A/N: EDIT: Made a minor mistake with a name. Fixed it now~!
Here we go! Weekly update once more!
Suffering from what might be rebound Covid atm, sorry.
Its not quite as bad as that one week, but I still feel like absolute craaaap.
Somehow, this surged past 700 hundred reviews very quickly so here we are, ANOTHER early update!
Feedback really does kick me into high gear; if this chapter gets a good reception as well, then I'll do my best to update early once more. Do let me know!
Of course, it helps that I've been watching the latest episodes of JJK and reading the manga. If you thought Mahito was a menace, you're really not prepared for Kenjaku's Culling Game.
Speaking of games, I really do need to update other categories...
With my fifteen year anniversary on this site finally here, I find myself reflecting on the little things in life. What was once a lazy pastime meant for me and a few friends really grew and evolved over time. There are days when I look back on the last fifteen years here and I wonder if anyone will remember me; if I made an impact, despite never making a single cent on any of these stories. Some days were happier than others, and some stories I enjoyed writing WAY too much; to the point where I'd stay up all night working on them.
And of course, there are times when I look to the future and wonder what will become of things when I'm gone.
Still, I'm going me best to keep on...well, keeping on.
Brief Q&A this time, wouldn't do to spoil things.
Q: UPDATE OTHER CATEGORIES!
A: Already have! We're all hard at work over here~!
Q: Wait, wait, wait. Did that mission with Amanai occur already or what?
A: Ironically, no. That wild, chaotic, ill-fated mission hasn't happened...yet.
Time will tell if things change or stay the same this time around.
But remember, sometimes, changes can be dangerous.
Naruto's had a good run of relatively peaceful change in the timeline thus far, but now he's stepping into the deep end. First we have what shall now be dubbed "The Hanami Incident" and let us not, forget the fact that our boy accidentally established a link to SUKUNA of all people through one of his fingers. A finger that he absolutely must not consume, no matter what!
If you thought Sukuna was dangerous in Itadori's body or *SPOILER* just imagine him in Naruto's.
Have that terrifying image fixed in your mind? Great.
Yeah, that would be bad for a lotta people.
Pray it doesn't happen.
Q: Yup, that settles it. COAT (Creation of All Things" is definitely OP.
A: It is, but it has certain limits. For instance, Naruto can't walk around with altered eyes all day. Its a massive drain, nevermind exceedingly painful. But for everything else, the sky -and his crazed imagination- is the limit. So long as he understands the fundamentals and concept of a jujutsu/jutsu he can use it. For example! He can currently use the Rinnegan for a few seconds as we've seen, yet only knows how to push and pull at the moment. He doesn't know how to yank souls and all the other OP tricks.
Be glad he hasn't figured out how to drop meteors from orbit like Madara, either. That's an instant game over. There we go, that ought to do it for the questionnaire.
As ever, I own no quotes, references, quotes, themes or memes! They're simply tributes to legends far greater than I.
I'm just an old man who writes as a pastime. I don't make any money doing this, not a single cent.
This is ALL done for free. Time and feedback will determine if this remains a story.
Simple as that. In other words...its up to YOU, the reader. Do let me know~!
Last but not least, there's art of a human Hanami floating around.
It was rather well done~!
And remember, as stated prior, the names for Naoya's brothers are:
Naome (Eldest Son)
Natsuo (The Middle Child)
Natoshi (Second Youngest Before Our Boy)
Now then, I hope you're ready, because here comes more of the cast...
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person, Naoya Zeni'n."
...thanks, I guess? And you are?"
"Merely someone with a passing interest in Jujutsu...
~And so it begins.
Manifest
"I'm home~!"
"What happened to you?!"
"You're covered in blood, Naoya!"
...those were about the reactions he'd expected when he came home looking like this. As such, he didn't particularly protest overmuch when Maki and Mai pounced on him. He was even kind enough to let his adorable little cousins latch onto an arm each -Maki his right and Mai his left- while they dragged him inside the clan compound. No amount of explaining would satisfy the twins; they promptly plonked him down on the bed, brought out the bandages and gauze besides.
To them, it didn't matter that he was already completely healed; his clothes were a wreck and he looked awful. That alone had them breaking out the heavy duty equipment.
"Never you mind that!" he waved their fussy hands away from his face before they could break out the rubbing alcohol. "I made a friend~!"
"A friend?! Maki hissed; she looked fit to spit. "If this friend is the one who hurt you...
Hanami eased open the door and plodded in behind them, silent as the grave.
...am I intruding?"
It was like pouring gasoline over a raging fire.
In short? His precious little cousins absolutely burst into action.
