Im back. here with a new chapter.

Hopefully I few of you all with help me out and leave a review. always love to see whats on the readers mind.

Apology in advance for and potential spelling errors or grammar issues.

The Butterfly Effect

Chapter 17

October 9th

6:32 PM

Zen'in clan compound

Megumi could feel his stomach churn just from putting the black and gray robes on once more. He came closer to throwing up when Kugisaki teased him earlier by saying they complimented him well. At least it helped lighten the mood in the moment. He would rather be out on the mission that she and Itadori were completing, but instead here he was waiting patiently for the audience of one Naobito Zen'in.

The phone call had been short and to the point; Megumi said he wished to talk and the old man told him to be there by nightfall. 'Why do all these meetings have to be at night?', his mind wondered boredly. Thankfully before his mind could wander off and he lost his edge, Naobito entered the private room that Megumi had been designated to sit in. The aged veteran sorcerer walked slowly, contrary to his reputation, to the spot across the table where Megumi was sitting. They then finally locked eyes.

"I knew your curiosity would be piqued, boy."

Megumi rolled his eyes inwardly, biting back a snort. He hated arrogant pricks, the Zen'in clan was practically a factory for producing them. "Let's cut to the chase, I don't want any misconceptions about what we want." Megumi announced dryly.

Naobito grinned, "Perfectly acceptable to me. So tell me then, what brought you back here?"

"I fully accept myself as a Zen'in. Culture, traditions, motivations, goals, I'll accept all of them if you can agree to a few small conditions." Megumi finished, maintaining his aura of confidence. He would remain sharp throughout this conversation.

"Demands huh? I'm not opposed to bargaining, especially when it comes to you Megumi. But you knew that already though." The comment was sly and undercutting, another reminder of how close the 10 shadows user had been to being sold only a decade ago. It was clearly a test to see if he could get under Megumi's skin, but the young sorcerer was too clever for that.

"Then let's bargain."

"Yes. Let's do that."

The ball was in Fushiguro's proverbial court now. He would control the flow of this exchange. "I will join your clan on three conditions; firstly, I want all the hospital bills and treatments of my sister Tsumiki to be paid for in full"

"Consider it done."

"Secondly, I want free access to all libraries of collections of knowledge you hold within the walls of this compound."

At this Naobito's features crossed for a second, the pinched look expressed his consideration. After enough time though, he nods along and shuffles his hand to tell Fushiguro to keep talking.

"And lastly, I wish to join the pool of your possible successors." Megumi searched the old man's face for any noticeable indication that he had overstepped his bounds. However, it seemed like Megumi's final request only invigorated Naobito more. It was concerning to see the sly grin.

"Megumi, your name has been the one on my mind as my successor for a decade. So do not worry about not having the spot to compete for my title." The wrinkled hand of Naobito reached to his chin and gently stroked his gray facial hair. "I have agreed to all of your conditions, Megumi. Now it's time for you to uphold the deal."

Fushiguro wished he could sigh openly. He crossed his arms and sent his most serious look towards his now clan leader. "I swear myself to the Zen'in name, for the rest of my life."

"Good. Music to my ears. Come Megumi, we have so much to discuss."

Megumi rose to his feet and followed Naobito as they left the room. He felt sick just from being here but until this shit show was over, he would push through it.

October 15th

9:11 AM

Tokyo Jujutsu High

"Where is Okkotsu?" Yuuji asked aloud to the whole room. Panda and Inumaki, two of the special grade's closest friends, shrugged. It didn't take a genius to figure out the Okkotsu's had a correlation to the absent cursed tool user. But Okkotsu's mood those nights ago was different from his usual sad impassive face. Okkotsu being angry seemed almost like a myth, from the few conversations Yuuji had with him he had always been a relaxed and grounded person. Yuuji guessed Okkotsu's new irritable nature had more to do with everything being put on his plate.

Whatever happened at Kyoto A week ago sure seemed to annoy the hell out of the special grade. He didn't know why but it came as a shock to see the boy be vulnerable, in the sense looking less put together than usual. Yuuji realized that it was an unfair thing to judge Okkotsu for, he was still technically a teenager just like the rest of them and everyone loses their cool every once and a while. From Gojo to this, it was just different.

If he had to guess he'd say Okkotsu was probably in his dorm room still reading out the load of documents he was taking to and from his clan. 'I'd be irritable too if I had loads of homework to do.' Yuuji murmured inside his head.

"I'll call him and tell him to come to the mess hall. He didn't eat dinner last night either, he must be starving." Panda said. Of course this meant turning to Inumaki and telling him to dial Yuuta number. After all, panda's couldn't use phones.

