[19 thousand words of pure sweat and pain...Hope you all enjoy my suffering. I do it for you all!]

[Alright! So! Chapter 1 got 268 votes in 24 hours...Chapter 2 got 271! Which...is still shocking, so, thank you everyone. But, a deal is a deal. So here we are again...four days later with another 15k plus word chapter. In this one we continued the return of the reader who has now a complete different main personality (but will still be normal and such, so, for those that were worried about that, all is good in the hood). But in other news, this is where the story really kicks off. To the point, I can very much use the line "This is where the fun begins" and say it goes to a whole other level. So, if you're looking forward to that be sure to leave a vote and comment, and who knows...Maybe we'll keep this four-day upload train going...]

[Also, for those worried he'll be too OP...Just wait. Just because someone is powerful in fighting doesn't mean he doesn't struggle with other things...]

[Note: The Cursed Technique titled 'Cursed Potential' brought up in the last chapter is actually a domain expansion, don't feel I clarified that enough. Also, from here on out, when bringing up Cursed Techniques I'll add a little description about them below it]
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[3rd Person POV]

The gentle night breeze, the rustles the wind made as a lone black SUV drove through the silent streets of outer Tokyo, the only sounds to be heard. Three people sat in the car. One of which being none other then the newly returned (Y/n) (L/n) himself. However, whereas his earlier self was filled of excitement and joy to be back, right now, he was just happy with the silence. The way the breeze rushed in through the open window next to him to blow against his face brought a soothing feeling to him as he looked up at the moon.

It had been a very long time since he had seen it, and despite it once being something a lot of people overlooked, it was more than enough to make (Y/n), someone who spent what felt like three years in complete darkness, to really enjoy the fact that he was back in the land of the living. What added to it was the mere thought that he wasn't just back. It wasn't just the same old him that was kicked out of Kyoto and was washed into Tokyo's Jujutsu High school. No. This was a newer him, a better him. One who carried the same characteristics, but was more confident.

Not just in his powers, but his personality as well. He no longer feared what others thought of him. He feared no one. He realized long ago that being afraid of things were what was holding him back from truly being happy. Well, not anymore. (Y/n) wasn't that weak nerd he was back then. He was stronger. More powerful. And overflowing with so much cursed energy he had over a dozen cursed techniques which he mastered during his sentence within the void. And now, he was looking forward to showing his old friends what he had picked up whilst away.

Though, if he was being honest, the mere fact he was going to see his friends after so long made him excited beyond belief. Almost every free moment he had whilst stuck in the void, he thought about his classmates, Gojo, heck, even Ijichi. He thought about what they were doing, if they were having fun. If they...If they missed him as much as he missed them? Either way, if it wasn't for them, (Y/n) wouldn't nearly have been able to survive as long as he did in the void. And one thing that helped him through such was thanks to the very letter he currently held in his hand.

A mere look down was all it took to see the letter in question was the one Maki had handed to him in his room before he left to go with Inumaki on the mission. The envelope that surrounded the letter was now ripped opened, and fragments of the paper inside could slightly be seen. Just looking at the object brought a delicate smile to (Y/n)'s face. Not only for what was written in it, but also about what it meant to him. The way it helped him through times he wanted to quit. Times he thought about giving in and dying. It was because of this letter that he was still here...

...And now it's time to return it to the person it belonged to.

--Twenty Minutes Earlier--

All such moments came together for what was still meant to happen on the roof of Miyagi Prefectural Sugisawa Third High School, where (Y/n), who had just defeated the curse by using one of his cursed techniques, Cursed Potential, to revert the creature to its weakest form. And in this case of the curse, which previously resembled a lizard, it was that very creature. Now it looked nothing like the curse it was before. 

It simply carried the appearance of a regular lizard, which meant all (Y/n) needed to do was crush the creature beneath his foot before its entire body faded into dust. A serious expression rested on the young boy's face as he looked down at the ground where the curse once was. All before suddenly reverting back to the large smile on his face, one which remained as he threw his arms up into the air and stretched with a groan.

(Y/n): [Stretching] "AAAHHH!" [Yawns] "Well...I think that was a pretty good re-debut back into the sorcerer business, don't ya think?"

His statement wasn't so much addressed to anyone in particular, but with there being only two other people on the roof with him at this current moment, (Y/n) decided it may as well been meant for them. So, with his words exiting his mouth, (Y/n) turned around, though his smile soon dropped when he saw the boy with spikey black hair garner a serious expression. 

Such an expression was directed not on him, but the only other person present. The guy (Y/n) knew as Itadori, who had just swallowed the severed finger. Now, (Y/n) didn't know what exactly it was a severed finger of, he knew it was a cursed object, but (Y/n) was suddenly jolted back to life when he saw a whole bunch of tattoos now covering Itadori's arms and face. Though what really caused (Y/n) to jolt was the second eye that popped out from Itadori's skin just below his other one.

(Y/n): "AH! Dude! That's disgusting!" [Points at Itadori] "You have two eyes on one side of your face!"

Itadori: "Two...Eyes?"

Itadori's words were slow and came with a dark aura that (Y/n) sensed immediately. When he did, he dropped all comedic elements and returned to his serious persona. His eyes narrowed as he examined Itadori's body once more. This time, he took notice of the sharp, extended, purple nails that ran from the edges of his fingers. They appeared more so like claws than anything else. 

But what really put (Y/n) on edge was when Itadori finally turned to face the member of the Gojo clan, only to reveal he didn't have just two eyes on one side of his face. He had them on both! Four eyes in total! And it appeared the more (Y/n) witnessed this strange side of Itadori, the more he was beginning to understand that maybe swallowing that finger wasn't the right idea.

Itadori: "Haha...Hahaha...HAHAHAHAHA!!!! I knew it! I knew it! The light feels best in the flesh!"

(Y/n): "Um...What?"

He cartoonishly tilts his head as Itadori rips his jumper to reveal his entire body was covered in tattoos now. But (Y/n) couldn't admire the body of art any longer before Itadori suddenly turned to face and pointed directly at the boy with (H/c) hair.

Itadori: "And it's all your fault! You bumbling fool!"

(Y/n): "Bumbling fool?" [Mutters] "That's a new one..."

"This...This is the worst!"

(Y/n): [Turns head] "Huh?"

Upon turning his head to the left, (Y/n) was greeted by the shocked face of Megumi. The boy with black hair and sweat running down his face like blood could be seen slowly walking before coming to a stop at (Y/n)'s side. The shocked expression on his face wasn't focused on (Y/n), however, and instead zoomed in on the new appearance and personality that claimed Itadori's body. It wasn't until a few seconds passed that Megumi sent his shocked expression slowly to (Y/n).

Megumi: "...Do you know what you've done?"

(Y/n): "Me? No...Why? Is it bad? It's bad, isn't it? Your face is telling me it's bad."

Megumi: "Yes! It's bad! Do you know who this person is?!"

He waved his hand in the direction of Itadori, or who claimed the body of Itadori anyway. Whoever it was! They seemed to carry a slightly offended/bored perplection when noticing Megumi nonchalantly waving his hand in his direction. But Itadori didn't respond. (Y/n) also didn't respond. He just, once again, tilted his head in confusion. Enough to clue Megumi in to his cluelessness at the moment.

Megumi: "This is a one-in-a-million chance of happening when swallowing such a cursed object! The worst outcome possible! We would have hoped Itadori died then have this happen!"

(Y/n): "And that's because...?"

Megumi: "Because this isn't Itadori that he once was. The special-grade cursed object was reincarnated...And now Itadori is reincarnated as Ryomen Sukuna."

....

....

....

(Y/n): "...RYOMEN SUKUNA?! THEE RYOMEN SUKUNA?! THAT WAS HIS FINGER?! THAT FINGER WAS A SPECIAL-GRADE CURSED OBJECT?!...I didn't know that."

Megumi: "WHY ARE YOU SO CALM RIGHT NOW?!"

(Y/n): [Nudges shoulders] "Eh. I've kinda been trapped in a dark abyss for what feels like three years so it's kinda hard to not enjoy the moment right now."

Megumi struggled to understand what he was hearing. Mainly because he didn't know if this guy really was (Y/n) (L/n), who disappeared over a year ago. Or if he was just some looney who escaped a mental hospital. However, Megumi was unable to reach a conclusion before his gaze, and (Y/n)'s with it, were drawn toward the bored to death expression of Ryomen Sukuna...Also known as the King of the Curses.

Sukuna: "You two are boring." [Grins and looks around] "Where are the fun people? The women?! Haha!"

The next thing (Y/n) and Megumi knew, Sukuna stepped up onto a nearby ledge and stretched his arms out as wide as he could. All the while he took in a deep breath and examined the city before him.

Sukuna: "What a wonderful era to be in. Women and children are--"

"What's your deal with women?"

Sukuna: "...Huh?"

With his bored perplection returning, Sukuna, using the body of Itadori, slowly turned his head to look over his shoulder. Each one of his four eyes blinking slowly as he witnessed the smiling (Y/n) offer a brief wave.

Sukuna: "...Who are you again?"

(Y/n): "I'm the guy that told Itadori to swallow your nasty ass finger."

Sukuna: "Oh..." [Grins] "So you're the guy I have to thank for allowing my return to come about?"

(Y/n): "Uh...I guess so? Though I'm not really sure what that--"

Before he could even finish speaking, (Y/n) was interrupted when the grinning Sukuna launched off the railing in the blink of an eye. It was only thanks to a bit of luck that (Y/n) was able to witness the sight of Sukuna pulled his clawed hand back for an attack that he was able to do what he did next.

(Y/n): "...Waterfall."

The un-numbered cursed technique came about by lifting a single finger and pressing the air before him. A faint blue light came from his finger, before the air itself appeared like a ripple in the water. Like a raindrop falling dead centre into the middle of an open lake. Such a think seemed pointless, especially against the King of the Curses. But Sukuna was shocked when he went to send his wayward punch toward (Y/n)'s head. 

Only when his fist reached the point of the air which (Y/n) had previously set his Cursed Technique up, Sukuna's entire body was suddenly launched backward and sent packing into a crater created with a mixture of the roof and the metal railing. However, that part of the attack seemed to cause him no harm whatsoever. Such was shown when he jumped to his feet. His bored expression on his face was now long gone as he looked upon (Y/n) with eyes of pure excitement.

Sukuna: [Grins Widely] "What was that? Tell me!"

(Y/n): "Just a Cursed Technique."

As (Y/n) said this, Megumi, who had previously been frozen in state after witnessing (Y/n) somehow reflect the attack of Sukuna, was suddenly brought back to life by his statement.

Megumi: "Just a Cursed Technique?! How many do you have?"

(Y/n): "Huh? Oh, um..." [Taps chin] "Hmm...Let's see...One, two, three..."

He began counting on his fingers.

(Y/n): "...Twelve...Thirteen...Fourteen..."

Eventually, he ran out of fingers. Even with this happening, both Megumi and Sukuna seemed so interested in waiting for the ultimate number (Y/n) eventually reveals.

(Y/n): "Thirty-three, thirty-four...Yeah, about fifty."

Megumi: "Fifty Cursed Techniques?!"

(Y/n): "Yeah, pretty much--Haha-I-I mean...I was trapped away for Three Years."

Again, Megumi didn't know what to say as (Y/n)'s carefree attitude mixed with his power levels left the young boy questioning how real any of this was. Meanwhile, Sukuna continued to eye the boy across from him, and for the first time in a very long time, Sukuna was looking forward to a fight. One that could quite possibly make him sweat.

Sukuna: "You...You are no ordinary sorcerer, are you?"

(Y/n): [Turns to Sukuna] "Huh? Whatcha say, Tattoo guy?"