Mai whirled and fired off a shot from her revolver even as Maki pivoted and swung her sword at Hanami's thigh. One went low, the other high. It almost brought a tear to his eye.
Unfortunately for them, Hanami gave their attacks all the consideration they were due; that is to say, absolutely none at all. Mai's bullet bounced harmlessly off her fractured helm, while Maki's sword shattered against her heel, leaving her clutching a trembling hilt. The Special Grade turned her head to glower at her, an amber eye glaring through the cracks in her armor.
"How very rude."
Fear triumphed over adrenaline at last an the twins shrank back behind him with an explosive yelp.
Perhaps that was a testament to their belief in him; the absolute certainty that no matter their lack of skill, he would still protect them, no matter what. And he would! It was just touching to see their faith firsthand. They must have been practicing their teamwork when he wasn't looking. They really could work together when they wanted to!
That settled it. These two were going to be AMAZING by the time they reached Jujutsu High. No way was he letting the Kyoto branch anywhere near them.
"Maki, Mai," he gave each of them a gentle nudge, "This is Hanami. She's a friend, ya know. Please don't attack her."
Mai, ever the bold one, found her voice first. "Is...that a Special Grade curse? What's that thing doing here!?
"My name is Hanami." he didn't miss the faint undercurrent of annoyance in her voice.
Maki balked. "She talks!"
The Special Grade stared at her in return. "Would you rather I attack you?"
The girls quailed for a moment under her stare, but rallied. As expected of his stubborn little cousins.
...that was a joke." Hanami added after a moment's pause. "I'm afraid I don't entirely understand you humans and your behavior."
"Say that part first next time!" Mai exclaimed!" How is she even here?! Did no one sense her?!
Naruto clapped a hand to his forehead. "She's suppressing her cursed energy for now, but we can't have someone seeing her, so I've wrapped her in an illusion."
He felt a faint flicker of concern from the cursed spirit. "Does it tire you?"
"A little." He wiped a bead of sweat from his brow. "I'm used to disguising myself, not others. Its not like I created a new body or anything. That's...a bit of a logistical hurdle." one he didn't know how to surpass just yet, nevermind the materials he'd need. "Not sure I can do that right now. You mind taking the rest of that helmet off in the meantime? I already cracked most of it, and it'll put these two at ease.
Sure enough that got Mai's attention. "That's not her real face?"
"Nope." she smacked his lips. "Not by a long shot."
Hanami heaved a sigh. "...I suppose there's no point in hiding it now.
As they looked on, she raised both hands, dug her fingers into her helm and twisted. The armored helmet and faceplate crumbled away from her visage, taking that ghastly grimace with it to reveal...
His jaw clicked open of its own accord at the sight of her. "Oh, wow."
Maki mirrored him in her innocent awe. "Pretty!"
Mai sulked. "That is so not fair...
Beneath that helmet/mask, she had all the splendor of a traditional japanese beauty with dark hair. Indeed, she would've passes for human at a glance, if it weren't for her horns.
"I do not deserve such praise." Hanami shook her head, sending her long, luscious locks swaying. "These horns of mine are quite ugly."
"That's what you focus on?!"
Mai poked her torso. "Is she human under all that armor?"
"Humanoid." Naruto corrected with a raised finger.
"And she won't attack us?"
A long, lingering look between him and Hanami followed. "Not if she wants to live."
"Hmm." strangely enough, the Special Grade radiated approval at that. "How very curse-like of you. It seems the shorter one has a technique similar to yours. Inferior perhaps, but similar nonetheless."
Mai squawked. "Hey!"
"Now, now," he patted her head. "Lets all get along, eh?"
He knew this would cause ripples.
Did he care?
Nope!
The Zeni'n elders and the Higher-Ups of Jujutsu Command could go swallow a stinky shoe for all he cared.
The past was the past, the future was now. While it would be nice if his generations and theirs could all get along, he wasn't holding out hope. The people of this world were too fractured, too focused on status and pride and glory. It reminded him of the way things had been back in his world before the Fourth Shinobi War. All the endless backstabbing and dickering about! Clan scheming against Clan, sorcerer against sorcerer. If working with a Special Grade curse got their tights in a twist, then too bad! He was through catering to their outdated whims.
And besides, if a Curse had proper intelligence, it also had opportunity to choose. Of course it could continue as it was; follow its base instincts and senselessly attack everything in sight, or it could be better and find the path of reason, as Hanami had. Better yet, a Curse could choose to converse and negotiate. Now, he was under no impressions that Hanami was an entirely good person -most curses weren't- but so long as she helped him and his while avoiding any atrocious acts, he was content to work with her.
