"-and that's pretty much how that night went." Mahito finished his story as he was chewing on a slice of jerky. He was sunbathing by the ocean, lying on a beach lounge chair with his body wrapped in bandages. His wounds healed somewhat, although the burn marks still remained in his arm and partially in his throat.

"You really had a close call." Beside him, the man named Geto was also sitting on a lounge chair, staring out into the blue with a cold glass of water in hand. "I did warn you not to face her."

"Yeah, yeah..." Mahito sighed, resting his arms over his bandaged waist. "I didn't think the church would send such a monster our way."

"Mm." The black-haired sorcerer stared at the ice cubes in his glass. "Neither did I. From what I found out, she's the seventh member of the Burial Agency. Someone who gained her position in just five to six years. A prodigy, and one of the most efficient killers among vampire hunters. If not for that fledgling draining most of her powers, she would have completely eradicated you."

It wasn't a complete surprise that the church would have and sent someone of that magnitude here in Tokyo, it was just a little annoying that she kept coming up everywhere. It was even less expected that Yuuji Itadori would grow so apparently fond of that girl. It was kind of cute in a way, how easy that boy can grow attached to people, even to his own killer.

Between using Junpei Yoshino or her, they really saved themselves a lot of trouble by choosing the former, and that's if they had known previously just how long her and Yuuji were 'mingling' for, and not know that she was in fact someone they should not have trifled with, without precaution anyhow.

"Hmm. I don't think so," Mahito countered, tossing the last bit of jerky into his mouth. "She definitely could have, especially with just her black keys, but something tells me she'd rather die than rely on all her powers."

"Really?"

Mahito sat up. Feeling a slight pained tension in his wounds as he viewed the ocean. "When she showed up, she could have barricaded all of us in my veil. She could have destroyed that whole school - no matter the casualties. Executors are supposed to be ruthless, right? She probably could have even saved Junpei too if she had gotten to him sooner. Ironic, with how hard Sacchin tried to protect him, she ended up dooming him."

The cursed spirit raised his hand. "I touched that executor's soul. That girl has killed a lot more people than I have, probably with her abilities, and she hates herself because of them. She won't use her strongest attacks against me. Still, just her alone is enough to push me into a corner. I guess I owe Sacchin my thanks for keeping her busy."

"You sound like someone with a crush," Geto grinned as if the word itself was humorous. "If I knew you'd like that vampire so much, I would have let you keep her."

That was a lie. Satsuki Yumizuka's power would have been too dangerous, and more than likely curb their plans had she set out to decimate all of Tokyo before he would be done with his preparations. It saved them the trouble that Yuuji and the executor were able to kill her. Although, there was still the head vampire to consider, the one who turned that girl in the first place.

"Nah. It made for a pretty good motivator," Mahito grasped his pale chin and lets out a small smile. "Sacchin exceeded all my expectations. It makes me want to cut loose just as she did. I definitely would have died if I let that executor fight me for too long. Next time, though, I'll be ready. She's only strong to a certain point when she doesn't rely on her magical abilities, I just need to move faster than she can."

And if Mahito could get even that immortal girl to die, then he'll be able to break that boy's soul completely.

"Hmm..." The sorcerer beside the curse pondered for a moment. "In that case, why don't I lend you a hand?"

Mahito looked back at Geto in surprise. "Really? How come?"

"What? Don't you want my help?"

"Well... I kind of want to do it on my own." Although he wasn't a vengeful spirit per say, Mahito did intend to get payback for the beat down he got from the blue-haired executor. He wants his name all over it before he should present that girl's corpse in front of Yuuji.

"Hey now. I'm being considerate here," Geto placed the glass on a small table next to him. "I know I usually leave you to your experiments, but this time, you should be more cautious. It's a little like what happened with Jogo. She might not be Satoru Gojo, but she is still dangerous. Your cursed technique could have what it takes to bypass her immortality, but I'm not sure if that'll be enough to kill her permanently. There's a small number of ways to do that. But there's only 'one' that we can perhaps get a hold of somewhere in this country."

"In this country... Something like the Prison Realm?" Mahito asked.

"No. No matter what or who comes, we need to save that for Gojo." Geto grasped his own chin in thought. "In hindsight, the best idea to get rid of that executor is to cut off her head and dump her body somewhere in the world. In pieces, preferably. We could bury her head in cement and have her sink in the deepest part of the ocean. It'll give us time, long enough to keep her from becoming too much of a nuisance. But there's a problem."

"What's that?" Mahito said as he looked back out on the beach, where they see their comrades hanging out. Jogo seemed to be recovering well after his fight with Gojo, growing past his neck now as he lied on the sands next to Hanami and Dagon.

"Sukuna has taken a special interest in that girl."

Mahito slightly lurched from his seat and turned his head to Geto. "You really think so?"

"You were there. Sukuna didn't just cut you down after you touched his soul again, he did it the moment you were about to attack that executor," Geto's stare was completely unreadable as he added. "It's the same sort of interest he has for another student of Gojo. It seems Sukuna was impressed with what her soul was hiding. Whatever he has in mind, he might not be willing to see her off so soon. And if we want him to join our side, we could use that girl as a means to win him over."

Mahito gazed up at the sky. "I'm surprised he would give anybody that kind of attention... Do you think he likes her?"

"I doubt it." Geto shrugged. "If it is something like that, she's the most unluckiest woman in the world. Some people might call it an honor, but then again, who knows what "love" from a cursed spirit is like. He could just be looking for a plaything, a toy that fixes itself no matter how many times she breaks."

"Love, huh..." Mahito looked at two of his fingers. The tips of them changed, shaping into the faces of Satsuki and Junpei. If that's what people call love, humans are more twisted than I give them credit for.

"So what should we do about her then?" The cursed spirit asked.

"Since Gojo is back in town, we can't risk exposing ourselves too early," Geto explained. "For now, we'll stay out of sight until the Goodwill Event begins. I don't think she'll cause too much trouble by then, but we'll need to figure out a way to deal with her before our set date in October arrives. If she intervenes our goal to seal Gojo, everything falls apart."

He suddenly paused with a thought, and Geto's eyes narrowed. "Although, if we considered how long that girl and Sukuna's vessel have been interacting... I wonder if she'll try to get in the way of our plan during the school event?"

