Author's Note: After much thinking I've decided I'm going on an editing spree and upload my revised chapters. I just can't stand all the errors I keep finding here. Be prepared for chapter notifications. Hold your breaths folks!
It's unfortunate that despite you killing the vessel, there hasn't been any decrease in curse activity throughout Japan. The work alone has been bone-breaking, to say the least. It makes you wonder if the King of Curses really did die by your hands?
Ciel stared out of the window of the moving train, her thoughts keeping her occupied as Nanami sat beside her with a book in hand, reading throughout their ride back to Tokyo. She remembered Caren's statement during the procedure, and how there was a subtle accusation to those soft-spoken words, though the exorcist followed up that she didn't mean anything by it.
The question itself was not entirely unfounded, as only someone like Caren would be able to tell if someone as strong as Sukuna was still alive. If not by his presence, then his essence alone would be enough.
So long as his cursed fingers exist, Sukuna cannot truly be exorcised, Caren had said. Now that they've been unsealed, their aroma is attracting all sorts of evil spirits. Many people are being cursed to death as we speak. So please, be on your best guard, not that you need me to tell you that.
Ciel was unaffected and reacted as much. But there was no arguing that Caren had a point. Those cursed fingers were a magnet for disasters. The executor had already witnessed two such incidents, with Yuuji being in the center of them.
No, rather, it would be simpler to consider Yuuji as the magnet, but to say it as much brought discomfort to Ciel, the sort of discomfort she hid well from the pale exorcist as soon as this idea came to mind.
It was a logical conclusion, but what made it more troubling was how Yuuji would perceive this. The pattern was prevalent. He would likely figure it out sooner or later, and when he does...
He'll blame himself, Ciel knew, and she could only hold herself accountable. Had she been more resistant, preventing him from entering the Yoshino household...
And with Roa being thrown into the mix. Curses and Dead collaborating. A faint trepidation beats Ciel's heart as she imagined the possibility of Yuuji's condition attracting both dangerous groups, or vice versa. Unregistered Special Grades, and now Dead Apostles. Once more, she began reconsidering allowing Yuuji's involvement any further, if it meant his life being put in constant danger.
"You seemed to be in deep thought."
Nanami spoke up from his seat, his eyes leaving the pages as he noticed the stilled quietness from Ciel. Ciel did not respond at first, nor did she turn away from the window. While she appeared to be completely impassive, Nanami felt there was more going on, and he simply waited for the executor to answer.
"...I've been thinking back on my conversation with Exorcist Hortensia," Ciel said. "There was plenty we've discussed, but one of the topics was in regards to the strange surplus of strong enemies there've been in Tokyo lately. As it turns out, she was stationed in Fuyuki not only to perform her exorcist duties, but also to provide us backup should the situation in Tokyo spiral out of control. We cannot risk a repeat of what happened with Satsuki Yumizuka and Mahito, so for the time being, until Roa and all his underlings are dealt with, Hortensia will be on standby in case we ever need her assistance."
"I see," Nanami said. "I will have to inform Gojo-san then. If that were to happen before the start of the Goodwill Event, it could become an issue unless we find a secure way to hide Itadori-kun."
"It is likely that sister Hortensia may be able to detect him, but it wouldn't be so easy," Ciel responded before reconsidering her words. "Then again, I'm not too familiar with her. She could be able to pinpoint a presence like Sukuna even in a massive city. However, I already have contingencies in place. The wards I've set up, for instance, should be more than enough to conceal Yuuji-kun's presence even if sister Hortensia was nearby."
Ciel could also rummage through her things and give Yuuji another special ornament that would hide his presence from certain people and enemies, but she's unsure how that would affect him personally as a half-curse. Well, with a little tinkering, she might get it to work regardless. And with this along...
"Is one of those contingencies inside that box you have?" Nanami then shifted the discussion to the small square carton on Ciel's lap, having noticed her carry of it since leaving the church.
Ciel glanced down at the box. "This? This is just something sister Hortensia gave to me. I won't tell you what it is though. I want it to be a surprise."
"Mm." Nanami only hummed. He closed the book in front of him. "He's been treating you well, I take it?"
It was a pointless question, yet nevertheless he steered into it, taking a guess at who the recipient of that box will be.
