"The belief in a supernatural source of evil is not necessary. Men alone are quite capable of every wickedness."

-Joseph Conrad-

Yuji is sitting in Niwa-sensi's office eating lunch. Why was this happening? Because of those girls "bullying" her. Which Yuji didn't think it was bullying at all. They literally just pulled her hair.

Apparently, her homeroom teacher felt so bad he made her lunch and it wasn't like she was going to turn down free food. Yuji didn't know how to cook and her grandpa was good at a lot of things but cooking wasn't one of them.

Of course, she would never tell him that, even in their playful banter. He already did enough for her. He worked lots of hours, he always made sure to come to any school functions, and when she was sick he always stayed home to take care of her.

Especially with everything that was happening with her, he made sure to take care of her. No matter how difficult it was.

Yuji just had a thought, she should learn how to cook.

It would help her grandpa a lot, why didn't she think of this before? Something in the back of her mind whispered because she was a child before the nightmares, now she had the thought process of an adult.

She was pulled out of her thoughts when her teacher placed a bento box in front of her. It looked amazingly good, it smelled just like the food stands she would buy from after school on her way home.

"Here you go Yuji-chan it was made with love" Niwa-sensei said with an overly sweet voice that made her laugh.

Yuji looked up at him with a bright grin on her face as she said excitedly. "I don't care what it's made with it looks amazing. Thank you so much!"

She grabbed the chopsticks and started eating happily. Yuji didn't even realize she was smiling the entire time she ate.

"Well if I knew this would make you so happy I would've started cooking for you a long time ago" Her homeroom teacher teased.

She had settled comfortably into his well-worn leather chair. While he sat on the edge of his cluttered desk. Yuji shifted her gaze over to him and finally became aware that he was observing her every bite as she savored her meal.

He was watching her intently. His head was cradled in his hand, his elbow resting on the desk, and his eyes fixed on her. Followed her every move with an intense, unwavering gaze that made her feel as though she was under a microscope.

It caused Yuji to blush lightly. She knows she doesn't have the best manners and it made her nervous how close he was watching her.

Kiiroibara Niwa's face turned into disgust at seeing her blush but Yuji didn't see it because she avoided eye contact.

She rubbed the back of her head sheepishly as she said in an embarrassed tone. "Sorry Niwa-sensei. It was so good I couldn't hold back. I'll slow down while eating. So please excuse my manners"

Niwa's expression shifted suddenly, transforming from disgust to one of relief. A warm smile graced his features once more. Yuji failed to register the change in his expression at all.

Little did she know that he was repulsed by her blushing, mistakenly thinking that she was blushing because of him. When he discovered that her embarrassment stemmed from her own lack of manners, a sense of relief washed over him, allowing him to turn back to normal.

Niwa felt ashamed that he thought for a second that Yuji was like the rest of the girls. She would never act like them, it was just his overthinking that got the best of him in that moment.

"Niwa-sensei are you going to eat?" Yuji asked curiously with a mouthful of food.

His smile only grew more at seeing her pay no mind to his presents. Eating like he wasn't even here. He replied easily. "No Yuji-chan I'm getting full just watching you eat."

Yuji rolled her eyes, her face showing exactly what she felt about that statement. She sighed and said in a tired voice that she was faking. "Niwa-sensei I sometimes worry about you. You say the weirdest things"

Her teacher just laughed at her and then stood up and walked over to the little refrigerator in his office. Niwa pulled out another bento and sat back down. He teased her with a smile. "Yuji-chan I have no idea what you are talking about. I'm just speaking the truth but I'll start eating since I wouldn't want you to eat alone."

She was already back to eating by the time he sat down. Which only made his fondness for her grow. He watched her eat but didn't make it so obvious this time, eating while he observed her. The blond man asked casually. "So Yuji-chan I know you just live with your grandfather, so who cooks? The way you were eating it would seem like you weren't being fed." He said the last part in a light-hearted manner, so she wouldn't get defensive.

"Well the old man cooks breakfast, I eat lunch here and for dinner, I buy food at the food stands on the street. On my way home from school." Yuji replied easily.

Niwa's eyes showed worry but he made sure to keep it off his face as he questioned Yuji about her home life. He knew she didn't like making people worry about her.

"Oh, that's why you attacked my homemade meal" Niwa jokes. Making Yuji smile as she said "Nope, its because it's so good"

Niwa returned the smile and returned to his questioning when Yuji was back to looking at her food. "Thank you Yuji-chan, I'm glad you liked it. Since you eat dinner alone why don't you come pick up food from me after school? so you can take it home to eat"

Yuji shakes her head no as she says with a fidgety tone. "Niwa-sensei I can't just take food from you for free that's not right, that feels like I am taking advantage of your kindness."

