DISCLAIMER, JJK does not belong to me, all rights go to Gege Akutami

She noticed Nanami standing by the kitchen sink, his blazer absent. As always, he seemed poised and collected, a demeanor she had come to expect from him.

"What of the cursed spirit?" Olga asked, despite her slightly disoriented mind as she adjusted to the lighting of the room.

Nanami turned off the tap, drying his hands on a towel as he walked over to where Olga was reclined on the couch. "The cursed spirit is taken care of… for now. I couldn't exorcize it but I managed to weaken it to an extent, so it won't cause as much trouble for the time being. But it's still out there."

Sitting upright, Olga kneaded her temples, her expression void. The aftermath of her cursed technique was taking its toll, but she had little interest in dwelling on her discomfort.

The backlash from using her innate technique and challenging the Oath's contract triggered an inner anguish. Though not visible, her internal organs were being slowly cooked each time she went against the Oath.

She's lost count of the times she's broken the penalty.

"Are you alright? I'll get you water," His voice hinted with concern, sensing her discomfort.

Her response was measured, neither overly appreciative nor dismissive. "Sure, that would be nice."

As Olga got up from the couch, the sensation of needles pricked at her body, causing her to remain in her seat. She knew where her limits laid and how to alleviate the pain.

Although it was a twisted concept, one she saw for what it was.

The Oath was essentially a solemn promise, and its main principle was that she had to practice virtue. By being virtuous, the conditions of the Oath's punishment would be significantly reduced.

But the damage done will persist.

"You're injured, you should rest," Nanami stressed, handing her a chilled bottle of water he had retrieved from his refrigerator.

From the looks of it, they were once again in Nanami's house.

"I appreciate the gesture, Nanami, but I'll have to get going soon. I don't want to trouble you any further," she replied coldly.

"I insist that you stay seated. In the state you're in, you wouldn't be of any use when we track down the curse, if you don't recover," He was firm that she rested, but Olga really didn't want to stay in that place any longer.

Olga found him bothersome.

She debated whether to do that instead of enduring her current state, but restarting would undoubtedly pile up more problems.

It was quickly dismissed as it would be risky since Satoru had started noticing the changes about her and she didn't want that fact about her to be known so soon.

She heaved a defeated sigh. "I'll stay then, only for a while. But I must be somewhere else after this." She sank deeper into the couch. "Thank you for your hospitality,"

First, as Olga stood there, she had to organize her thoughts, sorting through the string of events that had occurred.

The patchface's cursed technique allows him to distort and transfigure souls, essentially altering the very essence of a person. It's a vile and unnatural power, one that goes against the laws of order and humanity.

The soul was a fundamental aspect of life, a sacred and innate part of all living beings. It's not something that should be tampered with or manipulated like a child playing with new toys.

Normally she wouldn't hold strong feelings for curses as it was expected, however, that thing was the exception.

As it was a given that kind of power would be dangerous and can cause harm in the hands of such naturally sinister creatures.

"You look like you're going to kill something. If you're continuing with that, then please make sure I'm not around to see it," He jested in an even tone.

Olga stared at Nanami boredly.

He was simply stating what he saw. But, it could be interpreted as his attempt at making a joke.

Nanami brings out a set of clothes, placing them onto the coffee table. "I'll lend you some of my clothes, since your clothes have blood."

Right, she realized that she was not wearing her usual coat over herself when they fought the curse. "Hah… I wasn't careful this time, and my clothes got dirtied,"

They were still quite moist and uncomfortable and she was also reminded by the dried blood on her from the fight at the cinema.

She appreciated that Nanami didn't go to the extreme of cleaning her up when she was unconscious, despite her dirty appearance.

"There's really no need for this. I can just wear my coat over it to cover up the traces," Olga insisted as she placed an arm to cover eyes.

Somehow she felt a little nauseous.

Nanami seemed unfazed by Olga's reluctance, and he continued to hold the clothes out to her. "It's better to have something clean and dry to wear, especially if you're planning to leave soon. You can change in the bathroom."

