A/N at the end


CHAPTER 2

{POV: Suzue Kujou}

-June 2018-

Suzue listened in solemn silence, her gaze lowered, and her posture composed, as those ominous words echoed around her. Each word from Naobito Zenin, the head of the clan, felt like a heavy stone being placed on her chest, making it harder and harder to breathe. His voice was cold, methodical, and devoid of any emotion as he explained the mission that she would be assigned. The weight of his words pressed down on her, leaving her feeling trapped and suffocated.

In front of her, Naoya Zenin stood with his usual arrogant demeanor, scrutinizing her with a certain disdain that she had grown all too accustomed to. But today, his disdain wasn't the cause of her torment. No, the real source of her anxiety was the task being laid out before her—something far more terrifying than the usual contempt she faced.

«A non-sorcerer has ingested one of Sukuna's fingers» Naobito announced, his tone as cold and unfeeling as ever. «He's now become the vessel and is under Satoru Gojo's protection at Tokyo Jujutsu High.»

Suzue shuddered inwardly. A non-sorcerer had ingested a finger of Sukuna? The thought alone was revolting. "Gross," she thought, her mind swirling with the implications of such an act. But she forced herself to show no reaction, her face a mask of calm even as dread gnawed at her insides. She could already predict what would follow those words.

«Satoru Gojo managed to obtain a suspension of the execution of the human, but obviously, there is a lot of discontent in the sorcery society. However, he and his clan are too influential to oppose directly.»

Satoru Gojo. The name alone sent a chill down her spine. She remembered him well—his overwhelming presence, his sharp wit, his complete disregard for the rules that everyone else followed. He was everything she was not—strong, bold, outspoken, and completely unafraid. She had crossed paths with him only once, and even that brief encounter had left a lasting impression. His sharp remark had caused her to laugh, a slip that had earned her a severe scolding and tighter restrictions from the Zenin clan.

But no, it wasn't entirely Satoru's fault, Suzue knew. Her sense of humor, despite the grim circumstances of her life, had always been easily triggered, often leading her into trouble. But never had she found herself in a situation as uncomfortable as this one.

«We've secured you a position at Tokyo Jujutsu High.» Naobito continued, his voice slicing through her thoughts. «You'll go there as an assistant to the professor Satoru Gojo. He's often away on missions and having an assistant to help him in his absence won't raise any suspicions.»

The words echoed in Suzue's mind, each syllable a harbinger of doom. She could already hear the next part, the unspoken command that would seal her fate.

«Eliminate Sukuna's vessel. Make it look like an accident.»

Her blood ran cold at the implication. Kill a boy? Did they really think she was capable of and willing to kill a boy? Exorcising curses was one thing—she was good at that, efficient and skilled. But this… this was entirely different. And if that wasn't enough, she would be expected to carry out this mission under the watchful eye of the strongest sorcerer of the modern era. It was nothing short of...

"A suicide mission." she thought, her mind reeling. The memory of Satoru Gojo's nonchalant demeanor, his sharp wit, and the way he had effortlessly taken control of any situation haunted her thoughts. How was she supposed to deceive someone like him? The man was a mystery wrapped in arrogance, with eyes that seemed to see through every facade.

She gathered all her courage, aware that what she was about to say would anger the two sorcerers in front of her. She took a breath, her voice barely audible as she began.

«With Satoru Gojo watching the boy—»

«Damn it, speak up! » Naoya interrupted her.

Suzue took another breath, her heart pounding, and tried again with a firmer voice.

«With Satoru Gojo watching the boy, it's impossible. It's a suicide mission. »

As Suzue had expected, Naoya frowned and spoke.

«Why do you think we keep you under this roof and at the fourt-grade? Any other sorcerer we send would surely raise suspicions, but no one will worry about you. Not even Satoru Gojo. »

Suzue widened her eyes, keeping her gaze fixed on the ground. She knew very well that she wasn't really a fourth-grade sorcerer; she wasn't stupid and knew her technique and potential well. But fooling and competing with Satoru Gojo... impossible.

These guys were completely insane; they were really convinced they could send her on that suicide mission and even expected her to succeed.

«And Suzue, in case it wasn't clear... it's an order. You'll be bound by a binding vow. » Naoya concluded, his tone final, leaving no room for argument.

