CHAPTER 1: The Seal

"We are all geniuses,

But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb trees,

It will live his whole life thinking it is useless."

The world of sorcery would never be the same after falling into darkness that October 31st. The hell described in so many religions had become reality in Tokyo.

The hope that the seal held had kept them going on during Satoru Gojo's absence, even though day after day she saw how the great cities of Japan became an endless cemetery, consumed by curses and reincarnations, which at the end of the day seemed the same. Did all sorcerers keep that destruction and darkness within themselves? When she saw the ravages of the reincarnated, she understood why the end of sorcerers must come with a glow of cursed energy.

She accepted her fate since the day she held that katana, she was aware that she could die on any mission, and she agreed to it in order to help her family. For years, she trained to fight and exorcize curses, risking her life. Initially, she did it for her family's sake, now she was doing it for the bonds she had formed with her comrades. They had not been close friends, but now they were together more than ever on this ship and she couldn't leave them, she had to help somehow, she didn't want to continue seeing them die without doing anything.

That's why she volunteered to go to Sendai to deliver that message to Yuta Okkotsu. However, more than once she thought that would be the last place that would see her standing. There were curses everywhere, most of them were low-grade and she was able to face them with a pair of sai she acquired before leaving, but she came across a grade one curse that cornered her in the ruins of a building.

At that moment, as she watched her life flash before her eyes, she thought of her family, her friends and him: Satoru Gojo. What at first seemed like a normal interest, became something stronger after meeting him. She regretted not having tried harder and it hurt her not having had more time to get closer, she longed for the warmth and joy she felt close to him...

When she had given up on her fate, the memory of Satoru Gojo seemed to rescue her. She felt an inexplicable energy coming from somewhere deep within herself and suddenly she found herself lying on the floor, unharmed. The same thing happened a couple times more. Once she found a safe place to rest, she closed her eyes and tried to repeat the last movements she did with the sai. In the end, tired of walking and frustrated for not remembering what happened, she fell into blurry and confusing dreams, convincing herself that she was hallucinating due to stress and dehydration.

The chaos ended when the seal was broken, hope was embodied in the power of Satoru Gojo, promising to put everything in its place and regain the lost balance. After his release, there were many changes in the schools. In the absence of director Yaga, Satoru Gojo and the most experienced first-grade sorcerers took the reins of the Tokyo school through a council. Given its status as the hardest-hit area and its proximity to the battlefront, Tokyo became the main headquarters of the resistance and a training place for sorcerers. Meanwhile, Kyoto, situated in a more remote location, was designated as a backup center and a refuge for the families of sorcerers. Thanks to this, she was able to put her family in a more comfortable and safer place.

Those were weeks of tireless training. Now that she couldn't use her katana, she had to improve her physique and stamina to be able to manipulate other types of weapons besides the sai and improve in hand-to-hand fighting. She probably wouldn't be in the front line of the war, but there were thousands of curses and reincarnations that promised to turn everything into dust.

She always saw Satoru Gojo training with his students from afar. He looked like an older brother teaching the younger ones how to defend themselves and attack. His expressions when he smiled or celebrated a particular move made him look like just another child. However, he had a completely opposite side. When he had to meet with Kusakabe, Shoko and the other members of the council, his gaze became serious and his body tensed, leading into a colder and more distant person.

It was surprising that someone with so much influence and acquaintances was so alone, because in all that time, no one from his clan appeared, no family, no friends or teachers, while she and other sorcerers got in touch with their families from time to time to make sure they were okay. Didn't he have parents who cared about him and wanted to see him come back alive? Didn't he have a girlfriend waiting for him to start a new life? Any friends or teachers to discuss combat techniques with? Besides the meetings he had with the teachers and students, it seemed there was no one else in his life. Sometimes she even saw him sitting alone, watching his students with a melancholic air.

When he left the school, it was only for missions and confidential matters related to the next battle and when he returned, he looked tired, very different from the man who once arrived with dolls for the students as a souvenir of his trip. Sometimes she heard unpleasant comments from Utahime and Gakuganji; they were so unfair with someone who had so far only shown how much he cared about others, while no one cared about him. Seeing him so lonely and serious make her worry, she wanted to do something to cheer him up, but she wasn't sure what.