She didn't feel comfortable taking food for free on a daily basis. Yeah, today she took free food but she wouldn't take advantage of her teacher like that, who just wants to help.

The pink-haired girl reaffirmed her statement. "I know you are just being nice but I don't feel comfortable taking free food and not doing anything in return."

Yuji's unwavering belief was evident on her face, and Niwa knew all too well about her stubbornness. He had seen it many times when it came to things she believed in. It was endearing to see that she felt like she was taking advantage of him just by accepting some food.

His mask slipped off to show true tenderness and affection. It wasn't the fake kindness he showed to everyone around him. Niwa didn't have to fake his affection or tenderness when it came to Yuji. She was just so pure, so it was natural to have these feelings around her.

Niwa was constantly surrounded by admirers, both men and women, who were drawn to him solely because of his strikingly handsome appearance. His magnetic looks seemed to overshadow everything that made him human, his personality, intelligence, and even his culinary talents. It was as if his looks were the only thing that mattered to those who lusted after him.

So Yuji was like a breath of fresh air that came when he was suffocating because even the young girls he was teaching were lusting over him. Niwa thought he would get away from the lustful eyes thrown at him every day if he became a teacher. He was terribly wrong, if anything it was worse now than ever. So meeting Yuji this year really helped him.

He needed to protect her from all those who wished to harm her. He is still livid that he couldn't physically harm the girls who put their hands on Yuji out of jealousy, or her grandfather who was using drugs to corrupt Yuji.

Niwa was pulled out of his thoughts because he knew if he kept reminiscing on those thoughts he would do something drastic. No, he needs to wait and plan things out accordingly.

Niwa smiled softly at Yuji, his words were as if his thoughts slipped past his lips."Yuji-chan you know you are one of the rare people that don't want anything from me?"

Yuji looked up from her food and tilted her head slightly out of confusion and asked with uncertainty."Huh? I don't understand what you mean"

Niwa's smile didn't flutter, it only grew as he teased. "Oh nothing, I know what you can do for me, in exchange for the dinners." From his spot on the side of the desk, he leaned over as if he was going to tell a secret. His voice was completely serious even though his smile showed playfulness."call me by my first name! Then we can call it even."

Yuji blinked in surprise as she considered the solution, her face contorting as she pondered his words. Uncertainty flickered in her eyes as she grappled with the idea. She hesitated, unsure if addressing him by his first name would be appropriate. Despite everyone using his first name at school, she felt it might come across as disrespectful if she followed suit.

She spoke with a thoughtful tone although her hesitation was clear. "Let me think about it Niwa-sensei"

"Of course" His tone was even but it had traces of knowing.

Then the lunch bell rang.

Little did she know because every time she did something remotely helpful he would tell her he had dinner for her the next day.

Yuji was sure that Selena was a goddess hiding in a human form.

Selena was not only one of the most stunning person one could encounter, but her cooking skills seemed to transcend the ordinary.

Today, Selena brought breakfast again. For six weeks straight, she had been bringing food for both Yuji and her sensei. Yuji loved the food but she did wonder why Selena was coming around so often all of a sudden. The pink-haired child suspected it had something to do with her since Selena only started visiting after her breakdown, which resulted in her being medicated—though she still wasn't taking the medication.

Yuji imagined that the food Selena brought was what kings and queens ate. Each dish she prepared was a masterpiece, with vibrant colors and intricate flavors that captivated the senses.

The pink-haired girl was in awe, as she had never encountered such exotic creations, each with an intriguing name that sparked curiosity in yuji. With a warm smile, Selena elaborated on the origins. She proudly shared that they were rooted in the rich traditions of Mexican cuisine. Born in the heart of Latin America and raised amidst the vibrant culture of Mexico, her cooking was a heartfelt reflection of her heritage.

Today while Yuji was eating Selena said something that made the young girl nervous

Selena spoke with an excited tone. "Yuji- chan why don't you come over for dinner? I know you usually eat alone for dinner and when you go home you can bring dinner for your grandfather. I know he would appreciate a hot meal when he gets home from work."

Now Yuji didn't know if going over was a good idea. Not because of anything that Selena or her Sensei did but it had to do with the fact Yuji felt awkward going to people's houses.

After the nightmares started she got a new perspective on life. When Yuji goes over to a friend's house it feels like she is more of a babysitter than a friend hanging out.

