Third Person POV

At Satozakura High School. Itadori chases Yoshino while they fight.

"What are you doing, Junpei?!" Yuji yelled, his voice echoing through the hallway.

Junpei didn't stop. "Stay out of this, jujutsu sorcerer."

When Yuji had arrived, he was horrified to see Junpei torturing one of their classmates. The boy's left arm was partially disintegrated, hanging limp as he screamed in agony. Junpei stood over him, his expression void of remorse, driven by something far darker than anger. The sight of it still churned in Yuji's stomach.

"That's not something you get to decide!" Yuji shouted again, his frustration boiling over as he caught up.

Junpei turned to face him, his Shikigami floating at his side, its form shifting and writhing unnaturally. "What's the point of indiscriminate salvation? Don't mistake the value of a life."

Yuji slowed, confused and hurt by the words. "What are you talking about, Junpei? This isn't like you."

Junpei ignored him, his tone growing sharper. "People pretend their emotions are everything, but their heart is just the metabolism of the soul. It's all a delusion! Don't restrict me with rules based on a delusion. No one has the right to stop anyone from taking what lives they can."

"Just sleep over there," Junpei muttered, pointing at Yuji as his Shikigami lashed forward. "There's something I have to go back and do."

The jellyfish-like Shikigami surged toward Yuji, its tentacles whipping through the air. Each one glistened with cursed energy, a toxic sheen coating their surface.

After meeting a certain man who revealed the truth about curses, Junpei's perspective had shifted. He was taught about cursed energy, the unseen forces that shaped the world, and how to use them. His natural talent became apparent, allowing him to learn quickly.

Yoshino Junpei's cursed technique revolved around poison. By channeling his cursed energy, he could generate a deadly toxin and imbue it into his Shikigami

As Junpei ran, his Shikigami stayed behind to block Yuji's path, its attacks relentless. Tentacles lashed out, each coated in poison, forcing Yuji to stay on the defensive.

"Why are you getting in my way? Why? Why? Why?!" Junpei's voice cracked as he shouted, the frustration in his tone cutting through the chaotic sounds of the fight.

"Junpei, I don't understand… a damn thing you're saying!" Yuji shouted, his voice firm. "You can string together whatever logic you want, but you're just trying to convince yourself you're in the right!"

He charged forward, slipping past the Shikigami's defenses, and landed a clean punch on Junpei's chest. The impact sent Junpei flying back into the school building, crashing through the glass doors with a loud shatter.

There was only one way to deal with a Shikigami user, as Gojo-sensei had taught him—attack the user, not the Shikigami.

Yuji stood his ground, watching as Junpei struggled to his feet. "I don't know what your motive is," Yuji said, his tone softening. "I'm sure you have your reasons, but is it really worth throwing away your life for this?"

Yuji glared at him, "The human heart is a delusion?! Can you say that in front of her?!"

"People don't have hearts…" Junpei's voice grew quieter, trembling beneath his tears.

"You're still—"

"They don't!"

His voice cracked, raw with emotion. "Otherwise… otherwise… that would mean people cursed me and my mom with those hearts! That would just be too much… I wouldn't know what's right or wrong anymore…"

Junpei's words lingered in the still air, his voice trembling with pain as tears traced down his cheeks. Yuji stood frozen, his fists clenched tightly. He wanted to say something—anything—but the words wouldn't come. The silence between them felt heavy.

Junpei's shikigami materialized again, rushing at Yuji. Before he could react, the cursed creature struck, piercing Yuji through the chest and stomach.

"Wha… Why didn't you dodge?" Junpei's voice wavered, a mix of confusion and frustration.

Yuji staggered but didn't fall. Junpei released his shikigami, taking a cautious step back. He couldn't tell what Yuji was planning, but something about him seemed off.

Yuji took a slow step forward, his eyes calm yet filled with something Junpei didn't expect. "I'm sorry," he said, his tone heavy with regret. "I said a lot of things like I understood what you were going through. But I didn't. I didn't understand anything."

