A/N at the end of the chapters
CHAPTER 25
POV: Suzue Kujou
Suzue stood at the edge of the cursed fog, feeling the heavy weight of the situation pressing down on her shoulders. Her naginata, still folded, rested comfortably in her hand, a steady presence as the village loomed ahead, shrouded in the ominous mist. Beside her, Satoru's casual presence contrasted with the eerie surroundings. He was always so relaxed, almost like the chaos didn't affect him in the slightest.
«Alright, Suzue, listen up!» Satoru began, his voice cutting through the thick air with his usual tone of mock authority. He crossed his arms, looking down at her with that signature grin that managed to be both infuriating and reassuring at the same time. «Before we step into that misty mess, let's set some ground rules. No sudden genius plans, no running off because you get a 'feeling,' and definitely none of your usual vanishing acts. Understood?»
Suzue stared at him, unimpressed but unable to stop the small smile tugging at her lips. «You're really concerned about me doing something reckless?» she asked, her voice tinged with dry amusement. «I think we both know who the real wildcard is here.»
«Really?» He leaned in slightly, still grinning. «Because you certainly have a habit of acting like one! So, repeat after me: No. Crazy. Ideas.»
She rolled her eyes, more out of habit than frustration, and indulged him. «No crazy ideas. Got it.»
Satoru raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying himself. «And no disappearing.»
«No disappearing.» she said dryly, but the fondness in her voice gave away her amusement.
He finally gave a satisfied nod. «Good girl.» he replied with a grin, patting her head patronizingly, provoking a rush of heat to her cheeks.
Satoru straightened up, his smirk broadening as he glanced toward the ominous fog still hanging over the village ahead. Behind them, Hibiki was bouncing on her toes, practically vibrating with excitement as she watched the exchange. Suzue glanced at Satoru, who gave her a look that clearly said, "Well, she's your responsibility."
Suzue shot her a quick glance, feeling a twinge of sympathy. She didn't want Hibiki to feel left out just because she wasn't part of the direct fight. She turned to her, smiling softly. «Nakamura-san, uhm... do you think you can put up a veil around the area?»
Hibiki's face brightened even more—if that was even possible—but then she hesitated, her expression faltering. She scratched the back of her neck awkwardly and smiled, though her confidence seemed to waver «Oh, uh, well… about that...» She winced, clearly embarrassed by the admission. «I can't exactly… um… erect a veil that big. It's… not really in my skill set, you know?»
Suzue blinked in surprise. «Oh.» She glanced at Satoru, who looked equally caught off guard, but for a different reason—his disbelief was palpable. Suzue opened her mouth to say something reassuring. «Oh, no, that's alright!» She quickly reassured her, fumbling for words. «I didn't mean to—uh, we can manage it, really.»
Before the moment could become more uncomfortable, Hibiki, always ready with a solution, perked up again. «But I can help with my cursed technique!» she said, her smile back in full force. «It alleviates physical pain and mental fatigue—perfect for long missions!» She stepped forward, almost too enthusiastically, and waved her hands over Suzue and Satoru.
Satoru arched an eyebrow, clearly dubious, while Suzue—ever the one to avoid crushing someone's spirit—nodded. «Sure, Hibiki, that sounds… helpful.»
Without missing a beat, Hibiki eagerly activated her technique. A faint, barely noticeable glow appeared around her hands as she lightly touched both Suzue and Satoru. The sensation was subtle—so subtle, in fact, that Suzue barely registered it. There was no sudden burst of energy, no noticeable relief. It was, for lack of a better word, underwhelming. She exchanged a glance with Satoru, who raised an eyebrow as if to ask, "Do you feel anything?"
«There! You should feel a bit more energized now!» she declared, looking far too pleased with herself. «Though, it's my first time using it on two people at once...»
Suzue blinked, trying to assess if she felt any different. There was... absolutely no difference. She shot a quick glance at Satoru, who was already rolling his eyes, looking unimpressed. Still, Suzue forced a smile, not wanting to hurt Hibiki's feelings. «Um… yes, definitely feeling… more energized.» She glanced over at Satoru, who was clearly holding back a sarcastic remark, his lips twitching as if struggling not to burst out laughing. She could almost hear his voice in her head "Really? You're going to let her believe that worked?"
"Don't. You. Dare." Suzue silently communicated back with a look, knowing exactly where this was going. She wasn't about to crush Hibiki's spirit, even if her technique had done little more than make them feel slightly warmer.
He winced but smirked in amusement, clearly enjoying Suzue's protective streak. «Oh, sure.» he said finally, his voice dripping with sarcasm. «I feel so refreshed. Like I've just had a nap and a cup of coffee. Thanks, Hibiki.»
Suzue shot him another look that clearly said, "Tone it down." and Satoru sighed, throwing his hands up in mock surrender.
«Well, if you need anything else, just let me know!» Hibiki chirped, completely oblivious to the tension. Suzue felt a pang of guilt for lying, but there was no point in hurting Hibiki's feelings over something so minor. Besides, Hibiki was genuinely trying to help, and that counted for something.
Before the situation could get more uncomfortable, Suzue decided to give Hibiki something to focus on. She shrugged off her uniform's outer jacket, revealing her practical, fireproof combat gear beneath. With a swift motion, she unsheathed her naginata, the weapon gleaming faintly in the dim light. Handing her backpack and jacket to Hibiki, Suzue smiled softly. «Here.» she said, offering her a smile. «Can you hold onto this for me while we're inside?»
Hibiki's face lit up like a Christmas tree. «Of course! I'll take great care of them, don't worry!» She held the items with reverence, almost as if they were precious artifacts. «Thank you for trusting me with this, Kujou-san!»
Suzue felt a mix of relief and amusement at Hibiki's overenthusiastic response. At least the girl had something to do now.
Satoru chuckled softly from behind, shaking his head as he watched the exchange. «You're really making her day, you know that?» he teased, slipping his hands into his pockets. He gestured lazily toward the area around them. «Meanwhile, I'll handle the veil, I guess.»
Hibiki, oblivious to the sarcasm, clapped her hands together. «Wow, Gojo-san! You really are amazing! A special-grade sorcerer through and through!»