Seeing as Nanami was determined that she change clothes, she ended up taking up his offer to maintain the fragile peace between them.

Olga acknowledged his effort even when it caused her a slight annoyance.

"Do you have any bandages? And also, can I get a spare bag to keep my soiled clothes in?"

"Yes, I'll get you those. Anything else?"

"No. That's all, thank you,"

Briefly, Nanami's lips curved into a small smile.

Nanami watched her leave and then let out a sigh. He hadn't anticipated the awkwardness that could arise from his gesture. He leaned against the kitchen counter, lost in his thoughts.

He brought her back to his home after the fight ended. It was quite an arduous task as he was wary with the way smoke gushed from her nose and mouth while she was unconscious.

At the time, he hadn't given a moment to regard that her body temperature was unusually hot as he was focused on the task of carrying her.

It wasn't like a common cold's heat, and certainly not boiling temperature, but the fact of the matter is, her body temperature increased was irregular and something he knew a normal person's temperature should be at.

He wanted to study her more, but he was sure she wouldn't be pleased with him prying her about it. Besides, Olga herself won't even give him a chance to find an answer.

There's something about her secretive nature that's been making him increasingly doubtful.

But she still proves him wrong, the smoke had dissipated not long ago, and he'd check that her body temperature was dropping to normal. When she woke up, she was seemingly fine.

He was going to bring it up, knowing that such a thing wasn't just his mind playing tricks on him, but he was sure she would feign ignorance.

It must've been a routine for her.

If he could, Nanami would've held her back and reprimand her from continuing the mission but he knew that wouldn't be possible.

Olga wore Nanami's clothes which consist of a dark brown plain t-shirt and light baggy gray pants which she'd had to roll up for it to not drag on the floor. The clothes were too large for her but she mentally reminds herself that this would have to do for now. Her silver cross necklace hid under the shirt.

Her soiled clothes were neatly folded and packed into the bag Nanami had provided her with.

Olga returned to the living room after changing into Nanami's clothes. The man was still busy in the kitchen. She was going to take her leave after telling him, but she supposed she could wait a while longer.

Placing the bag onto the table, Olga takes her gospel and sits back on the couch. As she waited, Olga caught sight of a bookshelf nearby. It was filled with an eclectic mix of titles, ranging from historical texts to novels.

Perhaps a little light reading and a deviation to her usual literature could help her pass the time. She puts her gospel dawn and instead finds herself drawn to the collection, her curiosity piqued by the man's interests in books.

She picked up a worn book from the shelf, flipping through the pages absentmindedly.

Surely, if they were displayed openly like this, then Nanami wouldn't mind her going through them?

Lost in her thoughts, Olga was snapped back to reality when she heard footsteps approaching. Nanami appeared, carrying a tray with a cup of tea.

Nanami carried the tray with the cups of tea, his steps measured and deliberate. He had spent a few moments alone in the kitchen, considering the situation that had unfolded.

As he entered the living room, his eyes fell upon Olga. She was seated on the couch, engrossed in a book she had plucked from his bookshelf. The image surprised him, a moment of vulnerability but he supposed that wasn't quite true. But even as she sat there reading the book, her posture was still upright, she didn't seem to relax at all, hinting that she was still guarded despite how she looked.

And yet, the usually composed woman appeared momentarily softened by the pages of a novel.

His bookshelf was filled with books, most of which he himself had yet gotten the time to read.

As he walked towards her, he couldn't help but notice how different she looked in his clothes. The clothes he had lent her were slightly loose, yet they seemed to fit her in a way that made her look... for lack of a better word, normal, in spite of her toughened appearance.

He set the tray down on the coffee table, the clinking of the cup against the saucer momentarily breaking the silence. He cleared his throat, capturing her attention. "I hope you don't mind me making tea. It's a habit of mine when I need to unwind."

Olga looked up from the book, her gaze meeting his.

"Thank you," Olga replied out of courtesy for the man. She set the book aside and reached for the cup of tea, the steam rising from it like a gentle wisp of curiosity.