"Hello? did you need something inumaki?" the slightly digitized voice of Okkotsu said into the phone. He certainly sounded tired.

"Yuuta, me and Yuuji are starting to get worried about ya. You should come on down here and get something to eat. It will help you finish up those papers faster."

Yuuta chuckled tiredly. "Yeah, I guess I could come down there. I certainly feel hungry."

The special grade didn't wait another moment and hung up from the call. Pushing himself back from his desk and coming to a stand. Yuuta looked over at his bedside table, at the framed picture of all of his classmates and his sensei. 'Only day 7 you idiot. Give it time.' He chastises himself. He needed to get mind onto something else, it would be a long couple weeks if Yuuta couldn't keep his mind off of somber thoughts.

In a rare sight, Yuuta was not dressed in his white sorcerer's coat. He simply had on a long sleeve baggy blue shirt with equally baggy black sweatpants to match. It looked like the type of clothes someone would wear to bed. It was still early though, so Yuuta couldn't blame himself too much.

He walked through the hallways until he moved through the doorway to the mess hall. He saw his peers seated together at a table, Panda waving at him and signaling for him to come over to them.

His friends were right of course, he definitely did need a meal. He fixed himself a meal and ate it so quickly causing Panda to tease him.

"Calm down Yuuta, I didn't expect you to starve so quickly without Maki around." The cursed corpse jabbed in good faith. Yuuji giggled childishly seeing how flustered Yuuta got at the comment.

Yuuta was reminded how long he was away from his friends prior to two weeks ago. Hearing Panda's teases now was like a whole new experience, he had to learn not to blush every time he got joked at all over again. "Hehe, I guess I was just extra hungry this morning." He set his fork down on his now cleaned plate. He turned to his side towards the pink haired first year, "Itadori, you and Kugisaki got my text about Fushiguro a couple days ago, right?"

"Yes. Fushiguro messaged us earlier last week as well, he says everything is fine but he will be gone for a couple days." Itadori responded. Yuuta nodded in response, glad he wouldn't have to explain anything more. If Fushiguro had things under control he had no reason to doubt him. They moved the topic of conversation back over to lighten topics as they enjoyed the peaceful morning. Curiously, Yuuta could feel some cursed energy presence approaching them. As he focused more he recognized them.

The doors to the mess hall suddenly swung open again, revealing Principal Yaga marching through. Nanami and Kusakabe also appeared behind them both with Kugisaki behind them. The sorcerers looked over questioningly at newly arrived sorcerers into the room. "Principal?" Yuuta asked.

"We have some concerning news. Three points of worry, to be specific."

"What's wrong?" Yuuj questioned.

Yaga pinched the bridge of his nose, moving his glasses upwards. He held a piece of paper in his hand and brought it upwards. "Three individual sightings by government officials of phenomena considered to be unnatural. Two of these cases display features similar to the special grade curse investigation."

Nanami chimed in at that moment, taking a step forward and addressing the students there. "Knowing what we do now thanks to everyone recounting what took place during the goodwill event, we can identify that the fire-using curse and the soul-manipulating curse are responsible for two of the respective issues." That comment certainly got the attention of Yuuji. If Mahito was back causing trouble then he felt responsible for dealing with him, despite the unknown difference between them in power.

The two adult sorcerers looked behind them to Kusakabe, as if waiting for him to say something. Once the three of them caught eyes the lazy sorcerers sighed and took a step forward himself. "The third issue regards a number of mysterious robberies and shoplifting all around Japan, no traces of cursed energy have been found either." Yaga rubbed his temples, the situation frustrating him observably. "It's clear that these cases of cursed 'incidents' will only increase in number if we don't nip all the problems in the bud."

Yuuta could agree with that. It was better that they solve these issues now before they get out of control. He wondered if he could solve the problems himself by investigating them. Before he got the chance to ask, Kusakabe continued with his explanation. "Our current professional sorcerers are deployed to the areas these 'incidents' were discovered. But….We've already lost 26 sorcerers just today alone."

"Yuuji, you and Kugisaki have been reviewed by the top brass through past mission reports to have abilities well suited to deal with the Soul-manipulating curse." Nanami said, albeit more quietly than Yaga and Kusakabe had made their announcements.

Yuuta looked towards the principal of their school, his tone hard. "Are you saying that two first year students are being deployed to fight a curse that has killed numerous pros?"

Yuuji himself listened to his new friend's words and it then registered to him how wrong it sounded. Itadori didn't have a problem with going to fight Mahito, it's actually what he wanted. But Kugisaki shouldn't have to be faced with that if she didn't want to. He looked over to her and saw that she was regarding everything with surprising indifference. Was she really that unfazed? Was she just as interested in this as he was?

