Becoming Sukuna

June in Chiba had fully transitioned into summer. The scorching sun baked the asphalt roads, making even the shade of trees offer little respite from the sweltering heat. Cicadas chirped relentlessly, adding to the irritability of the already oppressive weather.

Thanks to the weather, people on the streets were dressed in increasingly revealing outfits, creating a unique summer scenery.

The promised weekend arrived quickly.

A pair of siblings waited in front of Chiba Station. The younger sister wore a cool summer outfit—a light yellow camisole top and denim shorts. At her brother's suggestion, she had swapped her usual sandals for sneakers.

A bright smile adorned her face, revealing a cute little fang.

She was the picture of a lively and cheerful young girl.

Compared to his radiant sister, the older brother seemed a bit out of place. He wore a simple white shirt and black shorts, his unkempt hair slightly messy with a few strands sticking out. Coupled with his listless eyes, he gave off a somewhat gloomy and withdrawn aura.

Hachiman Hikigaya yawned and checked the time on his phone.

9:15 AM.

Fifteen minutes before their agreed meeting time. Had they arrived too early...?

He had been dragged out of bed early this morning by an excited Komachi and arrived at the station more than half an hour early, resulting in this current situation.

People came and went, but there was no sign of Sukuna or Yukino Yukinoshita.

Knowing Yukinoshita-buchou, she would have arrived early too. So, Sukuna-sama is holding her up, huh?

Hachiman silently cursed Sukuna in his mind.

"Onii-chan, onii-chan, do you think I can do that too? The blue flames on your hands!"

The girl tugged on his sleeve.

Komachi had been excited all night, and her enthusiasm only seemed to grow as the meeting time approached.

"That's cursed energy, not flames." Hachiman corrected her, flicking her forehead lightly. "And no, you can't do that."

"You heard Sukuna-sensei. You can only see curses. Other than that, you're just like an ordinary person. You can't use cursed energy."

"Besides, don't underestimate being a jujutsu sorcerer. It's dangerous. You could easily get killed..."

As he tried to discourage Komachi's aspirations, he felt a tug on his sleeve.

He looked down and paused.

"So, Onii-chan could get killed too, right?"

Unlike his own lifeless eyes, Komachi's, usually filled with cheerfulness, were now filled with worry for him.

So that's what you were getting at.

A wry smile touched Hachiman's lips. He ruffled her carefully styled hair. "Don't worry, I'm the type who values his life. If I encounter a curse I can't beat, I'll run without hesitation. So, I won't be in any real danger."

"When it comes to running away, I'm the strongest."

He shamelessly pointed at himself with a confident grin.

"Really?" Komachi looked at him skeptically. "When it comes to acting tough, you're also the strongest. Otherwise, you wouldn't have jumped in front of a car to save Yui-san's dog and ended up in the hospital."

Then, she realized something. "Ah, so you're lying! Your words don't match your actions at all!"

"Well… that was an accident. My body moved before my brain could catch up," Hachiman said sheepishly.

"You always say you'll run away, but you always end up playing the hero." Komachi pouted. "I wouldn't say anything if this was the first time, but we've lived together for over ten years. I know your stubborn personality all too well."

"But now it's different. Acting tough in front of those monsters will get you hurt..."

"It's okay. You don't have to trust me, but you can trust Sukuna-sensei!" Hachiman lied without a flinch.

In reality, the first time he got hurt was because Sukuna cut off his arm.

But Komachi didn't know that yet, so Sukuna still held a heroic image in her eyes.

He was a strong, kind, and handsome older brother figure.

"Sukuna-nii-chan is definitely trustworthy," Komachi agreed.

"Wait, what did you just call Sukuna-sensei?" Hachiman was about to agree when he realized something crucial. "What was that, 'Sukuna-nii-chan'?"

"Hmm? Is there a problem? Sukuna-nii-chan looks young. It's not right to call him 'sensei,' and I can't call him 'ojisan,' can I?" Komachi feigned innocence, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Of course not! If I call him 'sensei,' and you call him 'nii-chan,' wouldn't that mess up our seniority?" Hachiman said seriously. "Besides, you shouldn't use such a disrespectful title for Sukuna-sensei."