If she went out with a group of friends and they intended to stay inside, she often ended up spending more time with their parents

than with her actual friends. She never intended for it to happen; she just felt uncomfortable roughhousing with children in the house. It only got worse when she began training with her sensei, as she was now trained to fight and didn't want to accidentally hurt the kids.

Don't get her wrong she still played with them. It was only outside activities where she could run away from them. Tag was a good game since it wasn't any way she would hurt the kids. Plus it was funny seeing the children try so hard to catch her. The "fighting the monster" turned into everyone just ganging on on Yuji trying to pin her down but she would just dodge them.

This was all done in group settings, she was too awkward by herself right now, she has been slowly getting better at being a 'kid again'. Then again it wasn't like Selena and Hyogaiji-sensei were children but still, she didn't know how it would be so it made Yuji nervous.

She attempted to conceal her nervous thoughts behind a facade of sheepishness as she spoke.. "I don't know, I will have to ask my grandpa"

Without missing a beat almost like Selena expected that answer out of yuji she said. "Oh don't worry I already asked him and he thinks it's a great idea."

Now this only confirmed Yuji's suspicions that Selena predicted her answer, that's why she went around yuji and talked to her grandpa first.

Selena kept smiling at her as if willing yuji to say yes. So with an unsure voice yuji answered. "Okay? I will go over for dinner."

"Perfect!" Selena just went on like the older woman didn't even hear yuji's nervous unsure tone. "I'm making albondigas for dinner I just know you'll love it!"

Yuji couldn't help but match Selena's smile with her own. Even though she was nervous it lessened with Selena's excitement. The young girl didn't notice that hyogaiji-sensei wore a small ghost-like smile on his lips.

After school, instead of leaving, she went to the nurse's office to look for Hyogaiji-sensei. Her nervousness increased as she walked through the school. The older man was already waiting for her by the office door.

But the nerves that seemed to weigh her down in the pit of her stomach all but disappeared when she heard her sensei bark at her. "Hurry up brat I don't want Selena mad at me for being late just because you decided to drag your feet."

Hyogaiji started to walk out of the school and onto the street opposite her home. Yuji noticed they were walking towards the forested area that had lots of hiking trails.

Yuji smiled and replied happily. "Hyogaiji-sensei you really are scared of Selena, huh?"

The pink-haired child thought her teacher would slap her in the back of the head -which never actually hurt- like he normally did after one of her smart-ass comments but he did something scarier he smirked and spoke with an eerily calm voice. "You know what? How about we take our time so you can experience her wrath."

Yuji paused for a moment at the thought of experiencing the wrath of that gorgeous woman and she didn't like the idea of having selena looking at her with anything other than her beautiful smile.

Yuji quickly tried to take her comment back when she noticed her teacher walking considerably slower. Her voice came off almost desperate. "Come on sensei you know I'm just joking, go ahead and give me a slap on the back of the head so we can get a move on."
This seemed to only widen Hyogaiji-sensei's smirk, if Yuji squinted her eyes she would even say it was a smile but the young girl would never tell her sensei that he was smiling. No, it made yuji want to be late because she wanted to see her sensei smile more. So she just kept joking around, begging for him to hurry. Which made them both smile but not that either would admit how fun it was to be joking about getting in trouble together.

That was what she thought before actually experiencing selena's anger. Now she was sitting on her knees with her sensei beside her as Selena lectured them about punctuality.

The worst part? Her sensei would use Selena's anger against her to keep her in line. Not that Yuji would be out of line often but she did toe the line to mess with her sensei.

"Now both of you wash up before dinner. Kiku give her the tour of the house so she doesn't get lost." Selena commanded before she turned around to walk back to the kitchen.

Because Yuji really did need a tour because their house was HUGE. She couldn't sit in her amazement because when they walked up to Hyogaiji-sensei's house Selena was already outside waiting in front of them. Looking angry.

Hyogaiji-sensei's house was a shrine, they must have come up the back way because it didn't have the usual torii gate in the front. The compound sits atop a serene hilltop, nestled within a tranquil forest giving a sense of reverence and connection to the natural world.

The towering shrine was massive on the inside. Yuji was immediately struck by its serene beauty. As they walked her sensei was pointing out what each room was and a lot of rooms were related to the shrine which made sense.

But it was hard for her to keep her attention on her sensei's words she was too busy taking in the shrine. She was able to see the front of the shrine as they walked through the house, The ornate wooden gates, adorned with intricate carvings, stand tall and proud, welcoming visitors into the sacred space beyond. It was like Yuji was enveloped in a sense of tranquility, the bustling world outside fading away. The shrine's architecture was a harmonious blend of elegant simplicity and ancient tradition, with sloping roofs and delicate latticed windows that seemed to whisper of centuries past.

