He wants to save, wants to be free, but can he succeed?

Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/53143255.

Rating: Not Rated

Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: Multi
Fandoms: 呪術廻戦 | Jujutsu Kaisen (Anime), 呪術廻戦 | Jujutsu Kaisen (Manga)
Relationships: Gojo Satoru/Itadori Yuuji, Itadori Yuuji/Sukuna | Ryoumen Sukuna,
Getou Suguru/Itadori Yuuji, Itadori Yuuji/Nanami Kento, Ieiri
Shoko/Itadori Yuuji, Haibara Yu/Itadori Yuuji, Fushiguro Megumi &
Itadori Yuuji, Inumaki Toge & Itadori Yuuji, Itadori Yuuji/Everyone
Characters: Itadori Yuuji, Gojo Satoru, Getou Suguru, Sukuna | Ryoumen Sukuna,
Ieiri Shoko, Haibara Yu (Jujutsu Kaisen), Nanami Kento, Fushiguro
Megumi, Kenjaku | Fake Getou Suguru, Inumaki Toge, Zenin Clan
(Jujutsu Kaisen), Yaga Masamichi, Okkotsu Yuuta
Additional Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Itadori Yuuji Needs a Hug, Fluff and Angst,
Implied/Referenced Self-Harm, Sad Itadori Yuuji, Angst, Time Travel,
Time Travel Fix-It, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Student
Gojo Satoru, Character Death
Language: English
Stats: Published: 2024-01-19 Updated: 2024-03-30 Words: 21,604 Chapters:
7/?
 He wants to save, wants to be free, but can he succeed?
by abnily

Summary

Amidst the myriad dreams crafted by Sukuna, Itadori Yuuji once again attempted suicide,
only to find himself plummeting into the past, saved by his teenage teacher, Gojo-sensei.

This is the tale of a pink-haired youth striving to reshape everything, painting a new destiny
in the grim canvas of the future. Yet, is he capable?

"Even someone like me wants to defy fate, huh?"

"Hating fate isn't a sin."

"Is that so?"

Notes

First of all, I apologize if there are typos. Enjoy this work and please give comments and
kudos so that I am enthusiastic about writing, xixi:>
 Dream or Reality?

After two days had passed, he finally regained consciousness. The dying youth, discovered
by Satoru and Suguru during their mission to eradicate the cursed womb in an abandoned
factory district in Sendai.

After the battle concluded, a surge of cursed energy overflowed with tremendous power. The
two strongest sorcerers quickly rushed to the scene, finding a young man with pinkish-red
hair wearing a now crimson-stained white kimono adorned with sakura motifs.

The young man, perhaps nineteen or twenty years old, looked pitiful with a gaping stab
wound in his chest. It was a miracle he was still breathing, as a normal person might have
succumbed to such an injury within seconds. Without hesitation, Satoru saved him.

Now, the young man had awakened. Satoru's blue eyes, concealed behind black sunglasses,
gazed toward the saved youth.

The young man sat on the bed, a blanket partially covering his body. Disheveled pinkish-red
hair fell onto his forehead, and his sweet honey-gold eyes looked out of the window. The
fading sunlight added a soft glow to his tan skin, despite the scars between his forehead and
the edge of his lips. Despite it all, the young man still looked beautiful.

"Oi!" Shoko kicked Satoru's shin, urging him to move out of the way to check on Shoko the
patient.

They chose to place the sakura-haired youth in a Sendai hospital. Satoru wasn't crazy enough
to bring an unknown person to their school. He also felt strange about why he saved this
person without hesitation.

"Move, idiot!" The brown-haired girl continued to kick Satoru's shin, even though she was
constantly blocked by the Infinity surrounding the white-haired sorcerer.

The young man turned towards the commotion at the door, his pupils widening.
Simultaneously, Satoru moved out of Shoko's way. Although the youth was being cared for in
the hospital, Shoko, someone capable of using reverse curse techniques, was summoned by
Satoru to expedite his recovery.

Shoko approached the bewildered youth. Satoru himself walked closer, followed by Suguru,
who strolled casually with his hands in the large pockets of his pants.

"How are you feeling? You were severely injured; luckily, these two idiots saved you," Shoko
wanted to touch the young man but was pushed away.

An unexpected move from a seemingly innocent, gentle, and polite boy.

Although Satoru squinted at the young man's actions, he maintained a wide smile while
proudly touching his chest. "That's right! You should be thankful to the great Gojo Satoru!"
"Stop!" the young man suddenly yelled.

"Stop!" he repeated with a breathless urgency.

This caused Satoru to freeze in mid-air. He returned his hand to his side and wiped away his
smile. His eyebrows lifted, ready to speak, before being interrupted by the unexpected words
of the young man.

"I'm tired, Sukuna." The youth gripped his patient's clothes. The kimono the young man wore
had been torn when Shoko struggled to save him. "I'm tired, Sukuna. I know you're angry
because I tried to die again, and I'm aware of that."

He tried to commit suicide? Even Shoko, who was usually indifferent in many things,
frowned disapprovingly. She focused more on the fact that the person she saved desired death
rather than the name uttered by the young man during his speech.

"Satoru," Suguru called, stopping Satoru's hand reaching towards the young man. Satoru
looked at his friend who mouthed the name 'Ryoumen Sukuna.'

No Jujutsu sorcerer was unaware of the name of the Cursed King, a walking natural disaster.
Even when Sukuna had become a Cursed Object, it couldn't be destroyed. However, there
was a possibility that Sukuna, thrown from the lips of the unnamed youth, was someone else.
Not the vile Cursed King. Moreover, there were no signs indicating the reincarnation of the
curse from the Heian era.

"Sukuna," the young man called with a higher tone, startling everyone in the room. They
immediately snapped out of their thoughts and focused on the boy who looked around.

"Stop all these jokes. I know my mistake. So please, pull me out of this foolish dream." Tears
began to fall down the soft and reddened cheeks of the young man, holding deep-seated
anger, vengeance, and profound sadness. "Please."

Satoru could now see the two eyeballs of the young man as clearly as seeing the sun. Those
eyes. Eyes that were initially gentle but were filled with a million wounds, whether physical
or mental.

"Gojo-sensei." The young man bit his lip, shifting his gaze quickly from Satoru's bewildered
face at being called Sensei (?).

"Sukuna, please," he pleaded with a whimpering voice. The tears fell onto the hospital bed,
and the young man clutched the provided blanket tightly. From the corner of his eyes, he
could see the legs of the sorcerers beside his bed.

Satoru moved closer to the trembling young man. Shoko's tired gaze directed towards him,
simultaneously with Shoko's palm stopping right in front of Satoru. He knew he couldn't act
impulsively, especially since the young man had just woken up. However, the curiosity
gnawed at his throat. It seemed Suguru felt the same way.

"What do you mean by 'dream'?"

The young man jolted, and his shoulders stiffened. Panic emanated from his fidgeting hands.
The boy didn't answer Satoru's question and instead leaned his shoulder against the back of
the bed. He wiped the tears from his cheeks and seemed to be collecting his emotions as he
continued to inhale and exhale.

"And Sukuna? What is this Ryoumen Sukuna? The Cursed King?" Suguru asked, moving
closer and standing side by side with Satoru.

"Hey, he just regained consciousness; don't interrogate him now!" Shoko scolded irritably.
She didn't expect to have two idiots as her companions. Couldn't they both see the evident
mental turmoil on the young man's face?

The two fell silent. Shoko sighed and looked at the young man, conflicted mentally. She even
forgot about his earlier rudeness and decided to ask a more appropriate question, "Do you
need some space? We'll leave you alone for a while."

The young man shook his head. "No need." He lifted his head and put on a fake smile. "It's
just that I'm not used to seeing familiar faces again, even if it's in a dream."

A dream? What did the pink-haired young man mean by this! Satoru really wanted to press
the young man further. However, the forced smile the young man crafted felt out of place.
Like the smile this boy should have been cheerful, not a smile meant only to calm someone's
heart.

The young man then nodded his head and clenched his fists. "I'm fine."

"Come on, let's step outside," Satoru invited, pulling Suguru's hand out of the room. There
was no debate. Shoko followed behind them and decided to close the door to the inpatient
room behind her.

Outside, Satoru paced back and forth. Suguru sat on a waiting bench, and Shoko, leaning
against the wall, was too lazy to pay attention to Satoru, who seemed like a pressing iron.

"Did he call me Sensei? Did you notice that?!" Satoru stopped, looking at his two friends.

"Uh, I'm not deaf," replied Shoko. "Is he injured from suicide?"

"The weapon that stabbed his heart almost killed him. If the boy had stabbed deeper, I'm sure
his heart wouldn't have just been scratched but crushed. Did he attempt suicide in haste?"
Suguru added, completing Shoko's question.

"That weapon is one of the Kamo clan's cursed tools," replied Satoru casually. The teenager
threw his buttocks to the side of Suguru. He looked at the wall. He could see the huge cursed
energy even if it was blocked by a wall.

Suguru leaned against the wall and rested his arm on his forehead. He closed his eyes. "He
also mentioned Ryoumen Sukuna. Who is he really?"

"Is he a patient in a mental hospital? He also spoke as if this world is just a dream!" Satoru
chimed in.
Suguru opened his eyes and glanced at Satoru, as did Shoko, who initially didn't bother
watching Satoru staring at the white-haired teenager with a gaze that said - this guy is really
stupid.

"Hey! That was just a random guess." Satoru folded his hands and puffed his cheeks irritably.

Satoru sighed heavily. "So, what now? What if he's dangerous? We both brought him here."

"Sorry, that's you, not me," Suguru quickly retorted. Although he felt sympathy seeing the
young man on the verge of death two days ago, Suguru wasn't foolish enough to bring him
along. Due to Satoru's insistence, Suguru reluctantly agreed.

"Let's come back here tomorrow. Besides, it's already late; we better return to the inn."

Shoko's suggestion was immediately approved by Suguru. He was also tired after
exterminating cursed spirits an hour ago and immediately meeting this young man (at
Satoru's invitation). It would be a lie if Suguru said he wasn't tired. The scorching summer,
coupled with the death of Amanai Riko, still haunted him frequently.

Suguru and Shoko had risen, but Satoru remained seated.

"I'll wait here, just in case he runs away."

"Fine." Suguru and Shoko knew that Satoru was more than capable of dealing with the young
man compared to them. Satoru had become even stronger after his fight with Fushiguro Toji.

The next day, the sun greeted them. As promised, they returned to the hospital and found
Satoru sleeping in a seated position on a waiting bench.

Suguru slapped Satoru's shoulder, attempting to wake up the sleeping prince. It usually took a
long time to wake Satoru, but perhaps because this place was less comfortable, Satoru could
easily wake up.

"Have you guys arrived?" Satoru rubbed his eyes and instantly realized he was still in the
hospital with the young man. He sighed in relief as the cursed energy of the young man still
lingered in the room.

Satoru decided to get up, put on his sunglasses, and led his two friends back into the The
pink-haired young man was no longer sitting on the bed like yesterday. He was now standing
by the window. He then turned his body after hearing the door being opened.

The wind blew through the intentionally opened hospital window, tousling some strands of
the young man's hair and making Satoru's eyes blink as his own hair was also swept by the
wind.

"Hey, can you guys kill me?"

"Huh?" It wasn't just Satoru who was surprised to hear the direct question from the young
man.
"Kill me," the young man repeated with a sweet smile and soft golden-brown eyes.

"Are you insane?!" Satoru exploded. He moved closer to the young man he saved in haste.
From persuading Suguru to help him save this young man to rushing to fetch Shoko at super
speed to aid in speeding up the young man's healing. And now? What nonsense did this
young man just say?

Satoru gripped the young man's patient clothes. His black sunglasses had fallen to the tip of
his nose, and now the young man could see Satoru's glaring blue eyes.

"There are two ways to exit the dream woven by Sukuna to torment me. First, Sukuna
himself has to pull me out, and second, I need to be killed by one of the characters in the
dream."

"This is not a dream! This is reality!" Satoru shouted and only received a thin smile from
the young man.

"Even though Gojo-sensei is still young and still with Ieiri-san and Geto-san, this is not
reality. It's a dream. I was pulled into a dream by Sukuna when I was still a child, and Sukuna
pretended to be my little brother. Do you believe? He killed every friend of mine in front of
my eyes." The thin smile twisted into a grin. The gentle expression of the young man
disappeared, and his golden-brown eyes gleamed with madness.

"Don't talk nonsense! Are you just a madman possessed? Pretending to be dying in front of
us, making us save you, then starting to make us doubt our world, and killing—"

"I'd rather die than try to kill you." The grin disappeared, replaced by a serious expression so
quickly.

"Damn it!" Satoru released his grip on the young man's clothes.

"Alright, what kind of death do you want?" Satoru challenged. He trapped the older young
man's body with both his hands.

Shoko rolled her eyes behind, and Suguru called Satoru's name. They knew Satoru wouldn't
do that. Not after the spoiled brat had painstakingly saved this young man.

"Can you both cool your heads first?" Shoko spoke up. The girl was already sitting on the
edge of the young man's bed. "Don't act solely on emotions right away."

"Right." Suguru rubbed his forehead. He had experienced enough stress. Why add more?

"First, tell us why you consider this world a dream, then tell us your background," Suguru
added, pulling the back collar of Satoru to keep him away from the young man who might
have powers surpassing theirs.

The young man straightened his wrinkled patient clothes due to Satoru. He still stood near the
window and seemed undecided whether to answer Suguru's questions. But, in the end—
"Why do I consider this a dream? Because it is a dream. The real world has turned into a
barren land with patterns of fire..." The young man paused for a moment before continuing in
a soft voice, "...and the screams of humans."

"Why did Sukuna pull you into the dream?" Suguru asked. He was curious why the Cursed
King was so interested in playing with a sorcerer to the extent of taking on a crucial role.
Although, in the end, this young man was tortured. But what crime did Sukuna hate this
young man so much for?

"Sukuna wants to control me. He wants to have me completely."

"What?" This answer was not the answer Suguru expected.

The young man combed his hair to the side. He seemed embarrassed or lazy to tell this fact.
"He sees me as a trophy or evidence of his victory against sorcerers and successfully turning
the world into the era of curses."

A new blow. This might just be nonsense. True. Suguru convinced himself that the young
man was just playing with them. After all, he was still standing strong here. Even the
strongest Satoru was still healthy and fit. Suguru glanced at Satoru, who seemed too relaxed
about the facts revealed by this young man.

"Now, my identity." The young man sighed. "My name is Itadori Yuuji. I am a former vessel
of Sukuna, the child of a curse named Kenjaku, and also a descendant of the twin brother of
Ryoumen Sukuna."

Consecutive blows now hit the three teenagers. They all shivered. The identity of the young
man in front of them was terrifying, and how Yuuji explained who he was without fear.
Former vessel? Did Sukuna move to another body? Why? But if Yuuji is Sukuna's vessel, it
explains why the world turned into chaos. And if Yuuji is a cursed child, he is undoubtedly
not entirely human. And! What is this? Is he a descendant of the twin brother of Ryoumen
Sukuna?