Besides, it felt...kinda nice to tell someone his real name, even if that someone was a former enemy.
"In any case!" he coughed into a fist before the twins could wind themselves up into another argument. "She's agreed to work with me in the future; this is just me introducing you to her to prevent any confusion. Please treat her with the same respect you do me."
Maki and Mai made unhappy noises. "But she's a curse...are we really allowed to work with her?"
Naruto shrugged one shoulder. "Probably not.
The twins rounded on him. "Naoya!"
...but I'm done caring what the higher-ups think." he sat back down and stifled a yawn with the back of his hand. "They've been nothing but a nuisance, and if they had their way, the two of you would've been thrown out of the Zeni'n Clan a long time ago or worse, regulated to servants. Why should I give a hoot about any of those outdated geezers say?"
Mai squirmed. "But to work with a curse...
"Your anxiety is not unfounded." Hanami surprised him by actually speaking up. "Perhaps a Binding Vow would suffice?"
Naruto's brow shot into his hair. "You sure about that? Once you make one of those...
"They are your kin." she stared back at him intently. "Its only natural that you would seek to protect them from harm." as he looked on, she turned away from him, gazing out the window into the foggy night. "And besides, I...also have family. Dagon and Jogo would not entirely approve of this, I think, but they would respect the spirit of the sentiment all the same."
"Then they're weak."
And just when he thought a certain someone clammed up...
'Quiet, you.' He blinked quickly. "Jogo? Dagon? Should I know those names?"
"You needn't fear the former," Hanami rumbled, "but I would suggest avoiding the latter should you ever encounter him. He's always been the volatile sort. But enough of them." She knelt and bowed her head before he could try to pry more information out of her. "I hereby swear. Maki and Mai Zeni'n. I shall never knowingly lay a hand upon either of you. In return, I ask only that you call me an ally of your Sage."
Maki and Mai titled their head. "Sage?"
No, no, no, not opening that can of worms here!
"There we go, all settled!" he clapped his hands, hurrying them along. "Now if we can just-
Maki snagged his sleeve. "No you don't! You didn't even tell us how the two of you met!
"That's right!" Mai joined in. "How did this happen?! We want details!"
.
..
...blast. And here he'd hoped to get off scott-free...
He sat back down and gave them the summarized version of their encounter.
"Well, I went to the shrine and ran into a First Grade Curse, beat it up a bit, captured it, then-
Mai floundered and flung up a hand. "Wait, you captured a cursed spirit?!"
"Sure did~!"
Hanami climbed to her feet and turned her head his way. "Is curse Manipulation also a part of your technique?
"Nah," he waved her off and patted the large scroll still nestled at his back. "Pretty sure that one's exclusive to Geto. Way I see it, I'm gonna try to tame this one and see if I can boost 'em up to Special Grade. They have a really useful ability I'd like to mimic, or barring that, pass on to someone else.
Maki and Mai made baffled noises. "Why...?"
"Because its fun! The more the merrier, I always say!"
Hanami was not so easily countered. "And if they refuse to see reason?
That would be unfortunate, but he'd prepared for that happenstance. "Then I'll finish what I started at the Shrine."
It would be a shame to lose such a useful asset, but the twin's safety outweighed any lingering curiosity and avarice he might feel.
"Here." Hanami raised a hand and conjured a small earthen bud in her palm. "This is for you, Sage of the Earth." As he looked on she bent it between her fingers until it adopted the shape of a small earthen band, the kind meant to be worn upon one's finger. "A means to contact me, should you so desire."
Maki choked. "Is that...
...a ring?!" Mai finished, incredulous.
So what if it was? Friends gave each other gifts all the time. He couldn't sense any ill intent in this Baffled by the byplay he slid it into a random finger-Maki and Mai fainted outright on the bed behind him!-and granted her a humble bow, as was customary for such gift. In hindsight, he probably should've paid better attention to which finger he put in on...
"You're leaving already?"
"I've lingered too long as it is." for some reason she wouldn't meet his eyes. "My companions are no doubt wondering where I am, and it would not do for me to be seen here as I am now."
Fair point. "Although...
Hanami frowned at him. "What are you plotting this time?"
Naruto beamed ever so innocently. "Wanna cause a little chaos before you go?"
She tilted her head just so, amber eyes blinking. "That depends on the nature of said chaos."
"Great! First things first, though." he rubbed his hands together. "Can you put that scary helmet of yours back on real quick?"
She granted him a languid blink, not quite comprehending his intentions. "I can don and remove it as many times as I wish, yes."
