A/N at the end
CHAPTER 4
{POV: Suzue Kujou}
Suzue opened her eyes to the early morning light, though it did little to chase away the exhaustion that clung to her. She hadn't slept much, but it wasn't because of the unfamiliar environment. The events of the previous day weighed heavily on her mind, replaying in a loop that she couldn't seem to break.
As soon as she had returned to her room the night before, the determination that had carried her through the day began to wane. What had felt like progress, like a step toward something better, now seemed uncertain and fragile in the light of dawn. The weight of her situation settled on her shoulders like a physical burden, pressing down on her with each breath.
A few hours earlier, she had felt almost… happy. Happy to have found the courage to follow Satoru's advice, to try and just be herself, to relax a little. But now, in the quiet of the morning, she was definitely regretting it. She had shown her cursed technique—an act that felt like peeling back a layer of herself she had kept hidden for so long. And now she was sure of one thing: if the infamous Satoru Gojo had suspected her before, now he definitely had confirmation of what she was capable of. But what puzzled her most was his reaction—or rather, his lack of one.
After the test, Megumi had returned with sweets, and they had all eaten together. It had been… normal. Strangely normal. For the first time since she lost her entire clan, Suzue felt like she was part of something, like she belonged.
And yet, the normalcy of it all unsettled her. She had expected Satoru to ask her more questions, to interrogate her, but instead, he had simply reminded her to come to the staff room the next morning before class. Was he really okay with just this? Did he not see her as a threat, or was he simply playing a longer game?
This only cemented the idea Suzue had of Satoru: a potential ally, someone she might be able to trust. But that thought, instead of bringing comfort, only made her feel more vulnerable. Trust was dangerous, especially in a world where everyone had their own agenda. And yet, she couldn't shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, Satoru was different.
She felt her cheeks warm at the thought, and with a sigh, she decided her mind had worked enough for the moment. Pushing the covers aside, she got out of bed, the warmth of the morning sun filtering through the curtains doing little to calm her racing thoughts.
Suzue pulled out the phone that Naoya had given her for the mission. She was supposed to report every now and then, she supposed. The screen glowed softly in the dim light of her room as she stared at it, her fingers hovering over the keys. What could she even say?
She started typing, her fingers moving almost of their own accord: Cover's blown, begging for the great Satoru Gojo's forgiveness. P.S. Satoru Gojo says hi. The absurdity of the message made her stifle a smile, a rare moment of levity that she quickly erased along with the message.
She hesitated for a moment before typing again: I've infiltrated. All good. The message was bland, generic, and it made her feel a pang of something close to guilt as she pressed send. She was done being the obedient doll, but she was still tethered to the Zenin clan by the binding vow, a reminder of the life she was trying to leave behind.
As she put the phone down, she felt a mix of fear and exhilaration. She had decided—she would never set foot in the Zenin clan again. The realization brought with it a surge of adrenaline, but also a heavy sense of finality. She was cutting ties with the only life she had known, but it also meant a chance at real freedom. The thought was both terrifying and liberating.
To steady herself, Suzue sat on the bed and performed some meditation exercises to control her cursed energy, more dedicated than usual. The incident the day before had shaken her, and she couldn't afford a repeat—especially not if it meant putting the students at risk. The weight of the binding vow pressed down on her more than it had the previous morning, a constant reminder of the mission she was supposed to complete.
"They haven't given me a deadline..." she thought, "but knowing them, they won't give me all the time in the world." She had to find a way to break free from the vow, to solve this problem as soon as possible. With renewed resolve, Suzue got ready, slipping into her assistant uniform. After the test the day before, this was her first actual workday, and she was determined to approach it with a clear mind.
As she walked through the quiet halls of the school, Suzue felt a sense of purpose. The assistant uniform felt like both a burden and a shield, marking her new role and the responsibilities that came with it. She had a job to do, and she was determined to do it well, despite the underlying mission that gnawed at her conscience.
The faculty quarters were in a building adjacent to the main structure, and it didn't take long to reach the staff room. She hesitated for a moment at the door, taking a deep breath before opening it. Inside, she noticed someone already at work—a woman with long brown hair and a doctor's coat, filling out paperwork with a rather annoyed expression.