All of this explains why this young man is so powerful. Maybe. It's possible. He might be
stronger than Satoru.

Satoru leaned forward. He freed himself from Suguru so quickly and tried to intimidate the
young man again with his height and the cursed energy intentionally released in its entirety.
"So, why are you so special then?"

Shoko's hair stood on end. She felt horrified. The girl silently cursed her friend. She would
never get used to the extraordinary powers Satoru possessed, and this cursed energy was
stronger than usual. Meanwhile, Suguru, also a special-grade sorcerer, didn't react too
terrified like Shoko. The teenager just looked displeased and secretly harbored envy for
Satoru's increasing strength.

Satoru felt frustration because the young man was not at all afraid of his cursed energy. He
was annoyed but also slightly pleased because it seemed there was someone else who could
stand beside him, opposing the extraordinary powers bestowed by heaven.
"Don't talk nonsense about this just being a dream. Maybe. Maybe you time-traveled? Like in
movies."

"That's more nonsense, Gojo-sensei. Believe me." There was a teasing tone in Yuuji's words.

"Talking about nonsense. Isn't it more absurd that this world is just a dream than you time-
traveling?"

Yuuji sighed. He was so tired and lazy. "I wonder what new scenario Sukuna came up with."

"It's not a dream!" Satoru shouted, not knowing how many times. Trying to make Yuuji
realize that this is real. It couldn't be him. His life for eighteen years is not just a mere dream.

"Gojo-sensei." Yuuji's voice softened.

"Gojo-sensei. Sensei. Sensei! I'm not a teacher! I'm just a third-year student at Jujutsu Tech!
Don't call me Sensei! I'm not your teacher." Satoru seemed unaware that those words hurt
Yuuji so deeply.

"Huh, who would want to be a teacher? Am I crazy enough to adopt a student? Dealing with
kids. Annoying," he continued in frustration. He truly couldn't imagine himself, who has been
lazy in attending classes to the point of being scolded by Yaga-sensei for frequently skipping,
becoming a teacher? That's insane. He couldn't endure another year in the company of those
wrinkled elders.

"Fine, let's consider this not a dream but time travel," said Yuuji.

"Yes, yes, let's go with that!" Satoru got excited. He even adjusted his cursed energy again.
Very pleased to win this argument.

However, before he could celebrate, Yuuji was already in front of him, touching his chest.
Satoru was surprised, but his defensive bells didn't ring, and his infinity didn't activate
automatically.

"Black Flash." Black tendrils emerged from the pink-haired youth's hand before exploding
right in front of Satoru's chest, sending him flying into another room, coughing up fresh
blood.

Suguru widened his eyes and prepared to summon the curse he stored, but stopped due to
Shoko's shout.

"Stop! Don't make this worse. We're in a hospital now! There are many ordinary people
here!" After saying that, Shoko quickly left the room, seemingly trying to reassure the
patients in the hospital.

Damn those monkeys! Suguru thought irritably. He ultimately stayed silent and jumped after
Yuuji towards Satoru. There was one patient still resting on the bed, looking frightened as the
hospital wall was breached. Suguru, with a hint of disgust, removed the patient from their
surroundings and quickly returned to Satoru and Yuuji, who were still exchanging glances.
Satoru stared at Yuuji in disbelief. He wiped the blood from his lips and saw how Yuuji was
standing in front of him but didn't attack again. Suguru, who had returned after moving the
ordinary person, wanted to help Satoru, but Satoru quickly stopped his friend's movements.

"Did you attack my soul?" Satoru asked, still stunned by the Black Flash attack that he often
underestimated but proved to be powerful in Yuuji's hands.

"Yes." Yuuji touched Satoru's chest. Instinctively, Satoru wanted to dodge, but it would be
boring if he didn't take any opportunity to see Yuuji's strength.

Yuuji healed his physical and spiritual wounds. Satoru's burn wounds quickly closed along
with his healed soul. It was amazing. The reverse curse technique was considered difficult.
Many great sorcerers couldn't use it. And Yuuji, not only using it but also for others? If
Shoko were here, she would undoubtedly beg Yuuji to teach her.

"I want to check your theory. There's a weakness in Sukuna's manifested dream. The
characters there never have a soul, no matter how much they resemble faces, cursed energy,
or their personalities. They don't have a soul. So maybe this is really a time travel. Although I
don't know how, because many of my memories are damaged and distorted. Sukuna really
succeeded in destroying me," explained Yuuji.

Yuuji pulled his hand back. The young man seemed to be experiencing internal conflict
again, similar to yesterday. He stepped back a few paces from Satoru, allowing Satoru to
regain his footing.

"You're careless, Gojo-sen—" Yuuji immediately stopped talking, recalling Satoru's harsh
words. He lowered his head, standing alone there, like a forsaken dog.

"W-what?" Satoru stuttered. After his fight against Toji, he had been using infinity
automatically, but the way Yuuji attacked him didn't trigger the dangerous bells. It was true;
he was careless, but still. Who would have thought Yuuji would attack him?

"That's very dangerous," Yuuji said, full of concern, further provoking Satoru's emotions.

"Yes! Yes! I know!" Satoru messed up his own hair in frustration.

Suguru grew more cautious. Yuuji had proven to be incredibly strong. Damn. But for some
reason, seeing Satoru oppressed made him feel at ease. It was selfish, he knew. He didn't
want to be left behind by Satoru. Seeing someone stronger than Satoru reminded him again
that Satoru was still a regular human.

Suguru patted Satoru's shoulder repeatedly and played the role of an older person, coupled
with the bags under his eyes due to lack of sleep lately, giving him an elderly impression.
"Listen, Satoru, just admit your defeat."

Yuuji looked at Suguru's hand placed on Satoru's shoulder, then at Suguru's face, and
clenched his fists, redirecting his gaze. Suguru, of course, noticed Yuuji's look of hatred and
disgust toward him. He began to wonder. What had he done to this kid? That the young man
hated him so much?
Yuuji turned away from the two teenagers who were bickering again because of Suguru's
words. They didn't notice Yuuji's departure until Shoko, who had calmed the commotion
outside by saying it was just a minor earthquake, returned.

"Where's Itadori-kun?" Shoko asked.

The two special-grade sorcerers stopped fighting. Yuuji's cursed energy had disappeared from
the hospital area. Satoru could see it with his extraordinary six eyes.

"Damn! He escaped!" cursed Satoru. He immediately ran out of the room, followed by
Suguru.
 Self-Disclosure
Chapter Notes

Hope you like it<3 Leave kudos and comments to encourage me to write( ꈍᴗꈍ)

See the end of the chapter for more notes

The scent of flowers wafted into the woman's nose, eliciting a faint smile tinged with
annoyance. She stirred her coffee with boredom. These cursed spirits kept talking about their
respective plans. Even though she had told them that the plans would only be executed when
her child was old enough and she could obtain a sorcerer's body with cursed spirit
manipulation techniques.

Yet, being cursed spirits, they kept talking until the woman's ears hurt. She wanted to kill
these cursed spirits now, but they were still useful.

The woman sighed wearily. Her short black hair fluttered in the breeze from the open cafe
door. Onlookers gazed at her, perhaps captivated by her beauty. She returned the smile,
blushing slightly. The cafe visitors promptly went to order, pondering why the woman had
stitches on her forehead.

"Kaori." The voice of one of the curses sounded. Itadori Kaori reluctantly turned her head
toward the cursed spirit.

"I'm bored. I want to play a little," said the curse.

She kind of liked the sweet visitor, but oh well.

"Up to you guys," Kaori rose from her seat. She went to pay for her coffee, which she hadn't
even touched, then exited the flower-filled cafe. Behind her, the cursed spirits easily killed
every human inside the cafe.

They quickly caught up with Kaori, who had walked ahead.

"Oh, so fast," Kaori said with a playful smile.

"Boring," the annoyed curse replied. He had to wait for ten years or more to taste the white-
haired sorcerer who arrogantly declared himself the strongest sorcerer of this era.

Kaori chuckled. She observed her surroundings. Humans walked joyfully and energetically,
even though their hearts kept cursing things they hated, unaware that their hatred could create
curses that could devour and chew them.

The woman sighed softly, "Well, boring—"

Kaori's head immediately turned towards the black car passing by. Her pupils widened. She
could sense it. She could really sense it!

The curses following Kaori also stopped in their tracks. They looked at the beautiful woman
with stitches on her forehead trembling with a mad expression filled with delight.

Kaori covered her face with her hands. She burst into uncontrollable laughter. What was this?
Why could she sense that many interesting things would happen this year? Oh. It seemed like
this boredom would disappear sooner than she expected. Efforts she had cultivated for a
thousand years. She truly looked forward to what would happen next.

Kaori slowly stopped laughing. She pulled her hands away from her face and looked towards
the black car that had long disappeared from her view.

"Itadori Yuuji," she whispered lovingly. Oh, her tiny and adorable child. How could that child
be here?

The Wheel of Jujutsu World.

Yuuji's body felt a shiver. On his right side was Satoru, and on his left was Suguru. In front of
him was Shoko. They were on their way to the train station to return to Jujutsu High School
in Tokyo.

After capturing Yuuji, they quickly left the hospital and hailed a taxi. The process of leaving
the hospital wasn't as complicated, and everything would be easier with the money Satoru
spent. So, they could leave early in the morning.

The problem was, the three sorcerers eyed him with caution, perhaps afraid he might escape
again.

Well, Yuuji couldn't blame them. He had fled after revealing frightening facts. It was good if
they felt the need to keep an eye on him.

Yuuji silently let out a tired breath, immediately noticed by them.

The nineteen-year-old felt powerless. Initially, he thought he was in a dream woven by

Sukuna, so he casually threw out those terrifying facts. However, it turned out he had time-
traveled?

Yuuji still felt wary that all of this was done by Sukuna. The Cursed King. How to put it?
Incredibly powerful indeed. Yuuji couldn't deny it. He had been by Sukuna's side for four
years. He knew Sukuna was arrogant and conceited, delighted in finding new pleasures in
life. The man was always very angry if Yuuji tried to leave him, even though Sukuna always
found a way to catch and imprison him again, but there would always be a punishment that
hurt Yuuji mentally.

"Itadori-kun," Suguru called.

Yuuji was too lazy to turn towards Suguru. He had repeatedly played Geto Suguru's words in
his head—Geto Suguru is currently innocent. Innocent. But what could he do? The emotional
wounds inflicted by Kenjaku with Suguru's body were deeply engraved in his heart.

The pink-haired youth turned towards Suguru, trying to suppress the nausea as his eyes
envisioned stitches on the forehead. He knew! He understood that this wasn't Kenjaku.

"Yeah?" Yuuji replied with a squeaky voice.

Suguru stared into Yuuji's golden-brown eyes, which seemed eager to avoid looking at his
face.

"Why did you run away?" Suguru asked. He restrained himself from asking Yuuji—Why does
this young man hate him so much?

"Oh." Yuuji quickly turned his neck back, and now his gaze immediately shifted forward.
Shoko was still watching him through the taxi's rearview mirror.

"I was just confused. That's all. Besides, in the end, you managed to catch me."

Satoru and Suguru did indeed catch Yuuji without much resistance. The youth simply ran out
of the hospital and looked around like a confused person. Yuuji was like a lost dog. Adapting
to a world with mostly untroubled humans, without suffering, without the evident pain on
their faces, was difficult.

However, beyond that, Yuuji was also confused about how to behave around Satoru. As
Satoru stated, Satoru was not his teacher. At least for now, Satoru was not the revered teacher
he imagined. A teacher who, in the end, died at Sukuna's hands.

The current Gojo Satoru might only be eighteen years old if he was indeed in his third year at
Jujutsu Tech. Still young and mischievous. Although the difference in personality between
the current and past Gojo Satoru wasn't too significant, their strength was vastly different.

Anyone who stood by his side always ended up suffering. He truly believed those words. He
even loudly proclaimed those words to Fushiguro, and it came true; Fushiguro's body was
used by Sukuna, and his soul was destroyed.

There was no good ending if you were close to him.

Yuuji was so scared. He feared bringing new death to Satoru. He couldn't even release the
desire to just hug Satoru or kneel at the feet of the teenager because he was so weak, too
weak to become Sukuna's plaything, instead of killing the King of Curses.

Yuuji desperately wanted to run. He wanted to escape from the destiny that bound his feet
and hands. But he couldn't. He knew he was someone in the midst of the Jujutsu world's
conflict. His existence was a curse. He should never have been born.

"Sorry, I was rude earlier." A soft voice came out of Satoru's mouth, immediately snapping
Yuuji out of his thoughts. He turned towards Satoru.
Satoru leaned his head on his arms, looking out at the streets. Yuuji could see a slight blush
on the teenager's ears and how Satoru's lips pouted cutely.

"Oh, our Young Master can say that," Shoko teased with a small laugh.

Satoru immediately kicked the front seat in annoyance and quickly received a sharp look
from the taxi driver. Oh, how he missed Ijichi being his private driver.

Shoko, who got on Satoru's nerves, exploded with laughter, and Satoru continued to kick the
front seat of the car, not caring if it got damaged. He could pay for it, even buy a new car for
this taxi driver.

"Oi, cut it out!" Suguru issued his curse, and the small snake curse coiled around Satoru's
legs, pulling the white-haired sorcerer to stop behaving childishly.

For a moment, Suguru released a curse, and Yuuji wanted to attack Suguru to prevent him
from touching even a finger on Satoru's body. Luckily, Yuuji restrained himself. He just
silently watched their interactions. His heart felt painful, and his eyes felt warm. He missed
Fushiguro and Nobara so much.

Tears welled up in Yuuji's eyes. How were they doing? They were probably still kids, playing
around. No need to worry about the resurrection of King of Curses.

Yuuji quickly covered his face. This was embarrassing. Truly. He had lived with Sukuna for
four years, witnessing many deaths, witnessing much suffering. Shouldn't he have accepted
them by now? No. He always missed those who had gone. Every second, every minute, every
hour, every day, he missed them. That's why Sukuna could play with him. The cunning King
of Curses used his feelings to tear apart his heart and mind.

A small sob escaped from Yuuji's lips. The three sorcerers stopped arguing and shifted their
attention to the pink-haired youth. They wondered why Yuuji was crying.

Suguru glanced at Satoru, and Satoru looked at Shoko, who quickly escaped from the trouble.

Damn it, Shoko! Satoru cursed inwardly.

Suguru and Satoru were puzzled by this situation. They didn't expect Yuuji to cry. Well, Yuuji
seemed like a strong young man. The boy even casually asked them to kill him. But behind
Yuuji's strong façade was a soul filled with sadness.

Right. When they first encountered the awakened Yuuji, an internal conflict had surfaced on
that sweet face.

Oh, Satoru felt even more guilty for being harsh on Yuuji.

Suguru took the first step. He seemed to think that it would be better to pretend not to hear
and let Yuuji cry it out. It would be embarrassing to appear vulnerable in front of others.
Initially, Satoru wanted to do the same, but—
Satoru awkwardly stroked Yuuji's back. Yuuji was initially stiff, but Satoru didn't stop trying
to comfort this lost kid.