Excellent. That was just peachy. His grin grew to shit-eating proportions. "Hanami, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship...
(.0.0.0.)
Naoya was dead.
He had to be.
...right?
And yet Natoshi felt the Reaper's scythe against his throat. Like a noose tightening with each passing misdeed, so too did he sensed his own impending doom for the last hour now. As though some fell shadow had fallen over him, promising him doom, death, damnation if he didn't run if he didn't get out of this bunker right now...!
But he couldn't. Not yet. No.
He'd been scrambling to collect important papers and documents, any and all proof of the Zeni'n clan's finances and the schemes he and his brothers had put into place with them. He'd already burned the last batch and only this handful remained. Once he disposed of them personally, he could away back across the ocean and hide out in Europe or perhaps to escape the fallout that would come. Yes, Naoya's days were numbered, he just didn't realize it-
"You disappoint me, brother."
Natoshi whirled with a shriek, eyes wide. "No!"
Blazing eyes emerged from the shadow, staring up at him, and his accursed sibling coalesced around them. He was smiling. It was...not a nice smile. He'd learned to fear that look, to dread it and hate it in equal measure, and avoid it at all costs. Now he found himself the sole focus of it and it terrified him.
"Did you think I couldn't reach you here?"
This wasn't possible! Had he gone made from fear?!
Natoshi scrambled backward and tripped over himself. "How are you here?! This bunker is miles beneath the earth!"
Naoya ignored him. "That was smart of you, setting that trap the way you did." he stepped forward, forcing him back. "I don't know how you managed to find one of Sukuna's Fingers, let alone smuggled the damn thing all the way out to that shrine. You gave me quite the shock." the shadows seemed to flicker over his face, and for an instant, he glimpsed something horrid looming over his shoulder. The sight of it froze his very soul, and in his panic, he lost control of his cursed energy.
"But thanks to you...
A Special Grade Curse lumbered out of the shadows behind him, a horrible horned monstrosity, its face set in a frightful grimace. He knew what it was. Its cursed energy was insane, stronger than anything he'd ever felt in his meager life. It didn't say a word. It just stared at him. Like he was no one. Nothing...!
"...I made a friend."
Natoshi toppled backward, spilling papers as he went. "You damn monster!"
"You're right. I am a monster." his little brother leaned in, towering over him with a smile. For that, I make no apologies. I'd happily become a monster for those I love. And you've crossed me for the last time." he raised a hand and snapped his fingers. "Hanami, if you would?"
Her hands closed around Natoshi's face with intent. Twisted, now.
Natoshi tried to scream. All that emerged was a gurgle.
CRACK.
(.0.0.0.)
"Naoya" had many projects to work on in the coming months.
But first and foremost...he had a promise to keep.
And keep it he did.
(.0.0.0.)
Megumi was used to living alone.
Well, not completely alone; he had Tsumiki -his feelings toward his half sister were pretty conflicted really- but he'd grown used to living by his own means long ago. He had to. There was no other choice. Either learn to fend for himself and his sister -who was frankly far too kind for her own good!- or starve to death. Honor and high morals didn't fill your belly.
Both their parents had vanished long ago. His dad, and her mom. And while there was still some small stipend they'd left behind to live on, that was rapidly running out. It wouldn't be long now. A year? Maybe two if he scrimped an saved where he could. By then they'd have to sell things to survive, then turn to begging, maybe even outright stealing their supper.
He didn't like that last one any more than Tsumiki did, but his big sister was far, far too kind. She would never be able to do that. He hadn't seen his old man's face in forever. Hell, he was beginning to forget what he looked like. His own mother was a distant dream now, a faded memory of warm arms and a soft voice whose visage he could no longer recall.
They were alone. They would always be alone. No point in crying over spilled milk; life was the way it was and they'd been dealt a shit hand. Bawling wouldn't change a thing. They could either spend their lives crying over it or try to make it better. No one would give them a handout; it was pointless to expect one.
Which was why it came as a complete and utter shock when they came home from school one day to find someone waiting outside their house.
Everything about him instantly set Megumi on edge.
He was older than them, clad in orange and black robes with matching hakama pants, his hair dyed blond but black at the roots, his eyes bright, and smile brighter still. None of it felt fake. He looked genuinely surprised-delighted even!- to see them. As though he'd been searching for a long-lost friend and finally found them.
"You must be Megumi and Tsumiki~! Nice ta meetcha." he raised a hand in greeting. "I'm Naoya. Your old man asked me to check in on you while he was away."
Tsumiki perked up. "Papa did?"
A tentative tendril of interest ignited in Megumi's heart. "You know our dad?"