The woman had deep bags under her eyes, a clear sign of sleepless nights. Suzue wondered why all the teachers at Tokyo Jujutsu High were so peculiar. But then again, she was beginning to realize that in this world, normal was a rare commodity.
Suzue gave two light knocks on the half-open door to announce herself, catching the woman's attention. The woman looked up from her paperwork, her gaze sharp but not unkind.
«Ah. Suzue Kujou.» The woman said, her tone matter-of-fact but not unfriendly. «Come in, don't worry, I'm not doing anything shady.»
Suzue hesitated for a moment before stepping inside. It was clear that news traveled fast at Tokyo Jujutsu High—everyone seemed to know who she was already.
She took in the room with a quick glance, hoping to find some sign of Satoru. But he hadn't arrived yet, leaving her alone in the company of this intense, slightly intimidating woman. Unsure of what to do, she stood in the middle of the room, feeling the weight of the woman's inquisitive gaze. The silence felt thick and uncomfortable, wrapping around her like a heavy blanket.
«Shoko Ieiri» the woman finally offered with a half-smile, breaking the tension. «I'm a doctor. I handle the medical side of things around here, among other duties.»
Relieved that the awkward silence was over, Suzue gave a small bow, her cheeks warming with a flush that seemed to have become all too familiar since her arrival. «Suzue Kujou, I'm an assistant.»
Shoko studied her from head to toe, sipping her coffee as she did so. The scrutiny was unnerving, and Suzue bit her lip, trying to hold the gaze without showing signs of wavering. She felt like she was being evaluated, not just for her abilities but for something deeper.
«Yeah, now I see what he meant.» Shoko finally concluded, leaving Suzue visibly confused. Her smile widened, and her expression became friendlier, but there was a hint of mischief in her eyes. «Satoru's giving you a hard time, huh? Just be patient, he can be a real asshole but he's...»
«...He's a good asshole?» Suzue finished the sentence for Shoko in a small voice, the words slipping out before her brain could fully process them.
Shoko's eyebrows shot up in surprise, and for a few seconds, there was silence. Then, a grin spread across Shoko's face—one that was almost cynical, like she was about to share a private joke. «You and I are going to get along just fine!»
If possible, Suzue's cheeks turned an even deeper shade of red. She realized she had spoken too freely, and now she was stuck dealing with the consequences of her impulsiveness. It was becoming painfully clear that she needed to be more careful with her words, especially when her heart couldn't handle the aftermath.
Before she could dig herself deeper into this awkward hole, the door behind them creaked open. As if sensing he was the topic of conversation, Satoru entered the room. That day, he wasn't wearing either his blindfold or sunglasses, leaving his striking blue eyes exposed for the first time since Suzue had met him. They were captivating, beautiful even—but also unsettling, as if they could pierce through every layer of her carefully constructed defenses. And to her dismay, those eyes were getting closer.
Satoru moved across the room with his typical effortless grace, closing the distance between them with alarming speed. He came to a stop beside her, standing too close for comfort. Suzue could feel her heart rate spike, her breath catching in her throat as he leaned in slightly.
"This guy has no respect for personal space." she thought, trying to steady herself. She instinctively took a small step back, but it did little to ease the tension she felt.
«Didn't sleep?» he asked, his tone light, but his eyes betraying a hint of something more—concern, perhaps, or maybe just curiosity. It was hard to tell with him.
Huh? Suzue hadn't thought it was that obvious. But then again, was there any need for him to get so close and ask something like that? The way he towered over her made her feel small and cornered. If it weren't for the fact that he seemed almost amused by the discomfort he was causing, she might have mistaken his proximity for genuine worry.
Still flustered from her conversation with Shoko, Suzue found it impossible to gather her thoughts. Handling two intense conversations back-to-back with such strong personalities was proving to be an impossible task for her. She continued to stare into Satoru's eyes, trying to find the right words, but before she could respond, she felt an arm drape around her shoulders, pulling her close.