Ciel looked at Nanami with a surprised look. "Oh my. You really are nosy when it comes to my business, aren't you? Would you be as tolerate if I pry into your love life?"
"I rather if you don't. I'm just killing time making conversations," Nanami deflected Ciel's question as he requested a passing server for a snack and drink. "If I wanted to know regardless, I would ask Itadori-kun. Between the two of you, he's more upfront with himself and his feelings."
Perhaps a little too upfront. That boy doesn't even bother to hide how often he stared at Ciel during every training session, and more than once Nanami had to smack Yuuji in the head to get him to focus (as well mind his manners).
Ciel looked disgruntled as she placed both hands on top of her gift. "I can't really argue against that. If you must know, I'm not embarrassed to say that he's been an absolute gentleman. So I wouldn't be quick to kick him in the shin the next time you see him."
She appeared thoughtful as her tone grew gentle, "He never ceases to amaze me that one. Relationship aside, he's an impressive quick learner, with how far he's already progressed in training."
She looked back out the window again. "…But as far as he's come, the real test begins when he is reinstated into Jujutsu High. I imagine plenty of sorcerers will be trigger-happy as soon as they see him."
"As long as Gojo-san is around, I doubt they'll try something in front of him," Nanami stated, taking the snack packet and water bottle from the server. "It's a different story, however, once the Goodwill Event begins. The students will be left to fend for themselves and each other while the teachers observe from a separate location. Supposedly, nothing too extreme should happen, and it's as you said, Itadori-kun has come very far. He'll be fine as long as he is with his class."
Those who won't mind his status as a vessel of a malicious and dangerous entity anyhow.
"Perhaps, but I still can't imagine any one of them will just stand aside once they see he's alive," Ciel said. "Excluding Yuuji-kun's class, if the Kyoto staff want him dead, they'll most likely come up with a ploy to assassinate him during the Goodwill Event, right when – as you said – all of the teachers are separated from their students. If something does happen, there probably won't be enough time for Gojo-sensei to intervene."
Which meant Yuuji's classmates must either be around to defend him, or they could be forced to separate, leaving Yuuji to defend himself.
"That probably won't be an issue if you're by his side," Nanami countered, though he did not argue that Ciel had a point. If the elders were willing to risk lives and kill off Gojo's class just to get to Yuuji, there's nothing that would prevent them from superseding the rules of a school event to accomplish that.
"But would that be a guarantee? I doubt they'll treat me any better. They won't kill me, even if they try, but that's not to say they wouldn't bend the rules a little just so I wouldn't get in their way." Ciel lets out a faint huff. "Don't forget that I am an assassin. There's no place more perfect for an opportune kill than somewhere that's likely to bring out serious injuries, if you're not too careful that is. "He got in my way" would have been the excuse, saying that they were aiming for a curse, and not at all for the boy who just so happened to be carrying a dangerous cursed soul."
"…To be honest, I don't believe they would make any excuses. They'll be straightforward and say they were exorcising a curse, nothing more," Nanami tasted the bitterness of that reality and frowned. "But you may be right. If there's a chance of that happening, we'll need to come up with a plan and prepare Itadori-kun."
"I'm already one step ahead of you," Ciel lets out a small smile, sounding upbeat as she looked back at Nanami. "It pays to be overprotective, not to mention prepared, especially with all the time we have now that the killings have stopped (for the moment anyway)."
"Care to enlighten me what you have in mind?" Nanami asked.
Ciel gave the man a playful wink. "Now where would the fun in that be? Besides, you're not a teacher so you won't be there. Just know that I never intended to let Yuuji-kun go without taking extra precautions first. I won't just let anyone snatch my boyfriend away. I get jealous very easily."
Nanami stared as the girl then decided to check on her phone. Her eyes lit up instantly at the sight of a newly received text message and a warm smile unfold. Nanami didn't need to guess who the message was from, and watched as Ciel promptly responded to the text.
It seemed like just a moment ago she was this pillar of iron, now here she was, acting giddy over a few sentences on her phone, sent by a boy she liked, perhaps for the first time in her life.
You're making her weak. Caren's unspoken words came back to him. He had already said his point of view arguing otherwise, and yet, that sentence was echoing the more he realized how far Ciel herself had come since moving to Japan. He hadn't known her as much or as long as either Gojo or Yuuji have, but he could note the subtle change and growth within her regardless.