"You think they'll let an executor in?" Mahito questioned.

"Maybe not by choice. If she really is determined to kill Sukuna, she could just sneak her way in. With her powers, she could definitely pull it off. She might be biding her time, otherwise the vessel would have been dead for sure by now, but I don't see why she wouldn't want to observe from afar. The church has already let their hound get so close, and she's already involved herself in sorcerer business more than once. If we're not careful, she might sense something is wrong and notice you. Or maybe the Holy Church would take the sorcerers' distraction as an opportunity to infiltrate the school, and have their agent steal whatever they can in their Cold War against the shamans."

"Like Sukuna's cursed fingers..." Mahito eyes widened with realization.

"Exactly. If she is going to be there, we'll need to somehow lure her away, or trap her with the others. Something that can keep her occupied..."

An idea came to mind, and 'Geto' grinned. "By the way, have you been coming across any new undead lately?"

"Huh? No. Not since Satsuki stopped hunting."

"There's still plenty of them roaming around. With how hard the church is working, though, they might come to a point where they'll run out of ghouls to hunt in less than a month or so."

"Don't they still need to find the head vampire though? Those ghouls won't stop coming until they do," Mahito pointed out.

"Right. Which is why we should give them their vampire. One of them, at least."

Mahito's interest was piqued. "One of them? There's more than one Dead Apostle in the city?"

"What they're looking for is a Lord Vampire," the sorcerer with the stitched forehead began to explain. "Someone whose been sucking blood and leaving behind undead servants to do their bidding. So far, there have been three types of ghouls. The ones found in that abandoned building, the ones encountered in that detention center, and the one reported at the theater. It's unheard of that three types of undead could be created by the same vampire. If the Lord Vampire has an ability that's plant-based, then their servants should be swarming with vines. If fire, then they would have boiling blood, or even literal flames in their system. If spiders..."

He met Mahito's eyes with an unreadable gaze. "Then they would have qualities like that of a spider. Judging by these recent findings, all with various traits unrelated to one another, it's possible that we have somewhere between two to three Dead Apostles in Tokyo."

"Huh." Mahito said simply, taking a sip of a glass of lemonade on the side. "Wouldn't that mean that city is done for?"

"Pretty much. Although, why none of these vampires are raising hell right now, I haven't a clue."

Well, not entirely. Kenjaku did have one theory, but he won't say it for now until he can confirm it himself. Either way, it would have been troublesome had they decided to take over.

And it all had to do with one specific individual. The deepest thorn in the Holy Church's side for the past... what is it now? 500... 800 years maybe?

Out of all the places in the world, he really had to choose Tokyo to reincarnate in.

However, Kenjaku couldn't help but notice that something's changed. Never mind the slowness of it, there was a change in behavior this time, or rather, priorities.

It might not just be Tengen's barrier affecting him. Perhaps his host's condition is not what he had in mind?

That, or the man had finally lost it. Kenjaku wouldn't mind a little bit of chaos, but when it comes to that vampire...

Roa. Just what are you planning this time?


Yuuji awoke at the first stream of sunlight pouring through the back door. Blinking at the telltale sign of morning, he lets out a silent yawn before snuggling a gentle kiss against Ciel's head, closing his eyes to feel her warmth and sleep for a little longer.

He was laying in bed inside Ciel's studio apartment. They were in an embrace, with Yuuji's arm wrapped around Ciel's body, feeling the soft fluff of her pink pajamas. Ciel's fingers were clinging to the front of his white shirt. Her soft snoring tickled his neck as she slumbered peacefully, and Yuuji held back his giggle at the sensation of it. He was perfectly comfortable, not wanting to get up even if he was wide awake now.

Last night had been interesting to say the least, with him getting picked on by a little kid, and then having to save that kid from his girlfriend. He also got to experience Ciel's line of work first hand before finishing the night off with a good cup of tea, and a race back to home. They had been neck and neck more than once, but in the end, Ciel won. It wasn't a surprise, but it definitely was a first that Yuuji was outrun by anybody. It honestly made her more attractive in his eyes.

After freshening themselves up, Yuuji decided to put on a movie while Ciel was in the shower. The face she made when she found him sitting on her bed was just priceless. They spent the rest of the night watching the TV, until eventually falling asleep in each other's arms.

Oh. Right. The movie is still on, Yuuji opened his eyes and finds the television smothered by the sunrays. He could make out half of the menu screen, and spotted the remote on the coffee table in front of them.

I hope her power bill didn't go up. Wanting to put a stop to that, Yuji slowly and carefully reached out and over Ciel, grabbing the remote and turning off the TV with the press of a button.

"mmm..." It was futile, though. Even in his gentlest of movement, it was enough to stir Ciel somewhat. Yuuji's hand retreated back to Ciel's back, watching her slowly wake with what looks to take strenuous effort.

She really isn't a morning person, Yuuji smiled with mirth and snuggled his face against Ciel's head some more, having no worries about the cursed king popping out due to being inside Ciel's warded home. He can now enjoy the feel of her incredibly soft blue hair. "Good morning~."

Ciel yawned. Her hands released Yuuji's shirt, and she stretched one arm up on her free side. "Good... morning, Yuuji-kun..."

Bringing her up down, she cozied up to him without opening her eyes once, wanting more of that sweet cuddling she felt from Yuuji, and seemed intent to fall back asleep despite having said her greeting already.

Yuuji shut his eyes closed and hugged her tight, his lips pursed. I'm so damn lucky...

He just gave her more kisses to her head, which soon turned into smooches. Ciel stirred once more, holding her breath to fight off the building giggle inside.

"No fair... It's..." She quietly yawned. "Too early... in the morning..."

"It's actually nine-thirty right now," Yuuji briefly paused his cuddling to announce this, glancing at the clock on the wall.

"Too early..." Ciel stated her truth that no one can tell otherwise. She simply rested her forehead against Yuuij's chest and felt his heartbeat - strong as ever.

Yuuji chuckled. He gently grasped Ciel's cheeks and lifted her face, finally getting her to open her eyes as she looked at him. Her sleepy blue gaze absolutely beautiful. Yuuji's face softened. "What do you want for breakfast?"

