Kagome sat patiently in the black sedan, the sun casting dappled patterns on the car's exterior under the shade of the oak tree. A gentle breeze stirred the branches, carrying the hum of cicadas and the earthy scent of nature. As she navigated through her phone, the time read 13.01 AM – an hour since her grandfather had disappeared into the meeting.
Glancing at the serene landscape outside, Kagome bit her lip. The worry encountering sorcerers loomed, but the tranquil surroundings did little to calm her unease. As she slowly embraced the quietude, a subtle change announced itself in the air. The once gentle breeze picked up its pace, dancing with leaves and carrying nature's refreshing scent.
The chime of her phone interrupted the ambient sounds, drawing Kagome's attention. There was one message from her brother, Sota.
I got the item and you were right nee-chan, the shopkeeper did want a favor for exchange
A smile played on Kagome's lips – her intuition proved correct once again.
Thank you Sota. Hope it's not too difficult for you?
The reply came quickly.
Naaah, just a couple of youkai souls for the exchange. I'm fine nee-chan
Glad to hear it, seal it in the storeroom right away, okay? Grandpa still in meeting
Ok
As Kagome saw a short confirmation from her brother, the front seat's door opened, revealing her grandfather's entrance, his face etched with a deep frown.
"Well, you look more lively than before, grandpa." Kagome teased with a smile, but as his expression remained unchanged, her smile faded, "What happened? Did the meeting not go well?"
Her grandfather motioned to start the car, and she did so promptly, anticipating his words.
And he spoke when the car paused for the traffic light, "A foolish young boy eats a Sukuna finger and he doesn't even have any curse energy, yet he managed to suppress Sukuna remarkably."
"What?" Kagome gasped, "Someone managed to suppress the king of curse?" It seemed unbelievable. That curse was the most potent in Jujutsu history; even sealing him completely proved challenging from what she read at the book her grandfather gave. Now, a boy devoid of any curse energy had not only withstood Sukuna's power but suppressed it. It was nothing short of a miracle.
"That's what the meeting was about. The others wanted him executed immediately out of fear the moment they heard Sukuna had awakened." Her grandpa spoke animatedly, "I argued that killing him immediately might not solve the problem; it would lead us to the unknown. If this boy can withstand Sukuna cursed energy, then maybe he can use Sukuna power as his own, and that would be the best scenario for sorcerers."
Kagome absorbed her grandfather's words, her mind racing with the implications of this newfound situation. The best-case scenario seemed promising, but, as her grandfather continued, a shadow of concern clouded his features.
"But," he continued with a heavy sigh, "If this boy, for whatever reason, can't control Sukuna once he consumes all the fingers, then the worst scenario unfolds. He becomes a ticking time bomb, a vessel for Sukuna's unbridled wrath. In that case, the only option left would be to eliminate him."
A heavy silence hung in the air as Kagome's thoughts spiraled into a dark abyss. The enormity of the situation pressed down on her chest, the weight of the decision her grandfather as the elders of sorcerer might be forced to make. She couldn't shake the image of a boy, carrying the king of curses within him, destined for a fate he himself bore as consequence for eating Sukuna finger.
The light turned green, Kagome continued driving as her mind kept racing in stillness.
Then her voice, barely above a whisper, broke the silence, "Sacrificing a life to prevent a potential catastrophe. Can you really play arbiters of life and death grandpa?"
Her grandfather's gaze fixed on the road ahead, nodded gravely. "It's a grim reality, Kagome. Sometimes, as sorcerers, we're tasked with making decisions that seem unbearable. The responsibility of protecting the world from curses comes at a steep cost."
As Kagome drove the car glided through the city streets, her thoughts wrestled with the weight of their conversation. She still couldn't shake the image of the boy, the bearer of Sukuna's curse, caught in the crossfire of their decisions. Empathy, responsibility, and a hint of fear mingled within her. The line between right and wrong blurred in the face of such a complex choice.
"But," her grandfather's voice interrupted her contemplation, "my argument was backed up by Gojo Satoru. He shares the belief that this boy, Itadori Yuji, could be the key to managing Sukuna's power without succumbing to it."
Kagome's eyes widened at the mention of Gojo Satoru – the enigmatic jujutsu sorcerer her grandfather always talked about.
"He even decided to take Itadori as his student," her grandfather continued, "to ensure that he is trained properly and to have a close eye on him. Itadori will gather the rest of Sukuna's fingers under Gojo Satoru's supervision. This way, we have some control over the situation."