Which made him dislike it all the more when he remembered what her one and only wish was.
After some time, the train arrived at another stop. Ciel had no intention of moving, content to sit here and wait, although she was feeling a little peckish.
Nanami had other plans.
"Let's step off here." The adult announced as he stood up, adjusting his tie.
Ciel was confused by Nanami's abruptness, looking away from her twenty-minute chat log with Yuuji. "Why?"
"I'm feeling a little hungry, and these pretzels aren't doing much for my appetite," Nanami pushed the bridge of his specs. "I know a place where we can pick up some lunch."
The offer itself was curious enough for Ciel, and she stood up, "Are you familiar with this area?"
"It's been some time since I've passed through here," Nanami began as they made their way towards the exit, "On the occasion that I do, there is one place I tend to visit."
The bells by the door jingled at the entrance of new customers, and an employee greeted them cheerfully. "Welcome- Oh! It's you!"
A woman behind the counter remarked with clarity upon seeing the man in the suit. Ciel's curiosity grew the moment she saw and stepped inside the bakery, its fragrance filling her with immense nostalgia and subtle joy. It was a warm place, not simply because of the temperature from the working ovens somewhere in the back of the shop, but of all the baked goodies that were neatly placed at every corner and shelves, as well as the employee who happily welcomed Ciel and Nanami.
"It's been a while, huh? I was wondering when you'd stop by again," the bakery lady said with a smile.
Nanami decidedly ignored Ciel's continuing stare as they walked across the bakery. "I ended up transferring after re-applying to a previous job of mine. How is your shoulder?"
"Never better, and I have you to thank for that. Your favorite's stocked up already, fresh out of the oven too. Will it be just that?"
"I like to take a look around at your other selections. Work has prevented me from visiting places like this as much, so I might indulge today." Nanami then introduced Ciel. "This is an associate of mine. Please take care of her."
"Of course! Do you have any preferences?" The bakery lady asked Ciel.
Ciel had to admit, she was a little taken aback by how casual Nanami had approached this place - not to mention the pretty young woman standing behind the counter who quickly recognized him. Ciel had a suspicion that Nanami was a foodie himself, especially with his nightly requests if she intended to bake more of those breads she baked at her place. This was honestly a very pleasant, if a little amusing surprise.
"I have no preferences. I love bakeries," Ciel said, matching the woman's pleasantries with her own. "If you have any breads, though, I might just end up buying all of them."
From there, the bakery lady directed Ciel to the curry bread isle. Nanami picked up a basket for himself and Ciel, and together, they shopped through the shelves and stands, gathering as much of the freshly baked treats for themselves and for their colleagues back home.
They stood in front of the croissant sections, away from the register when Ciel spoke up.
"My, my, Nanami-san." Ciel teased with a grin. "Maybe I should have pried into your love life after all."
"It's not like that." Nanami bluntly responded.
Ciel's eyes twinkled with amusement, and she chuckled. "Sure it isn't. The way her eyes lit up the moment she saw you, that's just a 'friend' excited to see another 'friend' again."
She slipped into her student persona as she held over her mouth, acting like an excited school girl who heard the latest gossip. "Oho! I can't wait to tell Yuuji-kun about this. And to meet in a bakery shop. How romantic~. If you ever need a wing woman, you just say the word (and send me the wedding invitation after all is said and done, hehe)."
"Stop that." Nanami simply told her. It's bad enough that he would get that sort of reaction from Gojo (if not worse), he preferred that Ciel didn't fall into that habit either - at least, when it's towards himself. "I will admit that this shop did provide me brief respite when I was working as a salaryman. There wasn't much else I could do after leaving Jujutsu High. In a manner of speaking, coming here appeased my sense of self for some time."
"You have excellent taste. There really is nothing like the warm scent of a freshly baked bread that gets you up in the morning, even when you don't particularly feel like it," Ciel said as she plucked a croissant from the stand. "You must have a very good reason why you decided to change jobs, but what brought you back?"