Ciel let the gears in her mind turn, humming to herself in thought. "Let's see... What would be good? Omurice? Maybe fish? Ah, but we'll need to thaw the salmon first..."

Yuuji grinned and inched closer. "How about some curry? I could make us another batch."

"!" Ciel was instantly bewitched by the suggestion, now absolutely awake. She didn't even give it another thought as she happily smiled at Yuuji. "Yes! Absolutely! There's no better way to start the day!"

Yuuji finally understood why Gojo brought so many curry breads when they visited Ciel at her school. He started to think that all problems in the world, especially if Ciel ever gets upset, would be solved with curry (maybe not all problems, but it is a tasty suggestion).

"Wow. You really are a curry head, huh?" Yuuji teased.

The nickname put a stop to Ciel's good mood, and she looked at him in blatant offense and embarrassment. "H-How dare you! I'm nothing of the sort! I-I just know how to appreciate fine cuisine!"

"There's nothing wrong with it," Yuuji tried to alleviate, though the fact that he wasn't even backtracking, but rather doubling down on her 'curry-headedness', it did not please Ciel in the slightest. Not even when he pulled her head in and pressed his nose against her head again, catching the familiar scent of said spice. It was almost as if she washed herself in curry. "I like that side of you. If I get to see you be this excited, I'm definitely gonna have to cook you curry everyday. How's that sound, huh? My little curry bread winner."

"You...! You are sending mix signals here! I can't tell if you are making fun of me or trying to woo me! No, I should still be mad at you regardless! E-Even if your offer is enticing! Get behind me, fiend!"

Yuuji laughed at her outburst as Ciel gently pounded her fist against Yuuji's chest. He was able to quell her anger by giving her a soft, long kiss on the lips. Feeling her face warmed with a little fury and eventual bliss.

He then said after parting their kiss, "I'll try not to call you that a lot then."

Only when he really wants to.

"R-Really? Wait, did you say 'not a lot'? Are you really going to keep using that?!" Ciel did not like that and stared at the cheeky grinning Yuuji, unamused. She cleared her throat. "Well... now that you brought it up, if we are going to make curry, maybe I should bake us some bread to go with it."

"Hoh! For real?" It was like his tail was wagging when Yuuji heard that, looking at her with bread-loving eyes.

Ciel smirked, "It seems I'm not the only foodie around here. It's no wonder you're so big."

"Eh? Eh?! Big?! What do you mean big?! Don't you mean tall or something?" Yuuji patted his stomach to feel any gain there.

Seeing her chance at payback, Ciel responded pleasantly, "Well, you did order plenty of curry at that restaurant we went to. It was actually quite impressive. You could eat enough to feed two, maybe three people, you know?"

"T-That's a little rude, don't you think?" Yuuji pouted at Ciel. It was pretty blunt too.

"I don't think so," she gaslighted. "After all, there'll be more of you for me to appreciate. I'm surprised you'd be worried about your weight, though, with how many rice bowls you down in seconds."

"You...!" Quite offended, Yuuji went and grabbed Ciel's cheeks.

"Ah-!" Ciel was surprised at his sudden pinching, pulling at her cheeks as well.

"You are so mean," Yuuji said with a huffy attitude. "That's it, I'm punishing you, so deal with this."

"W-Wait! Stop! That tickles...!"

They went at it for another couple of minutes, Yuuji finally getting his chance to pinch those chubby cheeks as Ciel tried to pry away, only to be pulled back in for a hug. Their little playful tirade changed to bouts of chuckles, holding each other as they laid on their sides. Yuuji kissed Ciel's pink-pinched cheek and then climbed out of bed, taking her with him by the hand.

"I'll help you make the dough. You leave the curry to me," Yuuji said. "Man, I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. Maybe I am a foodie? Hehe. I can't wait to try them out with you."

His spoken excitement brought joy to Ciel, and with a nod, she followed him into the kitchen.


The scent of warm bread and curry filled the air of the studio apartment. Ciel with her blue oven mittens pulled the tray out of the oven. Several freshly baked breads lined up with their golden-brown perfection. Yuuji and Ciel took in a deep breath, smelling the heavenly fragrance of these loaves with a dreamy smile on their faces

"These look great!" Yuuji complimented, in genuine awe of the breads.

"They really do!" Ciel agreed beside him, picking up the tray and setting it on the counter by the stove. "How is the curry coming along?"

"Want a taste test?" Yuuji said as he reached for the ladle to spin it. He takes a cupful of beef and vegetables mixed in with curry sauce and lifted it over the pot.

"I would never say no to that," Ciel said peppily. She took in another deep smell of the curry, seeming as if she was going to ascend to the pearly gates of deliciousness. She took a spoon from the side and picked up a small portion of the curry, and brought it to her mouth.

"Mmm~!" Ciel was practically glowing. The enrichment of the spice, the perfect blend and texture. Everything. Just everything. It was so good. It felt like she was on cloud nine. "Delicious~!"

She is most certainly never letting this perfect young man go. No matter where he ends up, dead or alive, heaven or hell, she won't let anything keep her from getting to Yuuji and his curry-cooking skills.

Yuuji blushed at her bright smile. He grinned. "Yeah? Let me try."

Ciel nodded, responding enthusiastically, "Of course. Let me get you a sp-"

Yuuji sets down the ladle back into the pot and ducked his head, meeting Ciel face to face.

"-!"

The taste of curry entered Yuuji's mouth as he kissed Ciel. The girl blushed deeply at his action, holding her breath as Yuuji pressed his lips further, and then he pulled back.

"Mm. Yeah. That's pretty good," Yuuji smiled triumphantly, his thumb wiping the corner of his mouth for the curry sauce. "Not as spicy as the restaurant's though."

Ciel would like to disagree. That had plenty of spice in it. She bowed her head shyly as she tried to calm her excited heart, looking to the side. "W-Well, it might be missing an ingredient, b-but it's still really good! And... yes..."

Yuuji thinned his mouth to keep himself from snickering, seeing Ciel's expressiveness always the best part about her, and he clasped the side of her face.

Ciel's back straightened as she felt Yuuji's touch. Lifting her gaze, she stared into his affectionate gaze, still clutching onto the spoon in her hand. His other hand grasped Ciel's other cheek, and she quickly closed her eyes as he went in for another kiss.

