Author's Note: I apologize for the long wait. My internet went down so I couldn't write anything and the fallout after it returned slowed my writing to a crawl. Thanks for waiting and I hope you enjoy the chapter.
Chapter 10
Up to Yuji knocking on death's door, the integrity of the Jujutsu world was stable. Josefu was used to stability going wrong on his dimensional hopping excursions. Usually, the narrative of a world falls apart first, most common citizens fall to mental manipulation next, and then the universal mechanics of a dimension disintegrate. Finally, the world and the main characters succumb to the forces, causing the dimension to fall to their whim. These are the effects Josefu avoided during his time here and why he wanted to open the porta as soon as possible. However, Josefu's initial intrusion is not a disruption, only an entry point for the forces. At this stage, the forces can only create objectives and only affect the weakest of all creatures. The curse the forces affected and had Josefu chase to Kyoto was likely a curse so weak that it wasn't considered grade four. The forces' influence also affects incorporeal and spiritual entities more severely as they hold a connection to the universal mechanics of a dimension. Yet, corporal beings (such as humans) are more resilient to drastic changes within their world. This effect also applies to the subject personality, with creatures with rigid, unwavering personalities being preferable to people who are considered 'wild cards' by other people.
The reason these forces chose Josefu existed before even his first-dimensional jump. Josefu demonstrated a rigid determination and strong will. The forces respected these traits significantly more than any other. Therefore, when Sukuna chose to fight Josefu instead of Megumi, it caused a ripple effect that tore at the foundation of the dimension, making it more crucial that Josefu fulfills the objectives and leaves to reset the dimension and restore Jujutsu Kaisen to what it once was.
Yet, despite Josefu wanting so badly to keep the story intact, there was one thing he couldn't ignore: Sukuna making a binding vow with Yuji. Now that Sukuna had set his sights on him, Josefu knew the King of Curses would cause trouble in the future since Yuji had no way to beat him. There was a possibility that Sukuna would only wish to eliminate him, but Josefu couldn't take that chance. So, even with the whole dimension in danger, Josefu chooses to make another selfish choice and attempt to heal Yuji before Sukuna attempts to make the deal. If Josefu succeeded, he would have some minor protection. If Josefu failed, then at least it would preserve the integrity of Jujutsu Kaisen's narrative after the distortion. Josefu held onto Yuji, explaining, "Hold on, Itadori. I'm going to try something drastic." "Don't push yourself too far…" Yuji stated, barely clinging to life. Josefu knew from his fight in the detention center that he could project positive curse energy. All that remained was understanding how to apply it to the human body. Josefu thought back to Sukuna, who lived when modern medicine and knowledge of the human body were nonexistent and realized the process of healing someone's body didn't rely on knowledge. So, Josefu produced positive curse energy and projected it where Yuji's heart would be. That's when it hit Josefu; it was being's DNA. Positive curse energy only has a 50% effect on people outside of the user wielding it because the user has had a lifetime to understand their DNA intimately. Yet, that user doesn't have that same experience with the DNA of others, making the process less efficient. Realizing this, Josefu focused on Yuji's cells, learning about every piece, and in an instant, Yuji's heart returned through positive curse energy, including the damaged skin over it. Josefu used most of his stamina to do this, so he lay on the ground, exhausted with Yuji breathing once again.
After the exchange, Josefu woke up in bed and found a small note on his desk. The note was from Yuji, who thanked him for restoring his heart. Are you going to get sentimental now? 'No. What's the issue, anyway?' Josefu pondered. We've brought an alternate perspective to you. We would appreciate you taking the time to react to it now that you're awake. Josefu sighed and absorbed the alternate perspective above him. Josefu saw Sukuna's visage within Yuji's body moments after Yuji switched back. Sukuna thought about the unexpected discovery of a jujutsu sorcerer named 'Hanto' who could dodge his technique. Reflecting on the experience made Sukuna chuckle malevolently. The King of Curses considered the sorcerer his best chance at reclaiming his freedom and his previous position at the height of the hierarchy he'd had at the Heian Era. After all, Hanto not only had absolute control of his curse energy like the King of Curses. Sukuna considered Josefu to be a suitable vessel for Sukuna. Then, when Josefu healed Yuji's body, Sukuna was impressed yet confused. As far as the King of Curses knew, Josefu was only a boy. Yet, this boy had a detailed understanding of the core of cursed energy, indicating talent and incredible intelligence, which only increased Sukuna's excitement to one day defeat Josefu and possess him.
At the sight of these events, Josefu groaned, seeing that the worst had come to pass. The forces chuckled with glee. It seems the nuisance enjoyed your playdate. Josefu shook his head and rose from his bed, approaching the door. After opening the door, Josefu saw Gojo standing out the doorway. "Good morning!" Gojo began, "Josefu, I'd like you to come with me." Josefu nodded and walked with Gojo to the onsite morgue in Jujutsu High. "I heard about your fight with Sukuna. Tell me, how was it?" After Josefu told Gojo everything, Gojo smirked joyfully.
"You're talented to have faced down the King of Curses while dodging his curse technique," Gojo commented, "Still since you're one of the only people who know Itadori is alive, I need to update you on what's going on." Josefu, knowing what happened in the manga, had a feeling he knew where things were going. "I want you to pretend that Yuji Itadori is dead. We've told everyone that Yuji died, and he will have training separate from everyone else," Gojo uttered. Playing along with the narrative, Josefu asked, "Why?" "Because this is the perfect opportunity to train Itadori without inference from the higher-ups," Gojo answered, looking up at Josefu. "You'd know all about that by now, right?" Gojo asked, grinning from ear to ear. "I must admit, you're not wrong about the higher-ups' current behaviors," Josefu acknowledged, "Besides, between you and me, I think they believe they might get the opportunity to use me to replace you." Gojo laughed darkly in response to Josefu's comment. "I wouldn't be surprised if that was the reason those old farts decided to let you go. Considering the talent and intelligence you've shown so far. It's easily one of, if not the most pathetic moves these coots have taken…" Gojo reflected.
After some back and forth, Josefu left the morgue and strolled around Jujutsu High. After a while, Josefu saw Megumi and Nobara sitting on the steps as they did in the manga while they mourned Yuji's 'death.'