"It's a thoughtful gesture."

Nanami gave a small nod, his lips quaking in a barely perceptible smile. "I suppose it is."

They sat in a comfortable silence, a subtle tension mingling with the air. He watched as Olga blew on the tea before taking a cautious sip.

Nanami's thoughts were a mixture of curiosity and caution. He had always trusted his instincts, and something told him that Olga was both more and less than what she appeared to be.

Her willingness to engage in battle, her insistence on upholding a binding vow to gain his trust, and the way she carried herself all spoke of a complexity he was still grappling to comprehend.

He sat across from her, leaning back slightly as he watched her. "You seem lost in thought."

Olga met his gaze, her eyes holding a touch of wry amusement. "Then, wouldn't you be kind enough to get me a paper and a pen? I want to pen down some things that have been bothering me since the start."

Nanami's eyebrows raised ever so slightly at Olga's request. It was a reasonable one, but it carried a certain weight. He leaned forward, his arms resting on his knees as he regarded her thoughtfully.

"Of course, I can get you paper and a pen," he replied, his tone calm and measured. "But I have to ask, what exactly do you intend to write about?"

"Nothing too extraordinary," she responded dryly. "I want to start making a draft of my report about the curse. It's abilities, personality and the habits I've observed in our encounter,"

Nanami regarded Olga with a thoughtful expression, his keen eyes seeming to pierce through her. He seemed to appreciate her shared thoroughness and dedication to work even when he himself abhorred it.

"Of course," He said, getting up and walking over to a desk nearby.

From one of the drawers, he retrieved a notebook and a pen. He placed them on the coffee table in front of Olga. "Here you go. Feel free to use this for your report."

Olga set the cup down, her expression serious once again. "You have my gratitude."

As she jotted her writing on the notepad, her writing produced quick whips of sounds. He recalled her saying that working was her hobby when Yuji had asked and it didn't really bother him until now. It would seem that that fact about her was right on the mark. Olga was consistent with work.

Her stature was disciplined, with crossed legs and a focused gaze on her writings.

But unlike Olga, Nanami prefers to wind down first after clocking out from work.

Here, there was no place for respite as Olga immediately delved into matters that Nanami himself would find troubling.

"By the way, he calls himself 'Mahito,' " Nanami began after setting his cup of tea down onto the coffee table.

Olga glanced up from the notepad, nodding her head before dutifully writing it down.

"Is there anything else that I should be aware of about him?" Olga inquired expectantly.

His eyes locked onto hers which prompted him to gulp. Nanami was not sure why he felt unsettled but he'd resolved that it would be better to bring this up sooner than later.

"Well… This doesn't really concern him. You could've exorcized that curse easily. But instead you started to beat him up. And I don't think that fainting in the middle of the fight was just by some coincidence."

Truthfully, Olga had exhausted herself from her previous mission. Her body still needed to adjust and recover but bashing Mahito was on her own accord.

To Nanami, he saw that she enjoyed every second of it. Beating the curse up to a point of brutality which he knew only the most twisted minds possessed.

But coughing up blood was a perturbing sign.

"You're right. I could've exorcized it. But I chose not to. I wanted to gauge its intentions. Information is crucial in this mission. And I do admit, it was also for the thrill of it."

Though it wasn't the most severe case of Oath's punishment, seeing as she hadn't died yet.

Even in death, Callum was a real petty bastard. He cursed her by making the Oath's punishment more inconvenient than it already was.

"Of course, it's on sight the next time we meet with that curse." Olga declared, as she blew the steam of her tea.

She takes another sip from her cup of tea. "As for my mishap, my previous mission left some repercussions that occasionally surface. It's nothing to be concerned about as it's not life-threatening. It gets better so I endure."

Nothing to be worried about?

Nanami was particularly distressed about the fact that his partner might actually die in the heat of battle if this continues. Sure, the binding vow was in place but Olga's abilities are still pretty much unknown to him.

He didn't know if he could really trust her words or that she might just be saying that to save face.