Sukuna wasn't so much focused on (Y/n)'s voice, instead, he had turned his gaze to the amount of aura of Cursed Energy coming off (Y/n)'s body, and it was more than he had ever seen before.

Sukuna: "Look at that! I've never seen someone with so much Cursed energy before! Haha! Yes...Yes! You shall make a worthy opponent for me, human."

(Y/n): "Excuse me? Opponent? Look, guy, I just got back from 'fuck knows where', I'm not really into a big fight right now."

Sukuna: [Chuckles] "Too bad...Because I haven't felt this excited for a fight since--Huh?"

It was as Sukuna was talking, however, that his whole sentence was thrown off by his hand coming up to grab his jaw. A confused look dawned his face as he was pulled further away from (Y/n), until his back was pushed against the crushed metal railing behind him. Such a thing caused (Y/n) and Megumi to raise an eyebrow each. 

They were soon thrown for a twist when the wicked grin that once spread across Sukuna's lips was swapped out, along with it disappeared the evil in his eyes, the snarky tone in which he spoke, and the sharp nails that periced the edges of his fingers. Ryomen Sukuna was no more, Itadori Yuji regained control. All that remained of Sukuna were the tattoos on Itadori's body, but even they soon began to fade away. Much to (Y/n)'s relief.

(Y/n): [Sighs] "Oh, thank goodness...Now I don't have to fight that guy." [Yawns and stretches] "All I want to do is get back to Jujutsu High, relax, and catch up with the guys and--"

As (Y/n) continued to list off the things he wanted to do instead of fighting Sukuna, unbeknownst to him, from behind, Megumi was preparing to use his ultimate Cursed Technique. His palms rubbed against each other as a dark circle of energy appeared about his person.

Megumi: "Under Jujutsu regulations, Itadori Yuji..."

(Y/n): "--I've also had an odd craving for popcorn. I don't know why. Do you guys feel like popcorn? Because I sure--"

Megumi: "...I will exorcise you as a curse!"

Itadori: "W-What? No! Really, I'm fine!"

(Y/n): "Yeah, dudes fine! No need to exorcise anyone?"

Megumi: "It does matter. He's got a bit of Ryomen Sukuna inside of him...There's nothing else I can do."

The pool of dark energy continued to grow around Megumi. By this point, all the tattoos had disappeared from Itadori's body as he raised his hands in the air.

Itadori: "Really, I'm fine! I swear! More importantly, you and I are both pretty beat up. Let's get to a hospital."

(Y/n): "Yeah! Hospital!" [Snaps fingers] "...Do hospitals have popcorn?" [Chuckles] "I honestly can't remember since I was last at one."

(Y/n)'s smile remained on display. Megumi's gaze shifted between the stranger who he still wasn't certain on, and Itadori. So many thoughts running through his head.

Megumi: [Thoughts] "I can't tell if the one speaking is Itadori or the cursed object...Damn it! What should I do?"

"What's the situation?"

Megumi: "Huh?"

(Y/n): "Huh?"

Itadori: "Huh?"

The trio of similar sounds flooded the air briefly as the trio turned their heads in the direction the new voice sounded from. It didn't take long to find the source of it to be resonating right behind Megumi. When the young boy with black hair turned around he was shocked to see Gojo standing ideally behind him with a blank expression on his face and his hands in his pockets. A paper bag also hung from his sealed arm as he simply stood there. It did not take (Y/n) long to silently respond to the familiar face, his eyes widening as Gojo failed to notice his appearance yet.

Megumi: "Gojo-Sensei? What are you doing here?"

Gojo: [Lifts hand] "Hey! I wasn't planning on coming--" [Leans forward] "But man, you're roughed up...Haha! I should show the second years!"

Immediately following his words Gojo got out his phone, and with the light on, began taking a plethora of photos. Getting every single possible angle of Megumi's confused and beat up face. Once he got every possible angle he could acquire, Gojo leaned back and began scrolling through his photo gallery of images of busted up Megumi.

Gojo: "Man, can't wait to show these to them. Maki's going to find it so funny...Hehe...Everyone knows she needs it."

That one notion was enough to perk (Y/n)'s ears. It had been so long since he had heard her name, heard Gojo's voice. Heck, he had started imitating a few of his friends whilst being locked away in the void, he missed them that much. Yet, now that he was standing in front of one of them, all he could do was just stand frozen. He was terrified.

Gojo: [Whilst on phone] "Anywho, the higher-ups wouldn't shut up with a special-grade cursed object gone missing. So I stopped by while doing some sighting." [Looks at Megumi] "So, did you find it?"

Itadori: "Um..." [Raises hand] "Sorry, but I ate it."

Gojo: "...For real?"

So many words rushed through (Y/n)'s head. It had felt like three years since he last saw anyone. He missed them all so much. To the point, they were all he could think about. But now he couldn't say a single word. He was left in complete silence, a dry look filling his eyes as he took in the face of Gojo. Before disappearing, (Y/n) found Gojo annoying, and he hated being called Babu. But after a while, he found himself willing to do anything to be called that name again.

"And who's that?"

(Y/n): "Huh?"

The sound gently escaped (Y/n)'s lips once more as he lifted his head, this time, Gojo was looking directly at him, and pointing to (Y/n). Though, it appeared Gojo didn't seem to notice him. Was it the castaway beard he grew? Was it the abundance of his coolness? ...Or was it the blindfold? (Y/n) never really understood it. It was like Gojo could see out of it, but also couldn't. It confused him, but whenever he wanted to ask Gojo, his Mom said not to. But it didn't seem like a sore topic to Gojo--

Megumi: "Uh...Yeah. About that, I think he might be--Huh? Gojo?"

Megumi's sentence was silence immediately, however, when he noticed Gojo walking passed him in silence toward (Y/n). Upon lifting his head, Megumi was surprised with what he saw. Gojo's jaw slightly hung open, his hands falling free from his jackets pockets, causing the bag that was previously held by the tight seal between arm and pocket, to fall on the ground. The bag filled with souvenirs spilling out with ease. 

But Gojo didn't care. After noticing the spilled bag, (Y/n) slowly lifted his head to look at Gojo once more. He was still left speechless upon seeing the white-haired male had now come to a complete stop a few meters from where (Y/n) currently stood. A world of silence had surrounded the group of people. Not a single word was brought up. The only sense of what Gojo was currently feeling was the way his jaw hung open.

As for (Y/n), all he could do was look on through soulless eyes at the black mask that covered his cousin's face. There was beginning to feel a sense of knowing growing between the pair. Something that grew for Gojo as he began to look up and down the person in front of him. The remnants of a torn Jujustu High uniform and a familiar lot of damaged bandages around this person's body gave the user of Six Eyes a clue into the identity of the person before him.

But in the end, the thing that confirmed it for Gojo was when (Y/n), the person standing before him, with a rigid beard and a mixture of dirt, tiredness, and complete sorrow on his face, offered him the best smile he could at the moment. When Gojo saw this, a flash of the (Y/n) he knew appeared before him. The much less muscular, completely weak, and otherwise accepting young boy he hadn't seen for over a year now. He was the person standing in front of him.

Gojo: "...B...Babu? Is...Is that really you?"

There was a sense of dread, and fear for the answer in Gojo's voice that shocked Megumi. He had never seen Gojo like this before. Yet, seeing him like this now, it was something he'd never compare with Satoru Gojo. As for (Y/n), he wanted to do something funny to announce his return. He wanted to show Gojo that he had not only grown in power, but as a person as well. But in the end, (Y/n) was unable to hold back the tears he had been keeping in for three years now. The waterfall of tears now rushed down his face as he nodded his head vigorously before being pulled into a hug by Gojo.

It was in this embrace that (Y/n) finally found peace. After so long, he could stop the countless fighting, the agonizing training. He could finally have peace. And it was clear that he needed it, for a few seconds later, as Gojo pulled his head away to ask (Y/n) the plethora of questions that had immediately rushed into his head upon realizing who this person was, the white-haired male was left silent when he saw (Y/n) was fast asleep. The sound of silent snores echoing from his body as he rested against Gojo's shoulder. It was due to this that Gojo couldn't find the strength to wake (Y/n) up. 

A short while later, (Y/n)'s sleeping body could be seen seated on a Bullet Train that was headed back for Tokyo. Across from him, Gojo, and a patched up Megumi sat in silence. Whilst on the other side of the train, a passed out Itadori could be seen with his head lying flat on the table in front of him. The thought of having the vessel of Sukuna so close set Megumi off, but he was constantly reassured by Gojo that everything was alright. Gojo certainly didn't seem afraid, his eyes never once left the sleeping face (Y/n). Gojo could hardly comprehend what he was seeing. And such a sight left Megumi curious.

Megumi: "So he really is your cousin, huh?"

Gojo: "Yep...All I needed was one look into those eyes to know that was Babu."

Megumi: "Babu? What's that?"

Gojo: "Oh, just a funny nickname I got from an old friend. Still..." [Smiles softly] "It fits him perfectly."

After hearing his words, Megumi slowly turned his gaze back to (Y/n).

Megumi: "He was pretty powerful out there. He claimed he had fifty cursed techniques." [To Gojo] "I thought (Y/n) was a weak sorcerer with little cursed energy."

Gojo: "Whether he had it or not, I always believed he had what it takes to be the best sorcerer around. I just...I just wish I could have seen him reach this place he is now." [Sighs] "I feel it's my fault he was taken in the first place. From what we know, (Y/n) was taken by someone who...who I should have stopped a long time ago. But I didn't...And for that I'm sorry."

Those last few words were directed solely back to (Y/n). When he first heard Geto was involved in taking (Y/n), Gojo hated himself. He spent so many nights straight searching the entire city of Japan for (Y/n). When that didn't work, he spent time looking around other parts of the world. However, his role as a sorcerer meant he couldn't go for long. Especially due to the Higher-ups believing it was a futile waste of time due to them thinking (Y/n) was dead. But Gojo never thought he was dead. 

Even when the other students grieved and did a passing ceremony for (Y/n), Gojo didn't attend, because he believed (Y/n) was alive. 

He never gave up on (Y/n). And now that he was finally back in front of them, he couldn't help but feel like he could finally have a set of peace placed aside for himself as well. But even with (Y/n) back, Gojo still had so many questions. Where was he? How did he get back? Was he alright? How would he adjust to being back here? How would the others handle this out of nowhere? But there was one statement brought up that he couldn't believe he hadn't addressed until right now.

Gojo: "...Did you say fifty cursed techniques?"

A cartoonish look spawned on Gojo's face as he turned to Megumi.

--A Few Hours Later--

Once the bullet train arrived back in Tokyo, Gojo carried (Y/n)'s sleeping body into a car driven by Ijichi to pick him and Megumi up and return them to Jujutsu High.

Gojo: "I want you to head back to jujutsu High with (Y/n). When you get there, take him to his old room. Give the kid a bit of space, I'm not entirely sure how he'll take things straight away."

Megumi: "What about the second years? Wouldn't they want to know that (Y/n)'s back?"

Gojo: "They would. But right now we'll let them keep thinking (Y/n)'s dead. At least until (Y/n) can settle properly and we understand exactly what happened with him."

Megumi: "Alright...But what about you?"

Gojo: "I'm gonna take a different car to Jujutsu High with Itadori. I'll bring him before the higher-ups and let them know what happened...Including (Y/n)'s return and the resurgence of Sukuna's soul. I'll be sure to stop by in the morning to check in on (Y/n)."

With a smile and a nod, Gojo proceeded to turn around and enter his own car with Itadori waiting inside. As for Megumi, he remained silent momentarily before turning around and entering the back of the car where (Y/n) could slowly be seen waking up. Such a thing brought a smile to Ijichi's face as the car took off. A few greetings and such were exchanged between (Y/n) and the driver, whom he hadn't seen in so long. 