"Just because it's an order doesn't make the mission any easier or digestible." Suzue thought, her mind racing as the full weight of the situation settled over her. The binding vow would compel her to complete the mission, but it wouldn't make her task any less terrifying.

Understanding that anything she said would be counterproductive, Suzue just nodded, her hands trembling slightly as a drop of sweat slid down her temple. She had never been on a mission alone, never been on a mission against other sorcerers—least of all the strongest—and had never killed a human being.

"Damm. No way I can do it..."

The thought echoed in her mind, a mantra of fear and helplessness. How could she ever hope to outsmart someone like Satoru Gojo, especially with a binding vow hanging over her head?

She wondered if he remembered her, too. Would he recognize her? Would he help her if she explained her situation? Or would he see her as just another nuisance and… blow her up? The thought sent a shiver down her spine.

«A car will take you to Tokyo Jujutsu High tomorrow morning. »

Naobito announced, as if the logistics were the most pressing matter. As the binding vow was placed on her, Suzue tried to organize her thoughts. Tomorrow, she would head to Tokyo Jujutsu High, alone, with a suicide mission that she surely wouldn't complete.

To Tokyo... alone... with free will.

"To Tokyo. Alone."

The words began to take on a new meaning in her mind. Was there perhaps a chance to leave the Zenin clan forever? It was a dangerous and nearly impossible gamble, with obstacles, adversities, and the strongest sorcerer in the world standing in her way, but it was… a chance.

This mission was a death sentence, but it was also an opportunity—one that could either lead to her downfall or to her freedom. The path ahead was treacherous, but for the first time in years, Suzue saw a glimmer of hope. A chance to reclaim her life, to forge her own path… even if that path was lined with danger.

She would need to be careful, clever, and above all, strong. She would need to face Satoru Gojo, the one person who seemed to see through her every move.

Could she seize it? Could she finally break free?

She felt the weight of the binding vow tightening around her soul, but she merely furrowed her brow slightly, maintaining her perfect and composed facade until the last possible moment. The clan head dismissed her with a severe gaze, his expectations clear.

«Don't disappoint us. »

Suzue waited for the car outside the Zenin estate, her few belongings packed in a yellow backpack slung over her shoulders. She stood quietly, her heart a mix of nervous anticipation and trepidation. Today was the day she would leave the confines of the Zenin estate, perhaps for good. Her "assistant" uniform was practical and unassuming—just the way she liked it. The short-sleeved shirt, wide-legged pants that reached her calves, and white sneakers were carefully chosen to blend in, to avoid attracting any unnecessary attention.

As she stood there, the morning air crisp and cool, a black car approached, coming to a smooth stop in front of her. The door opened, and a thin man wearing glasses and the formal attire of an assistant stepped out. He seemed quite stressed, his movements quick and slightly jittery, as if he had already faced a dozen crises before breakfast.

«Miss Kujou? » the man asked, his tone hurried as he adjusted his glasses.

Suzue nodded, her gaze lingering on him as she tried to understand why this man looked so stressed at 7:30 in the morning. She wasn't sure whether to be concerned or amused.

«I am Kiyotaka Ijichi, coordinator of assistants at Tokyo Jujutsu High.» he announced with a certain agitation, his voice pitched high.

«Is this your first job as an assistant? I'll take you to the school; feel free to ask me anything during the trip.»

Even though he said that, his tone wasn't very convincing. Suzue could sense the underlying tension in his voice, and she certainly didn't want to add to the poor man's stress. She simply nodded and thanked him before climbing into the car, taking a seat in the back.

The journey took about two hours. Two hours of silence. To Suzue's great relief, Ijichi wasn't much of a conversationalist either, so she just watched the scenery slide past the window, lost in her thoughts. She tried to think through her next steps, knowing that her future now hinged on every decision she made.

If she wanted to take advantage of this opportunity and never return to that cage the Zenin clan called "protection," she had to play her cards right.

Problem number one: outside the Zenin clan, she knew no one, which worked against her because hoping to survive in the sorcery world as a fourth-grade sorcerer without a clan was madness.