Nanami studied her for a moment, his gaze unwavering. "You're not telling me everything, Olga. You're willing to take risks for information, even if it means compromising your own safety. And I know that not all of that risk was for the sake of the mission or the binding vow. I'd advise you to think about yourself more,"

Oh?

His concern was sorely misplaced.

"All I've ever done is work, so trust me when I say that you shouldn't fret about me. I can hold my own." She momentarily glared at Nanami before calming her gaze.

"Moving on—"

Olga jots some more writings on the notepad before pushing it to his side of the table for him to read.

"I've compiled my observations about Mahito. So take note of this, although physical attacks don't really have much effect on him, if you overwhelm him with attacks, it slows down his regeneration process. In turn, decreasing the chances of repairing himself and utilizing his transfiguration technique as he's exhausted his cursed energy output," She explained in short.

"Though the soul is something intangible to the common touch and can't be immediately seen, its relationship to cursed energy makes it more complicated. But perhaps, making him waste cursed energy on fruitless attacks may weaken his own malleability with his soul."

Nanami nodded as he folded his arms. "In addition, Mahito must've been a newborn curse. Compared to the other Special Grade curses, Mahito seemed to be like a child, testing out his techniques. He isn't used to it yet," He paused, processing the details. "It's as if he's learning and evolving as he goes along."

Olga's expression was grave. "All the more reason to cut him down,"

"Yes, the sooner, the better. I'll make sure to keep these points in mind when we confront Mahito again," Nanami said, closing the notebook and sliding it back to Olga.

"It's your book. I only wanted to pen my thoughts. I already memorized the points we've discussed," Olga refused the notepad, sliding it back to him.

Again, there was that look of indifference.

Nanami thought of the first time he received her information file.

Most things about her were classified. Personal particulars like birth date, real name, relatives and background information were all null.

And only recently they manage to confirm from Satoru her specific age.

Yet, it was still vague. With only this much to go by, investigations on her background would still be challenging.

Aside from that, they only know her as Olga and her false surname along with her association with the Secret Church, which was equally as discreet as the person in question.

What was worrisome was her unknown powers. Satoru did say that she was suppressing most of her cursed energy but he was unable to decipher just how exactly strong she was.

His explanation was that her cursed energy was being stored elsewhere and that an imaginary line follows her wherever she goes. However, that line was very hard for him to discern even with his Six Eyes.

Olga could manipulate threads, physical and the ones made from her cursed energy. Perhaps, the threads had something to do with her sealing most of her cursed energy. She was skilled in wielding them against Mahito and if the bloodied floor littered by the transfigured human bodies was anything to go about, it was a testament to her strength.

However, that was not the true extent of her abilities after remembering her aloof expressions at the dead bodies.

She was just casually thrashing with them. As if, she's seen it all before.

It meant that she had seen such a scene so often in her life that she couldn't be bothered to flinch at the gruesome sight she had created.

Whereas, Nanami was still trying to process it.

What was it that wasn't clicking?

Who exactly is "Olga"?

"You're very troublesome," Nanami sighed as he pinched his temples. To show his resolve, he takes off his sunglasses and places them at the coffee table in front of them. "You're an emotionally distanced woman and you seem to have a goal. But what that goal is, I cannot tell. So allow me to be upfront with you and ask…"

Olga raised an eyebrow, her expression unchanged by Nanami's assessment of her. She had been subjected to various opinions and judgments over the years, and his words were just another drop in the ocean.

"Where are you headed in all of this? Just what is it that propelled you to come here?"

Olga couldn't help but let out a dry chuckle at Nanami's straightforward question. His bluntness was something she appreciated, and she respected his ability to cut through the niceties and get to the heart of the matter.

This aspect of the former salaryman was something she admired.

She leaned back on the couch, folding her arms as she considered his question. Her gaze bore into him with a piercing intensity, as if trying to discern the sincerity behind his inquiry.