But eventually, silence filled the group yet again when they finally reached Jujutsu High. Now (Y/n) and Megumi could be seen walking through the silent stoned footpath of the school at such an early hour in the morning. Not a single word had been said, Megumi simply watched as (Y/n) smiled and looked around. It wasn't until Megumi found it unable to be held back anymore did he finally speak up.

Megumi: "Is it the same as you remember?"

(Y/n): [Looks over shoulder] "Huh? Oh..." [Smiles] "Yeah. I think so. But...I was away for what felt like three years, so it's kinda hard what was real and what was made up from my mind."

Megumi: "Three years? But you only disappeared last february?"

(Y/n): "Yeah...The place I was was weird. Time was different, so I couldn't really count the days. I was only told three years had passed for me about halfway through."

Megumi: "Oh...So, in those three years, is that how you got so powerful? No offense, but from what I heard about you from the stories, you weren't exactly the strongest."

Immediately (Y/n)'s head perked up as he spun around with an excited smile.

(Y/n): "Stories? There are stories about me? What kind of stories? Cool stories? Sad stories?" [Grins] "...Sexy stories~"

Megumi: "W-What? No!"

(Y/n): "Damn it! I was hoping I'd become a bit of playboy in my absence."

Megumi: "I don't think I understand..."

(Y/n): "Yeah. You're right. I can still be a playboy now!"

Megumi: [Slaps face] "Yep...You're definitely related to Gojo."

Megumi muttered under his breath as his hand ran down his face. He was soon brought back to reality when the voice of (Y/n) spoke up whilst he continued to look around at the familiar scenary.

(Y/n): "So what about you? Who are around here exactly?"

Megumi: "I'm Megumi Fushiguro. I'm a first-year here."

(Y/n): "First year, huh? Ha! I was one of those ones."

Megumi: "Yeah, Gojo was saying you--"

(Y/n): "So...Are there any other students here?"

Megumi: "Huh?"

(Y/n): [Fiddling with fingers] "You know...A tall panda with discrimination issues...A guy who talks about food...A girl with glasses?"

It was only that last one that (Y/n) looked over his shoulder toward Megumi. Now, Megumi knew who he was referring to, but the way in which he was going about it led the boy to raise an eyebrow.

Megumi: "You mean the second years?"

(Y/n): "Seconds years? Wow!" [Mutters] "...They really did move on, huh?"

Megumi: "Sorry?"

(Y/n): "Uh, nothing. Nothing. Just speaking to myself..." [Chuckles] "...I kinda did that a lot over the years...kinda hard not to though when all you've got to talk to are yourself and curses. Of course, you've eventually got to kill those curses to survive so you can't just keep talking to them. But honestly, it felt like--"

Megumi: [Thoughts] "Yep...Definitely related to Gojo."

(Y/n): "And then, of course, there was a point when I could no longer really dream so I instead had to image things like that during the day, but even that was hard because every waking moment I had to fight curses of all grades and varieties. So the point I--"

Megumi: "S-So you were a friend to the second years?"

(Y/n): "Huh? Oh, yeah...Friend...punching bag...You name it I was it to those guys!" [Sighs] "But still...I did miss them."

A gentle smile found (Y/n)'s lips before he reached into his tattered jacket pocket to pull out the letter given to him by Maki.

--Flashback--

In the void there were certain moments, which (Y/n) referred to as night, because it was the only time he could get to sleep, where no curses would come to fight him. Now, most of the time he would use this time to sleep and regain energy for the next day of endless fighting. However, moments like right now where he couldn't sleep, he would spend it sitting in complete silence, using his first cursed technique. 

Golden Plunder, which basically caused his fists to glow golden and sent after images of his punches through the air to attack enemies from a distance. However, right now, he was using the light to allow his eyes to read the letter Maki had given to him. Three months in to his stay in hell, (Y/n) had found himself having read this letter well over a hundred times now. He did so at first because he couldn't go a moment without wondering what Maki had written for him. 

But before long, it had became a reminder of sorts that he wouldn't be kept in this hell hole to die. He'd use this letter as motivation to climb of the darkness and return to his friends. But sometimes (Y/n) felt alone. Felt weak. Felt like he couldn't move a finger any further. It was at moments like this that he'd free the letter, his most sacred item whilst in the void, and would read it over and over again for comfort and self-belief that he would get out of here. The letter went like this...

--Hey, (Y/n)...Uh, look, I don't really know how to say this to you in person. And I know if I do, either you won't understand what I'm saying, or Panda will find out someway and tell Gojo, and I really don't need that right now so...Yeah. Look! You've been here for a few months now and I know you're having a tough time. But I just want you to know that everyone here likes you. Even if they don't say so. So...Don't be a pussy and be weak, okay? Grow in strength and show everyone else that you can keep up with the best...

Anyway, that's all. So...Get better and work hard, okay? Um...Yeah...Bye...

...That was a lie. That wasn't all. Okay! So...I originally wrote this letter to ask you if you...I don't know...Wanted to go to the movies sometime... I keep hearing you and Panda talk about a few and I can't help but think you boys are stupid for liking them. So I'm taking it upon myself to show you what real movies are...That's it! No other reason! And don't believe Panda if he says otherwise. The guy doesn't know a single thing about liking som--Nothing! Anyway! Good bye! You know what? Forget the back half of this letter, just...don't die on your mission, okay?

Maki--

--Present--

[Your POV]

When I was stuck in the void, I sometimes wondered if I was better being alone. Stuck in this world of complete darkness, if I were to die here, surrounded by a bleak emptiness, it'd be pretty poetic. I mean, that's exactly how I felt all of my life. So if this was my place to die, at least then I could find some humour out of it. There were countless times when I was at my lowest that all I wanted to do was give up, but ultimately, the thought of Maki and the others drove me to keep pushing. Every single day. Every second that passed when I wasn't fighting, I questioned what I would do once I finally got back. 

Would I play it cool and act like the hell I went through was nothing to me, even though it was the worst experience I had ever been placed in. Or would I take the sympathetic route? So when I finally stood in front of the people I missed so much, I would take the first opportunity to tell them all just how much I missed them. How every night I would cry thinking about them. That in my darkest moments I made a deal with God, that if only he could bring me back...Then maybe...No! They wouldn't want to see that side of me. I-I want to show them that all this suffering I went through, it wasn't for waste. 

I want to show them the new man I had become. Maybe then they'd see me more like an equal that I always hoped for whilst trapped away. But if I'm being honest, now that I was finally back, I couldn't help but notice how excited my body got as I took in the familiar sights. I was so close to being reunited with Panda, Inumaki, and...Maki. I wanted this moment to be perfect. And I knew exactly how to make it perfect. I just had to wait for Megumi to place his focus elsewhere. Something that came about as luck when out of nowhere the sound of a stick snapping filled the air. Immediately he twisted his head in reflex.

Megumi: "Huh?"

Upon turning around, he was greeted by the sight of a small rabbit bouncing around on the ground. Whilst the sight confused Megumi, I proceeded to offer the tiny rabbit a silent thumbs up before fading out of existence like I wasn't even there. I could only imagine Megumi's priceless expression when he turned around to see I was no longer there.

Megumi: [Whilst turning around] "Well, (Y/n), let's get you back to the dorms so you can go talk to Maki. I'm sure she'll be totally excited to see you--Huh? (Y/n)? Where are you?" [Looks around] "(YYY/NNN)???"

Yeah...I bet it was totally like that. Either way, funny scenes aside. By the time I reappeared in reality, I was happily walking as fast, yet as silent, as I could with a smile. A bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates in hand I eagerly began pumping myself up as I walked toward Maki's room. Now, sure, if was something like five o'clock and the fact that I was going to wake someone up so early was rather bad for returned first impressions. But, I mean, come on. 

If you were woken up at five in the morning to be greeted by the smiling and charismatic face of someone you thought was dead, wouldn't you push aside the fact you were woken up just this once...? Well, I sure hope so, because that's exactly what I'm about to do to Maki. Now, I contemplated rapidly knocking on every single door in the narrowed hallway so I could surprise all of them at once. But, then I realized, Maki gave me a letter about going to the movies. 

Now, she may have used an excuse in the letter, but it was clearly asking me on a date. I don't know anyone who'd think otherwise! So, if she was asking me on a date, that means she has feelings for me. W-Which I still can't believe. A pretty girl like Maki liking the person I was before...I never thought something was possible. But now, definitely! I had everything a girl liked! A charming personality! Awesome abs! I had unbelievable strength to protect both her! 

Awesome abs! And confidence like no other. Girls loved confidence...and awesome abs. Even so, if she did have feelings for me, then seeing me suddenly return after thinking I had died, well...It wouldn't exactly be a surprise if one thing led to another and she out of nowhere pulled me into her room and proceeded to shove her tongue down my throat...N-Not that I have thought of that scene and/or moment whilst being stuck away...Despite how long it was...

(Y/n): "Haha! This is going to go perfectly and totally how I pictured for the last three years!"

...I was full of confidence, and my words spoke out such a feeling. And how could I not? I had spent my entire life almost hearing stories about how Gojo was popular with people that he meant. Well, normal people anyway, and definitely girls. They loved everything about him. He was confident. Goofy, but the kind of goofy girls find attractive. Even sorcerers who didn't like him had to admit that Gojo's abilities in a fight were enough for them to ignore his outward personality. He seemed to be the perfect person to so many. So, if it worked for him...Why couldn't it work for me as well?

It was with that thought backing me up that I quickened my pace and rushed further down the hall. Passing by doors with the names Panda and Inumaki plastered on them. I couldn't wait to see those guys and their reactions, but first I needed to see the person whose words got me through so much when I was at my lowest. I couldn't help but picture how things were about to go down! How could Maki not only be excited to see me back, something she would have to be excited about if she cared for me before? but add on this overlay of confidence and unbeatable attitude, then things could hardly go wrong, right?! See, confidence! So I continued onward, until eventually, I stood before the door that belonged to Maki. 

It was behind this very door that the girl who I had somehow found myself feeling so close toward after all this time lay asleep. And it was exactly that which she was currently doing. The tall female with green hair, now set loose from its ponytail position, comfortably rested on the soft pillow in which Maki currently found her head placed. The familiar sight of her glasses, now purple instead of the original pair I once do, could be seen resting on a nearby nightstand next to a clock. It was 5:17 A.M., still a few hours before the students would wake up and get ready for class. However, Maki was given an early awakening when a knock came at the door.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

The knocks weren't very loud, mainly because I didn't want to wake the others up, just in case the whole 'tongue down the throat' thing actually did happen. Thankfully for me, I knew from...experience, that Maki wasn't a heavy sleeper. Boy, did I pity the day Panda got yelled at by Maki for trying to change the TV channel even when Maki was presumably asleep. Now, whilst Panda's are normally black and white, but after Maki got ahold of him, Panda was more red and white. 

At the time I felt sorry for Panda, but now I was grateful for the intel. So once I heard the annoying groans and moans of Maki, signalling that she was indeed awake, I quickly pulled my head away from her door and got into position. Standing in a heroic pose, with a charming smile, whilst also presenting the bouquet of flowers and chocolates to her. Though, if I'm being honest, just hearing her pretty voice after so long, despite how mumbled it was due to tiredness and the door, I couldn't help but start to get nervous again.

"I swear, Gojo, if this is another one of stupid early morning training routines, I'm going to exorcise you even if you aren't a--"

...And then it all happened. The door opened. The sight of Maki's adorable scrunched-up face staring right at me. One mixed with anger, tiredness, and annoyance. But most of all the thing that caught my attention was the sharp blade of her naginata heading directly for my face...