"Mostly, it was a lack of fulfillment I was dealing with at the time," Nanami answered, looking thoughtful as he plucked a piece of baguette. "Working as a Jujutsu Sorcerer is by no means honest work, not with the amount of deaths you end up being surrounded in. However, as a salaryman whose company revolves around scamming clients and forcing their employees to work long hours, it doesn't help you sleep any better regardless of the higher pay you end up receiving."
As long as he had money, curses and other people have nothing to do with him. That was his mindset, and it ate away at him each day until he felt there was no real purpose to his life anymore.
"There's an even greater price at selling your soul to useless endeavors. Any gratitude or accomplishment you get out of it always feels hollow. I add nothing to what I did, and it would make no difference to the company whether I was an employee there or not."
...Ciel was quiet as she listened to Nanami, and the man resumed, "I figured I could live with that, far better than I would as a shaman; a career that makes no promise if the friends I fight alongside with will live another day, or if their bodies will end up in the morgue. No matter my own strength, life weighs heavier than what even the strongest can anticipate, even Gojo-san is not exempt from this."
"...No. I suppose not. It's the life of an adult, after all," Ciel said, "Or rather, the death of one's innocence."
"Precisely. As a jujutsu sorcerer, you are forced to accept the reality that you must sacrifice your life and the life of your comrades in our war against curses. I imagine that's the same with executors?"
"It is. There's really no difference. As vast as the Holy Church is, and as many Executors as there are, the death toll is far too great. We lose members for various reasons, but by far the most common cause are the casualties brought about by vampires too powerful for any mere hunter to handle. The only solace for these losses is the fact that our religion is widespread, and so there will always be candidates available, devoted enough to lay down their lives for the sake of our mission. I wouldn't call it honest work either, but it is holy work."
Like comparing the crime rate between a city of over a million people, and a town of over a thousand people. Logistically, there would be more theft and murders happening in a city where more people live, yet when evil is able to grow and populate rapidly, a city would be able to equate their numbers and hold their ground, whereas a town of only a thousand active members would be overwhelmed by the inflation of monsters.
It would push anyone to quit, and dissuade more to join when they see no benefits to it. Not out of faith, duty, or even acknowledgement, in an occupation meant to stay a secret from the rest of society. The public wouldn't even be notified of a shaman's death – unlike law enforcers or firemen, and for anyone outside of Jujutsu Society may push to question, they would simply be told that the person had "moved away" rather than let anyone know the truth. The Holy Church follows a similar process, their members honored with their last rites, before their death certificates would be signed off as "died from natural causes".
"That doesn't make it 'heavenly' work," Nanami argued. "I personally dislike it more if anyone were to give their life for a cause, whether it's based on their faith or duty. Young people die too often as it is, without being given the chance to enjoy their youth fully... I once had a classmate who had his whole life ahead of him. He was a lot like Itadori-kun - exuberant, always smiling. He occasionally annoyed me with his personality, though we were always paired up on assignments together. One day, we were sent on a mis-graded mission. The cursed spirit was stronger than we were prepared for, and he was killed."
Ciel turned to look at the man as he held up a cute lion-printed bread, fierce and proud. "I saw it happen and could do nothing but bring his body back. It was after that point that I couldn't stomach that life anymore. So I left."
Not because he was afraid for his own life, but because he couldn't let himself work in an environment that would see and use his classmates as expendables. Young men and women with bright futures cut short due to the mistakes of others, and only the victims pay the price for it.
"...What changed your mind?" Ciel gently asked. "Even if you weren't fulfilled, what led you back to this life?"
"Four years behind the desk taking care of rich people's money so that they could become even richer, it's not the sort of life I imagined having in my twenties. Meanwhile, curses continue to linger everywhere, causing more pain and suffering that feeds into their existence. I had every intention to avoid that war, believing it did not concern me." Nanami gestured over his shoulder. "One of such curses was clinging onto her. It was a low-graded spirit, so I ignored it. I convinced myself that another shaman would deal with it, deliberately forgetting that even if there was a sorcerer available, if it's not a high priority, nothing would be done about it. She would be forced to carry that curse and, eventually, be weighed down by it unknowingly, just as I had been weighed down by my own 'curse' knowingly."
"...The curse of dissociating from life itself," Ciel comprehended with a distant look.