"Gojo-sen—" Yuuji took a breath. He blurted it out again. Satoru must be annoyed. From
Satoru's initial reaction, the teenager exploded. Although Satoru had apologized, he still felt
he shouldn't make the young Satoru replace the void left by his absent Gojo-sensei. They
were the same person, but still different.

"It's okay," Satoru said. "For now, call me that."

Yuuji blinked. Tears dripped down to his chin and fell onto his clothes.

He shouldn't. He shouldn't. No. This.

"Gojo-sensei," he called softly.

Satoru nodded. "Yes, Yuuji-kun?"

The image of Gojo-sensei laughing and teasing him with jokes that annoyed others but were
funny to him.

"Gojo-sensei," Yuuji's voice choked.

He imagined Satoru's body cold and lifeless. Not breathing. Not laughing. Not smiling. Not
angry. Not expressing any emotions. Just dead.

"Come here." Satoru didn't know what possessed him, but he extended his arms, inviting
Yuuji into his embrace.

Without thinking, Yuuji threw himself into Satoru's embrace. His hands clutched Satoru's
white shirt so tightly, as if the teenager wanted to tear it apart. Yuuji's body trembled
violently, and his cries burst out.

The names of those people spilled from Yuuji's trembling lips, always ending with the word
'sorry.' Apologies flowed from Yuuji like a mantra. It hurt anyone who heard Yuuji's hoarse
and choked voice. Even Satoru brought Yuuji's head closer to his chest. He didn't mind if his
shirt got dirty with tears and snot. Satoru just wanted to alleviate the pain lingering in this
kid's heart, even if only a little.

Yuuji's cries finally subsided. The taxi driver even intentionally stopped near the station and
didn't immediately ask them to leave.

Shoko and Suguru started to contemplate the grim fate briefly mentioned by Yuuji. It must be
hell for Yuuji to endure, watching his friends fall one by one, even after being held captive by
Sukuna. Not allowed to release all the pain that choked the boy every day.

God. Yuuji hoped he truly time-traveled. He didn't want this to be just a dream. He didn't
want to wake up. He wanted to fix everything. He didn't want to lose anymore.
Yuuji's tears gradually subsided. Like a torrential rain that came pouring down, then
disappeared after a few minutes, but the traces after the rain were still visible.

Satoru stroked Yuuji's pink hair and then released him. Yuuji's cheeks were red, and in his
golden-brown eyes, there was a glimmer of small hope. Indeed, this was what should be in
Yuuji. Hope and warmth.

"Feeling better?" Satoru asked gently.

Yuuji hummed. He bowed his head and scratched his neck in embarrassment. "Sorry, I—"

"It's okay." Satoru didn't want to hear another apology from Yuuji.

"Alright!" Satoru clapped his hands, bringing everyone back to awareness. "We've arrived at
the train station!"

Satoru laughed with a goofy tone, trying to lighten the somber mood. He opened the car door
and took Yuuji's hand, leading him into the station. Shoko and Suguru followed after Satoru
paid their taxi fare.

Yuuji stumbled slightly as Satoru enthusiastically held onto his hand and led him into the
station. A satisfied smile appeared on Satoru's lips, a smile that left Yuuji questioning.

3:35 PM in the afternoon.

An adorable child with pink hair is playing in the deserted playground. Usually, many
children play here, but for some reason, it's empty. No one around, and it makes the child
upset. He plays children's games alone.

Until someone approaches. It's a beautiful woman with short hair. The child furrows his brow
as he notices the stitches on the woman's forehead.

"Yuuji," Kaori calls.

Little Yuuji tilts his head. He didn't expect this new visitor to know him. Yuuji is friendly, but
not to the extent that strangers would know his name.

"What are you doing?"

Yuuji steps back a bit as the woman crouches down to his level. He also notices someone else
hiding near the tree. He doesn't know if it's a woman or a man, but that person has white hair
with red streaks.

"Who's that?" Yuuji asks with a frown. He wants to meet his friends, not strangers who seem
like they'll kidnap him.

"A friend?" Kaori tilts her head playfully.

"You're already an adult," Yuuji replies.

 "Really?" Kaori continues to play dumb to make Yuuji drop his guard.

"If I'm an adult, would you play with me?" the beautiful woman asks disappointedly.

"No. That's not what I meant." Yuuji approaches and places his hand on Kaori's cheek, which
turns out to be so soft. "Alright, let's play."

Kaori smiles meaningfully. She lifts Yuuji into her arms, and the child screams before
laughing, quickly feeling comfortable in the woman's embrace.

"I missed you, my child," Kaori whispers before kissing Yuuji's cheek, making the four-year-
old giggle with delight.

Chapter End Notes

Oh, poor Yuuji

 Back to Jujutsu Tech
Chapter Notes

First of all, I apologize for being late in posting the story:( If there are typos, please
forgive me.

"What do you think about bringing Itadori-kun to school?"

Suguru's question made Shoko turn towards the neatly disheveled black-haired teenager. She
then shifted her gaze back to Satoru, who was walking ahead with Yuuji. Yuuji listened
attentively to Satoru's nonsense-filled stories. In those golden-brown eyes, there was deep
admiration and a profound sense of longing. It seemed that in the future, Satoru would be a
good teacher for Yuuji.

"What's the matter, Suguru?" Shoko turned around to ask.

No longer staring at Satoru, who was pulling Yuuji towards a dessert shop on the side of the
street, they had arrived in Tokyo after several hours. Satoru had already called Ijichi to pick
them up near the station.

They took a short detour to satisfy Satoru's craving for sweets. And why was Suguru
mentioning this now?

"I just don't know if this choice is right."

Shoko frowned, then sighed and turned her face away. "You're overthinking, Suguru."

The short-haired brown-haired girl patted Suguru's shoulder and smiled.

"Satoru will handle it when there's a problem, and I'm sure Yaga-sensei will support us if
we're right. So, don't worry too much," she said, then walked towards Satoru and Yuuji.

Suguru massaged his nose bone and looked down at his black shoes. Perhaps he was
worrying too much about something that hadn't happened yet.

But who wouldn't worry when faced with the fact that your friend will die in the future? Then
the world collapses? Witches are destroyed by Curses from a thousand years ago
reincarnated?

Isn't the easiest step to avoid it happening now to kill Yuuji, who might still be weak, to
prevent the King of Curse from entering this world? Then kill the vessel used by the King of
Curse after moving from Yuuji's body?
That's what they should do, not bring Yuuji to Jujutsu Tech. After all, once they bring Yuuji,
what will happen?

Most likely, news about Yuuji will spread widely, and the elders will execute him because his
identity is too dangerous.

For what? It's futile. They can't protect Yuuji. Just like—

"Suguru!" Satoru called.

Suguru looked up, and his pupils widened as he saw Yuuji standing next to Satoru, smiling
thinly while talking to Shoko. The young man, who cried like a child in Satoru's embrace a
few hours ago.

"Why are you standing there?" Satoru walked closer. In his hands, there was a package he
believed contained various desserts.

"It's nothing. Has Ijichi arrived?" Suguru asked with a smile that made his eyes narrow.

"Not yet. Are you okay, Suguru?" Satoru approached and wanted to touch Suguru's face, but
was quickly rejected by Suguru.

"I'm fine," Suguru replied, touching the hand that brushed off Satoru's hand. He felt a bit
guilty for being rude.

"Is this stress because of the summer?" Satoru asked with a small laugh intended to tease
Suguru, but Suguru didn't respond to that question and remained silent for a few moments
before saying that everything was fine.

"Hey! You two! Ijichi has arrived!" The shout came from Shoko, making Satoru scratch his
ear, pretending that it hurt because of Shoko's not-so-loud shout.

"Alright, I'm coming!" Satoru walked ahead towards their ride. He grinned at Ijichi, who
immediately tensed up a bit.

"Gojo-senpai!" greeted the teenager who had a face that looked older than the others. He
seemed to have gone through a lot, evident by the wrinkles on his young face.

However, despite that, Ijichi couldn't protest. He was lucky enough to still be alive under the
care of Gojo Satoru. Initially, Ijichi wanted to become a sorcerer, but Satoru told him to just
be a sorcerer's assistant. He was slightly offended at first, but it was true that he was a coward
and would surely die if he became a sorcerer.

Gojo Satoru saved him. Just from that fact alone, Ijichi didn't think too much about Satoru's
sometimes whimsical behavior.

"Ijichi-san?" Yuuji tilted his head and observed Ijichi, wearing a suit and glasses, just like in
the future, only younger. He just found out that Ijichi in the past was Satoru's underclassman.
"Yes?" Ijichi looked towards the newcomer, who had a gentle expression and a longing gaze
on his face. Huh? Was Ijichi someone famous to receive such a look from a stranger?

"You look good," Yuuji said, then quickly avoided further gazes by opening the front door of
the car and getting in.

Suguru had joined his friends and also got into the car. He no longer sat near Yuuji, and
Yuuji, who was in the front seat, seemed more comfortable—no longer receiving wary or
questioning looks from the three sorcerers who were so openly observant.

So, as Ijichi drove them towards Jujutsu Tech, Suguru turned his attention to Satoru, who had
been holding an ice cream in his hand for who knows how long.

The white-haired sorcerer unwrapped his ice cream with a childish, impatient grin.

Satoru offered the ice cream package to Shoko, and she promptly took it and ate it with a
blank expression. Satoru also didn't miss the chance to offer ice cream to Suguru, but Suguru
declined by shaking his head.

"Seriously?" Satoru asked with a raised eyebrow.

Suguru finally took one to avoid an unnecessary argument, which made Satoru grin.

"Yuuji-kun." Satoru now slightly leaned forward towards the front seat to get closer to Yuuji.
"Want some?" he asked, handing over the plastic bag containing ice cream.

Yuuji turned his body slightly towards the back and paused for a moment—staring at the
various flavors of ice cream still wrapped up.

Was there a memory in the ice cream? the three sorcerers wondered as they continued to
observe Yuuji.

Yuuji hesitantly chose a strawberry-flavored ice cream and looked back at Satoru, who was
still staring at him. "Um, thank you," he said.

Then, the young man turned back to the front, unwrapped the ice cream, and immediately
took a bite while looking at the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.

"You're welcome," replied Satoru, then leaned back and leaned against the seat, enjoying his
own ice cream.

Suguru didn't eat his ice cream. He wasn't relaxed as they were about to arrive at Jujutsu
Tech. Damn. He gripped the ice cream wrapper tightly and decided to voice his question to
Satoru, rather than continue to be consumed by this worry.

"What are you going to do with Itadori-kun once we get to school?"

Satoru bit into his ice cream, letting the strawberry flavor melt in his mouth, creating a
momentary coolness on his tongue before the sweet freshness burst in his mouth.
"Hmm..." Satoru played with his ice cream, not caring about a few drops melting and falling
onto the car floor. "I'll take Yuuji to Yaga-sensei, then enroll him as a student at Jujutsu Tech,
have him in the same class as us while keeping an eye on him."

"Wh—"

"No."

Before Suguru could respond to Satoru's answer, his sentence was unexpectedly cut off by an
unexpected outcry from Yuuji.

"You can't do that, Gojo-sen— I mean, Gojo-san," said Yuuji. Yuuji still struggled not to use
the title "Sensei" after Gojo Satoru's name. He had to repeatedly bite his tongue to avoid
slipping up.

Satoru's gaze shifted towards Yuuji, who didn't even turn around to speak. Even Suguru and
Shoko were curious about what else might come out of the young man's mouth. Meanwhile,
Ijichi just wanted to get out of the car because he felt like he shouldn't be listening to this
conversation.

"Why? It's the easiest way," replied Satoru, confused. "At least that way, we can protect you."

"I don't need your protection."

Ijichi glanced slightly at Yuuji, who was now gripping his own pants. This kid was strange.
Why would someone not want their life protected? Shouldn't this young man be grateful?

"If you bring me to Yaga-san, it will endanger him. When I make mistakes, those higher-ups
will use that opportunity to execute Yaga-san. And, Gojo-sen—san, you'll be affected too. As
well as Ieiri-san and Geto-san."

"Wait! Wait! You're thinking too far, Yuuji-kun." Satoru laughed. He bit into his ice cream
again and spoke in a casual tone, "that won't happen. I can handle everything."

"YOU CAN'T!" Yuuji shouted, startling everyone in the car.

Yuuji's breath began to falter. He gasped and continued to gasp, struggling to find fresh air
amidst the stuffiness of Ijichi's crowded car. He clutched his chest, which was beating wildly,
like a bomb about to explode. He feared his heart would truly explode as he continued to try
to reach the remaining oxygen.

"Ijichi! Open the car window!" Satoru exclaimed, moving closer to Yuuji but was stopped by
the young man's hand.

Ijichi panickedly rolled down the car window, allowing more fresh air to enter.

"It's okay," Yuuji said, his voice trembling.

Satoru still stared at him with concern, and Yuuji needed to regulate his breathing,
remembering the inhale-exhale pattern, repeating it until he felt calmer.
Yuuji couldn't involve anyone else. Yaga died in the execution after Sukuna, using his body,
destroyed Shibuya. Even though Panda had forgiven him. That didn't mean the guilt didn't
continue to gnaw at him, bringing him to the brink of despair.

That's why he couldn't let it happen again. He couldn't let Panda lose the figure of a father for
the second time.

Yuuji took another breath and released his grip on his chest. Initially, Satoru thought Yuuji
would explode and cry, but it turned out the young man pretended to be strong again, just like
when they first talked in the hospital.

"Satoru." Suguru pulled Satoru's body back to his seat, and from Suguru's gaze, he asked
Satoru to let Yuuji calm down first.

Yuuji bent down to pick up his fallen ice cream and put it back into its wrapper.

"Sorry, Ijichi-san, I've dirtied your car," he said with a look of regret.

"Oh, it's, it's okay," Ijichi replied nervously.

"So?" Satoru squinted at the interaction between Yuuji and Ijichi.

For some reason, he didn't like it when Yuuji acted like this. Just a moment ago, Yuuji was
more open to him, listening to all his nonsense, even helping him choose desserts, which
surprisingly were his favorite desserts! Yuuji even cried in his arms! Wasn't it unnecessary for
Yuuji to keep his distance and create an invisible wall between them?

"So, let me meet the higher-ups and talk to them," Yuuji replied.

"Oh, let them execute you on the spot?"

"Satoru, don't be too harsh!" Shoko, who had been a silent spectator all this time, spoke up,
making Satoru click his tongue in annoyance.

"Besides! I really don't understand this kid, Shoko!" Satoru exclaimed in frustration. He
pulled his own hair, no longer caring that his ice cream had fallen to the car floor moments
ago when Yuuji had a panic attack.

"I'm just trying to help him, you know!" Satoru began to act dramatically, pointing towards
Yuuji while glancing back and forth between his two friends. "But this guy wants to die?!"

Neither Shoko nor Suguru could refute. Both of them were just as puzzled as Satoru, but they
didn't act as dramatically as the white-haired sorcerer.

"Maybe we need to trust Itadori-kun more."

