A/N: Before we proceed with the story, I want to apologize for taking too long in updating. Like I said in my other fic, things have been getting hectic with work and I can't find much time to write. So, expect that updates will be slow for the next couple of minutes. Also, this chapter will mostly be an exposition dump and might not be my best chapter; so, I apologize.
With that out of the way, here's Chapter XI. Enjoy... I hope.
Chapter XI: Origin and Things to Come
"What do you mean you're a death god?" Momo asked, being the first to snap out of her initial shock.
Knowing that mere words won't be enough to give a definitive picture of what he is and where he came from, Kazui reached into his pocket and took out his phone.
"Initiate Voice Recognition," the reaper spoke to the device.
A few silent seconds passed by before two flashes of light emitted from the gadget which was quickly followed by a feminine voice.
*Voice Recognition activated* the phone responded, earning some gasps from the three onlookers (four if you include Gojo). *Requesting identification*
"Kazui Kurosaki, Deputy Soul Reaper trainee. Begin reiatsu identification."
Five seconds was all it took for the process to complete.
*User confirmed. Greetings trainee Kurosaki*
"Activate Holographic Imagery," Kazui commanded. Two beeps and two flashes from the screen followed, signaling the input was acknowledged. "Open Information Menu."
From his phone, several hologram screens emerged, each showing specific info such as Mission Logs, Hollow-Locator, and Organizational Structure.
"I know all of you are curious," Kazui said to the others. "This inconspicuous phone is actually a high-tech device issued to each active Soul Reaper. While it possesses the same basic functions such as communication, the hollow tracker, and information storage, mine was specifically calibrated with special clearances and advanced functions thanks in part to the influence of my family."
"Your family?" Izuku questioned.
"I come from a noble clan," was Kazui's casual answer. He didn't let them get into another round of shock any further as he continued, "Let's start with the general info. Access Special Archive."
*Archive accessed. Indicate Clearance Level*
"Clearance Level 0."
*Level 0 contains information deemed above top secret. Awaiting further commands*
"Initiate Emergency Protocol and set Technological Compatibility to 21st Century human technology."
*Emergency Protocol activated. Technological Compatibility Level set to 21st Century human technology*
Once the necessary clearances were given, a wide array of images spread throughout the temple. Each one held a specific set of info dedicated to a general category within the information stored inside the device. Kazui reached one of these holograms and a detailed overview of what was labeled "Soul Society" popped up along with supporting images.
"I'm not native to this world," Kazui began. "I came from an alternate reality that is separated into various dimensions; each one serving as a home to different spiritual inhabitants. However, four major dimensions are of importance. The first is Soul Society, which is where all souls go after they left the physical realm. There, they await their chance to return to the living world and continue the cycle of reincarnation."
"So that place is…" Izuku was about to speak when Kazui confirmed his words.
"Heaven, yes. Soul Society is the closest thing to what you'd consider Heaven. In the center of Soul Society lies Seireitei, where the ruling body known as the Court Guard 13 used to reside."
The images shifted, showing an army of samurai-like warriors in formation with thirteen individuals wearing the same black cloak under a white haori standing in front of the army.
"The Court Guard 13 was primarily a military organization that is comprised of hundreds, if not thousands, of warriors known as Soul Reapers who were divided into thirteen divisions with both general and unique functions. Each division has a ranking of officers responsible for the management of its members. The most prominent of these are those that hold 'seated' positions which are twenty in total. The highest of these is the division captain, which leads the entire division, and the lieutenant, which is the second-in-command.
"Soul Reapers are the entities responsible for managing the flow of souls throughout the cycle of rebirth. They are the beings religions considered to be the gods of death, yet they don't have the jurisdiction of taking a life; only to guide souls into their respective destinations and fight off corrupted spirits known as hollows."
"Are these hollows similar to curses?" Momo asked, giving the first inquiry since Kazui began his explanation.
"In a way. However, Hollows are human souls that have fallen so far that they become ravenous for other spirits." Seeing Momo nod in understanding, Kazui continued, "Hollows generally reside in a realm known as Hueco Mundo, which is a desolate wasteland filled with vast deserts under an eternal night. It used to be ruled by the Hollow King, Barragan Louisenbairn. He was later replaced by the rogue Soul Reaper Sōsuke Aizen until the dimension was handed over to the Hollow triad of Auntie Tier Harribel, Auntie Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck, and Uncle Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez."