They let the stove run as they held onto each other. Standing in the middle of the kitchen, Yuuji's hand slid down and softly gripped behind Ciel's waist, feeling the tip end of the plastic spoon in Ciel's fingers as they trail up to his neck. There was no need for her to use her magic to keep the King of Curses at bay. Here, in her apartment, they were free to express themselves without any gloves or spells shielding between them.

I want to stay like this.

They had the same thought as they held their kisses, pulling themselves together even closer.

Please. Don't let it end.

Their slow kisses gradually became a little more intense, until there were a few knocks on the front door.

Damn it. Yuuji mumbled. Their foreheads touched as they parted their lips.

"Yo! You lovebirds in there? The third and fourth wheels have arrived!" It was the unmistakable voice of Gojo Satoru.

Ciel lets out a disappointed huff. Yuuji sulked at his teacher's terrible timing before he gave a reassuring look to Ciel, kissing her nose and whispering to her. "We'll pick this up later, okay?"

Ciel smiled up at Yuuji. "Yes. Although, I have a feeling this won't be the only time he'll show up unannounced..." She even believes he'll do it on purpose just to annoy them.

"Also, is something boiling in there?" Gojo asked through the door.

Hearing that, Ciel and Yuuji realized that the curry pot was overflowing.

"Oh crud!" Yuuji quickly turned off the stove as Ciel worked hastily to catch the spilling curry with a bowl, doing whatever she can to save every drop no matter how useless.

"H-Hurry! Get another pot!" It was like her child's life was on the line as Ciel made this plea, and Yuuji responded readily, announcing to Gojo that they'll be at the door in a minute.

After curbing the disaster, they were relieved to see not too much damage was done to the soup.

"That was a close one. It might have spilled a bit, but I'm sure we can still salvage this," Ciel said as she puffed her chest out proudly. "No curry shall go to waste. You have my word on that, Yuuji-kun."

"Nice! Thank you for the save, Senpai," Yuuji said as he sets the second pot on the counter. Ciel then offered to set up the table at the living room, allowing Yuuji to finally go to the door to let their visitors in.

"Sensei! Oh! And Nanami-san too," Yuuji greeted the two men standing outside Ciel's door.

"Morning, Yuuji-kun," Gojo casually greeted the teen, and may or may not be teasing him with the honorifics Ciel always uses. "This a bad time?"

"No. We're just about to eat. Want to join us?" Yuuji offered.

"Sure. I could go for some curry again." Gojo answered, having caught scent of it as soon as he set foot into this building. He walked right into the apartment, carrying what appeared to be a present underneath his arm. "Sounds like you guys made a bit of a mess though. Unless that's just a cover up to put back on your clo-"

"Sensei. Please shut up."

Nanami followed in after, looking at Yuuji with his ever unmoving expression.

"You're having curry again?" Nanami asked.

Yuuji nodded. "We also have rice and bread on the side." A most viable option for grown men with sensitive stomachs.

"I'll take those then," Nanami inputted, and then removed his coat as he walked past the kitchen.

After Yuuji closed the door, everyone gathered at the living room where Ciel had brought over spare bowls, utensils, and their meals for the morning. Fresh baked breads in a basket, and two pots - one of curry, the other of rice.

"Ooh! Nothing beats homemade cooking! You two sure fit each other like gloves," Gojo said as he takes his seat on the floor. Yuuji sat between him and Ciel, and Nanami taking his seat next to Gojo.

Ciel was not moved by Gojo's comment. She simply referred to him with the same cordial indifference as always. "I'm sure you have other reasons for coming here than just looking for a free meal. To what do we owe this visit?"

"Hey! Is it really that unbelievable for me to check up on my students?" Gojo said as he served himself a bowl of rice and a loaf of bread. At Ciel's prolonging stare, Gojo huffed. "Okay fine. Yaga-sensei wanted me to drop off something for you (Still came for the free food though)."

He showed the dark blue box he had been carrying and placed it center on the table. "Consider it his welcome gift for passing his interview."

"Huh? I didn't get a gift though," Yuuji said as Ciel took the present off the table. She started unraveling its royal blue ribbon.

"That's because you already got yours," Gojo only cryptically explained. His vague reasoning became clear once Ciel opened the present.

It was a familiar doll, now with much more work done to her as she lay in the present alive and asleep, her chest rising and falling. The cat-doll that had landed a hit on Ciel's face, she now carried a blue lob of hair like hers. A navy-blue dress much like her nun habit and black boots. Her cat ears and tail were turned blue as well. It seemed the only thing that wasn't blue was the white fur in the ears and her skin tone that matched Ciel's.

"A cat..." Ciel unenthusiastically stated, her face told that she intend to throw this doll in the trash already.

"That's your training doll!" Gojo revealed cheerfully, taking a spoonful of rice. "Like Itadori-kun, you're gonna have to practice channeling cursed energy. While yours is already developed, you've hardly used it, am I right? You may be a quick learner, but you'll find it's a little trickier to hone cursed energy than prana."

"I thought it was called Mana?" Yuji asked, recalling his previous magecraft lecture from Ciel last night.

"No," Ciel immediately answered. "Mana is the magical energy produced by the world. Mages do have the ability to manipulate Mana, but the energy used within themselves is called Od, or Prana, or simply magical energy, which can be mistaken to involve cursed energy as well, though really it could mean either or both. Honestly, it doesn't really matter. The Holy Church and the Mages Association are such sticklers for terminology. There's too much fighting over it as is."

"O-Oh," Yuuji only answered, reacting like he just caught some keys tossed to his face - with his face. So Prana. Not Mana. Why do they have to sound so similar?

"And that's not bringing up Magic Circuits," Ciel added with a sigh. "I don't even want to get into all the arguments regarding that and Cursed Energy."

"Arguments?" Yuuji asked as he turned to Gojo.

"It's a whole thing," Gojo said off-handedly, sounding like he too doesn't want to get into it either. "Our sorcery is technically a branch of Magecraft, but one thing that's still debated is how our cursed energy works, and that's if enough of them cares to dive into it. We're like the X-Men in their world. Basically, in their perspective, since human life is run through Prana, but our magical energy counteracts that property in Western Magecraft, then we should be by all accounts dead."

