First of all, I would like to apologize for the haiku. True and real poetry, are not my specialty and really researched I have also not. I am sincerely sorry if this should not be correct and does not make sense. (If one of my readers should be better versed here).

Trigger warning: Exhumation, Blood, cannibalism

Friends who became enemies and enemies who became friends.

How long have I been here now? One complete solar circle and three-thirds more. Kugisaki said something about a month and a few days? I was broken and the one who continued to accept me somehow was Sukuna?! He was the last one I expected this from, but this coexistence turned into? To what? Friendship? Cooperation? What was that all about! What was expected of me now? Sukuna and I were fated to be together?! This guy killed me and now he expects me to do it? To what? To love?! Him?! I sighed, no anger, no disappointment nothing I felt, no affection either. I was empty, just empty. Nobara came into the domain without greeting, instead Sukuna disappeared next to me here in the bed and fought her; taught her right. That was another point that was kind of unbelievable. In the beginning, Nobara came here every night - according to Sukuna. By now it was three times a week, also according to the curse king. And me? I stagnated, stopped, didn't move on, just stayed where I was, in life, as a jujuzist, as Yuuji Itadori, whatever; I was a prisoner of the jujuzists, of Curse King himself, and despite that I was aware of it, I found no solution to free myself from their clutches - nothing.

Nobara had not come for two days now and I just sat up. Sukuna as always beside me, silent just like in the beginning. »Thank you, for everything«, I murmured softly and for the first time I was able to walk by myself and woke up. My body felt strange, foreign to me it didn't hurt painfully anymore, not like a month ago and more. It rather hurt uncomfortably now because it was not moved enough. Stiff joints, stiff limbs, stiff flaccid muscles. I moaned softly and felt the warmth next to me, the hand in my hand. I squeezed it, Kugisaki - a human; on my side - jujuzist.

»Hey Nobara«, oh god my voice sounded awful, the taste on my tongue was also more than not welcome - sticky papier-mâché. »Oh God, I feel disgusting«, I moaned softly, throwing back the covers. »About time to get back to living and forgetting all about this«, I grumbled to myself. That was the best I could come up with, to accept nothing, to know nothing, to somehow understand none of this. To be Yuuji Itadori, just me - no reincarnation.