Satoru opened his mouth, clearly about to say something along the lines of, "Actually, this is something an assistant should be able to manage in their sleep!" but Suzue shot him another fierce glare, cutting him off. He sighed dramatically, as he shrugged. «What? I wasn't going to say anything.» he said, feigning innocence.
Suzue rolled her eyes as he waved a hand and a shimmering barrier of energy enveloped the area. Despite his teasing, Satoru's precision and power were always a little awe-inspiring, even if he liked to downplay it. With everything set, the veil in place, and Hibiki looking more than pleased with herself for holding Suzue's belongings, Suzue turned her attention back to the mist.
The time for stalling was over.
Suzue tightened her grip on the naginata—gifted by Maki—as she and Satoru moved further into the cursed fog. The thick haze swallowed up everything, muting the sounds of their footsteps and casting a heavy, oppressive atmosphere over the ruined village. Her heart raced, each beat loud in her ears, but next to her, Satoru strolled with his usual relaxed arrogance, as if they were on a casual afternoon walk rather than delving into the heart of a dangerous cursed zone. He had taken off his sunglasses, and his sharp gaze scanned their surroundings, the confident smirk never leaving his face.
As they passed through the veil Satoru had erected, the world plunged into complete darkness. The thick fog swallowed up every trace of light from the outside, leaving them in an inky black void.
«Well, this is cozy.» Satoru quipped, his voice breaking the eerie silence. He turned to Suzue with a grin, the darkness hiding the sharp glint in his eyes but not the teasing tone of his voice. «Think you can light the way for us, Suzue? Unless you're a fan of wandering around in the dark.»
Suzue allowed herself a brief moment of amusement, her lips twitching into a faint smile. «What, your Six Eyes don't come with an anti-fog setting?» she muttered, raising one hand. With a small flick of her wrist, a soft flame sparked to life on the tip of her finger, glowing like a tiny torch. The warm, orange light flickered in the dense fog, pushing back the oppressive darkness just enough to reveal the immediate area around them.
Satoru chuckled at her remark, though his tone grew slightly more serious as he peered through the haze. «Let's just say it's a bit worse in here than I thought. This cursed energy... it's interfering a little. My Six Eyes are having a bit of hard time tracking movements clearly.» He shrugged, his confidence undisturbed. «But hey, nothing I can't handle!»
Suzue nodded, gripping the naginata tighter as they pressed on. She glanced at him from the corner of her eye, trying to draw some comfort from his ever-present confidence. Even in the face of disrupted vision and cursed fog, Satoru remained unbothered, striding forward as if nothing in the world could touch him. He always seemed so invincible.
She kept the small flame steady at her fingertip, its light casting flickering shadows against the dense fog that seemed to cling to them. Every sound felt muted, swallowed by the cursed energy surrounding them. Only the faint rustling of their footsteps on the dirt path and the gentle trickle of the river nearby broke the eerie quiet. As they approached the old bridge spanning the river, the remnants of her village began to come into view. The cursed fog made it hard to make out everything clearly, but Suzue could see enough—broken rooftops, charred beams, and scattered stones that had once formed the homes of her clan.
Her chest tightened at the sight. Even after all these years, seeing the village in ruins felt like a fresh wound reopening. It was as if the land itself hadn't moved on from that night—the night when everything had gone up in flames. The devastation had settled into the earth, forever etched into its memory.
They crossed the old bridge, the wood creaking beneath their feet. The river beneath them, though nearly invisible in the fog, still flowed with that same soft murmur Suzue remembered from her childhood. She almost didn't want to see what was on the other side of the bridge, what remained of her home after a decade of abandonment and ruin.
The fog curled around the remnants of the village like a living thing, swallowing the full extent of the destruction in its depths. Part of her was grateful for that. The mist obscured the worst of it, the places that had once been familiar, that she didn't want to see reduced to ash and rubble. Seeing glimpses—burnt houses, collapsed walls, blackened stone—was bad enough.
Satoru's voice cut through her thoughts, grounding her. «Everything's fine?» His question was casual, but there was an undertone of concern.
Suzue swallowed, nodding as she forced herself to keep moving forward. «Everything's fine.» she said, her voice steady despite the tightness in her throat. «It's just… it's been a long time since I've been here.»
He didn't press her, didn't dig into the emotions she was clearly struggling with. That was one of the things she appreciated about him—he always knew when to push and when to let things be. Instead, he walked beside her, exuding that aura of calm confidence as if they weren't surrounded by a cursed fog in the remains of a haunted village.
He'd step in if she needed him. He always did.
Satoru walked with his hands in his pockets, his head slightly tilted as if he were simply enjoying a quiet evening stroll. But Suzue knew his mind was working, his Six Eyes scanning the area for any sign of danger.
«The special-grade curse—do you know where it is?» Suzue asked, her voice barely above a whisper, but it carried clearly in the fog-laden air. «I can't sense it»
Satoru hummed thoughtfully, pausing for a moment as he glanced around, his sharp gaze cutting through the mist. He gave a small nod, his expression growing a touch more serious. «Yeah, I can sense it. Even with this fog messing with my Six Eyes, I've got a vague idea of where it's lurking.» He turned his gaze toward the heart of the village, where the remnants of burned homes were half-buried in rubble. «But something's off.»
«Off how?» Suzue asked, her brow furrowing as she tried to follow his gaze into the thick fog.
«It hasn't moved since we entered the fog.» Satoru explained, his voice lowering. «It's been sitting still, like it hasn't even noticed us—or it doesn't care. Normally, a curse would react to intruders. They'd show some kind of defensive behavior or, at the very least, try to gauge the threat. But this one? Nothing.» He shook his head, a trace of annoyance in his voice. «Either it's too arrogant to care, or… it's up to something.»
Suzue nodded, mulling over his words. She couldn't shake the feeling that whatever awaited them would be far more complicated than either of them anticipated. But she trusted Satoru. If anyone could handle a special-grade curse, it was him.
'
Just as she was about to respond, something caught her eye—a flash of recognition from the riverbank. Her heart skipped a beat as she stared at a particular spot along the water's edge. That spot… it was the same one she had seen in her vision. The one where the woman with the stitches across her forehead had spoken to her. Tried to kill her. Without thinking, her feet began to move toward it.