Yaga raised his hands in light defense. "Sending our promising students out to die is not our intention, but Itadori is a sorcerer who cannot have his soul be changed by this curse, and Kugisaki has a technique that can hurt the soul as well. They both have the ability to help the investigation."

"But can't I-"

"Yuuta. Me and Itadori will be fine. If they didn't just send you there already it's because you're needed elsewhere alright." Nobara spoke aloud. Yuuta silenced himself upon hearing her. He looked over to Yuuji to see him nodding along with her. He sighed and sat back down.

"Okkotsu, I will be accompanying them as well. You won't need to worry about their safety." Nanami explained.

That satisfied Yuuta's anxiety somewhat. "So I'm going after the fire-using curse, right?" This got him agreement from his superiors.

"Correct. This curse is specifically a threat to civilians. We think your presence alone will be enough of a deterrent." Yaga logiced to the young prodigy. Yuuta could see the reason behind the decisions and found himself agreeing.

"So that just leaves 'incident C.'" Yuuji noted. Indeed the only left point of discussion was numerous robberies. Nanami shook his head with what seemed to be annoyance, "That specific situation is a complete mystery to us. The best thing for now is to let that situation simmer."

Yaga turned around and faced the opposite way, he looked at the other two men standing to his sides and before again looking back at the students. "Itadori and Kugisaki will leave immediately with Nanami. Panda and Inumaki will stay here and wait for further deployment." Yaga announced with finality. Yuuji rose from his seat and walked over the Nanami and where Kugisaki stood. "Okkotsu, you should wait a couple hours to move to your area. We don't know if the curses have a way to communicate long distance, we don't want them fleeing."

"Alright, got it."

"Good. If everything goes well over the next couple days then we should have these curses completely dealt with. They think they're luring us into a trap when they are being cornered." The principal capped off.

The students dispersed out to where they needed to be. Panda and Inumaki left the mess hall to the field and tool shack to train, Yuuta returned to his dorm to change into his usual attire. He was a little annoyed that he wouldn't be able to finish up the paperwork after he was so close to finally wrapping up the pile Gojo had left him. It still worried him a bit that he wouldn't be able to go with the first years, he was entrusted to watch over them so it felt like he was already betraying his sensei's wishes by allowing this.

He knew Yuuji was a capable combatant though, strong and fast enough to beat him under the right circumstances. Very specific circumstances, but still a feat nonetheless.

'Yuuji is reliable, Megumi is reliable. Gojo told you this.' Yuuta reminded himself. He slipped off his baggy shirt to replace it with a black undershirt for his coat, no use in overdoing the layers since the sorcerer's coat always kept things insulated.

Once he had slipped into the outfit he dawned for most missions he checked the time on his phone. It was likely he had a lot of waiting to do before it was right to leave the school. At least he had more time to review the case files sent to his email about the mission, as per usual procedure. But it also gave him time to mull over his time learning the sorcerer's of Kyoto, it had only been a day or two since his first 'lesson' there.

October 13th

12:12 PM

Kyoto Jujutsu High School

Yuuta exclaimed a loud sigh of frustration as another clap of his hands went unanswered.

Copying Boogie Woogie had to be one of the most infuriating endeavors he had ever taken upon himself. He had worked tirelessly to learn skills in days while in Kenya, practices of all sorts. But this technique was beyond tricky.

"You're getting better Okkotsu. But you're still noting quite set with the basics" Todo explained while trying to praise the special grade.

"I don't really see how I am getting better when it's the same result every time. I'm positive I'm following the steps correctly too. I feel my cursed energy and then the energy of the target I want to swap with. But it's the same result every time."

Todo chuckled deeply. It was surprising to him that the great prodigy of the sorcerer worlds was having trouble understanding such a simple trick. "I'd speculate it had something to do with your own cursed energy."

Yuuta studied him with questioning eyes. "What do you mean? How does my cursed energy affect it?"

"Simple. It's so strong that it overwhelms your ability to weigh each energy the same. You can't swap places if you can't balance our energies." The 4th year once again informed Yuuta. He had explained the step-by-step process for Boogie Woogie many times but Yuuta still couldn't get it done.

"I'm trying to weigh our energies the same but the gap between us in cursed energy amounts is just too large." Yuuta tried reasoning in the most inoffensive way possible, not trying to sound cocky.

Todo shrugged, "I've performed this technique many times on foes who carry more energy than me, it's never been a problem."

"How?"