"They mainly conclude Cursed Energy to be derived from mutated genes," Ciel explained (Gojo: See? We're the mutants!), "That's one of the reasons why they decided to shun Jujutsu Sorcery. They see it as a "flawed" system of Magic Circuits gone awry, and a proof of concept why most, if not all, Jujutsu Sorcerers can never use Magecraft. Their circuits are simply wired too differently. Think of the body like a computer, full of electronic chips and wires. We're all powered by electricity, with some having more gigabytes than others. For Jujutsu Sorcerers, however, something other than "electricity" is making their computers work. Rather than rely on an outlet, Jujutsu Sorcerers run on gasoline. Or coal, like a steam locomotive."

"Ehhh it's more like the other way around," Gojo argued, pressing his hand underneath his chin. "We use the outlet too, but how we use our electricity differs. Instead of running on protons like most Mages in the West do, we run on electrons, while everyone else who don't have powers have neutrons. But there's another element Western Mages use, their Mysteries."

Hearing that Yuuji knew about Mana to a degree, Gojo reasoned that Ciel told him enough about Mystery, and glossed over explaining what it is. "Even if you expose every secret in the world, a Mage won't just become powerless, they still have their Magic Circuits to rely on, after all. It's just that having Mystery involved is like adding fuel to the fire that keeps the computer not just working, but strong too (not that we have that issue). A lot of Mages are pretty old-fashioned. Even if they ride on an electric train, I wouldn't be surprised if they still managed to put in a coal-engine room somewhere, just to keep the steam locomotive from going into extinction."

"That is true," Ciel relented, putting the doll down beside her. She crossed her arms. "One could say that the Mage's Association's traditional values hinders the progression of magecraft. If they are not so focused on preserving their mysteries, they could have developed their practice even further."

Nanami listened to the conversation between Gojo and Ciel, and then turned to Yuuji. "Are you getting any of this?"

"Nope." Yuuji admitted without shame as he ate his curry rice bowl. "It does seem interesting though. Sorcerers and Mages; we sound the same, but we couldn't be anymore different."

"It's more of their way of handling magic that makes both sides different," Ciel pointed out.

"You're forgetting to add one more group to that," Gojo said frankly with a point of his finger. "The Holy Church loves to use anything that won't make them sound like "heathens." Calling their work as "miracles" or "sacraments", but it's magic. It's just that nobodies able to dissect it yet like people with Magecraft have."

"It's understandable why you wouldn't be able to tell the difference," Ciel said with a shrug. "How we use them, even more so. But it's better not to refer our abilities as Magecraft - at least, don't do so in front of other members of the Church. Instead of "energy", we have "faith." Take our Black Keys for example. They're essentially magical energy- excuse me, prayers given form that just so happened to look like a sword-"

"Hey. You know we heard that, right?"

"-and with the ability to engrave the gospels onto the physical bodies of an undead, reverting them back to as they were as human beings. It's not really changing them back, it's instilling back the logic of 'what cannot be previously cut, can now be'. Words alone will not be enough to defeat Dead Apostles, and this is because their souls have already lost the ability to understand the meaning of those words-"

"Did she even hear me? Also, I might have started something I shouldn't have."

"-Human logic can only be understood by humans. The words of the Lord will not reach those who have turned into Dead Apostles. It's like inserting a key into the door to the nothingness called 'undeath', and turning it. Any part of a Dead Apostle that is struck by a Scriptural Weapon - such as a Black Key - will 'remember' the body it used to be, and perish."

"I think I see steam coming out of Itadori-kun's ears. Hey, Nanami-san, pass me another spoon."

"-And that is the basic mechanism behind all Scriptural Weapons. The Black Keys were one of the first weapons created. The part that looks like a red hilt is actually the cut-out page of a manuscript-"

"Just get a spoonful of this and..."

"-During battle, we will fill the handle with magic- excuse me, prayers, at which point it shifts into automatic baptism mo-mmmfph!"

Gojo pushed the spoonful of curry into Ciel's mouth. The girl ceased her long lecture of the supposedly simple-looking weapon in order to eat the food, grabbing the spoon as Gojo leaned back to his side of the table.

"You're not even being subtle anymore. I don't think I've ever met anyone who hates their magic as much as you do," Gojo said. "It's like calling cats "dogs" while you're working at a cat café. You're not a cat person, but you're in charge of one now. Now that you're a student at our 'mage college', you might as well call it for what it is."

He also thinks he'd prefer a breakdown from Ieiri about using Reverse Cursed Technique than Ciel about anything. At least he'd get an "it's hard to explain" than a "let me use metaphors which you need to take literally". Sure, he'd get his answers, but it's a little annoying to sit through.

Ciel looked disgruntled at the interruption, though she won't turn down eating delicious curry. "Ahem. Right. Speaking of cats..."

She looked over to the cat doll which Yuuji was now holding, seeing him grab the doll's round fists. "If it's insisted for me to have it, then I won't object to it. I'm just a little curious why Yaga-sensei decided to design it that way."

Looking like her aside, a puppy would have been better suited. Not to mention preferred.

"Who knows? Maybe it's symbolic?" Gojo only answered as he bites into a piece of bread. "Yaga-sensei likes to make a lesson out of anything. It's probably something like the enemy was within you this whole time - wait, no, I'm thinking of Itadori-kun. Well, I'm sure it can work for both of you anyway."

"It's kind of cute, honestly," Yuuji said as he picked up the doll's thin arm. The comment made Ciel blush a little, and at the same time made her feel conflicted since it's a cat he's appreciating.

"There's also your student ID card and school emblem," Nanami informed, examining the bread in hand before tearing a piece off it.

"Way to spoil the surprise, Nanami-san," Gojo said, pulling out the card and emblem from his pocket. "Here you go. Your grade's already determined and everything. Your school uniform is still processing. We don't want to bring too much attention. Right now, no one knows that we're getting a new student yet."

Ciel accepted the card and held it in front of her to read its contents. Yuuji leaned over to read it as well, hugging the sleeping cat-doll in his arms.