It was Shoko. She had moved with surprising speed, closing the distance between them in an instant. Suzue felt her heart rate spike as Shoko's casual touch sent her into overdrive
«Here's our 'good asshole'!» Shoko announced with a grin. «Did you get that, Satoru? Suzue said you're 'good'! Listen, if you mess this up, I'll have to kill you with one of my scalpels.»
Suzue's face turned a violent shade of crimson. She froze under Shoko's arm, her heart pounding so loudly in her ears that she could barely hear anything else. At that moment, she wished a black hole would open up beneath her and swallow her whole. Anything would be better than enduring this situation. Shoko was definitely too direct for her timid heart to handle.
Satoru's gaze shifted from Suzue to Shoko, his expression a mixture of surprise and amusement. It didn't take long for his usual cocky demeanor to return, though, as he replied with a grin. «Of course I am, the kindest sorcerer of the modern era!»
Without missing a beat, Satoru reached out and grabbed Suzue by the shoulder, gently pulling her away from Shoko's grasp. The gesture was smooth, almost protective, but his teasing smile made it clear that he was enjoying every second of this. «Don't torment our assistant, Shoko. Suzue doesn't like physical contact.»
Suzue's breath caught in her throat. She was still flustered from the conversation with Shoko, and now Satoru was adding to her confusion. His hand on her shoulder was warm, almost comforting, but it also made her painfully aware of how close he was standing. Her cheeks were still intensely red, but she felt her nerves beginning to relax, at least slightly.
Shoko raised her hands in mock surrender, the smirk on her face never fading. She shoved her hands into the pockets of her coat and turned back to her desk to continue the pile of paperwork she had abandoned when Suzue entered the room. She stopped a step from the desk and threw one last jab at Satoru.
«You should take your hand off her shoulder if she doesn't like physical contact.» she quipped, her voice dripping with playful malice.
Satoru's expression didn't falter as he looked down at Suzue, his hand lingering on her shoulder just a moment longer before he finally let go. «Sorry!» he said, but the twinkle in his eyes made it clear that he wasn't really apologizing.
Finally, after taking a deep breath, she managed to unlock herself and murmur something as she met Satoru's gaze. «It's fine.» Her voice was small, barely above a whisper, but the words were sincere. She wasn't sure what unsettled her more—his closeness or the fact that she didn't entirely dislike it.
Shoko, now back at her desk, rolled her eyes and returned to her paperwork, clearly uninterested in continuing the banter.
A few seconds of silence followed, which Suzue used to calm her still-turbulent nerves. It was a challenge, though; the feeling of Satoru's eyes still fixed on her made it more difficult than she expected. If this was what life at Tokyo Jujutsu High was going to be like, she wasn't sure her heart could handle it.
«Well, Suzue, I'd like you to be present too.» Satoru finally broke the silence, his voice casual as he headed for the door, gesturing for her to follow. The motion broke the awkward moment, much to Suzue's relief. She blinked, trying to process his sudden shift in demeanor.
«Yuji's waiting for us. Today he's ingesting another of Sukuna's fingers; the third one, to be precise. There's a room set up, full of seals and other perfectly useless countermeasures. And of course, if anything goes wrong, there's always me. Your presence, though, would provide an extra measure of security.»
Satoru's calmness was unnerving. He spoke as if they were going to observe a routine event, rather than something potentially catastrophic. Was he truly that confident in his abilities, or was this just another layer of the arrogance that seemed to define him?
Suzue watched him, her mind turning over his words. So, he had already accepted that she wasn't truly a fourth-grade sorcerer. That much was clear. But what struck her was that he didn't seem interested in pressing her for details, in prying into her true capabilities or motives. Instead, he was leaving her with this strange sort of freedom, a tacit understanding that she could continue to play her part without fear of exposure. It was almost as if Satoru was offering her a chance—a safe space where she didn't have to constantly look over her shoulder.
And that, more than anything, was disarming.
"Seen this way, you could almost say he's almost kind..." she thought, the realization surprising her.
«The idea scare you? Yuji's proving to be an exceptional vessel; I don't think there'll be any problems.» His voice pulled her from her thoughts. Suzue barely realized she had been staring at him, lost in her own musings.