Problem number two: she had to consider the binding vow imposed on her. Killing a human being, especially a boy, was not part of her plans and never would be. So, the only solution was to find a way to break the binding vow.

And finally, problem number three: Even in their brief first encounter, Suzue had formed an opinion of him: an invadent person. The kind of person who seemed to take pleasure in poking at things just to see how they'd react. He was the most unpredictable variable in her plan, and that made him the most dangerous.

Lost in her thoughts, she was brought back to reality by Ijichi; they were entering the grounds of Tokyo Jujutsu High.

The campus was expansive, much larger than she had imagined, with temples nestled among dense forests. It felt more like a sacred retreat than a school, an almost surreal place where ancient traditions and the modern world seemed to collide.

Ijichi brought the car to a stop at the foot of a long staircase that disappeared into the woods, leading to the main school building. "The principal's office is at the top," he said, handing her a small map and a few instructions before driving off, leaving her alone at the base of the stairs. Suzue began the arduous climb up the numerous, very numerous, steps. By the time she reached the top, she was breathless and her cheeks were flushed, the climb more taxing than she had anticipated.

She looked around, taking in her surroundings. The school was incredibly empty; she hadn't encountered anyone along the way, and she wondered if it was always this quiet. It was almost eerie, the silence pressing in on her as she made her way to the principal's office.

Gathering her courage, she knocked on the office door, and a deep, authoritative voice invited her in. Suzue held her breath as she pushed the door open, steeling herself for whatever awaited her inside. But what she saw made her pause.

"Dolls? Adorable dolls?"

They were everywhere—on shelves, on chairs, piled up along the walls. The sight of the dolls momentarily distracted her from the anxiety gnawing at her stomach. They were a stark contrast to Principal Yaga, who sat imposing at his desk, his stern demeanor clashing with the whimsical decor.

«Suzue Kujou» Principal Yaga called her attention, his voice cutting through her thoughts. «welcome to Tokyo Jujutsu High.»

Just like the last time, Principal Yaga was the picture of professionalism. Suzue gave a small bow, her cheeks still flushed from the climb, and gathered her voice.

«Thank you for this opportunity, Principal Yaga. My name is Suzue Kujou. I will do my best to make my presence here useful for students and teachers.»

As she spoke, she felt a prickling sensation, like being watched intently. Problem number three. He had been standing behind Yaga the whole time, staring at her -and yes, she could feel his eyes on her despite the blindfold- with that signature grin of his.

«So you ignored me on purpose last time! And here I thought you couldn't speak! » he exclaimed, his tone more playful than accusatory, but still, it made Suzue's face burn with embarrassment. Her lip trembled slightly, and she could feel the heat rising to her face. Satoru Gojo was definitely an invadent person, and the fact that he remembered every detail of their previous encounter only made it worse. How could someone be so relentlessly… present?

Principal Yaga had already started massaging his temple, clearly anticipating the chaos that seemed to follow Satoru Gojo everywhere.

«Your job,» he began, his tone weary «Involves assisting professor Gojo with planning the training schedules for first-year students and supervising them when he's away on missions. Additionally, you'll provide support to the students, paperwork, complaints, accompanying them on missions... things like that.»

Yaga explained, his tone all business, even as Satoru continued to scrutinize her with an intensity that made her want to shrink into herself.

She felt the weight of Satoru's gaze. It was as if he was trying to peel away the layers she had carefully built around herself, to see what lay beneath. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she fought to maintain her composure, knowing that any sign of weakness would only encourage him further.

«Your presence here is very welcome. Professor Gojo is very busy as a sorcerer and tends to leave the students a bit on their own. It reassures me to know that there will be someone to keep an eye on them in his absence. »

The remark was delivered with a hint of mockery, directed at Satoru, but Suzue could sense the underlying tension. Yaga wasn't buying the cover story for a second, and that realization made her heart sink even further.

«You flatter me, Principal! But it's nice to know that the higher-ups are so concerned about my workload and mental health that they sent me a personal assistant.»

And so, Satoru Gojo hadn't believed her cover story for a second either.

Suzue's heart sank further. If both the principal and Satoru Gojo were skeptical, her chances of successfully carrying out her mission without suspicion were slim to none.

Suzue merely replied almost in a whisper, «I'll... do my best.»