Kagome absorbed this information, feeling a mix of relief and skepticism. The intricate web of alliances and decisions formed a delicate balance in battle against the looming darkness. Yet, she couldn't shake the sense of impending chaos, wondering if they were merely postponing an inevitable reckoning.
Her mind raced back to a question that lingered since she was brought along on this peculiar errand. "Why bring me here, then? You've always insisted on me keeping my distance from the world of sorcerers. Why involve me now?"
Her grandfather sighed, his eyes heavy with a mix of regret and determination. "Kagome, my dear, you've always been different. The reiryoku in our family is potent, and it's your duty to understand the world you come from. If anything were to happen, you need to be prepared."
Kagome felt a shiver run down her spine, her fingers gripping the steering wheel a little tighter. "Is that why you asked Sota to retrieve something?" She turned the car to the right.
Her grandfather nodded, "Yes, I asked Sota to find Sukuna's finger. I hope your powers are strong enough to purify the curse from the finger before it's consumed by Itadori."
Kagome hummed, "Well, Sota was successful. He managed to secure the item you sought." Without seeing it Kagome knew that her grandfather's face lit up with a smile.
"Ah, splendid!" Her grandfather said cheerfully, "it seemed like his power grew wonderfully to be able to find a cursed object like a Sukuna finger so swiftly."
There is a moment of silence before her grandpa speaks, "But before we head back, I need you to make a detour, Kagome."
Confused, Kagome furrowed her brows, "A detour? Where to, Grandpa?"
…
Gojo Satoru strolled down the corridors of Jujutsu High, his strides confident and his white hair unruffled. Having just finished giving Yuji a tour of the dorms, he felt satisfied that Yuji would settle in well, especially with Megumi as a roommate. As he approached his office, Satoru sensed a familiar presence inside, waiting for him.
With his trademark grin, Satoru creaked the door open. "Principal Yaga, what a surprise. To what do I owe this pleasure?" Satoru's eyes sparkled with mischief as he entered the room.
Sitting in the visitor's seat was principal Jujutsu High, Principal Yaga. He looked up from the paperwork he brought, "I assumed it's intentional to put Itadori Yuji's room beside Fushiguro Megumi?"
Satoru grin widened, "Ah, our beloved principal. Your age doesn't hinder your sharpest mind, I see."
Unfazed by the banter, Principal Yaga fixed a piercing gaze upon Satoru, demanding an answer.
"No beating around the bush, huh?," Satoru took a step closer to his chair, then sat on it. "Yes, I did that. Not out of caution, just thought it'd be good for them to bond, considering their shared interest."
Yaga nodded, his eyes shifting back to the paperwork. "Excellent. Now, I have a matter we need to discuss."
Leaning against his chair, Satoru's curiosity replaced his charms. "Oh? What is it?"
Yaga glanced at the door to make sure it was closed before continuing. "There have been unidentified individuals pursuing Sukuna's finger."
Satoru leaned in, intrigue. "And how did you get information about that?"
The principal stood and placed his paperwork on a desk in front of Satoru. Their eyes met. "Mei Mei stumbled upon this information. She found one of Sukuna's fingers in an occult shop while on a mission unrelated to our current predicament."
Satoru's interest heightened. "Sukuna's finger in an occult shop? That's unusual. How did it end up there?"
Yaga took a moment to collect his thoughts, a brief pause filled with contemplation. Eventually, a heavy sigh escaped him, almost as though he had reached a conclusion about what he deemed necessary to share. "The shopkeeper was the one who gathered it, and Mei Mei mentioned that the shopkeeper was… different."
"Different, you say? How so? Come on Principal, don't leave me hanging. Tell me more about what Mei Mei observed."
Yaga hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "The shopkeeper's aura is distinct, not of a sorcerer or a curse. Mei Mei couldn't quite put her finger on it, but it felt ancient, almost otherworldly. As if the shopkeeper is tapping into powers beyond our understanding."
Satoru's eyes gleamed with fascination. "Otherworldly? Now, that's intriguing. So what happens next?"
The principal continued, "Mei Mei confronted the shopkeeper. However, the shopkeeper declined her request to take the box containing Sukuna's finger. She mentioned that she was waiting for someone who met her specific qualifications, and unfortunately, Mei Mei didn't fit those criteria."
"Qualifications, huh? That's rather peculiar. Do we have any idea what those qualifications might be?" Satoru asked, his tone a curious blend of skepticism and interest.
Yaga shook his head, "No, but Mei Mei couldn't afford to waste more time. She contacted me, hoping that my presence might help persuade the shopkeeper to part with the finger. However, by the time I arrived, the Sukuna finger was already gone."