"There is no particular destination. I'll just go along with the flow of things, so long as it entices me enough with a new experience. There are three principles that I abide by." She holds up three fingers, her index, middle finger and ring. She first bends her index. "The first one, is the main one and it follows an analogy, but I take it you wouldn't want to waste your time hearing something cryptic?"

Olga's response to Nanami's question made him lean forward slightly, his attention fully on her. His expression remained stoic, but his eyes held a glint of interest.

"I don't mind hearing your analogy," he replied, his voice calm and measured. "If it helps me understand you better, then I'm willing to listen."

"Very well," she began, her tone serious but composed. "A person lives your typical life. They're your average worker, and everyday is the same thing for that person. There's a routine, there's a set salary and there's no worry. Anyone would be satisfied by having that— a guaranteed life. But then, there's someone like me who wouldn't be satisfied by such a thing."

A civilian's life is like a tranquil river, there are times the currents become aggressive but, ultimately that life will become a steady flow of water, running by a gentle stream. But some people, like me, choose a different path. I deliberately dive into the turbulent waters, where chaos and uncertainty are my constant companions. It's a life full of disorder, with no guarantees, but it's a path I embrace willingly."

Nanami covers his mouth as he regards Olga. Her analogy definitely resonated with him as he himself had experienced life as a 'regular' man. It felt that she was obviously jabbing at him but he knew that Olga would have told him directly if that were the case.

He remained silent throughout, allowing her to continue with her points.

"The second and third are far more simple." She bends the two fingers down. " I intend to search for my reason for living and to keep on doing so without room for boredom or regrets. I've seen many things, and I intend to continue doing so, for as long as I am still alive,"

He wouldn't say that Olga's personality was of the eccentric sorts. She's stoic and serious and her mannerism often reflects in her person.

As for her goals, he wouldn't have guessed that she was a drifter.

The last two principles were an extension of the first principle. With this, Nanami was able to comprehend even by a finite margin her thought processes.

Make no mistake, he still viewed her as a threat.

"Your principles are certainly unconventional," he remarked, "I can respect your commitment to them."

Olga stood up from her seat, grabbing the bag and her gospel. "It's the path I've chosen long ago, and I intend to walk it to the end, wherever that may lead."

"So in the end, you're a lone traveler," He concluded for her.

"Hmm," Olga hummed in musings. She slings the bag over her shoulder. "I don't see it like that. Once again, considering other perspectives is essential. Everyone in this world is a lone traveler. It doesn't matter if you're with a partner, family or friends. In the end, we die alone. And, isn't this the truth that most Jujutsu Sorcerer's know too well?"

Nanami contemplated Olga's words for a moment, his gaze focused on her as she prepared to leave. The weight of her philosophy lingered in the air, creating a solemn atmosphere in the room.

"I suppose you have a point, yes," Nanami admitted, acknowledging the truth in her statement. "We all navigate our own journeys, even if we walk alongside others. The paths may intersect, but the destination is ultimately our own. Ultimately, we die meaningless deaths,"

She grazed her fingers on the couch. "It's a realization that often accompanies the choices we make. We should be responsible for what we do and make sure it's of our own accord. That way, there will be less regrets in our life," She grazed her fingers on the couch.

There was still one last thing she wanted to ask Nanami before parting with him for the day.

"Earlier, before we headed to the sewers, you said something about Yuji being a child. Now, tell me, what's your definition of what makes someone a child?" She peered at the blond man with a simmer of curiosity.

Nanami was a little startled that she showed interest in what he said about Yuji. He was with the initial perception that Olga wouldn't care for such things.

"Well," he began but stifled his throat first, choosing his words carefully, "it's not solely about age. A child is someone who lacks experience, who hasn't fully faced the harsh realities of the world, and possesses a certain innocence. In a way, they are free. And… It's not a sin to be blissfully unaware about the daily nuisances of small things which are what makes someone an adult."

Olga nodded along to his explanation.

"Itadori-kun shouldn't be in a rush to grow up just to be acknowledged. He should leave the heavy load to the adults and bide his time." Nanami ended it firmly, as he stared at his sunglasses.

The man in front her may have sounded cold, but she could sift out the hidden concern for the youth.