Junpei tensed, unsure of what to make of the sudden change.

"Tell me what happened, I swear I won't curse you anymore. So please…"

Junpei hesitated, his gaze darting between Yuji and the ground. He could feel the sincerity in Yuji's words, but the anger and pain inside him still burned fiercely. Slowly, his fists unclenched.

He started to explain, his voice quieter than before but heavy with grief. He spoke of his mother, and her death. He described the cursed spirit that had appeared in their home, drawn by what he believed to be a cursed object planted there. He explained how his classmates might have been responsible, His pain poured out in every word.

Yuji listened, the resolve in his eyes growing stronger.

"No way... Your mom..." he muttered, his voice heavy with sympathy and disbelief.

Junpei glanced away, the weight of his story pressing down on him.

Yuji stepped closer, his tone turning firm yet hopeful. "Junpei, come to Jujutsu Tech. There are crazy strong teachers there and friends you can count on. If we all work together, I'm sure we can find whoever cursed your mom. Then you can make sure they get what they deserve! Let's fight together!"

Junpei's expression shifted, conflicted yet drawn to Yuji's unwavering conviction.

Before Junpei could answer, Yuji's body tensed. He felt it—a presence looming nearby. His eyes darted to the top of the stairs.

A man stood there, his posture casual yet menacing.

"Heh…" The stranger smirked, his tone mocking as he surveyed the scene below.

Yuji's eyes narrowed. "Who are you?"

"Nice to meet you... Vessel of Sukuna."

The man's arm twisted and mutated, stretching unnaturally before slamming Yuji against the window. His grotesque limb pinned Yuji in place with ease.

"Mahito-san!" Junpei's voice cracked in surprise.

Yuji struggled, his muscles straining against the cursed spirit's grip. As he turned to get a better look, his eyes widened. The creature standing before him had the form of a human, but its face was a grotesque patchwork. This was exactly what Nanami had warned him about.

"Junpei, run!" Yuji yelled, desperation creeping into his voice. "I don't know what your connection to him is, but right now, just run! Please!"

Junpei hesitated, his expression torn. "Itadori-kun, please calm down! Mahito-san's not a bad person… Ah… bad… person…"

Mahito placed a hand on Junpei's shoulder, a twisted smile on his face. "You know, Junpei, you've got a good head on your shoulders."

Junpei blinked, confused. "Huh…?"

"But sometimes deliberation can lead to worse foolishness than recklessness. You're a perfect example of that. You're almost as foolish as the people you look down on."

Junpei froze, his body trembling as an unbearable sensation coursed through him. It felt like his entire being was being torn apart and rearranged.

"That's why you'll die," Mahito said with a quiet laugh.

"Idle Transfiguration."

In an instant, Junpei's body twisted and warped. His human form dissolved, replaced by the grotesque shape of a curse.

Mahito released Yuji, letting him drop to the ground. "Now, it's time for round two."

Junpei, now unrecognizable as a curse, lunged at Yuji. His claws struck with relentless force, sending Yuji stumbling back.

"Junpei…" Yuji's voice wavered as he tried to reach him. "Get a hold of yourself! I'll heal you right now!"

But even as he said it, Yuji knew the truth. He didn't know where to start—or if healing was even possible. He felt helpless, like there was no way to bring his friend back.

Then a thought struck him—there was one being, one person who might have the power to restore Junpei. The one hailed as the strongest. Maybe Sukuna could fix this, maybe he could return Junpei to his old self.

"Sukuna… Sukuna!" Yuji called out, desperation flooding his voice.

Then sukuna mouth appeared on his face.

"What?"

"I'll do anything!" Yuji's words rushed out in a frantic plea. "You can do anything you want with me! So heal Junpei, like you did when you restored my heart!"

Yuji's heart pounded in his chest. He didn't care what Sukuna would demand in return, what price he'd have to pay. Junpei's life—his friend—was the only thing that mattered now.