Satoru's brow furrowed in disappointment. "Gone? That shopkeeper moves fast. Did you at least get any information from her?"
The principal nodded, "Yes, the shopkeeper revealed that she had handed over the finger to someone who had met her qualifications. Unfortunately, she didn't disclose who that person was or what those qualifications entailed."
Satoru sighed, a mixture of frustration and intrigue in his expression. "Well, that's a dead end for now. Any leads on who this mystery person might be?"
Yaga's gaze turned contemplative. "None at the moment. Mei Mei and I are working on gathering information about Sukuna's fingers and anyone showing interest in them. It's a delicate matter, and we need to proceed with caution."
Satoru chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Caution has never been my strong suit, but I'll play along for now. Let me know if you find anything interesting. This mystery person might just add a new layer to the unfolding drama with Yuji and Sukuna."
Yaga regarded him with a stern expression, though a hint of amusement lingered beneath the facade. "Navigating through mysteries requires more than just bravado Satoru. Sometimes, restraint can be as powerful as action."
With those words of advice hanging in the air, Yaga's demeanor shifted. "Alright, enough talk. I still had a task on my plate, but my role as principal tied me up here. Satoru, mind lending a hand with this one?"
Satoru arched an eyebrow, the mischievous spark still present in his gaze. "Oh? What's the new assignment? A special grade curse perhaps?"
The principal shook his head, he pointed to the stack of papers still lying on the desk. "Not a mission this time, Satoru. we have some administrative tasks that need immediate attention."
Satoru's expression turned mockingly dramatic. "Administrative tasks? You know paperwork and I don't exactly get along. Can't you delegate that to someone more inclined to such matters?"
The principal's gaze remained unwavering. "Normally, I would, but these documents are crucial. They pertain to the recent incidents involving Sukuna and Itadori Yuji. And it belonged to one of the elders, Higurashi-san but it seemed he forgot to bring this with him."
Satoru scoffed, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. "That old hag forgot his paperwork? Well, I always knew the elders were getting forgetful in their old age."
Principal Yaga shot Satoru a stern look, his gaze cutting through the mischief, "Satoru, show some respect. Higurashi-san is one of the most experienced and esteemed elders. Without him we will not get Okkotsu and Itadori as easily as breathing the air."
Satoru pouted, his theatrics momentarily replaced by an exaggerated display of reluctance. "Oh, come on, Yaga. paperwork and I are like two magnets that cancel each other. It's not my fault that we have different magnetic polarities."
The principal's expression remained firm. "This is not the time for your theatrics, Satoru. These documents require immediate attention. There are specific reports that need your input before delivering them to Higurashi-san. Now, enough of your protests. You have a duty as a jujutsu sorcerer, and that includes administrative tasks."
Satoru sighed dramatically, his shoulders slumping as if burdened by an insurmountable task. "Fine, fine. But only because you're asking, not because I enjoy drowning in paperwork. You owe me one, Yaga."
The principal smirks, "Consider it a duty fulfilled, Satoru. Now let's get to work."
…
After dutifully completing an administrative task for his dearest principal, Satoru finds himself lounging in the passenger seat of a luxurious black sedan. The neatly organized paperwork beside him served as a constant reminder of what he deemed a trivial chore. Unable to contain his disdain, he turned to Ijichi, the man behind the wheel.
"Can you believe this, Ijichi? I'm practically Yaga's errand boy now. First, I had to wade through paperwork, and now I have to personally deliver it to the old man. What a waste of my talents," Satoru grumbled, his eyes fixed on the passing scenery outside the window.
Ijichi, ever the voice of reason, chuckled in response. "Well, Gojo-sensei, even the mightiest sorcerer has to deal with a bit of bureaucracy now and then. It's all part of the job."
Satoru shot him a deadpan look, "Bureaucracy? Ijichi, I'm Gojo Satoru, not some glorified courier. I'm meant for grander things, not running around delivering documents."
Undeterred, Ijichi maintained his good humor. "I'm sure elder Higurashi will appreciate the personal touch. Besides, it's not everyday we can visit esteemed elder residences like Higurashi-san."
Satoru remained unimpressed, "Meh, must be no different from any ordinary residence." He sighed dramatically. "That old man does not belong to the clan; there is nothing to impress."
The banter continued until they arrived at the grand staircase leading to Higurashi's residence. Ijichi offered a parting comment, "Then, consider it a change of pace. Even the strongest sorcerer needs a break from the action once in a while."