At least that's how the book she was currently reading would describe it. It was one of the many books she would read at night when she couldn't sleep because of her nightmares.

Ahead of her, the main shrine building rises majestically, its vermilion-lacquered pillars supporting the curve of the roof. Yuji pauses to admire the exquisite details, the dragon carvings that twist and coil, and the intricate patterns that dance across the wooden beams. It was breathtaking. The house was elevated on a platform, the exterior walls were constructed with wood, adorned with intricate carvings, and painted in vibrant hues of red, white, and gold.

As they moved closer, the air was thick with the scent of incense, its fragrant mixed with the smell of Selena's cooking that seemed to follow them wherever they went. The rhythmic chime of the large bronze bell resonates with the spirits watching over this shrine. Yuji could breathe a sigh of relief that spirits or curses weren't appearing in front of her. It's not like she could see them before but at a shrine you would think that was one of the places you would see something supernatural.

Not to say the shrine was scary quite the opposite with the hand-carved wooden panels -each one a work of art in its own right- These delicate, latticed screens allow natural light to filter in, casting a warm, golden glow and creating an atmosphere of serenity and contemplation.

Approaching the main altar, she was struck by the serene beauty of the Shinto deities enshrined within, their serene expressions radiating a profound sense of peace. Yuji didn't know if she should offer a silent prayer but her sensei didn't pause so she kept going. Following him through the surrounding variety of other structures and spaces that make up the full shrine complex.

From there, a gravel pathway leads deeper into the shrine, flanked by towering trees and other natural landscaping that cultivates a serene, contemplative atmosphere. Along this path, one may encounter additional buildings like the haiden, or worship hall, where people can make their prayers and supplications.

The overall layout of the shrine seemed like deliberately planned out to confuse visitors. Which didn't make sense to her because why would you want that for a shrine? Then Yuji realized that no people were there. This was also unusual because it wasn't like shrines were ever closed this early before she asked any of her questions Hyogaiji-sensei guided her to what must be the dining area with all the food set out on a table.

Selena was sitting down on a pillow giving them a glance as she finished pouring soup in a bowl setting it down in the spot to her right.

Her voice had a hint of doubtful tone to it. "Were you a good guide to Yuji? Or did you just gloss over everything? Like a grumpy old man" She looked over to her husband, eyes almost pinning him to the spot he stood.

Which made Yuji laugh but she tried to cover it with a cough but it was too late. Hyogaiji-sensei gave her a slap on the back of her head. Yuji rubbed the back of her head like it hurt while sticking her tongue at her sensei.

Selena giggled at their antics, her voice sounded angry but had no real anger behind it. "Hurry up and sit down, you two were already late getting here."

Both followed her command and sat down on their pillows, getting settled to eat. Yuji didn't talk much during dinner she was too busy devouring selena's food. She forgot what the soup was called but she loved it.

After dinner, Yuji helped Hyogaiji-sensei clean up since Selena cooked, so they of course needed to clean up the mess. Afterward, the older woman made Yuji sit down so she could braid the pink-haired girl's hair. Yuji has gotten used to Selena doing her hair, she has come to love getting her hair played with.

"Yuji did you like the food?" Selena asked as her fingers went to work on Yuji's hair. The young girl only answered with an "Mhm" because she was so relaxed.

Selena waited for a few moments before she spoke with a gentle voice. "Then why don't you start coming here after school?" Almost anticipating Yuji's worries Selena added. "It's no burden to us. It really makes me happy to spend time with you. You see, I never had kids of my own so doing stuff such as braiding your hair brings me joy. It would be much appreciated if you came over."

Yuji didn't speak for a little while because she was lost in her thoughts. Selena's words had touched on a subject she rarely thought about. Having a mother to do these sorts of activities with. She never wished for parents because her grandpa was more than enough. But she began to feel the absence of a mother as she grew older.

Hearing girls talk about how their mothers would take them out shopping over the weekend or how they went to get their hair and nails done together. Yuji didn't care much for those types of things since she was never into them.

But would she have been different if she had a mother? Would she have wanted to get her nails done or spend time before school making sure her hair looked perfect? Yuji doesn't know. However, spending time with Selena made her enjoy having her hair styled by the older woman. There were moments like when Selena brought nail polish to their training sessions and painted Yuji's nails; she truly enjoyed it...

Selena even bought her a pink bento box which at first Yuji didn't care for, it's not like she hated it but she just didn't have feelings when it came to the color pink but when Selena said her favorite color Yuji suddenly liked the bento box being pink.

There were many more instances in the weeks that she has come to know Selena. All of them played in her mind as Selena's words repeated in her mind. Because of this, she realized maybe she was coming to see Selena as some sort of mother figure.