«Suzue?» Satoru's voice was a distant echo in her mind as she descended the slight slope, her naginata clutched in one hand, its weight grounding her. She couldn't explain it, but something was pulling her toward the riverbank—a feeling, perhaps, or a need to confirm what she had seen. She stepped onto the embankment, the soft earth shifting beneath her feet as she approached the spot. For a moment, she nearly lost her footing, stumbling on the uneven ground, but she steadied herself quickly, her focus unwavering.
The spot seemed almost untouched by the devastation that had ravaged the rest of the village. Every inch of ground they had walked over since entering the cursed fog had been scorched or charred, the remnants of the fire that had decimated her home. But here, on the bank of the river, there was a patch of earth that was… untouched. Healthy. As if the flames had been halted, or had simply avoided this one small area.
Her brow furrowed, curiosity flaring alongside a tinge of unease. Why hadn't the fire reached this small spot?
The river flowed calmly before her. Suzue's heart thudded in her chest as she stood there, staring at the water, lost in thought. She crouched down, her fingers grazing the surface of the water as she stared at the place where the vision had unfolded.
She clenched her teeth, her fingers tightening around the naginata. Why had she come down here? What had she expected to find?
She could almost feel water in her lungs again and the heat from that night when everything had been torn apart. For a brief second, she lost herself in those memories. The voice of that strange woman—cold and detached, yet somehow comforting—echoed in her mind. "Are you in trouble?" the voice had asked, so casually. As if death were merely an inconvenience. The sensation of drowning, the overwhelming heat, the black void filled with fire, the massive shrine looming behind her… It was as if she were there again, reliving the moment when everything had fallen apart.
And then, like a splash of cold water to the face, reality crashed back down on her.
"Satoru."
Suddenly, Suzue snapped back to reality, her heart racing. She blinked as she realized she had just done exactly what Satoru had explicitly told her not to do—wander off without telling him. Alone. In a cursed zone. And she had left him behind in the dark. The realization sent a jolt of panic through her.
«Oh no-» she muttered under her breath, panic bubbling up in her chest. She turned on her heel, scrambling up the small hill as fast as she could, her heart pounding in her ears.
The fog seemed thicker now, pressing in on her from all sides, making it harder to see, harder to breathe. "Satoru's gonna to kill me," she thought, frustration mixing with the panic thrumming in her chest.
As she reached the top, her breath came in short, sharp gasps, her eyes darting around.
But Satoru was gone.
«... Satoru?» Her voice sounded far too small, swallowed by the eerie quiet of the cursed village. The only response was the murmur of the river behind her. The panic that had been simmering beneath the surface spiked. She spun around, the faint glow from her fingertip barely piercing through the oppressive fog. «Satoru?»
There was no answer.
"Shit."
She turned again, eyes wide, scanning the fog with growing unease. Her grip tightened on the naginata, her knuckles turning white. Where could he have gone? Her breath quickened. "He wouldn't just leave me like this, would he?" Suzue's thoughts spiraled, imagining all kinds of worst-case scenarios. She tightened her grip on her naginata, her knuckles turning white as she forced herself to focus. "Calm down. He's Satoru Gojo. He'll be fine. He's probably just—"
Before she could finish the thought, she felt a presence behind her. She froze, every hair on her body standing on end. Slowly, cautiously, she turned her head. There he was—Satoru, standing just behind her, hands casually tucked in his pockets like nothing was amiss. His posture was the same, relaxed and confident, but something about him seemed… off. His usual spark, that glint of mischief in his eyes, was missing. His gaze was distant, like he was staring right through her.
«Satoru?» she asked tentatively, her voice wavering. He was close, but something felt wrong. She couldn't shake the eerie feeling crawling up her spine. The way he was standing—too still, too quiet—was completely out of character.
He didn't respond immediately, just stared at her with that odd, unfocused expression. For a moment, Suzue's heart skipped a beat. But then, his lips curled into a familiar smirk, and he seemed to snap back into his usual self. It was as if nothing had changed.
«Relax, Suzue.» Satoru's voice broke the silence, that familiar, teasing edge slipping back into his tone. «I know where the special-grade curse is hiding.» He tilted his head toward the village ruins, gesturing for her to follow. «Come on. Let's finish this.»
Suzue let out a soft sigh of relief, her body unclenching as she fell into step behind him. Of course. She had overreacted, as usual. Satoru was fine. He probably just wandered off for a second and came back. He could handle himself in situations like this without breaking a sweat. "Calm down. Everything's fine." She berated herself silently, grateful that Satoru hadn't called her out for wandering off on her own. He had every right to tease her, but instead, he was acting surprisingly… patient?
But even as she told herself that, something still gnawed at the back of her mind. Something was wrong. The way he moved was deliberate, focused in a way that wasn't quite Satoru's style. Normally, he would be cracking jokes or taking things less seriously. Now, though, he was all business, with none of the usual distractions.
«Satoru, are you sure?» she asked, trying to shake off the unease gnawing at her. She was gripping the naginata so tightly that her palms were starting to ache, but she couldn't help it. Her instincts told her something wasn't right, but there was no reason not to trust him. He was always the one in control of the situation.
«Of course I'm sure.» he replied, flashing a grin that almost—but not quite—reached his eyes. «You know me, Suzue. I've got everything under control.» He turned, striding confidently through the fog, his voice trailing behind him as he spoke. «Stick close and try not to wander off again, yeah?»
She let out a soft sigh of relief, falling into step behind him as they moved deeper into the mist. Despite the eerie surroundings, Suzue found herself trusting Satoru's usual air of confidence. He always knew what to do. He always knew where to go.
Yet, as they walked, something gnawed at her. The rhythm of his steps, the way he was guiding her—it was all too perfect, too rehearsed. The real Satoru Gojo never did anything by the book. He was unpredictable, playful, and always full of distractions. This Satoru was direct, focused… off.
«So, you found the special-grade curse already?» Suzue asked, trying to shake off the creeping feeling at the back of her mind.
He didn't even hesitate before answering. «Yeah.» he replied. «It's been watching us since we entered the fog, but it hasn't made a move. We'll flush it out soon enough.» His voice sounded right, but there was a strange detachment to it, a hollow quality. Like... someone imitating Satoru's usual bravado.
