04 | through shadows and steel
The fourth-year exchange student is a striking presence, an imposing figure with flowing auburn locks that tumble down her back, and eyes that gleam like polished steel, sharp and penetrating. As you and the group converge on her at the bustling train station, she stands tall, her presence impossible to ignore. Her gaze lands on you, and before she can even reign in her surprise, she blurts out, her voice rich with awe, "Oh my goodness, are you an angel who's descended from the heavens?" The sincerity in her tone is unmistakable, and it makes you smile with a hint of smugness as you subtly flex your arms, letting the understated but undeniable muscle definition speak for itself.
Gojo, standing nearby, looks on with envy, while the other young men in the group exchange glances, their admiration clearly visible. It's impossible not to notice how your physique captures their attention.
"Hey, what about us?" Yuji suddenly chimes in, leaning enthusiastically against your side, his face beaming with excitement. "We're not so bad either, right?"
Nobara, ever the picture of composure, observes the scene with a detached air before sighing theatrically. In one smooth motion, she steps in, gracefully pulling you away from the group's eager grasp. Meanwhile, Megumi watches the unfolding drama with an amused, almost bemused, smile. He gently ruffles Yuji's hair as if offering comfort, but his voice holds a trace of curiosity. "Do all exchange students act like this?" he asks Gojo, his tone dripping with dry humor.
Gojo shrugs casually, clearly entertained by the drama, and responds with an air of indifference. "Who knows? It's your first time meeting one, right?"
Yuji, clearly not impressed by the lack of attention, pouts, crossing his arms. "But she totally ignored us! Doesn't she realize we're cool too?" Megumi mutters in agreement, his expression one of mild disappointment. Meanwhile, Gojo's eyes glint with something darker as he observes the budding connection between you and the new arrival. The jealousy is subtle, but it's thereโhe craves your undivided attention, and the growing bond between you and Nobara doesn't escape his notice.
Breaking the tension, Gojo claps his hands together with a mischievous grin, rallying everyone's attention. "Alright, enough with the drama," he declares, his tone shifting into something more serious. "Let's get this show on the road. Today's plan? Exploring Tokyo."
Yuji and Megumi's faces light up at the mention of Roppongi, their imaginations ignited by visions of luxury, neon lights, and unfiltered excitement. But Gojo has other plans. Without missing a beat, he leads the group to a forgotten, desolate structure tucked away in the shadows of a nearby cemetery, the air thick with a strange, unsettling energy.
The mood shifts immediately, and Megumi, ever the thoughtful one, begins to explain the deep connection between fear and the manifestation of curses in places like these. But before he can finish his analysis, Nobara interrupts, her brow raised in skepticism. "Isn't this basic knowledge for a jujutsu student?" she challenges, clearly unimpressed by the lack of understanding.
It's in that moment that the true nature of the outing becomes apparentโthis isn't a sightseeing tour; it's a field test, designed to push the limits of the rookie duo, Yuji and Nobara. Gojo looks to you, his smile almost predatory. "Care to join the fun? Or are you going to sit this one out?" he asks, his voice dripping with challenge.
Without missing a beat, you respond with a casual, almost playful air, "Why not? A chance to test my skills without setting the place on fire sounds like a win to me."ย
With a flourish, you unsheathe a magnificent sword from the scabbard at your hip. The blade catches the dim light, gleaming with a dangerous promise. The weight of the moment isn't lost on anyone. Yuji and Nobara stare in awe, their voices a mixture of disbelief and admiration. "I knew it! You're totally cool!"
The atmosphere crackles with anticipation as you stand ready, the eerie surroundings heightening the sense of danger. Whatever cursed beings lurk in this forsaken place, you're prepared. The camaraderie is evidentโlaughter, friendly jabs, and shared excitementโbut beneath the surface, the threads of rivalry, unspoken competition, and tangled emotions are already beginning to unravel.
As you stand side by side with Gojo, Megumi, and the new exchange students, a question lingers in the back of your mind: What other secrets does this strange new world of jujutsu hold, and what revelations await as you get to know your mysterious new companion?
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The three of you dive into the unknown, eager to uncover the secrets the eerie house might be hiding. But it doesn't take long for Nobara to take charge, her decisive nature quickly asserting itself. With a no-nonsense attitude, she allocates roles: Yuji is to scour the lower level, and she leads you upstairs to explore. Despite Yuji's protests, Nobara is unshaken, her confidence unwavering as she delivers a swift kick to his backside, effectively silencing any objections and sending him off with authority.
As you follow Nobara up the staircase, a soft smile plays on your lips, amused by her firm hand in the situation. You trail behind her, observing the subtle shift in her demeanor once you both find yourselves alone, temporarily free from Yuji's antics. The tough, independent exterior that she typically wears like armor softens, revealing a more caring, protective sideโone that's rarely seen. Her gaze locks with yours, her eyes filled with a warmth and sincerity that stand in stark contrast to the mission's urgency.
"If those two are making you uncomfortable, or if you feel unsafe, don't keep it to yourself," she says, her voice a soothing contrast to the tension in the air. "You can always rely on me. Just say the word, and I'll handle it."
There's an undeniable protective streak in her words, and though she speaks with that characteristic confidence, there's a tenderness there that makes you feel both seen and cared for. You can't help but feel touched, a small chuckle escaping you as you place a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Thanks, Nobara. I appreciate it, but I've got this. I can handle myself," you reply, using a term of endearment that adds a layer of warmth to your words, showing just how much her concern means to you.
Back in the foyer, Yuji watches the two of you disappear upstairs with a mix of surprise and frustration. His arms cross, his pout evident, but after a moment of glaring at the empty space, he begrudgingly accepts his task, knowing there's no backing out of the mission now.
Meanwhile, you and Nobara continue your search through the dimly lit, musty corridors. Her hand remains firmly clasped around yours, a subtle but telling sign of her unease. As the two of you navigate the hauntingly quiet space, every creak of the floorboards and whisper of wind seems amplified. The air grows heavier as you move through dusty rooms, your senses on high alert for any sign of danger or cursed energy.
Then, you spot it: a mannequin, standing unnaturally still in one of the upstairs rooms. Its lifeless gaze seems to follow you, sending a chill down your spine. Nobara's grip on your hand tightens, her pulse quickening. She leans in, whispering a warning, but you remain unfazed. There's no hesitation in your movements. With a fluid motion, you unsheathe the sword from your hip, the blade gleaming ominously in the dim light. The cursed energy surrounding it pulses, almost as if the weapon itself is aware of the danger in the room.
You flick your finger casually, and in an instant, the sword slices through the air with unnerving precision. The mannequin's head is severed cleanly from its body, revealing the grotesque curse hidden within. The creature lets out an earsplitting screech before crumpling to the ground, its twisted form collapsing into a lifeless heap.
The room echoes with the death rattle of the curse as it disintegrates, and the oppressive tension in the air lifts slightly. Nobara stands there, wide-eyed and speechless, clearly in awe of the effortless display of power. You can't help but flash her a playful wink, a mischievous smile tugging at your lips.
"Looks like we're getting pretty good at this, huh?" you tease, trying to lighten the mood.
Nobara nods, her admiration for your abilities evident in the way her eyes linger on you. Her usual tough exterior is softened by the respect she clearly feels, and she presses on, ready to face whatever other horrors the cursed house may hold. Together, you move forward, united in purpose and bolstered by the unspoken bond between you.
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