"Yes. We were both being eaten away, loosing sleep and suffering from phantom pain. The difference is that I have the ability to erase that pain, and she did not. Between a salaryman who wouldn't be missed and could easily be replaced, and a bakery whose bread people love would be immediately noticed when it's gone, the choice became clear to me."
So that's how it is... Ciel looked back at the bakery woman behind the counter, seeing her tending the kitchen with mittens worn.
"-After I made my choice, she thanked me, and it ended up being far more rewarding than sitting in the dull comfort of a call center ever brought me," Nanami concluded. "It doesn't change the reality of this job, but it does assure you that what you do, the choices you make, affects the people around you. The only real price out of that is how much and how far you are willing to go - whether you may succeed in some cases, or fail in others."
"Hmm. There is a heavy toll to it, and yet, in a strange way, it is comforting to know that there is a difference being made," Ciel said, looking back at the bread stands. "Well, even if nothing - or hardly anything changes, I can assure you that if you were suddenly gone, there'd be plenty of people who'd miss you. So don't get any funny ideas now, I'd still like to tease you while you're still here."
She then eyed up at the man in wonder, "Also, I'm surprised to hear that you're actually in your twenties. With those crows feet of yours, I would have thought you were at least in your fortifies."
"I do not have crow's feet, and I wouldn't talk about 'my age not fitting my appearance' if I were you," Nanami's blunt reply had Ciel freeze in place. "If not for Itadori-kun's condition, it probably would have been inappropriate for you two to date. Although, he seemed to be enjoying the idea of dating a "mature woman" with how often he and Gojo-san discuss it."
"Mmmh..." Ciel grumbled her embarrassed displeasure. Well, she's certainly going to have an interesting 'talk' with Yuuji when she gets back.
"...If that's how you see it, maybe you should stop your "I'm an adult" card with me," Ciel retorted, hiding her flustered feelings with a frown as she regained her composure.
"I will not, because I am an adult, and you are very much not," Nanami said in an even-tone, adjusting his specs. "However long you lived as a sixteen-year-old girl, it'd be creepier for a grown up to date you. Personally, they're the most suspicious people to me. Do take care to watch out for those predators."
Ciel sighed her exasperation, "I just can't understand your mindset at all. Just when I thought I was about to as well..."
At least it was better than being seen as the suspicious one here. She couldn't help being an immortal teenager. Blame Roa and literally the damn World for that.
"The fact that you were able to find someone, however, is not something I'd recommend letting slip past you," Nanami said as he put another bread in his basket. "Nor would I encourage it. Whether you may end up regretting not expressing your feelings sooner, or that you can't because our job should not entail those who would not survive in it, many hunters in our line of work don't get to have that opportunity, that semblance of them living a normal life..."
Behind them, the bakery lady brought out another fresh batch of hot bread, deciding to sneak a few or so of them in a separate bag, knowing these were Nanami's favorites she intended to give to him for free.
"...while ours are threatened to end abruptly any day, during what was supposed to be a simple mission, only to be more than what we bargain for."
Ciel was silent at Nanami's words. She stared down at the round bread she held. It's cute tiger-face print smiling at her, a smile that would crumble the moment someone's teeth would crunch into it. She thought of Yuuji's smile then, the smile he wore that night at the detention center, with blood in his teeth and a gaping hole in his chest, and Ciel felt her heart tug a little.
"Thank you again! Please come back soon!"
The bakery lady said her goodbyes at the leaving customers. Ciel waved back at the woman before facing forward again, carrying her bag of breads as she walked beside Nanami.
"I'm a little sad to leave that place already," Ciel said. "She's a very nice woman, and it's pretty clear that she likes you."
She smiled as she looked at Nanami's own bag, where the extra loaves were hidden, given away free of charge.
When Ciel and Nanami had reached the register, in just a short time, Ciel had quickly become acquainted with the bakery lady, sharing baking tips, and discussing together with Nanami on all types of bread, debating which was the best among them. It was an enjoyable experience overall. Ciel will have to make sure to give that place five-stars and a nice review online.
"I know you said before about how shamans would prefer not to get involved with those living normal lives," Ciel continued, looking thoughtful. "If you're suddenly killed on the job, you wouldn't want to leave the person you like wondering what happened to you. But I say you deserve to have that sort of normalcy in your life, Nanami-san. You won't be in your twenties forever, you know?"