"-! Whoa. Special Grade. Nice," Yuuji said as he looked at Ciel's photo. Her serious expression made her look like she means business. He wondered if he should have looked that way in his photo. Just to look a little cool.

"And that's not just based off of Ciel fighting all those cursed dolls," Gojo said as he poured curry into his rice bowl (Yuuji: Eh? All?). The blindfolded man then addressed the executor across from him. "With your immortality and immense magic potential, Special Grade seems like a fitting level for someone like yourself. You've already fought three special grade curses this month alone, plus a powerful Dead Apostle-slash-Curse User. Granted, you didn't win most of those fights, but you do have what it takes to stand toe to toe against them, and this is excluding your lengthy experience as a vampire hunter."

"Hm. I would have thought I'd be put under grade one," Ciel said as she looked at the emblem in her other hand. "I haven't exactly been at my best lately, but that will change now that I'm fully adjusted to living in Japan, having a first hand experiences in battling these living curses."

"Regardless of you not winning all those fights, it probably wouldn't change your grade all that much," Nanami said as he took a drink from his served cup of Chai. "Grades are a way to measure your strength. Your immortality alone would put you somewhere between a grade one and special grade. I don't particularly agree with this method, since it allows anyone with no experience to be put into a high grade if they're deemed strong enough. This was the circumstance of a student by the name of Yuta Okkotsu. Despite Okkotsu-san's youth and inexperience of exorcising curses, let alone controlling his own, he was put under special grade the moment he was registered into Jujutsu High."

"Controlling his own curse?" Yuuji was intrigued to hear more about that, grabbing his bowl of curry as he paid close attention to the adults in the room.

Gojo waved his hand idly at the teen. "I'll tell you about him later. Anyway, putting Okkotsu-san under Special Grade is just the elders way of putting a stamp on his threat level instead of experience, and they were more so measuring Rika-chan (the curse) than they were with Yuta-kun. Well, by now, that's definitely changed. But even back then, his potential is what makes the most of it."

"By that logic, that would imply Yuuji-kun meets the criteria of becoming a special grade sorcerer," Ciel pointed out, frowning at the notion of Yuuji potentially being put into greater danger regardless of his experience.

"If he had eaten most of Sukuna's fingers, the school might bump up his level somewhat, but he's never used Cursed Energy until recently," Gojo explained. "Sukuna is ranked as a special grade even with him at one finger, but with Itadori-kun, he's at zero now."

"Zero?! I'm not even on the scale?!"

"Your situation is a little unique. You were a semi-grade three when you were starting out, but then you died. So it's back to square one for you."

Although, by now, Yuuji had evolved from a semi to a fully Grade 3, maybe even a Grade 2. In the time that Gojo wasn't here, his student had already grown exponentially. From a clueless kid who had no cursed energy, to someone who was able to fend off against a horde of energy-consuming curses, a Dead Apostle and a Special Grade Curse in a single night. It was nothing short of impressive, even if what happened was not what Gojo had in mind to help Yuuji get stronger.

"Well, even if you didn't have cursed energy, it probably wouldn't mean much since you could just rank up the more curses you exorcise," Gojo added. "There's really no fixed system when it comes to assigning Grades. One of my strongest student is stuck as a Grade 4 out of spite, and believe me, even without any Cursed Energy, she isn't weak in the slightest."

Yuuji was amazed to hear that, and Ciel nodded in understanding. She has heard plenty of non-powered figures who rely on tenacity alone, a few of them she met herself. There were also families whose magic potential ended up dying through each generation, yet they would still implement themselves in Mage Society even if they would have no hope of achieving a prominent, influential position.

"Hmm. Your system is a little more flexuous than I expected, but I suppose my company works the same way somewhat. The Burial Agency did recruit me for my immortality, after all. Although, saying that out loud, it makes me sound like I haven't truly earned my seat, which I can't really argue against."

A fraud of an executor, as she is a fraud of a sorcerer.

"Aren't you giving yourself too little credit?" Yuuji spoke up before Gojo and Nanami would. The young sorcerer placed his hands against his hips. "I'm not just gonna stand by and let my girlfriend talk bad about herself."

He grabbed and pulled Ciel in with a sound "hmph!" and hugged her closely.

"Y-Yuuji-kun! N-Not in front of...! Mmmrgh!"

Ciel quickly hid her reddened face in Yuuji's shoulder. Despite her words, Yuuji had no shame in showing his affection openly (though it could be that he enjoys embarrassing Ciel at any opportunity).

Now that's just cute. Gojo stuck his tongue out teasingly at the huddled couple. Nanami, on the other hand, minded his own business, enjoying the bread Ciel had baked.

It was an interesting sight. After the hellish nightmare that was that night, having lost friends and killing several humans stripped of their humanity, there was still energy and happiness to be shared from the sorcerer and executor who endured so much.

They probably fought their hardest looking out for each other, Gojo mused to himself, his smile dampening. Can't really tell if that'll be their greatest motivation, or their greatest weakness.

If one or the other fall, they might just lose focus in the middle of battle, because they would be too busy worrying about each other. Ciel and Yuuji should have a shot at enjoying their youths, whether it's staying out past curfew, having a movie night slumber party together, going on dates and more - just be teenagers. Yet, even though Gojo approved, he wondered how Ciel and Yuuji could function as a team, in their line of work where they can't let the well being of each other take priority over their own survival - and he knew that's what they'll end up doing when it all comes down to it.

Between losing a friend and losing a lover, Gojo knew which is bound to leave a more devastating impact. After all, Love is the most twisted curse of them all.

*POP!*

Gojo was pulled out of his thoughts at the sound of a party popper, and confetti flying everywhere.

"I had one more, so I figured I should use it for this moment," Yuuji said simply with that ever relaxed smile of his. "It's a pretty good excuse after you got your card and emblem."

Ciel was taken aback by his act and just sighed as confetti rained over their heads. "It's a nice gesture, although, we did just celebrate yesterday."

Nevertheless, she smiled in amusement and endearment as the pink-haired sorcerer brushed away the confetti from her blue hair.

Gojo smiled at his students, sensing Nanami observing Ciel and Yuuji also, and he already had an idea what the other man was thinking. We have to look after them.

It wasn't just their job, it was just that out of everybody, these two deserve their moments of peace.

