curled his heartless lips, "you will miss me, Master. You will regret not taking my offer! Everything that I've done was for both of us! You will meet your demise!"
I didn't let his words penetrate my heart. I blocked it out, but I spoke the truth to him before he fully died. "Of course I will miss having you by my side because you're my loveable student, Sukuna. I don't agree with what you did, nor I can fully hate you since you hold a place in my heart. I will use this as a learning curve and not make the same mistake again. Next time I won't show weakness to the ones I love because it'll only hinder the future. Goodbye, Sukuna. I hope in the next lifetime, things will be different." I kissed his forehead as I let go of any resentment I held for him. There's no use in holding on when it's going to be over today. This will be a new start of a new era.
Sukuna's eyes widened from my kiss, and I quickly finished him off. However, it wasn't a successful kill because I underestimated his ability to pull off this trick. His curse rivaled against mine that his body became indestructible, and the only living part of Sukuna was his 20 fingers. He turned himself into a vengeful cursed spirit.
"I guess I really did create the strongest sorcerer here…" I sadly laughed, looking at the horizon to see the war ending and sorcerers gathering. I'm supposed to feel relieved and happy, but I can't feel the triumph in my body. All I feel is numbness scorching my body. I'm so sad… I killed my one and only student who knew me the best. Reality began sinking in.
1 year later after Sukuna's defeat, the land is at peace. Killing cursed spirits wasn't as hard as before. Now it's much easier to handle. Additionally, I've established a system where I don't have to regulate it as often as I did before. I installed executive sorcerers to oversee the jujutsu society in my stead. I also built two schools which will teach potential sorcerers about sorcery, and my brother Tengen is in charge of keeping the schools enclosed from the outside world. Lastly, I granted clans titles and power for being prominent figures during the war between sorcerers and Ryomen Sukuna. Without their help and love for this world, it wouldn't have been easy to take down many of the cursed spirits and curse users under Sukuna's control.
I never felt so free now that I'm 28 years old. For my whole life, I fought for this country and tried so hard to change the way of the world. I finally get to relax and settle down. I can breathe for the first time in forever. There's no one to bother me because I have the higher ups regulating the jujutsu society. I'm stress free!
Within the year, I fell in love with a non-sorcerer man. It was magical and wonderful. I never believed love would feel like this. He's a charming man who captivated my heart more than any other man I've met throughout my life. However, even with peace in this world, words got out that I was seeing a man and the higher ups and other close retainers of mine came barging into my life. They were furious. They didn't want me to be happily wed, and that's when I realized the truth in Sukuna's words.
"Kameko-sama, you can't marry a non-sorcerer! You're going to soil your bloodline!"
"As the Mother of Jujutsu, you shouldn't get married. You represent purity, virtues, and faith."
"Why don't you marry into my family clan? It'll be more beneficial than a non-sorcerer."
"No, if she marries into a sorcerer's family, then you would hold too much power!"
It saddened me as I couldn't freely choose what I wanted to do in life. Did they forget that I sacrificed so much in the last 10 or so years just to obtain peace? I let go of my youth, I rejected marriage proposals, I stopped visiting my family, I poured my blood, sweat, and tears into everything, and lastly… I killed my beloved student who only wanted the best for me. Why couldn't I just do whatever I wanted to do in my own life?! This is my life, not theirs.
I cracked from their pressure and words. They expected too much out of me. I'm drained and tired and hurt. Bunching my hair up, I lost control and screamed at them. "Get out! Get out!" I pushed my retainers and higher ups out of my residence. "You don't get to say what I can or cannot do with my life! I did so much for the sake of our people, so now leave me alone!" I displayed a person who would never lose their cool until today.
Slamming the gates in front of their faces, I fell on my knees and sobbed profusely. Tears filled my hands as I recalled my encounters with Sukuna. I was so blind that I didn't see how others saw me. Sukuna was the one who saw through people unlike me. He's more quick-witted than I am. "Where did I go wrong?! Is having a heart of gold that bad?" My life was under the control of my own peers, whom I educated and granted them power and a strong position in this society.
Nonetheless, I followed my desires and eloped with the man. I didn't let anyone know about the secret marriage except my brother or else something bad will happen to me, I know it. I made sure the workers in my estate kept their mouths shut or else their tongues would be cut off. I never liked threatening people but now I had to. Living a secret life was dangerous for me and my husband. Ever since I snapped at them, the higher ups have been doting around my estate more often. Their excuses were convincing from an outsider perspective, but I knew very well they were trying to keep an eye on me. I felt like a prisoner to my own world I created but I couldn't retaliate or else the table would turn against me. I sensed how different the society has become after I handed the power to the higher ups. During meetings or public events, I put on a facade hoping no one would detect anything off about me. I was doing so well until I fell pregnant; I was with child.