Now that he no longer wore the blindfold all the time, she could see the sky trapped in his eyes. It was incredible. If it were up to her, she would watch them all day, just to capture every detail, but her distractions were causing her to let her guard down and Kusakabe's strong punches brought her back to reality. She had tried to get closer to Gojo-sensei, but the training with her teacher took up all of her time and energy. Sometimes she was able to exchange glances with him, and she had the feeling that he had been watching her long before she turned around. Carried away by the emotion, she took the chance to give him a smile with a subtle wave and he returned the gesture, although she could see a hint of sadness in his eyes. Could it be because of his pitiful performance at the exchange event? That thought tormented her, she had decided to improve and take advantage of the event to ask for permission to go to Tokyo, accepting the training invitation that he had given her, and instead, she made a fool of herself by falling asleep while everyone was risking their lives, and to top it off, she had lost her katana with that binding vote. Although she did not regret having done it because the most important thing at that moment was to recover the cube that imprisoned Satoru Gojo. No matter what, it did not stop hurting and embarrassing her to be so weak and useless.

This would be the definitive battle. Although she trusted Satoru Gojo, she was still worried regarding the chance that something like what happened in Shibuya could happen to him again. This time he was putting his life at stake and at the minimum mistake the only result would be the death. She was worried just by thinking about it, she felt a pressure on her chest, taking the air away. She didn't want to see him leave and never return again.

Due to the risk, Kusakabe had tried to make her give up from joining them. It had been so many times that she had lost the count. At first, he spoke to her, then advised her and, when he saw there was no way to change her mind, he began to be more aggressive. He made her training more rigorous, increasing the hours and the force of the punches. She ended up exhausted, but that did not change her mind. Kusakabe went on to warn her, threatened her, and when he lost his temper, he yelled at her, reminding her how weak she was and how little or nothing she could do, but that only fueled her determination even more. Looking into his eyes and with a firm voice, she made clear that she was willing to give her life to protect and help her friends and loved ones. She had done so since she was 13 years old, when she decided to hold that katana to stop being a burden to her family. In these crucial moments, she was not going to leave aside her comrades, nor would she go back on her decision. She would go the battlefield even if she had to sneak out.

Kusakabe realized too late what a poor choice of words he had made, yet he always knew that the idea of making her give up was in vain. Defeated, he saw her with icy severity and accepted her decision on the condition that she would stay by his side and support him as his assistant. She reluctantly agreed, although deep down she knew that without a weapon to replace her katana she wouldn't be able to do much, then she turned away to return to her training.

As she left, Kusakabe couldn't help but think that, although they had Satoru Gojo, they could not underestimate Sukuna and Kenjaku's alliance and who knows how many allies and curses they would have as a backup to ambush them. Gojo's imprisonment and Tsukumo's fall to Kenjaku only showed how smart and strong the enemy was to get rid of a special grade sorcerer with relative ease. It was well known how powerful Gojo was; however, they couldn't take the outcome for granted. They either couldn't assume that he would be able to keep fighting in case he won. The only certain thing was that no matter how strong he was, he wouldn't be able to protect them at all times, they would have to take care of themselves during the fight.

Kusakabe's expression softened and his gaze was filled with sadness when he saw the bruises on Miwa's arms and legs, strikes he landed when she was distracted looking at the other students. It was curious that he had come to appreciate her, a simple girl. No, she was anything but simple. It was true that she had no technique and that she wasn't remarkable in fighting or theory, but she had a warmth almost impossible to find in sorcerers and that made her special. To keep that spirit in such a cruel world could be considered an achievement. Her innocence and kindness reminded him of his deceased nephew and Yu Haibara, both too pure to survive life's setbacks. She was a very pretty young woman with a good figure, she would be more than welcome in a modeling office, but instead her loyalty kept her trapped in this world, like a butterfly trapped in a spider web.

It was Just now that he realized what a fucked-up world he had lived in for so many years and now he understood Gojo's motives to change the rules of sorcery. What rotten system sent young students to give their lives in battles that only belonged to adults? How many Miwas had he trained to die? He had been an accomplice in that corrupt system for years, just to avoid the responsibility and frustration of doing nothing to change it. It was time to make amends, he had silenced his integrity for a long time prioritizing his well-being over others. It was too late for the young people he saw die for so many years, but now he would be in charge of protecting her and helping the students who volunteered to fight. It was time to face his responsibility even if he had to give his life for them.

—Kusakabe entered the meeting room, knocking down the door while huffing and was startled when he saw Gojo leaning against the wall drinking a bottle of juice.

—Bad day to be a door, huh —Gojo said while he smiled mockingly —What's the reason for those sighs? Don't tell me that the old man keeps trying to change the plans... what an unbearable old geezer, I regret not having twisted his neck when I had the chance.

—It's not Gakuganji, it's a young girl...

—What?! I didn't know you had a girlfriend. How is that young girl? How old is she? I didn't know you were a...