With a slap of his knee, Gojo brought all attention towards him. "Alright! I think it's about time we start getting into serious matters now."

With their bowls emptied (once again, Ciel and Yuuji finishing most of the curry), Gojo propped up a knee to make himself comfortable. "A whole lot of things happened while I was gone. We got unregistered cursed spirits, vampires, and zombies running around (or maybe more like ambling). Needless to say, Tokyo isn't looking very touristy these days."

His lighthearted attitude ended with a drop of a smile. "The blood-drained murders have stopped, but we're still looking for the Head Vampire that started it. The work of patch-face didn't help the matter by kidnapping and transfiguring humans, making it seem like there's a mass murder happening. Right now, the Holy Church has been keeping the number of disappearances on the downlow, controlling the media to keep the panic from spreading."

Ciel and Yuuji held a serious look as they regarded the special grade sorcerer.

"Even if things are quiet now, plenty of people are still feeling restless. And we all know that bad thoughts and feelings are a curses' favorite food. It's been hectic since I came back, but I'm sure you two saw for yourself just how active curses have been lately. You're pretty much making it a habit to go out every night, aren't you?"

Yuuji coughed nervously while Ciel remained impassive.

"It's pointless keeping you kids out of it, and in any case, we will be needing Ciel to help us exorcise all the curses while we do our best to quell the public unrest. Yuuji-kun..."

Yuuji stiffened. He kept a straight face, but he was a little anxious with what his teacher had to say.

"...You're going to be joining Ciel on her exorcism-expedition. It'll make for good training, and I think you're ready to take the next step."

Yuuji lets out a breath of relief, glad to hear that he won't be kept in the dark this time.

"We need all the help we can get. It's a little too risky to let you and Ciel go out during the day, though. Yaga-sensei has most of his staff and students working overtime - that includes Fushiguro-san and Kugisaki-san."

The mention of those two brought out a visible reaction from Yuuji. The anticipation to see them again instantly touched his heart. Ciel noticed Yuuji's reaction and understood what he was feeling, taking a sneaky hold of his hand under the coffee table, which he returned the grip of in kind.

"Naturally, we can't have you exposing yourselves while they're out there - well, maybe Ciel, since she'll be seen as just doing her duties as executor. Still, sorcerers and executors don't have a good track record, so it's better for you not to face any shaman other than us, Ciel. That goes for you too, Itadori-kun. It'll be tough, but I know you can hold out for a little longer until the Goodwill Event."

Yuuji and Ciel nodded, fully understanding their teacher's point.

"Surprisingly, the event is still scheduled to happen. It's probably just to show that Jujutsu Society aren't the least bit intimidated by the Holy Church's presence, or the vampires for that matter. Tokyo Jujutsu High is fully cooperating with Mario's people - the little potty-mouth midget I had the pleasure of meeting last night. With Mario and his people's involvement, we shouldn't expect any early visits from Kyoto to help us with the curses."

It was like his blue eyes pierced through the black fabric of his blind fold as he added. "Our main goal is to look for the vampire whose snuck into our city, and the patch-face cursed spirit that's made the Dead Apostle's underling even more of a monster."

Yuuji winced upon hearing that, but he and Ciel held their gaze as the teacher announced determinedly.

"There will not be another victim like Junpei Yoshino and Satsuki Yumizuka. Right now, what you two need to focus on, as my students, is sharpening your skills, and be ready once we found our culprits. Ciel."

Ciel straightened her back, like a soldier addressing her commander. "Yes."

"We're going to take a trip to an old warehouse where Itadori-kun had been staying before he moved into your place. You're going to be sparring with him there."

"Ah-" Yuuji audibly sounded before shutting his mouth closed.

Ciel agreed without hesitation. "Very well. I've been meaning to personally observe his martial arts training. This will be most beneficial."

"Glad to hear it, because after you finish sparring him, you're going to be fighting me next."

"Ah-!" Yuuji expressed even greater surprise at that, and once more, he shut his mouth closed.

Ciel remained unfazed. "No issue there. I shall have to get some things ready then before we leave."

Whoa. She isn't nervous in the least, Yuuji admired that cool attitude of Ciel.[Note: Yuuji doesn't know that Ciel already fought Gojo].

"Then after me," Gojo continued, "the two of you will be having a match against Nanami-san next (Yuuji: Him too?!). He won't be around though until much later. At the moment, we're needed to help clean up all the curses that's gotten a little too excited after last week, so for the next couple of hours or so, you and Yuuji-kun will have the entire dojo to yourselves."

"Normally, Ijichi-san would be around to chaperone, but he's currently busy with the clean up as well," Nanami spoke up. "He's also working alongside with one of Mario's employees at the police department, in regards to locating any evidence of the Dead Apostle's lair."

The adult adjusted his specs. "We will be leaving you two to train and improve at your own pace until we are done with our assignments in Tokyo. Ciel-san, I'll be entrusting Itadori-kun into your care."

With a nod, Ciel then met Yuuji's gaze. An unspoken understanding between them, as well as resolve, and they clutched each other's hands firmly.


"Oh crap-!"

Ciel's clutch of Yuuji's gloved hand remained strong as his back was slammed against the wooden floor. "Ow... Geez. You sure don't hold back, do you?"

"Of course I do. You'd be a lot more hurt if I didn't," Ciel said frankly, her face hovering over Yuuji's upside down head. "Although, you're not really fighting seriously either. It defeats the whole purpose of training if we're not actually trying our hardest."

They were in a dojo with the sun streaming through the closed shoji doors. Gojo and Nanami left not too long ago, allowing Yuuji and Ciel their opportunity to spar. It lasted about less than a minute before Yuuji was already finding himself on the ground, three times in a row now.

"I totally am though. You're just really strong," Yuuji swore. He'd also been a little distracted. In front of him, Ciel wore a military-like outfit as her training garment. A simple u-neck and sleeveless black tank top, with slightly baggy brown pants and boots. It was hard for him to keep focus when she was looking absolutely gorgeous right now. It didn't help that she was so close to his face either.

He felt his hand released and watched Ciel pull back - a little disappointed at the end of their closeness already. Yuuji sat up and rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the soreness of the last few counters he'd endured.