"Honey, I'm scared." I grabbed my husband's hands, staring at him with worried eyes in our secret basement. "What if they come after me? I'm being watched and who knows what they'll do to me and you." My voice cracked as I felt the pressure on my shoulders. "I have a feeling we're going to be killed one day, my love… I'm so sorry you fell in love with me." My lips quivered and tears gushed from my eyes. I felt so hopeless and weak. I created this peaceful world where it's turned against me. This is not what I wanted. I just know if I fight back, the people who were loyal to me will see me as their enemy and I don't want that especially when I'm vulnerable and pregnant.
"Kameko," My husband pulled me into a tight embrace, making sure I knew he would always be by my side. "I don't regret laying eyes on you. I know we come from two different worlds but that doesn't mean anything to me!" He drew back as he wiped my tears away. His eyes were filled with trust and reassurance. "I will fight for our future. I'm willing to die for you and our unborn child. I'm not going to let them hurt you. I don't care if they're sorcerers or not. They won't lay a hand on my pregnant wife." He planted a warm and soft kiss on my lips, forming a promise that would only be fulfilled half way but I chose to be positive.
As months passed, my stomach grew as well as my worsened anxiety. I made sure I was wrapped in many layers to hide my growing bump. No matter how much I covered when I met the higher ups, I felt their eyes clawing at my kimonos. It may be my head playing with me, but I had a feeling they were catching on somehow. In addition, their surveillance increased compared to the beginning, and my mental health deteriorated because of them.
Nearing the birth of my child, I seeked out Tengen as I went to visit him. I was on high alert whenever I left my estate. I had a paranoid feeling of being watched. I didn't know where it was, but I knew it was happening somewhere because before I knew it, a higher up appeared right in front of me. My skin would crawl when they would find me, and it got harder to mask my disdain for them.
"Sister, what brings you here?"
"Tengen," I was in my little brother's chamber as my skittish eyes scanned my surroundings. "I know I'm going to die before I give birth. The feeling is getting stronger and heavier. I'm scared… I'm concentrating on surviving rather than trying to come out alive in this. Most of my energy is towards my child." I hugged myself, digging my nails into my thick kimono. "Whatever happens to me, please take care of my child. Shield them away from this world I created. I made a mistake of giving this place a better chance of surviving," I tearfully smiled, trying my hardest to collect my thoughts before leaving his place. I didn't want anyone to be suspicious of my long absence.
Tengen frowned as he hated how I turned out to be. He recalled the times where I would passionately talk about the future. My eyes were shimmery and bright, filled with false imagination and hope. Now my eyes were dull, red, and lifeless. It pained him to know that his big sister is suffering from the system that she created. "Kameko… Are you truly not going to fight back?" He grabbed my hands, staring at me with earnest eyes. "You're my strong big sister who sacrificed so much for us and everyone. I know you can do it again—"
"I can't," I meekly whispered, flickering my eyes from Tengen to the ground in defeat. "I'm so worn out and tired. This mentally and emotionally drained me." Feeling my legs going weak, I slowly dropped to the floor to decrease the harsh impact on my growing child. "I'm only fighting because of my child. So please take care of them if I can't…!" My voice cracked as I bit my lips till it bled.
Tengen felt the tremors rippling in my body as it poked his heart. He held back his tears and comforted me. "Okay…! I will…"
On the day of birthing my child, me and my husband found out that there's been a mole in the estate during the day I secretly got married to now. The mole was bribed by the higher ups and gave them details of my activities and a map of my house, even the secret basement. Unfortunately, we captured the mole a few hours after my water broke. However, we were lucky to get a confession before we killed the mole, and it wasn't what I wanted to hear: the higher ups are out to kill me and my child. We didn't get a statement as to why but it was clear they didn't want me to live.
I wanted to leave my estate and give birth somewhere else, but the midwife refused as she saw how my contractions only grew stronger each second. I could barely walk in the haywire estate. My guards were outside the building to protect me. They were strong warriors to die for me, and I felt so touched to know I have people who want me to live.
"My lady, this way!" The midwife and a few other maids were urging me to go to a different part of the estate so I can give birth quickly and run away before I'm killed.
