.

𝐉𝐮𝐣𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐮 𝐊𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐧: 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬
By: AnonWriterzzzz

Chapter 8: New Home

Tokyo Jujutsu High, Japan
6th of September, 2024
7:20 PM

In a large, dimly lit tatami room of the Jujutsu Headquarters building, Yoshinobu Gakuganji sat on a mat, quietly sipping a cup of green matcha tea. To his right, Yuji Itadori, Megumi Fushiguro, and Nobara Kugisaki stood side by side, waiting for Shin's arrival. Yuji impatiently tapped his foot on the wooden floor, making an annoying tapping sound. Gakuganji glanced at Yuji, who immediately stopped. Gakuganji then looked straight ahead and resumed drinking his tea. Yuji glanced at Megumi, leaning slightly toward him, and spoke in a low voice.

Yuji: "Any idea when Shin is supposed to arrive?"

Megumi glanced at him, his expression composed.

Megumi: "He should be here any moment. Let's be patient."

Yuji nodded thoughtfully.

Yuji: "I'm curious to see how he's handling all of this. It can't be easy."

Gakuganji cast a brief glance in their direction, and both men returned their attention forward, maintaining a respectful silence. All the way on the left, Nobara Kugisaki interrupted, a large visible scar on her left eye. In the missing socket was a prosthetic, matching the color of her biological eye.

Nobara: "How about BOTH of you shut up? What happened to patience, Itadori?"

Yuji: "You know how I am, I just wanna get this over wi—"

The shoji doors slid open with a soft whisper, and Shin stepped into the expansive room. The ambient light cast gentle shadows across the tatami mats, highlighting the traditional décor. The three pairs of eyes turned sharply toward him, their expressions frozen in astonishment. My god... He looks exactly like him... The thought echoed silently among them, each grappling with the uncanny resemblance to Satoru Gojo. The white hair, the confident posture, the aura of latent power—it was as if a ghost had walked in.

Shin met their gazes briefly before proceeding toward Gakuganji, who sat calmly on an elevated platform. He took a final sip of his matcha tea, the delicate porcelain cup clinking softly as he placed it beside him. His keen eyes fixed intently on Shin, studying every aspect of the newcomer.

Gakuganji sat a few steps above, forcing Shin to tilt his head slightly upward while Gakuganji looked down, the hierarchy unmistakable. A profound silence blanketed the room, thick with unspoken questions and tension. The only sound was the subtle creak of floorboards as Yuji leaned forward, his foot causing a faint squeak that seemed amplified in the stillness.

Gakuganji: "Welcome to our school, Gojo."

Shin, sternly: "That's not my name."

Gakuganji: "Apologies. In Japan, it is customary to refer to others by their last name."

Shin: "My last name is Collins. Refer to me by that."

Gakuganji: "Fiery, aren't you? Reminds me of someone."

Shin: "Is that so?"

Gakuganji adjusted his sitting position.

Gakuganji: "Shaw has informed us about your encounter with Rogin."

He paused, letting the name hang heavily in the air. Shin felt a subtle chill run down his spine at the mention.

Gakuganji: "Given that we have no information on what he is planning, you are our only hope."

Shin's brow furrowed. Me? Their only hope? The thought sent a jolt through him, a mix of disbelief and unease swirling in his chest. Gakuganji's eyes narrowed slightly.

Gakuganji: "However, Shaw also mentioned that you lack control over your Six Eyes and your cursed technique. We are here to assist you with that."

He gestured lightly with one hand.

Gakuganji: "You will be placed into a special class where you'll learn to control your cursed energy without relying on your binding vow. In return, you will help us uncover Rogin's plan and, ultimately, exorcise him."

Shin looked back up, meeting Gakuganji's steady gaze. There was no room for negotiation in his tone.

Gakuganji: "To your left are some of our teachers here at Jujutsu High."

Shin turned to see three individuals watching him closely. The first was a man with a warm smile and a confident stance.

Gakuganji: "Itadori Yuji, Zenin Megumi."