(Y/n): "Wait. What?"

Maki: "Arh!"

The sound of Maki's grunting voice was the only warning that came before the sharp blade of her weapon cut right through the air. I was barely able to avoid the attack. Stepping to the side narrowly to watch as the reflective surface of the weapon revealed the shocked look on my face before it went plunging straight through the wall behind me. It was only stuck for a moment before my perplexed face shifted toward Maki, who now carried an even angrier glare.

Maki: "Who the hell are you? How'd you get into the school?"

(Y/n): "Huh? Oh...Haha...Funny story. Actually...It's me!"

Maki: "Sorry. Don't know anyone by that name."

Before I could say another word Maki was quick to attack. Retrieving her weapon from the wall with ease, Maki wasted no time in sending her naginata on a rampage of slashes and cuts through the air, all of which were aimed at the vital parts of my body. Now, sure, this wasn't exactly the best outcome I had expected from my reunion with Jujutsu High. But I would be lying if I said I didn't find the fire in Maki's eyes to be hot. 

So much so that the smile on my face only grew, taking away my focus from revealing my identity to Maki. Instead simply avoiding the attacks without a second thought. I mean, what other way was best to showcase how much I had improved since being away, than easily dodging the attacks of the person who used to throw me on the ground almost every day? So I decided to hold off on the ultimate reveal and instead effortlessly went about fluently moving my head and body out of the way of Maki's attacks. 

Nonchalantly walking backwards whilst still remaining hold of the flowers and chocolates in hand that I planned to give to Maki afterwards. Honestly, I never once thought killer intent could be so cute. But right now, Maki was making it work. The way she brought in such aggressive talk while doing so I also couldn't help but find hot just as much as her killer instincts were getting me excited. Excited to see her again, I mean. I totally missed this side of her. Yeah...I think I have a type.

Maki: "Who the hell are you, punk?! You wanna die? You have a death wish? That why you decided to break in here? How did you even do that?"

(Y/n): [Chuckles] "You're eyes look so pretty, Maki." [Tilts head] "And did you do something to your hair? Cut it? Made it longer? It looks nice!"

Maki: [Blushes] "W-What? What do you..."

Maki seemed stuck on a few particular words as a blush crept across her face. It only made her sleepy face even more adorable right before my eyes. However, her confusion soon turned back to anger as her strikes grew increasingly in strength and violence. However, I still managed to avoid every single one with ease. However, such a tactic as merely walking backward eventually led me to slowly near the end of the hallway. It was only when I had no more room either in front, or behind me, that I was left with nothing but standing still.

Maki: [Smirks] "What's the matter, tough guy? Gone quiet because you've got nowhere left to run?"

(Y/n): [Grins] "No. Just wondering what I should say to Panda after he comes crashing through this wall."

Maki: "Panda? What are you on abo--"

Before Maki could even finish speaking, out of nowhere the wall to my left exploded apart. Within seconds, the towering figure of Panda burst through. His entire body ready for an attack, his paws already prepared to knock someone's head off.

Panda: "PANDA!" [Looks around] "Huh...Maki? What are you doing here?"

Maki: "ME?! What about you, ya big idiot?! You can't just run through walls!"

Panda: "But I heard you fighting, so I just--Wait. Who are you fighting?"

Maki: "I'm fighting--"

But when Maki turned to face me, I was no longer present in the position I previously was. Nothing but debris from the exploded wall could be seen in my place.

Maki: "W-Wha...He was just here?"

"And now I'm here~"

The sound of my voice was all it took for Panda and Maki to immediately turn around to see I was now standing before them. My grin did not fade once, and only grew as Maki's gaze narrowed and Panda scratched his head.

Panda: "Whose that?"

Maki: "Some dead idiot who somehow got into the school."

Panda: "Really? And why does he have flowers and chocolates?"

Maki: "I--" [Suddenly turns to Panda] "I didn't ask him that, idiot! My first thought was to attack the stranger knocking at my door!"

Panda: "Oh...Right."

(Y/n): "Wow, Panda! You've barely changed...For a Panda, I mean."

Panda: "DESCRIMINATION!!!"

And just like that Panda was on Maki's side of tearing me apart. So much so that he didn't waste a single second to launch off his feet and charge toward me. The loud stomps of Panda now flooded the air. His battle cry roaring into my ears as my grin sickened. This was exactly what I wanted. All I had to do was wait for the right moment, and eventually, it appeared.  You see, the thing with Panda is that his strength was the biggest factor of his being. 

Being a Cursed corpse meant his strength was his greatest ability, but right now, I was going to make it his greatest weakness. And that came about rather quickly. For when Panda finally reached my position in the hallway, all I had to do was simply move my head and avoid Panda's first punch. Such left his stomach open, and that's where things turned on its head. 

For with Panda's full force focused on going forward. All I had to do was give him a little push. And that came about when a single finger swiped against the fur-covered chest of the cursed corpse. To some, it seemed rather weak. But sudden shock filled the room when Panda's entire body went flying down the hallway. His legs eventually gave out, sending his body tumbling forward and soon collided with the ground.

Panda: "...Argh, man."

(Y/n): [Chuckles] "And just like that! The bigger the are the harder they--"

"Sleep."

(Y/n): "What the--*Snores*"

...Yeah, kinda underwhelming finish to the matter. Honestly, I don't know how Inumaki appeared behind me. I think he came through the same hole in the wall that Panda created. Either way, one word from the otherwise silent boy and that was it. Though, out of everyone here, not really surprising I lost to him. Inumaki is really the one person I never knew how to combat. At least, not without preparing for his sudden arrival anyway.

So, yeah, my go at making my sudden return a memorable one came to a sudden end when the shortest second year made his presence known. From that point on I was out as a light. Not really sure how much time passed by, all I know is when I woke up it was daytime. When I did wake up, however, the first thing I was greeted by was the blurry faces of Panda and Inumaki looking down at me.

Panda: "You don't think I killed him, do you?"

Inumaki: "Tuna mayo."

Panda: "What do you mean? I totally played a part in defeating him."

Inumaki: "Fish flakes."

Panda: "I didn't just fall over. I-I...I did some things."

(Y/n): "H-Huh?"

Maki: "Would you both stay away from him?! We've gotta wait for Gojo to get here! Where is that idiot anyway?"

(Y/n): "Maki...?"

[3rd Person POV]

The name of the female came muttered from (Y/n)'s lips. As it happened, flashes of (Y/n)'s life before entering the void appeared before him. The days when he was weak, and lame. He hated thinking back to those times because he knew what people thought of him back then. But he had since changed, and now all there was was for (Y/n) to make his triumphant return. Of course...He was still kinda out of it due to Inumaki's cursed technique. 

Such left (Y/n) in a silent daydreaming state, his dazed smile the only notion on his face as he lied on the couch in the living room area of the Student Dorms building. However, both Panda and Inumaki failed to notice such as they had already turned away from looking at their sleeping friend to instead walk over toward Maki, who stood near the kitchen area where Megumi could be seen making some tea.

Panda: [Smiles] "I can't believe that's really (Y/n). I mean, all this time we thought...I-I thought...I...I never see his silly little face again!" [Tears up] "I CAN'T HANDLE ALL THIS EMOTION!"

The voice of Panda echoed throughout the small room, leaving Inumaki to pat his friend on the back before dropping his own head in shame. All this time, Inumaki, just like Gojo, blamed himself for not being there for (Y/n) when he needed him. But due to his form of speech, Inumaki could never really relay the pain he felt from it. But the group seemed to understand enough, for after he returned when (Y/n) was taken, Inumaki didn't speak a single word for a week. The shame of what happened haunted him. It haunted them all. Now, despite not being with (Y/n) all the time, Panda considered himself to be friends with the boy. 

After all, they both liked movies, legos, and funny jokes. And with Panda's life situation, it wasn't often he got to talk about such things that he enjoyed. So when (Y/n) left, he felt alone in a way. He no longer had anyone to talk to about the things he liked. Mainly because Inumaki barely spoke at all since (Y/n)'s disappearance, and Maki, well...She probably took the sudden news that (Y/n) had been taken by a cursed user the worse. When she first heard it, she thought it was a twisted joke set up by Panda and (Y/n), all because of the letter she gave him. You see, it was by odd chance that Panda somehow found out about the letter she planned to give him. 

Though, of course, as soon as he did find out, he was quick to start teasing the girl saying that it was "A Love Letter~". Which, it wasn't! Maki was simply asking if (Y/n), who she had to admit was probably the least annoying person in her year, wanted to go see some actually good movies. All happened after she heard overheard the boys talking about movies one time. Though, the movies they brought up, Maki wouldn't exactly call films. A funny fact about Maki, she liked old, classical movies, including modern-day ones that were richer in history and dwelled on serious topics. Such genres like thriller, mystery/suspense, and other ones along those lines. 

Maki was hoping--Uh, thinking, that she would take (Y/n) to one of these movies and show him what true cinema was. But, of course, Panda took her letter, and her nervous refusal to show him what was inside at first, as a sign it was a love letter. Something Maki still couldn't believe to today. But when she found out that the events Inumaki told them about what happened when he and (Y/n) went on that assignment were one hundred per cent true, Maki was unable to face it. It was something that happened so out of nowhere that it left her with an empty feeling inside. 

Such events eventually brought out a more stern attitude in the girl, who mostly put her time into training instead of joking around with the others. Not that she did much of that before hand. But whenever Panda tried to play a joke on her since it all happened in hopes of cheering her up, Maki would snap at him and tell him to concentrate. Obviously, there was more to all of this that affected Maki that no one else really knew. But now, as she stands with her arms crossed in the kitchen, with her gaze focused on the nearby couch where the unconscious body of (Y/n) lies, she can't help but struggle to believe what she was seeing.

Maki: "He seems...Different."

Panda: "Yeah! (Y/n) has a beard now! It's so cool!"

Maki: "NOT THE BEARD YOU IDIOT!"

Maki suddenly snapped in the direction of Panda, causing the big boy to drop his smile and ears.

Panda: "Oh..."

Maki: [Sighs] "What I mean is, earlier when I was fighting him. He...He seemed different. The way he dodged my attacks. How he managed to hold onto those flowers and chocolates without dropping them."

Panda: "The way he easily took care of me...I mean, w-when he managed to get the, uh...Better, of me! Yeah! W-When I tripped...I mean..."

Maki: "He was just never like this before. And that smile he had when I tried to kill him. I've never seen him smile like that whilst being attacked before."

A seemingly concerned look spawned on Maki's face as she turned around and leaned against the bench, allowing her body to rest on her crossed arms. Across from her in the kitchen, Megumi could be seen finally finished with the tea he was preparing. The hot cup being placed down on the same bench Maki was resting against, his gaze falling to the girl shortly after. Unbeknownst to everyone, at this exact point, in the background, (Y/n)'s body suddenly sat up on the couch in complete silence.

Megumi: "So, what? You don't think this is really (Y/n)?"

Maki: "I don't know. As I said, he's different."

Panda: "He looks different too. He has muscles now, and his body is more defined. He seems like he's been working out for hours on end. And he also has that cool beard--"

Maki: [Suddenly turns around] "WOULD YOU DROP IT WITH THE BEARD?!"

Panda: "Oh..."

Once more, Panda's head and ears drop in silence. A few seconds pass before Maki manages to calm down enough to accept the tea offered to her by Megumi. But she did not drink it right away. Instead, the uncertain look on her face remained as she sighed.