"Shoko, are you serious?" Suguru spoke up, making the only girl present in the car drop her
head against the car door and stare out the window while licking her ice cream, letting the
wind blow a few strands of her brown hair.
"Yes."

No. Shoko didn't trust Yuuji. All Jujutsu sorcerers knew very well how the higher-ups
operated. With Yuuji's impressive yet terrifying identity, the higher-ups would undoubtedly
execute the young man and then allow Yuuji's body to be dissected.

"Thank you for your concern, everyone." Yuuji smiled, looking at the three sorcerers through
the rearview mirror. "But, I promise I'll be fine," he said, ending with a wide smile that made
his eyes squint.

"If I die, you'll kill me, right?" Yuuji said unintentionally. The sentence immediately
reminded him of Fushiguro. Yuuji's smile disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.

Yuuji redirected his gaze from the three teenagers still processing his charming smile.

Satoru sighed resignedly. "Okay. Fine, but let me accompany you to meet the higher-ups."

"No." Yuuji shook his head. "I'll meet them alone."

Satoru wanted to protest again, but luckily Suguru spoke first, "then let us wait outside the
meeting room."

"Okay. Sorry for the trouble and thank you," said Yuuji.

...

Once they arrived in front of the Jujutsu Tech campus, after Shoko got out of the car, Satoru
immediately stepped out, walking ahead while carrying a bag containing all his desserts. He
left his friends and Yuuji behind, angry and annoyed.

Suguru and Shoko didn't stop Satoru's rough behavior because they knew very well why
Satoru acted like that.

"Thank you, Ijichi-san," Yuuji politely said to Ijichi.

Ijichi replied with a nod, "No problem, uhm... Itadori-kun." He smiled, then got back into the
car and drove away.

"Itadori-kun, I'll talk to Yaga-sensei to arrange a meeting with the higher-ups."

Yuuji looked at Shoko after Ijichi left, then quickly bowed his body 60 degrees, "Thank you
very much, Ieiri-san."

"No, it's not necessary to go that far." Shoko's cheeks slightly flushed. She didn't understand
why Yuuji was being so excessive? She was just going to talk to Yaga.

"No, Ieiri-san, believe me, you've been very helpful, and I'm very grateful for your kindness."
Yuuji finally stood upright again and smiled.
When Yuuji smiled, whether they knew it was genuine or fake, it still softened the pink-
haired boy's face.

Shoko played with her hair and looked away. She was glad to hear that she could be helpful
to Yuuji in the future. Although there was still disbelief that Yuuji was from the future, she
somehow felt relieved that she could be useful in the future.

"Then I'll take my leave first." Shoko ran off to Yaga's room.

Now it was just Yuuji and Suguru. Yuuji didn't initiate a conversation. He just stood there,
allowing Suguru to observe him from head to toe.

"You're very brave," Suguru broke the silence between them. "It reminds me of someone."

"Oh, uhm... I don't feel brave," Yuuji replied, then hurried to catch up with Suguru, who had
already walked ahead.

Suguru put his hands in his pockets, staring at the bright and scorching sky with an
indescribable look in his eyes.

Meanwhile, Yuuji continued to follow Suguru from behind, resisting the urge to run away
from Suguru's figure or to kill the younger teenager who was only a year younger than him.

"Where are you taking me?" Yuuji asked curiously. He walked faster to walk side by side
with Suguru because Suguru's figure seen from behind somehow looked vulnerable, and
Yuuji was afraid he might attack the boy.

"In my dorm, there's still an empty room. You can rest there for a while until Yaga tells us
when your meeting with the higher-ups can be arranged."

Yuuji nodded, and Suguru glanced at the young man. "If you are really from the future, you
should understand, right, how the higher-ups behave? You could really be executed on the
spot, just like Satoru said."

Yuuji remained silent for a while, seemingly pondering what answer to give to Suguru's
statement. Even though he had only been attending Jujutsu Tech for a few months, he was
very aware that the higher-ups were ruthless. But—

"Trust me, Geto-san. I have information that will make the higher-ups let me live."

Suguru blinked twice and immediately chuckled at Yuuji's confidence. Yes, maybe it was true
that Yuuji had information that could make the higher-ups not move for a while. But how
long would it last? Before the higher-ups felt the need to destroy Yuuji? Well, Suguru didn't
care too much. After all, he had only met Yuuji a while ago. He wouldn't let himself be tied
down to someone again.

Satoru walked closer to Suguru and Shoko, along with Yaga who was waiting.
They all thought the meeting would be held the next morning, but it was unexpectedly moved
up to the afternoon.

Yuuji, who had just rested for a while, was immediately called and brought in front of the
higher-ups.

"You're here," Suguru said, looking at Satoru leaning against the wall, the teenager's face
expressionless. But Suguru knew, from anyone, that Satoru was worried.

Satoru was someone who easily attached himself to others. When they had a mission to
protect Amanai Riko, this teenager didn't even sleep to ensure the girl's safety to the fullest.
Perhaps, Satoru felt that protecting everyone was his duty as the strongest.

"How long has Yuuji been inside?"

"Twenty minutes," Yaga answered Satoru's question.

Satoru groaned softly. "What do you think they're discussing?"

"I don't know, but if what Shoko said about Itadori Yuuji is true, the chances of getting a
favorable outcome are very slim."

Shoko did inform Yaga about Yuuji's situation but omitted the time travel part. Because the
reason for Yuuji's time travel was still somewhat mysterious. It was better not to involve too
many people when the situation wasn't clear.

Everyone fell silent again, lost in their own thoughts. Even though Satoru wanted to help
Yuuji, he wasn't there to save the boy if the higher-ups acted ruthlessly. Yet the advantage
would be on Yuuji's side if he brought Satoru along because, in any case, Gojo Satoru was a
significant asset to the Jujutsu world and was now officially the Head of the Gojo Clan.

Satoru really didn't know what was going through Yuuji's mind as the boy went to face those
bastards alone.

The door opened. The figure of the pink-haired boy walked towards them. The meeting room
of the higher-ups was winding. It probably took ten minutes round trip to get there. So,
Yuuji's conversation with the higher-ups couldn't have been more than ten minutes.

What did Yuuji and the higher-ups discuss in such a short time?

Moreover, they were relieved to see Yuuji unharmed.

"Sorry for the trouble, Yaga-san." Yuuji slightly bowed politely to the black-haired man who
would become his school principal in the future, but at this time, he was still a teacher
overseeing the second-year students.

"From now on, I will be under your care," he said, standing tall in front of Yaga.

"What?" Satoru interrupted.

"I will become a second-year student at Jujutsu Tech under Yaga-sensei's guidance."

"Wait?"

Isn't this the same as Satoru's plan, except that Yuuji will be in the second year, not the third?
What is this? What agreement did Yuuji make with the higher-ups?
 Run and Take a Step
Chapter Notes

Sorry if there are typos :) and I hope you enjoy this story<3

The moonlight seeped in through the shoji window, illuminating the room with a soft glow.
The pungent scent of incense made Yuuji furrow his brow. He didn't remember lighting
incense in his third-year dorm room. Yuuji chose to sleep here so he could watch over Satoru
and let himself watch over Nanami during class. It was like killing two birds with one stone.

It allowed him to take more precise steps to change everything. Because what he knew about
the past was only from the stories of Fushiguro or his upperclassmen.

But why?

Why did the smell of incense, always present in every night he spent with Sukuna, linger?
Hot nights. Torturous nights. Nights that diminished his self-worth.

Yuuji kept his eyes tightly shut, hoping this scent would vanish and hoping his memories
with Sukuna would be erased like dissipating fog.

"Yuuji..." Strong, large fingers touched Yuuji's hair. Yuuji held his breath.

"I'm calling you, you brat." Those fingers moved down to Yuuji's forehead, tracing the
contours of his face like painting on silk, then the thumb fell on Yuuji's lips, pressing against
the chapped surface.

No. No. No. I time-traveled. I met Gojo-sensei and his friend. Made a deal with the higher-
ups. It's not a dream created by Sukuna. Shit.

Yuuji cried in his heart and refused to obey Sukuna's command.

Yuuji remained stubborn, refusing to open his eyelids and see the figure of Sukuna who
might be sitting beside him—the figure of the Four-Armed King who had committed
genocide across Japan and was only waiting for the time to completely destroy the whole
world.

Imagining seeing the desperate cries of humans who cried and cursed the cursed forces that
destroyed their homes, killed their relatives, families, lovers, or friends. Cries. Blood. Fire.
Apocalypse.

Sukuna leaned down, getting closer. Sukuna's warm breath penetrated Yuuji's skin, making
Yuuji's heart beat rapidly with fear and hatred.
Sukuna's lips almost touched his ears as he whispered softly but threateningly, "Do you think
you can die and be free, brat? Oh, unfortunately, you failed."

Sukuna's touch descended to Yuuji's neck, touching the bobbing Adam's apple. Yuuji was
now like a bird trapped in the cage of darkness, not allowed to fly freely towards the blue sky.
Sukuna would always come back to trap him and bind him. Allowing himself to fall into the
pit of despair and never forgetting to keep singing Yuuji's failures.

Yuuji broke out in a cold sweat listening to Sukuna's chanting words.

"You are a failure, brat."

No.

"You can't protect anyone."

No. No. Stop!

"Everyone around you will die."

Please. Please don't say that.

"But it's okay, Yuuji." Sukuna pulled his lips away from Yuuji's ear and gave him a kiss on
the lips that looked sweet but to Yuuji was nauseating. He wanted to vomit.

"I will always love you. Even if you're just bad luck. You still belong to me. Mine."

Yuuji grimaced. He would rather die than accept love from Ryoumen Sukuna.

"So, come here!" Sukuna's fingers circled Yuuji's neck, choking him so tight that Yuuji's eyes
snapped open instantly.

Yuuji thought he would wake up and see Sukuna grinning triumphantly with his eyes shining
red with madness, but no.

Yuuji's eyes widened. He woke up in his dorm room, gasping for breath, his body drenched in
cold sweat from his nightmare.

Slowly, Yuuji groped around, feeling the familiar texture of the dormitory bed. It wasn't the
soft futon that was usually in his room with Sukuna. Quietly, Yuuji let out a relieved breath.
He was safe. This was reality. Meeting Sukuna was just a regular nightmare.

Yuuji pulled himself to sit up. His blanket fell to the floor but he didn't care.

His chest was still pounding like a drum. He folded his legs and rested his head between his
knees. His eyes closed, and he tried to regulate his breathing.

"It's just a dream. Sukuna isn't here right now. I'm fine." Soft whispers echoed on Yuuji's lips.
In the beginning, when he lived with Sukuna, he always did this when Sukuna's cruelty
struck him and tried to make Yuuji lose his sanity. Until he finally went crazy and attempted
suicide several times, but was always thwarted by Sukuna.

He turned towards the dim moonlight entering his room through the window.

Sometimes Yuuji wondered why Sukuna did this to him? He killed people Yuuji cared about.
Stepped on Yuuji's shattered heart. Always tortured him again in terrifying dreams where
everyone died again in his hands.

But panic would always be evident on Sukuna's face when Yuuji committed suicide.

Sukuna would bring Yuuji back to life. Hug Yuuji's body, as if Yuuji were the most precious
thing to the King of Curses. Sometimes, gently stroking Yuuji's cheek and kissing Yuuji's
lips. Sighing in relief because Yuuji was still by his side.

Then he would torture Yuuji again. Punish Yuuji for attempting suicide.

Yuuji sighed heavily. At least the last time he killed himself with the weapon he found in
Jujutsu Tech's legacy. In Gojo-sensei's cursed weapon warehouse. A lightweight weapon, a
dagger with a complex symbol like blood encircling a ring with one open eye. He managed to
leave Sukuna's side.

By the way, he successfully stole the weapon when Sukuna transported all the cursed items
owned by the School and Gojo to his magnificent and luxurious temple. Yuuji really didn't
expect that. Wait?

Was it the weapon that took him back to the past?

Yuuji's forehead creased. He scratched his pink hair, feeling that the thought was too silly. It
couldn't be, right? A regular dagger that just happened to be in his teacher's warehouse could
have such a magical effect?

Yuuji massaged his temples. He felt his brain already hurting just thinking about it. If only
Yuuji had the intelligence like Fushiguro or his Gojo-sensei, maybe his head wouldn't throb.

"I might need to freshen up," he muttered.

Then he got off his bed, grabbed the jacket lent by Satoru, put it on, and pushed the sliding
door aside. The third-year dormitory corridor felt empty, and the cold night air truly pierced
Yuuji's skin, yet somehow it cleared his mind.

He glanced briefly at Satoru and Suguru's door. The two might already be asleep. After Yuuji
met with the higher-ups, they immediately had dinner, and Yuuji took a shower before giving
himself permission to rest in his room.

Yuuji was very tired of talking to the higher-ups, even if it was just for ten minutes.

Eventually, Yuuji's feet stepped out of the dormitory. He was lucky enough not to meet
Nanami. Yuuji didn't know how to act in front of his mentor. Maybe cry? Scream? Or just
freeze and be unable to move?

His two feet stopped. He immediately turned his body around. Geto Suguru sat next to the
vending machine, his face pale, and his eyes dark. It seemed like the teenager couldn't sleep?

Yuuji remembered Fushiguro's words saying Geto Suguru was someone who initiated the
Night Parade of a Hundred Demons terrorist movement. Where a thousand curses were
released in Shinjuku and Kyoto.

And, Yuuta also said, Geto Suguru did it to get Rika, but it ended in failure and he died at the
hands of Gojo Satoru.

It was very tragic. Especially since Yuuji saw for himself how close their friendship was.
How did Satoru feel after killing his own friend? Yuuji couldn't even imagine how broken-
hearted his teacher must have been. Bathed in his friend's blood. Yuuji, who lost Fushiguro
because of Sukuna, was already desperate. What about Satoru?

But, why? Why did his teacher always act like everything was fine?

Yuuji actually still had PTSD from Geto Suguru's face because of Kenjaku.

Even so, maybe, just maybe, he could help Suguru a little? And maybe that could also help
Yuuji get more information?

"Alright!" Yuuji clenched his fists and turned his body and walked towards Suguru. But he
didn't stop right in front of Suguru. He chose a smoother path by stopping in front of the
vending machine instead.

Suguru had already noticed Yuuji's presence since the young man walked at the end of the
corridor.

Yuuji chose to put two 100 Yen coins into the machine. He turned to Suguru. Yuuji's face
now might look tense, because he was the one this time to approach. He usually tried to keep
his distance from Suguru. But, he didn't care.

Ah, then let's blame Sukuna for being a nightmare? Making Yuuji meet Geto Suguru.

"What do you want to drink?" Yuuji asked in the most normal voice possible.

"Uh?" Suguru blinked twice to reassure himself that it was indeed Itadori Yuuji in front of
him, who always gave him disgusted and hateful looks, but was now offering him a drink?

"It's not necessary."

"I insist."

"In that case, anything will do." Suguru relented.

Yuuji quickly chose two peach-flavored sodas and crouched down to pick up the can that fell
below. He handed the can to Suguru, who took it hesitantly.
"Thank you," Suguru said, immediately met with a soft hum from Yuuji.

