Becoming Sukuna

Hachiman Hikigaya had been troubled lately. 

His adorable little sister, Komachi, had told him a spooky story from her school.

"There's this student who fell asleep at his desk and didn't wake up until it was almost dark. As he was leaving, he heard beautiful piano music coming from the music room. Curious, he peeked inside, but there was no one there!"

"Isn't it interesting? Are you scared, Onii-chan?"

Just thinking about Komachi's smug grin gave Hachiman a headache.

Two months ago, he might have dismissed it as a silly ghost story made up by bored middle schoolers. And the whole "piano playing by itself" thing was a bit cliché.

But now, Hachiman was genuinely scared.

Who knew if it was just a story or if there really was a curse playing the piano?

He wanted to investigate Komachi's school, but he was worried about his lack of strength. To make matters worse, Yukino Yukinoshita was on leave, so he couldn't rely on Sukuna for backup.

Guess I'll have to investigate tonight.

He couldn't let Komachi attend a school that might be haunted by a curse.

Lost in thought, he headed to Shizuka Hiratsuka's office to get the key to the clubroom, as he always did when Yukino was absent. Yui Yuigahama, unlike him, couldn't be trusted with the key, as she was always surrounded by people after school.

"The key?" Hiratsuka looked at him with a puzzled expression. "Yukino took it with her. She's back from her leave. Didn't she tell you?"

"Oh, I see." Hachiman's eyes lit up.

If Yukinoshita-buchou was back, then he could rely on Sukuna after all!

Surely the helpful Yukinoshita would agree to help him, which would force Sukuna to come along.

He couldn't help but marvel at his own cunning.

"Speaking of which, Yukinoshita has been taking a lot of time off lately," Hiratsuka said, grabbing Hachiman by the back of his collar before he could escape. "Do you know anything about it?"

"How would I know, Hiratsuka-sensei? You're asking too much of me," Hachiman complained, feeling like a helpless kitten.

"Really? I thought you three had made some progress." Hiratsuka sighed, releasing him. "Even with Yuigahama as a buffer, it's still no use, huh..."

"I don't think this has anything to do with Yuigahama," Hachiman muttered.

The main culprit was Sukuna.

But that was a topic he couldn't discuss with outsiders.

"Forget it, just go." Hiratsuka waved him away, lighting a cigarette and pondering Yukino's situation.

She had tried to subtly inquire about it with Haruno, but Haruno had been unhelpful, even revealing that she was the one who had requested Yukino's leave.

This meant that Haruno knew what Yukino was up to, which also meant that, as a teacher, it wasn't her place to interfere.

Well, with Haruno keeping an eye on her, it should be fine, right?

...

After leaving the staff room, Hachiman hurried towards the Service Club, his steps filled with newfound confidence. He was about to secure the support of a powerful ally.

He reached the clubroom door and flung it open.

Inside, a black-haired young man in casual clothes was lounging in a chair, reading a magazine.

"Ah, sorry, wrong room. Excuse me," Hachiman stammered, slowly closing the door.

He checked the sign on the door.

The Service Club didn't have a proper sign; most people learned about it through Hiratsuka-sensei.

However, Yukino, to keep track of the club's accomplishments, would put a sticker on the door after completing a request.

I didn't go to the wrong room, did I?

Then who is that ikemen? And where's Yukinoshita?

Hachiman stood frozen, lost in confusion and self-doubt.

"What are you standing there for?"

A cold, ethereal voice echoed through the hallway. Hachiman jumped in fright. "...Oh, it's Yukinoshita-buchou. Why are you so quiet?"

"You were just spacing out and didn't hear me. Or has your auditory system already started to degenerate, Hikigaya-kun?" Yukino said with her usual bluntness.

"Leaving aside the fact that fungi don't have auditory systems, there's a weird guy in the clubroom! He's not even wearing a uniform. I thought I went to the wrong room," Hachiman complained.

A sly smile spread across Yukino's face. "Oh my, you didn't recognize him? I thought you'd have a strong impression of him."

"Don't be ridiculous. Why would I have a strong impression of some ikemen who looks like a normie?" Hachiman scoffed. "If I were to have a strong impression of a guy, it would be someone like Totsuka..."

As they spoke, Yukino opened the door and walked in, her movements natural, her steps light and filled with a hint of joy. A realization struck Hachiman like a bolt of lightning.

Could that person be…

A cold sweat trickled down his cheek.

He saw the handsome black-haired young man turn and look at him, a smirk playing on his lips. And then, a second pair of eyes opened below his crimson pupils.

"Yo. Long time no see. Or rather, first time meeting, I guess? Dead fish-eyes." Sukuna grinned.

AAAAAH!

It really is Sukuna-sama!

Hachiman screamed internally. Sukuna must have heard everything he had just said to Yukino.

Although Sukuna's greeting was normal, to Hachiman's ears, it sounded like a judge delivering a death sentence.

There was only one thing he could do now.