"I've already had this conversation with Gojo-san about my dating life. I'd rather not get into it again." Nanami looked at the girl next to him, seeing the tiger bread in her bag, with a name attached to it's wrapper. Ciel had made a request for a name to be written on the paper, and it went without saying who the name was addressed to.
"Is this for your boyfriend?" Nanami remembered the bakery lady asking, and Ciel's immediate response was a blushed-face smile.
"You caught me! He really likes the breads I make at home. I'm sure he'll love this one."
"Oh! You bake too? You know, we're accepting applications right now. You should consider applying!"
"That would be nice, but I'll have to decline. I'm very busy as is working at our local church. Not to mention I'll be going to a new school soon. If I could, though, I'd accept that offer immediately. It's always been a dream of mine to run a bakery like this one day."
That bit of information caught Nanami by surprise, and he watched from the side as the two women chatted, not wanting to intrude even if they did eventually involved him when it came to discussing breads, and which baked goods was objectively the best. They spent a good chunk of time around that. It was actually rather pleasant.
"You should also stop with this self-deprecation of yours," Nanami followed up. "It's really pointless. The world is unfair for everyone, whether someone deserves it or not makes no difference. What matters is if you wish to keep it - either life's rewards, or its injustices."
"Hmm... That is a good argument. You really should consider becoming a teacher, Nanami-san. I'm sure there'd be plenty more aspiring sorcerers if you were to take up the position."
"I disagree. I'm certain I'd push more people into quitting - especially since I did ran away from the shaman life the first time." Not quit. He won't downplay what it was the second he graduated from Jujutsu High. "Circling back, it seems to me that you are juggling between keeping both of life's rewards and its injustices. The world isn't black and white, but I do think you should devote yourself to what you really want out of life."
Ciel sighed. "I see where this is going. I shouldn't be surprised that Gojo-sensei told you. He really can't seem to keep his mouth shut when it comes to other people's businesses."
"He didn't tell me. It was clear to me the moment you threw yourself in my place when Mahito casted his Domain Expansion." Nanami kept his eyes on Ciel even as the girl remained looking ahead. "I've been in that position before. In your case, however, you're taking it to the extreme."
"Let's not get into that right now," Ciel immediately shot down Nanami's opening statement. "I rather we don't ruin this nice outing by talking about something so unpleasant. I do appreciate you opening up to me about your past struggles, though. If ever such problems turn up again, let me know right away, and I'll make it my mission to talk you out of those dark thoughts of yours."
She would rather do that for me than for herself... Nanami ceased his walking. The girl, however, did not stop. She simply resumed on foot for the train station, determined, like a tunnel-vision embodied. With her destination in mind set in stone.
The adult let out a deep breath through the nose, and he followed after her again. He knew this would be difficult, but it seemed he'll have to try even harder to get through to that bull-headed executor.
After taking their seats, Ciel and Nanami began making their sandwiches. They pressed the ingredients they bought from a nearby convenience store in between the breads, and the train started to move, and they were back on track, getting closer to their designated station in Tokyo.
"We haven't finished our talk yet," Nanami stated as he put the slices of ham in between his baguette.
Ciel paused her first bite of her sandwich. She narrowed her eyes and puts down her lunch. "Is this really the best time? I would think you'd be against wasting your lunch hour."
"We're off the clock until we reach Shibuya. We have plenty of time until then," Nanami countered as he started parting the cheese. "If you don't wish to discuss it today, I'll bring it up another time, and will do so repeatedly until you are ready to listen."
"There isn't much to discuss. I've made up my mind, and you cannot change that."
"That's the thing, you haven't made up your mind. You're juggling between a life with Itadori-kun and death without him. Even if we were to find a way to save him, I suspect you would still have that desire to die. Even if we are able to hold off his execution until he dies naturally of old age, you would follow him regardless, showing just how little you regard your own life still."
"It's hard to do otherwise when you've lived as an immortal being. Fearing no consequences of death no matter what I do, or what ends up killing me," Ciel said with a cold look. "The fact of the matter is that my state is unnatural, and if being like this means that - one of these days - Yuuji-kun will grow old while I remain forever young, can you really blame me for not wanting to go through that whole ordeal? If there is a way to save him, I would feel nothing but absolute relief. However, that also means that once Yuuji-kun is saved, we can no longer be together."