Izuku and the rest raised an eyebrow at how Kazui addressed the aforementioned triad.
"They're family friends… the two females are, at least. The other is my father's rival of some sort," clarified the young reaper.
"So, these Soul Reapers act as protectors and fight off hollows?" Gojo asked, still freaking Izuku out that he could speak through his cheek. "It's kind of like us Jujutsu sorcerers fighting off curses."
"On a fundamental level, yes," Kazui confirmed. "After these two realms, we have the Living World. No need to go into detail for that except that quirks don't exist. Then, we have the Royal Realm where the creator of the cosmos used to reside."
"I assume you are referring to a supreme being," the mother of Momo guessed.
Kazui nodded but slightly corrected her. "You're right. However, it isn't just a supreme being but the supreme being." The boy swiped one of the holographic screens to the side so another one could emerge.
This image depicted a realm basked in what could only be described as heavenly light. In the center of this domain was a massive pillar-like palace surrounded by five islands. Kazui tapped the projected screen to change the image, now showing a chrysalis that encased a mutilated man bearing no expression.
No pain.
No sorrow.
…Just nothing.
The two women and Izuku gasped once they laid eyes on this body which was more cadaver than human.
"What you're seeing right now is none other than the supreme being himself: the Soul King."
No reply came from the jujutsu practitioners and experts as they eyed the very image of God. The very thought that the one who governs all of reality is in this saddened state was just unheard of.
"This… is God?" Momo asked shakily, still unable to comprehend what she was seeing.
"Yes," Kazui replied. "The primordial entity that forged the multiverse from the chaotic and stagnant void that existed before everything was shaped into what it is today.
Shocked beyond words, the four stared at the entity encased in the crystal. It was hard to comprehend that the very being that shaped the cosmos was reduced to this.
"What happened to him?" Tsumiki questioned, recovering from her shock.
As tragic as the tale was, Kazui divulged what he considered to be the Original Sin.
"During the time before the beginning of the cycle of rebirth, five individuals who would sire the Five Great Noble Houses of Heaven grew fearful of the Soul King's power. They mutilated the Soul King and scattered his severed limbs and organs throughout the cosmos, used his power to separate the primordial void into the major dimensions I mentioned earlier, and imprisoned him inside the chrysalis he now resides in."
"That's awful," Tsumiki expressed.
"Just how powerful must he be for those five to fear him that much?" Momo asked. She wasn't just shocked but curious as to what extent the powers of the Soul King had.
Kazui pressed his phone and a new set of images appeared, showing individuals with varying powers that could make even the most powerful hero look like an insect.
"The Soul King possessed a plethora of powers that made him truly omnipotent. He had no limitations save for those he imposed upon himself. While the main body inside the chrysalis held vast amounts of spiritual energy, his severed limbs and organs also held some of the many powers he had before his mutilation."
The first set of images Kazui zoomed into were a pair of sentient hands. One had two eyes on its palm while its fingers were bound together with chains. The other hand was more glob-like than an actual hand with a single eyeball on its topside. Much like its left counterpart, this right hand was also bound, albeit in a revolving circle.
"The hands of the Soul King governed the concepts of progression and stillness. The left hand possessed the power over progression. It had the power to force evolution on anything its nerves touched. Its dominion over progression made it a vital power that led to the Soul King to adapt and enforce change upon the many worlds he created.
"The right hand, however, held power over stillness. Anything this hand touched will remain in a state of stagnation; preventing anything to fall into degradation and prohibiting unwanted changes.
"Both these hands work in tandem by enforcing change only to a point desired by the Soul King and preventing it from degrading from over-evolution or regression."
The next image presented was a man who could only be described as a Viking. A ferocious warrior in battle, the most startling thing about him was every time he died, he came back stronger and exuded vast amounts of power.
"Is this man immortal?" Izuku questioned, too stunned to say anything else.
"This man is Gerard Valkyrie, and his immortality comes from the heart of the Soul King," Kazui answered.
"The heart?"
"Correct. The heart has the power over possibility."
"Possibility? What do you mean?" Momo inquired.