Satoru, seemingly satisfied with her response, headed for the door, motioning for her to follow. He continued to speak with his usual cocky air, as if everything was just a game to him, a game he was effortlessly winning.

«So, Suzue.» he said over his shoulder, his tone light and teasing. «I'll show you the school and give you some boring and monotonous information. You can call me just Satoru, from clan head to clan head. Since we'll be working together.»

Suzue, who had moved to follow him with her head bowed, immediately stiffened. She couldn't let such a misconception stand; the very idea made her uneasy. The thought that he saw her as an equal in that way was almost laughable, and it added an extra layer of pressure she didn't need.

«I'm not a clan head, Gojo-sensei.» she quickly clarified, her voice a little more forceful than she intended.

«Aren't you the last survivor of the Kujou clan? That technically makes you the clan head.»

The words hit her like a punch to the gut, knocking the wind out of her. She froze, her mind reeling from the casual yet devastating observation. For the first time since she arrived, she looked up to stare at Satoru, who seemed, in his confidence, to have said the most obvious thing in the world. He didn't seem to realize—or perhaps he did—how deeply his words had struck her.

For Satoru, it might have been a casual observation, but for Suzue, it was a reminder of everything she had lost. The title of "clan head" was not something she had ever considered for herself. It was a burden, one she had never wanted, never claimed. The Kujou clan, once proud and respected, was now reduced to just her—a single, fragile thread holding on to the remnants of its legacy. And now, here was Satoru, casually bestowing upon her a title she had never dared to accept.

Satoru raised an eyebrow, his grin widening as if he had just uncovered something interesting. «What, did I say something surprising? It's not like I'm wrong, you're carrying the whole clan on your shoulders—might as well own it.»

Suzue blinked, utterly at a loss for words. The idea was so foreign, so absurd, that she couldn't even begin to formulate a response. But Satoru didn't seem to notice—or maybe he did, and that was part of his game. He just smiled, a knowing glint in his eyes, as if he was enjoying the effect his words were having on her.

The word slipped out before she could stop it, her shock and confusion laid bare for Satoru to see.

«...Eh?»


{POV: Satoru Gojo}

From the moment she stepped into the principal's office, Satoru was certain of one thing.

The higher-ups were trying to fool him.

Not that it surprised him—deception was practically a currency in the world of sorcery, especially among the major clans. But as he watched her, Suzue Kujou, it became abundantly clear that whoever had orchestrated this little charade had underestimated his ability to see through the facade.

Suzue was an open book, and Satoru could read her with ease. Her every movement, every hesitant word, screamed that she was out of place, blatantly unsuited for the role of a spy or infiltrator sent by the higher-ups. The fact that she was a "ward" of the Zenin clan only completed the picture—an unwilling pawn in a game she had no desire to play. They were using her, plain and simple, but in sending her to Tokyo Jujutsu High, they had made a grave mistake.

Then there was the matter of her grade. The official story was that she was a fourth-grade sorcerer, but Satoru wasn't buying it for a second. He had seen her cursed energy months ago, and even then, it had been far beyond what one would expect from a lowly assistant. Now, as he observed her again, he noted that her cursed energy had increased even further. It pulsed beneath the surface, restrained but potent, a clear indicator of her potential. And yet here she was, playing the part of an obedient, low-ranked sorcerer. It was laughable, really—such power being hidden under a mask of mediocrity.

Suzue had definitely piqued his curiosity, though not in the way the higher-ups probably intended.

For a moment, he even felt a twinge of pity for her. She didn't look happy to be here, to be thrust into this situation. There was a sadness in her eyes, a resignation that spoke of someone who had long since given up on the idea of controlling her own fate. Yaga's reception of Suzue had only confirmed Satoru's suspicions. The principal's words were carefully chosen, his tone almost too polite. It was clear to Satoru that Yaga shared his opinion on the matter: Suzue was a pawn, sent here with a purpose she likely didn't want to fulfill. There was something about the way Yaga spoke to her, a mix of professionalism and underlying concern, that hinted at a deeper understanding of her predicament.

Fine, he would play along for now.