"Well I don't compare myself to my enemies, I think I can beat anyone and anyone can beat me. If it's understood that we are always equal then I can always switch." Todo logiced as if he had spoken the truest words that had ever been spoken. "Special grades like yourself are accustomed to winning through sheer dominance, your perspective is incomplete when it comes to my technique."

"So how can I master it if my perspective is messed up?"

"Honestly, I can't answer that. You'll have to figure that out for yourself."

Yuuta nodded solemnly. He thanked Todo for his time and went to go find other students amongst the exchange group that had traveled to Tokyo. He knew they had useful techniques that could come in handy in specific situations. The only one he knew he couldn't learn today was blood manipulation, it was far too complex and Yuuta had already decided to circle back around to it later. Creation and Tool manipulation however, were two techniques he was very interested in.

Eventually he was able to find them talking to each other inside Ms. Utahime's classroom.

"Hello. Nishimiya, Zen'in. You two uhm…remember me?" The second year stuttered.

A simple "Yeah" and "Unfortunately" were what greeted his ears in response. Clearly the girls were not very eager to see him. Maybe it had to do with the exchange event from 2 years prior. Okkotsu had to admit that the memory was still likely embarrassing for them. "I was wondering if you two would be able to help me out with something."

Again, all he got was a "No" from each of them. Yuuta chuckled and lightly scratched his head for a moment. Clearly it was getting awkward fast. "Just…like…30 minutes of your time is all I need. Please."

That seemed to get him the response he was looking for. The girls exchanged looks and rolled their eyes before saying nothing to him and getting out of their chairs.

"Fine, I'll help. but only because you don't seem like an asshole ." Mai answered crudely.

Yuuta shivered slightly. Mai had Maki's language down, maybe even sharper albeit less harsh in tone. Little things Yuuta could tell were similar between the two sisters but yet vastly different.

"Quite staring, freak." Mai spit out. Walking past him with Nishimiya at her side. "Your 30 minutes are ticking so stop wasting our time."

Yikes. Maki usually made comments with the impact of a sledgehammer, she had no problem saying what she thought, which was honestly something he liked about her. Mai though, she seemed like she chose which words she wanted to use to deliver the deepest cuts.

"O-ok" Yuuta said as he walked behind them. He wondered if he should try and talk to Mai about the Zen'in, but he decided against it. It would be stupid to bring their name up now, he still wanted this lesson.

Present time…

With Yuuji, Nobara, and Nanami…

"Woah these are so cooooool!" Yuuji said in awe as he waved around the long dagger that Nanami had passed out to him and Kugisaki. "What does it do Nanami? Is it super sharp? Can I cut steel with it?"

"No Yuuji. Those tools aren't weapons. They're locators." The older blonde explained as he fixed his tie and stepped into the limousine where Kugisaki had been waiting impatiently for them.

"Locators?" The youngest of the three asked aloud, having finally seated himself in the vehicle. "Why are sharp daggers meant to be locators?"

A loud sigh came from next across Yuuji's position. Nobara shook her head mockingly. "Yuuji. These tools are just like toys from a store just stuffed full of cursed energy. When you flow your cursed energy into it create a massive light that can be more visible depending how much cursed energy you put into it."

Kugisaki was pretty sure she saw steam coming out of Yuuji's brain simply from trying to piece together what she was saying. Thankfully it seemed like he finally got the memo when his face sank in disappointment. "Dammit. I wanted to try and do a Getsuga Tensho like in the manga I read." The girl across from him rolled her eyes with a deadpan expression. "I think it's best if you give up on that dream, Yuuji."

"Alright you two let's get serious" Nanami groaned as he sat forward slightly. The two first years adjusted their attitudes and looked towards their superior with waiting eyes and ears. "Our target, the soul-altering curse Mahito, has been cited to have been spotted deep in the woodlands a couple hundred kilometers to our west." The setting of their mission being a dark and decrepit woods added to the unnerving feeling that they were getting about this. "Several other professional sorcerers are stationed there as you know, so we won't be without backup when fighting this curse. I need you two to be zoned in at all times, one bad move and he could sneak up on you and end it there."

Both Nobara and Yuuji agreed without hesitation and affirmed to themselves that they would act serious and unfazed while on the mission. "When will we arrive there Nanami?" Yuuji asked.

"2 or 3 hours. We have plenty of time to discuss our plan of action" The older sorcerer informed the two of them.

And thus the long car ride began. The three sorcerers moved steadily towards the treacherous woodlands that held their enemy.

At The Same Time...

Tokyo Jujutsu High…

"Yuuuuuutaaaaaa….." A haunted voice shook from behind him.