"Whenever the Soul King encountered an obstacle, his heart beats faster to feed greater amounts of power into his body. Basically, the heart defies all obstacles and creates the best possible outcome." Kazui chuckled. "No wonder it was called 'The Miracle'. However, we're not done explaining the Soul King's powers."
The eyes of Izuku, Momo, and her mother almost bulged out. "There's more!?" they yelped.
Kazui nodded. He then switched the image to a child in a hooded trench coat fighting a Soul Reaper with wild long hair wielding a gigantic blade. Their battle could only be described as cataclysmic; weapons appearing out of nowhere only to be cut down by the massive cleaver. The kicker was the meteor that descended upon the burly death god only for it to be cut down with ease.
"My goodness!" Momo exclaimed. Even among the documented battles of the most powerful jujutsu sorcerers, none have the intensity as the battle she witnessed on the screen. "Who are these people?"
"They are Gremmy Thoumeaux and Kenpachi Zaraki who serve as vessels for the brain and the lungs of the Soul King respectively."
"Are each of the Soul King's organs and limbs that busted?" Izuku asked, already knowing the answer.
"Yes," Kazui replied. He then continued, "Aptly named 'The Visionary,' the elite Quincy known as Gremmy Thoumeaux could will anything his mind could think up into existence. This was granted to him for being the vessel of the Soul King's brain. The only limit he had was his imagination. As for the lungs, the Soul Reaper Kenpachi Zaraki became a freak of nature even amongst the highest echelons of the Court Guard. Dubbed as the strongest Soul Reaper in all of Soul Society, his immense power came from the fact that he carried the lungs of the Soul King; feeding him endless amounts of spiritual energy with every breath he takes. The only one who could overpower him was my father."
That last statement made the three individuals look at the reaper in surprise. However, Kazui merely continued his explanation when he swiped to another archived video, now depicting a young British teen with a glowing double-edged sword raised high. A pulse of power was sent outward and in moments, seven mighty beasts appeared and roared into the sky before bowing to the wielder of the majestic weapon.
"Are those dragons!?" Momo and Izuku yelled. It was just one bombshell after another.
"The Seven Primordial Dragons or the Märchens. These dragons came into being when they were created by the Soul King to be his mounts. The Fullbringer Balgo Parks, the one before you, wields the sword of the Soul King. Though not originally part of the Soul King himself, this weapon contains a significant amount of the deity's energy, shaping the blade into an artifact that, with the help of the brain, brought forth the seven dragons that serve as his companions and servants. Thanks to this blade, Balgo Parks has the power to command all dragons."
It was crazy if one were to think about it. Izuku and Momo expected some answers from Kazui, but this was beyond what they anticipated.
Unfortunately, Kazui still had more to say.
Two new footage sprang next, this time showing a beautiful woman with orange hair in a white battle dress with six bright orbs orbiting around her while the other showed a lanky man in a white long-sleeved shirt and black dress pants. Anything his sword touches was altered. However, this alteration seemed to be natural to the object he affected.
Momo gazed at the new images but her attention was focused more on the woman in white. The eyes and the shape of the face were uncannily similar to Kazui it wasn't just a mere coincidence.
"Kazui, is she your mother?"
The boy smiled, fondness washing over him as he reminisced over the memories of his beloved late mother.
"Yes, she is," he replied.
"She's beautiful," complimented Momo. She meant it.
"…And equally powerful. My mother, Orihime Kurosaki, as well as the man shown who goes by the name of Tsukishima Shokuro, are both Fullbringers that possess the halo or crown of the Soul King which has dominion over causation. Tsukishima had the power known as 'The Book of the End.' He can insert himself in a person or object's past if said target was pierced by his sword. He can change the details of someone or something's past to alter the present. Meanwhile, my mother can reject the present and revert anything to its previous state. Called the Shun Shun Rikka or the 'Six Flowers of the Shielding Hibiscus,' she can reject events as far as to the point where they never occurred or existed. She can even reject concepts if she willed it."
Again, the listeners were wide-eyed. Who knew that the mother of Kazui Kurosaki had powers originating from the supreme being himself? The power to manipulate causation was an ability any person would dream of having.