Without waking Nobara, I sat up, my arms shaking and already feeling dizzy. Fuck. »I need a shower and most of all I need a toothbrush!«, I continued to moan. For the first time I noticed the hose running from my neck. Was I feeling that bad? Had I been gone so long? I looked around in the darkness and saw my cell phone on my nightstand, so she was charging it regularly. I reached for it and it really had been a whole two months. Shit, it didn't seem that long. No messages, from anyone, was to be expected. I put the phone back down and went to work on the hoses. »Oi brat, you screw up I'm going to get the other brat, wait!«, with that I lost control of my hands and Sukuna released me from it and then turned off the devices. »Th-thank you«, without another word he disappeared again and then I felt the pudding legs. I'll feel better after a shower, so I trudged on and did what I needed so badly. After brushing my teeth for the third time, I heard Nobara's alarm clock. As quickly as I could, I stumbled out. Quickly, the cell phone alarm clock was turned off. So it was already morning, it was time to act somehow, no matter how. A plan was brewing in my head. I should choose my side or? Could I be selfish? Did I even want to? Would the three big ones make a claim? Of course they would, they always did.... damn... I clenched my hands into fists. With a snort, I ran to my closet, which was newly furnished. Nobara had moved in, right here in my room. Undeterred, I grabbed the only kimono I owned and shorts. Quickly everything was put on and I ran towards the door. Nobara was always the last to arrive, it was better if she wasn't there now. Not that we would betray us in the end... I walked slowly towards the dining hall, the cold knot in my stomach became a stone and pushed me down to the floor. Stopping in front of the door, I took a deep breath and swallowed. »Go on Yuuji, they should be happy shouldn't they?«, actually yes, but thanks to my new knowledge, I knew these puppets of forces were only after one thing. One being, their weapon they thought they could claim because I was a nobody. No use, I have to get through this now. »Sukuna?«, I whispered softly and only a bored growl could be heard, at least he was still the same. One hand landed on the surface of the door, cold wood pressed against the palm. I would love to disappear into nothing, so that no one would ever find me - especially not them; the clans. »I know...«, I started softly, but stopped again, sighing, my forehead now landing against the wood as well. Why did I have to become a nobody, of all people? Why did people care so much? Did they really think, just because I was and am alone, that I was weak!? I sure as hell wasn't!! »Sukkun? I... really need your opinion, an honest one«, at the pet name I use in the first life, the Curse King brightened. »What is it that you don't want to show me all this time, Yu?«, I closed my eyes and pressed my lips together. The too fast heartbeat bumped and calmed down again; thanks to him and the chance he gave me. »You're on my side Sukkun aren't you?«, all by myself I would never be able to face. »That's not asking for an opinion, but to be fair, yes, I'm always on your side brat«, I took a deep breath, the lump in my throat wanting to go away but not either. »Do you trust me 'Kuna?«, this question was just a breath, barely noticeable but again Sukuna responded. »Every second since I first met you Yuuji«, that was enough confirmation for me, a happiness. Quietly I opened the door and entered, everyone naturally raised their heads, everyone wanted to welcome Nobara. An uncertain smile showed on my lips. »Sorry, it's just me«, I spoke quietly in embarrassment, scratching the back of my head. The first few jumped up, but Yaga motioned for them to stay seated. So I ran to the food counter and put together a breakfast. About time to fight back, about time to get my life back! »Here we go then«, two plates landed on my tray and I filled one with food for myself, waiting I paused. »Come on Sukuna, what do you want?«, he popped up and grumbled. »You could have just waited for the other brat. That way you would have had company too«, I sighed softly. »However, and as I'm realizing myself right now, significantly better.... so king of curses finally make up your mind«, I repeated myself quietly and I scooped what he wanted onto the second plate. At an empty table, I finally took a seat alone. Quietly, I thanked him for the food. »Who first?«, Sukuna clicked her tongue. »You, brat for sure«, I nodded and began to eat. »Fingers?«, I eventually pecked out. »Three. The clown, the shadow user, and the curse speaker. Three more here on the grounds, behind his barrier«, I followed his descriptions with my eyes. »Finally, learn names Sukuna! Gojo, Fushiguro, and Inumaki!«, I groaned to myself in annoyance. »Three fingers it is... That still leaves over ten? About time to go on mission again«, I finished my breakfast and all by myself we switched. Sukuna did the same and thanked me for the food. »About time you finally woke up and ate. You've been pulling on my strength«, Sukuna didn't stop, eating it all himself and talking about the next fingers. »We'll collect the three here, I feel the other three here, probably won't be given to us until we're taken to the execution. The rest we find within a day. You decide, today, tomorrow, I don't care«, he shrugged and we traded back again. »How do you prefer?«, again his mouth appeared on my cheek. »Yuuji... I won't leave you another meter. This is the second life with you, I wish for better circumstances myself but you've made up your mind. So...«, so? He sighed again. »A life without you is out of the question for me. Then we'll both die«, I grinned. »So, eternal damnation? Hear hear, the Curse King chooses death, bizarre«, with that we both started laughing. I propped my head on my hand. »The wench is coming, stop worrying«, I grinned and closed my eyes. »She's my friend 'Kuna, I'll always worry about her. Besides... Just because you're a loner and only accept me doesn't mean I have to be the same«, he clicked his tongue and appeared on the palm of my hand that wasn't supporting my head. »You're sure this is what you want brat?«, I sighed softly. »There aren't many options left Sukkun. To make matters worse, I'm the one to blame for all this shit. There are three options, the first you let me separate you and bind you, to one of the oh so great big three. The second, we gather the remaining fingers, I let you have the upper hand, and you try the same thing you did a thousand years ago and wipe out everyone here, but this age is strong.... so less recommended. The third option would be execution, since you were reborn in me, your wife, you are not invincible and have a human shell - we choose death«, the one eye that was on my hand with its mouth stared at me. »What do you think about option four, we gather the fingers, I seal up this whole damn building and lock up the lunatics. That way we could just live together in peace?«, I sighed. »I forgot, my wife loves too much. After so many lifetimes and knowing what you know now, how can you still protect her Yu?! I don't understand you! What have they already given you except death?! Nothing and yet you wouldn't think of carrying out option four in the slightest! That's... you're...«, I just looked at him and smiled. »I'm your wife and you know me, we're more opposites than any other couple. It almost seems like the more you hate the more I love, crazy isn't it?«, he mumbled something and then Nobara walked in. She smiled at us and organized herself breakfast as well. »You two up already? How are you?«, the curse king groaned. »Woman bring my wife to her senses or heads will roll here soon...«, Nobara sat down opposite me. »The same sorry topic? And already decided?«, without both of us looking at each other we hummed the same answer. »Execution«, Kugisaki sighed softly. »You guys are impossible! Get creative for once! For real! Oh wait Sukuna!«, she exclaimed even more quickly and again he groaned. »Not again! Spare me this garbage already!«, but Nobara already started, telling some joke that couldn't have been crueler. Sukuna remained silent, staring at her. »What's the punch line about that now!? Do you even know what a joke is?! You two aren't ticking right after all. A three out of ten, at least it was somewhat amusing...«, he left us alone with that. »Gee, I was really sure of that this time!«, I giggled softly. »Do you want me to give you a hint?«, she finally started to eat and thought for a long time. »Alright but just one!«, I cleared my throat. »You know how intelligent Sukuna is by now...and just so you know I found out by accident myself and I really don't know what's funny about it but he's laughing his ass off...I don't get it«, Nobara tilted her head and waited for me to continue. »Sukuna?«, again he appeared on my cheek. »What is it no—

»Wolf in sheep's clothing 
meets sheep in wolf's clothing
Confusion reigns.«

It took less than ten seconds and Sukuna began to laugh uproariously. Nobara looked at my cheek in amazement. »Oh god you're not serious, he thinks jokes in haiku form are funny?! Those things never make sense!«, who was she telling, I was rhyming wildly in first life. »Right! I have no idea about the subject matter but according to Sukuna, in the first life I had managed to always say the right thing without help and rhyme in such a way that he laughed to no end«, I then explained to her. »I hear you've still got it.... Now leave me alone until you find a solution«, silence spread between us and crushed us. My head landed on the table, despair eating at me like moths to clothing.

»Nobara! Help me!«, I whined. »Well in this day and age there is also a fifth option.... that won't please you or Susu«, out of frustration and helplessness, I grabbed at every straw. »Shoot«, she finished her breakfast. »So let's get this straight right now for your berserk husband. Arranged marriages don't include love, marry Satoru Gojo or Megumi Fushiguro, become part of a great clan and you get to keep Sukuna. Problem solved«, that's right, that would really solve the problem, why didn't we all think of that before?! I jumped up and slammed my hands on the table. »Sit down or I'll cut your tongue off« I hissed menacingly from my cheek. »But-«, »No«, »Su-«, »No!«, why wouldn't he let me explain!!! Nobara was right! The scales fell from my eyes! Yes, my teacher was the solution. »Yuuji! One more thought about that white-haired one and I'll kill you both!», it continued to thunder around the room. »Now at least stop for-«, he hissed angrily. »If you marry either of them, that's it between us. If you even think about it, I'm going to decide right here and now for your life and bind myself forever to one of the families. If you don't want me, I don't want you, understand?!«, I clenched my hands into fists and hit the table, it cracked and broke. »Please! Then tie yourself to Fushiguro! I know how enthusiastic you are about his shitty technique! How long I had to pull me in 'oh Megumi here and Megumi there, whenever you praised him', I was always just the idiot in your eyes! Do what you want, I do not stop you! Was clear to me anyway, one thousand years ago the shadow user could after all almost nothing... and you were more than disappointed then! So sorry I ever crossed your goddamn life!«, I yelled around, regardless tears were already running again. »So that's settled, your silence is answer enough. Yaga Convene the colonels, I want to announce a special mission. Sukuna help me find the rest of the fingers and then have Fushiguro bind him«, I angrily ran to Inumaki, Megumi, and Gojo, demanding the fingers there that they had been collecting all this time I was away.