"Well," Naoya scratched the back of his head, "I wouldn't say know...he just kicks my ass on the weekends. Been doing it for the last two years."
Wait, why on earth would the his deadbeat dad...no. He understood now.
An ugly, foul, festering feeling stirred in his gut.
'So that's how it is...!'
He grit his teeth, choking down a snarl. "My shitty old man replaced us that easily, huh?"
"Now, now its not like that." Naoya held up a finger to ward off his anger. "Your dad's is complicated; probably a bit broken, too. It took him two whole years just to warm up to me and he's still skittish as all hell around Maki and Mai."
Megumi's mind fizzled unable to keep up with it all. "Who are...?
"Possibly your aunts. Or cousins." Naoya mustered an expansive shrug. "Can't really say for sure. But I can tell you this." A hand came down on his head, mussing his hair. "Your father loves you very much, Megumi. More than life itself, really. He's just too afraid to say it.
"How do you know that?"
"Because every time I try to talk about you with him, he always does three things." With his free hand the baffling blond held up three fingers. "One, he changes the subject, two, he absolutely kicks my ass for askin', and three, he made me take a binding vow to watch over you while he was away."
Tsumiki tilted her head, baffled by he term. "...what's a binding vow?"
"Right, lot to unpack there. How's about this?"
He spread his arms wide.
"Hit me."
Ha?
"Did I stutter?" Naoya beckoned at him. "I want you to hit me. Go ahead. Slug me as many times as you want." He set his package aside on the fence and spread his arms wide. "I'll take it all. Your rage, your pain, your sadness and sorrow. Expend it all right here, right now, so we can move past this awkwardness.
Megumi clenched his hands into fist. "If you're offering...
Tsumiki flung herself between the two of them, arms spread wide. "Don't do it!"
"Stay outta this!"
"Naoya's a good person! I can tell! Please don't hurt him!"
...darn. How could he possibly hit him now with her glaring at him like that?! "Who are you really?"
"I already told you who I am. Technically I'm your uncle? Cousin?" Naoya's head tilted as he thumbed his chin. "Maybe a brother? Naw, we'll go with uncle. That one just sounds better. I can be the fun uncle."
"But you're not my dad's brother-
"I'm your uncle now and you'll damn well like it." Naoya powered right through his argument like it wasn't even there. "In any case, I brought food!" He reached his hands back and just...pulled a tin of cookies out of thin air. "I hope you like chocolate chip!"
Tsukimi squealed. "Cookies!"
Megumi felt himself waver, but rallied. "What's the real reason you're here?'
"Well, originally I just wanted to check in on you, but after seeing this...yeah, I've decided it. I'm adopting the two of you into the Zeni'n clan."
The shout that burst from Megumi's lips proved nothing short of explosive. "HA?!"
"Don't worry, you and your sister will want for nothing there. I'll make sure your both looked after. And hey, you'll get to meet Maki and Mai, so more friends!" When he refused to yield, Naoya exhaled in a mournful sigh. "Still doubting me a little, eh? Fine. I think I have just enough for this..."
Crazy guy. "Enough for what...?"
"This!" Thus speaking, Naoya closed his eyes for a moment and abruptly clapped his hands. "Kokuo!"
A pale, five-tailed horse the size of a small cat burst from Naoya's shadow and alighted beside him with graceful poise.
It shook itself mightily, looked to the blond, then with a brief nudge of his foot, bounded their way.
Tsumiki cooed happily at the sight. "He's so small~!"
"Easy now!" Naoya warned. "He's stronger than he looks! He's responsible for protecting you. Let me know if you need anything, alright?"
His sister swept the little colt up in her arms, absolutely starry-eyed. "Can we keep him?!"
"Sure why not-
"Might I interject?"
An ugly cold shudder shot down Megumi's spine.
A woman with dark hair and blank eyes rounded the corner, not a yard away. Clad in dark black yukata tied with a blood red sash, she seemed harmless enough; every bit the refined beauty. Her steps were slow, her gait unhurried. There was no weapon to be seen on her personage. She seemed, in a word, defenseless.
So why?
Why did the sight of her put leave him so on edge?
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person, Naoya Zeni'n." the woman smiled at their would-be-adopter. "I've heard great things."
...thanks, I guess?" a puzzled look flashed across the older boy's face for a moment before he blinked." And you are?"
"Merely someone with a passing interest in Jujutsu." she granted him a genteel smile. "Call me Kaori."
Everything about her instantly put Megumi on guard; from her voice, to her smile, even her eyes. It was the way she looked at them; not with hostility, he could've withstood that-but curiosity-as though the two of them were a pair of fascinating jewels just waiting to be snatched.