It made Yuji blush slightly at the childish thought, she answered Selena with a quiet voice. "Okay, I'll come after school for dinner."

Selena smiled with the same affection she showed her husband not that Yuji could see since the older woman was behind her doing her hair. Selena leaned forward and hugged Yuji from behind as she said with a loving voice. "Thank you Yuji it means a lot to me."

Now Yuji was blushing fully because of Selena. Yuji didn't notice how Hyogaiji-sensei had a small smile as he watched the scene unfold from his spot in the kitchen doorway.

If Yuji thought she was embarrassed before it was nothing compared to when she was leaving with her bag of food.

Selena hugged her goodbye and said with a smile. "Be safe Yuji, I love you."

Yuji froze as she was hugging the woman back. The pink-haired child didn't move for a few moments and Selena didn't pull away either, letting the younger girl process the older woman's words.

Then Yuji unfroze. She pulled away quickly and then hurried off in hopes of hiding her blush. Yuji called over her shoulder when she felt she was far enough that they couldn't see her blush. -They still saw the blush- "I love you both"

The Yuji took off into the woods to head home. Selena and Hyogaiji watched her as she disappeared in the distance.

Selena's smile only widened as Yuji ran away. She spoke to her husband with a teasing voice. "How does it feel to have such a wonderful new daughter"

Hyogaiji maintained his usual stone-faced expression, but she could see the delight in his eyes when Yuji said she loved them both. Even though her husband would never admit how much joy it brought him to know that Yuji loved him, he has come to love her in the same way.

Yuji gradually settled into a routine with Hyogaiji-sensei and Selena. Each day, she would walk with her sensei to his house, during which they would discuss the books they were reading. Initially, her mention of a book was just a casual remark, but to her surprise, her sensei had also read it. This common interest sparked the routine of their daily walks home.

They would discuss the books they were currently reading or the ones they had read in the past. Hyogaiji-sensei appeared surprised by the variety of books she could read and comprehend. Although Yuji pretended to be offended by his surprise, she recognized that it was indeed unusual for someone her age to be reading those kinds of books.

Then when they got to his house another routine was set. Yuji would go to the bathroom closest to the middle of the shrine and take a shower. So she didn't smell like a "wet puppy" as selena would call her. Yuji didn't understand how a wet puppy could smell bad but she still of course listened to the older woman and took a shower.

Yuji didn't complain because all the soaps that were in the restroom smelled heavenly. The pink-haired child suspected that they bought all these soaps just for her because the soaps weren't even open the first time she took a shower here. It made Yuji smile, her affection for the older couple growing.

After she got cleaned up, she would head to the kitchen to help prepare dinner. This was Yuji's favorite part because she had wanted to learn to cook ever since tasting Kiiroibara-sensei's food. Additionally, Selena's music was something the younger girl loved to listen to. While Selena taught her how to cook, she also took the opportunity to teach her Spanish, as many ingredients and food names were in Spanish. It made perfect sense for her to learn the language while they cooked together.

Once dinner was set they would eat and talk about random subjects but Yuji loved it. They didn't speak to her like a child, they would acknowledge her input on certain subjects. When most adults would dismiss her words as child nonsense. But Selena and Hyogaiji-sensei never did.

Then after dinner, Hyogaiji-sensei would clean up while Yuji would get her hair brushed and braided by Selena. Then Selena would 'force' her to do some face masks or another skin routine the older woman would have her do. Yuji wasn't allowed to complain either because she was the one who asked the woman how she looked so young.

Yes, they all fell into a nice comfortable routine that Yuji couldn't be happier with. She didn't realize that the older couple loved the new routine more than yuji did.

Six months.

Yuji lasted six months until she broke and finally decided to find out the truth.

She even waited until she got back to school from summer break, to check. The teenager with the long black hair helped her make this decision.

She lied to Hyogaiji and Selena about being unable to eat dinner with them tonight. Yuji felt bad but she needed to finally face her fears.

She debated with herself for a while if she was going to check because once she did, yuji could no longer deny her dreams anymore. When she told herself she had accepted them as truth. She lied to herself before, saying she accepted them but in reality in the back of her mind, she knew she didn't. She was just trying to give herself some sort of truth that was a lie to hold onto.

Even now she is still in denial because she never found out the teenage boy's name. Plus there are plenty of people with white hair. Blue eyes aren't uncommon either. That's how she was able to last six months because she kept lying to herself.

Yuji was able to be her normal self again for that short time. She has gotten a lot better since her breakdown when she was at her lowest, however now she feels like she is slipping back.