Zenin...? Shin's mind flickered with recognition. Principal Shaw mentioned that name before... The third was a woman with a sharp gaze and a visible scar over her left eye.

Gakuganji: "And Kugisaki Nobara."

They all gave slight nods of acknowledgment. Shin felt a mix of intimidation and curiosity. These are the people who will train me? A brief silence settled over the room, the weight of expectations pressing upon him.

Gakuganji: "You will be provided room and board, and that is where you will stay whenever you are not in classes or on missions."

Shin: "What about the Gojo clan?"

Gakuganji: "I couldn't tell you if they are aware of your existence. They may know, or they may not."

A spark of frustration ignited within Shin.

Shin: "Are you keeping me a secret from them?"

Gakuganji hesitated, a subtle shift in his expression.

Gakuganji: "Yes."

Shin's hands clenched at his sides, wrestling with his conflicting feelings. I don't want to lead the Gojo clan, but I deserve to make my own choices. I'm tired of others pulling the strings. He looked down at the wooden floor, the cool air raising goosebumps on his arms. A swarm of emotions surged—relief that he wouldn't be thrust into a clan he didn't feel connected to, but also anger at being denied the choice.

Shin: "I see. So, you expect me to be your pawn against Rogin?"

Gakuganji: "I would not label you as a pawn; you are an ally. Having you as a pawn would complicate things."

Shin: "Or maybe it would complicate your control over the situation."

A tense silence filled the room. The other instructors exchanged cautious glances.

Gakuganji: "Mind your tone, young man."

Shin: "With all due respect, I have a right to decide what happens with my life."

Gakuganji regarded him steadily.

Gakuganji: "Circumstances are what they are. We all have roles to play."

Shin: "Then let me choose mine."

Gakuganji's expression softened just a fraction.

Gakuganji: "In time, perhaps. For now, focus on your training. The threat of Rogin is real and immediate."

Shin exhaled slowly, some of the tension easing from his shoulders. He knew pushing further might be futile now, but he resolved internally. I'll forge my own path, one way or another, he declared.

Gakuganji: "Now, onto a serious matter. We have discovered a lead that might give us information about Rogin's plan."

Shin: "What is it?"

Gakuganji: "During the Heian era, Rogin was treated as a king, but you cannot have a king without an army. We've discovered that Rogin had an entire legion under him, and lieutenants who commanded that army on his behalf. However, when your ancestor traveled to challenge Rogin, his lieutenants tried to stop him, so he killed them all. All except for one. Rogin had Kenjaku transform his most trusted lieutenant into a cursed object before your ancestor got to him, much like how he did with Sukuna, and buried that cursed object deep underground, where it lay dormant for a thousand years. When Kenjaku reincarnated Rogin in 2018, one of the first things Rogin did was dig up that cursed object. Once he got his hands on it, he kidnapped an innocent person and reincarnated the lieutenant into that vessel. We believe that the lieutenant has information regarding Rogin's cursed technique, making him a high-value target for us."

Shin: "And you want me to bring him in?"

Gakuganji: "Yes, and I have a strong hunch that he will come after you, rather than the other way around."

Shin: "I see. When do my classes start?"

Gakuganji: "Mid-day tomorrow."

Shin looked to his left, observing the trio staring at him in shock. He waved at them, forming a happy smile on his face. The trio looked at him, remembering all the smiles Satoru used to give them.

Gakuganji: "You're dismissed."

Shin glanced back at Gakuganji, then turned around and left the headquarters. As he stepped out of the administrative building, the evening air was cool against his skin. The campus stretched out before him, a blend of traditional Japanese architecture and modern facilities. Lanterns lit the pathways, casting a warm glow on the gravel paths. At the bottom, Principal Shaw stood waiting for him, holding a pair of metallic keys. Shin reached the bottom of the stairs, and the two walked down the path.

Principal Shaw: "How did it go?"

Shin: "As good as you can expect. Ijichi was right; Gakuganji is an asshole."

Principal Shaw: "Yeah, sorry you had to deal with him. He was always a pain."

Shin: "It's whatever, though. At least the Gojo clan isn't gonna bother me."