But Sukuna only chuckled darkly. "I refuse!"

Yuji's stomach dropped.

"Hehehehe! How very amusing! You'd offer up your pride, your future, your everything, just to rely on me... And in the end, you can't save anything."

"Pathetic! You couldn't be more pathetic, brat! Hehehehe!"

Mahito, who had been watching the exchange with interest, let out a booming laugh.

"Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!"

Yuji was silent, the weight of their words sinking in. In that moment, he realized the truth—they were both curses, bound by their own twisted nature. Despite the difference in form, there was no escaping what they were.

At the end of the day, they were still scum.

Yoshino's hand gripped at Yuji's clothes, his fingers trembling. "Yuji… Why?"

And then, with a final shudder, Yoshino collapsed, his life slipping away as his body crumpled to the ground.

"Hahahahahahahahahaha! Oh, dead already?" Mahito cruel laughter echoed through the corridor "I suppose I was a bit rough when I changed his shape. Phew… Guess that's how it goes."

Yuji's gaze stayed fixed on his fallen friend. For the first time, he felt it—the crushing weight of loss. His chest tightened, his mind spinning. He didn't know what was right or wrong anymore.

In a flash, Yuji's fist flew forward, landing a brutal punch directly into Mahito's face. The cursed spirit was sent tumbling down the staircase, his body crashing to the floor.

"That was an unusual blow. Interesting!" Mahito laughed, clearly entertained. "Too bad, though. That won't work. As long as I maintain the shape of my—"

Blood splattered from Mahito's nose. His expression twisted in confusion.

Mahito didn't understand what was happening. Yuji had struck his soul, but how? His thoughts raced, trying to make sense of it. Then, it hit him. Itadori Yuji was Sukuna's vessel. His body housed another soul in addition to his own. So naturally...

"You're aware... of the outline of your soul?"

Yuji locked eyes with Mahito, and for the first time, something dark and absolute surged within him. His fists clenched, and his words came from a place deeper than ever before, almost as though everything he had ever said up until that moment had been a lie.

"I will kill you."

The words were final, born from the very core of his being. There was no hesitation, no doubt. Only the cold certainty of a promise, one he intended to keep.

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Meanwhile, Nanami was rushing toward Satozakura High School.

The distance between the sewer and the school was considerable, and it took him longer than expected to arrive.

With Ichiji not around, Nanami had no choice but to travel on foot, making his way through the streets with urgency.

As he pressed on, Ino managed to reach him, reporting that the sewer had been cleared. There were no other curses in the area.

That left only one possibility—the patchwork curse was at Satozakura.

Nanami quickened his pace.

After a while, he finally saw the veil around Satozakura High School. Without hesitation, he headed inside.

He could already hear the sounds of fighting, which meant he was late. But the good news was that Itadori was still alive.

Inside, he saw them both—Mahito, about to strike Itadori. Without missing a beat, Nanami parried the attack with his knife.

"Ah… Nanamin…"

"Phew… I'll lecture you later. Tell me the situation."

"I couldn't save two people."

Nanami paused. He didn't understand Itadori's tendency to put others before himself, always choosing to protect them at the cost of his own well-being. It wasn't something Nanami could easily grasp, but he knew it was a part of Yuji's nature.

"Explain your physical state first."

"I'm fine, though I'm full of holes."

"That's not fine."

"Also, everyone from this school is unconscious in the gym."

Mahito, who had been watching the exchange, greeted Nanami with a mocking tone.

"Hey, you're alive and well, 7:3 sorcerer! Glad to see we both survived. Shall we share a hug in celebration of our reunion?"

Nanami look at Mahito.

Blood?

Knowing how Mahito cursed technique work, it shouldnt be possible to injure him, not by normal mean. It means that Yuji managed to injure him somehow.

"Itadori-kun, why is his nose bleeding?" Nanami asked, his sharp eyes locked on Mahito.

