Taiju and Yuzuriha watched in horror as Kuri began setting up the ritual, gathering sweetgrass, sage, and water around Senku's still form. They exchanged a worried glance before Taiju stepped forward, his voice unsteady but determined.
"Kuri, you can't… this is forbidden, isn't it?" Taiju's voice shook. "Reviving someone from death—there's got to be a huge price. What will it do to you?"
Kuri paused, her expression unreadable, yet an air of finality clung to her every movement. "I knew this would happen one day," she murmured, a hint of sadness in her tone. "There's a way to bring someone back from death, but… it comes at a cost."
Yuzuriha's eyes widened, and she reached out, grabbing Kuri's arm. "Kuri, please, think this through! You're not just risking yourself. Senku would never want you to destroy a part of yourself just to save him."
Kuri gently freed her arm, her gaze softening as she looked at her friends. "I have the power to bring someone back… three times. But each time I do, a part of my soul is destroyed. And once those three are used… there's no coming back for me."
Taiju's face paled. "You mean, you're giving up part of yourself? Just for a chance to bring him back?"
Kuri nodded, a faint, sad smile appearing on her lips. "It's not just a part, Taiju. I lose pieces of who I am—memories, feelings… parts of my very existence fade each time. But for Senku, for what he means to all of us, I'm willing to pay that price."
Yuzuriha's voice wavered, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. "Kuri, there has to be another way! We'll keep searching. We can't lose you… not like this."
Kuri shook her head, her gaze resolute. "I made this choice a long time ago. Senku's vision—his dreams for humanity, for all of us—are too important to let him die. If I have the power to bring him back, even if it means losing parts of myself, then I'll do it."
Taiju clenched his fists, his voice filled with frustration and sadness. "Kuri, please… don't do this. Senku wouldn't want you to sacrifice yourself for him."
But Kuri merely smiled, turning back to Senku's body as she began casting the circle, her voice calm and unwavering. "He may not want it, but sometimes… we don't get a choice. We do what we must to protect those we love. And I love all of you too much to let this end here."
In the center of the sacred circle lay Senku's body, his face peaceful in death. Beside him were a twisted braid of sweetgrass and a white sage smudge stick. Placed carefully within the circle was a green bowl filled with pure water, resting just in front of the earth candle.
Kuri took a deep breath and began to cast the circle, moving deosil around Senku's body, lighting the sweetgrass braid. As she walked, the smoke curled through the air, her voice low and reverent.
"Senku, with equal parts love and sorrow, I call you back to us one last time," she intoned, each word laden with a solemn tenderness.
She continued to call upon Senku's spirit, her voice unwavering as she summoned him. Slowly, she felt his presence—a familiar energy stirring within the circle.
"Where… am I?" Senku's voice echoed faintly as his spirit form appeared, hovering within the circle.
"It's alright," Kuri said gently, her eyes meeting his ethereal gaze. "You're here because you're deeply loved… because your work is far from over."
She extended her hands, taking his ghostly ones in hers as her eyes flared with a brilliant silver light. Through their connection, Senku could feel the emotions of his friends, his allies, even the villagers of Ishigami, their worry and hope for him flowing back into his spirit.
Once Kuri felt his presence steady, she lit the white sage smudge stick and continued the ritual, her voice carrying a quiet strength.
"Do not be afraid. Always, with endings come new beginnings. You are the one who brings us hope, Senku Ishigami. Because you fought for all of us, we have a chance to rebuild. Now… it's my turn to bring you back."
"Kuri… don't do this!" Senku protested, realizing the depth of her sacrifice. "It's forbidden!"
Kuri gave him a sad, half-smile, her voice soft but resolute. "You taught me that some things are more important than rules, Senku. And love… love is worth any price."
Before Senku could object further, Kuri's form began to glow with golden light, her energy pouring into the circle, binding his spirit back to his body.
As her light faded, Senku's spirit slipped back into his physical form. The barrier shattered, and in the silence, they heard a single sound—a sharp, gasping breath as Senku's chest rose, his eyes snapping open with an anguished cry.