Suzue nodded, following him as he led her toward what remained of the heart of the village, her fingers tightened again around the naginata again, the blade catching the faint light of her flame as they moved . The fog swirled around them, thickening as they walked, obscuring their surroundings more and more. She tried to focus on the path ahead, her eyes flicking between Satoru and the decaying structures barely visible in the mist.
«Where'd you run off to?» he asked casually, his tone just as laid-back as always. His back was still to her as he led the way, his steps deliberate but too slow for Satoru's usual pace.
«I went down by the river.» Suzue replied, her voice a little uncertain, still trying to shake the last remnants of her confusion. «I wanted to check something.»
Satoru nodded, his voice calm and measured. «Ah, the place where you fell, right?»
«Yeah...» Suzue answered reflexively, her mind replaying the moment. But something suddenly clicked. She slowed her pace, her frown deepening as her brain caught up with her words.
"Wait. How did he know that?"
She stopped walking, frowning slightly as her brain caught up with her words. Her heart skipped a beat. The words hung in the air for a moment, and a cold shiver ran down her spine.
"Have I mentioned it? When?"
Suzue couldn't remember telling him about the fall—about the spot by the river. In fact, she was almost certain she hadn't said anything. She hadn't had the chance.
But as she observed him, she noticed the familiar energy that radiated from Satoru. His cursed energy was as unmistakable as his presence—strong, overwhelming, and layered with that effortless confidence that only Satoru Gojo could pull off.
Her grip on the naginata loosened slightly as she focused on that energy. It felt like him, undeniably. The cursed energy wasn't just strong; it had that particular, unmistakable signature of the strongest sorcerer she knew. She had felt that pressure so many times before, it had become a constant. It was the one thing that always made her feel like things were under control. The unique pulse, the overwhelming yet familiar pressure—this had to be him.
Still, the unease lingered, just beneath the surface.
"You're just overthinking." she told herself, trying to silence the doubts. The cursed energy didn't lie—this was Satoru. It had to be. She just needed to trust him.
Even as that thought crossed her mind, she couldn't quite banish the strange discomfort that clung to the back of her thoughts. Something was wrong, but she couldn't yet place it. Her mind returned again to that strange moment. The river. The fall. The words he'd spoken. Her instincts screamed at her, but she was caught between the trust she had always placed in Satoru and the growing fear that something was terribly wrong.
«You said earlier...» she started carefully, her tone casual but probing, «That the curse has been watching us since we entered. Why hasn't it attacked yet? You think it's waiting for something?»
For a split second, there was silence—just long enough for Suzue to notice.
Then, he spoke, but the answer was delayed, like he had to think through it first. «It's probably sizing us up.» he said, his voice smooth again, too smooth. «Waiting for an opening.»
Her grip tightened on the naginata once more, a cold sweat forming at the back of her neck. "Sizing us up? Sizing up Satoru Gojo? As if." That didn't sound like something Satoru would worry about. He was always so far beyond his enemies that their actions barely mattered.
The doubt gnawed at her, more relentless now.
"Trust your instincts." she thought, forcing herself to keep walking. But her steps slowed just a fraction.
Then, finally, the question burst out, unbidden. «How... did you know about the fall in the river, Satoru? I think I never mentioned it.»
There was a pause—too long.
He stopped walking.
POV: Satoru Gojo
"Of course, it all started with the ice cream."
Satoru let out an exaggerated sigh as he surveyed the cursed fog swirling around him, hands stuffed into his pockets as usual. It was supposed to be a simple mission—well, as simple as a mission could be when it involved special-grade curses and a village swallowed by cursed fog—but somehow, here he was, standing alone, and Suzue had managed to make everything infinitely more complicated with her questionable life choices.
"Ice cream with Sukuna" he thought, the memory already irritating. Who in their right mind thinks it's a brilliant idea to sit down for ice cream with the King of Curses? Oh, right—Suzue. Because, of course, she's full of those fantastic ideas that always seem to make his life harder.
And then, as if that weren't bad enough, she insisted on taking the slow route to the village. No instant teleportation, no shortcuts, no quick solutions. "No, Satoru," he mentally mimicked her voice, cranking up the pitch in mockery. "Let's take the train. Let's walk. I need to reconnect with the land." He could practically feel his eyes roll at the thought.
Yeah, reconnect with the land, sure. Never mind that they were walking right into a cursed zone, with enough cursed energy floating around to choke a small army. And now, his Six Eyes were working overtime, picking apart all the cursed energy swirling around them. Every little fluctuation, every thread of malice, had to be parsed and understood. Fantastic.
Then, of course, there was the Hollow Purple debacle. Classic, really. He could've leveled the entire area in seconds, wiped the slate clean. Easy. Quick. Effective. But no—she'd turned those big, pleading eyes on him, the ones that made him feel like some kind of monster for even suggesting it. "Oh, Satoru, think of the history!" she had said, all soft-spoken and sentimental.
Right.
The history.
Of her razed, burned, cursed village. As if that place would survive in this fog for another day. He had refused at first—stood his ground. But then came the look. Damn her.
"Those eyes," he thought bitterly. So he caved, of course. "I'm a sucker for her, and she knows it."
And to top it all off, there was Hibiki. Starry-eyed, overly eager Hibiki. Satoru had already written her off as background noise, a non-factor, but Suzue—because why wouldn't she?—let her use her "cursed technique" on them. Now, not only was Satoru dealing with cursed energy interference from the fog, but he was also getting extra feedback from Hibiki's technique, mild sensation crawling over his skin. Yeah, thanks for that.
"Can't say I feel any better, kid."
So by the time they'd actually started walking through the fog-shrouded remains of Suzue's childhood village, Satoru was clinging to his patience by the thinnest of threads. But still, he had humored her. She had her reasons, after all, and he knew there was no point in rushing her through a place that clearly held so much emotional weight. He figured it was better to let her move at her own pace. He could manage that much, for Suzue.
But then she did the one thing—the one thing—that he had explicitly told her not to do. She disappeared. Slipped away, no word, no warning, no nothing. One second she was there, and the next, gone. Puff. Like a ghost.
Which left him here.
Alone.
In the dark.
He grumbled aloud, the sound swallowed by the fog. "No wandering off, Suzue." he had said, probably for the tenth time before they even got near the village. "No sudden disappearances, no going rogue with any last-minute, genius ideas." And she had promised—PROMISED—she wouldn't.