Principal Shaw: "Don't count on it for too long; it's only a matter of time."

The two made their way down the gravel path, walking through the large campus of the Tokyo school. It had largely remained unchanged throughout its several decades of existence, except for the damage caused by Satoru Gojo and Toji Fushiguro, which had been remodeled and turned into extra dormitories. Shin and Principal Shaw made their way to these new dormitories, walking down one of the buildings to a wooden door with the number 23 inscribed on it. Principal Shaw stuck a key into the lock and twisted it. Once unlocked, he opened the door, and the two entered the dorm.

Entering the room, Shin was greeted by the faint scent of fresh tatami mats. The small kitchen opened into a cozy living area. In the bedroom, a neatly made bed awaited, along with a desk by the window overlooking the courtyard. He set his bag down, running a hand over the smooth wood of the desk. So this is home now, he thought. The reality of his situation began to sink in. There was a closet in the corner, on the wall where the bedroom door was. Shin looked back at Principal Shaw for reassurance, and Principal Shaw nodded. He approached the closet and opened it, finding only Jujutsu High uniforms inside.

Principal Shaw: "I told you not to worry about it."

Shin, let down: "This is totally not my style... but alright..."

Principal Shaw: "Make yourself at home, Shin. If you need me, I'll be in the main office building."

Shin nodded, and Principal Shaw exited the dorm, locking the door behind him. Now alone with his thoughts, Shin immediately lay down on the bed, thinking about his situation. Is this where my destiny starts? Am I destined to be a pawn for this secret society? Am I going to have other classmates? These questions tore at Shin's mind like a crude axe splitting a log. He got up and entered the bathroom, getting ready for bed. Afterward, he opened the closet and picked out gray silk pajamas, much nicer than what he had at home.

Shin ran his fingers over the smooth silk of the pajamas, the fabric cool against his skin. He couldn't recall the last time he'd worn something so finely made. Carefully, he slipped them on, the material feeling almost weightless. Lying in his bed, he stared up at the ceiling. Despite the comfort of the new pajamas and the softness of the mattress, sleep eluded him. His mind churned with thoughts of the day's events—the meeting with Gakuganji, the secrecy surrounding his heritage, the unfamiliar surroundings.

He sighed, turning onto his side. Outside, the campus had grown quiet, the only sounds the rustling of leaves and the distant call of a night bird. Maybe some rest will help, he told himself. Closing his eyes, he tried to focus on his breathing, willing himself to relax. Gradually, the tension in his muscles eased, and he drifted into slumber.

?, ?
?, ?, ?

Shin jolted awake, heart pounding against his ribcage. His room was suffused with an unnatural darkness, thicker than any night. Panic surged as he realized he couldn't move—black tendrils coiled around his limbs, pinning him to the bed. His mouth was sealed by a familiar inky void, muffling his cries. Oh no... not again... Fear tightened its grip on him.

He turned his head with immense effort, eyes widening as they fell upon Rogin—the Incarnation of Malice—leaning casually against the wall. The shadows seemed to writhe around the figure, distorting reality. Shin's breath caught in his throat. Cold sweat trickled down his temples. He thrashed against the restraints, every muscle straining, but the tendrils only tightened, biting into his skin. Rogin's gaze locked onto him, a predatory smile curling his lips.

Rogin: "Calm now, boy. I only wish to speak."

Shin, muffled: "Mghgmfmmmfm!"

Rogin: "Talking is futile. I have a tight hold on you, bearer of the Six Eyes. I won't hurt you, I promise."

Shin stopped squirming, looking toward Rogin with a mix of fear and hatred.

Rogin: "Better... Now, I would like to say how pathetic your attempt to escape was. That is plain disrespectful to me, bearer of the Six Eyes... To get to the point, do you remember our little conversation back in that putrid alley? About how I wished to return this world to its rightful state? I would like to continue that conversation. If you recall, I made you an offer for you to betray your clan. Have you given any thought to my offer...?"

With a swift motion from his hand, the tendril covering Shin's mouth unraveled, allowing him to speak.