»I am where I belong, where I want to be myself. With my own will, I belonged to you Yuuji, always only to you and that will not change in this life. Why should I suddenly bind myself to the shadow user if I can't have you anymore? A world, a planet without you, is out of the question for me. I didn't marry you for nothing, I didn't make an unbreakable pact with you in the first life for nothing. We'll stay together forever, no matter the cost«, he began to grin. »So we're in agreement then? And you think you still got it? Would be sad if you were worse than you were in your first life...«, he clicked his tongue and my hand moved to my neck on its own. »You brat have a sharp tongue as ever...«, as he spoke, I started to laugh. Quite automatically we exchanged, the tube in my throat disappeared with one movement and Sukuna stretched through.

»You should prepare everything today, my wife and I, choose the execution«, with that he shot off, out to Tokyo to finally implement our plan.

[For the subsequent torture and disciplinary proceedings, your husband owes me! Not you Yuji! Sukuna!!! Trust me, I'll keep my mouth shut].

»I haven't been able to buy much time for her or you, sooner or later they will come looking for us. Uraume, Takumi, Kenzo look for my fingers, we'll meet at the location of our shrine back then«, with that we took off into the air and both of us surveyed Tokyo. »I hope you can really make it.... Japan has changed Sukuna.... on top of that, we have to hurry now because of Nobara, who knows if the maniacs are about to imprison her...«, he grumbled softly. »You're right, but we have three curses that have stood the test of time and witnessed the changes, and Uraume is showing me the way, Them always has. So you want to explain to me what you want at the old shrine?«, I laughed softly. »You'll see then, but if it definitely hasn't been found, we have a chance and this is the first life that makes me remember. Just get us there, I'll do the rest«, Uraume gave a direction and Sukuna followed it, he was perfect through and through. How did he manage to do that! Despite being sealed, he found the place by so little information. Down this one had come all times, a desert resembling met rather, as if something would eat at the piece of land and nature.

»Perfect, it seems to still be there«, Sukuna raised an eyebrow. »I see... if you say so...«, and we exchanged, slowly I looked around for a sharp stone and slashed my arms. It wasn't long before Sukuna's blood was already reacting and making its way across the sandy ground. Eventually it collected in one place and was absorbed by the parched ground. »So here...«, I took a deep breath, because there was no way to prepare for this, no matter how hard you tried. »Is everything alright with you? You're not exactly fine...«, I mumbled uncertainly. »Promise me you won't get mad...«, I became nervous, fidgety but Sukuna kept waiting. »So...well... Um...what if it was a seppuku and not a murder by some jujuzist?«, I stiffened, waiting for Sukuna to get angry but he remained silent. »You're not fucking serious, you didn't.... alright I. don't. get. angry.«, it didn't sound believable.... so I nodded and gathered cursing power, the ground beneath me gave way and I repeated the whole thing over and over again. At some point a scrap of cloth appeared. »Oh God you really did it. Do you know how fucking reckless that was!«, he sighed softly. Uraume, Takumi, and Kenzo arrived here. »Yuuji-san we have—«, I simply reached a hand back and a mouth appeared, Sukuna devoured the remaining fingers. »What is this damn body stuck too!«, I hissed to myself. When I pulled on it, it wasn't my body that appeared as I expected, but that of the jujuzist at the time. »What is he looking for here! I certainly didn't want you! Away with you!«, and then I saw two feet... that looked like corpse wax. »There he is... Corpse wax... ugh«, I pulled on it with all my might and flew onto my butt only to catch my first and own body again. »Ewww that's disgusting!«, I moaned in disgust. »Yuuji-san?!«, Them was more than panicked. »Yeah and kinda yeah...«, slowly I stood up and grabbed the body from me. »Take that one away before anyone feeds on his corpse wax. So the guy had a hunch but Sukuna's heart protected Me as suspected. Off to the shrine«, with that the four of us shot off and arrived at today's shrine. »Gather wood, let's burn the bodies«, I instructed them and my corpse wax body landed on the steps leading into the shrine. Without hesitation I pierced the chest and held it in my hand, after that I pierced the belly and also found what I wanted. I was always uninterrupted and now truly the owner of Sukuna's heart again. »Kenzo«, on his knees he appeared and bowed his head. »My master... I«, my hand landed on his head. »Thank you for everything Kenzo, you may speak frankly. Rest assured that I will also save your imprint, as I once promised you«, he nodded silently and disappeared into his forge. It was only a short time before he came back, along with a metallic box. »You've kept everything so far?«, I picked up quietly. »Yes, my lord, as you requested at that time«, he opened it and inside were two books, a stone and Sukuna's dagger. »So you were not only with me but also with Kenzo?«, I smiled slightly and Sukuna hummed softly. »So you remember...that means your ego from that time caught up with you at that moment...tell me one thing, how did you do that?«, I grabbed the two books. »These are for you and also for your eyes only. The box was made by Kenzo, your spear is untraceable but your dagger I have. We can begin«, I let him know. »Interesting, I'm curious to hear what you have to tell me», slowly I walked into the shrine to end up directly in the bathroom. There I washed off what I had extra from my body. Again I didn't let Sukuna see anything, I would have been too embarrassed by this conversation. »Uraume, do you have a leather ribbon, I would need it for jewelry«, when everything was neatly cleaned, I stepped back out in front of the shrine. Next to my corpse was the desired ribbon and I threaded the rings on it and immediately hung it around my neck. The necklace immediately disappeared under my kimono. »The ashes of you, Yuuji-san?«,