At first, Suguru thought Yuuji would immediately leave him, but it turned out that this cherry
blossom-haired young man chose to sit next to him.

The scent of cherry blossoms that tickled his nose instantly made him turn to Yuuji, who had
already opened his can and was gulping it down with a frustration that was so clearly evident
on the young man's face.

Suguru didn't immediately open his can and chose to wipe the dew off the edge of the can. He
just thought about it. Yuuji actually had the scent of cherry blossoms, which was somewhat
strange for a somewhat gloomy-looking young man? Was it the smell of his soap or
shampoo? But, Yuuji hadn't had the chance to go out and buy living supplies for the
dormitory yet.

"Aren't you drinking it?" Yuuji's question woke Suguru from his thoughts.

"Oh, yes." Suguru immediately opened the can, making a soft hissing sound before taking a
sip of his soda.

The gentle sting attacked Suguru's tongue mixed with a slightly sour sweetness, but somehow
refreshing and this gave a new sensation to Suguru. Moreover, it tasted good.

He didn't know peach soda would taste this good, because he thought it would be very sweet,
extremely sweet, since Satoru often bought this drink.

"Delicious."

Yuuji chuckled. "Haven't you ever tried it?"

Suguru bowed his head and looked at his can. "No. I usually buy green tea or at least coffee."

"That's you. Sounds like you." Yuuji suddenly clinked his can with Suguru's can. "Cheers,"
said Yuuji then drank his soda.

Suguru's lips slightly parted. He swallowed his own saliva, glancing from the corner of his
eye at Yuuji, who was now more relaxed. Suguru finally joined him in drinking his soda
again.

"Can't sleep?" Yuuji, who initiated the conversation, once again surprised Suguru.

Suguru only responded with a nod.

"Me neither." Yuuji let out a tired sigh.

"Why?" Suguru chose to participate in this conversation.

"Nightmare." In the golden-brown eyes that looked slightly darker under the dim light,
Suguru could see traces of fear in both pupils, before it all disappeared with a soft smile that
felt fake made by Yuuji. "But, it's not a big deal."
"Is that so?" It seemed like a big deal. Suguru kept the last sentence in his mouth. He wasn't
like Satoru who didn't know his place when talking. Suguru was someone who was good at
restraining himself and knew when not to express his opinion.

"Um, what about you?" Yuuji now focused his gaze on Suguru.

This made Suguru wonder again because Yuuji would usually try to avoid looking at his face
every two seconds. This young man somehow always looked at Suguru like a terrifying
monster. It was unexpected because Yuuji could give him a gentle gaze.

"Just couldn't sleep." Suguru wanted to break eye contact, but he was a bit curious about how
long Yuuji could stare at him? It wouldn't be an impromptu staring contest, right?

Oh, it wasn't. Because just five seconds later, Yuuji immediately raised his drink and turned
his face away, no longer looking at Suguru's face. Well, at least that was a record for Yuuji
being able to gaze softly at Suguru for five seconds.

"Is something bothering you?" The young man asked, looking a little worried, but also
curious.

"There is." Suguru shifted his gaze far down the empty hallway. He didn't explain what
worries were plaguing him. He just felt that he didn't need to tell Yuuji—someone he had just
met. After all, he didn't even tell Satoru about the thoughts that always haunted Suguru's
mind.

Luckily, Yuuji didn't push further.

"Geto-san, you know, you're someone very strong."

He didn't know why Yuuji suddenly brought this up, but it made Suguru chuckle softly and
sip his soda once again, leaving a tingling sensation in his throat. But, this feeling was much
better than the feeling of the fabric produced from consuming cursed spirits.

"Not stronger than Satoru," Suguru replied.

"Do you think so?"

"After Satoru's fight with Toji, he became even stronger, I can't even hit him freely now
because of Infinity protecting him."

"But, Infinity Gojo-san can't always protect him" Yuuji's reply made Suguru look up and see
the sad expression painted on Yuuji's gentle face.

"Is that what eventually caused Satoru's death?"

Yuuji's hand holding the can slipped slightly, and he chose to place the can on the bench
beside him. "Partly, yes."

"Did he die because of Sukuna?"

Yuuji placed his palm on his face. Perhaps, trying to cover his vulnerability? It seemed like
Satoru was very dear to Yuuji in the future.

As confirmation to Suguru's question, Yuuji just hummed softly.

"Sorry, it seems like I'll go back to the room. It's getting colder here." Yuuji stood up and
threw the crushed can into the trash bin next to the vending machine.

"Don't stay up too late, goodbye." Yuuji waved his hand towards Suguru.

"Let's go back to the dorm together."

Yuuji stopped. Suguru also crushed his can and threw it away, then followed Yuuji, who
seemed frozen.

"The air is indeed getting colder. Besides, we're in the same dormitory. You chose to stay in
the third-year dormitory to watch over me so I wouldn't hurt Satoru, right?"

"Wha—?" Yuuji stuttered. He seemed to try to refute Suguru's statement, but in the end, the
young man closed his mouth and couldn't deny it.

Just from Yuuji's reaction. Suguru was able to confirm his guess. It seemed like he in the
future committed a fatal crime that made this young man hate him so much. But, for now
Suguru won't push Yuuji anymore to tell him what happens to him in the future.

"I won't ask anything else." Suguru put his hands in his pants pocket. "Let's go back."
 Warmth
Chapter Notes

Forgive me if there are any typos :) and, I hope you enjoy it( ꈍᴗꈍ)

See the end of the chapter for more notes

The classroom door slid open, and a cursed aura emanated, casting an intimidating presence
upon the two teenagers present. The aura felt tainted, mixed with the cursed energy of Cursed
Spirits, yet paradoxically, it carried a pure warmth. Strangely, the energies merged like
magnets with similar poles, defying their natural repulsion and uniting inevitably.

Footsteps in red shoes tapped gently on the wooden floor, allowing Kento and Yu to now see
the person emitting this unique cursed energy.

A young man with gentle facial contours stood before them, bearing scars beneath both eyes,
on the edges of his lips, and between his brows. Despite the scars, warmth radiated from his
sweet golden-brown eyes. His hair was peculiar too—pink? Was it dyed? He wore the Jujutsu
school uniform with a distinctive red hoodie. Why the distinction?

Yaga entered the classroom after the arrival of the young man. He placed a gentle hand on the
newcomer's shoulder. "Introduce yourself, young one."

"I'm Itadori Yuuji from Sendai," he said with a slightly hoarse voice, his eyes darting around.

Nervous? Kento speculated until Yaga smiled and welcomed Yuuji to the empty seat beside
Yu, limiting Kento's ability to scrutinize the newcomer.

"Hi! I'm Haibara Yu!" Yu greeted Yuuji enthusiastically, even moving his desk closer to Yuuji
without noticing any discomfort on the pink-haired young man's face.

"Um, hi."

"I've heard a bit about you from Gojo-senpai! Nanami and I were busy on a mission, sorry for
not greeting you first! Oh, I just found out you're actually two years older than me, huh? I'm a
bit nervous about how to treat you." Yu scratched his neck awkwardly.

The pink-haired young man smiled at Yu and tried to ignore Kento's gaze. "No need to feel
nervous. Just treat me like a classmate. That's enough."

"Really? That's great!" Yu turned to face Kento, who was silently observing. "Nanami! Come
join us! Yaga-sensei probably wants us to get to know each other first, right?" Yu glanced up
at Yaga, who was still standing near the blackboard.
Yaga touched his chin for a moment. Yuuji's identity was extraordinary, and judging by
Yuuji's awkwardness—especially towards Kento—it was a good opportunity for them to
bond and for Kento and Yu to understand Yuuji better.

Yaga smiled and nodded. "You can get to know each other for now. No classes at the
moment. Introduce Itadori-kun to the school environment."

Yu clenched his fists and exclaimed joyfully, "Yay! No classes!"

"Well then, I'll introduce Itadori-kun to the school environment!" He was enthusiastic again,
standing up from his seat and heading towards the exit.

Yuuji hesitated but eventually stood up. He was already familiar with the Jujutsu Tech
environment, and now his only goal was to avoid Kento, so he agreed to the suggestion. If it
meant he could strengthen his heart to face and talk to his teenage Nanamin, he would go
along with it.

At the moment, he couldn't see Kento without being haunted by the image of Nanamin dying
in front of him, shattered at the hands of Mahito, leaving the rest to Yuuji.

Yuuji often wondered how his beloved mentor would react if he knew Yuuji had failed.

Suddenly, he remembered Sukuna's words in his dream last night.

"You are a failure, brat."

"You can't protect anyone."

"Everyone around you will die."

Yuuji bit his lip, restraining himself from looking embarrassing in front of Kento and Yu. He
had already cried once in front of Satoru.

Unfortunately, Yuuji's escape plan was shattered when Kento also stood up and walked
behind him to join Yu's side.

The gods must truly hate Yuuji.

Yuuji's legs suddenly went weak as he saw, from the corner of his eye, Kento just a few
centimeters away.

This was Nanami Kento, the man who taught Yuuji many things. He lived here. He stood so
close to him. Side by side.

Yuuji could have pulled Kento's body and hugged the mentor he longed for so much.

He wanted to apologize and say to this teenager, "I miss you so much."

But, just like with Satoru, Yuuji couldn't treat Satoru as Gojo-sensei, and he couldn't treat
Kento as his Nanamin.
No one wanted to be considered just a replacement, right?

Living as someone's shadow was painful.

And Yuuji didn't need a substitute for them. They all. Those who had fallen would always
have a place in Yuuji's heart, carefully kept warm by him.

He could face this. Yuuji had to be strong if he wanted to execute the plan he had carefully
crafted in his mind. He knew his plan wasn't perfect, full of holes, and he only knew the past
through someone else's perspective. However, he still had knowledge of the future, right? He
could use that.

That was more than enough.

Yuuji clenched both of his hands, trying to remain calm as he followed Yu, who was
introducing each room that was already familiar to him.

He peered into the empty third-year classroom. Satoru and Suguru were special-grade
sorcerers often dragged to various places to deal with curses there.

Aren't they tired? The thought crossed Yuuji's mind as he observed only three desks in the
classroom.

Jujutsu sorcerers were becoming scarcer. That's why every sorcerer was always given a stack
of missions. They always coexisted with curses, living with the knowledge of the gruesome
death that awaited them.

Yuuji quietly glanced at Yu, who seemed cheerful. He could see a bit of his old self in Yu – a
black-haired teenager full of joy, enthusiasm, always passionate about something. Yuuji felt
concerned. What fate befell Yu that Yuuji couldn't see this teenager in the future?

Yuuji touched Yu's hand, which was pointing at something as they walked down the corridor
to the next location.

Both Yu and Kento stopped. Kento was surprised because Yuuji, who had been silent, seemed
lost in his thoughts throughout this impromptu field trip, suddenly took a stance.

"Itadori-kun?" Yu looked at Yuuji, traces of confusion in his brown eyes.

Yuuji, snapping out of his reverie, released Yu's hand and blushed

"Sorry, sorry," Yuuji stammered nervously.

Yu continued to observe Yuuji until the young man with the scent of cherry blossoms looked
up and glanced in his direction.

"We are now colleagues, and I will make sure of it. I will protect you. That's a promise."

An unexpected sentence came from Yuuji's lips. Yu was slightly touched by it. They had just
met for less than an hour, and Yuuji had already made a meaningful promise.
It's not that he desperately wanted Yuuji's protection. He wasn't that weak. Although he
appeared like this, Yu was a second-grade sorcerer. He could handle killing second-grade
curses alone, even if his body ended up wounded in the end. But, for some reason, it slightly
eased his heart when someone said that to him. He liked the path he chose as a Jujutsu
sorcerer, but he also knew that this path was dangerous, and honestly, Yu himself was afraid
of death.

After all, who isn't afraid of death?

Especially dying at the hands of a curse? Lucky if his body remains intact when he dies.
What if his body is devoured? And there's not a trace left for his little sister to remember him.

Yu laughed. He moved to hug the frozen Yuuji.

"Thank you! I also promise to protect you!" he replied with cheerful laughter that echoed
loudly.

Kento, observing the small interaction, smiled in the background. He also silently made a
promise in his heart to protect his new colleague. Earlier, he had already made a promise to
protect Yu, though unspoken, but Yu surely understood the promise conveyed through his
actions.

Yu finally released his embrace, and Yuuji staggered slightly, ensuring his footing after the
unexpected tight hug from Yu.

Yu laughed again, and Shoko, who had been standing in front of the medical room for a while
with an unlit cigarette in her lips, finally shouted, calling her three juniors.

Yu was the first to run towards Shoko, waving his hands enthusiastically, followed by Kento,
who walked ahead of Yuuji.

"Ieiri-senpai!" greeted the black-haired teenager when he stood in front of Shoko.

The girl glanced briefly at Yuuji, then turned her gaze back to Yu with a smile. Shoko placed
her cigarette between her fingers. "Haibara, what are you guys doing? Isn't there class or a
mission?"

"No, there isn't. We're free today. And, I and Nanami are taking Yuuji around the campus!"

"Is that so?" Shoko didn't direct her gaze to Yu but to Yuuji.

Yuuji responded with a brief nod.

However, Shoko's gaze didn't leave the young man. She looked at Yuuji, who looked
particularly fitting in the uniform, especially the one with the red hood.

She didn't see Yuuji's reaction when he was given that uniform by Satoru earlier in the
morning because the dorms for boys and girls were separate.

But she heard about it from Satoru, and it made her ears sting.
"Do you know? Yuuji-kun looked at that uniform as if it meant something very important?!
And I immediately told him that I personally requested the design! And, and, his face
immediately got lost in memories. I'm annoyed. But, I'm quite happy with Yuuji's sincere
gratitude! Then, you know what? He said as a thank-you, he would cook dinner for me!

"Because I was still angry that he went alone to meet the Higher-ups. I initially refused, but
he insisted! Tch! That kid can be quite insistent!

"So, I had to let him cook dinner for me. For me, you know!"

Shoko unconsciously touched her ears, hoping they wouldn't bleed.

Although Satoru still seemed to try to deny that the kid liked Yuuji, Shoko, who had been
friends with Satoru for quite some time, knew that there was something going on.

Where did it start? From Satoru meeting Yuuji in the abandoned factory in Sendai? At the
hospital? In the taxi when Yuuji cried and hugged Satoru? In the sweet food shops? Who
knows. Shoko herself couldn't confirm it unless Satoru stated it himself. But maybe it was
just caring and liking to some extent?

But even Suguru seemed to tolerate Yuuji more. No more grumbling or hesitation about
Yuuji. It made her wonder. What happened overnight? What magic did Yuuji create?

She sighed and decided to break contact with Yuuji, turning her gaze back to the three of
them.

"Nice to hear you guys are having fun. I'm having trouble here." Shoko raised her hands and
pretended to look pitiful in front of her juniors to tease them.

"I can't help with that," Yu replied with guilt.

"That's not your field, so just leave it to Ieiri-senpai. She understands it better," Kento replied.
He could see that Shoko just wanted to play with them.