Kazui showed another individual, this time a woman with absolute control over Matter itself. Her surroundings twist and melt away, becoming implements in the battle against two Soul Reapers. The woman had chin-length hair with some white highlights on her bangs. She wore a slightly fitting dress blazer and pants with black heeled shoes. Her battle with the two Soul Reapers was at a stalemate, showing her that she was on par with even the gods of death.
"This is Aura Michibane, the most powerful Fullbringer to ever exist," Kazui described. "Unlike other Fullbringers that use an artifact as a conduit for their specialized powers, she has none and only relies on the basic matter manipulation inherent to all Fullbringers. What makes her different, however, is that this ability was dialed up to a hundred. Out of any Fullbringer out there, Aura Michibane was a master of altering Matter to suit her needs. This is due to her having been born with the Soul King's Chain of Fate."
"This Chain of Fate sounds important," commented Izuku.
"That's because it is," answered Kazui. "All living creatures possess a Chain of Fate. It's what connects the soul to the body. It also functions to maintain the integrity of the soul, ensuring that it doesn't become unstable. That said, the real power behind the Chain of Fate is to project the Soul King's will onto the world; connecting him to all of his creations."
…And yet, it was the last power of the Soul King that truly cemented his omnipotence.
The final footage flickered to life, revealing a middle-aged man with long-flowing black hair with an immaculate mustache. He wore a white militaristic trench coat similar to Kazui under a tattered black cloak. The most striking feature of this man was the three red pupils in his eyes.
"The last power of the Soul King held dominion over the future," Kazui stated. He then showed the image of the Soul King again, only this time it was zoomed in to focus on his eyes which had four pupils. "This ability lets him see not just one future, but all futures, and choose which one he desires to happen."
That was it. Momo, Izuku, Tsumiki, and even Gojo who was just listening, fell into deep silence. The power of the Soul King to command fate was the ultimate power, and anyone who possessed it would be truly omnipotent.
"This power is called 'The Almighty' for a reason, and he isn't the only one who possessed it."
"He isn't!?" yelled Izuku.
"His son, the Quincy Kaiser Yhwach also had The Almighty, though not as absolute as his father." Before Kazui could continue, he was suddenly interrupted by Gojo who spoke from Izuku's cheek.
"I've been hearing these Fullbringers and Quincies from you earlier. They seem to be a different faction compared to Soul Reapers."
"That's because they are," admitted the reaper. "Quincies and Fullbringers are humans who attained spiritual powers. Though different, they possess the common ability to manipulate spiritual energy. Quincies can absorb the ambient energy in their surroundings and form them into various spiritual weapons or accomplish powerful techniques. Fullbringers have the basic ability to manipulate matter by pulling on the spiritual energy contained within objects. This eventually becomes specialized when Fullbringers bond with an artifact that holds significant value to them. My aunt, Yuzu, was a Quincy while I already mentioned my mother was a Fullbringer.
"Now that I think about it, we can include Jujutsu Sorcerers to the list of spiritual races. The only difference is that you people seem to utilize spiritual energy leaning to the negative spectrum."
"Maybe it's because curse energy is influenced by negative emotions," Momo surmised.
"I think so too," Izuku agreed with his fellow jujutsu practitioner. "Ever since I began learning about jujutsu sorcery, I've been questioning why we need negative emotions to utilize curse energy. I came to a theory that negative emotions simply serve as a conduit to utilize something that already exists in the body." He then looked at Kazui knowingly. "…And I'm guessing this existing energy is spiritual energy, correct?"
"That's also my working theory," Kazui admitted. He glanced at both Tsumiki who was taking in all the information and Gojo who was currently a mouth on his successor's cheek. "What are your thoughts, Mrs. Yaoyorozu, Mr. Gojo?"
"It does make sense," the mother of Momo agreed. "What do you think, Lord Gojo?"
"Same here," replied Gojo. "Although, what I am interested in is how a death god like yourself ended up here." The Honored one was referring to Kazui. "Aren't you supposed to be in heaven or something?"
That was an innocent joke but, all the same, it made Kazui somber.
Momo noticed this and immediately knew something was wrong. "Kazui? Is something the matter?"
"It's alright, Momo," assured the young reaper but it was evident that this topic was quite sensitive for him. "It was inevitable that we'd lead into that discussion. Soul Pager, Access File; The Thousand-Year Blood War."