Megumi: "Well, from what I know of, (Y/n) was apparently trapped away somewhere for the past year. During that time he's somehow managed to get strong enough that he could fight S--"

He was seconds away from mentioning Sukuna's name, but managed to hold himself back from saying any more. After all, Gojo didn't want Megumi speaking about anything involving Itadori until he came back to Jujutsu High. However, the simple syllable that escaped his lips already was enough to pique the interest of the students who knew (Y/n) best.

Panda: "Strong enough to fight who, Megumi?"

Inumaki: [Tilts head] "Tuna?"

Megumi: "...The curse we fought at the school. I struggled to take care of it with the hostages, but when (Y/n) showed up out of nowhere. He showed so much power."

Panda: "That doesn't sound like (Y/n) at all."

Inumaki: "Salmon."

Maki: [Smiles softly] "The punk could barely handle a fight with someone who wasn't trying to kill him. I find it highly unlikely he'd be able to do something like fight a curse that gave you a run for your money, Megumi..."

"...Oh, you should have seen it. I thought I was going to die!"

And just like that everything went still, especially Maki. All it took was a single moment to take in the sound of the voice for Maki's eyes to widen. In the time for her to turn around, a familiar shaped silhouette could be seen standing behind her. Only when she turned around was she greeted with the face of (Y/n), despite all the unfamiliarities, like the beard and happy smile.

(Y/n): "Haha! Just kidding!"

The sight of (Y/n) smiling wide whilst offering a peace sign with his fingers was something no one who previously knew expected to see from the young boy who only now had returned to them. Everyone present carried a look of silence as (Y/n)'s laughter silently flooded the air. Each person had their own thoughts contemplating their mind to the point they didn't know what to say. But in the end, the person shocked the most was definitely Maki. Now, sure, she had seen (Y/n) smile before. 

But whenever he did, it was half-hearted, like he felt he didn't deserve to show happiness. But right now, there was no sense of that half-hearted nature. (Y/n) was happy, and he wanted everyone to see it. It was just another thing that separated him from the person Maki had known before he disappeared. Honestly, if you were to ask her if this was (Y/n) going solely off how he was currently acting alone, she'd never agree that this person, and the boy she once knew, were the same person.

So many thoughts flooded her mind as she just stared in complete shock and silence at the person before her. (Y/n)'s smile spread across the room as his eyes shifted from Panda, to Inumaki. The boys carrying their own expressions of shock, gratefulness, regret, and sorrow. But the smile (Y/n) offered felt like a silent notion telling the boys that no hard feelings were felt, especially toward Inumaki. However, when (Y/n)'s eyes finally landed on Maki's own. The girl whose jaw hung loosely at this stage, could only feel her face grow warm as (Y/n)'s smile softened.

(Y/n): "Hey, Maki...Been a while, huh?"

Maki: "Uh...U-Uh...Um, y-yeah...It really has..."

...It really had.

******

A short while later, (Y/n) and the second-years could be seen gathered on the couch with four cups of green tea placed on the wooden coffee table before them. By this point, Megumi had gone off to catch some much-needed sleep in his room. Such allowed the group of old friends to finally catch up.

(Y/n): "So, yeah...After Geto took me away, I was kept prisoner in this void for what felt like three years. But according to everyone else, it's only been a year. Which, I just find crazy, haha!"

The large smile of (Y/n) was once more on display, something that Inumaki and Maki herself were both still trying to get used to. The looks of hesitated smiles showcased as much. Panda on the other hand, he didn't seem to mind one bit. The cursed corpse could currently be seen seated right next to (Y/n) on his couch, his clawed finger slowly stroking the edges of (Y/n)'s sharp beard. (Y/n) seemed to pay no attention to the joyous smile that Panda offered as he did so.

Panda: "Hehe~ Furry~"

But whilst Panda was focused on (Y/n)'s new facial hair, the others, mainly Maki, were still trying to wrap their heads around what (Y/n) had just told them.

Maki: "So...You're not just...human? You're a curse as well?"

(Y/n): "Well, yeah. Half curse. Long, complicated backstory. Honestly, I was shocked about it at first. But then I thought about it over time and I was like...You know what, could be worse! Haha! Great way to think about it, right?"

Maki: "Um...Sure?"

(Y/n): "I mean, don't get me wrong. Would I rather be a full-on human? Totally! And would I have gathered to stay here with you guys all this time instead of being taken away by force? Definitely! But...If it didn't happen, I wouldn't have become the powerful sorcerer I am now! Now I go out there and not hold people back, it's awesome!"

Inumaki: "Salmon."

Panda: "You said it, buddy!" [Tosses arm over your neck] "It's good to have you back (Y/n), crazy powers and beard alike!"

Maki: [Mutters] "I still don't understand how you have fifty cursed techniques though."

(Y/n): [Smiles] "Rigorous training where I was forced to fight against curses stronger than me every single day with barely only a few hours of peace. So basically I had to learn new cursed techniques to survive, I guess I adapted to my surroundings."

Panda: "But still...That doesn't like the greatest of times. You must have been so scared?"

(Y/n): "Nah! Haha! Maybe if it was me from before, but when I was taken away I made a decision..." [Smile softens] "...A decision that I was going to get out of that hellhole. I was going to come back and no longer be a burden to anyone here like I was to Inumaki that day."

Inumaki: "Tuna mayo."

(Y/n): [Chuckles] "Thanks for the kind words, Inumaki. But I know myself that I wasn't the best sorcerer before now."

Inumaki: "Tuna?"

Panda: "(Y/n), you can understand Inumaki now?!"

(Y/n): "Huh? Oh...Yeah, I guess."

Inumaki: "Tuna?"

(Y/n): "Don't know. I just can...Haha! I guess that's another step at becoming the best sorcerer around, haha?"

Panda: "Wow. Wow. Wow. (Y/n), it's good to have your back...But calm down. You're not the best sorcerer around until you beat the best...Me!"

(Y/n): "...But didn't I already do that earlier?"

Panda: "AH!"

Panda clenched at his heart as (Y/n) looked at him in confusion, before turning and pointing to Inumaki.

(Y/n): "If anything, I should be fighting Inumaki to prove I'm the best."

Inumaki: "Tuna?"

Panda: "AH! The pain!" [Clench's heart] "The betrayal! (Y/n)...Why...Why would you do this to me?"

(Y/n): "I dunno." [Jumps up] "Hey, why don't we do that?!"

Panda: "The pa--" [Looks up immediately] "Do what?"

(Y/n): "Let's see whose the best? We can all fight it out in the courtyard like we did before I left!"

Maki: "What? You want to fight? Now?"

(Y/n): "Well, not fight, but train, you know?" [Looks around] "Come on, guys. It'd be fun!"

Maki: [Thoughts] "It'd be fun? Does he really think that?"

The words silently entered Maki's mind as she witnessed the strange sight of (Y/n) being eager to fight. The (Y/n) she knew would never be this eager. Only doing so when it was for classes. But right now...This (Y/n) seemed to be nothing like the one she remembered. However, Maki seemed to be the only one who thought this. Such was soon revealed as Panda jumped to his feet, almost as eager as (Y/n).

(Y/n): "Come on, let's fight!"

Panda: "Alright! Let's do this!"

(Y/n): "Yes! Excellent, Panda!" [Turns to the others] "Maki? Inumaki? You guys wanna join?"

Maki: "Megumi said we should wait for Gojo, so I-I don't think it'd be the best idea to--"

(Y/n): "Oh, come on, Maki. We'll be fine. Besides...Being kept to yourself for a few years, it wasn't fun..." [Smiles] "I didn't really like fighting beforehand, but after that's all you do for so long, it becomes a part of you..."

Those words stuck with Maki, further pushed forward due to the fact (Y/n)'s happy smile managed to waver slightly as he resonated on the past. But it only remained that way for a short while before his smile burst back onto his face.

(Y/n): "Besides! I wanna show you guys how much I changed while I was gone. So let's do it!"

Maki remained silent, her look of disbelief that she tried her best to keep from appearing on her face hovered within her. She didn't know what else to say, her mind too caught up in this stranger before her. Like, she knew it was (Y/n). But...He was just so different, and talking about how he changed and whatnot. It was so out of character that Maki didn't know what to do. Eventually, she wasn't left with much of a choice when Inumaki slowly rose to his feet next to her.

Inumaki: "Salmon."

(Y/n): "Alright! That makes two! So...What do you say, Maki?"

Yet...Despite how much (Y/n)'s actions and characteristics had change, there was just something about him that made Maki one hundred per cent believe that this boy before her was the same one she hadn't stopped thinking about for all this time. In the end, she didn't really have much of a choice. A sigh followed by a roll of her eyes and a smile as she lifted to her feet later, and the fact was confirmed.

Maki: "Oh, well...Guess there isn't really much I can do about it. Besides, I've gotta make up for earlier."

(Y/n): "Okay! Let's go!" [Grins] "Though, I won't go easy on you~"

He said with a grin as he leaned close. Closer than a lot of other boys had done before, and definitely nowhere near as close as (Y/n) had done before disappearing. Such a remark left Maki nervously smiling and blushing slightly as she pulled her head back slightly on reflex.

Maki: "Um, s-sure...Y-You do that."

(Y/n): [Chuckles] "Okay! Let's not waste any more time! I'VE WAITED SO LONG FOR THIS! HAHA!!!"

Such a thing was proven only seconds later when (Y/n) suddenly burst off from his current position and raced out the door. Thus leaving Panda, Maki, and Inumaki to stand side by side each other as they watched the boy jump around outside out of excitement.

Panda: [Smiles] "(Y/n) sure has changed a lot, huh?"

Inumaki: "Salmon."

Panda: "Still...It's good to have him. I missed the guy." [Cracks knuckles] "Now I'm gonna crush him! YOU BEST WATCH OUT, (Y/N)! YOU'RE ABOUT TO GET PANDA'D!"

No response came, instead, Panda simply charged out after (Y/n), followed shortly by Inumaki who silently chuckled to himself. The stress of having cost (Y/n) a year of his life had haunted him up to this day, but right now, he managed to find a bit of peace from him. However, someone who just couldn't find such a similar feeling was Maki, who remained behind in the student's dorm room for a moment longer. 

As she did so, she looked through the open door before her where (Y/n) could already be seen dodging a few punches from Panda before sending a single strike to the cursed corpse's gut and sent him flying. It seemed the longer (Y/n) was here, the more Maki saw of him that was different from the person she remembered. Don't get her wrong, she was glad (Y/n) was back and safe, but the distinct lack of the boy she previously knew was a feeling she just couldn't ignore. 

And it was something Maki had on her made for the following thirty minutes as she, Panda and Inumaki tried their best to take on (Y/n). And, for better or worse, (Y/n) was definitely proving to be the best amongst them in such a short time. All he needed was some prep time and even Inumaki's cursed technique was something (Y/n) could avoid. Even so, nothing was as shocking as witnessing seven of the fifty cursed techniques (Y/n) had up his sleeve. 

And if anything was to go by the few they witnessed, (Y/n) was far stronger than even he let on. However, the surprises didn't end there. For after the fights came to an end, Maki was shocked to feel a tap on her shoulder as she went to get a drink of water. Upon turning around, her entire face went red upon seeing the panting face of (Y/n) looking at her with that same confident smile that despite never seeing before, managed to make Maki's mind go weak immediately.

(Y/n): "Hey..." [Panting] "...Wanna go for a walk?"

Her response did not come straight away. Instead, Maki was left in a state of being dazed and confused. Dazed by (Y/n)'s panting expression, and confused by the words he had just told her. Nevertheless, a few minutes later, and Maki found her blush still present, though she did her best to hide it from (Y/n) who calmly walked right next to her with a gentle smile as he looked around as the trees danced in the wind. Honestly, right now, Maki hated herself. She was blushing and she couldn't stop it. Normally (Y/n) was the one to show such weak emotions. But right now, he seemed to be anything but (Y/n).