«No... After all, you'll be there-»
«The strongest sorcerer, right?» he finished for her, his sarcastic smile firmly in place.
It was a reminder that, every time Suzue thought she was getting closer to understanding Satoru, he would throw something at her that reminded her of who he really was: the same irritating person who had silenced an entire room of old, powerful sorcerers with a single joke. There was no escaping that side of him, no matter how many glimpses of something more genuine she thought she caught.
A bit annoyed by his jab, Suzue nodded her head and followed him out of the room, stealing a glance back to give a small wave to Shoko. The woman, however, was completely engrossed in her work, having long since tuned out their exchange.
As they walked down the hallways of the school, Suzue couldn't help but reflect on the peculiar dynamics at play. Satoru was an enigma, wrapped in contradictions—irritatingly smug one moment, strangely considerate the next. She found herself caught in a web of mixed signals, unsure of what to make of him or where she stood.
They soon reached a staircase that led down into the basement. The air grew cooler as they descended, the light dimming with each step. The atmosphere became heavier, more oppressive, as if the very walls were filled with the weight of the school's history. Suzue's curiosity piqued as they passed an old, dilapidated wooden door with a label that appeared as ancient as the building itself.
"Historical Archive"
Interesting. Suzue's mind raced with possibilities—what kind of secrets were hidden in those dusty tomes? What forgotten histories were locked away behind that door? But there was no time to indulge her curiosity now; they had a more pressing matter to attend to.
They continued down the corridor until they reached a room whose door was entirely covered in seals and talismans. The sight of it sent a shiver down Suzue's spine. Yuji stood in front of the door with Principal Yaga, his expression a mix of excitement and worry. It was a strange contrast, seeing the normally cheerful boy so subdued by the gravity of what was about to happen.
Principal Yaga turned his gaze to Suzue as they approached, his expression unreadable.
«I see you brought Suzue too.»
The words were simple, but the unspoken question behind them was clear. Why had Satoru brought her along if they both knew she was technically a spy? The weight of Yaga's gaze made Suzue's chest tighten, but she kept her composure, waiting for Satoru's response.
Satoru shrugged with his usual nonchalance, as if the question were of little consequence. His confidence—whether born of arrogance or something else—was enough for Yaga to drop the matter. The principal seemed to trust Satoru implicitly, despite the complex and often fraught dynamics of the sorcerer world.
"Despite the bickering and discussions, these two seem to get along incredibly well. It's clear that Principal Yaga trusts Satoru blindly."
Suzue stifled a small smile at the irony. The term "blindly" associated with someone who constantly wore a blindfold triggered her sensitive sense of humor. It was a small, fleeting moment of levity in an otherwise heavy situation.
Suzue stood just outside the room, her nerves on edge but determined to keep herself composed. The weight of the situation was not lost on her; she was acutely aware of the potential dangers that lay ahead. Inside, Satoru and Principal Yaga were making final preparations, their presence a stark reminder of the gravity of what was about to happen. Despite her best efforts to remain calm, the tension in the air was palpable, pressing down on her shoulders like a physical weight.
As she glanced over at Yuji, she could see the anxiety etched across his face. His usually bright and cheerful demeanor was subdued, replaced by a look of unease. It was clear he was deeply worried about what might happen when he ingested the third of Sukuna's fingers. Suzue's heart went out to him. After all, he was just a kid—a fifteen-year-old thrust into a situation far beyond his control.
Her expression softened as she approached him, her voice gentle but firm. «Yuji, breathe. Getting agitated disrupts your control over cursed energy; you'll risk losing control.» Her words were meant to comfort and guide him, a small but significant gesture in a moment of such uncertainty.
Yuji looked at her with a mix of surprise and gratitude. It was as if he hadn't expected someone like her to offer him advice, let alone be the one to help steady his nerves. Suzue couldn't blame him; she had been so quiet since her arrival that it likely seemed out of character for her to step forward in this way.
But seeing his vulnerable state, she couldn't help herself. She demonstrated a simple breathing and meditation exercise, something she had learned to help control her own cursed energy in stressful situations. «Look, it's a simple and quick meditation exercise. It'll help you focus and control your cursed energy better.»