The Soul Pager flickered at it, switching the images for another set that depicted a bloody conflict the likes of which the jujutsu sorcerers have never seen. Various warriors clad in white rained down a storm of arrows while they fought against the black-robed Soul Reapers. Each side did everything they could to overpower the enemy regardless of how bloody, ruthless, and underhanded their methods may be.
"Oh, my GOD!"
"My goodness!"
"Such brutality…"
"Holy shit!"
While the sorcerers watched the events of the war unfold on the screen, Kazui began recounting the bloodiest conflict in the spiritual realm.
"Also known as the 'Millenium Blood Wars,' this conflict began one thousand years ago when the first Quincy empire known as the Licht Reich invaded the Soul Society under the command of the Quincy Kaiser, Yhwach. Though the battle was fierce, it was subsequently repelled by the newly formed Court Guard 13 led by Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto. However, this wasn't the last we'd see this faction as a thousand years later, they'd re-emerge to attack Soul Society once again now known as the Wandenreich."
"The Hidden Empire," Momo said, eyeing the reaper of the implication behind the name.
"You noticed," Kazui remarked. "After the initial attack, the broken Quincy army fled into a dimension that's within the Seireitei itself called the Schatten Bereich. There, they planned their counterattack while Yhwach recuperated from his injuries.
"As for the war itself, it consisted of two strikes; one to cripple the forces of the Court Guard while the second was the invasion of the Royal Realm." Manipulating the images again, new footage appeared showing key battles during the war. However, what got the attention of the four were the five individuals that were depicted on the largest screens.
…And one of these looked like a mature Kazui.
"During the war, the Wandenreich identified five individuals that could turn the tide of the fight against them. These five people were known as the 'War Powers' and here are their identities…"
The five most prominent images zoomed into view, showing the individuals who were considered to be great threats to the Quincy war effort.
"The first of the War Powers is Sōsuke Aizen." Kazui showed a slicked-back auburn-haired man wearing a black tunic. Despite simply being in the footage, the four could feel an air of deception and cunning from this man. "A very intelligent man as well as a formidable mastermind, he was recognized as a threat for his immeasurable spiritual pressure. In fact, anyone of lesser power would quickly disintegrate if exposed to his reiatsu."
Kazui now focused on the Soul Reaper he had shown earlier; the one who had the Soul King's lungs. "This one you already know as Kenpachi Zaraki. Due to the strength that he possessed tied directly to housing the lungs of the Soul King, he was monitored as a great factor in the war due to his unmatched combat power.
"Next, we have Kisuke Urahara, the most devious and deceptive man in all of Soul Society." In the footage, it showed Kisuke Urahara having a rugged green kimono and haori paired with a green and white striped hat together with clogged sandals. All in all, he looked like a hobo merchant. That said, the viewers couldn't help but feel a sense of mystery and cunning that could rival Aizen. "This person served as one of the lead strategists during the war, as well as inventing some of the most important equipment to have benefited Soul Society. Unlike the previous two who were under the scrutiny of the Wandenreich because of their powers, Urahara was a threat because of his unmatched intellect and crafty means. He was one of the major factors that ensured the victory of the Soul Reapers."
A new image was zoomed in, now focusing on a bald monk with a long bushy black beard. He wore the same white cloak and black robe of the captains with the inclusion of large red prayer beads around his neck.
"This is Ichibē Hyōsube. He served as the leader of the royal guard, directly consulting with the Soul King himself. Known as the 'Monk of Names,' Ichibē was a primordial entity that was said to have given names to all things in existence. He was included as a War Power because of his great wisdom."
"If I may," Tsumiki interrupted, "wisdom entails experience and experience entails age. Tell me, how old is this supposed primordial being?"
"He existed long before the creation of the cycle of rebirth; so, I suspect that he would be billions of years old," Kazui answered. That said, the four weren't surprised as they were before considering that this day was one massive bombshell after another.
Finally, the last member of the War Powers was revealed and, just as they suspected, the person of interest did indeed look like an older Kazui but with a much more masculine face.
"This is my father, Ichigo Kurosaki, and he is the last of the War Powers. Among all the special threats, he had the most surveillance since he was considered to be the most dangerous."