"What's bothering you, Ieiri-san?" That came from Yuuji, making all three pairs of eyes turn
towards the young man.

Oh, right, Itadori-kun has an extraordinary identity. Maybe he can help me, thought Shoko.

Without waiting, the girl immediately explained her problem to Yuuji, who listened
attentively.

"That's why I'm confused. Is it because of my slightly cursed energy? Or am I really unable
to use it properly?"

Yuuji smiled faintly at Shoko's questions thrown at him. He was the one confused when he
heard Shoko's explanation for using the Reversal Curse Technique. She was really bad at
teaching. Fortunately, at that time, Yuuta intervened and helped explain it more thoroughly to
Yuuji.
And Yuuji's proficiency in using his cursed techniques also didn't escape Sukuna's assistance.
He didn't want to praise Sukuna, but he seemed somewhat grateful to the King of Cursed. It
was amusing, but Sukuna was indeed generous in sharing his knowledge with Yuuji.

"I'll show it to you. It will be easier to understand if I show it to you directly."

Shoko nodded, and Yuuji stared at his hand. He wanted to cut his wrist directly, let the red
blood flow, telling Yuuji that he was alive and that this was indeed a time travel journey. But
he had done that in the bathroom this morning.

For now. In front of all of them. Before their eyes.

Yuuji didn't want to look too damaged.

In the end, he just cut his pinkie finger. There was no scream from them, just curious and
slightly horrified looks.

"As you know, the Reversal Curse Technique is produced from negative and negative energy
transformed into positive. You use that positive energy to imagine as if you're painting on the
canvas of every nerve in the human body or the body part you want to regenerate. Or, you
can also imagine needing plants, but those are human body parts. It sounds difficult, but it
will be easy if you understand the essence."

Shoko's eyes sparkled with amazement. Yuuji's pinkie finger grew back in just a couple of
seconds. It was amazing. And there were no scars?! How was that possible?

It seemed that not only Shoko was amazed. Even Yu and Kento began to wonder who Yuuji
really was.

Yuuji touched his pinkie finger and said with a gentle, nostalgic tone, "I was taught by
someone. A woman."

He looked at Shoko, and Shoko immediately knew that it was her future self who taught
Yuuji. It was hard to believe. But for some reason, she felt proud, and she smiled broadly. It
ignited Shoko's spirit to become a better sorcerer than her future self. With a little explanation
from Yuuji, Shoko at least had a reference, and she could try to delve deeper to understand
Yuuji's explanation.

"Thank you, Itadori-kun!"

"You're welcome, Ieiri-san."

Now Shoko understood a bit of what the two idiots felt towards Yuuji.

When the clear blue sky was replaced by the soft orange night sky accompanied by gentle
raindrops, Satoru finally reached his dormitory. He had killed many curses today, but
strangely, the curses he faced today were a bit challenging? A bit difficult, making Satoru a
bit slower than usual.

It's strange. But Satoru doesn't care. He checked the time on his phone, and dinner was still
an hour away, but he was hungry now.

Wouldn't it be rude if he disturbed Yuuji's rest time and asked the teenager to prepare dinner
for him? But, after all, Yuuji had promised!

Satoru walked towards Yuuji's room, which was next to Suguru's room. However, before he
could knock on Yuuji's door, the pink-haired young man opened his room door and was
surprised to see Satoru standing there.

"Gojo-san!"

Satoru grinned. He noticed that Yuuji was still wearing his school uniform. Was Yuuji really
that fond of the uniform?

"Yuuji, I'm hungry."

"Oh." Yuuji reached out a bit, wanting to touch Satoru's messy white hair but immediately
withdrew his hand even before it could lift.

Satoru could see those small movements even if he wore his black glasses. He leaned towards
Yuuji, directing his head towards the young man and, of course, turning off his infinity.

Yuuji blinked twice and finally let his fingers gently stroke Satoru's hair.

Satoru's heart beat twice as fast when he saw Yuuji's soft expression and his golden-brown
eyes warming up.

Satoru didn't know if Yuuji currently saw him as Gojo Satoru or as his Gojo-sensei, but it
annoyed him.

He wanted to protest. But he also couldn't say anything about it. He was truly confused about
what he felt for Yuuji.

For now, he just let Yuuji enjoy tidying up his hair, which might be slightly sweaty after a
long fight.

Yuuji withdrew his hand after tidying up Satoru's hair a bit more organized. He then looked at
Satoru, who stood upright again.

Yuuji could only smile and nod his head. "I was actually planning to go to the kitchen to
prepare dinner. So, Gojo-san, clean up first and then go to the dining room. Everything
should be ready."

"Alright. See you later!"

Satoru walked towards the dormitory bathroom, while Yuuji went downstairs to the kitchen.
There he saw Yu and Kento enjoying a bowl of instant noodles together. Yu immediately
greeted him with enthusiasm and invited Yuuji to join them, but Yuuji declined and went to
the kitchen to check the food ingredients.

His face froze when he saw that the fridge was mostly filled with instant noodles, desserts,
ice cream, a little meat, and slightly wilted vegetables. Yuuji forgot that Jujutsu Tech this year
was mostly filled with guys, and the only girl here... no need to question. Absolutely couldn't
be expected.

Yuuji sighed and took all the cooking ingredients. He sorted out the ingredients that could be
used, and the rotten ones would be thrown away. Like that, he made meatball soup with
whatever ingredients were available.

At first, he was afraid it would taste bad because he hadn't cooked since living with Sukuna,
the King of Cursed. At that time, Sukuna was afraid that Yuuji would poison himself or try to
escape if left out of his sight.

But luckily, it tasted just fine. Even though it wasn't as delicious as when he had complete
ingredients, it didn't matter.

Yuuji quickly arranged his food on the dining table, and Yu and Kento had already finished
their instant noodles but strangely remained seated when Yuuji placed his dish. As if sensing
the question mark above Yuuji's head, Yu opened his mouth:

"It smells good. I also want to taste it."

Yuuji chuckled. "Alright, wait for Gojo-san for a moment."

They didn't have to wait long as Shoko entered and took her seat, followed by Satoru and
Suguru, who were arguing.

"Yuuji is cooking for me, and you're not allowed! Not allowed to eat it!"

Satoru's shouting stopped when there were already two of his juniors and Shoko inside. He
wanted to pull their hair because they were disgusting flies trying to steal his food.

"Yuuji! Drive them away! They are stealing my food!"

"Satoru, don't be too dramatic." Suguru managed to escape from their argument and got a seat
next to Kento. "We're all hungry."

"You don't even know the taste yet. Why fight over it?" Yuuji tilted his head in confusion.

"I already smelled the delicious aroma even when I was still in the hallway," replied Shoko.
Her hands were already itching to taste Yuuji's soup.

After Satoru sat down with a sulking face, Yuuji poured the soup into a bowl and handed it to
these hungry beings.
 At least, for now. Please underline. At least, Suguru can cook, but since Amanai Riko left,
the teenager no longer went to the kitchen to cook food for them, and they couldn't force
Suguru to do it. So, when Yuuji made delicious food, they cried.

In the midst of the raindrops. In the coldness of the night embracing their tired bodies.
Presented with warm food and Yuuji's small laughter that sent a strange electric energy to
them. It was very good. Exceptionally good.

"Do you all have to react like that?" Yuuji asked playfully. He also tasted his own soup. It
was good. But it couldn't be called extremely delicious to get such reactions.

"It tastes so good!" they praised.

Yuuji just smiled, and they continued to enjoy Yuuji's cooking.

Satoru would steal a meatball from Suguru's bowl, and Suguru would grumble annoyed but
still let Satoru take it. And when Satoru wanted to grab an extra meatball from Shoko's bowl,
Shoko immediately pulled her bowl away and stuck her tongue out at Satoru. Satoru was
about to shout, and it only made Shoko burst into laughter.

On the other side, Yu enthusiastically joined in the laughter with Shoko. He mischievously
stole from Kento's bowl, and Kento just sighed briefly, allowing it to happen but lecturing Yu
afterward, making the teenager scratch his head feeling guilty.

This warmth. Yuuji closed his eyes and imagined that those at the table right now were
Nobara, Megumi, Maki, Inumaki, Panda. Gojo-sensei would appear without an invitation,
taking all the food from his students, and he would undoubtedly be protests from Nobara.
They would laugh and then join in teasing Gojo-sensei.

He opened his eyes again, and the faces of his friends were replaced by the smiles of different
people.

Tears fell and wet Yuuji's cheeks.

Friends, I promise to change everything.

Yuuji quickly wiped his cheeks before anyone noticed that he was crying.

Chapter End Notes

I write this while smiling happily. JJK should be full of warmth and happiness ಥ‿ಥ

believe it or not, I pray every day that gege's food tastes salty😭 that person really tore
my heart
 His Days at Jujutsu Tech
Chapter Notes

Sorry for the delay in updating this story. Hope you enjoy this story and sorry if there
are typos :)

"Like this, Ieiri-san!" Yuuji once again demonstrated it to Shoko slowly. He effortlessly
regenerated the arm of the corpse lying on the autopsy room bed, showcasing Yuuji's
remarkable ability to heal with ease, speed, and without a trace.

Shoko's heart clenched with a tinge of envy, but she swiftly replaced it with determination
and ambition.

The girl made another attempt, furrowing her brow and focusing on the severed arm. Despite
their efforts to restore the corpse's body parts, they couldn't bring it back to life. Once dead,
there was nothing more to be done.

Shoko sighed in frustration, pulling her hand away from the lifeless body. She couldn't do it.
She lacked the talent. Shoko knew it, but the knowledge of her future greatness only
intensified her frustration.

Yuuji observed this and gently stroked the girl's hair, causing Shoko to flinch slightly. "It's
okay; you'll get better with time. Take it slow."

The young man fell silent for a moment, combing through Shoko's hair with care. If Shoko
faced Yuuji, she would surely see the affection in his gaze. "People grow step by step. You're
exceptional. You can take big strides, but it doesn't mean you have to run to achieve them."

The girl puffed her cheeks. "You can say that because you're strong. Those with extraordinary
strength will never understand the weak."

Yuuji withdrew his hand from Shoko's hair. Shoko glanced at Yuuji. She didn't know how to
describe the smile Yuuji wore, but it invoked guilt in her. She hadn't meant to say that on
purpose.

Every extraordinary power came with a significant price and responsibility. Even fools knew
that fact. Shoko knew Yuuji had experienced a lot to become someone strong.

She, Satoru, or Suguru hadn't fully interrogated Yuuji about the future in detail because they
could see that Yuuji didn't want to discuss it. Despite appearing strong, the young man was
fragile.
Moreover, Yuuji had already negotiated with the higher-ups. Despite concerns, they wanted
to trust Yuuji.

For a week now, Yuuji had been by their side, tirelessly helping them every day.

At least they could see the sincerity Yuuji displayed.

"So—" when Shoko wanted to apologize, the door to the autopsy room swung open. She
turned, and there stood Satoru, grinning broadly.

"Yuuji!" Satoru immediately ran toward Yuuji and leaned his body toward him.

"Satoru, what's up?" Yuuji was surprised—he reflexively took a step back, but Satoru paid no
mind, still gazing at Yuuji with an enthusiastic look, a pleasant grin on his face.

"I want us to spar!"

"Now?" Yuuji glanced at Shoko.

"Now! I've figured out how Teleportation works!"

Yuuji redirected his attention to Satoru. "But..."

"It's okay, Itadori-kun," Shoko interjected. "I'll continue practicing on my own."

She knew she couldn't monopolize Yuuji to help her train. Since Yuuji arrived at Jujutsu
Tech, he had been training everyone. Even Satoru and Suguru, who were considered the
Strongest Sorcerers, were trained by him. Sometimes Yaga was confused about who their true
teacher was—him or Yuuji—because his students progressed remarkably since Yuuji's
arrival.

"Well, heard his answer, right?" Satoru smiled, triumphant, and immediately pulled Yuuji's
hand out of the autopsy room, without Yuuji being able to say anything other than 'see you
later' to Shoko.

Left alone, Shoko touched her hair, which had been gently caressed by Yuuji, her cheeks
slightly flushed. Yuuji often expressed his affection through physical contact, and Shoko
wasn't accustomed to receiving excessive attention like this.

The girl quickly pushed aside all her thoughts about Yuuji and refocused her attention on her
training. But suddenly, she remembered Yuuji's smile.

I haven't had a chance to apologize, thought Shoko, feeling guilty.

The sparring between Satoru and Yuuji took place in the training field, with barriers in place
to prevent excessive destruction. The special-grade sorcerers engaged in a formidable battle,
showcasing their skills to the awe and fear of the spectators.
Yu sat on the sidelines, munching on chips in his lap, while Kento sighed. Having just
completed a mission, instead of resting, they found themselves here. However, Kento was
genuinely interested in watching them debate again.

Yuuji assisted him in honing his sword skills, and Kento acknowledged his new comrade's
prowess. Curious, he once asked why Yuuji didn't use a sword in battles, to which Yuuji
simply smiled. After the recent debates with Satoru and Suguru, Yuuji always emerged
victorious. Now, Kento understood why Yuuji didn't need a weapon – his innate strength was
already impressive.

On the other side, Satoru and Yuuji exchanged words before the spar began.

"You penetrated my infinity with a slashing technique, right? Is that a technique you got
because you are the descendant of Sukuna's twin?" Satoru inquired before the spar truly
commenced.

"Not really," Yuuji's mysterious reply furrowed Satoru's brows.

"Well, whatever it is, I'll defeat you this time!" Satoru dramatically pointed towards Yuuji,
who just smiled, encouragingly.

"Make sure you don't die!"

Satoru didn't accept Yuuji's response verbally, but suddenly, he felt a heavy pressure on his
body.

Infinity prevented him from completely falling to the ground, but the large cracks forming on
the ground were concerning. Yuuji immediately used his Antigravity System technique,
prompting Satoru to employ his Hollow Purple technique.

However, it wouldn't be enjoyable if he immediately used his ultimate move, right? He was
here to test his Teleportation Technique and explore Yuuji's limits.

He vanished from Yuuji's Antigravity System's range and stood right behind the young man.
The technique made him slightly nauseous, as Satoru hadn't perfected it yet, but it wasn't a
significant issue. He quickly attempted to kick—

Yuuji leaped forward, evading his kick.

Satoru gritted his teeth and wanted to teleport again to an unpredictable location, but
unfortunately, Yuuji swiftly attacked with his Cleave Technique.

If the one debating with Yuuji now were his Sensei, Gojo, Yuuji might not have been able to
breach Infinity. Yuuji's attack power still fell short compared to Sukuna's, partly because
Yuuji's cursed energy wasn't as abundant as Sukuna's.

Even Sukuna needed Mahoraga's assistance to break Gojo Satoru's Infinity.

Yet, Yuuji himself knew that during that fight, Sukuna didn't fully exert his power to defeat
Gojo Satoru. Despite his irritation, Yuuji acknowledged Sukuna's intelligence in attacking
efficiently without revealing everything he had.

Annoying, thought Yuuji.

This allowed Yuuji to learn and quickly dash to the other side when Satoru began forming his
hand movements for his most powerful technique.