As she guided Yuji through the exercise, Suzue felt a strange tightness in her chest—a warning from the binding vow that she was skirting dangerously. But the discomfort only lasted a few moments, and she pressed on, determined to help the boy. She could feel the tension in his body slowly release, his breathing becoming more measured, more controlled.
When Yuji finally opened his eyes, he gave her a smile—one filled with genuine relief. «Thank you, Kujou-san! I feel like I've released some tension... suddenly, this whole situation seems less oppressive!»
Suzue couldn't help but blush at the sincerity in his voice, a small smile creeping onto her face in return. For a brief moment, she felt a connection—almost maternal. It was a fleeting but precious feeling.
But her moment of solace was abruptly interrupted by the unmistakable sensation of Satoru's eyes on her. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, catching his satisfied and smug expression.
«Yuji, you ready?» Satoru's voice cut through the silence, his tone light and casual as if they were about to do something as mundane as grocery shopping.
Yuji, now calmer and more determined thanks to Suzue's help, nodded and walked into the room with a steady stride. Suzue followed closely behind, her mind racing with a mixture of anticipation and dread.
Inside the room, the atmosphere was even more oppressive. The sheer number of seals and talismans covering the walls made it clear how serious the situation was. It felt as if the air itself was weighed down by the precautions taken to contain Sukuna's malevolent energy. The dim candlelight flickered, casting long, eerie shadows that danced across the floor.
Principal Yaga, standing near the door, gave Satoru a serious nod before closing it, leaving the three of them alone in the sealed room. Yuji looked around, visibly awed by the meticulousness with which everything had been prepared. It was a stark contrast to the casual demeanor Satoru had maintained throughout the process.
«Gojo-sensei, if I lose control, will these be enough to stop Sukuna?» Yuji's voice wavered slightly, betraying his lingering fears.
«Those? No, absolutely not! Don't count on it.» Satoru replied with a grin, clearly amused by the whole situation.
And just like that, all the effort Suzue had put into calming Yuji seemed to evaporate. She shot Satoru a look of mild annoyance, but he only seemed more entertained by her reaction. It was as if he thrived on keeping everyone around him off-balance.
«Alright, Yuji,» he said, his voice steady and calm. «Whenever you're ready.» He said, his voice steadying as he handed Yuji a small container. Inside was Sukuna's finger, its presence dark and foreboding, even in such a secure environment.
Yuji reached out, his hand trembling slightly as he picked up the cursed object. He hesitated, his eyes flicking to Suzue for reassurance. She gave him an encouraging nod, trying to convey as much calm and confidence as she could muster.
With a deep breath, Yuji took the finger and swallowed it quickly, as if trying to get it over with before his courage failed him. Suzue held her breath, her eyes locked on him, her heart pounding in her chest. The room was thick with tension, every second dragging out into what felt like an eternity.
For a moment, nothing happened. Yuji stood there, his expression one of intense concentration as he worked to control the surge of cursed energy that came with ingesting Sukuna's finger. Suzue noted with some relief that he was using the breathing technique she had taught him, his breaths slow and deliberate.
But then, she saw it—a flicker of something dark in Satoru's expression, and before she could fully process it, Sukuna's presence exploded into the room. The air grew heavy with his oppressive cursed energy, and for a brief instant, Suzue saw the terrifying visage of Sukuna overlap with Yuji's. The marks of the Curse King appeared on his face, his malevolent aura filling the space with a suffocating intensity.
And in that instant, Suzue felt her head explode with pain. The dark energy of Sukuna was overwhelming, far beyond anything she had encountered before. Her vision blurred, and it felt as though the world was spinning out of control.
The overwhelming pressure of Sukuna's cursed energy faded, and the room slowly returned to normal. The marks on Yuji's face vanished as he regained control, his expression one of disgust as he realized he had succeeded.
Suzue, however, was far from okay. Her vision blurred, and everything went dark.
She found herself in an ancient noble hall.
It was an opulent hall, adorned with rich tapestries and paper walls that spoke of an era long past. The scent of incense hung in the air, thick and heady, and she could hear the faint murmurs of voices just beyond the walls.