She was stalling and she knew that. So she took a deep breath to calm her nerves, looking up at the sky that had a tint of orange to it, with the sun setting soon. Taking it in for a moment before she looked at the school gates in front of her.

This was the place where she remembered the boy eating the finger. So that was obviously the best place to confirm her suspicions.

Yuji ever so slowly took the first step into the school. She picked up pace from a slow crawl until she was walking normally.

If anyone saw the pink-haired girl walking they would get chills with how blank her face looked, her eyes looked as if they were dead. But if Hyogaiji-sensei saw her, he would instantly know she was in a flashback.

Yuji's nightmares played in front of her as she made her way to the back of the school. With each step, they became more and more clear until they seemed to block her view of the real world.

But once she was in front of the box. all visions ceased.

The box was the same as her male counterpart opened and when he took out the small rectangular box that held the finger that was wrapped in white paper that had words written all over it.

Her hand felt like it had weights on it as she lifted it to open the door to the box. It felt like an eternity for Yuji to finally open the box. She was short so when she opened the door she was face to face with the very same item her male counterpart took.

A small rectangle box that she knew held the finger inside.

She was having a panic attack that was the only explanation she could think of. On why she couldn't get her breathing under control. Or why the world was spinning around her.

Itadori fell to her knees as tears ran down her face, her eyes widened in fear. As every nightmare she has ever had came flooding to the front of her mind. Every scream, every demon, every dead body, every fear. EVERYTHING was being shoved down her throat.

That's why Itadori didn't see or notice when a foot smashed into the back of her head. Hard. Knocking her to the floor, blood spilling out of her new broken nose. Her mouth filled with blood as she bit down on her cheek from impact.

She heard someone yelling at her but her head was ringing with a high-pitched bell sound. Yuji tried to get her bearings but then another kick to her stomach set her back, so she wasn't able to concentrate because of the pain.

She choked on her own blood as she gasped in pain. Then the yelling got more clear as someone grabbed onto her hair and pulled her up until she was on her knees.

"You didn't think we wouldn't do anything? After you made Kiiroibara-sensei hate us! You stupid bitch!" The pure hatred Yuji heard from the voice was setting her on edge. Through the blood, she finally saw who had attacked her.

Sakura was holding onto her hair with a vice grip as she screamed into her face, spit flying out of Sakura's mouth as she screamed at Yuji. "You fucking cunt I am going to make sure you realize how beneath me you are!"

Even with all the pain she was feeling Yuji her eyes weren't on her attackers but on the box that the finger was in. Her mind was spinning because of the thoughts that played in her mind. Or maybe it was because of the loss of blood.

Mio could see Yuji not looking at them and it pissed her off. So the shorter girl slapped Yuji across the face hard. Making the pink-haired girl's new broken nose injury gush out more blood.

Yuji screamed in agony, her whole body shaking in pain, she didn't get to follow how the slap turned her face because of Sakura's hold on her hair. So she had to keep her face straight while the slap crashed her nose some more.

Yuji was screaming so loud she didn't even realize another person was screaming with her.

"Stop it! There is too much blood!" Kei screamed at the other two girls. She ran up and started to pull Sakura's fingers out of Yuji's hair.

Kei was much taller than the two other girls and stronger but she quickly backed down when Sakura hissed at her. "You little street rat, what do you think you are doing?!"

Kei flinched back and let go of Sakura's hand that was still entangled in Yuji's hair. The taller girl looked down, shaking as she stuttered out an excuse. "Y-your father is going to pu-punish you if he finds out, he told me to keep you out of trouble"

Sakura's dark expression didn't change at Kei's words, instead, she looked more angry as she spat out. "Your father works for my father so that means you work for me, don't forget you are beneath me, Street Rat"

Before Kei could apologize for her actions, Mio yelled in disgust."What the hell is this?"

Mio came over with a small box in her hand but that's not the reason for her face to twist in disgust. It's what was in her other hand. Mio opened the small box and took out the item that was inside and began to unwrap it as she walked towards the girls. She only was able to unwrap the very tip of the red finger, which was wrapped in white paper that had words written all over it. Even with so little showing, you could still make out it was a finger.

"This is what you were looking at? You freak!" Mio asked grossed out. She practically shoved the wrapped red finger into Yuji's face as she asked.

Now this got Yuji to grasp onto the world around her, the pain that was making her head spin seemed to cease at the very moment Yuji came face to face with the red finger. Her heart stopped beating and the little air she could breathe left her lungs.

Before she could even process what was happening. Sakura grabbed the finger out of Mio's hand and had a disturbing smile on her face as she said in an unsettling voice. "So this is what makes you look so scared? Not our beatings but this fake finger?"