Yet here he was.
He paused, focusing his Six Eyes, scanning the cursed energy fluctuations around him. He sharpened his senses, trying to zero in on her. The cursed energy was thick and chaotic, swirling and pulling in all directions. Except… one sensation wasn't there anymore.
No Suzue.
"Shit."
But, to be fair, it wasn't just her disappearing act. It was the fact that now he had to actually track her down in this fog, which—let's face it—was more than a little unsettling. The fact that his Six Eyes weren't picking up on her immediately was a rare and unwelcome complication. And Satoru Gojo did not do complications. Satoru frowned, his fingers twitching in irritation. He could feel everything except her. That was unsettling.
"And why the hell didn't she tell me?" his mind wandered back to something she had said earlier, as casually as one might mention the weather.
"My domain is vast too." The words replayed in his head, and Satoru felt the nagging realization settle deeper into his thoughts. He had barely processed it at the time, shrugging it off, but now the implications were sinking in. Her domain wasn't just any domain—she had described it as "vast" and "can't throw around lightly".
If Suzue could manifest a domain of that size, just how dangerous was it? His gaze flickered down to the scorched ground beneath his feet, a perfect circle, like it had been drawn by some massive, unseen hand.
This wasn't just random destruction, for being still there ten years after. And now, with Suzue's offhanded comment about her domain expansion earlier, Satoru's thoughts were racing. Something about this place, something about her connection to it, didn't sit well with him.
"Maybe, just maybe... Sukuna had been right?"
He didn't want to consider the possibility, but he couldn't shake the feeling gnawing at the back of his mind.
Satoru's brow furrowed as he tried to make sense of it all. The domain. The cursed village. Suzue. He glanced back at the ground, that perfect, haunting circle. His instincts screamed at him. It was all fitting together like some horrible puzzle, and he was left trying to figure out what picture it was forming.
He clicked his tongue, shaking his head. He needed to find her, and fast.
Satoru glanced around as the fog seemed to press in closer. It wasn't like Suzue to completely vanish without a trace, even if she had slipped away. He could always sense her, even when she was trying to hide. But now… nothing. It wasn't panic—no, he wasn't worried. Not yet.
Suzue could handle herself. She was strong, he knew it and he had trained her. She wasn't some helpless rookie, and she'd proven herself capable time and time again. But still… the fact that he couldn't sense her cursed energy bothered him.
"She'll be fine." he reassured himself, though the nagging thought lingered in the back of his mind. "She always finds a way out of trouble." But that didn't mean he was happy about this. And when he found her—because he would find her—he was going to make sure she knew just how much of a pain in the ass she was.
His fingers itched with the urge to just obliterate everything within a mile radius. "One Hollow Purple and I can solve this." It would wipe out whatever was messing with his vision, Suzue would turn up, and they could call it a day.
But no. Of course, that would probably not go over well, especially when Suzue would undoubtedly give him grief for blowing up her childhood memories along with the curse. And if he did that… well, there'd be no end to it. Suzue would kill him. He could practically hear her voice now—"Satoru, you can't just go leveling everything in sight because you're annoyed."
"Annoyed?" he scoffed to himself, though there was no one there to hear it. "I'm not annoyed. I'm… mildly inconvenienced. There's a difference." There was something wrong with this place. Something that wasn't playing by the usual rules. And Suzue had walked right into it.
"Damn it, Suzue." He kicked a piece of rubble out of frustration, the sound echoing faintly in the thick mist. "You had one job—don't wander off. And now..." He let out a long, slow breath, rolling his neck and trying to force his usual confidence back into place. "Now I have to actually look for you. Again."
His mind flickered briefly to the last time she'd disappeared like that. It wasn't uncommon for her to let her emotions get the better of her, but this was a cursed zone, and she knew better. Suzue had always been a little too stubborn for her own good, but this was different. This was her village, her past—he got it. He could forgive her... this time.
But this was like searching for a needle in a haystack when the needle was dipped in an invisibility spell. No—scratch that. More like the needle got up, started walking around, and disappeared of its own accord.
For a moment, he allowed the thought to settle—just how serious the situation might be. The fog wasn't just a passive barrier; it was sentient, heavy with cursed energy that pulsed and shifted as if it were alive. It was smart, and that made it dangerous. If it could hide Suzue from his eyes, it could be masking other things, too—things that weren't going to be nearly as friendly or cute as her.
'
As he remained outwardly calm, he followed the faint trail of cursed energy she had left behind. Somewhere nearby, he could sense it—small, almost insignificant compared to the massive wave of cursed energy that still lurked deeper in the village.
Another flicker of cursed energy caught his attention, but it was faint—just out of range. He moved toward it, his steps lazy, hands tucked in his pockets. His face betrayed nothing of his inner frustration, but the usual cocky grin he wore was missing. He stopped suddenly, sensing something off in the air—a shift, a small ripple of cursed energy, almost like it was mocking him. "Now, what's this?"
Maybe Suzue was fine. Maybe this was her finally deciding to return to his side, sheepishly apologizing for vanishing. Or, maybe—just maybe—he was dealing with something worse. The grin came back, slow and dangerous. Whatever it was, he'd handle it. He always did.
Satoru moved with his usual unhurried confidence, his long strides cutting through the fog as if it were nothing more than an inconvenience. Despite the situation, his lips were set in a lazy smirk.
Then, as if on cue, a flicker of light appeared in the fog ahead of him—a familiar, faint glow.
Suzue.
«Suzue?» he called out, his voice laced with that usual playful tone, but his eyes sharpened instantly, taking in every detail. The figure in the fog emerged, slowly, the dim flame from her fingertip casting soft, flickering shadows across her face. But something wasn't right.
Her clothes were torn, blood dripping from her leg onto the dirt path as she tried to push through her pain. The naginata was still in her hand, but it trembled slightly, as if she was struggling to keep her grip.
«Satoru...» Her voice trembled, weak and broken. The sight of her so bloodied, vulnerable—it struck him like a punch to the gut. He wasn't used to seeing her like this. Her wide eyes, usually filled with a mix of innocence and that fire that couldn't be tamed, now seemed clouded with exhaustion, fear, and something deeper. Something broken.