"Huh? I punched him," Yuji replied matter-of-factly.

"When?"

"At the start of our fight,"

Now it was clear—Yuji's attacks were effective against Mahito. But the question remained: why hadn't Mahito killed him yet? Nanami considered the possibilities carefully. The first was that Mahito's cursed technique simply didn't work on Yuji. The second, and more perplexing, was that Mahito had a reason to hold back, refraining from killing Yuji outright.

"Either way, that's good for us," Nanami thought to himself.

"My attacks won't work on him," Nanami said aloud, glancing at Yuji.

"Huh? Wha—? Huh? Why?" Yuji stammered, confused.

"I'll explain while I'm lecturing you," Nanami replied, his tone steady and firm. "However, I can halt his movements. Once we've both created an opening, we'll shower him with blows."

Yuji's fists tightened. "We'll make sure to exorcize him here, right now."

Mahito grinned, sensing the tension in the air. Without a word, he launched himself forward, his distorted body surging toward them with deadly intent.

Yuji and Nanami moved as one, their coordinated attacks aimed to end the battle decisively.

Nanami didn't waste time pondering further. Mahito surged forward, his grotesque grin twisting with malicious intent. Yuji moved in tandem with Nanami, their steps falling into an unspoken rhythm as they launched their attacks. Mahito shifted his body unnaturally, avoiding direct hits by contorting himself mid-movement.

Yuji aimed a punch at Mahito's torso, forcing him to block. Nanami took the opening and swung his blunt blade at Mahito's side. The impact was solid, cutting deep into Mahito's cursed body. His flesh split momentarily before knitting itself back together.

Mahito's laughter echoed through the field.

He retaliated, his arm morphing into a grotesque mass of spikes aimed at Nanami. Nanami sidestepped just enough to avoid a fatal blow, though the attack grazed his arm.

Yuji capitalized on the distraction, darting forward with speed that left Mahito little time to react. His fist collided with Mahito's face, the cursed spirit staggering slightly.

Mahito erupted into a ball of spikes, the sharp projectiles shooting outward in every direction. Yuji and Nanami moved instinctively, dodging with quick, decisive steps.

Mahito observed them calmly, his mind working even as his body reformed.

'I thought that attack might catch them off guard. But they dodged it easily'. His gaze narrowed as he noticed the aftermath. 'Not only that, they're already dismantling the weaker aspects of my moves. This attack won't work on them anymore. Time to move on.'

Yuji continued his relentless assault, forcing Mahito to stay on the defensive. Nanami joined in, their combined attacks becoming sharper and more relentless.

"Fufufu" Mahito couldn't help but laugh.

"C'mon, show me more, jujutsu sorc—"

His words abruptly cut off.

The world flipped violently. His vision twisted, disoriented, until suddenly he was staring at the sky. The sharp sting of pain registered before confusion overtook him. A figure loomed above—a woman he didn't recognize.

And then it hit him. His head… had been twisted 180 degrees.

"I found you," a woman's voice rang out, sharp and clear.

Her expression bore a predatory smile, one that sent a chill through him.

Before he could react, her fist connected with his face, sending him crashing into the ground. But she didn't stop there. Without pause, she grabbed Mahito, hoisting him up effortlessly. Then, with brutal force, she hurled him into one of the school buildings, the impact shatter the wall into rubble.

"Shiki-senpai?!" Yuji exclaimed, his voice filled with equal parts shock and confusion.

She didn't respond. Her gaze was fixed on Mahito, her blue eyes gleaming with an otherworldly hue that seemed to pierce through everything.

To most, those eyes might seem beautiful. But anyone who met their gaze knew better. They weren't a blessing—they were a curse.

Those eyes meant one thing:

Death.

And after four long years...

Shiki's Mystic Eyes of Death Perception had finally found her target.

[END]

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That's it for the chapter. I hope you guys enjoyed it!

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