(Y/n): "You know, I never realized how much I missed this place since I was taken."

Maki: "H-Huh?"

Her head immediately kicks her out of her thoughts and twists her neck in the direction of (Y/n). He merely chuckled at her reaction to his sudden sentence, the first which had been brought up since the pair left to go on their walk.

(Y/n): [Chuckles] "I mean, I know it may sound silly. I never wanted to really be at any Jujutsu Highschool when I was younger. But when I was suddenly brought away from this place...I couldn't help but miss it. I can't help but think it has to do with you guys here who made me feel like I could be someone."

Maki: "Oh? Uh, t-that's cool..." [Thoughts] "Fuck! Get your head in the game, Maki. Wait, game? This isn't a game. I'm just walking with (Y/n) and talking. Nothing else is going on...Right?"

(Y/n): "Sorry for this morning, by the way."

Maki: "Huh? What do you mean?"

(Y/n): [Smiles] "For waking you up so early. I, uh, I guess I was kinda excited to be back and I wanted to see you."

Maki: "See..." [Glances to you] "...Me?"

(Y/n): "Huh? Oh, yeah!" [Chuckles] "I, uh, I kinda found it hard sometimes when I was stuck in the void. Moments when I wanted it all to end and stuff like that."

Maki: "Oh...I didn't know."

(Y/n): "Yeah...But, hey! It wasn't all bad! If it wasn't for your letter, I wouldn't have been able to get to the point I am now."

Maki: "My letter? Oh! That...letter..."

A sting of embarrassment coursed through her body almost instantly upon remembering her letter and the words she wrote in it. Maki had regretted giving it to (Y/n) at times, despite its simply meaning...No matter what Panda thought. It was due to this embarrassment that she felt that she went to apologize to (Y/n) for even writing it in the first place. However, upon turning to the boy she was greeted a gentle smile on his face. one that was focused to the ground beneath their feet as they continued to walk. The sight alone seemed to showcase a part of the old (Y/n) for but a moment, as words that came directly from his heart played out.

(Y/n): "...When I was first trapped in the void, I was so scared. I was worried I'd never see anyone else ever again. I had so many questions, about being a half curse, about why my Mother did what she did, so much. Yet, the thing I couldn't get over was the fact that I never got to do what the letter said."

Instantly, a wave of pink spread on Maki's cheeks as (Y/n) indirectly mentioned the words brought up in her letter. Before she could say anything, he continued speaking.

(Y/n): "It was because of your letter, Maki, that I was able to find the strength to survive. The fact that you were asking me to go to the movies with you made me so excited. Not just because I'd get to hang out with you..."

Her blush deepened.

(Y/n): "...But because reading it, it made me feel like I finally had friends in life. All my life I felt so alone. At schools, even at Kyoto's Jujutsu High. I always felt out of place, and for a while, I felt the same here. It wasn't until I read your letter that I felt there was a chance that finally I found a place where I could be happy..." [Chuckles] "Imagine how sucky it was to then be taken right away from it."

Maki: "(Y/n)..."

(Y/n): "...But it's not so bad. It's because you wanted to see me again that I fought through every bit of pain and turmoil I felt while being stuck there. It's because of you that I was able to find this strength now." [Chuckles] "You know, it's kinda funny..."

Maki: "What is?"

(Y/n): [Smiles softly] "After I first read your letter, I was filled with so much that all I could do at first was close my eyes and be filled with so much emotion. It was in this moment that I made a deal with God. If he could only bring me back to this world, I would happily sacrifice my life for the sake of everyone here. Sorcerers or human. Whoever needed help...I'd help them." [Chuckles] "I guess you can say that's just what we do, right?"

It was only at this point that (Y/n) turned his gaze back to Maki. The young girl could only look back in complete silence. She couldn't believe what (Y/n) was saying, she was shook to her core. So much so that when (Y/n) saw her facial expression, all he could do was close his eyes and chuckle lightly. By the time his next set of words came about, he was reaching into his tattered uniform to retrieve something. As soon as Maki noticed such, her eyes perked up. Only to further do so when she saw the item (Y/n) was grabbing was her letter. The top of the envelope was now ripped open, though the containments of the letter were still inside.

(Y/n): "I, uh...I guess this is yours now, though. Haha. Sorry, I couldn't wait to get back to open it like you said. But I just want you to know how much it means to me."

Maki: "Oh...Uh...Thanks, (Y/n)?"

She didn't really know what else to say. All she could do off the mark was accept the letter and look down at it. The few seconds that followed she was left to contemplate everything that must have gone on for (Y/n), and yet, her letter was still in such good condition. The idea of it made her so happy that she couldn't help but smile to herself. Until her gaze suddenly lifted to (Y/n).

Maki: "(Y/n), I--"

Ring!

(Y/n): "Huh? Oh, uh, one moment, Maki. Sorry..."

Quickly reaching into his pocket (Y/n) pulled out the phone given to him by Gojo upon returning yesterday. For a few moments the sound of (Y/n)'s voice, and presumably the voice of Gojo on the other end went on for a few seconds. All the while Maki watched in silence, her smile slowly fading, though not out of sadness. More so she just didn't want (Y/n) to see it. And it seemed she did so just in time, for the time she finally managed to get it under control, (Y/n) ended the call and put his phone away.

(Y/n): "Sorry about that, Maki, Gojo wants me to meet up with him somewhere. Uh...What were you going to say again?"

Maki: "Huh? Oh. Nothing..." [Smiles] "I'm just glad that you're back safe is all."

(Y/n): "Oh, haha! Of course, I'm safe! I'm awesome now, ain't no curses going to get the best of me! I promise you that much."

Maki: [Chuckles slightly] "Alright, if you say so..."

(Y/n): "Hehe...Yeah..."

A few moments of silence followed as the pair remained in the same position. It wasn't until Maki lifted her gaze and smile to look at (Y/n), signalling with her eyes that he needed to go, that (Y/n) suddenly realized such and proceeded to race off in the direction Gojo asked to meet. It was as he raced off that Maki watched in silence. 

Eventually, her gaze dropped to the letter she once more held close to her chest. (Y/n) may not have been the same person he was before, and whilst it still bugged her a little...She knew that deep down he was still the same caring boy that rescued her from that curse all those months ago. It was that thought that kept the smile on her face.

[Your POV]

If you ask me, I feel like that interaction went pretty well with Maki. Now, if I'm being honest, I wanted nothing more than ask if she wanted to go to the movies right away. But after this morning, I didn't want to come off on her so fast. I didn't want to rush a moment that meant so much to me. 

So, I decided to just keep it with me for the moment and made certain to eventually act on it. But for right now, I proceeded to place my attention on whatever Gojo wanted to meet me for. It wasn't long before I found him and that Itadori guy standing outside the principal's office within the grounds of Jujutsu High.

(Y/n): "Hey, Gojo, what's up?"

Gojo: "Babu! You're finally here, great job!"

A vigorous thumbs-up was put on display. Though Gojo's attention was soon drawn to Itadori, who had his hand raised. Without even turning to the boy, Gojo accepted the signal.

Gojo: "Yes, Itadori?!"

Itadori: "Whose Babu?"

Gojo: "He is!"

He immediately pointed to me. When Itadori turned to me, I simply offered a peace sign and a smile.

Itadori: "But I thought his name was (Y/n)?"

(Y/n): "It is."

Gojo: "It is."

Itadori: "Then...Why did you call him 'Babu'?"

Gojo: "But Babu's better."

(Y/n): [To Itadori] "It's a nickname he gave me. I still think it's stupid, but...I'll let it slide. I actually kinda missed you calling me it, Gojo."

Gojo: "You...You did?"

Quivering lips and a tear large strand of a tear could be seen falling down from underneath his mask. The next thing Itadori and I knew, Gojo was standing over to the side, wiping away his tear whilst having his hand out, as if asking for a moment.

Itadori: "Is he crying?"

(Y/n): "Yep."

Itadori: "But he was just happy a moment ago?"

(Y/n): "Yep. That's Gojo for you."

Itadori: "Oh...Got it."

(Y/n): "Anyway, what's up, Itadori? What you doing here?'

I asked with a cheery smile, meanwhile, Itadori seemed slightly confused, as if he didn't know the answer to the question. Either that, or he was about to answer it when he was suddenly cut off by Gojo. Who suddenly popped between the two of us.

Gojo: "He's going to school here now!"

(Y/n): "He is?" [To Itadori] "You are?"

Itadori: "I guess."

Gojo: "Well, you guessed right, Itadori!" [Raises finger] "You see, Babu, Itadori here has the spirit of Sukuna inside of him, as you already know. And it appears that the higher-ups have made a deal. We'll have Itadori here eat the other fingers of Sukuna's that are out there in the world. And then once he's eaten all of them..." [Smiles brightly] "We'll kill him! Yay!"

(Y/n): "Uh...Say what now?"

Gojo: [Smiles brightly] "We'll kill him! Yay!"

(Y/n): [Mutters] "Yep...That's what I thought you said." [To Itadori] "And you're okay with that?"

Itadori: [Smiles softly] "Yeah. I mean, not really much I can do about it now, right? Might as well do the world some good before I die."

(Y/n): "Y-Yeah, but..."

I wanted to say more. Say something. I knew the feeling of potentially dying and it wasn't a good one. Yet when I looked at Itadori, it didn't seem to phase him one bit. To the point, I questioned whether he really cared about dying. Well...Whether he did or not, in the end, it didn't seem to phase him enough to back out from coming here with Gojo. So there wasn't really much I could do. So I simply dropped my sentence short and instead returned my focus back to Gojo.

(Y/n): "And why exactly am I here? I was kinda busy..."

Gojo: "Busy, huh~" [Suddenly leans in] "And what were you busy doing? Huh, Babu~"

(Y/n): [Blushes slightly] "N-Nothing..."

Gojo: "Really? So you weren't, I don't know...Walking and talking with a certain green-haired girl who just so happens to hate my guts as much as she likes yours~"

(Y/n): "H-How did you already find out about that? T-There's no way, I just came from...There's no way. How did you know?"

Gojo: [Chuckles and smiles] "...Panda told me."

(Y/n): "WHAT IS IT WITH YOU AND PANDA?!"

Gojo: [Nudges Shoulders] "I dunno. Anyway! As for why you're here, Babu. It's the same as Itadori. The principal wants to see you both to see if you're a good fit for going to this school!"

(Y/n): "Wait. What? Me too? But I already go to this school?"

Gojo: "Yeah, uh...About that..."

The way he wasn't eager to tell me exactly what was on his mind gave me enough foresight to realize something had gone down, and Gojo was at the centre of it. When I glanced at him to see him simply keeping his head low and his fingers fiddling with each other, all I could do for a response was offer him a blank stare.

Gojo: [Chuckles Nervously] "I kinda told the higher-ups everything that went down with you, how you were trapped for so long, and now you're like a different person with so much cursed energy and whatnot and, well..."

(Y/n): "Well...?"

Gojo: "...Well now they're kinda worried that you're working with the curses because you're a half curse and they either wanna execute you like Itadori because they're worried you could get out of control and possibly hurt some people."

(Y/n): "WHAT?! They think I'd do that?!"

Gojo: "Look, Babu, don't worry about them! They're just scumbags who don't see human life as a proper means of deciding their thought process. I know you're not evil...hehe...Y-You're not evil, right?"

(Y/n): "OF COURSE I'M NOT, IDIOT!"

Gojo: "Haha! I knew that! Just joking!"