"How quaint. Despite your reserved and blunt attitude, you're actually a very caring man, Nanami." She turned away from him, not needing to spare a second glance at the confusions she's worked up on his face.

"I'll leave now."

Nanami rose from his seat as well, a sense of finality in the air as Olga prepared to leave. He had gained some insight about her, but her presence he admitted was still unsettling even with the little solace he found.

Nanami walked her to the door, his expression thoughtful. "Take care, Olga-san."

Olga inclined her head. "Save that for someone that actually matters. Not for me."

She stepped out into the evening, and right before the door closed she spared some words that were almost hard to catch.

"May God look upon you favorably, Nanami."

The door closed behind her with a soft click. Nanami stood there for a moment, his thoughts lingering on the holy exorcist who had momentarily disrupted the quiet rhythm of his life.

All these questions and he wondered if they'll ever be answered.

With a sigh, he returned to the living room, picking up the book Olga had left on the couch.

Her seat was oddly cold.

A deadman walks over the pile of rubble, hands tucked into the pockets of his dark hooded jacket. Though concealed, he had stitches on his forehead, bringing about an ominous omen wherever he goes.

"You dead, Mahito?" Suguru asked as he faced the pile of rubble before him.

"As if!" Mahito's voice rippled from within the shattered debris. He slithered out in a worm-shape before returning to his original humanoid form. "Those two were so interesting. One has an interesting technique while the other…"

Mahito giggled deviously.

Suguru tilted his head, curiously. "And the other…?"

"Let me think… Ah, she was that woman with Gojo Satoru and the vessel. Y'know, that time when Jogo attacked them? During our fight, she was definitely holding back. Though something happened and she fainted which was a real bummer as the other man had to quickly end the fight."

Suguru's expression remained unchanged as he listened to Mahito's words, his gaze steady on the creature that had emerged from the rubble. The stitches on Mahito's forehead added an eerie element to his presence, a constant reminder of the unnatural and the grotesque.

"So, you've taken an interest in them," Suguru mused, his tone neutral.

Mahito's twisted grin widened, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Oh, absolutely. It's not every day you come across such interesting people. Next time we meet, I'm not going to hold back!"

Suguru on the underhand wondered about the appearance of this unidentified woman. From his sources, there was little known information about her besides her involvement in the Secret Church.

This could pose a problematic issue to his plans.

Suguru's lips curved into a subtle smile, his eyes narrowing as he regarded Mahito. The twisted excitement emanating from the cursed spirit was palpable, and it only fueled Suguru's curiosity further.

"It's mostly that woman. She was wearing a religious get-up, like a priest of sorts? Her technique was able to tear me apart, and it chipped part of my soul! Can't you believe it?"

"Interesting," Suguru mused, his voice carrying a tinge of amusement. "It seems like you've found yourself a new source of entertainment."

As for him, Suguru's mind lingered about his short trip a year ago.

He recalled from his memories about recruiting a deranged priest.

(A/N) The holy exorcist uniform is made from a durable material and has a special enchantment that covers up foul odor such as blood but it's terrible at drying any physical substance like water and blood. So Olga could be moving around with uncomfortable wet clothes despite wearing her coat over them.

While curses are a different case. I'd imagine their blood is like ectoplasm(ghostbusters reference lol). Normal people can feel it (somehow? Because they sense some bad vibes) even when they can't use cursed energy to see it but it dries quickly, so they shrug it off as if it were nothing.

Olga wears a coat over her uniform not only to conceal her strange attire but to cover up her wet clothes as the coat is waterproof.

Also, I know that Mahito is a natural born sadist but after Olga happened, he's developed a little masochistic tendencies here. (^^)

Like… That's disgusting because it's the garbage we all LOATHE and known as Mahito.

Olga is interesting because she doesn't give two shits. If she finds something to be worthwhile, she will relentlessly pursue it.

And if it means, putting Mahito down, we all can be rest assured that she would do us all a favor and make splendid work off of him.

She is one extremely meticulous woman.