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START OF VOLUME 2

𝐉𝐮𝐣𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐮 𝐊𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐧: 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬
By: AnonWriterzzzz

Chapter 11: Recovery

Zenin Clan Headquarters, Japan
15th of September, 2024
7:10 AM

Shin suddenly jolted awake, sitting upright. He could see nothing but darkness ahead of him. He pats down his eyes, feeling the soft texture of bandages wrapped around his face. He grips the end of the bandage and begins unraveling them, revealing the bright sun rays peering through the walls of the washitsu bedroom. As he sat upright on the tatami bed, the soft glow of the sunrise filtered through the Shoji screens, casting warm hues across the room and highlighting the vivid blue of his eyes. Shin places his hand on his forehead, a massive headache striking him. He groans in pain as he grabs hold of the wall, trying to pull himself up. His legs ache, and force him back down. Shin looks down, his legs covered with black sweatpants.

Across from his bed, the wooden Shoji door slowly slides open, the whoosh from the movement causing a gust of air to flow into the room. The wind hits Shin, soothing his aching body. On the other side of the door, Megumi Fushiguro steps inside, his hands in his pockets. In his mouth, he inhales from a lit cigarette, the smoke exiting his mouth as he exhales. He watches as the smoke fills the room, coughing slightly as the sharp scent of nicotine hits his nose. Megumi leans on the side of the wall, holding his cigarette between his middle and index fingers.

Megumi: "Ah, you're awake. How are you feeling?"

Shin does not respond; his eyes meet Megumi's, his gaze vacant and unreadable, as if lost in thought. Megumi pops back upright and begins stepping over to the tatami bed, placing his hands on his hips.

Megumi: "I'll take that as a good sign..."

Shin squints his eyes, giving a confused glare towards Megumi.

Megumi: "Welcome to the Zenin clan, rather, what's left of it."

Shin: "..."

Megumi, sighing: "If you can stand, I would like to show you around."

Megumi extended his hand, Shin grasping onto it, his grip weak. With Megumi's support, he carefully swung his legs over. As he attempted to stand, his knees buckled slightly, and he leaned heavily on Megumi. The bandages wrapped around his body tightened, reminding him of the wounds beneath. Megumi adjusted his hold to steady Shin. Bandages covered the majority of Shin's body, slightly stained a deep crimson red from his blood—not from his wounds but from his nose. Shin pats his face, his fingers picking up a few drops of blood. With Shin secured in his grasp, the two walk over to the Shoji doors. The bright morning sun glares onto Shin's face, and he instinctively covers his eyes with his hands, the drops of blood instantly drying. As the glare dissipates and Shin becomes accustomed to the light, he observes the headquarters, an array of construction projects, and uncompleted houses with just the wooden frames standing tall. The smell of natural mahogany wood escapes from the freshly cut wooden houses.

They walk across the construction site, a group of four surviving Zenin women waving towards Megumi, but stopping at the sight of Shin, covering their mouths as they whisper to each other in secrecy. Shin watches this as they run off once they meet gazes, observing the workers—all of them with black hair covered by yellow construction helmets.

Towards the start of the forest and at the end of the compound, a completed structure stood tall. They walk towards the building, Megumi flicking his now drained cigarette towards the floor, stomping it out as they approach the stairs. With his free hand, he slides the Shoji door across, revealing the interior of a dojo. On the other side, a woman sat with her legs crossed, her short hair reaching to her lower neck, and burn scars covering the majority of her body.

The woman turns around, rectangular glasses covering her eyes. She gives Shin a warm smile, which Shin reciprocates. The woman stands up, her jacket clipped around her neck, her arms out of the sleeves.

Maki: "Good morning, Shin."

Shin, weak: "Hey."

Megumi gently pats Shin on the back, another cigarette in his mouth.

Megumi: "You got him from here, Maki. I have to run some errands."

Maki nodded, and Megumi stepped outside the dojo, sliding the Shoji doors shut behind him with a soft whoosh. The last glimpse Shin caught was of Megumi's jet-black, spiky hair, unchanged since 2018, disappearing beyond the threshold. The subtle scent of mahogany wood lingered in the air. As the door closed, a gentle hush settled over the room, broken only by the distant chirping of morning birds.

Shin turned his attention back to the dojo's serene interior. He hobbled toward the far side of the spacious room, each step deliberate to ease the ache in his muscles. Sunlight filtered through the rice-paper windows, casting a warm, diffused glow that illuminated floating dust particles like tiny stars. A plush cushion awaited him on the polished wooden floor, its deep indigo fabric contrasting with the natural tones of the tatami mats.