"No! Ack!" My contraction took my breath away as I hunched forward, holding my belly. "I'm not leaving my husband! I can't leave him!" I cried, feeling tears pricking my eyes. I didn't want to abandon the man I love the most. I wanted him to be there when the baby came. It's not ideally how I imagined what our first pregnancy would be like but I still wanted him by my side regardless.
"My lady, the lord told you that he's going to be outside fighting! He would want you to be safe where he knows his child will also be safe." The midwife retorted, knocking some sense into me as I cried.
"But… But he's going to die!"
"Then he'll die as an honorable man who fought to protect his wife and child! Don't let his death go in vain." The midwife sorrowfully said, holding back her own tears. She wanted to be strong for me so I had the energy to follow through the plan I didn't agree to.
I gulped in my fears and nodded my head, sniffing heavily from the gruesome outcome of this event.
We went to the storage room where it was an easy access to run to the backyard and to the wooded area. That's the only escape route there is in the estate.
I laid down and began pushing, holding in my cries as my ears heard the loud commotion from the gates and front part of the estate being broken into. I needed to be quiet to survive as I bit down on a towel.
"My lady, you're almost there! Keep pushing!" The midwife informed me, encouraging me to see my child who's been growing inside of me for the past 9 months.
I sunk my teeth into the towel, gushing out tears as I pushed and pushed. I could hear the cries of my own guards dying. There was so much going on around me that it was hard to focus on one thing. I kept wondering if my husband was dead or alive, or how many people came to kill me and my child, or where my brother was? So many questions but no answers.
"My lady, do not pass out on us! Your child is almost here!" The midwife begged, rapidly tapping my face to bring me back to earth.
I tiredly looked at her with my dull eyes. "I'm trying," I said in a hoarse voice. Most of my mental and cursed energy was sent to protecting my child. Whatever happens to my child's body, it will be safe because of the barrier I placed around them. I don't know how long it'll last but I hope it's long enough for someone to find my child.
After endless pushing and screaming from outside the room, my baby girl came out and cried sharply. Everyone's heart dropped as it would alert everyone which room I was in.
The midwife and maids scurried around the room, packing everything for me so I could leave the estate alone. My husband wasn't coming back to me since he's probably dead by the hands of a sorcerer.
I had maids lifting me back on my weak feet. I couldn't feel any of my muscles yet I had to run for my life. Staring down at my calm girl, I pity her. This was her first day into the world and she's about to lose both of her parents within hours. She will never get to know how wonderful her parents were, but how cruel and shitty the world is. Whatever happens to my girl, all I hope is that she lives a comfortable life that's not in the jujutsu community. I kissed her greasy face filled with vernix caseosa. I hope she remembers this kiss.
Before I left I grabbed a special item in the room—One of the 20 fingers of Ryomen Sukuna. I decided to keep one after his death. I had a hard time coping with everything until I met my husband. If my daughter is to get captured and die by the hands of the higher ups, I'd rather have Sukuna's finger call other curses to kill my child in a worse case scenario.
"Kameko-sma, it was an honor to serve you! We will stall them so you can be safe with your daughter. Please live well!" The midwife and maids said in unison, tearing your heart into many pieces.
"Y-you all are…brave souls! I w-will never forget you!"
I woefully escaped the estate, leaving trails of blood behind me. I'm losing lots of blood and consciousness, I'm carrying my child, and I'm exhausted from everything. The only reason why I'm able to walk through my aching legs was due to my adrenaline. Without it, I wouldn't have made it far.
"My child, I want you to know that mommy and daddy love you so much! You're a blessing to us." I winced in agony as my adrenaline was fading. It felt like I was walking on shards of glass but it was located around my inner thighs and pelvis. It hurts so much but I had to keep pushing. "Here's Sukuna's finger to protect you. He's my greatest student and foe. I don't know how useful it will be, but it's better than being in the hands of the higher ups."
I tucked his purple finger into the blanket covering my sleeping daughter as tears decorated her face. "Mommy is going to see daddy in heaven because mommy is bleeding a lot…!" I sniffed harshly, displaying my weakness to her. "I don't have the strength and energy to heal myself because I transferred all of my cursed energy into you. You will carry my legacy on if you survive."
"Captain, I think we're getting closer to Kameko!"
My heart sped up in terror. They were gaining closer to me and my daughter.