»Keep it with mine«, came Sukuna's direct order. »And can you do something with it?«, I quietly picked up. He was more than angry, I could sense that. »You've been more than reckless with something so important! Yuuji that's my fucking heart! What were you thinking?!«, tears flowed, soundlessly. »You were in the end Sukuna and I... the shrine was overrun, there was no other way back then. Someone knew, that someone was the jujuzist who suddenly stood in front of me. He was looking for this box... my servant at the time... she let me know in time so I chose that way.... it was... what should I have done?! Leave the most important and valuable thing to the clans?! It was...«, he sighed. »Stop crying, you made the right decision, better yet. We have a real chance to be separated again and fool the clans. We have the most important things together. Do you trust me?«, without hesitation I nodded and from then on Sukuna took over completely. »We have all the fingers, Uraume prepare the separation ritual. I finally want my own body to greet my wife, the rest of you keep watch, I'll send you Kugisaki. Takumi you will initiate her by tonight, we can't be exposed and you can't help us there. It's up to her...«, we reappeared at the academy, all on alert as Sukuna took over and was now coming back. Without hesitation he ran straight to my room, so far no one could get in. Nobara was here, nervous, afraid and angry. »You have to go to the shrine, explanations will follow later. Yuuji is sorry for what's about to happen but this way you'll have a head start and they'll capture me for now«, he didn't even wait for an answer, he laid the room towards the forest and the northeast, in ruins and in the next moment hurled Nobara towards the shrine. »Yuuji! When I get my hands on you, it sits what!«, she shouted loudly. »Perfect she got it all«, and Sukuna disappeared. I gulped and my heart pounded up to my throat, nervously looking towards the sky. This is the first and probably the only chance we will ever have! Nothing, absolutely nothing can go wrong! I fiddled with my kimono and heard them coming up here. The ones who already had the plan to take Sukuna from me tonight. The ones who would take me now because of this morning. The ones who would hear nothing from me; nothing at all.

Just as the jujuzists rejected coexistence today, they did so a thousand years ago. 
The world may have continued to turn after my first death, but not this one -
not the world of magic.

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

»Summon the clans. Me, Myself and I, Megumi Fushiguro claim the king of curses and poisons as my tenth shadow!«

We both looked at each other, so Megumi and I became enemies. Sooner or later this had to happen... and yet I never wanted that. The only thing I wanted was to be happy and that was unattainable for me in any life it seemed. So, sighing, I stepped up to the jujuzists and came to a stop in front of Yaga. »Sukuna and I have all but the three fingers lingering here at the academy. We informed you of our decision, prepare an execution. I've had enough, God damn even Sukuna has had enough«, Yaga made hand signals and put chains on me. »Yuuji Itadori, you will remain in safekeeping for the time being until we jujuzists and clans make a decision«, I clenched my hands into fists. »From the beginning you spoke of execution, I agreed to that point unconditionally. I don't own and didn't own my life from that point on, now you want to take by force what doesn't belong to you?! Never, that was never in question and I refuse, we prefer death; our death«, no one said anything, angrily I stared at everyone in front of me and was forced further to my knees. Shadows wrapped around my body like icy cold hands roaming over my body; the hands of death. »There is no question about it Yuuji, you have something that will never be yours and we clans have claim to it and I am making that claim«, Megumi spoke and then left us all standing.

I, on the other hand, was taken back to a dungeon, not the same as then. Lucky for me. »Nobara... I wonder if she'll show her face here?«, Sukuna appeared on my cheek. »Takumi or Kenzo will tell her once there's no more danger here. She's good at talisman magic, she'll be able to show up here unnoticed and disappear. Those two will clear her up but now I have to make preparations, brat«, I growled softly. »Now you're calling me brat again? What the hell is wrong with you! Then please take over and do what you need to do«, Sukuna took over and began to draw a seal from his blood on the ground. He spoke countless formulas and somehow another king of curses then emerged in his true form and when that was done the real one ordered him to disappear into my body and shadows. »That was more than exhausting and draining of strength. Hopefully they will be fooled, but the likeness is more than perfect. The wench is in the forest with Uraume and Takumi, waiting for Takumi's permission to appear here«, was it safe enough? »Brat, those up there are more than busy they are building a ritual altar to bind me, they won't get anything«, Sukuna sensed and heard my thoughts, only ever not when I really didn't want to. »Alright, let her come here then«, I was more than nervous and I knew Nobara she would be totally through nervously too.

»Bellow, Sukuna is ready. You can use talisman magic, though I don't know which dungeon. The others are distracted enough, so don't worry. Go and hurry up, do your task conscientiously you two are pure bundles of nerves and everything depends on you, so pull yourself together«, Takumi spoke to me, not exactly encouraging words.... my stomach did somersaults and I felt like throwing up. Kenzo and him had me armed to the teeth and I had more than enough talismans. »Brat? Are you listening to me?!«, frightened, I looked up. »Oh god this can only go wrong...«, he grumbled quietly to himself. »Alright... fuck... I am suck at this«, Takumi got down on his knees, making him smaller but still not eye level with me. I tried to swallow the sticky ball in my throat. »You've made more than good progress in the last two months.... so what I'm saying is—«, that's when I responded on my own and just hugged him. It was what I needed, right at that moment. When I disengaged, I was more determined than ever and spoke the formula for talisman travel.

»You're more than grotty at this, I was about to jump in...«, I looked up into the treetops, Kenzo of course. His chosen one still didn't know about the imprinting from him, to her, until now. »You could have come right along instead of sneaking up and hiding in the treetops...«, he clicked his tongue and came jumping down. »Says the right ... What do you think Sukuna-sama will say to you when he registers your father imprint?«, I hissed angrily. »Shut up Kenzo I'm not subject to any imprinting!«, he contorted his face and laughed softly. »Of course the great Takumi isn't after all.... finally admit it to yourself. Nobara Kugisaki triggered something in you, the whole village saw it, even your wife Misaki saw it«, my blood was literally boiling. »Uraume, I'm at the shrine to protect this Kenzo should help you. He's a pain in the ass«, I angrily made my way back, unfortunately without cursing power, because we couldn't blow our cover, there were too many jujuzists there. Nothing was allowed to endanger our plan.