«So, Suzue, let me show you around the school and fill you in on some boring details. You can just call me Satoru, from one clan head to another. Since we'll be working together.» His tone was casual, almost playful, but there was an undercurrent of something sharper—a test, perhaps, to see how she would respond.

Suzue began to follow him like a docile little animal, her movements careful and deliberate. There was something almost fragile about her, a delicate grace that seemed at odds with the harsh realities of the sorcery world. She was like a porcelain doll placed in the middle of a battlefield, out of place and out of her depth.

«I'm not a clan head, Gojo-sensei.» she corrected him quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

He turned his head slightly, catching her eye, a playful grin spreading across his face. This was interesting. He loved watching how people reacted when he poked at the parts of themselves they tried to hide. But something didn't add up. Her denial was too quick, too automatic. It was as if she had rehearsed it, convincing herself of its truth every time she said it. Suzue's reaction was immediate and telling—she didn't just reject the idea, she recoiled from it. But why?

«Aren't you the last survivor of the Kujou clan? That technically makes you the head of the clan. » he replied, his tone still casual, as if he were discussing the weather rather than something that seemed to deeply unsettle her.

Satoru's grin widened. There it was—the reaction he had been fishing for. But he hadn't expected it to be so intense. Suzue froze in her tracks, her eyes widening as if he had just revealed a great, terrible truth she had been avoiding. For a moment, she looked utterly lost, her usual composure shattered by the weight of his words.

"Oh-oh. She never thought about that?" Satoru wondered, feeling a mix of surprise and regret. Her expression was a mix of shock and something else—fear, maybe? It was as if he had uncovered a deeply buried truth she had spent years running from.

«What, did I say something surprising?» he asked, raising an eyebrow, his tone teasing but not unkind. «It's not like I'm wrong, you're carrying the whole clan on your shoulders—might as well own it.»

He could see her struggling with the concept, the way her eyes darted as if searching for a way to refute his claim. But there wasn't one. She was the last of her clan, and that came with responsibilities, whether she wanted them or not. He could almost see the moment when she realized that, the way her shoulders slumped just slightly, the fight draining out of her.

«...Eh?» The word slipped out of her mouth, barely audible, her confusion and distress laid bare for him to see.

Satoru chuckled softly, the sound low and almost affectionate. She was adorable in her confusion, and he found himself wanting to see more of this side of her—the side that wasn't so guarded, so burdened by expectations.

«Isn't that why you're a guest of the Zenin clan as a 'ward'? » he added, his voice softer now, almost tentative.

Suzue's gaze remained fixed on him, vacant and distant, like a broken doll that had just realized its strings had been cut. Satoru felt a pang of guilt, a rare emotion for him. She was like a delicate piece of glass—beautiful, fragile. And maybe he had just pushed too far.

For what felt like an eternity, Suzue didn't respond. She just stared at him, her mind clearly racing, trying to process the implications of what he had said. Then, slowly, she seemed to snap out of it.

«One person… One person does not make a clan. And in any case, I could never assume such a role.» Her words came out cold, like an automaton.

She seemed to be saying it more to convince herself, but Satoru decided it wasn't the time to push further and risk "breaking" her again, this time maybe beyond repair.

«If you say so.»

He exchanged a look with Yaga, who had watched everything with a face that clearly said, "Mind your own business." Obviously directed at him.

Satoru gave Yaga a sarcastic smile, acknowledging the unspoken advice, and headed out of the office with Suzue following quietly behind him. As they walked through the empty halls of the school, Satoru's mind raced with thoughts of the Zenin clan and the damage they had done to this girl.

Satoru thought, his eyes narrowing slightly as he glanced back at Suzue. "So, despite the cursed energy she possesses, despite being able to rightfully claim the title of head of the Kujou clan… Well done, Zenin clan, you've really done a number on her."

Satoru led Suzue through the various parts of Tokyo Jujutsu High, pointing out the training areas, classrooms, infirmary, storage, and cafeteria. He moved with an easy confidence, his voice casual as he provided a steady stream of information. Yet, despite his efforts to keep things light, the atmosphere felt stiflingly one-sided. Suzue remained quiet, her responses limited to brief nods and polite acknowledgments.