I staggered to a nearby tree where there was a hole in the trunk, so I went there to put my daughter in. I can't have her dying in my arms. It's better to abandon her there so someone else could find her. "Please survive,"
The moment I laid her down, she opened her eyes for the first time. She looked so beautiful. Her eyes reminded me of children being born during the era where cursed spirits were on a rampage. It's ironic how she's one of those babies now—being born in an era where it's corrupted and cold. I wanted to cry on the spot because my face will be the last time she might remember me. Before she could cry, I knocked her out and faced off my killers. "Mommy loves you," I gave her a goodbye kiss, feeling my heart ripped out from my chest. A mother should never have to do this, but it's for their survival not mine.
"Any last words?" In front of me stood the members of the higher ups that I hand selected. How devastating it was for them to betray me like this.
I smiled at them with my tired yet vengeful eyes. "You monsters crave for power and went so far to kill me and my husband. I will never understand what went through your minds and I don't care at this point. I'm going to die by your hands, so I'll say this." I sharpened my gaze so it's penetrating their souls. I screamed out my anger that they deserved for bringing this upon me. "The true Kameko will return and scorch the living hell of this society I created! You will be the downfall of it all!" My last words were to curse the higher ups and my poor future offspring.
Then I died.
[The End of Kameko's Story]
/
You were sobbing after hearing Kameko's tragic story. You couldn't believe the major events she had to endure. Your tears wouldn't stop flowing from your reddened eyes. Your mouth opened, wanting to say something to her but your wails came out instead.
Kameko also shed out silent tears as she observed your reaction. "I… I'm so sorry, my child." She caressed your face gently, showing signs of remorse. "You're cursed to kill the higher ups in my stead, and it's not reversible either. It was created from pure hatred. Please forgive me," Kameko showed you an opposite emotion compared to earlier. She was cold hearted and now she's doleful.
You didn't know how to reply to that. It baffled you. Kameko didn't need to apologize because all she wanted was to build her own life whereas the higher ups and others wanted to have control over her. It's understandable that in the spurg of the moment, she cursed them and her offspring.
"Don't apologize!" You wrapped your arms around Kameko, pulling her into a tight hug. "This was never your intention! This isn't your fault! You're just a pure person who wanted to bring peace and harmony to your dark era. They took you for granted. Let alone control your decisions." You just wanted Kameko to know that she's not alone. If she knew her life would end before she hit the age of 30, for sure she wouldn't have let others push her around due to her kind nature. Neither Sukuna or Kameko is the villain in this book, it's the higher ups who plotted her death and forced her to kill her student whom she cared for deeply and even gave her daughter Sukuna's finger to protect her. "Don't you worry, Kameko… They will receive their punishment—cursed or not cursed at all. They don't get to treat us like this. Rest assured I will handle this personally!"
Then Kameko detached herself from you and smiled from hearing your determination filling her blackened heart. "I hope the future will be different in your era. My child, I don't have much time left in your spirit chamber. I'm not sure when I'll see you again, but I'm just happy to know that my daughter survived!"
You saw her body disappearing like a ghost vanishing before your eyes. "Wait! I still have so much to say!" You extended your hand towards her, trying to latch onto her; however, your hand went through her transparent body. You desperately wanted Kameko to stay longer. You don't know how to summon her back or even tap into your spirit chamber.
A bright grin plastered Kameko's relaxed face. "Talk to my brother Tengen. I know he's alive since everyone knows his cursed technique!" She giggled. "Tell him I said hi and I miss him!"
"W-what about Sukuna?! He's incarnated into a teenager's body!" You shouted since he's special in Kameko's heart. You knew she'd want to say something to him.
Her brows rose up as her eyes widened in shock. "What? I guess that's another tale to learn when we ever connect again! But whatever he's planning on doing," She paused, thinking whether her words would influence Sukuna or not. Kameko doesn't even know his intention so it's best to not say anything. "I don't have anything to say to him. I don't know what kind of a person he turned into. Please take care, my child!" She waved goodbye as her body disappeared into thin air.
"Wait so what happens to me—?"
/
You gasped, rising up from the ground as you patted your face and body. Now you couldn't tell if you were dead or alive. Getting up, you wobbled on your feet as you noticed your new surroundings. It wasn't the school, rather it seemed like you were in an abandoned shrine. "Woah, where am I?" It was dark in the room but your eyes adjusted to the darkness. The room looked oddly familiar but you couldn't put a finger on it.
"So now you're awake,"
You whipped your head around to find Sukuna walking out from the shadow as his red eyes shone in the dark. He looked like a predator ready to pound on his prey in the middle of the night.
So I am alive and back on earth since he's real, you said to yourself, mentally preparing what's to come.
"Tell me why you were repeatedly calling out my master's name?" Sukuna threatened, appearing right in front of you as you gulped in fear.