»Yuuji! Oh god they really locked you up!«, I sighed, she was fine a luck. »You've been enlightened? What's your assignment?«, she started pacing back and forth. »Well Uh-huh actually just Sukuna and not tell on you and help you.... As best I can. Uraume has some ritual prepared. Them said it will run simultaneously and you will be separated but you shouldn't worry; You. Will. Sukuna. Don't. Lose.«, Nobara grabbed me by both upper arms and held me tight. »You got that Yuuji?«, I nodded in resignation. »I trust you, every single one of you«, I whispered softly and hugged her one last time. »About time you showed up there. Go ahead and put on a good show!«, we both laughed and Nobara spoke her formula shortly after to disappear again. »So you're really going to be separated from me?«, I felt Sukuna pulling me into his domain. »And you are sad my wife«, I smiled wistfully. »Somewhat, but I still resent you for ripping my heart out« he sighed softly, grinning as well. »What the hell I healed you back too«, slowly he descended the pile of bones his throne was on. »I accept your really bad excuse about that«, I snorted softly in his direction and he came to a stop in front of me. »Ahhhh we have bad timing as usual. Their already here«, I took a deep breath. »No matter what awaits me Sukuna, I trust you even though you were like this. I hope your plan works and I hope we will meet again soon«, I whispered softly, as I spoke I reached into his kimono and he leaned down to me. Before our lips could even touch I was awake again, lying tied up on an altar table. »What?! Oh man... that was... you... is not your fucking serious!«, with red cheeks, I wriggled around here. »Do you have to do that?! Present me here like this?! You stupid fuckers!«, I hissed angrily. »So you really want to try to own him, go ahead and try! No one will be able to do that! Especially not you Fushiguro!«, I stabbed him with my gaze but he didn't engage, focused on everything else but me. »The ritual separation can begin«, the clan chiefs let out and I stiffened. »No!«, I kept screaming around, getting scared, scared that they would take him from me after all, could. »Sukuna«, I yelped fearfully and we exchanged, immediately the ropes snapped. »You just won't give it a rest?! So be it, if Yuuji can live through it, it shall be fine with me. I'm only going to say this once you naive stupid brat. There was only one person I ever bowed to, and it was none of you or your former brood. You want to try to possess me?! Then please, let's perform the ritual, I'll lead it, because I don't care that I die, but I want my wife to live, so I won't tolerate any mistakes. Give me the box, I knew it, you fucking clans have appropriated the heart - my heart!«, Sukuna was more than angry, not because they were really in possession of his heart, oh no, they were in possession of my former life. Fushiguro wore ceremony clothes and looked challengingly at Sukuna. »You'll see how much Yuuji has poisoned you«, Sukuna let his curse power flow and grinned psychopathically. »Oh little human are you scared? Yuuji never responded to that, how refreshing but also boring. As soon as you hear he's better than you, you feel directly challenged.... so will you be able to bring me the box without being scared to death?«, I rolled my eyes inwardly, Sukuna just couldn't help it. Megumi stepped up to the altar next to the curse king. »I open the ritual separation«, he took the box and with one motion it shattered and the heart that was barely beating landed on the altar. The king of curses poured blood into a chalice and began to let his blood flow into the heart in the most abnormal way. This recovered, it contracted more powerfully with each further contraction, the heartbeat became stronger. He flushed it with his blood and let the rest run back into the goblet. »Drink half, no more, no less«, Megumi screwed up his face. »That one?! Definitely not, that's reusable«, Sukuna put the heart down and he crossed his arms. »Well then we have a problem now, if you don't ingest that and then eat the other half of it you won't be able to control me. However, I can also renew and strengthen my bond with Yuuji even more with the things available here.... Only I can't separate myself from him...«, everyone who was gathered hissed and got ready. »So what now? I would clearly choose my wife, but since she wants me to finally be free and I don't want her to die by your fingers, but to live her life I'm here. Decide now finally stupid brat or I disappear and break the shit here«, with sparkling eyes Megumi tore the cup to himself and drank. Gagging, he put it down again afterwards. »Don't make a drama..«, Sukuna grumbled and continued. As he said before, he shared my heart whispered in curse language. Where others thought it was a formula, I knew better. Sukuna recited his vow which he said to me in the first life as a human now again, only in curse language. I smiled, letting him feel what I felt through his words. He put his head back and smiled. »You are incomparable Yuuji and nothing in the world will ever change that. Because you are my world«, he whispered softly now in Japanese, only Megumi heard him. He then devoured one half of my heart and the other was ready for Megumi. He grabbed it slowly and hesitated, Sukuna on the other hand laid back on the altar. »I hope for you vultures, you also have my spear and dagger«, hand signals followed and Sukuna disappeared inside me.
»Rest until tomorrow Yuuji. Don't worry I'll wait for you and nothing will happen«, inside my body became silent, Sukuna disappeared and at the same time the fake in his true form also suddenly rose from my body. It hurt, for me as a human this was clearly too much, it felt like I was really losing him. Sukuna, the fake one, looked at me for a long time. »Go Sukuna, disappear and finally be free«, I whimpered softly, tears finding their way down the corners of my eyes. Just as he disappeared along with his power, I was left behind. Mourned for him, mourned for the friendship with Megumi. All the hatred that was always only me just because I loved; the right one in my eyes and his - the wrong one in their eyes.