"What made him the most dangerous?" Izuku questioned. "So far, each of the other War Powers had a unique trait that factored into their recognition as a special threat. If so, then what is it that makes your father dangerous?"
"Simple – his limitless potential." Seeing the uncertainty of his listeners, Kazui explained further. "My dad is a special case that doesn't happen on its own. There were factors influencing his birth that turned him into the being he is."
"What do you mean?" Momo asked, unable to follow.
It was then that Kazui showed multiple images of his father demonstrating various powers. The most obvious was his Soul Reaper abilities; however, he also exhibited those coming from other races. This drew in the curiosity of the watchers since Ichigo Kurosaki showed hollow and Quincy powers.
"My father is a transcendent hybrid," replied the young reaper. "In his veins runs the blood of Hollow, Quincy, and Soul Reaper lineages. This, in turn, granted him limitless potential that would lead him to transcend the boundaries of the great races. Simply put, my father had the potential to become the most powerful being in all of creation."
Silence.
No one had anything to say other than remaining quiet after hearing the last revelation. Tsumiki left to take a quick breather while she wrapped her mind around the fact that the ginger-haired boy in front of her was the son of a being higher than gods.
Izuku just stared at Kazui, unable to find the words to even express his shock. Even Gojo inside him was left in deep thought.
Finally, there was Momo. With all that she learned from Kazui, the Zen'in heiress noticed that there was more to this given her friend's expression.
"It's not just that, isn't it?" Momo questioned. "Being a transcendent has more implications than just having the potential to become the most powerful."
Hearing his friend's deduction, Kazui couldn't help but chuckle. "Am I really that obvious?" From amusement to hesitance, Kazui revealed more. "Being a transcendent hybrid being doesn't just grant you unlimited potential, it also makes you a candidate for the throne."
At first, they didn't know what he meant by "throne." However, slowly but surely, the truth began sinking in as their eyes all focused on Kazui.
There was only one throne worthy enough for a transcendent to sit upon.
"The Soul King!?" Izuku shouted yelled in bafflement. "Your father was a candidate for the throne of the Soul King!?"
Before Kazui could answer, Gojo suddenly spoke. "Which would also mean that you are a prime candidate as well. Correct?"
The young transcendent nodded. "I am a second-generation natural-born perfect hybrid. And, given that my mother's Fullbringer lineage mixed with that of my father's, it's safe to say that I may have more potential than I realize."
"This is… This is a lot to take in," Tsumiki said, returning from her quick trip outside for fresh air. "Could we just go back to you recounting the war?"
A sheepish chuckle escaping him, Kazui muttered, "Yeah…we did get a little sidetracked." He then continued his retelling of the Blood War. "During the second invasion, the remaining forces of Soul Society managed to launch a counter-offensive against the Wandenreich. My father and his allies were able to take down key members of Yhwach's elite soldiers, the Sternritter, and his personal guard, the Schutzstaffel, and storm the Warhwelt. It was an arduous fight, with the Quincy king having murdered the Soul King and taking his powers, but somehow, my father successfully killed him after neutralizing Yhwach's godly powers. After that, the balance was returned to all the realms."
The tale alone was more than enough to give the sorcerers a clear picture that this was bloody. Two full-scale invasions, into the afterlife no less, and the murder of the supreme deity up to said usurper's demise by a literal spiritual anomaly. It was truly a battle beyond comprehension.
However, the four noticed something off about this story.
"If Yhwach was defeated, then how was he able to destroy your realm."
"That's what I'm utterly lost on," Kazui admitted, sounding frustrated at his confusion. "That was before I was born, more than fifteen years ago. We were assured that the threat of Yhwach was gone. I should know since his corpse was used as the new lynchpin."
"SAY WHAT!? Izuku yelped in shock.
"But then, after an innocent day with my family, the sky suddenly went dark and became filled with eyes as the people who weren't spiritually aware began disintegrating. My parents, grandfather, aunts, and a few family friends managed to survive the first attack. After that, the living world crumbled just as we managed to evacuate to Soul Society.
"We gathered our forces but it still wasn't enough. When Yhwach invaded Soul Society, he had a new army comprising the Wandenreich and he was exponentially stronger. We couldn't do anything. One by one, the captains fell until all that was left was my father."
The last word Kazui spoke was in a cracked, forlorn voice. His eyes began to redden as pools of tears formed before finally cascading down his cheeks.