«Not that the cafeteria is much use in a school with less than ten students.» he added with an ironic tone, hoping to coax some sort of reaction from her. But Suzue only gave a slight nod, her expression unreadable.

He continued, trying to spark some engagement. «We have three first-year students this year. Sorcerers are rather rare these days.»

Again, she observed everything, taking it all in, but offering nothing more than a nod in response. Satoru could feel the silence between them growing heavier, and he couldn't help but notice the lack of response from Suzue. It was almost as if she was there in body but not in spirit, her mind closed off to him, as if she was shielding herself from any real interaction.

He then moved on to explain the school's role in the sorcerer society: not just an educational institution for the next generation of sorcerers, but also a base for many career sorcerers even after graduation. His words flowed easily, but it felt like he was talking to a wall.

After about thirty minutes of essentially talking to himself, Satoru decided it was time to get some words out of Suzue.

He stopped in front of the first-year classroom, leaning casually against the doorframe, and fixed her with a look that was equal parts curious and challenging.

«So, Suzue.» He began, his tone shifting to something more direct. «Tell me about your abilities. I need to get an idea of how you can assist the students. Barriers? Cursed energy perception? Cursed technique?» He maintained his casual air, but he put special emphasis on the last point, hoping to prod her into revealing something more substantial.

He watched her closely, genuinely interested in how she would respond. Suzue paused, her eyes flickering with something unspoken before she answered. It was almost as if the words tumbled out before she could stop them.

«I'm fairly good with simple barriers and veils, and I can confidently say I have a good perception of cursed energy…» She began, her voice steady but lacking the conviction he had hoped to hear. Then, she bit her lip, clearly weighing her words before she continued. «As for my cursed technique, it's not very powerful. I can control weak flames, but nothing more. For this reason, I can't hope to be anything more than an assistant.»

Satoru was stunned, staring at her from behind his blindfold. The lack of emotion in her voice, the way she downplayed her abilities—it all felt so rehearsed, so mechanical. He could almost see the script running through her mind, the lines she had repeated to herself over and over until they became her truth.

"This girl… she really can't lie, or maybe she's not even trying. How many times has she rehearsed this speech?"

Satoru thought, feeling a mix of frustration and pity. He knew that breaking through her defenses would take more time, but it was clear that she was hiding something—whether out of fear or because she genuinely believed what she was saying, he wasn't sure.

«Alright.» He said, letting her answer hang in the air for a moment before shifting gears. He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a low, almost conspiratorial tone. «In this classroom, two of the three first-year students are waiting, including Sukuna's vessel. Does the idea of dealing with him scare you? I mean, considering you're weak…»

The provocation was intentional, a deliberate attempt to push her, to see if she would crack under pressure, show some real emotion. He expected her to flinch, to show fear or at least hesitation. After all, the thought of facing Sukuna should have terrified anyone, especially someone who had just admitted to having "weak flames".

But Suzue surprised him. She looked up at him with those red eyes of hers, meeting his gaze with a steadiness that caught him off guard. For the first time, she seemed to respond completely honestly, without the practiced script she had been following.

A slow smile spread across Satoru's face. There was no fear, no hesitation, just a quiet certainty that defied everything else she had said about herself. For a moment, Satoru just stood there, processing her response. This wasn't the timid, frightened girl he had pegged her for.

Her answer was firm, without a trace of doubt.

«No.»


A/N

Facts:

This is a bit of my interpretation of how a "Binding Vow" might feel, given that, despite being one of the foundations of the Jujutsu Kaisen universe, very little is explained about it! I imagine it feels like a string tightening around your chest—you can feel it, you know it's there even if you can't see it, and it somewhat restricts your breathing. In the series, it's never really explored what exactly happens when you break a Binding Vow made with someone else (death would be the first thought, but who knows), only what happens when you break a Binding Vow made with yourself (or rather, with your own cursed energy).

Of course, Suzue wouldn't be "forced" to passively accept without getting something in return, but it's part of the "psychological manipulation and humiliation package by the Zenin clan for ten long years." She's just so psychologically and emotionally subdued that she believes she has no say in the matter!

Anyway, I'm really intrigued by Binding Vows, and I'll be using them with a bit of creative freedom because, well... Gege hasn't provided much detail about them.

I'll leave you with this information ❤️.