»Go, Sukuna. Go away and let me be free at last«, I saw the shadows working their way up his body, trying to pull him away from me and he fought back. His lower left hand, landed on my face and I snuggled up to it. He spoke in curse language and then Megumi finally pulled him into the shadows and bound him inside. Exhausted, I looked towards the stars - it all took all day, now the time of curses had long since arrived. And the time in which Fushiguro was strongest. Megumi; the blessing of the night, the moon and the stars. My body felt empty, so weak and empty. I was lonely and could cry, suddenly applause and cheers went up. For him; Megumi not for me; Yuuji.

»Well Yuuuji-kun how are you feeling?«, Gojo came to me first and bent over me. »Empty«, I sniffled softly. »Empty and lonely«, I pulled up my nose and tried to sit up. »But it worked. Your features are really gone and when you say you don't feel him inside you anymore, it seems like it worked«, as he often did, Gojo grinned at me with his crooked smile, I wanted to punch him in the face. »Nobara, can she take me to my room, I think I'm about to faint«, someone was already helping me up. »I'm here, come on, let's go«, she pulled the kimono back over my shoulders and put her arm around my waist, mine over her shoulders in return. We had just come down from the altar when it happened. Sukuna came out of Megumi's shadow. Everyone backed away but Sukuna's double did not attack. »Too weak, Yuuji was already stronger without powers«, Nobara turned us both so we could see the spectacle. Sukuna's gaze searched mine, even though I knew he didn't really die, it still hurt to see him go up in flames. He smiled one last time. »That's it kid huh? And don't come too soon. Be free of me at last«, so that all could hear, after which he torched away, the ashes blown away by the next breeze. Without thinking much, I ran in his direction to fall on my knees in front of the remnant. Tears fell and angrily I hit the ground. »You said you were strong enough for him! YOU had him on your conscience, solely you Fushiguro! It was okay for everyone if you had him! What was so wrong about him being mine?! What?! Just because I don't belong to a fucking clan?! I was never accepted!!! I lost him because of you! You fucking bastards! You hypocrites! YOU goddamn jujuzists!«, I screamed around and cried my heart out »I hate you all«, I mumbled softly then staggered away from there without help.

The loss was never real, but felt real.
•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

»This is... this can't be happening! I... did everything right! That damn idiot! Yuuji is to blame for this, there's no other way to explain it!«, Fushiguro started shouting around. I threw a talisman on the ground and my gun appeared in my hand. »Just so we're clear, I know what else I'm going to face regarding this morning and because I didn't say anything. But whoever even moves across this line will die«, the whole assembly turned to me. »You are betraying us?! Kugisaki you are jujuzist!«, I jutted my chin up. »I am, but I am also a human and Yuuji's friend. I've let this go on long enough! Not only did he get his life denied by you! Oh no, apparently that's not enough for you and now you want to accuse him that the ritual was wrong?! Are you crazy?! Sukuna Ryoumen, the king of curses, performed the ritual so that no mistake would happen, because he rather sacrificed himself than let Yuuji die! So enough of that! How do you know that Yuuji still has any powers?! He didn't have any in the first life and until he swallowed the finger in this life, he didn't have any either, he couldn't even see until fear took hold of him! So I like to repeat myself once again for you idiots, whoever even dares to cross this line...«, I hunted several nails along with cursing power into the ground directly in front of me. »...their will pay with his life!«, I ruled all those in front of me. I pulled out an envelope and threw it to them on the ground. »Mine and Yuuji's resignation, it is final and Yuuji can no longer be prosecuted for execution. Sukuna was in Megumi's shadow, he freed himself and torched in front of all of us. So you have no right to demand anything from us or anything else! Do you understand me?«, it remained silent, the fronts were more than clear.

»She's doing a good job...«, Takumi had reappeared, now standing with Uraume and me as well. »I can't do anything... if she uses her soul call or otherwise the same you may act but do not put the shrine in danger. Understood Takumi, Kenzo?«, both my longest friends disappeared into the treetops. »Yes master«, satisfied I nodded, longing for my soul that was so hurt because he loved me so much. »Uraume you and I can do nothing. The crone will take care of everything, for us it's retreat and wait for now. Yuuji will come soon, let's go«, I was annoyed that I couldn't do anything at the moment. But because they thought I had died, I just couldn't do it. We were both finally free from the clans and the Jujuzists, Yuuji would be looking for me tomorrow at the latest, that was as certain as I was King of curses and poisons. So Them followed me and the other two had stayed to protect Kugisaki.

»Ehhh hehehe~ how about we all calm down first and ask Yuji-kun tomorrow what went wrong?«, Gojo Satoru, a closed book, had he chosen a side? Did he stand by Megumi? Did he stand with us? Or did he have completely his own view, he was hard to judge and to make matters worse, he was never around, so we didn't even have any information. For my own safety, I classified him as a danger. Better than anything else. »As I said, you no longer have any right to Yuuji. We have today, officially resigned in our profession so you may leave immediately and it does not even require confirmation. We are leaving the academy, right now, and no one will follow us or even try to stop us!«, it thundered out of me and immediately Satoru stopped. »Nobara you're exaggerating, what are you protecting him for. You saw it, didn't you! Sukuna was to solve completely without any problems...«, ah that damn fool. »I'm on Yuuji's side because he was never in the wrong, because he just wanted to be happy, because he loved Sukuna. Nothing more but nothing less either. Where you all just wanted to possess Sukuna, with Yuuji he could be free. God damn it, they loved each other, they were a couple! You could have just asked Sukuna for help then and now, instead of telling him 'we're older and wiser blah blah blah' and where exactly did it get us all?! Very smart and very wise, you're all fools, I'm going to Yuuji now, try to mend this broken soul somehow! You are all the culprits and Yuuji will never be able to love anyone again, you are to blame that Yuuji will never be happy again«, I turned away, wanting to get out of there. I hadn't used jujutsu as an attack, as a not busy curse mage, I wasn't allowed to use jujutsu as long as I wasn't in danger.... so one of them had to attack first. At my back, I could already feel someone riding up. »What makes you think you even stand a chance against all of us here?! We are pure blood and you are just like that Itadori brat. A nobody and to make matters worse you're a mouthy bitch...«, I rolled my eyes. »Disgusting«, and the guy attacked me, with a smile I got ready to fight. »I give a damn fuck about 'men' this and 'women' that! I love myself when I wear pretty clothes and look cute! But most of all, I love myself when I'm strong!«, I screamed back at him. We both collided and exposed enough cursing power to destroy the terrain, had my power increased just by that alone?! By these few weeks?! »Just so one thing is clear«, I started laughing and ran to the guy I had flung off me earlier. »I never claimed to be alone here. I stopped being a jujuzist a few minutes ago and I'm allowed to do whatever I want. Since you attacked first, I'm allowed to protect my life and use my powers as well. As for other participants, they are free to join in as they wish. What my connection is to them is none of your fucking business. But you should know that for the past two months, I've had probably the most sadistic hand-to-hand combat trainer that will ever exist. He raised me to be an even stronger woman than I already was, and that was to be expected from my curse father«, my foot landed right next to his head. »So do you want to keep playing or what's the deal? Anyone who attacks me first I will fight, after all it's my life. Anyone who wants to attack Yuuji, I'll fight them too, since he's not able to fight back so?«, everyone went into attack stance. I raised my hands and spun around on my own axis. »As I have just explained to you, I have protected my life. Are you all really going to attack me?!«, I repeated myself. Kento was the first to drop his stance. »She's right guys. There's nothing we can do, let's leave it alone«, Yaga also came out of the fighting stance. I shrugged my shoulders and disappeared from their circle.