He carefully lowered himself, squatting down and crossing his legs as he settled onto the soft padding. The cushion gave slightly under his weight, providing comfort to his weary body. The faint aroma of cedar and incense filled his senses, bringing a sense of calm and familiarity. The dojo was minimalist yet elegant, with calligraphy scrolls adorning the walls and a meticulously arranged zen garden visible just outside.

Maki moved with practiced grace, turning to retrieve a lacquered tray upon which a traditional tea set rested neatly. The tea set had delicate porcelain cups painted with intricate cherry blossom designs and a teapot emitting wisps of steam from its spout shaped like a blooming lotus. She carried the tray to the center of the room and took her seat across from Shin, placing it gently on the floor between them.

Picking up the cast-iron kettle by its curved handle wrapped in woven bamboo, Maki poured hot water into the teapot. The water met the tea leaves with a soft splash, and fragrant steam rose in ethereal tendrils, filling the air with the soothing scent of jasmine and green tea. Maki glanced toward Shin, a reminiscent smile forming on her face, her eyes reflecting a mix of nostalgia and fondness.

Shin noticed her expression and looked back at her in confusion, tilting his head slightly. The warm light highlighted the subtle freckles on his cheeks and the bandages peeking out from under his sleeves, his voice breaking the comfortable silence.

Shin: "What is it?"

Maki chuckles softly, lightly shaking her head. The gentle sound carries through the tranquil dojo, blending with the distant rustle of leaves outside.

Maki: "You just look so much like him, that's all."

Shin's smile dissipates. He looks down at the tea set before them.

Maki: "How do you prefer your tea?"

Shin: "With milk, please."

Maki nods and reaches for a small ceramic pitcher filled with milk. She pours a smooth stream into one of the teacups, the white liquid swirling gracefully. Picking up the teapot, she places two fingers lightly on the lid to keep it steady. As she tilts it, amber-colored tea flows out, mingling with the milk to create a soothing blend. Steam rises in delicate wisps, carrying the fragrant aroma of green tea infused with subtle notes of jasmine.

They continue to converse while she prepares the tea. The soft clinking of porcelain and the gentle pouring of liquid create a calming rhythm. Outside, a breeze whispers through the garden, and the distant sound of a bamboo water fountain adds to the peaceful atmosphere. The dojo feels like a world unto itself, a serene haven where time seems to slow down.

Maki: "Just to keep you informed, Zankoku and Shigematsu are in the hospital recovering."

Shin: "Are they badly injured?"

Maki: "Only Joyo; both his arms were amputated in the attack. Shigematsu should be awake by now; he only suffered minor brain injuries."

Shin, growing worry: "Are you aware of what happened in the cave?"

Maki: "Not entirely, Itadori refuses to say anything, poor him. I only got a glimpse of the inside of Shoko's infirmary."

A silence encapsulates the room, Shin squeezing the loose cloth of his pants. He squints his eyes, his back aching from the added weights onto his conscience. Maki glances at Shin for a moment, switching her vision back to the kettle.

Maki: "I understand how you feel. When I was around your age, I lost my sister."

Shin looks up, meeting Maki's gaze.

Maki: "The old higher-ups of the Zenin clan tortured her and me, and when she sacrificed herself to aid me, I destroyed everything you see around you. All that construction? That was because of me."

Shin: "You're the black sheep of the Zenin clan?"

Maki chuckles, covering her mouth with her hand.

Maki: "No, that would be my cousin, Toji."

Shin: "Cameron told me about him and how he killed an innocent young girl?"

Maki: "That was almost two decades ago. Satoru blamed himself for her death every day."

Shin: "And what about me...?"

Shin's fingers tightened around the fabric of his pants, knuckles whitening as a knot formed in his stomach. He held his breath, bracing himself for her response. The room falls silent yet again, Maki looks down at Shin's tea, the warm milk and the tea battling for color dominance, eventually settling to a warm green. She looks up, staring into Shin's eyes.

Meanwhile, at Jujutsu High...

Tokyo Jujutsu High, Japan
15th of September, 2024
9:00 AM

The clock struck 9:00 AM, chimes blaring throughout the school grounds as the sun climbed higher in the sky. The atmosphere at Tokyo Jujutsu High was heavy with concern. In the medical ward, the sound of electronic beeping pierced through the walls, the result of an EKG. In a hallway, Yuji leaned his head against the vinyl, tapping his foot in rapid succession. The smashing of his boot created an echo that traveled throughout the hall. Yuji looked around, noticing the walls closing in on him, warping the dimensions of the building. He tripped on his foot, picking himself up and mumbling a curse to himself.