And all those dark tresses did nothing to conceal her scarred forehead.
Smiling, she turned to face Tsumiki. "Hmm, I wonder...
Naoya grasped her wrist. "That's far enough."
Tsumiki crashed backward with a yelp.
"It seems you have one of Sukuna's Fingers." Kaori didn't even rise to the bait-damn her!-as Megumi shepherded his startled sister behind him. "Might I trouble you to part with it? I'd be willing to pay a handsome sum."
"Not a chance."
"Are you certain?" her smile grew. "I can be most persuasive."
Naoya's smile had far too many teeth for Megumi's liking. "So can I. Scram."
She tutted. "A pity. Still, I didn't come here to fight...today. I just wanted to teach you a lesson-
It was too much. Megumi finally lost his patience. "Stop flapping your jaw already, you old hag! Go away already!"
Kaori clicked her tongue, akin to a mother chiding an unruly son. "Children should be silent. Your betters are talking."
Am immense, unseen weight slammed into his shoulders from above, sending him crashing down on his hands and knees with a gasp. It felt like gravity itself had inverted; as though the world itself were trying to crush him. Through ringing ears he heard Tsumiki cry out behind him, but couldn't even muster the strength to turn his head, such was the pressure.
Naoya sighed. "Rude."
How was this blond bastard so calm?!
Megumi couldn't even bear to stand in her presence, let alone under such weight! And yet he...
Naoya just tilted his head, utterly unfazed by it all. "Ya know, you remind me of a certain snake, puppeteering bodies like that...
Kaori giggled and touched one hand to her cheek, mildly amused by the insinuation. "My, my, how could you tell?"
"Your cursed energy, for one." The Zeni'n raised a hand. "Its irregular...and coming from your skull."
Megumi's entire being tensed, coiled like a spring. 'Do I fight? Can I even...?'
Despite his earlier claims, he knew a little of the Ten Shadows Technique, enough to summon two demon dogs. Maybe it would be enough-
Kaori glanced at him out the corner of her eye, not even deigning to turn her head. "As intriguing as your technique is, I think...not.
The pressure bearing down on him intensified tenfold, crushing his very lungs.
'Air! Can't breathe! I'm blacking out...!
Naoya's cursed energy draped itself over them a moment later. If Kaori's curse was a cold, oppressive sea, then his was a warm blanket on a sunny day, cocooning them in warmth. No, more than that. It was a thousand kind words and a pat on the head, a tight hug and gentle reassurance that everything would be alright, come hell or high water.
Do Not Fear, it seemed to say. I Am Here.
Behind him he heard Tsumiki's breath even out as the pressure abated.
Kaori's smile grew as she strode forward. "As expected of the heir to the Zeni'n clan. Shall I play with you a little?"
She threw a punch. Naoya caught her fist with ease, slipped into her guard, and drew a fist back to strike. For a moment, just a moment, Megumi could've sworn he glimpsed black marks etched into the blond's whiskered face. He blinked, and they were gone. Had he imagined them?
"Playtime is over."
Clenched knuckles barreled into Kaori's face and sent her flying through their home with a single punch.
Megumi winced despite himself, unable to tear his eyes away from the spectacle.
'I thought he was an idiot, but this guy is actually...strong!'
Tsumiki groaned. "Our house!"
...oops?"
That was the least of their worries; because the fallen debris gathered themselves into a swirl, demolishing yet more of their precious house and defying gravity to shoot forward at Naoya. What was that? A blast of cursed energy? Gravity itself turned into a weapon? Whatever it was, the belligerent slapped it aside, sending it rocketing into the sky, where it detonated harmlessly.
"Interesting." Kaori brushed some falling dust from her hair and righted herself. "Very well. It seems I'll have to-
"Oi, now." a new voice interjected above them. "What do you think you're doing bullying my adorable kouhai? Do you want to die that badly?"
With all his remaining strength, Megumi managed to turn his head. Someone was standing on a nearby roof.
A young man white white hair and sunglasses? How would that make any difference-
For the first time since they'd met her, Kaori stopped smiling.
"Gojo Satoru...I see." her lips pursed into a thin line as she glared at the new arrival. "So you came prepared for me. Did you know I would show myself?
A cheshire grin was her reward as the newcomer hopped down. "Wouldn't you like to know~?"
"I very much would, but it seems I won't have that chance." she placed both hands in her sleeves with a sigh. "I suppose it doesn't matter if you won't turn over the finger right now. I only came by to give you a greeting anyway. And a warning." that soft smile gained an edge. "Don't expect things to go your way much longer, Naoya Zeni'n."