"I'm so sorry, Sukuna-sama! Please forgive this lowly Hachiman's disrespect!"

He prostrated himself at Sukuna's feet.

"So, you want me and Sukuna-kun to go with you to investigate Komachi's school?"

Yukino summarized Hachiman's request. Hachiman sat in the client's chair, while Sukuna had moved to the seat beside Yukino, by the window.

"Well, yes," Hachiman said, scratching his head awkwardly. "I'm worried I'm not strong enough to handle it alone."

"I don't mind helping, but you'll have to ask Sukuna-kun himself," Yukino said, turning to Sukuna.

"Me? Sure, why not? I'm free." Sukuna shrugged, agreeing without hesitation.

Besides, even if he wasn't free, he would have agreed. After all, Hikigaya was quite the character. It wouldn't be right to refuse him after such a perfect dogeza.

It had been a while since Sukuna had witnessed such a natural and fluid prostration.

Relieved to have secured Sukuna's support, Hachiman finally felt the weight lift from his shoulders.

"Speaking of which, buchou, what were you doing during your leave? Exorcising curses again?" Hachiman asked, now relaxed enough for idle conversation.

"Yes, a special grade curse called Mahito," Yukino replied.

"What? Special grade?!"

Hachiman's eyes widened. Was Yukinoshita strong enough to participate in special grade battles now?

Before he could recover from the shock, Yukino dropped another bombshell. "The one who transformed Ōoka."

Hachiman froze, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water.

After a long silence, he finally sighed. "I guess that's revenge for Ōoka then."

"Yes." Yukino nodded.

A somber atmosphere descended upon the Service Club until hurried footsteps echoed from the hallway outside.

"Sorry, sorry, I'm late!"

A cheerful voice rang out before the door even opened.

"Yahallo~!"

Yui Yuigahama opened the door and froze mid-greeting as she saw a stranger sitting beside Yukino.

"Huh? A new client? Wait, he's not wearing a uniform. Is he from another school?" Yui looked back and forth between Yukino and the unfamiliar black-haired young man.

"Yukino, do you know this person?" she whispered after taking her seat.

Despite her attempt to lower her voice, it didn't escape Sukuna's ears.

He chuckled. Before Yukino could answer, he asked, "Say, Yukino, how would you describe our relationship?"

Yukino felt a surge of panic.

For a moment, she saw a flicker of her sister, Haruno, in Sukuna's expression.

He must have been drinking with my sister again!

She glared at him accusingly, but when their eyes met, she felt flustered.

Yukino looked away, stammering, "He's, he's..."

Despite having top grades in Japanese, she couldn't find the words to define her relationship with Sukuna.

Friends? Master and student? Or simply a parasite and host?

None of these terms seemed to accurately describe their relationship in Yukino's eyes.

From initial fear and disgust, she had grown accustomed to the noisy presence in her head. From trembling before curses, she had become capable of facing them head-on. This growth wouldn't have been possible without Sukuna's guidance and encouragement.

And he had seen her most precious memories, as if watching a VR movie of her life. It was truly unfair.

In a sense, Sukuna-kun knew her better than she knew herself.

Could such a complex existence, such a bond, be summarized with a single word?

The more she thought about it, the more confused and profound it became.

Like being lost in a field of flowers.

Yui, watching Yukino lost in thought, narrowed her eyes, glancing between her and Sukuna.

Hmm, they look good together!

"Could he be... your boyfriend?!" Yui suddenly blurted out, her eyes sparkling as she stared at the blushing Yukino.

Hachiman's eye twitched, sensing the conversation veering off course.

Sukuna couldn't help but chuckle.

"What?!"

Yukino snapped back to reality, her face flushed. "Of course not! Why would you think that, Yuigahama-san?"

"Eh? Really?" Yui seemed surprised. She had been convinced that Yukino was dating this handsome young man.

"Okay, okay," Sukuna interrupted with a smile, putting an end to the awkwardness. "I'm Yukinoshita's friend, Sukuna. Nice to meet you."

"Oh, I'm Yui Yuigahama! Also Yukino's friend!" Yui, realizing her blunder, blushed.

Yukino sighed in relief. Thankfully, Yui hadn't gotten the wrong idea.

It's all Sukuna-kun's fault, saying such misleading things!

She glared at Sukuna, who simply smiled in response.

"Alright, I'll be going then. Have fun, you three." Sukuna excused himself and left the Service Club.

As soon as he was gone, Yui bombarded Yukino with questions about him. Yukino could only deflect them with vague answers, claiming they knew each other through family connections.

After finally satisfying Yui's curiosity, peace returned to the Service Club.

Near the end of club hours, Hachiman's phone rang.

"Komachi?"

He answered the call. "Hello? Komachi, what's up?"

"Onii-chan, I won't be home for dinner tonight. Just get something for yourself!" Komachi's cheerful voice came from the phone.

"Eh? Why?"