Yuuji knew it wasn't easy to wound Satoru with Sukuna's technique. Satoru could now use
Reverse Cursed Technique, and the boy immediately healed the injuries inflicted by Yuuji.

"Gotcha," whispered Satoru.

Satoru laughed inwardly as Yuuji dodged. He teleported right in front of Yuuji's escape route
and struck Yuuji's chest, coated with his cursed energy.

Yuuji spat out red blood, flowing down his chin. His usually warm golden-brown eyes
gleamed with spirit as he locked eyes with the intense blue sky reflected in Satoru's eyes.

Satoru has grown! Yuuji exclaimed with pure happiness in his heart.

He only trained Satoru for a week, and the mischievous kid had already come up with tricks
that Yuuji should have noticed sooner.

"How was that?" Satoru asked, and he leaped a few steps, not allowing Yuuji to turn around
and counterattack.

Yuuji wiped away the flowing blood, and the sight looked cool in Satoru's eyes, coupled with
the wind tousling Yuuji's pink hair.

"That's interesting. Aren't you feeling nauseous anymore when using your Teleportation
Technique?"

Satoru pointed to his temple, and his thick eyebrows lifted—revealing the captivating purity
and charm of his blue eyes.

"Are you underestimating the Six Eyes' Owner and Limitless? I can quickly assimilate the
information you provide!"

The pink-haired youth chuckled softly, and he quickly jumped toward Satoru who hadn't
prepared anything to block Yuuji breaking through his infinity again.

Yuuji tapped Satoru's forehead gently, and a wide, genuine smile formed on his lips. Satoru's
cheeks blushed as Yuuji spoke with a voice that identified pride, "good job."

He felt joy for his victory, but before he could celebrate, Yuuji swiftly struck his stomach—
the area where the cursed energy resided. He looked at the young man in disbelief, but
instead of stopping, Yuuji kicked him, sending Satoru flying until the white-haired sorcerer
had to teleport to avoid crashing into the trees behind him.
"THAT'S UNFAIR!" Satoru exclaimed in frustration. Blood was already flowing from his
nose and the corners of his mouth, indicating that Yuuji's attacks truly hurt Satoru.

"In a real battle, you can't afford to be even a little careless, Satoru-kun~"

Satoru could see a hint of mockery in Yuuji's sentence. While Yuuji was delighted to taunt
Satoru, he couldn't believe he could mock the future's strongest sorcerer.

"Damn, I should've used Hollow Purple right away!" grumbled Satoru, as both walked
towards Ijichi to ask the unfortunate teenager dragged by Satoru to remove the barriers.

"Thank you, Ijichi-san, and sorry for bothering your time," Yuuji said on behalf of Satoru,
who was still grumbling about his defeat. He also asked Ijichi to remove the barriers.

If Satoru had indeed used his Red, Blue, or Hollow Purple techniques, it might have
complicated things for Yuuji, but it wouldn't have guaranteed the young man's victory.

Yesterday's spar saw Satoru unleash everything, causing the school's training field to be in a
sorry state. Still, it couldn't inflict fatal damage on Yuuji.

Ijichi nodded nervously. He witnessed the impact of their attacks—Yuuji's Cleave Technique
left a long hole in the ground, and his Antigravity System cracked the earth severely. He
looked at Yuuji with a mix of awe and fear.

"So, is it over now?" Yuuji asked Satoru, who responded with a subtle sneer.

"Well, it's done! Where are you heading after this? Why are you so busy? Huh! You just
joined a few days ago!"

Yuuji tousled Satoru's white hair playfully, earning a grumpy complaint, but the teenager
didn't break free from Yuuji's grip. Only stepping back a bit when Yuuji pulled his hand away.

"I have a mission in Sendai," Yuuji rubbed his chin, "after that, I need to go grocery shopping
for dinner," he smiled faintly, looking at Satoru, "do you have any food to cook? Today,
you've made decent progress, so consider it a reward."

"Don't act like a teacher! We're both students, and because you chose to be in the Second
Year, it means you're my junior!" Satoru exclaimed irritably.

"So, nothing you want?" Yuuji asked, tilting his head.

"I want—"

"Yuuji!" Yu swiftly threw himself to hug Yuuji. If Satoru was smart in maximizing his time
with Yuuji, then Yu was smart in having as much physical contact with Yuuji as possible.

"Yu!" Yuuji had started using Yu's first name, and for some reason, it pained Kento's heart.
Whether it was because Yuuji was closer to Yu, even though Kento knew Yu first, or because
Yu could get close to Yuuji faster than he could.
Yu raised his head and looked at Yuuji's gentle outline. Yu's heart raced. He initially thought
it was just regular admiration or mere excitement. However, after spending time with Yuuji
this past week, he knew he liked Yuuji more than just a friend, believing it to be love at first
sight!

"Yuuji, you promised to sharpen my technique!"

"Oh, that?" Yuuji indeed advised Yaga to provide stricter training for Yu, fearing something
might endanger him if the teenager continued as a Second Year Sorcerer.

Sometimes when Yaga wasn't around, Yuuji exclusively monitored and taught Yu. This made
Yu a bit spoiled. Yuuji thought it might be because of the age factor – Yuuji being older, and
Yu seeing him as an older brother?

But that was a totally wrong assumption.

"I have a mission, can we shift it to tomorrow?" Yuuji asked, letting Yu's hands hold both his
cheeks.

Yu pulled Yuuji's cheeks, making the young man grimace. Yu seemed unaware of the sharp
glances directed at him by Satoru or Kento's jealous gaze.

"Do you promise, huh!"

Yuuji nodded, making Yu smile. He sighed in relief as Yu released his cheeks, but winced
again when Satoru hugged his waist, pulling Yuuji away from Yu's hands.

Satoru stared at Yu with a threatening look, and Yu just grinned, reciprocating Satoru's gaze.
He ignored the implied threat given. Yu would surely step back if it were another matter, but
this was Itadori Yuuji! His first love! Even if Satoru was a senior he respected and also
someone very strong, Yu would still fight to win Yuuji.

Should I use Hollow Purple on this kid? Satoru thought when he realized it wouldn't be easy
to make Yu give up.

"Satoru, what are you doing?" Yuuji asked, peeking at Satoru, who had lowered his head next
to Yuuji's waist.

"I want you to make Teriyaki for me!"

"Fine." Yuuji quickly agreed to Satoru's request and tried to free himself from the teenager's
hug. "Satoru?"

It took a lot of effort for Yuuji to make him willing to call him by his first name. Apparently,
hearing Yuuji mention 'Satoru' with that beautiful voice was quite enjoyable.

"Yuuji!" Yu held both of Yuuji's shoulders, drawing his attention away from their classmate.
Yuuji's wide-eyed gaze met Yu's face, and if Kento didn't quickly pull the back of Yu's collar,
Yuuji was pretty sure their lips would have touched.
Seeing the imminent danger, Satoru once again pulled Yuuji away from Yu, this time resting
his chin on Yuuji's shoulder and wrapping his arms around the young man's stomach in a very
protective manner.

"Yuuji, do I need to accompany you on your mission?" Satoru whispered into Yuuji's ear, his
warm breath causing Yuuji to shiver.

Yuuji was used to Gojo-sensei's eccentric behavior. Perhaps Gojo-sensei's excessive behavior
had been formed since his teacher was still a teenager? Well, Yuuji would try to get used to
this.

Again, Yuuji, that's a totally wrong assumption.

"It's a solo mission of mine, so don't interfere, Satoru."

"Why?" Satoru kissed Yuuji's neck, and Yuuji instinctively moved away.

"Gojo-senpai, I think it's not polite behavior to do that to Itadori-kun." Kento bit his tongue,
wanting to use Yuuji's first name when addressing the young man, but Kento was well aware
that he wasn't as close and bold as to ask Yuuji to call him by his first name.

"Is that so?" Satoru's nonchalant response seemed to mock Kento, and honestly, Kento didn't
like it.

"Are you jealous, Nanami?" Satoru continued, earning a sharp look from Kento.

"Oh~" Satoru released Yuuji.

Yuuji straightened his slightly disheveled clothes from his argument with Satoru and the hug.

"Alright then, I'll take my leave." The young man, unaware that he was the cause of the
tension among those present, quickly took Ijichi, who had been wanting to leave for a while,
and walked away.

Ijichi was very grateful for this and quickly ran to catch up with Yuuji who had walked away.

Yuuji returned to Jujutsu Tech School when the sun had long set, and the bright sky was
replaced by a dark night. The lights from Tokyo's skyscrapers made it hard for Yuuji to see
the beautiful stars clearly painted in the sky.

Nevertheless, he didn't care much about that. He didn't even care that he didn't have time to
go to the supermarket to buy cooking ingredients. He just tightly gripped the empty wooden
box that dropped a paper with the words, 'Mom misses you.' beneath.

Yuuji immediately took the paper after arriving at Jujutsu Tech. He didn't tear it apart and
could still walk back to his room with steady steps.
It was already too late at night. Surely Satoru and the others had already had dinner and gone
to bed. Although there was a slight feeling of guilt and a desire to knock on Satoru's door,
Yuuji remained firm, just opening his own door and observing his room, neat and quiet, just
as he left it.

He locked his room and placed the empty wooden box on the study table.

Yuuji sat on the floor, leaning against the bed. He turned on the new phone bought by Yaga.
His fingers quickly clicked on the calendar app. He looked at the details of when he first
arrived. It was June 27. He had been here for a week now, and his time in the hospital could
be considered two days plus.

The calendar clearly showed that this year was 2007.

"I arrived in the past on the twenty-seventh of June. Satoru mentioned that I was discovered
in an abandoned factory in Sendai, and Shoko informed me that I remained unconscious in
the hospital for two days. Furthermore, I spent an additional day in the hospital, but on the
following day, I departed from the hospital. I reached Jujutsu Tech Tokyo on the first of July,
and I've been here for a week. So, my presence in the past has reached ten days. Then when?"

Yuuji turned off his phone, resisting the strong urge to slam it.

"When? Since when did Kenjaku realize my existence?"

He indeed never hid his presence and intentionally attracted the attention of his enemies, but
he didn't expect it to be this fast.

Yuuji felt his heart tightening, and the shadows of his friends who died returned to haunt his
memories. He remembered their last words, which always haunted him every time he took a
step.

Tears had gathered in his eyelids. He clutched his hands to his neck, choking himself
strongly. Why couldn't it have been him who died from the start?

If only Gojo-sensei hadn't saved him and had executed him immediately when he ate
Sukuna's first finger.

Pained groans escaped from Yuuji's lips. It was excruciating. Why did he have to live?

Why was he left alone?

Yuuji released his grip on his neck. He bowed down and tried to gasp for air around him. He
raised slightly with his trembling hands, attempting to open the drawer of his bedside table,
taking the bottle of medications that played a crucial role in Yuuji's survival.

He hadn't prepared water to drink his medicine, but this was an emergency situation, and
Yuuji couldn't care less about that fact, immediately swallowing a few pills without water.

After calming down a bit, he sat back on the floor. He pulled both of his legs close to his
chest. The tears that had gathered fell like a heavy rain. His heart felt so painful, as if
someone was stabbing him but still allowed his heart to keep beating, even if it was bleeding.

No time.

He couldn't keep enjoying himself with the people in this year.

This wasn't his home.

He had to change the future immediately.

Yuuji bit his lip and buried his head between his knees, suppressing all the sobs he created in
the darkness of his room.

Why was this world so cruel? Itadori Yuuji at that moment had just turned fifteen and was
given a sequence of suffering and responsibilities. And as his age continued to increase, the
ages of those he cared about all stopped.

Ah, Yuuji wanted to say that he hated this.

But he couldn't.

Why couldn't he?

Hate.

Hate this terrible fate that had been woven.

From the very first time he cried on this earth, Itadori Yuuji had been designated by his
mother – someone who should care for and love him – to be the vessel of the King of Cursed.

Pathetic.

In a messy room with no light coming in. Yuuji cried alone. With no one to hear the
agonizing screams of his heart.
 The Game Has Started
Chapter Notes

Hello, I just checked, it's been almost two months, haven't I updated this story? Xixi,
sorry, yeah... I'll start updating from now on (can't promise) Hope you enjoy this and
sorry if there are any typos:3

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Kento unfolded the paper detailing their next mission. It listed the villages they would visit
and the cases of women found dead. One of them was a famous influencer who was on
vacation in the village. This stirred up media frenzy and led to the case being handled by
sorcerers due to suspicion that cursed spirits were involved.

In front of the three of them, Yaga stood with folded hands. He let out a tired sigh while Yuuji
pleaded with puppy eyes.

"Itadori-kun, you're a special grade. This is just to exorcise grade two curses. Nanami and
Haibara are more than capable of handling them."

Yuuji nodded understandingly. "Nevertheless, there's nothing wrong with us doing the
mission together, right? It would bring me and my classmates closer."

"What's gotten into you lately, Itadori-kun? You often show up out of the blue when your
classmates want to exorcise curses."

Their teacher squinted, and Yuuji nervously scratched his head. He had to lie, as he usually
did when trying to escape from Sukuna. However, even though he was getting better at lying,
it didn't mean he didn't feel guilty when lying to someone he cared about.

"I want to protect Nanami and Yu," he said honestly, but didn't reveal the reason behind it.

Yu's ears perked up. "Ahh, Yuuji, you really love me, don't you?"

He happily threw himself onto Yuuji's body, and the young man allowed Yu to sit on his lap,
patting his back. Yu blushed, but Yuuji didn't notice.

"Of course, I love all my friends."

Kento slammed the pile of papers onto the table with a rough motion, startling Yuuji. He
turned to Kento, who was looking ahead as if he hadn't made the loud noise.

"Nanami seems annoyed again," Yu whispered to Yuuji.

Yu grunted and reluctantly got off Yuuji's lap, then took his seat again. He shot a glare at
Kento for disrupting their sweet moment with Yuuji once again.

"I think Itadori-kun's reason makes sense, Yaga-sensei," he said, cutting off any further
incidents by explaining to Yaga, "he's strong. He can help us if there are powerful curses. You
know, how many times the executives wrongly assign ranks to curses. Haibara often gets hurt
because of it. Maybe Itadori-kun's concern is excessive for you, but my and Haibara's lives
are also important, Yaga-sensei. As long as it doesn't burden Itadori-kun, I think it's okay if
he joins this mission."

Yaga pinched his own chin, contemplating this. Just clearing class two curses to lower the
special grade status? The executives would surely complain about this, but as long as Yuuji
quietly infiltrated to help Kento and Yu. Although the assistance was not done overtly, his
name would still be written in the report for disrupting the mission. Yet, the executives
remained quiet. What was Itadori Yuuji up to?

"Alright," he finally agreed. "You may carry out the mission as a trio."

Yuuji smiled. He turned to Yu's side and clapped hands with him, causing Yu to laugh. The
teenager cheekily intertwined their hands. The pink-haired youth winked at Yu, noticing Yu's
action.

"We can walk together, Yuuji," he said with a wide smile.

Yuuji chuckled and replied by tightening their handhold. This made Yu float in ecstasy,
oblivious to Yu's anxiety. Yuuji added, "of course. We can share a room and watch movies
together."