With an exaggerated eye roll, Satoru grabbed the paperwork and stepped out of the car. "Break from the action, my foot. This is a tragedy, Ijichi. A tragedy."
As Satoru ascended the stairs, the breathtaking scenery unfolded before him. Nature's masterpiece painted a vivid backdrop, each detail meticulously crafted. The landscape seemed like a living canvas, and the air carried an indescribable serenity. Satoru couldn't help but marvel at the energy that enveloped the place, his cursed energy responding to the unique aura.
Reaching the shrine at the peak, he muttered to himself, "This is not some ordinary shrine. The old man sure knows how to cast energy in his own place."
Despite his apparent focus on the surroundings, Satoru sensed someone observing him from the moment he stepped in. ignoring the unseen presence, his attention remained fixed on the shrine's energy. However, a young voice disrupted his contemplation.
"Do you need help, umm…mister?"
Satoru blindfolded eyes shifted to the boy standing to his left. His gaze swept over the boy's features, from the black hair with a subtle bang to his overall unremarkable appearance. Look the same age as Megumi and Yuji. Yet, there was something about the boy's energy –a rare and unique quality that intrigued Satoru.
The boy's presence became unavoidable, and Satoru, reluctantly tearing his gaze from the enchanting scenery, acknowledged him. "Yo." He greeted the boy with a casual smile.
The boy, still clutching the broom tighter, remained silent. Satoru's keen senses picked up on the unease, prompting him to study the boy more closely. The more he watches the more the boy squirmed uncomfortable, Satoru can sense that the energy inside the boy's begging to release.
But why? It doesn't look like they know each other, does he?
"You work here?" Satoru asked, nodding towards the broom in the boy's hand.
The boy continued to stare warily at Satoru, his silence stretching. Undeterred, Satoru leaned in a bit, "What's your name, kid?"
The boy didn't reply, he leaned away from him, making a distance between them a bit.
Satoru chuckled, "Alright, the strong and silent type, I see. No worries, I like a bit of mystery." He gestured at the paperwork in his hand, "I'm looking for Higurashi Elder. Where can I find him?"
Just as Satoru was about to assure the boy that he wasn't here to cause trouble after looking the boy more guard up, he was interrupted by a voice from behind. "What an honor to be graced by a presence like you in my own abode, Gojo."
Satoru turned, and there, ascending the grand stair, was Elder Higurashi, a serene expression on his face, accompanied by a young woman. The girl widened her eyes the moment she saw Satoru, and the elder wore a simple smile.
The boy in the broom immediately slumped in relief, his guard visibly lowered, but he chose to respond with a casual grin to Elder Higurashi, "Yeah, it's not in your daily life to witness this charming face gracing your place. Quite the honor, huh?" He glanced at the young woman beside the elder, who seemed occupied rummaging something in her shopping bag.
The elder chuckled, "Charm, you say? I suspect you're not here to exchange pleasantries, Gojo. what brings you to my doorstep?"
Satoru gestured at the paperwork, "Just a little paperwork from Yaga. You know it is, the burdens of being a responsible sorcerer." He extended the folder towards the elder.
Older Higurashi accepted the paperwork, glancing through it with a sheepish expression. "Goodness, looks like age catching up to me. How could I forget to bring this with me." He sighed, "My apologies Gojo, I must have interrupted your busy schedule."
Satoru, being nonchalance, shrugged it away, "Dont worry about it." He turned to make an introduction to the woman beside the elder, only to be surprised when he realized she was gone. 'When did she…?' He then looked behind him, and the boy had vanished too.
How come I didn't sense them leaving?
His confusion was interrupted by a clear throat coming from the elder in front of him, "I know this is a bit abrupt, Gojo, but our shrine is bustling with preparations for a family event. I apologize for cutting our conversation short. You may excuse me."
Satoru, always adaptable, grinned, "No problem at all, old man. Family comes first, right? I'II catch you later. Take care." With a casual wave, he watched as Elder Higurashi walked toward the door shrine, disappearing into the back of the door.
As the elder left, Satoru couldn't shake off the feeling of something amiss. The mysterious disappearance of the boy and the young woman intrigued him, and he couldn't resist delving into the peculiar energy that lingered even after they were gone.
"Hmm..the more I think about it..this family is really mysterious, isn't" Satoru mused to himself, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings as if trying to uncover the hidden secrets woven into the fabric of the shrine. The air buzzed with an enigmatic energy that piqued his curiosity, urging him to explore further.
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Thank you for nice review and the idea, I'm very grateful you guys like it. I will try to make your idea come alive but not soon~
Take care everybody.