Her peace said, she turned and vanished in a swirl of dark light.
Megumi squinted after her. "Who the heck was that?"
Naoya held up a finger.
A full ten seconds elapsed.
Only then did he dare lower his hand.
"Sorry," he muttered the words under his breath, still staring stubbornly at the space Kaori had occupied. "Had to make certain she was gone for good. That thing ain't human. Or maybe it was at some point, but why show its face now? Am I missing something here?" he continued prattling on, heedless of his attempts to gain his attention. "Why would she deliberately try to rile me up...
Tsumiki tugged on his sleeve. "Mister Naoya?"
"Right," he shook himself. "Alright. Time to get you out of here. I don't want you anywhere near that thing and I'm still recovering right now."
"But what about him?"
Megumi followed his sister's gaze.
Strange. Gojo Satoru hadn't said a word since earlier. He hadn't even moved from that spot.
"Oh, right, forgot about him." He made a strange seal with his left hand, two fingers pointing in the air, thumb tucked inward against them. "Come over here, will you?"
Gojo Satoru did just that, silent as the grave.
"Hmm." Naoya nodded. "You did good. Have a nice long rest."
They clapped hands in a high five and "Gojo" exploded into a plume of smoke, leaving only fading mist behind.
Megumi rounded on Naoya, incredulous. "That was a bluff?!"
"Sure was." Naoya winked his way.
"Isn't that cheating?
"Is it?" the blond turned a wan smile on him. "Would I have won if I played fair?"
"Maybe?"
"Maybe." His distant relation affirmed with a nod. "But it wasn't a certainty, not when I had to protect you and Tsumiki. Sooner or later, I would've slipped up and that woman would've had me. This way we've chased her off and she's bound to be cautious in the future."
...I don't get you."
"Ha!" For some reason, that seemed to amuse the older boy, who sent a wink his way. "Don't worry, I don't expect you to. I'm not like most sorcerers. I'll do whatever it takes to survive and make it back to my family. I'm not above tricking my enemies or using my surroundings to win."
Tsumiki raised a trembling hand. "Does that include our house?"
On cue, what remained of their home collapsed behind the three of them in a cloud of dust.
Here at last, Naoya looked just a tiny bit embarrassed. "Damnit, Gojo." he muttered under his breath. "You're rubbing off on me...
Megumi scowled. "What was that?"
"W-Weeell," the blond feigned a cough, clasped both hands behind his head and turned away, "To be fair, I wasn't trying to punch her into your house." a slow flush crept up the back of his neck when his words only earned a deeper deadpan from him. "I only made one hole! She wrecked the wrest! Honest!
Tsumiki thumbed her chin "Well,...if you say so."
"I do say so." Naoya reclaimed his dignity quickly and lowered his arms. "If you lost any personal possessions in there, I'll reimburse you for them. Now lets hold hands~!"
Quick as a flash, the eccentric offered them each an open palm.
Megumi eyed them like a pair of vipers.
"Why...?"
"Because, Megumi," Naoya heaved a long sigh, "I'm about to run reeeaaally fast, and I won't either of you getting hurt."
Tsumiki latched onto his right hand and held tight. Megumi glared at her for it. "Traitor!"
"Oh, c'mon!" She smiled at him, fearless as always. "Naoya's not a bad person."
He looked away with a scowl. "That's what worries me."
Bad people were easy to understand. Good people...
.
..
...he didn't know what to do with people who were just too nice.
Slowly, reluctantly, he took Naoya's hand as a child might that of a relative.
"Good boy." His so-called "uncle" smiled down at him. "You made the right choice. Now, then! Hold tight!"
The world blurred. That was only term he could think to use as reality around them twisted. Up became down and down became...something else as his vision shifted.
When it cleared, he found himself standing in picturesque scene straight out of a painting. Like he'd stepped out of the busy city and into the pages of the past. It wasn't just quiet here, it was serene; the clan compound stretching out before him was downright idyllic in serenity, with not a soul to be seen-no, wait, he told a lie. Two girls with green hair pelted around the corner at speed, kicking up a cloud of dust in his wake.
"NAOYA!"
Who in blazes were those two?!
"Ah, right on time." Naoya beamed at him. "Welcome to the Zeni'n Clan."
Maki hit Megumi like a human freight train, just as Mai barreled into Tsumiki.
And so it was that Megumi and his siter leaped headfirst into the mad world of Jujutsu.
A/N: Naruto with the big brain fakeouts. And before anyone asks, yes, Tsumiki's going to have a much larger role in this story.
We'll see Mei Mei and the other sorcerers next chapter; would've felt forced including them in this one.