Shin, shouting: "GO TO HELL!"

Rogin quickly summoned a black tendril from the bed to wrap around Shin's throat. Shin began choking, gasping for any air he could get.

Rogin: "Have you not learned from your mistakes, bearer of the Six Eyes? Your insolence will NOT go unpunished. Alas, I need you for my plans, preferably alive."

With Shin on the verge of death from suffocation, Rogin let go of the tendril, allowing Shin to breathe. Shin gasped, coughing violently.

Rogin: "I offer you a binding vow. In exchange, I will give you the world—an opportunity to rule by my side."

Shin, voice shaking: "And what's the caveat?"

Rogin: "You surrender your cursed technique to me."

Shin: "Hm, let me think about it..."

Shin pondered for a moment before forming an infuriated expression on his face and quickly spitting in Rogin's face. Rogin chuckled quietly, wiping the saliva from his cheek.

Rogin: "I am not worried. In time, you will understand that this is the right choice to make. I am also aware that you are looking for my lieutenant; he will make quick work of you, that I know."

Shin: "Oh yeah? Then tell me where he is, so I can kill him quicker."

Rogin: "That you must find out on your own. Good luck, bearer of the Six Eyes. I will be seeing you again soon."

As Rogin finished speaking, he began moving backward into the black void, a terrifying smile directed straight at Shin. As Shin continued trying to free himself from the tendrils, the void closed in on him. He screamed, attempting to sink further into his mattress to escape, but it was no use. The void engulfed him.

Tokyo Jujutsu High, Japan
7th of September, 2024
11:42 AM

Shin woke up gasping, sitting upright in his bed. His entire body was covered in sweat. He panted in exhaustion, tears forming in his eyes. He began sobbing, traumatized yet again by Rogin. He sat there in the fetal position, crying his eyes out. After ten minutes, he got up, his blindfold soggy from absorbing the tears. He sat on the edge of his bed, absorbing what had just happened.

He shook his head, some moisture from the blindfold splashing onto the floor. Rising from his bed, he walked to the closet in silence. He slid the door open and grabbed a clean Jujutsu High uniform, clenching it tightly in his hands. He looked down at it, more moisture seeping from under his blindfold and dripping onto the uniform.

After changing into the crisp Jujutsu High uniform, Shin stepped out of his dormitory, ducking to avoid hitting the headboard. He slipped his hands into the pockets of his jacket, feeling the silk against his fingertips. The morning air was cool and fresh, carrying the subtle scent of pine and blossoming flowers. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the surrounding trees, creating a soothing whisper that flew through his hair.

The campus was serene, bathed in the golden hues of the early sun. As he walked along the stone pathway, the gravel crunched softly under his shoes, each step bringing him closer to the unknown. Traditional Japanese architecture rose around him, with curved rooftops and wooden beams that spoke of history and tradition. Cherry blossom petals, carried by the wind, danced around him before settling on the ground.

Shin glanced upward, watching as a few clouds drifted lazily across the azure sky. He took a deep breath, the cool air filling his lungs, and tried to steady his racing thoughts. Reaching the ornate sliding doors of the classroom, he paused for a moment. The doors were adorned with intricate carvings of lotus flowers and swirling patterns. Gathering his resolve, he raised a hand and knocked gently, the sound echoing lightly in the quiet morning.

Yuji: "Dang! What took you so long, Shin?"

Shin, stammering: "N-Nothing, I woke up late is all."

Yuji, surprised: "Alright then... Give me a few moments to properly introduce you! I'll signal you when you can come in."

Yuji re-entered the classroom, speaking to whoever was inside. Shin planted his ear against the door to try to listen in, but all he could hear was mumbling. He made out the voices of at least two other people inside, arguing with Yuji. Eventually, he heard:

Yuji, voice dampened: "Okay, Shin! You can come in!"

Shin slid open the door and stepped into the classroom. The first thing he saw was a large smile on Yuji's face. He looked to the left and noticed three school desks, two of which were occupied. The sunlight streamed through the glass windows, making it hard for Shin to see their faces. He approached the front of the classroom, right where the chalkboard was, and waved.