«I... I found it.» She winced, her voice faltering as she took a shaky step toward him. «The special-grade curse. I tried... but it got away. I couldn't stop it.» Her voice cracked, and she let out a shaky breath, her fingers trembling on the naginata. Her entire posture screamed defeat, her usual grace was nowhere to be seen. Suzue bit her lip, frustration flashing across her face before she limped toward him, her movements slow and deliberate, as if she were pulling herself together just long enough to reach him.
"Damn it, Suzue."
Satoru's eyes softened slightly as she stumbled forward. The flickering light from her fingertip cast uneven shadows on her face, highlighting her beauty and the exhaustion etched into every line. For a moment, his heart twisted at the sight of her so broken, so vulnerable.
"She really does know how to pull at those heartstrings." he mused, the corners of his lips twitching slightly.
The blood, the wounds, the tears... Without hesitation, Satoru took another step forward, his hand reaching out to catch her wrist as she staggered closer.
He extended his arms slightly, his voice lowering to a gentler tone. «Hey hey… it's okay.» he said, his voice softer than usual, layered with a tenderness he usually kept hidden. «You did your best, Suzue.»
She staggered further into him, her flame flickering wildly as her other hand reached for him, almost desperate. Her eyes dropped, and she seemed to collapse into his presence, letting her shoulders slump. He guided her closer, the flickering light illuminating her fragile form. For a moment, it was as though she was falling into his arms, and all the composure she usually held together was breaking apart in front of him.
«Satoru, I-» she whispered again, her voice barely a breath as her body leaned against his. «I can't… I can't do this. This place, the village... it's too much.» Her eyes filled with tears, the perfect picture of vulnerability. «It's all still here. The screams, the fire. I thought I was strong enough to face it, but…»
She choked on her words, her body trembling as she pressed closer into him. «I just… I need you. Just for a minute.» Her voice was soft, almost pleading, her vulnerability on full display. She rested her forehead against his chest, her fingers clutching weakly at the fabric of his jacket as though it were her only tether to reality. She leaned in closer, her body melting into his. «Just… for a moment...» she whispered, her voice trembling. «Please.»
Satoru's eyes flickered with a mix of emotions, his expression softening as she pressed against him. He indulged the moment, letting her draw comfort from him. After all, he was her anchor, wasn't he?
He sighed softly, bringing his arms around her, leaning in closer. His hands were gentle as they slipped around her waist, pulling her into a secure embrace. He felt her lean into him fully, her face buried against his chest as if she were finally allowing herself to let go, to trust him entirely. His hand drifted up to her hair, brushing through it tenderly as he murmured softly. «Shh.» his voice barely above a whisper. «You're safe. I've got you.»
Suzue looked up at him, her tear-filled eyes searching his for reassurance, for safety. She leaned further into him, her voice a hushed plea. «Just... don't let go. Please-»
For a fleeting moment, Satoru's heart tugged. He pulled her more into the embrace, letting her nestle against him. Her body relaxed slightly against him, the tension in her muscles loosening. It felt like she was truly letting him in, and for once, Satoru didn't mind playing the role of the softie. He held her tighter, his thumb brushing lightly against the back of her neck.
«I thought I lost you...» she whispered against his chest. «I... was scared, Satoru.»
He tilted his head slightly, pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head, the gesture tender, his chin resting lightly against her hair. «You did good.» he said softly, his voice just above a whisper. «You're okay now.» he murmured against her, his voice soft, almost affectionate, brushing a stray lock of hair from her forehead. His hand moved gently, carefully tucking it behind her ear before resting it against the back of her head.
Satoru's hand slid down, his fingers tracing soothing patterns against the skin of her bare back. He let her cling to him, her body seeking solace. His arms tightened around her just a bit more, and she responded by pressing closer, her lips parting as she breathed out a soft, trembling sigh, those big red eyes gazing up at him with raw need.
"Well well..." he mused, his hand trailing from her back to brush away a tear from her cheek, his thumb lingering for a beat too long.
For a moment, just a split second, he let himself believe it. He indulged in the closeness, pretending for a moment that this was real—her leaning on him like this, seeking comfort from him.
"After all, it's a good performance, huh?"
He let his hand trail down her back, moving in slow, comforting circles. His other hand came up to brush through her hair, his fingers running through the strands as he leaned in just a little closer, almost protectively.
«Man.» Satoru muttered against her hair, his voice still low, still gentle. «It would've been great if you actually let me hug you like this more often, Suzue.» He let out a small laugh, his lips curling into a mischievous grin.
Her fingers tightened their grip on him, her breath warm against his neck. Her lips, just inches from his skin, parted as if to speak, but no words came out. Instead, she pressed herself even closer, her body molding to his as if she wanted nothing more than to disappear into him.
For a fleeting moment, Satoru let his mind wander. He imagined what it would be like if this were real.
"Well, maybe one day."
The thought flickered briefly, and for a split second, he allowed himself to indulge in the fantasy. He could feel the softness of her body against his, the warmth of her breath, the way her fingers clutched his jacket, trembling with need. His hand drifted lower, just a fraction, pressing against the small of her waist.
"Yes, would be nice."
Satoru sighed, his voice dropping to a near whisper as he leaned in closer to her ear. «You know.» he said softly, his tone still casual, «If the real Suzue ever let me hold her like this, I think I'd have a hard time letting go.»
She froze.
Her body jerked slightly in his arms, her breath catching in her throat. Satoru's smirk grew, his chin lowering slightly as he looked down at her.
His grip around her waist tightened further, almost possessively, his fingers pressing into her back just a bit more firmly than they should have. He could feel her squirm slightly. But she had come to him for comfort, after all, hadn't she?
Suzue's breath hitched, and she tilted her head back slightly, looking up at him with wide, tear-filled eyes. «Satoru... what are you talking about? I just...» she whispered, her voice fragile. «I need you, please.» Her voice wavered, her gaze pleading, and for just a second, Satoru almost admired her for its effort. But, of course, he had seen through it the whole time.
He clicked his tongue. "Poor thing doesn't know who it's dealing with." His arms squeezed her tighter, his grip now bordering on painful.
Suzue's breath hitched, a soft gasp escaping her lips. «Satoru…» she whimpered, her voice trembling. «Please… »
He let out a soft chuckle, though it was tinged with annoyance. "Too bad, huh? Would've loved to hear her say my name like that."