He was simply walking through the hallways to retrieve his sword from his room when Rika appeared behind him. It was certainly odd, this 'Rika' wasn't like the Rika that had been by his side for many years, this Rika was mostly silent and only came out when it was necessary or on his command.

"Rika?"

"Yuuuuuta is tired."

Yuuta raised his hand to stifle a small laugh. Partly because he was always tired but also because it meant Rika had come out just to remind him of his poor sleeping habits. "I'll be fine, Rika."

"Yuuuutaa isn't acting like Yuutaaaa" The spirit-shikigami commented with what seemed to be a somber melody.

Yuuta raised an eyebrow at her claim. He wasn't acting like himself? He seemed like he was doing everything as he usually did. "I don't quite think that's true, Rika."

"This Yuuta is always mad. Now Yuuta only smiles around Yuuta's flower and Yuuta's friends."

He guessed this was true as well. If Maki was meant to be his "flower" then it was definitely true that he was happier around her, it was obvious he would be happy around his dear friends too. "I appreciate your concern, I'm just figuring things out at the moment." The special grade explained.

"But Yuuuuta loses cursed energy fast when he is angry."

Another true fact, most sorcerers burned through cursed energy at an exponentially high rate when they were angry, though there was an increase in output and strength. Yuuta didn't like to fight but saying he didn't get very angry when he fought would be a lie. Yuuta nodded in admission to Rika's assertion.

"Rika, why don't you trust that I am going to be alright?"

"Yuuuta doesn't believe in himself. Yuuuta is scared he will fail. Rika is now scared Yuutaaa will fail." That seemed to strike a cord within the second year. Yuuta didn't fully agree that he was scared but it was true that he didn't have enough confidence in his own abilities. He always tried to view himself realistically and logically, he didn't like feeling conceited. But now he needed that confidence if he wanted to be the best version of himself.

"Sorry to trouble you then Rika, I'll work on that." Yuuta assured this 'Rika'.

"...Yuuta will be sad until he sees his flower again.."

"I…I'll Manage." Yuuta answered finally before using his own input to move Rika back into her inky shadow.

He then quickly entered his room and grabbed his sword held in its casing. He slung it around his shoulder.

Yuuta's plan was to catch a bus ride to his location this time around. He could use Rika to technically fly but that might get him in serious trouble if some foreign government's space technology managed to catch a glimpse of him. Besides, he was told to lag behind the other groups so the curse he was going to wouldn't suspect a joint attack. Best time if any to relax on a long ride.

Suddenly he got a buzzing notification on his phone. The notification was from Megumi, the first message or response he had gotten from his junior in several days.

Fushiguro: 'I am not in a position to speak freely. Talk to Mai Zen'in next time you see her'

'What?' Yuuta asked from within his brain. This was certainly not the move he was expecting Megumi to make. It likely means he has established contact with Mai and they have exchanged words. 'But why isn't Fushiguro free to move? What is stopping him?'

As Yuuta stepped onto the bus and took a seat, she read the words over and over. He should probably send a response.

Yuuta: 'Is everything alright, Fushiguro?'

As he pressed send he lowered his hand with his phone still wrapped in it down to his lap. He sat back and felt the soft hum of the bus cruising past its stops. Yuuta waited, and waited, and waited, yet he got no response from his underclassman. So the part about his movements being restricted was true, not that Yuuta expected a lie from Fushiguro of all people.

A silent "Damnit" exited Yuuta's mouth. He didn't want to say it but he'd probably agonize over seeing Mai again. Mostly because he wanted to her think good of him in case…..Maki and Him…Anyways he would listen to the 10 shadows user's wisdom, Fushiguro was a very bright person.

It had only been 27 minutes since he had gotten on the bus. The weather was abnormally chilly anyways, he made the right choice to take the bus.

This made him ask another question; How was Maki handling the colder weather?

5 Days prior…

October 10th….

"Well holy shit. You actually found this place?"

"You bet I did. I wasn't gonna miss this chance."

"I gotta ask, how did you do it?" Toji Fushiguro asked the younger girl infront of him, curiosity drawn all over his face.

"I saw that a few curious robberies were taking place around this area. Stores being robbed and reports of unexplainable phenomena. Figured it had to be your work" Maki replied with a cocky grin. She was actually proud of herself. She completed a task he thought would be impossible. "Now pay up you homeless bum."

Toji laughed hard. The girl certainly had an attitude, one that would likely get on his nerves any second now but he respected it. "Alright, I guess I'll keep up the end of the bargain."

"Good."

"Alright Girl, tell me, what do you know about binding vows?"

Hope the chapter was enjoyable.

Remember to leave a review if its not too much to ask, I could use the motivation lol.

Have a good day.