"He…He told me to get back, to escape." Kazui's words came between sobs. His emotions were now at the forefront, pain, and anguish being the most prevalent despite fighting to keep them under. "I…I wanted to fight. I wanted to fight Yhwach even if winning was impossible. I'd rather die than leave everyone. But, they said that was their future…that I should live." His hands balled into tight fists, knuckles turning white from anger and sadness. However, he took deep breaths that slowly calmed himself down. "When everything was lost, my family sent me through the Void by puncturing a hole through Precipice World."
No words could begin to describe the sympathy they feel for Kazui. His world… gone because of a mad god and his quest for power.
The last transcendent.
The last god of death.
He was all alone with no one to care for him but himself while carrying the burden of loss.
"Do you know what my father's last words to me?" Kazui asked his listeners, yet his eyes were still on the ground. "He said that their spirits will always be forever with me."
Suddenly, Momo stepped forward, facing the teary-eyed boy who was looking at her curiously. Kazui could make out the face of determination etched on Momo yet he was unsure where this came from.
"Momo? What's the matter?"
Momo didn't respond. Instead, she eyed Kazui and before the hybrid knew it, he was suddenly wrapped in her arms.
The young reaper's eyes widened at the surprising yet affectionate gesture. It was so sudden that he didn't know how to respond. All he could do was listen to the sound of her breath warming the crook of his neck.
After a few tender seconds, Momo slightly pulled herself away so she could see could look at Kazui right in the eyes. She had this serene compassionate smile, one that made his frustrations seem to fade.
"It's not your fault, Kazui," she spoke, her hands still on his shoulders. "Listen, your parents, loved ones; they wanted you to live because they loved you. To them, you are the future, Kazui. Finally, you're not alone. You have me…" she gestured to the others, "Izuku, Lord Gojo, our classmates, and even my mother who'll support you."
After hearing his best friend's heartfelt words, Kazui's somber spirit began to lift as he looks at Momo's eyes. He couldn't help but smile at the girl before who made his doubts disappear.
There was absolutely no one like her…and it made her all the more precious.
"Thank you, Momo," he whispered to her. "I needed that."
And to Momo's surprise, Kazui buried his face in the crook of her neck while his arms encircled her. Initially taken aback, the Yaoyorozu/Zen'in heiress reciprocated the affectionate gesture.
It was a touching moment, one that showed a deep bond between the hybrid and the girl he holds dear. Little did they know, their little display was already showing signs that this could be more and it didn't go unnoticed by those seeing it.
Tsumiki can't control her internal squealing at how heartwarming the sight was. There was no doubt in her mind that her daughter and this young man, who happens to be a god, by the way, will one day get together. Only time will tell when that will happen.
Despite, being inside Izuku, Gojo had a face-splitting grin plastered on his face. He now has another victim for his teasing. It's typical behavior for a menace like him, though he'll tone it down since this is a friend of his protégé.
Izuku smiled, touched at the closeness between his two friends. Although, the scene made him remember his own important person.
-o0o-
A while later and it was time to go. Standing just outside the gate, Momo was giving her goodbyes to Kazui and Izuku.
"I've learned a lot more than I was expecting, to be honest," Izuku said as he scratched the back of his head. "I was at least prepared for the whole curse and jujutsu stuff, but death gods and killer monks? Yeah… I was left drained from all that info dump."
"I know what you mean, Izuku," Momo expressed. Even someone with a sound mind like hers was still reeling from all the revelations regarding the spiritual world. "Honestly, this has left me mentally drained."
"Sorry if you all feel overwhelmed by everything I said." Kazui's apology was sincere given that his friends look tired from the multiple bombshells he just dropped. "I was a little boy when my parents revealed all of that to me, so I just thought it was super cool."
Izuku and Momo chuckled at that, their minds imagining a young Kazui giddying with excitement.
"In any case, I'll see you all at school on Monday," Izuku said to the two.
As for Momo, the thought of showing her gratitude for rescuing her during the attack at U.S.J was still lingering in her mind. She had promised to do it today and, seeing that Kazui was about to leave, it was now or never.