Should she fail her mission, be forced to wait another thirteen years for Roa to emerge, or even if Yuuji was spared, there'd be no point to her living here in Japan anymore. Not someone who dedicated her entire existence to kill that vampire, not someone who is unchanging.
So she is anticipating a way to save his life... Nanami made a mental note of this, watching Ciel look out of the window.
The girl conveyed no emotion as she spoke, "I would not want him to miss out living a fulfilling life with someone he could start a family with, grow old together, make new memories. I'm not oblivious. Our relationship is like a ticking time-bomb, with the aftermath either a quiet release, or an explosive reaction within containment, but I would rather he gets to experience that normalcy than let him think for a second that he deserves to be alienated. I may be the worst person to do so, though, what with being his executioner."
"You are wrong to believe that there are no consequences to you dying," Nanami said firmly. "Itadori-kun made it his responsibility that, if you were to die, he would see that as his own failure. No matter that you would come back, it's his own conscience that's pushing him to become stronger, and you have become the ignition, or rather the oil to that machinery. I doubt he'd be willing to let you go either. If that possible future is what you fear, then we will help you overcome it, but that's if you are willing to stay in this life. It would be troubling to us all if you were to die, and not come back after that. Even if our jobs may eventually part us from each other, it would give us some peace of mind knowing that you are out there, fighting and saving numerous lives while you still have yours."
"..."
"I won't force you to share with me your past, what led you down this road. What I want from you is for you to decide what you wish to do from here on out. Otherwise, no matter your intentions, you'll only end up hurting Itadori-kun, and yourself."
It was a split second of Ciel's expression wavering. Thankfully, she was still staring out of the window, so no one but herself noticed it, witnessing the blunt of that statement hit her in her own reflection. She didn't care if she ended up getting hurt, but Yuuji...
"-Are you sure this is the right one this time?"
"Shut up! It's not my fault that bitch kept switching trains!"
A loud commotion was heard at the back of the cart. Ciel and Nanami instantly honed in on the ruckus without looking back, sensing the level of aggression.
"HEY! Listen up! I'm only going to say this once!"
From the back of the cart, two men stood at the doorway. A muscular man with a black mask over his eyes, wearing a blacksmith's robe. Behind him was a blonde lanky young man, wearing a side ponytail. The passengers around them looked confused, and as some of their attention eventually wandered down to what the men held in their hands, their confusion changed to concerns.
The muscular man swung his arm forward, pointing down the path with his axe. "If you're someone with blue hair and the name Bow! Stand up now!"
"Oh! I got a text from Ciel. They're almost here." Yuuji read out loud the message to his teacher who sat next to him. They were on a bench in the middle of a busy train station, awaiting the arrival of their friends.
"Nice! Can't wait to hear how their trip turned out." Gojo may also be looking forward to their boxed baked sweets being opened, so that he could snatch a couple more treats for himself.
Yuuji puts his phone away and held the baby-blue carton on his lap, a small smile on his face. I hope she likes these...
Author's Note:
Nanami and Ciel definitely watched baking videos and Bread Story on YouTube, they for sure bonded over this as they were riding on the train (before the whole train-jacking happening).
I just noticed plenty of characters in JJK being foodies themselves: Yuuji being a chef, Nobara and Gojo liking sweets, Nanami a bread lover, and you have Sukuna who's both a "chef" and huge glutton. Then you have Ciel who's an all-rounder in baking, fighting, and a lover of spicy food. No wonder she forms a connection with these characters rather easily (although to say that about Sukuna would make Ciel shudder).
Things are getting exciting in the manga, Yuuji might get his spotlight yet, but not before Yuuta :D
Taking all bets for anyone who guesses who dies next. My money's on Rika. (I'm kidding, I have no money to give. Rika for sure gonna go out tho, maybe as a last ditch effort to save Yuuta *cries in emoji*
I might not be back on this fic until I get through my other fics I've been neglecting (Also with the manga reaching its climax, I'm wondering if I should hold off to see what happens next?). In the meantime, enjoy this cliffhanger!
Alright that's about it. Take care everyone!