"Oh, it's about that ghost story I told you. My friends and I are going to search for that mysterious piano music after school."

"Huh?"

"Gotta go, bye!"

Beep.

The dial tone echoed as Hachiman processed her words. His heart sank.

The call ended, and Hachiman stared blankly at his phone.

Yui looked at him curiously. "Was that Komachi? Is something wrong?"

"Ah... no, it's nothing. Just asking me to pick up some discounted groceries." Hachiman glanced at Yukino, a hint of apology in his voice. "I have to go now, or they'll be sold out."

"Okay," Yukino replied simply.

"Wow, that's surprising. I didn't know you had that side to you, Hiki-kun. I thought you were just a gloomy guy," Yui said, her voice full of energy.

"Don't be ridiculous, I'm a man who aspires to be a househusband," Hachiman retorted, forcing a smile before grabbing his bag and leaving.

He hadn't even left the clubroom when his phone vibrated again. It was a message from Yukino, containing Sukuna's contact information.

Hachiman's eyes lit up. After taking a moment to compose himself, he dialed Sukuna's number.

The call quickly connected. "Sukuna's voice came from the phone. "Meet me on the roof of the special building."

...

Twilight, the hour of demons.

The sun had completely set, leaving only a faint orange glow on the western horizon. The deep blue of night crept across the sky, slowly swallowing the last vestiges of daylight.

The fading sunlight retreated from the school building, plunging the hallways into darkness, leaving only the faint moonlight to illuminate the path.

Footsteps echoed through the empty corridors.

"Whoa, the school is kinda creepy at night, huh?"

A girl with short, bobbed hair, dressed in a traditional sailor uniform and pleated skirt, rubbed her arms, her slender legs clad in black knee-highs.

"You were the one who suggested this 'adventure,' Saki-chan, and now you're the first one to get scared." Another girl, this one with brown, curly hair, teased with a giggle.

"Aren't you scared at all, Eri?" Saki retorted.

"Of course not! What's there to be scared of?" Eri puffed out her chest. "It's just a little dark. You're only scared because you're scaring yourself."

She turned to Komachi, who was walking behind them, gazing at the city lights in the distance. "Right, Komachi?"

"Hmm? It's alright, I guess. It's kind of exciting."

She grinned, revealing her cute little fangs. "And we haven't heard any piano music yet. It was all a lie after all!"

The moment she finished speaking, the faint sound of a piano drifted through the air.

The smiles on the three girls' faces vanished.

Even Eri, who had been boasting about her bravery, instinctively grabbed Saki's arm.

"No way..."

Komachi's expression faltered. She had just declared the ghost story to be fake, and now the piano music started playing. Talk about a slap in the face.

Had the ghost heard her and gotten angry?

"What do we do now?" Eri asked, her voice trembling. "There really is piano music. Shouldn't we just leave?"

"No! We came all this way!"

Saki, initially the scared one, suddenly became brave, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Only the music room has a piano. Maybe there's a student still practicing? Let's go check it out!"

"Eh? No way, that's scary..." Eri whined, turning to Komachi for support. "Komachi, you want to go home too, right?"

"Komachi, don't you want to know if the ghost story is true?" Saki pressed, her eyes fixed on Komachi.

"Eh? Why do I have to decide?" Komachi looked troubled.

"Then, let's just take a peek?" she suggested hesitantly. "There can't really be a ghost, right?"

"Yay!"

Saki nearly jumped for joy. She grabbed Eri's hand and pulled her towards the music room, Komachi trailing behind them.

As they got closer, the faint piano music grew louder, the melody captivating, as if played by a master.

"You know, whoever is playing is really good. If it's a student from our school, we should have won tons of piano competitions by now," Eri commented.

"Maybe it's a genius student, but they were so talented that the others got jealous and killed them. Now their vengeful spirit haunts the music room, playing the piano to lure in students and kill them!" Saki whispered dramatically, making Eri shiver.

"Stop it! If you keep saying that, I won't go with you!" Eri complained. She had been trying to distract herself with chatter, but now her friend's ghost story had scared her even more.

"Okay, okay, I'll stop." Saki giggled, now completely fearless. She pulled Eri along, her excitement growing. "The music room is just ahead. Let's hurry!"

"Hey, slow down! You'll trip!" Komachi called out from behind, then quickened her pace to catch up.

They soon reached the music room.

After a moment of hesitation, Eri pushed Saki forward. Saki nervously fidgeted with her skirt, then reached for the door.

"Eh?"

The door, which she had assumed was locked, wasn't fully closed. It swung open with a gentle push.

The room was dark, illuminated only by a few beams of moonlight streaming through the windows. Dust motes danced in the light.

Various musical instruments were neatly arranged in the room, and in the corner stood a grand piano, the "king of instruments."

The three girls cautiously peeked inside.

The plush leather seat was empty.

But the piano keys were moving, playing a beautiful melody.

Suddenly, as if sensing their presence, the keys stopped, and the music abruptly ended.