Satoru's smirk deepened as he held her tighter still, his fingers now pressing firmly into her back, his arms almost possessive. «Oh, c'mon-» He leaned in even closer against her ear. «I'd love to hear you say that in a different context, Suzue.» He tightened his grip around Suzue, his arms closing in like an iron cage.
She tensed even more in his arms, her fingers clutching his jacket not for comfort, but to push away. «Satoru, please, you're...»
He raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth twitching in amusement. "This is just torture." A low, sardonic chuckle rumbled from his chest. «Yeah, too bad you're not the real Suzue, huh? I might actually enjoy holding her like this.» His tone was dripping with sarcasm, but his expression remained unsettlingly calm. He could feel her pushing against him now, squirming slightly as if to escape his hold, but he didn't budge. In fact, he tightened his grip further «Hell, I'd much prefer if it were her, begging me... I'd be so much gentler. Maybe.» He shrugged, a wicked grin playing on his lips.
His smirk widened as a particularly unfiltered thought crossed his mind—Suzue, the real Suzue, desperate and breathless, but not in pain and with a much more pleasurable reason to plead with him. He allowed the fantasy to flicker just enough to entertain himself before snapping back to reality. Shame.
She gasped in pain now, her act shattering completely as she writhed against him. But Satoru's hold was unyielding. «Please, Satoru, stop...» Her voice was desperate, but the desperation was real this time, not part of the act.
The frustration of it all lingered in his mind—how much more satisfying it would be if this were the real Suzue. Instead, he was stuck with this pathetic imitation. The fake Suzue's body trembled against him, but he wasn't letting go. He leaned in closer, his lips brushing against her ear, voice dropping to a dangerously low murmur. «Stop? I thought you wanted comfort,» he teased, his voice low and menacing. «Beg me a little more. Maybe I'll be nice.» He leaned in, his lips brushing her ear again.
Her face twisted, trying to maintain the act of pain, of vulnerability, but the cracks were showing. The facade was slipping. And Satoru could feel it, every moment she was breaking under the pressure of his touch. Suzue let out a desperate whimper, her voice finally cracking. «Please, Satoru, I'm begging you… it really hurts…»
Satoru's smirk turned cold. «Yeah, it probably does.» he said flatly, his fingers digging into her back as the cursed energy beneath his grip pulsed wildly. «But here's the thing, Curse» he spat, his tone venomous now, «I always know who the real Suzue is.» His grip tightened further, and he could feel the cursed energy unraveling beneath his hands, as he activated Infinity.
Suzue -the fake Suzue- broke completely, liquefying into a mass of cursed water that slithered and pooled at his feet. Satoru stood there for a moment, his hands still raised in the position where her body had been, his eyes narrowed as he watched the curse disintegrate into nothing.
Brushing his hands off nonchalantly, he turned, his voice filled with mocking sarcasm. «Nice try. But for the records, Suzue's are a bit smaller.»
'
Satoru gave the cursed sludge one last disdainful glance as he began to walk away, hands sliding into his pockets with the casual ease of someone who felt utterly in control. His thoughts drifted back to the real Suzue—where was she? The situation had just gone from annoying to something else entirely.
But as he walked, something flickered at the edge of his senses. It was faint, but unmistakable—a pulse of cursed energy behind him.
Satoru paused mid-step, not bothering to turn around. His eyes narrowed slightly, though his body remained relaxed, giving off the air of a man who had everything under control. «Persistent little thing, huh?» he muttered under his breath.
The cursed sludge that had just been a puddle at his feet began to reform, once again taking on the shape of Suzue. Same torn clothes, same bloodied leg, same wounded expression. But this time, the imitation didn't try to seduce him or beg for mercy. Her face was eerily calm, a quiet confidence replacing the previous desperate act.
She stepped forward, a flicker of flame dancing in her hand. The flame expanded, casting a glow that cut through the thick mist around them.
The fake Suzue tilted her head slightly, as if contemplating something. «You hurt me, Satoru.» Her voice was soft, but it carried no emotion, no pleading like before. It was disturbingly calm, almost clinical, like she was stating a fact. And worse, it carried the exact cadence Suzue used when she was scolding him—annoyed, but not angry. Just like when he showed up late to a class or mission.
Satoru's eyes followed the small orb of fire in her hand, narrowing in recognition. The resemblance, the precision—it was uncanny. Every detail, down to the way the flame flickered in her palm, was a perfect match to Suzue's technique. He scrutinized her every move, his Six Eyes feeding him all the necessary information.
"No, this isn't her." he reminded himself. He could see that. Feel that. But damn it, the imitation was unsettlingly accurate. The cursed energy radiating from her was wrong but still so close to Suzue's own that it could've fooled someone without his eyes.
"Great," he thought, rolling his eyes internally, "As if dealing with the real Suzue wasn't enough."
The fake Suzue flicked her wrist, and the sphere of fire between them grew larger, the heat intensifying. Satoru barely flinched, more irritated than concerned. She was wielding Suzue's cursed technique with precision. And that was the part that really grated on him.
"Perfect," he thought sarcastically, "now I've got a copycat playing with fire. Literally."
As she stepped closer, her eyes locked onto his, and the smile she wore was sickeningly familiar. That smile -her smile- was too familiar. This curse wasn't just mimicking Suzue's appearance; it was mimicking her. The way she hesitated before speaking, the way her cheeks flushed slightly when she felt unsure. It was too close to the real thing, and it was beginning to mess with his patience.
"Okay, this is interesting," Satoru thought, though his expression remained cool. He had seen cursed imitations before, but never this refined. The cursed energy, the technique, the way she moved—it was nearly a perfect copy.
As if reading his mind, the fake Suzue spoke again, her voice carrying that same mocking tone, laced with sweetness. «Satoru, you look a little... distant,» she taunted, her tone just shy of condescending. Satoru's fingers twitched slightly in response, the itch to lash out growing stronger.
She even bit her lip, mimicking the real Suzue's telltale sign of nervousness.
"Unbelievable."