—Shut up, it's not about that, she's a student...

—A student, don't tell me! Did you fell in love between classes or…

—You trust your infinity a lot, don't you? —Kusakabe gave him a murderous look while he squeezed the handle of his katana and Gojo could tell that something was really bothering him. —Wipe that look off your face. What's going on with that student? Does she want to leave? Then let her do it, my students and I are enough. —he said while smiling confidently.

Kusakabe smiled bitterly. —That's what I would like for her, to run away and hide in a shelter, but she doesn't listen, I've tried to make her give up because she has no technique. She used the new style of shadows with the katana, but… —"a katana" something stirred in Gojo's memory of the day of the exchange event and he had an unpleasant feeling in his stomach, while his smile disappeared. Kusakabe looked him in the eyes seriously. —She made a binding vow giving the strength of her katana to face Kenjaku before he escaped with the Gokumonkyo. —Gojo changed his gaze and felt once again the weight of his mistake, making a fist as a reflex. She had sacrificed her future as a sorceress because of him and could have been one more on the list of people who paid for his mistakes. —I managed to deflect the uzumaki, but just barely, you understand, don't you?

Of course he understood, that girl was her, that kind young woman he had wanted to help and instead he almost led her to her death and now she was at risk again. Why she was still there? How could someone so seemingly docile be so stubborn to annoy her superiors? He liked her character, that mix of kindness and stubbornness. In other circumstances it would have been funny, but now he was only worried about the path she was taking. He was sure of his power, but that battlefield was not for her, a person who had already been able to make a binding vow, was capable of sacrifice her life. He looked back at Kusakabe —Why does she insist? She is not going to be paid more, this is not an exchange event to ask for referrals. Anyone who appreciates her life would know that it is best to escape. Didn't you tell her she will only get in the way or die?

—She is not like us; her motivation is not selfish. She came to help her mother and brothers because they are very poor and now she also has that loyalty to her comrades. I tried to talk to her to make her reconsider and I have increased the rigor of the training, but she doesn't obey, I don't know if it's because I was too soft with her... it's funny, but I wouldn't like to humiliate her with the truth. —Kusakabe remained thoughtful and then turned to look at Satoru. Gojo begins to suspect what's coming up next, but if Kusakabe, having less scruples than him, does not want to hurt her; him, who enjoys seeing her training and feel her energy, much less.

—Perhaps she trusts me so much, but if someone with a higher position like you were to talk to her or use his influence to kick her out of school, perhaps she would will leave...I don't think you know her but everyone knows you and they know the power you had over the higher ups.

—I know her and if you say that she is here to help her family, kicking her out would save her from death but doom her to misery and humiliate her in vain, you know that I don't mind telling the truth, but I don't enjoy seeing people like her suffering.

He knows he spoke too much when he sees Kusakabe frowning as he watches him with suspicion and a grim gesture. He can feel how he scans him with his eyes and it reminds him of a father protecting his children. —And how do you know her if I haven't even told you who she is?

There was nothing wrong with taking a photo and exchanging numbers, although she only asked for the photo and the rest was his doing. It was clear that if he said it out loud, he would have to explain in detail and he wasn't going to report back to him how his technique worked and his doings. —How many sorcerers without technique who use a katana do we know besides you? —He tells him while he rolls his eyes as if it were something obvious. —It was easy to recognize her at the school exchange with that light blue hair.

Kusakabe keeps looking at him still unconvinced —I thought your memory wasn't good, you remember her very well e...

—I don't think anyone there could forget someone from Kyoto apologizing for setting a trap for Sukuna's vessel. —Kusakabe opens his eyes in surprise and then turns around, sighing and shaking his head, he seems convinced. Hiding his feelings for so long has made him a good liar. —Too bad Mei Mei's crows couldn't record it to show it to you. What's wrong Kusakabe? Do you think I'm going to take her away from you...

—Stop your bullshit and behave. —He seemed annoyed —You don't care about hurting her, the only thing you care about is avoiding responsibilities.

—Hey! You say it as if I'm not going to face Sukuna. —Gojo makes a quick pout and then points at him with the empty juice bottle —I'll defeat Sukuna and the fucking brain, so no one will be in danger and she'll be safe. —On the outside he exudes confidence bordering on arrogance, but inside he feels a twinge of guilt, part of him reminds that he can´t make any more mistakes like in Shibuya. The price they paid for his confinement and release was too high. This time he would unleash his power, but... Would he be able to sacrifice Megumi along the way? No, there was no reason; he already had a plan, Yuji was also studying Tsukumo's research and Yuta had another plan. Drastic measures would not be necessary. He had to make up for his mistake by protecting them all. —I'll win —He says while looking at him seriously.