Somehow I got to my room, the door at my back I slid to the floor. I gasped and panted, sobbed and cried. It was horrible to see Sukuna die - even though it wasn't the real thing. The only thing that was good at that moment, I could finally hate everyone properly, no more acting, no more anything. I hated them all, only Nobara was spared. Just like me, she was not from a big clan, even as a jujuzist. Namely, she was like me - a nobody. And just like me, she was only a student. Even if she had wanted to, she could not have done anything. Was she angry now? At any of them?  More tears, then a soft knock. »Yuuji? It's Nobara. Can I come in?«, she spoke just loud enough, me sitting on the floor somehow opened the door a crack. She barely fit through and then she was in front of me. Both of her hands were on my face. »Yuuji...«, she whispered as softly as she could. »How fit do you feel?«, I rubbed my eyes, she was so calm, no rush nothing. Her thumbs brushed away the tears. »Finally be happy and don't ever get caught again. When everything has calmed down and the issue is over for everyone, Megumi understood that his clan lied, I'll join you. I promise you, my resignation has already landed with yours at Yaga. At present, however, it would be too dangerous for me to disappear with you. Love Yuji, that's never wrong. You are finally free again, so go already. All hell is breaking loose down there, of course Fushiguro is beside himself, he blames you, everyone else thinks Megumi wasn't ready yet. Nanami, he alone just keeps people from going after you now. They want to know what went wrong. And he is of the same opinion as me, they are all not quite there. To reproach you now also because of that. You told them everything, you made everything possible for them. In their eyes, you just played them and deceived them. I promise you, your secret is safe with me. Oh, and here, it's a new phone with a new card. Leave your old one here. I have your new number and mine is also stored on it. Feel free to contact me, but go now, you don't have much time. Yaga has given you permission to leave immediately. Your resignation is final, you are officially no longer a jujuzist and cannot be prosecuted«, with that she quietly stood up and disappeared just as she had come - almost unnoticed. The world turned by a third and yet more. The new cell phone in my hands I jumped up, my flow of tears was stopped, Nobara reminded me that I had to go to Sukuna and I wanted it myself. As fast as I could I shouldered my backpack, my old cell phone was still on the charger, I tested to see if it worked for the new cell phone and I was lucky. My old cell phone I put on the desk, the laundry that still had to dry I left behind. I didn't need any more of it. Then I left my room and in the courtyard the extent of the chaos became apparent, the quarrels escalated, the Kamo clan discussed that they should have bound Sukuna. Accusing the Zen'ins of negligence and whatnot. It was like back then, they didn't give a damn about Sukuna, only his power, that's what they wanted, that's what they were greedy for. I gave them a wide berth, no one stopped me, Nobara and Nanami were waiting for me at the stairs leading down the mountain.
»Yuuji-kun«, even Nanami couldn't get anything out. He hugged me again, then Nobara followed. »We both wish you good luck in your future«, she whispered softly in my ear. I hugged her tightly and pressed my key into her hand. »My house, take the key as soon as you can leave there. Get back to me if there's any trouble! You can't be prosecuted anymore, but I don't trust any of you, so be careful!«, she nodded slightly and I took the stairs down. First I had to get out of here once and then I had to figure out what to do next. If I staged my death, then I myself would also have peace from the others and could write only with Nobara. Provided that someone would publish it, make a big TamTam out of it. Or else, Uraume would place an obituary, send it to Nobara, and she would publish it in the academy.... an idea came to mind. That would be easier than I thought. Maybe Uraume could really help me with that.... Sighing, I walked on, putting more and more distance between me and the academy. Only when I was far enough away, I finally gathered curse power and ran towards the shrine. I was slower than before, had Sukuna given me so much power? I was more drained than usual, it was not good to use my power now. The separation ritual also drained my strength - the right one, the real one that Uraume had performed. I took two breaks, in the middle of the forest, at the second one I just dropped on my butt and puffed exhaustedly. »When am I going to get to the shrine?!«, I pulled the backpack off my back and rested my head on it.