To the right of Yuji, a large metallic door separated the hallway from the room. The cold grey handle turned down—someone was on the other side. The door swung open, and walking through, Ieiri Shoko peered at Yuji, her eyebrows drawing close as she saw him in his vulnerable state. She wore a white doctor's coat, a black turtleneck sweater under it, completed with black cargo pants. Her coat was smeared with blood, and the blue mask covering her face also bore a few drops of blood.

Shoko: "He is alive, but just barely. I just completed his fifth surgery, but his arms are...proving difficult to regrow."

Yuji nodded, and together they walked into the room. As they entered, a sterile scent of antiseptic filled the air, mingling with the faint hum of medical equipment. Soft light filtered through partially drawn blinds, casting gentle shadows across the polished floor.

Lying on the bed was Joyo, his body enveloped in a tangle of medical tubes and IV drips that snaked around him like lifelines. His arms were covered in a translucent, shimmering layer resembling fish skin, a specialized regenerative treatment. The process of rebuilding his flesh, bones, and muscles was painstakingly slow, each moment a silent battle. He remained unresponsive, his pale face serene, eyes closed as if merely sleeping. The EKG monitor beside him emitted a steady rhythm, a sequence of slow, strangely melodic beeps that echoed softly in the hushed room, offering a small beacon of hope.

Standing beside him, Miyazato cradled a bouquet of white dandelions, their delicate petals tipped with a warm yellow hue. The fragile flowers seemed to glow softly, Miyazato bearing bandages wrapped snugly around his head, and his glasses sat slightly askew, one arm bent out of alignment. His gaze was fixed on Joyo, a mixture of concern and determination etched onto his features.

Hearing their footsteps, Miyazato looked up directly at Yuji. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the weight of worry lifted as they exchanged gentle smiles. Relief and unspoken understanding passed between them. Miyazato stepped forward, and without a word, they shared a warm embrace. Yuji felt a surge of emotion swell within him, a tear forming at the corner of his eye. An ear-to-ear smile spread across his face, genuine and heartfelt. He patted Miyazato's back reassuringly, feeling the coarse texture of the bandages beneath his fingers.

As they pulled apart, the gravity of the situation settled back in. Their gazes shifted to Joyo's still form, the soft beeping of the EKG the only sound breaking the silence. The faint scent of the dandelions mingled with the antiseptic air, a subtle reminder of the fragility and resilience of life.

Yuji: "I...am so sorry..."

Miyazato: "It's okay, Itadori-sensei. This is just a part of our jobs."

Yuji: "It's my fault that Zankoku-chan is in this position, it's my fault you two almost died..."

Miyazato: "If it's worth anything, Zankoku-sama put up a really good fight. That means you and Maki-sensei taught him well."

Yuji, a mix of chuckling and weeping: "I guess you're right..."

They looked back at Joyo, his mouth covered by an oxygen mask.

Yuji: "Man... How are we gonna move forward from this?"

Miyazato, covering his mouth: "I am not sure... Do you have any ideas?"

But before Yuji could respond, the sound of measured footsteps accompanied by the distinct tap of a cane echoed down the hallway, drawing their attention. Each step resonated with authority. They looked toward the open doorway, a shadow stretching across the threshold as a voice spoke from just behind the door.

?: "I'll tell you how we can move forward."

As the footsteps grew louder, Yoshinobu Gakuganji stepped into the room. His figure was stooped with age, his back hunched, but there was an undeniable strength in his presence. His long, white hair framed a face etched with deep lines of wisdom and experience. He leaned heavily on a polished wooden cane held firmly in both hands, the cane's silver tip glinting under the fluorescent lights.

Gakuganji: "By resealing him in the Prison Realm..."

End of chapter 11

Character Profiles:

Maki Zenin:
Age: 22
Height: 171 CM
Weight: 62 KG
Hair Color: Dark Green
Eye Color: Green
Cursed Technique: N/A (Heavenly Restriction)

Ieiri Shoko:
Age: 34
Height: 168 CM
Weight: 64 KG
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Brown
Cursed Technique: Reversed Cursed Technique

AN: Welcome to Volume 2! This volume is gonna have so many peak ideas I cant wait to write them, I would also like to annouce that Jujutsu Kaisen: Descendants has a new beta reader! So quality will drastically be improving from here on out, we are really good friends, so I trust that he will be honest with my writing.