Aaaaaand cut! We'll call it there for today, I think.
That said, would you like weekly updates?
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Yes? No? Maybe so? Make yourselves heard! Really need to hear from you, here. Once more, we're sticking with the "Embers" rule for this particular story, and others. If folks don't like this, it won't be continued. Meaning that if the story itself isn't popular? Well...I'll not continue it. I'm working two jobs -might need a third soon!- so I barely have time to write; as such, I cannot afford to write something folks don't enjoy.
So by all means, speak up! Your voice matters! Make yourself heard! As ever, reviews are the fuel that sustain me. Without them I cannot write a single word. Simple as that. Working nearly all hours of the day keep me absurdly busy, and I can't bring myself to write something folks don't like.
Aaaand there we go. As ever, reviews keep me alive. Without them, I cannot write. So...in the Immortal Words of Atlas...
...Review...Would You Kindly? Hope you enjoy the previews.
We've got some new ones and some are...intense.
They've been expanded and then some!
I cut down on them to not spoil things.
Read at your own risk:
WARNING! WARNING! WARNING~!
SPOILERS AWAIT THEE~!
YE BE WARNED~!
(Previews)
"Train me!"
Naruto fell out his chair!
"You too, Tsumiki?" he groaned into the ground before turning his head. "For crying out loud...why ask me this now?"
"Because!" Her teary eyes were earnest as she slapped a hand against her chest. "I have to protect Megumi! I'm his big sister!"
He sat up with a sigh. Her emotions were a boiling cauldron of discontent to him. "That's not the only reason, is it?"
She studied her shoes for a long moment. A lone tear rolled down her face and struck the ground.
Followed by another.
And another.
Another.
...when you fought that woman," she hiccuped, "Megumi and I couldn't do anything. I never want to feel that weak ever again!
"Your way behind Maki and Mai. You'll have to work twice as hard to catch up.
Her head bowed lower still. "I'll do whatever it takes!"
"See, that's what worries me...
"I've returned, my adorable kouhai-eh? Waitaminute. Who are these two?"
And so it was that Fushiguro Megumi met Gojo Satoru.
He would soon wish he hadn't.
Toji hissed out a breath. "I told you to watch them."
"I did." Naoya continued eating, utterly at his ease, the little shit.
"How is dragging them into the Zeni'n clan without telling me your idea of watching them?!"
"You were away for six months and made me swear a binding vow to look after them while you were gone." Naoya didn't look away from his ramen. "This way, they're looked after."
He flipped the table in his face, only for the brat to snatch the bowl out of the air and bring it into his lap. "Tsumiki doesn't even have a cursed technique!"
"She does." here at last, his nephew looked at him. "She doesn't realize it herself, but its very impressive. Downright scary, even.
"I don't care about that!"
"If you don't care, then why do you look like you wanna tear my head off?
"Oi." someone drawled behind them. "Shitty old man."
Toji tensed.
"I have just one question for you. What kind of woman is your type?"
Naruto blinked. He blinked hard.
"Ha?"
...is that a panda?!"
"You will come with us."
Mai ripped her revolver from her belt and began loading the chamber with bullets.
"Did you not hear me, child?!"
"Hush." she held up a finger. "Almost done."
Her task complete, she closed the chamber and pointed her pistol their way.
"One of these six bullets is special." she smiled, mimicking a shit-eating grin she'd once seen Naoya use. "You feeling lucky punk?"
She mentally pumped a fist.
Yes! She finally got to use that line!
No way was she wasting his gift on a scrub of a kidnapper.
"Listen. That technique of yours is powerful, sure, but its also risky. And I told you to call me Gojo-senpai~!"
"I categorically refuse! Does it matter anyway? You have your Limitless, I have my Creation of All Things. We were born with these abilities."
"Maybe, but think of it like this. Dying to win and risking death to win are two completely different things. With a strong foundation, and a little bit of sense, imagination, even a pinch of regret, it just takes the slightest trigger to change a person...after all, this isn't your first life, is it, Naoya?
Wait, you know? How did you figure it out? I thought I did a good job hiding it from Maki and Mai.
You did for the most part, but its the eyes. People say eyes are the window to the soul.
Now, that we've determined that. Are you going to tell me you really are?"
Alright, fine. You win. My name, my real name is...
"Oi, now." his eyes began to glow. "That's my friend. GET YOUR FILTHY MITTS OFF HER."
"Listen to yourselves! Have you all bothered to think about what kind of person you're trying to curse?!
EDIT: Hope you enjoyed! Looking forward to your feedback~!
Hope you have a great day,
~Nz.