One room = one bed? = Sleeping together!

Although Yu's mind was filled with dirty thoughts, he still didn't want to let go of Yuuji's
hand. Oh my, this kid was so happy that he would soon feel the warmth of Yuuji's body.
Hugging each other. Skin to skin. Feeling Yuuji's heartbeat. His warm breath. Yu would fall
into the black hole of happiness.

"Yu-kun?" Yuuji called softly. As the black-haired teenager was lost in his thoughts and didn't
realize that Yaga had left the classroom.

Kento stood up from his seat and smacked Yu's head hard. Yu winced and snapped out of his
delightful fantasy. He withdrew his hand from Yuuji and wiped his drool. Under Kento's
gaze, Yu leaned his forehead toward Yuuji.

Yu's warm breath tickled Yuuji, and vice versa, making Yu's heart beat wildly. "I can't wait
for our mission," he said.

Yuuji laughed dryly. "Really? But, this might be a dangerous mission, you know."

"Being with you is always fun."

Kento pulled Yu's shoulder away even before Yuuji could respond. Yu looked up and grinned
at Kento, knowing his friend was annoyed.

"You're really rude. Anyway, Itadori-kun is older," Kento scolded. His grip on Yu's shoulder
tightened. Yu winced and pouted, but didn't argue.

"I'm not that old, Nanami-kun. We're only two years apart," Yuuji chimed in, waving his hand
awkwardly in front of his chest with a sheepish smile. Being called old by his future mentor
tasted sour on his tongue.

"But still! You should behave more maturely, Itadori-kun. Don't let them take advantage of
you."

The nineteen-year-old pointed to himself. This made him receive a tongue-click from Kento.
"Uh! Am I scolded too?"

"Yeah! Nanami can be really harsh." Taking the opportunity, Yu leaned back into Yuuji's
chest, but his collar was pulled by Kento.

How many times had he been stopped by Kento from approaching Yuuji? Did Kento also like
Yuuji? He was being overly protective. Yu felt annoyed. Before he could protest the unfair
treatment he received, Kento grabbed his wrist tightly and pulled him out of the classroom.

The last words left by Kento to Yuuji were, "Take care of your body." Kento's serious gaze
left Yuuji even more puzzled. He reflexively touched his own body and glanced at Yu, who
was being dragged away sadly by Kento.

"What do you mean, take care of your body?" Yuuji whispered to Kento.

The answer was silence. Of course, Kento didn't answer.

The empty classroom made Yuuji feel restless. His memories were trapped back into his
mind. The unfortunate young man hurriedly left the classroom.

...

In the morning, the melodious sound of leaves and the air starting to feel colder after last
night's rain. Yu had packed all his belongings for the three-day, three-night trip to the
countryside with Yuuji (and Kento). He would make those three days extraordinary and
declare his love. Yu hoped Yuuji, as his first love, could also be his last.

However, he also had a problem: Nanami Kento. Yu pondered hard why this guy always
prevented him from getting close to Yuuji.

He initially understood if Kento felt Yu was crossing the line in approaching Yuuji, but being
stopped every time made Yu annoyed too. Maybe after this mission, Yu would ask Kento.

With that, he regained his excitement and happily whistled. His brown eyes accidentally met
Suguru, who was sitting with a gloomy look next to the vending machine. Yu waved at
Suguru. "Geto-san!"
Suguru looked up. Seeing his sweet junior, he smiled. "Oh, Haibara."

Yu returned Suguru's smile just as brightly. He immediately plopped down next to Suguru.
"Do you want something to drink?"

Suguru shook his head. "No, thanks."

With that, Yu stood in front of the vending machine again. He deliberately bought two cans of
cola and handed one to Suguru. Suguru couldn't refuse anymore and finally accepted Yu's
offer.

Yu cracked open his can and took a sip. He smiled happily and turned to Suguru with shining
brown eyes full of joy. "I'm going on a mission to a distant place."

"Oh, sounds fun. Bring me back a souvenir," he replied, trying to match Yu's cheerfulness.

"Of course! This time I'll go on a mission with Yuuji!"

Suguru chuckled. He leaned forward and played with his cola can. "I've been on a mission
with Yuuji too."

He didn't know why he responded like that. So, he hurriedly added, "He's a good partner. You
and Nanami will be well taken care of."

"Hoho, I know Yuuji-kun is the best! But I don't want to be taken care of by him. In this
mission, I'll show my cool side and make him like me even more," he said with such clear
confidence. He raised his can and toasted to the air, then finished his cola entirely.

Suguru shrugged. He couldn't say anything about it. As Haibara's senior, he just smiled and
said, "More importantly, stay safe. Good luck on this mission."

"Of course, thank you, Geto-san!"

A long-haired blonde woman wearing denim pants and a black crop top smiled at the two
chatting teenagers. She leaned forward and placed two fingers on her lips, then sent hearts to
the two young sorcerers.

"What kind of woman do you like?"

Suguru squinted, and Yu, with special awareness, answered that it was Itadori Yuuji.

"Who are you?" Suguru replied.

...

"Waaaaah!" Yu raised both of his hands and happily welcomed the new city where he could
go on a date with Yuuji (without being interrupted by the white-haired senior).

"Don't be too loud," Kento cautioned. He irritably grabbed his bag and stepped out of the car.
The journey to Fukushima Prefecture took two hours by bullet train, then they needed to take
another train to the remote village in one of the towns for half an hour, still needing to drive
for another hour. Was this place really remote? Their buttocks felt sore. What cursed spirits
would they face here?

Yuuji placed his hands on his hips. He couldn't lie, enjoying the fresh countryside air made
his heart feel calmer. It was indeed enjoyable. If there was time, he would invite everyone to
rest and play for a while, forgetting that they were jujutsu sorcerers always chased by the
Death God.

"Yuuji, let me help you carry your stuff!" The kid moved briskly to carry Yuuji's belongings
before the older youth could refuse.

He sighed resignedly as he watched Yu hurriedly enter the chosen simple Ryokan. During
their three-day stay—all expenses were covered by Jujutsu High School. So, the choice of a
simple Ryokan might be because it was closer to the location they would investigate.

"Nanami-kun?" He turned as he felt the gaze of the younger teen.

Kento averted his gaze and gripped his katana bag. "We should rest."

"Oh, yes, of course." Yuuji nodded and followed into the inn.

The Ryokan looked simple and old, but clean. This might be because it was in the village.

Then, the news of the mysteriously dead women. Covered and invested by the police—to
find the missing influencer, it made a place like this inn a bit bustling for a while and, of
course, made them clean the place more often. Yuuji's eyes surveyed the condition of this old
Ryokan, the paintings hung, the still usable tatami floors, the antique wall clock—it seemed
to be obtained from abroad because there was English writing in the corner of the clock.

In front of them, they were greeted by an old woman who still looked beautiful, and a
pregnant woman who had not lifted her head to greet their two new guests—just kept rubbing
her bulging belly. From the size of the woman's belly, maybe her baby was already seven or
eight months old. Both wore kimonos with their brown hair in a bun at the back.

"Hello, good afternoon," Yuuji greeted warmly.

With Yu not here, Yuuji knew that the teen had already gone straight to their room.

"Good afternoon, Itadori-san and Nanami-san, right?" the older woman asked. "I'm Sana and
this is my daughter Kyoka. You can call both of us if you need anything."

"Of course, sorry if I and my friends will bother you later," Yuuji replied.

They were then escorted by Sana to their room on the upper floor. The old woman stepped
back after reaching the door. "There is a hot spring that can be used only in the afternoon. If
you want to try it, just follow the instructions and the spread of Defodill flowers."

"Yes, okay, thank you again."

Sana nodded and left them. Kento was the first to slide open the door, and there were already
two futons laid out inside. Yuuji's and Yu's belongings were strewn messily next to the closet,
and the culprit was tidying up their belongings into the closet with his silly smile.

"Yu, I can tidy up my own stuff." Yuuji hurriedly approached Yu.

"It's okay. Just hand it over to me, Yuuji!"

"Oh, my goodness, you're so stubborn, Yu. Okay, let's tidy this up together."

While Yu and Yuuji were tidying up their belongings, Kento focused on the two futons
already laid out. Why were there only two? He looked around the room, but couldn't find
another futon. With a slight suspicion, he directed his gaze at the black-haired Grade 2
sorcerer who was shamelessly smiling at Yuuji.

"Itadori-kun, there are only two futons here," Kento said after their belongings were finished.

"Oh, right. There are only two. I'll talk to Sana-san." Yuuji wanted to turn and leave, but his
hand was grabbed by Yu.

"Don't! We can share. I don't mind sharing with you." He winked and smiled.

"But it will be cramped, Yu-kun." He protested and released Yu's hand from his grip. "You
might catch a cold."

"I don't mind! We are jujutsu sorcerers, right? How could I get sick just because of this?
Impossible. You underestimate me, Yuuji!"

"But still—"

"If Haibara doesn't want to ask for another futon. It's better for him to use his own futon, and
we'll share," Kento interrupted. Intending to give advice that actually benefited him.

"Oh, I'll take an extra futon." Yuuji was too lazy to argue with the two of them and decided to
go downstairs to see Sana or Kyoka.

"Hey, Nanami!" Yu faced Kento after Yuuji left. "Do you like Yuuji too?"

"No."

"Liar!"

"I don't like him romantically like you. I just don't want you to cross the line."

Yu stepped back and snorted. He didn't say anything more after that, even though there was
disappointment because he wouldn't be sharing a futon with Yuuji.

...
The television flickered to life, airing the evening drama in Japan. Some of the viewers
scrambled for chips and drinks, their expressions serious as they watched the actors perform
well according to the director's instructions, creating an engaging storyline. People watching
would feel happy if the scenes were pleasant, and they would feel annoyed if the scenes were
frustrating.

Every life in the drama was actually fake because it was only written by the scriptwriter, but
the viewers were already immersed in the plot. They wouldn't hesitate to criticize the actors
playing annoying roles.

Humans are creatures who always prioritize emotions over reason. However, that's a good
thing; it makes humans play perfect roles in spectacular shows that will be broadcasted
worldwide.

"I win! Oh my gosh, you sacrificed the Queen?!"

"Oh, come on, it's just a game," replied Kaori with a small laugh.

The other three cursed spirits turned to Mahito and Kaori playing chess on the other side of
the table. They thought they would hear something exciting, but it turned out to be just
Mahito's exclamation of joy, thinking that he had defeated Kaori.

"Wait!" Mahito stopped.

He looked at the chessboard, where Kaori had turned a Pawn into a Queen.

Mahito stared at Kaori's calm face. The woman leaned back in her chair and smiled.
"Checkmate."

"How?" Mahito asked.

On the board, Mahito's King couldn't move anymore because if he moved forward, he would
be killed by the Queen, but if he moved sideways, there would be a Rook ready to devour
him, and if he moved back, the Pawn would take the King.

Mahito blinked two or three times. He didn't realize this move. All this time, he was
surrounded by Kaori. This woman played slowly and casually, but it turned out—she had
planned it all to the point where Mahito thought this would be his victory.

He rubbed his face and admitted his defeat. "You sacrificed the Queen to turn the Pawn into a
Queen?"

"That's chess. We need to make sacrifices to win."

The newly reborn Cursed Spirit, discovered by Kaori a few weeks ago, felt amazed. She
applauded with laughter accompanying it. "You're not hesitant to discard something to get
something."

"If it's beyond my control, it's better to discard it."

Kaori's eyes caught the silhouette of a little boy in the hallway. Golden yellow eyes peeked
towards his mother. His chubby cheeks pouted, unable to see who Kaori had been talking to
all this time.

"Mama," the child called.

"Oh, Yuuji, come here."

The child hesitated to step forward. His pink hair was slightly disheveled, and he stood
clutching the edge of his pajamas in front of his mother. "Who have you been talking to all
this time?"

Kaori leaned down to lift her child—her creation—Yuuji immediately felt comfortable in his
mother's embrace. He nuzzled his head against her neck. Kaori then walked to her son's
room, ignoring the grumbling from Mahito or the other cursed spirits.

She laid her child back on the bed, gently pulling the blanket to cover Yuuji's small body.
Yuuji clutched the hem of Kaori's dress as his mother was about to leave him. "Wait a
moment, Mama."

Kaori turned around, and with a heavy heart, she sat on the edge of the bed. She stroked
Yuuji's pink hair, and the child closed his eyes, enjoying his mother's touch.

Yuuji opened his eyes and looked at Kaori in his dimly lit room, only getting moonlight
through the curtains. "Mama, when will I go back to Ji-chan? I miss him."

"Have you forgotten, Yuuji?" Kaori's fingers played gently with her son's hair. "Ji-chan
rejected you."

He pouted. "Why do you always say that?"

"Because that's the truth. Ji-chan doesn't love you. He sees you as a burden and sent you back
to me."

"Ji-chan isn't like that?!" Yuuji exclaimed. He moved away from Kaori's fingers, and rose
from his bed. Kaori pulled Yuuji closer. She hugged her son from behind, causing Yuuji's
breath to momentarily stop.

Kaori's short black hair tickled Yuuji's neck. She breathed heavily, and she began to cry sadly.
"Do you think Mama is lying? Mama, is not like that, dear."

Yuuji turned his body, and Kaori released her hug. His small, gentle hands wiped Kaori's
tears. "I'm sorry, Mama. I know Mama didn't mean to lie, but Ji-chan—"

"Ji-chan left you, Yuuji." She reached for her son's hand and placed a gentle kiss on his tiny
fingers. "We're only left with each other. I only have you, and you only have me. Your Ji-
chan hates me, just as he hates you."

Now Yuuji's eyes began to well up. "Did Ji-chan really hate me?"
 "Oh, my child." Kaori quickly brought her son's head to her chest and rubbed the soft strands
of his hair. "Yes, dear. He hates you. If not, why did he leave you with me? Without saying
anything to you."

Yuuji desperately clutched his mother's clothes and began to cry uncontrollably. For a
moment, the room was filled with Yuuji's sobs, until he became calmer.

Kaori cupped her son's cheeks, and she smiled, revealing her neatly arranged teeth. Yuuji's
eyes widened, and Kaori began to speak without a hint of tenderness—insulting her
unfortunate son.

"You are a useless child. Weak. Foolish human. You're actually worthy of death. Nothing
more than a tool that will eventually break. My dear, that's why Ji-chan hates you. He's
disgusted to see your pathetic face. He's disgusted to see you alive."

Yuuji's body trembled. "Mama?"

"My dear Yuuji," the gentle call came from Kaori's sweet lips. "Only Mama is by your side
and accepts all your filth."

"Only Mama?" He repeated in a hoarse voice.

"Yes." Kaori pulled her son into another embrace. Not a warm hug to calm Yuuji's trembling,
but a hug that signified a prison—that Yuuji's life was held by Kaori. "Only Mama."

"And, Mama will turn you into a Queen."

Chapter End Notes

Once again, sorry for not being able to update, does anyone miss this story or miss me?
(≧▽≦)

I hope you read these Prequel Spoilers

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