Sakura pulled Yuji's hair until her head was pulled back and looked up at Sakura, who was looking down at her in hatred. "Well let's see if Niwa-sensei would want to have lunch with you when your breath smells like decaying flesh"

Without warning the blonde girl shoved the finger into Yuji's mouth. It was so hard the nail cut deeply into the top of her mouth and kept cutting all the way down to the back of her throat, as Sakura shoved it deeper into Yuji's mouth.

"Eat it you stupid bitch!" Sakura screamed as she pushed the finger farther into Yuji's throat. She then covered Yuji's mouth as she screamed. "Swallow it!"

Tears were streaming down Yuji's face not because she was crying but because she couldn't breathe. With a broken nose, she could only breathe out of her mouth, and with the finger being shoved down her throat was cutting off her air supply.

Yuji gagged and choked as she swallowed the finger.

What none of the three girls were expecting was for Yuji to go completely limp. Her body weight was too much for Sakura to carry with her hand in Yuji's hair.

Sakura let go of Yuji's hair and Yuji just crashed onto the floor. She didn't even try to catch herself as her face slammed into the floor, luckily it was the side of her face and not on her broken nose.

But a cracking sound could be heard. What bone broke? They couldn't tell.

What terrified the girls was the fact that Yuji's eyes were wide open, her mouth slightly open as blood trailed out of the side of her mouth. Yuji wasn't breathing, her lifeless body was slowly being surrounded by blood spilling out from her mouth and nose.

No one moved, all the girls staring down at Yuji's dead body. They stayed like that for what felt like an eternity for them but couldn't have been longer than a few moments.

"She's dead" Kei whispered and just like that, the girls could move again but it was too late by then.

What no one saw were tattoos that seemed to appear from nowhere on Yuji's body before they quickly disappeared.

"no" a low rough voice shrouded in pain said.

Hyogaiji stood a few paces away, his eyes fixed on Yuji's body on the floor. When he looked into her warm chestnut brown eyes usually sparkled with intelligence and kindness, were now glazed over with death. The light snuffed out of them.

If Yuji could see her sensei's face, she would hug him immediately because Hyogaiji looked like a broken man. His face revealed his world-shattering pain.

For the first time in a long time, Hyogaiji Kiku stood frozen in fear. His body not moving as he watched the blood pour out of Yuji's mouth and nose, slowly engulfing the area around her. Hyogaiji didn't move until one of the girls turned to run.

His face contorted with dark rage, transforming into the visage of the killer he once was.

Then his body moved on instinct alone that was fueled by hatred, rage, and sorrow. He was on top of the girl before she took no more than four steps. Hyogaiji grabbed her by the neck with almost all his strength. The only reason he didn't crack her neck and kill her instantly was the fact, that the other girl went to run. So he had to slam the girl in his hands, onto the ground hard enough that she wouldn't get up. He then took off running after the girl who was trying to get away.

He slammed the girl he knew as Sakura onto the floor with a heavy right hook, knocking the air out of her lungs. Her head smacked against the floor. As her body hit the ground, her head made a sharp impact, causing her eyes to roll back and rendering her unconscious.

Hyogaiji took off after the other girl named Mio. She was able to get up even after he slammed her on the ground. Hunting her down the few paces she ran before he got to her. He didn't even bother grabbing her. Instead, he kicked her full force on her back. She went flying, tumbling across the floor but Hyogaiji didn't let her body finish rolling before he grabbed her by the ankle dragging her back.

He listened to her screaming begging for him to stop. Which only enraged him more. He threw her across the floor towards the rest of the girls.

His eyes flickered to Yuji's body which was exactly as it was before, meaning that she really was dead. Hyogaiji found himself unable to deny the truth any longer. The fleeting moment during which he attempted to deny it had slipped away, leaving him facing the undeniable reality.

At that moment Hyogaiji knew he was going to kill each one of these girls, slowly and painfully just like when he was in the military. He knew he was going to use every trick in the trade, that he learned.

He walked over to the girl who hadn't moved and was just staring at Yuji's lifeless body. Hyogaiji's hand went to grab onto her neck.

Selena knelt on the cold, hard ground, her trembling hands reaching out to touch Yuji's lifeless body. Her eyes were filled with tears as she gazed at Yuji, the weight of her grief pressing down on her like a physical force.

"Kiku, Yuji wouldn't want this" She was so consumed by sorrow as she spoke, she didn't even bother to glance in the direction of her husband, her words seemingly disconnected from any acknowledgment of his presence. Her entire world collapsed around her at that moment.