Kusakabe wanted to believe him and thus evade his duty as before; however, this time he had promised to face up to his responsibility and for some reason Gojo's words did not inspire him enough confidence. —We all want that to happen, but if it doesn't, we will have to be prepared... you know it's a chance although I don't like the idea either. —Gojo keeps looking him in the eyes although a bit upset —That's why I don't want Miwa to go, she has trouble keeping up with us, she can't even wield a katana anymore, she'll be an easy target if she can't master the sai or any other weapon. At least try to talk to her or send her away from here.

None of that was an option, he couldn't talk to her about it without hurting her. He had never had scruples about saying things upfront, subtlety was not his thing and even if he tried, his mouth would end up betraying him. If it were someone else like the old man or the sourpuss Utahime he wouldn't mind at all, but he didn't want to hurt her. He wanted to take care of the image she had of him. Kicking her out was not an option either. According to what Kusakabe had said, she was capable of sneaking out to go with them and it would be more dangerous for her. The best choice would be to give her a bodyguard, but everyone would be busy... —If I see her, I can do it, maybe I'll do such a good job that she'll stay away from sorcery forever. —He says with a smile. —Why don't you make her your assistant? —That way you both win, she goes where she wants and you keep an eye on her.

—And you save yourself from doing what I asked you, very smart.

—I said that if I see her I will do it, but I'm not responsible if she takes any drastic decision, besides, I'm giving you a good idea! What happens is that IT IS YOU who doesn't want to take care of her. You should learn from me, that I take care of all of you. —That's it, he had to put him between the devil and the deep blue sea. Kusakabe was the perfect bodyguard, he had already protected her once and this time it was mandatory for him to take care of her while he took care of Sukuna.

Kusakabe's face turned a dark red as he squeezed his katana and responded angrily. —I'm taking care of her! Just tell me if you'll at least try to talk to her or not to look for other options.

—I already told you that I will, if the opportunity arises. Remember that I also have several students and things to do, moreover, you have interrupted my break and I have to go back with the kids. By the way, could you remind me her name? —He stands up and heads to the door, time to escape from Kusakabe to avoid him from continuing insisting to talk to her.

—Kasumi Miwa.

—Okay, Kasumi Miwa, talk to her and kick her out as soon as I get the chance, done. See you! —He remembered her name for sure, but he had to cover it up. "As soon as I have the chance" of course he wouldn't look for the opportunity, he would have to buy time with some travel until Kusakabe gives up and decides to take care of her as her guardian. Judging by his attitude, it wouldn't take long.

Kusakabe stares at the door where Gojo left. He would send Miwa to see him as soon as he saw her free. He hated to admit it but Gojo had been right when he told him that he didn't want to take care of her, not because she would get in his way, but instead he had already decided to protect all the students and at some point, he would have to leave her alone if things go wrong.

NOTES:

This is the translation of "The Star in the Sky". Please have in mind I'm not an english speaker, but I did my best for Aerinaeri as Aerinaeri has been making an effort to read this story, this is the least I can do. Love with love is repaid. This chapter is for you :)

If you notice any mistake you can respectfully let me know and I'll fix it. Any suggestion will be appreciated.

I wanted a short chapter but things got out of my hand T_T

It's been a long since I'm thinking about this and I had to get it out of my head. I hope you like it. I think it takes a long time to update (every 2weeks or so) because I read every chapter over and over to fix it and add or change some ideas to do it as best as possible. I upload them once I'm completely sure everything is ok. So I'm slow as a turtle xD but I do my best.

Kusakabe appeared out of nowhere, it was supposed to be only a couple of lines and he got a full scene. I love that man xD and if you are up to date with the manga you'll know why.

This chapter was originally (in the spanish version) dedicated to TheOtherDestiny, an author and friend that encourage me with her stories. I just love them, they make me happy and I'm amazed with her imagination :') besides we share some headcanons :D BUT the english version is for Aerinaeri :)

I think this story is gonna be quite long (around 15 chaps) because there is so much to tell, it's almost the idea I have of the Heian/Nara era and I hope I have time and strength enough to complete it U_U I'm just gonna say that I've been so many theories out there and I have the right to do my own XD let me dream ok :')

Thank you for your time.

Ps. There is one moment when Gojo thinks about his attraction to Miwa's cursed energy, well I have another fic "At first glance" where I explain that in detail BUT I haven't translated it yet, my bad. I'll do it asap.