It was as if she had been transported back in time, yet she knew this wasn't real—it was a memory, but not hers.
«Kaede.» The voice was familiar, pulling her attention with an almost magnetic force.
She turned, not of her own volition but as if her body was moving on its own. She was trapped within this memory, a passive observer in someone else's life.
In front of her stood the same boy she had seen in her earlier vision, but now he was older, his features sharper, more defined. His black hair was tied back in a low ponytail, his red eyes burning with a mix of anger and desperation. The distinctive traits of the Kujou clan were unmistakable.
«You don't have to accept this life! Let's leave. They can't do anything to stop you; you could easily raze this palace and anyone who stands in your way.»
His voice was filled with a fierce protectiveness that tugged at something deep within Suzue.
There was desperation in his plea, a deep longing to save her from whatever fate awaited Kaede.
But Kaede—her—responded with an unsettling calmness, her voice almost robotic in its detachment.
"The noble Kujou gave us a roof, and fed us. Here we finally have everything we've always wanted."
There was a pause, and Suzue could feel Kaede's—no, her—lips move to continue, but the boy's fury interrupted her.
«He told me that he lo-»
But the man in front of her grew even more furious.
"How can you continue to see it that way!? They just want to use you and ensure that your cursed technique is passed down in their worthless lineage! I won't stand by and watch you self-destruct."
Suzue felt a surge of emotion rise within Kaede, but as she tried to respond, the vision began to blur, the once-clear images fading into darkness. She struggled to hold onto the memory, to understand what it meant, but it slipped through her fingers like sand.
Suddenly, the ancient hall was gone, replaced by the familiar sight of Satoru, his blue eyes fixed on Yuji with an amused expression. Yuji, too, was calm and satisfied, having successfully contained Sukuna's cursed energy.
Suzue blinked, stunned. How long had she been out of it?
She looked around, trying to gauge the situation, wondering what she must have looked like during that brief lapse. But Satoru was congratulating Yuji, patting him on the back as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. They hadn't noticed anything strange—at least, she hoped not.
She needed to act quickly, to behave as normally as possible, to avoid raising any suspicions. If Satoru had noticed her lapse, he wasn't letting on. But she couldn't be sure. The man was a master at hiding his true thoughts behind that infuriatingly calm demeanor.
«Good job, Yuji. You used the breathing technique I taught you.» Suzue said, forcing a smile. She tried to push the vision to the back of her mind, focusing on the present.
Yuji beamed at her, his earlier anxiety gone. «It was all thanks to you, Kujou-san. I don't know how I would've done it without your advice!»
Suzue looked at Yuji with a mix of tenderness and worry. Despite everything, he was just a kid, full of energy and hope, with a contagious smile that lit up the room.
He had been thrust into a world of unimaginable dangers and responsibilities, much like she had been at his age. The realization struck her hard—she saw so much of herself in him. The weight of expectations, the harsh realities of their world, it was all so unfair, especially on someone so young.
Seeing how grateful he was for her help touched her deeply, more than she had expected. She returned his smile, but there was a small, sharp pain in her heart. For a brief moment, she seemed to forget the vision that had just tormented her. Instead, she was filled with an overwhelming sense of protectiveness toward Yuji and the other students. They were more than just parts of her mission—they were people.
The thought terrified her. It made everything more complicated, more dangerous. She was starting to care for these students, and that scared her more than anything else.
"Damn." she thought, her heart sinking with the realization "I think I've grown attached."
A/N
Facts:
- Suzue doesn't like physical contact!
- The innate cursed technique of the Kujou clan and Suzue, Divine Flame, is based on fire. Fire is a highly unstable and unpredictable element, and it can easily get out of control, risking damage to the environment and surrounding allies. It only makes sense that Suzue knows some methods of meditation to reconnect with her cursed energy, probably a technique inherited directly from her clan.
- Yuji is only fifteen years old—sometimes I forget that, poor sincere soul. There's not much difference between his current age and the age at which Suzue lost her clan, family, and home.
- Satoru is an intrusive person; he doesn't understand the concept of personal space, and that's canon for me, sorry!
And with these bits of information, I'll leave you! ❤️