"No. All you've been doing is trying to pin me to get me to stop fighting. On any other day, I wouldn't mind that (Yuji: *blushes*), but you're gonna have to try more than a simple judo move to get a point out of me."

Ciel held her chin thoughtfully. "You certainly have good instincts when it comes to fighting. Your raw fighting style makes you at times unpredictable, and you can quickly adapt to your opponents strength. In other words, your informal use of martial arts puts you on a league of your own in a street fight. However, at the face of overwhelming power and experience, this is ultimately nulled."

She held up a finger, entering lecture mode, "From what I'm able to assess, you have the power to go up against a group of thugs with no knowledge in martial arts, but when it comes to a truly experienced and deadly fighter, you have no chance. You might be able to land a few good hits, but a truly capable combatant would only need one to knock you down for good - and that's if they hadn't planned on killing you from the start."

She hadn't openly said this to anyone, but it struck Ciel as strange how, despite Yuuji being stabbed in several places by the cursed spirit Mahito, none of those stab wounds were meant to be lethal. It left an unnerving idea that the curse didn't truly intend to kill Yuuji, as if there was some other plan he had in mind for the sorcerer.

It could have something to do with Sukuna. Ciel considered. If perhaps all that effort of pushing Yuuji to his brink was just so he could get Sukuna to come out...

Then she shuddered to think what Mahito will do next to try and accomplish that. That might have been the reason why Mahito purposefully killed Junpei Yoshino in front of Yuuji, and possibly why he gave power to Satsuki before it nearly backfired on him. To break Yuuji's spirit, so that Sukuna could overtake him in his weakest moment.

Or maybe to force Yuuji into relying on Sukuna's aid, but based on what Yuuji told her what happened, that was never going to be a possibility. There really is no limit to how cruel the King of Curses can be. Although, she wasn't really all that surprised.

It just infuriated her that he had to mock Yuuji while someone Yuuji truly cared for was dying so horribly in front of him. Just as it infuriated her at the notion that Yuuji could have very well died that night had that been Mahito's interest. Had the cursed spirit truly meant to kill Yuuji from the beginning, had the inflictions of those wounds he just a few more inches to the side, where Yuuji heart was, that would have been the end of it.

"Ciel?"

Lost in her thoughts for a brief moment, Ciel looked back at the awaiting seated sorcerer who was looking at her curiously. Despite her controlled expression, he already seemed to notice something was bothering her.

Ciel puts up a smile. "Ah. Don't mind me. I was just wondering how we can improve your fighting style. It's not just that cursed spirit or dead apostle we need to prepare ourselves for, but also the Goodwill Event you'll be entering."

She had to help Yuuji be ready for anything. She had to make sure she could protect him from anything. Even if that meant having to rely on Roa's knowledge, no matter her own abhorrent hatred for it. If it meant breaking her vow to never use it just so that she can prevent Yuuji's fate from suffering or dying in the most agonizing way...

Then so be it.

She leaned over and held out her hand. "Let's try this again, but this time, I want you to really come at me. Please don't let our, erm, relationship impede your focus."

She give the best show of her puppy dog eyes and guilt-ridden face. "I would hate myself if I was the reason I kept you from getting any stronger. I'd want to help you succeed too, to meet all of your goals. Your aspirations. Your promise to your grandfather. Even though I've spoken my views against it, I now wish to elevate you in your pursuits so you wouldn't have to struggle alone, to understand what it means to give others a proper death."

Her eyes and smile softened. "I'm sure you'll figure it out someday. Until then, I'll be there with you at every step of the way."

Yuuji stared widely at Ciel's vocal support. He didn't know what to say to that. Only what he felt as he looked back down at Ciel's hand, and smiled. His heart filled with gratitude as he accepted the hand and was pulled up to stand again.

"...Thank you." He grasped Ciel's palm tightly as they held it between their chests. "I'm really glad to know that I'm not alone on this."

And you won't ever have to be, Ciel promised before sharing a kiss with Yuuji. The love and adoration they have is carried with every breath. They eventually loosened their hold and separated from each other, taking several steps back.

"Alright. I'll fight seriously this time," Yuuji said as he stopped and got into a stance.

"I'll be holding onto you for that, Yuuji-kun," Ciel said with her fists proudly at her hips, "Otherwise, I'd be offended."

"...You know, you can just call me 'Yuuji', right?" Yuuji's question took Ciel by surprise and he followed up. "I mean, we're pretty much passed formalities at this point."

"O-Oh. Well..." Ciel looked sheepish to take up on the suggestion. "I suppose... You might be right. It's a little embarrassing to say it so openly though... Tell you what, if you can land one hit on me, I'll say your name without any honorifics."

Yuuji grinned, and he brought up his fists. "Deal."

He watched as Ciel does the same, entering a stance and waited for Yuuji to make the first move. Yuuji took a deep breath in, and a long breath out, clearing his mind.

He then dashed straight for the executor across the dojo.


Author's Note:

Emissary of Stuff: Oh shoot you're right! How the heck did I mess that up?! I swear I thought it was called the Infinity Box. Maybe I read the wrong translation? Thanks for telling me! Sorry for the error!

Spoiler Warning! Do not read if you are not caught up with JJK Manga!

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...We good? Okay.

Well... What can I say? Personally, I'm holding out hope that he'll hold on for a little longer, and if not... well, he did go out with a smile on his face. And throughout all that trash talking and moment of genuine panic, Sukuna did end up praising Gojo in the end.

With Gojo out for the count, and Sukuna badly injured yet stronger than ever before, who can stop the King of Curses now?

This is all leading up to a bittersweet... or simply bitter ending, which is really what reality is, and all we can do is accept it and march on with it, carry it over our shoulders as we gather whatever we can for the life we still have with us.

Ho boy I sure do worry about Gege though. Fans must be out for his head right now. You know what this means?... Escape to fanfiction where everything is okay! :D

I can't promise if that'll be the same for this story though. Maybe in my new one? Which by the way, is out right now! Red Rainbow - a new take on Jujutsu Executor, and another addition to the Tsukihime/JJK library! Consider it a sort of remake, with more obvious changes in both storylines - which I'm still not sure how, I mean, I have ideas, but we'll see where my writing goes.