Satoru kept his face carefully neutral, rubbing the back of his neck in a lazy gesture. "If this curse can copy Suzue this well, what else can it do?" His thoughts were racing as he considered the implications. "Can it make more copies? Is this just one at a time? And if it can replicate Suzue's cursed technique…"
That last thought hit him with a jolt. If the curse could mimic Suzue's powers this perfectly, what else could it copy?
His fingers twitched again as his gaze narrowed. "If this thing can mimic Suzue's cursed techniques... could it mimic mine?" The thought was unsettling. A curse with his powers in the hands of an enemy? No, that wasn't something he wanted to deal with today.
The fake Suzue took another step forward, her eyes still locked on his. That smile never left her face, growing more smug with each passing moment. Her voice was deceptively soft as she spoke again, practically dripping with false concern. «Satoru, are you really okay? You seem... distracted.»
Satoru's jaw clenched, but his outward demeanor remained calm. Years of experience taught him how to maintain his composure even when something crawled under his skin. He let out a slow, measured breath, his eyes narrowing. «Cute trick.» he said, voice dripping with sarcasm. His gaze dropped briefly to her leg, where the fake wound still oozed blood. It was a strange detail for a curse to maintain, and Satoru wasn't one to ignore details.
"Odd." he mused, still staring at the injury. "Why keep the wound? Is that part of the game? Trying to look helpless?"
With a casual flick of his wrist, he activated his Infinity, the invisible barrier flickering to life between them. His voice was low and calm, tinged with amusement. «Well, Suzue-wannabe, seems to me like you're not the main body, huh?»
The fireball in her hand flared brightly, casting long, flickering shadows in the dense fog around them. The heat radiated outward, but Satoru didn't flinch. He barely even acknowledged the growing threat of the fireball. His eyes remained fixed on her, his mind racing as he pieced together the puzzle in front of him.
But then she said something that stopped him cold.
«Are you going to kill me too?» she asked, her voice soft, almost tender, but her smile was razor-sharp. Her next words cut through the air like a blade. «How does it feel, Satoru? To kill someone you care about—again?»
His hand twitched as if restraining the impulse to lash out. The calm façade slipped for a brief moment, and a spark of real anger flickered in his eyes. "Fantastic," he thought bitterly, his mind whirling with questions. "How the hell does it know that?" He didn't show anger often—he was too good for that—but this? This was different. This wasn't a curse anymore. This was a mockery of someone he actually gave a damn about, twisting that person's voice, their face, their very essence into something grotesque.
He took a slow breath, forcing the anger back down, but his voice lowered, taking on a dangerous edge. «You know...» His words came out measured, dripping with cold venom. «Usually, I'd let that slide. But today? Nah.»
The fake Suzue tilted her head, her expression not quite as confident as before. There was a flicker of uncertainty, as though she could sense the shift in him. But she pushed on, her voice laced with mockery. «Oh? Have I struck a nerve, Satoru?»
Satoru's lips curled into a slow, menacing grin. «Nah.» he said, voice calm but with an underlying menace that was unmistakable. He tilted his head slightly, his eyes narrowing. «I wouldn't call it that. But you, on the other hand... well, you've got about five seconds before you find out what happens when you piss me off.»
For a moment, the air around them seemed to still, the tension thick as the fog. Satoru was ready to end this pathetic imitation's existence, but just as he prepared to make his move, something even stranger happened.
Satoru blinked, his brows furrowing in confusion. He felt it—sharp and sudden, a dip in his cursed energy. It wasn't much, but enough for him to notice. His cursed energy reserves had dropped, and it wasn't the result of anything this cursed imitation had done.
"Wait. What?"
His mind raced, trying to process the sudden change. It wasn't the cursed fog, and it certainly wasn't the fake Suzue standing in front of him. But his cursed energy had shifted in a way it shouldn't have. Satoru narrowed his eyes, scanning the fake Suzue again, suspicion growing.
She stood there, holding the fireball, acting oblivious—or maybe she was playing dumb. Either way, something was wrong. Frustration began to bubble up beneath his calm surface, his mind whirring, trying to make sense of what just happened. "Why the hell did my cursed energy just drop like that?"
It wasn't a drastic loss, but it was enough to make his skin prickle. His reserves had dipped as though someone had siphoned off a portion without his knowledge, without his permission. And it wasn't the work of this cursed imitation in front of him. He was certain of that.
"What the hell is going on?"
His eyes flickered to the fake Suzue once more. The flame in her hand, the unsettling precision of her cursed energy, and now this unexpected shift in his own reserves. His lips curled into a grin, but this time, it was tinged with irritation, a crack in his usual composure.
His cursed energy—his vast, seemingly bottomless pool of power—had just dipped.
And, to his surprise, it wasn't that fake Suzue's doing.
Full character profile
HIBIKI NAKAMURA
Gender: Female
Birthday: March 17, 1998
Age: 20
Eye Color: Hazel
Hair Color: Brown
Height: 165 cm
Affiliation: Jujutsu Central Headquarters
Grade: Unknown
Occupation: Assistant
Cursed Technique: Echo of Comfort
A/N
Hey readers! How are you?
I'm currently battling the illnesses my son brings home from daycare, and of course, I catch them too! ヾ(ﾟдﾟ)ﾉ゛
But let's get back to the chapter.
Aaaah, finally! I've been waiting for this chapter to drop Hibiki's full profile, which you can find right above!
So, Suzue has managed to get herself into trouble again, and now Satoru seems to have way too much on his plate (and on his mind!).
I admit I'm super insecure about these action-focused chapters, so this one and the next few are giving me mini heart attacks as I publish them. But hey, I hope I don't bore you to death with my writing! （人´∀`*）
Facts:
-I tried to find a reference for Suzue's sorcerer uniform, but I couldn't find one that perfectly matched what I had in mind, so I'll leave the rest to your imagination, sorry!
-If Satoru had a headache before, standing outside the cursed fog, now that he's neck-deep in it and also covered in Hibiki's cursed energy thanks to her "cursed technique," the poor guy really needs some painkillers! Ah, what wouldn't he do to please Suzue (he regrets every single choice).
-Of course, he knew from the start it wasn't the real Suzue, but it's just his style not to take things seriously. And, okay, he might have taken the opportunity to vent some of his frustration.
I'll leave you with these little bits of information! (୨୧•͈ᴗ•͈)◞ᵗʱᵃᵑᵏઽ*