»You are as impatient as ever. I told you to rest after the ritual«, I jumped up, Sukuna was there. He was really here, in his true form. »Sukuna!«, I jumped up and ran towards him. »You're really still alive, how do you feel? How is Uraume?«, he sighed, bent down and grabbed my backpack, then lifted me. »Of course I'm still alive, I feel better than ever, and Uraume is resting. Them is exhausted from the ritual«, happy at this I smiled and then the King of curses shot through the night. At the shrine everyone was celebrating, cheering, drinking and dancing. Even Takumi was more exuberant than ever. Only one curse was not celebrating, was with the party with worry lines on his face, pacing nervously. »Woman now sit down, Yuuji-san will come soon enough. Our master is back, you should celebrate and welcome him«, she stared angrily at her husband. »I'm waiting for my child! I don't give a damn about Sukuna! He could have brought him!!! Or should have waited, or whatever!«, I stiffened, that voice! Mi-Misaki!* My mother, who I supposedly had only imagined! »Mi-Misaki?!«, it came breathlessly from my lips and her head shot around to me. I fidgeted until Sukuna released me. With wobbly legs I ran, almost falling down several times and also losing my shoes on the way. »Obasan! Obasan!«, breathlessly I ran into her, she was still the same. She was still taller than me.»My sweet little Yuuji. You're finally here again«, her face landed in my hair and I grabbed her kimono as hard as I could. »Misaki, so you are real after all«, she stroked my back and hummed softly. »I'm sorry, Wasuke was supposed to deny me....Takumi caught me... and recognized you too...«, I continued to press my face against the center of her body. I started crying without end. Misaki was my curse mother in this life.

»What do you know?«, despite being totally exhausted, I had to know everything. »I know the story and your fate Yuuji. However, I didn't know you were who you are. My imprint is real and was never a lie, on the contrary, I raised you accordingly. All the things you learned so easily, you were able to do in your first life«, I nodded. »Sukuna won't hurt you, will he? Imprinting on children is the highest prohibition and Sukuna's law...«, she snorted. »Your husband can go fuck himself, master or not, I've been telling you since you were a kid, the guy's not perfect and yet you're so blind again and think he's just that!«, I broke away from her a bit. »I don't think Sukuna's perfect, just better than everyone else....At least in terms of thinking about curse powers... that's not the point. I want him to keep his hands off you and your life, that's what it's about«, she sighed softly. »If he really wanted to kill me, I would have by now. I'm just in the chalk and I had to tell him everything, so that's what I did. Besides, I had to betray Kenzo and Takumi as well...«, I met their gaze questioningly. »Imprint on Nobara, both of them«, I furrowed my eyebrows. »Oh god, Takumi as the curse father for Nobara?!«, we both started laughing. »What's wrong with that?«, I shook my head laughing. »Nothing at all but be warned that feces fly regularly with them. I don't want any complaints because on a regular basis somewhere, something gets turned into kindling«, she rolled her eyes. »Give me a break! For the last two months you were away, Nobara trained like you asked Sukuna to. Takumi still can't admit to himself that he's the curse father, the two of them argue regularly but when he hears that she has to go on missions he's at least as nervous as Kenzo. The two tigers here then restless around, that makes me and Uraume totally scratchy. That reminds me, I still have a serious word to say to Sukuna, because of the thing with your heart«, when I already wanted to ask why. »The sanatorium, not the ritual. It was the crowning glory of all, but then to threaten your friend as well is out of the question!«, I grumbled softly. »Let it go, his answer or apology would be just as flimsy as ever«, I just staggered off and was now puttering around as well. »You're worried about your friend?«, I nodded. »She also put in a resignation, but to avoid being exposed she's going to stay for now. What if they all go crazy and Megumi starts accusing her of having been my help? What then? I...«, Obasan approached me. »The academy we all hear, if something happens, you will know. But she made the right decision, for now she has to stay, at least until the dismissal is finally done...«, exhaustion spread through me again. »You should take it easy, and above all, you should greet Sukuna properly...«, I hissed.

»No thanks, I just remembered I'm mad at him! That guy pushed my psyche to the limit more today than ever before! Just doing two rituals at the same time! I mean are you still going!? Do you actually know how I felt!!! He was really taken out of my body and then to see this imitation go, to send him away, to knowingly push him away from me! What was he thinking!!! That I would happily jump into his arms?! He should take his legs in his hands, if I see him again today I'll tear his face off his skull! Then he humiliated me, I cried like a girl! I can't do that! I expect an apology, a real one!«, since I had just walked into the shrine in the meantime and was standing in Sukuna's bedroom, I now turned in the direction of the entrance. Outside the shrine, it became quiet as a mouse as I shouted around. »Sukuna-sama's last apology was to Uraume, and that was some time ago.... I wonder if he can really do it. His wife is angry... the last time was in the first life after...«, I stiffened. »One more word Takumi, and you're history!«, I continued shouting, this can't be true! You bastard! You didn't tell Takumi that! With a flourish, I yanked open the sliding doors of Sukuna's room that led directly outside to the steps. »Why did you have to say even a sound Takumi?«, angrily I reared up behind the King. »Sukuna«, dangerously softly I spoke his name, only minimally twitching. »Don't even think of entering your chambers tonight. If I sense even a spark of your powers near this shrine, you will lose your two most important things on your body. And believe me, those are two times really important inches for you, do I make myself clear enough?!«, he sighed softly. »Yessir my wife, crystal clear«, he growled softly, Kenzo and Takumi laughed. »I'll talk to you tomorrow«, I let the right hand, Takumi, know and he fell directly silent. »Wifey you spoiled Sukuna's wife! Shy was much more fun!«, I angrily slammed the sliding doors shut again and then crawled towards the futon. Huge as ever, I was quickly undressed and lying naked between the sheets. »Misaki bring your child, his things. I'm leaving«, Sukuna was offended and angry as often. »Oi Sukuna he'll get over it, it's always the same with you two. He's angry but forgive you, he can still—«,

»Shut your mouth and don't give him more ammunition! He's really mad and I didn't put a foot in there!«, satisfied that he was taking me seriously, since he rarely did, I closed my eyes.

Exhaustion pulled me right into sleep, dreamless.

*Misaki - Curse Mother of Yuuji in this life and own character.