His face didn't change from the dark rage of a killer but he didn't grab onto the last girl's neck.

Instead, he made a B-line to Yuji's body. As he took each step forward, he felt the sinking weight of his heart being pulled deeper and deeper into his chest. Despite the heaviness, he continued until finally, he came face to face with Yuji's dead body.

Hyogaiji had never said out loud that he had come to see Yuji as his daughter. Unlike Selena who would say it every chance she got. No, he never said it out loud but he said it with his actions. Making sure Yuji had enough water, bringing her food knowing the workouts burned a lot of energy, or when he didn't push Yuji off when she suddenly started hugging him whenever she left his house. How he made sure when he smoked not to have her close, so she wouldn't breathe in the smoke. How he bought all the stupid girly stuff Selena said Yuji would need.

Yes, he did all of this but he never actually said he loved her. Did she know? Did she know he loves her.

He Loved her.

The weight of guilt felt like an insurmountable mountain pressing down on Hyogaiji's shoulders. Despite Yuji repeatedly expressing her love for him. Always saying I love you every time she left his house. Hyogaiji would brush her off, unable to accept her affection due to his sense of uneasiness with that phrase. He found himself unable to shed tears in that moment, so consumed by his regret.

However, as he heard Selena's heartbreaking sobs, a realization washed over him. He was finally able to notice tears slipping out of his eyes. His cries were different from his wife's, they were muted and numb. Reflecting his body's attempt to suppress the pain, a defense mechanism that always kicked in whenever he felt overwhelmed by negative emotions.

Hyogaiji couldn't bear to keep his eyes open as the haunting image of Yuji's lifeless body seared itself into his mind.

He knew that he would never be able to shake off the regret of not preventing Yuji from leaving his office. If only he had intervened, she would still be alive. Hyogaiji was certain that Yuji had been lying when she made an excuse about being unable to join them for dinner, yet he had allowed her to leave. The only reason he found himself here at the school was because Selena had expressed an uneasy feeling about Yuji leaving.

If Selema hadn't pressured him into using the location app on Yuji's phone to find the young girl. Would Yuji's lifeless body now be lying on the floor, abandoned and unnoticed? The individual girls responsible for Yuji's death would likely have escaped without consequence, slipping away from justice. With each passing thought, Hyogaiji found himself struggling to contain the overwhelming surge of emotions, he had to swallow a sob threatening to escape from deep within.

Selena screamed in panic and joy. "She's breathing! Kiku call an ambulance!"

Hyogaiji's eyes snapped towards Selena and Yuji, his hand already on his phone in his pocket as he rushed to Yuji's side. He wasn't sure if he threw the phone at Selena or at the ground, but he heard her talking to an emergency operator not a moment later. His hands worked quickly on Yuji's body as he flipped her over onto her back, doing so slowly but urgently.

He initiated a thorough physical examination, beginning with a detailed assessment of the chest and lungs to investigate the origin of the blood emanating from her mouth. His primary objective was to gauge the extent of the bleeding and pinpoint the specific site of the internal bleeding.

Hyogaiji was determined to do whatever it took to ensure Yuji's survival. Despite the paramedic's attempts to take control when they arrived, Hyogaiji disregarded their orders and insisted on using his own medical expertise. He demanded the necessary instruments and supplies to begin treating Yuji. Once the paramedics realized that Hyogaiji was a doctor, they promptly offered their assistance.

Hyogaiji wouldn't let Yuji die.

Hello!~ I hope you enjoyed the story.

Just wanted to say a few things. I am dyslexic, so no matter how many times I proofread my work there's going to be stuff I missed. So I apologize for that. If you enjoyed the story please feel free to comment, like, and follow. It shows me that I should continue writing for this story. Thank you so much to the people who liked, commented, and followed. It motivates me to keep writing.

Next Chapter:

He appeared hazy, a shadow lurking in the distance, obscured by a mountain of inscribed papers that enveloped the cage containing him. Each sheet was a testament to some arcane knowledge, fluttering slightly in the breeze, like whispers of forgotten secrets.

At that moment, clarity struck her. There was no mistaking it, this enigmatic figure was, without a doubt, Ryomen Sukuna.

Despite his obscured appearance, his sheer power was unmistakable, radiating outward in pulsing waves that made her skin prickle and her hair stand on end. Caged and restrained, this unholy entity strained against his bindings, the thousands of inscribed papers on the metal bars of the cage trembling and groaning as if ready to give way at any moment under the immense, primal force contained within him.

Yet, for all his terrifying power, Ryomen Sukuna remained trapped, his fury and hatred leashed for now.