Shin: "Hello, my name is Shin Collins. I look forward to working with you—"

?: "Wait, wait, wait! I thought you were a Gojo. Itadori-sensei, did you just lie to me?"

Yuji, to himself: "Off to a great start..."

Shin, assertively: "Excuse you?"

The clouds covered the sun, allowing Shin to see the faces of the students.

Yuji: "Shin! I'd like to introduce you to Joyo Zankoku!"

Shin looked toward the desk where the voice had come from. Sitting there was Joyo Zankoku. He had a mature, angular face, his lean, muscular frame radiating a fierce intensity. His amber eyes and messy jet-black hair were accented by a jagged scar on his left cheek. He wore a sleeveless modified Jujutsu High uniform with baggy pants. He sat on the desk with his feet on the table, leaning back on the chair.

Joyo: "You heard me. Are you Collins, or are you Gojo?"

Shin: "What does it matter to you?"

Joyo stood up immediately from his desk and walked to the front of the class. Shin matched him, walking toward Joyo. The two met, Joyo standing at 6'3", a bit taller than Shin. They locked eyes, staring at each other.

Joyo: "There is nothing I hate more in this world than liars and people who contradict themselves."

Shin: "Lucky for you, I'm neither, so back off."

Yuji planted his palm on his face and spoke to the other student present in the classroom.

Yuji, disappointed: "Miyazato... Resolve this, please..."

Behind Joyo's tall figure, in the other desk, stood Miyazato Shigematsu, a 15-year-old first-year at Tokyo Jujutsu High. He had short brown hair and hazel eyes, covered by thin rectangular glasses. He wore a regular Jujutsu High uniform, modified only to remove the collar. He sat calmly at his desk, his hands interlocked.

Miyazato, calmly: "Yes, Itadori-sensei."

Miyazato's eyes glinted as he raised his right hand. Ethereal wisps of cursed energy swirled around his fingers, coalescing into a translucent white tag adorned with shifting, enigmatic symbols. With a swift flick, the tag sailed silently through the air, attaching itself to Joyo's back.

Joyo felt a sudden chill, his eyes widening as he glanced over his shoulder. Miyazato offered a serene smile, his gaze unreadable. He snapped his fingers, the sound echoing unnaturally.

Instantly, the tag flared with brilliant light. An invisible force sent Joyo hurtling backward into a cabinet, mops and buckets crashing down around him. As the commotion settled, Miyazato turned to Shin and waved gently.

Miyazato: "Hello, Shin. My name is Miyazato Shigematsu. It's good to meet you."

Shin, confused: "Uhhh, hi."

Yuji clasped his hands together.

Yuji: "Okay, boys, take your seats so we can begin today's class."

Joyo stood up from the pile of cleaning equipment that had fallen on him and walked to his desk, to the right of Miyazato. Shin made his way to his own desk, locking eyes with Joyo. The two sat down, and Yuji began talking, a confident smile on his face.

Yuji: "Alright, now that we've all met, let's dive into some practical training. Experience is the best teacher, after all. We'll be heading out on a mission."

Joyo and Miyazato exchanged glances, excitement and curiosity evident. Shin looked between them, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. Yuji signaled for Shin to follow, and Shin got up immediately. He caught up to the two as they made their way out of the building. Joyo walked a few meters ahead, leaving Shin and Miyazato side by side.

Shin: "Hey... Miyazato, right? What's going on?"

Miyazato, chuckling: "Itadori-sensei hates teaching classes, so he picks up missions and assigns them to us."

Shin: "I don't have much control over my technique. How am I supposed to learn?"

Miyazato: "You'd be surprised how well practical application can teach you cursed energy control. Trust me, I would know."

Shin: "I see... What about... him?"

Miyazato: "Oh, Joyo? He's a hothead on the outside but a sweetheart on the inside. It'll take some time for him to trust you, but it will happen eventually... maybe..."

Shin, worried: "Maybe?!"