Gojo made sure to bring up his hands in a defensive manner as he said that, but honestly, it didn't really do the job for me. My gaze just continued to remain narrowed on the giggling lunatic in front of me. Though, if I'm being honest, the fact that the higher-ups even think I could be evil kinda hurt me. Like, sure, I only found out recently that I'm only half human, so, it shouldn't really be surprising that they're a little sceptical. 

But I was still a half curse when I came here in the first place. I guess I really didn't know how to feel about it. On one side, I understood where they were coming from. But then the other part of me was angry at that. I had waited so long to come back here, and already people were ruining it for me. The thought alone left a sour taste in my mouth. It must have travelled onto my face not long after as out of nowhere Gojo proceeded to wrap his arm around me in a supportive manner.

Gojo: "But don't worry about that, Babu. As long as you're here, the higher-ups won't have any choice of doing anything like that. You'll do great in this interview!...Just don't screw it up and he could reject your admission, meaning the higher-ups would have even more of a choice to plan the good ol execution."

(Y/n): "You're not helping Gojo."

I made my words known twice as much by returning my narrowed gaze toward the smiling face of Gojo. I was about to say more, however, when out of nowhere a voice started yelling into the air.

"Where is he?! Where is he?! The sorcerer with the amazing cursed energy! Where is he?!"

(Y/n)/Gojo: "Huh?"

It didn't take long to realize where the voice was coming from. However, upon turning to Itadori, both Gojo and myself saw no movement come from his lips, but the voice continued to speak. It wasn't much longer before we realized the words weren't coming from Itadori's mouth, but another placed on his body. Those very words just so happened to come from the mouth of the being inside of him, Sukuna, whose sharp tooth grin could be seen prodding out the side of Itadori's cheek, similar to how when Sukuna was in control of Itadori's body earlier with the multiple eyes. However, this time around, Itadori was still in control, Sukuna was simply bringing what little of himself he could to the table.

Sukuna: "Come on, show me him, boy! Show me the person who I shall take the most joy out of killing!"

Gojo: [Points at themself] "Who...Me?"

Sukuna: "Not you, fool! I don't even know who you are!"

Within the span of a second Gojo was once more standing by the side with tears running down his face. Honestly, the sight was something you didn't see often. So I took the opportunity to take out my phone and snap a photo of it. I'm sure that Megumi guy would appreciate this, and the others. However, it was as I did this that Sukuna's mouth must have gotten a sense of me. Because without being in control he somehow knew I was in the surrounding area. I was only alerted to such when the sound of his sinister chuckling entered the air.

Sukuna: [Wickedly chuckles] "Yes...There you are. How are you holding up, sorcerer? I hope you have all the strength available for when my eventual return happens."

(Y/n): "Eventual return?" [Grins] "You know, that'd sound ominous if you were trapped in the body of a teenager, tattoo guy."

Sukuna: "It's only a matter of time. I just have to be patient. Besides, I'll have enough time to contemplate how exactly a sorcerer who is also a curse is somehow welcomed into a word that despises them. It's quite odd, isn't it?"

(Y/n): "What do you--"

Before I could finish speaking, out of nowhere Itadori's hand comes swinging around, his palm slapping against his own cheek. The slap echoed in the air, cutting off my focus momentarily. By the time he dropped his hand, the mouth of Sukuna was no more, but his words remained in my mind. Only brought back when Itadori offered me a makeshift apology.

Itadori: "Sorry about that. He pops out sometimes."

(Y/n): "H-Huh? Oh!" [Smiles] "Don't worry about it. I don't care what some curse says. I'm back here now, that's all that matters!"

Sukuna: "Are you sure about that? Haha!"

Out of nowhere, Sukuna's mouth pops back into view. This time through the hand of Itadori's mouth that covered his cheek. 

Sukuna: "I do owe you a favour, though. Once I make this brat's body my own, you'll be the first one I kill. I shall keep that honour for you, sorcerer."

At that exact moment, Gojo came sliding in with a grin and his head lowered slightly.

Gojo: [Grins] "You know, it's an honour to be targeted by Suku--

(Y/n): "He's talking to me, Gojo."

Gojo: "Oh..."

Immediately his head drops as he turns around, meanwhile, Itadori covers his hand. This time around, Sukuna doesn't reappear.

Itadori: "So who is this guy that finger I swallowed exactly?"

(Y/n): "Who? Sukuna?" [Nudges shoulders] "Beats me. First time I've ever heard about him. Maybe Gojo knows." [Turns around] "Gojo? Gojo...?"

The sight of the aforementioned male hunched over as a dark cloud enveloped his being could immediately be seen by Itadori and myself.

Gojo: "It's not fair. I've never been second fiddle to anyone before. How come (Y/n)'s so powerful now? I was powerful before him--" [Kicks rock] "--Why doesn't Sukuna wanna kill me first?"

(Y/n): "GOJO!"

Gojo: [Pops up] "Huh? Oh, right! My bad!" [Smiles and turns around] "Ryomen Sukuna is a fierce imaginary god with four arms and two faces. But he's a human that really existed, though it was over a thousand years ago. In the golden age of Jujutsu, sorcerers gathered all their might to challenge him and failed. Crowned with the title of Sukuna, we couldn't even destroy his grave wax as he traversed the ages after death as a cursed object. Without a doubt, he is the king of curses."

I don't think I had properly taken in the points everyone had mentioned about Sukuna up until right now. After hearing how so many people failed to beat him, it truly made me realize that the fact he wanted to kill me was a rather present deal instead of simply being an afterthought. Even so, whether he wanted to kill me or not, I wasn't just going to let it happen. I've finally got a second chance at life, and I'm not going to waste it on being afraid. Instead, I'm going to become the person I've always wanted to be, and what so many people deserve from me. 

It was with that thought that I proceeded to lock away the fear of Sukuna wanting to kill me and returned the smile to my face. The joy I felt for being back finally coursing through my body at one hundred per cent. So much so I no longer feared the outcome of this interview with the principal, and thankfully for me, it wasn't more so an interview on words, but actions. Pretty much Itadori and I took turns trying to land a punch on the old guy whilst attempting to avoid the cursed corpses he embedded with some of his cursed energy. 

Think of them like Panda, except not as alive, and instead basically had bodies of cut, plushy toys girls slept with in bed. Even with the numbers disadvantage I was able to make quick work of avoiding the corpses and landed a punch almost right away on the principal, which seemed to be enough to show my restraint in not killing a high-ranking sorcerer. So, I guess that kinda showed I didn't plan to kill anyone here, so that meant I could stay around without getting executed? I wasn't entirely sure, but Gojo said that for now, it was enough, which I accepted.

Unfortunately for Itadori, he didn't have the same amount of ease. With his current body having little cursed energy, and not being aware of how to use it, I watched for a good thirty minutes to an hour of the boy getting overthrown by the corpses. He never did end up getting a hit on the principal, but whatever he did manage to do, seemed enough that he was able to stay at Jujutsu High. Which he seemed happy about, and I was more than willing to have him stick around. Itadori seemed funny, and besides, Sukuna wanted to kill me, so having him close was good for me.

Currently, however, as Gojo shows Itadori to his room in the first-year dorm room building, I found myself finally back in my own room. A place I haven't been in so long. Even so, it appeared like it hadn't changed a single bit. Everything was as neat and tidy as it was when I left. My bed was still the same way it was on the day that Maki had walked in with her letter. Even my legos on the shelf were left in the same position they were then. Running a finger across the top of one of them, I was surprised when I lifted my head up toward my face.

(Y/n): "No dust? After all this time? I would have thought this place would have been covered in it."

"I guess you had someone looking after it whilst you were gone."

(Y/n): "Huh?"

Immediately my head twisted to see that the person talking was Panda, who leaned against the entrance of my room with a packet of potato chips in hand.

(Y/n): "Panda? You did this?"

Panda: "Huh? Oh, no! Sorry, haha, I guess I can kinda hear why you'd think that after what I said. No, I didn't do it. Maki did."

(Y/n): [Blushes slightly] "S-She did?"

Panda: "Yeah. About once every week she'd come in here to tidy up your bed, sweep the floor, and dust your legos."

As soon as I heard that last one, I couldn't help but smile to myself as I dropped my head slightly.

(Y/n): [Chuckles softly] "Last time I remembered she called them stupid."

Panda: "Well, she must have changed her mind or something. She was extra careful with them. Heck, when she was in your room, she wouldn't let anyone else in. Apparently, she thought we'd mess it up or something..."

It was as Panda said all this that he continued to munch of the bag of chips. However, as his sentence came to an end, his gaze, and my own, just so happened to drop to the floor at the feet of the cursed corpse to see a pile of scraps from his food lying on the ground. As soon as Panda noticed such, he turned back to me and offered a nervous chuckle.

Panda: "Uh...Haha...Sorry about that (Y/n)--Please don't tell, Maki!"

Bringing his hands together, Panda lowered his head. I could only chuckle, which seemed enough for his head to slowly rise out of curiosity.

Panda: "You're not mad?"

(Y/n): "Nah, it's fine. I've seen messier. So you're cool, I won't tell Maki."

Panda: "Really?! Awesome! Man, I sure did miss you, (Y/n)!"

(Y/n): "Yeah?"

Panda: "Totally, it wasn't the same without you. But, oh well...I guess it doesn't matter anymore. You're back now, that's all that matters, right?"

(Y/n): "Haha. Totally!"

Panda: "Okay, well, I've got Panda stuff to do. I'll see ya later, (Y/n)!"

(Y/n): "Alright, see ya!"

So the two of us offered a pair of goodbyes before Panda continued on his journey down the hall, as for me, I couldn't help but smile once more. This feeling I felt right now, it was what I missed. Even if I didn't feel it before, it was there, I just had to wait for it. But now that I did have it, I wasn't going to lose it. This time I won't be complacent. The dreams and goals I had before, but wasted due to fear, I was back on to it. When I was stuck in the void, I made myself a list, a bucket list even, of all these things I wanted to do when I got back to the others. And now that I'm back, and I can finally get to doing it. Right now I have a high, a new ride in life. Now I'm on fire in every single direction. 

My old life, the shit that held me back back then, it all ends right here. Later that same day, Gojo would stop by my room, where he'd explain everything else he heard from the higher-ups after the 'interview' with the principal. Apparently, I'm welcome here and can continue my training as a sorcerer, however, just in case, I wasn't allowed to leave the school grounds by myself, and I was being kept back a year. So whilst Maki, Inumaki, and Panda went on to be second years, I remained a first. Now, I wasn't exactly happy about that. I didn't want to feel like I was being left behind. But due to the fact I technically didn't complete my first year altogether, I was being forced to do so. So, now I'd remain to be a first year, though, it wasn't so bad. 

It meant I was sticking alongside Itadori and that Megumi guy. So it wasn't so bad. Though, the fact I wasn't allowed to leave the school grounds by myself meant some problems, especially when I couldn't sleep at night. You see, despite finally being back in the place I missed so much, I couldn't just forget about the times I spent in the void. So much so I could barely sleep. The role of having very little time to rest before having to fight curses was something I had grown used to. To the point now that I didn't have to worry about when curses may attack me, I could hardly sleep. All I could do was lie in bed, with my thoughts and conscious on full blast. It didn't take long before I realized sleep was out of the question. 

So I decided to use my time for something that mattered. The urge to fight curses coursed through my body. It was like an itch I couldn't scratch, one which kept me up at night. So instead of just lying in bed wasting my time back, I waited until it was the dead of night, when I slowly crept out of bed. Grabbing my cursed tools from next to my bed, and silently snuck out of my room, and Jujutsu high itself. All the while I began heading toward the busy city. It was as I walked along through the path of part trees and bushes, that the bandages given to me by Gojo began coming to life. The tool that had kept me safe and warm whilst stuck in the void slowly began to wrap further around my body.