"Same here." Kazui was about to leave when he felt a tight grip on his arm. His head turned to see Momo looking at him with some pink on her cheeks. "Uhhh… Momo, is there anything–"
Kazui's eyes grew wide when he felt something warm and soft touch his cheek. Momo leaned into him and kissed his cheek.
Izuku saw everything and his eyes grew wide like saucers. His cheeks heated up as it turned pinkish from the rather affectionate sight. Inside his mind, Gojo was laughing his ass off at the reaction his successor just showed.
After separating from him, Momo couldn't help but feel so embarrassed at her sudden impulse to give Kazui a peck on the cheek. Her head was tilting down, trying the hide the flush of red on her face but still looking at the boy to gauge his reaction.
To no one's surprise, Kazui was stunned and speechless. It was so sudden that he could still feel the warmth of Momo's lips on his face; so much so that he touched the area where he was kissed to see if it was real.
"Wha… What?"
Momo knew that not saying anything after doing that to a boy would cause some misunderstanding. So, she told him her reason.
"That was for coming to my rescue Kazui when I was about to throw away my life and dignity." Mustering every ounce of bravery, she looked at him and gave the most radiant smile Kazui has ever seen and said, "Thank you… for being my protector."
With that, Momo quickly retreated to the safety of her home, leaving a baffled Izuku and a young death god whose heart was beating fast while feeling butterflies flutter inside him.
"What just happened?" Izuku questioned, trying and failing to make sense of it all.
No reply came.
Monday seemed to come quickly, making Kazui hesitant to go to school considering he'll be seeing Momo after what happened at her house. When he entered Class 1-A's, everyone was busy mingling with each other… that is until they all noticed him.
Silence descended upon the classroom once they saw him. This made the young reaper sigh. "I guess they're still apprehensive about me committing murder. I don't blame them though."
Once he was in his seat, he noticed Izuku approaching him. "What's up, Izuku?"
"You alright?" asked the glasses-wearing teen. "You look rattled."
"When a girl suddenly kisses you, even if it's just on the cheek, would you feel any different?" Kazui responded.
Izuku paused and an image of Ochako doing the same popped into his head. That made his face heat up. "Uhhh… yeah. I see what you mean."
Kazui then noticed Momo who was having a conversation with Jirō and Tsuyu. Said girl happened to notice him staring at him and shyly waved at him, no doubt equally embarrassed with what happened the other day. However, that did not take away from the fact that her eyes showed she was beyond happy that he was there.
…And he felt the same way, so he waved back at her with equal gusto.
Unbeknownst to them, a certain pink-skinned shipper saw the interaction and couldn't help but giggle as a plan began forming in her head.
"Do you think we'll get a substitute teacher for Homeroom?" Sero asked the other students of 1-A, knowing what happened to Aizawa.
"Probably," Tsuyu answered with hardly a slight shift in her expression. "He was in pretty bad shape thanks to that Nomu."
Suddenly, the door slid open, letting in a familiar that was wrapped from head to toe in bandages. "Everyone, take your seats. I don't have time to deal with your nonsense."
It was their Homeroom teacher, Aizawa, but he did not look like he should be out of the hospital.
"Teacher!" Hagakure yelped. "It's good to see you, but are you sure you should be up?"
"Yeah… you look like you'd keel over any minute," Jirō added.
Aizawa just shrugged and took his seat. "The old lady just wants me to take it easy. It's not like I'm going on patrol anytime soon." He paused as if remembering something important. "The lesson here – heroes need to be at the top of their game, and they can't do that if they're hurt. If you're recovering with anything but minor injuries, don't go out in the field again until the doctor says so."
"Yes, Teacher Aizawa!" the students answered dutifully.
"Anyway, your fight isn't over yet." Said with foreboding, the students became apprehensive of those words.
"Please don't tell me I'm going to have to kill some villains again," Kazui internally groaned. Luckily, that wasn't the case.
"Prepare yourselves… the U.A. Sports Festival is coming soon."
And the room erupted with a thunderous roar.
A/N: As I said above, updates will be slow...no thanks to my hectic schedule. However, while that is the main reason for the delays, I will also be implementing some changes to my writing format, specifically how to divide scenes based on changes in location, time, and the indicators of different types of dialogue. You'll get a full explanation in the next chapter which will hopefully be released two to three weeks from now.
With that said, until next time.