With Yuji closely behind them, they made their way to the Jujutsu High parking lot, where a black 2020 Toyota Prius was parked. Yuji entered the driver's seat, and the three students got into the back, with Miyazato sitting in the middle. Yuji started the car and drove out of the parking lot. They exited the Jujutsu High barrier and began driving deeper into the forest-covered mountains. While on the drive, Yuji detailed the mission:

Yuji: "Listen up, boys. You three are going to an abandoned mining complex, where there was a cave-in a few months ago. You might've seen it in the news, but long story short, 120 miners perished in the collapse. The site was turned into a memorial, where grieving families come to pay their respects. Unfortunately, the site was closed down by us because too many people were getting cursed. So, Gakuganji-sama has sent us to get rid of these cursed spirits so the memorial site can be reopened."

Miyazato: "Are we going to have to enter the cave?"

Yuji: "Yes."

Joyo, sarcastically: "Don't worry, Shigematsu-chan. I'll protect you."

Yuji: "Oh yeah, I forgot to mention—once you enter the cave, I'm going to seal the exit behind you so that cursed spirits don't escape. Since I personally suck at math, I asked Shoko to calculate how much oxygen you'll have, and she predicted about two hours. So, that's all the time I will allocate to you for this mission."

Shin: "What if we take longer than two hours?"

Yuji: "Simple, really—you die."

Shin's face went blank, an exhausted look forming on his face. They continued driving for another thirty minutes until they pulled onto a dirt road leading to the memorial site. They followed the road through the forest, the humidity fogging the windows and making it hard to see. Yuji reached the site and parked right outside the entrance. The three got out, with Yuji following suit. They approached the cave entrance, which was lined with yellow police tape. To the side of the entrance, a metal sign detailed what had happened during the incident, listing all the names of those who perished in the collapse.

The three students approached the cave entrance and ducked under the police tape. Yuji reached into his utility belt and took out a flashlight, tossing it to Miyazato. He turned on the flashlight, and the darkness in front of them became visible. Rocks and debris were everywhere, making the passageways small and narrow. Behind them, Yuji shouted into the cave.

Yuji: "Good luck, guys! I'll be waiting out here!"

Yuji placed his hand on the side of the cave entrance, imbuing the hand with cursed energy. Scissors began drawing lines across the entrance. Once the scissors reached the other side, the rocks were cut, and tumbled down, sealing the entrance and plunging the three into darkness.

End of Chapter 8

Character Profiles:

Nobara Kugisaki:
Age: 21
Height: 170CM
Weight: 65 KG
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Brown
Cursed Technique: Resonance

Joyo Zankoku:
Age: 15
Height: 193 CM
Weight: 80 KG
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Amber
Cursed Technique: Harsh Rebuke

Miyazato Shigematsu:
Age: 15
Height: 186 CM
Weight: 60 KG
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Hazel
Cursed Technique: Tag and Trigger

Authors Note:

I wanna share with you guys a funny story that happened to me yesterday. So I was at work right, and the way my job works is that I have a post that I cannot leave, and every 30 minutes my co-worker switches with me so I can take my break, and every time that I am on my break, I work on the story on my laptop. So there I was, working on this chapter, I check the time and see that I'm late to switch, so I quickly run over and switch with my co-worker. I walk over to the window that goes into the break room, and I realize that I forgot my sunglasses, what I also realize is that I forgot to close my laptop, which had the Chapter 8 document fully open. I start panicking. I gotta get my sunglasses, but I cant leave my post. So I call over my co-worker, and ask him to give me like 10 seconds to get my sun-glasses. He asked me where they were, and I told him in the break room. Bro literally turned around and goes to get my sunglasses for me, I really start freaking out, if he sees what I'm writing, he's gonna make fun of me for the rest of the time that I work there. I'm already thinking about quitting, because the embarrassment would be too much. I start running to the window, and he was already there. He ignored at my laptop, grabbed my sunglasses and walked back to give them to me. When I tell you I was so thankful he didn't start reading the chapter. Thank goodness he isn't nosey XD.

Also go Sooners!

Anonwriterzzzz out

Update Log:
9/29/24: Tweaked dialogue, and added the time stamp...