[3rd Person POV]

2 A.M. in the middle of the night. Normally such a time would be filled with darkness and fear. But for Tokyo, the city was still as bright as ever. The large billboards and city landscape made sure of that. Now, the city wasn't as busy right now. After all, it was still early in the morning. But it was due to these bright lights and the fact that there were still a good amount of people active, that other people who either couldn't find themselves able to sleep right now and were in dire need of a midnight snack, were able to venture out into the city to appease their cravings. Whether that be a midnight snack, or the urge to get drunk.

"Woooow! Fuck yeah, I'm getting married!"

"Yeah, you are, girl!"

"Haha! Let's drink some more!"

"You said it!"

The sight of the clearly drunk girls were enough to bring about the gaze of everyone around them, watching as the group of girls entered a nearby bar. Surely, to get drunk some more. One such person to witness this was a girl with orange eyes and short dyed ginger hair that just came short before reaching her shoulders. With a pair of long jeans, a cute white tank top, and a jacket on to keep her warm, the girl proceeded to roll her eyes at the girls before they disappeared from her view.

(???): "Wow, congrats, girls. Boy, if I ever get that excited from getting married, someone kill me."

Her words audibly filled the air before she returned to licking the ice cream she had in hand before continuing on her way back to the hotel she was staying at. However, little did this girl know as she walked down the lone sidewalk, into a more quiet, darker area of Tokyo's city, an unknown being watched from the shadows. The sound of a curse echoed slightly from the beings located.

"Pre-Pre-Pretty girl..."

The girl was unable to hear the vile creature's words as she continued on her way. Eventually, she ended up walking alongside a narrowed street where a row of closed-down stores could be seen. By this point it was only her walking, her ice cream having been finished a few minutes ago and by this point, finally felt tired enough that a yawn escaped her lips whilst her arms stretched into the air.

(???): [Yawns] "Mmm! That's what I needed. Now I'll be able to get enough sleep tonight for tomorrow. Because tomorrow I get to do so much shopping! Yee! I can't wait!"

The excited look that spawned on the girl's face as she continued to walk, her gaze lingering on her reflection that was showcased by the glass windows of each shop she walked pass. Such a sight brought her to smile further.

(???): "Wow. Even half tired and I'm still this beautiful. Then again, I am rather perfect."

A silent giggle echoed from her lips as she kept walking and admiring her beauty at the same time. However, this girl was soon cut off from both activities when she reached an empty gap between store buildings. A dark alleyway placed between the previous building window and the next, leaving her with no reflection, only darkness. For reasons unknown, however, this girl didn't keep walking right away. Instead, her body came to a sudden stop when she heard a strange noise coming from the dark abyss before her.

"Hel...H-Help me...Please..."

(???): "Huh? Is someone there?"

The girl slowly began to walk into the dark.

(???): "Hello? Can you hear me?"

"Help me...Please..."

It didn't take long before the voice of a child was recognized from the person speaking. Such a thing caused the girl to quickly focus, however, due to the darkness of the alleyway, one which was shrouded from the light of the city outside, she was forced to reach into her pocket and turn on her phone's light.

"Please...Help me...Help me...Please..."

(???): "J-Just a moment, okay? I just need to turn my torch on and I'll be able to see yo--"

However, the need to see this person was soon turned into a horrifying sight as the girl finally managed to switch on the torch of her phone. But in doing so she was immediately greeted by a disgusting sight. The large, extended mouth of what appeared to be a crocodile mixed with the body of a human suddenly reached out from the darkness.

Crocodile Curse: "Pre-Pretty girl, help me!"

The vile scream of the girl was all that came as a response, the sharp claws reaching out for her only to be narrowly avoided when she was suddenly grabbed by the back of her jacket and pulled backward. The sudden action caused a yelp to burst from her lips as she was pulled, in the process, she barely noticed a black cladded fist cut through the darkness to collide directly with the extended jaw of the curse, sending it crashing to the ground. Such a sight was only able to be witnessed from the phone torch the girl still had her hands glued to. 

It was only when the curse was momentarily subdued that she quickly turned the light to the person who had just saved her, only for a jolt of momentary fear to course through her body when she saw the person's face covered in a black hood and bandages. Again, she went to scream out of the suddenness and fear she felt. But before she could mutter a noise, she was quickly thrown back further by the person covered in bandages.

"Stay back or you'll get hurt."

The way his voice spoke with authority sparked something inside of the girl. She originally wanted to yell at him from tossing her to the ground, but she soon found herself in awe as the masked figure before her approached the rising curse with ease and slowly began to free the sword that was resting on his back. The only reason she was able to see everything in front of her right now was due to the single bit of light blasting from her phone. With it she witnessed as this masked man went about slicing the curse's body, slicing at its hands, back, tail, and mouth whenever he got an opening. No fear could be sensed from this person, it left the girl speechless.

Not a single sound escaped this girl's mouth as she watched the carnage unfold before her. The way this guy, no, this man went about defending her, keeping her safe. Whenever the curse tried to reach for her, she was defended by this hero. This hero in a mask. He was so mysterious, that all these pieces she mentioned brought about a steady rise in this girl's heartbeat, all she could think about was her hero. She wasn't even scared of the curse anymore. Soon enough a smile even managed to find her lips as her eyes further examined this person's body. His entire form, just like this face, were covered with black bandages. Some may find such scary.

And sure, when she first saw his face, she felt like screaming, but now she found it rather hot in a way. Though as soon as the girl realized what she was thinking she cursed herself, well, to a much smaller degree when in this world. She questioned what she was thinking. Why was she checking out a guy in a mask who was clearly dealing with issues? Her attention was suddenly returned to the scene before her when she witnessed one of the curse's punches was enough to dislodge the sword from the masked figure's hand, sending it flying toward the girl and leaving her hero open for an attack. This was when she was given another surprise.

No sense of concern seemed to find the aura of this masked figure, who merely reached out his hand as if thinking that alone would be enough to retrieve his weapon. To this girl's surprise, however, she was shocked when the bandages around his hand simply extended further, far more than seemed possible, and proceeded to wrap around the handle of the weapon. Just in time, the bandages were pulled back toward the masked defender, who reclaimed his weapon and immediately plunged it deep into curses chest. As it remained there, the masked figure booted the curse backward until his body crashed into the back wall of the alley.

Immediately following this, the figure backflipped in the air before he was about a meter or two away from the girl. With her ginger hair covering her face, the young female was left to brush them out of the way as she looked up. In her current position, she could barely see his masked face. But she was able to witness enough that she could take in the final attack that was about to happen. Without a word, her hero proceeded to lift up his two hands and proceeded to being both thumbs and index fingers together to form a rectangle. In the centre, the dazed image of the curse who now barely rose to his feet could be seen.

"Domain Expansion: Cursed Potential."

The words came quick and easy. One moment the girl was laid out in the dark alleyway. It was dark, as mentioned, but she could still see the brick walls that surrounded her, and the street behind her. However, after this figure said such words, all such things were gone. Now she found herself in a completely dark void, an abyss of shadows. But she wasn't alone, before her, the masked figure stood, his hands slowly coming back down to rest at his side, as a little further ahead the confused Curse looked around.

Crocodile Curse: "Where...Whe-Where are we?!"

"An eternal prison. One you'll never escape from. And one you'll never see ever again."

At first, the words seemed to confuse the curse, but when he gave up on trying to understand he immediately launched off his feet and went to attack the masked figure with a vicious bite from his mouth. Though, such an outcome never came to be. For as the curse travelled through the air, bits and pieces of his body began to swap out, as if reality itself was changing. From his usual arms, to those of a human. Shifting between different colours and moulds. Eventually the entire body of the curse set into the form of a normal crocodile, and from the eyes of a normal person, it'd seem like that's exactly what it was right now. 

But (Y/n) knew otherwise. Deep inside, this was the exact same curse as before. His soul was simply in another body. The weakest form of a being. That's what Cursed Potential was. When someone was caught up in this domain, their entire being was automatically brought to their weakest state. For a normal man, that would be a baby. For a curse, it'd be the form of mostly animals and such things that resembled the curse in question. Such as the one (Y/n) currently fought, which carried the body of a human and a crocodile. So when the transformation was said and done, the body of the curse was made into that of a normal crocodile. 

So with no means of being able to fight back now as it continued to launch toward (Y/n)'s being, all the boy had to do was reach his hand out, and thanks to having complete control of reality in this domain, (Y/n) was able to perfectly align his hand up with the handle of his sword, which was still piercing the chest of the curse turned crocodile. As soon as his hand wrapped around the handle, (Y/n) wasted no time in using all his strength to slice the body of the animal in half. The strike alone enough to kill the curse that was trapped inside the body of its weakest form, thus soon leaving it to go up in a wave of dust. 

Having now been exorcised. It wasn't long after before the domain was dropped, allowing (Y/n) and this girl to return to the safety of the dark alleyway. But due to the suddenness of it all, the girl found very little strength in her body. When she returned to reality, she was left with holding her head and groaning whilst in a dazed state. 

(???): "Argh, my head...Wha...What happ--"

"Oh, hey! Are you okay?"

Immediately her eyes snapped open, her thoughts flooded with the events that had just transpired. When she finally did lift her head, however, any sign of the masked figure, now revealed to be (Y/n), was nowhere to be seen. 

(???): "...Hello? Person in the mask? A-Are you still here?"

No response came, thus leaving the girl in a state of shock, but not for the reasons you may be thinking of. You see, this girl wasn't no normal person. She had cursed energy inside of her, just like everyone else at Jujutsu High. In fact, that's exactly why she was in Tokyo in the first place. Moving out from the folds of the country where she grew this girl, named Kugisaki Nobara, was only a few hours away from participating in her first day at the school where she'd further be trained to become a sorcerer. 

However, after not being able to sleep due from the excitement of the day tomorrow, she decided to go out and get something sweet to eat. Only to have her midnight snack thrown off balance by being attacked by a curse. And with no cursed tools in hand, the only form of help that could assist her in combating the evil spirits, she was left a victim, that was until she was saved by her hero.  A hero she now knew was a sorcerer due to his ability to see the curses and use of a cursed technique. In a way, it was both odd and exciting. 

She wasn't so much keen on the actual school part of being at Jujutsu High. Really, the main reason she decided to go to the school was because that'd mean being close to the big city of Tokyo, where so much shopping and other such adventures you couldn't find in the country were held. But now that she had witnessed such an extraordinary person who risked his own being to save her. She couldn't help but question maybe there was more fun to be had in Tokyo than just shopping. 

...I guess only time will tell~

[And there we go, pretty much 19k words for you all! I HOPE YOU ENJOYED MY SUFFERING! But...I had a promise to keep, and I didn't want to leave this chapter on a point where it'd feel underwhelming. So for my hard work, if you did enjoy, feel free to vote and comment your thoughts. No goal this week, for one, 19k words in three days is a lot, and I'm exhausted, and secondly...I want to see how this chapter will go without me setting a mark to vote. Will it be in the high 200's like it has been, or will things drop off a little if I don't set a goal. So, I'll leave that up to you guy. Though, if you did enjoy, voting would be much appreciated.

Anywho, in other news, there were a few things in here that I'm a little unsure how it'll be accepted. But I guess that's what's the comments are for. This chapter wasn't mainly to have a mix of character development and reintroductions to the characters, whilst shoving some action in there as well. So hopefully you all ended up enjoying chapter 3. Chapter four will be out in 6 days, so not really a big difference than usual. So look out for that, in the meantime, I need some resty rest. So have a good few days people, and I'll see you around shortly for a brand spanking new chapter where we have more NOBARA!!!]