"In my opinion, even if you called him 'sensei' along with me, he wouldn't mind."

"Mind what?"

A familiar voice sounded from behind, making Hachiman stiffen.

Sukuna and Yukino walked towards them. Komachi's eyes lit up, and she greeted them enthusiastically. "Yahallo~! Sukuna-nii-chan, and Yukino-nee-san!"

"Good morning, Komachi," Yukino greeted her with a smile.

"Hello, Komachi-chan."

To Hachiman's dismay, Sukuna ruffled Komachi's hair affectionately.

"You're here early," he commented casually.

"Well, I was excited, so I came early," Komachi replied with a giggle, completely ignoring her petrified brother.

"You could have called us, you know. No need to wait here like this," Sukuna said.

"That's because someone was being slow!" Yukino lightly scolded him, unaware of how loaded her words were.

Even Hachiman, who had momentarily turned gray, snapped back to reality, his eyes widening as he stared at them.

No way…

Could it be that Yukinoshita-buchou and Sukuna-sama are living together?!

"No, wait, there's nothing to be shocked about." Hachiman slowly came to his senses.

After all, in a way, they had been living together for a while now, even sharing a level of intimacy that went beyond simply living together.

They had shared the same body, using the same bathroom, taking baths together...

No, Hachiman, you can't think about this anymore. That's a territory you shouldn't tread on.

Hachiman stopped his thoughts from spiraling, maintaining a neutral expression.

"Alright, let's go."

Sukuna didn't linger. He led the group into the station.

"By the way, Sukuna-nii-chan, where are we going?" Komachi asked curiously.

Every time she called him "nii-chan," Hachiman felt an arrow pierce his heart.

"To Tokyo, to Jujutsu High," Sukuna replied with a mysterious smile.

Seeing that smile, a sense of foreboding washed over Hachiman.

They boarded the train to Tokyo. Upon arrival, Ijichi Kiyotaka, who had received Sukuna 's message, was already waiting. He drove them towards Jujutsu High.

"Come to think of it, this is the first time you've visited Jujutsu High, isn't it, Sukuna-san?" Ijichi remarked.

"Yes, it is. I figured it was about time I paid a visit, considering I'm a teacher there." Sukuna smiled, flipping his teacher's ID card between his fingers. "This is a good opportunity."

Sukuna had already discussed Komachi's situation with Ijichi, who would register her as a "window" for Jujutsu High. She would be paid a decent sum for any confirmed curse sightings she reported.

It would be more than enough for pocket money.

Hachiman, listening from the passenger seat, couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed for Sukuna . This teacher was a bit too free-spirited, having never even visited the school he taught at.

But considering Sukuna's unique circumstances and the nature of Jujutsu High, Hachiman quickly let it go.

"Oh, and Gojo-sensei has been informed of your visit and is waiting at Jujutsu High. He'll be giving you a tour of the school," Ijichi added, mainly for Sukuna's benefit.

"Oh? That white-haired idiot actually has free time?" Sukuna smirked, his hands twitching with anticipation.

But noticing Yukino's gaze, he calmed down. "Never mind, the main purpose of this visit is to see the level of the students at Jujutsu High and have a little… 'sparring session.'"

"Eh?!"

Hachiman couldn't contain his surprise. "I didn't hear anything about that!"

Was he saying they were going to fight the students?

Yukino would be fine, but he definitely wasn't.

He glanced at Komachi, who was looking excited and curious, and Hachiman's spirits plummeted. He slumped in his seat, feeling defeated.

I'm going to embarrass myself in front of Komachi.

Unlike the shocked Hachiman, Yukino remained calm, her expression unchanged.

She had also just learned about Sukuna's plan, but she was used to his sudden whims.

She was actually quite looking forward to this sparring session.

Fighting other students would give her a clearer understanding of her current abilities.

"Well, please go easy on them..."

Ijichi parked the car in front of a seemingly endless staircase in the countryside, wiping the sweat from his brow with a handkerchief.

He glanced at the tall, white-haired man waiting by the roadside, a sense of foreboding washing over him.

Whenever Sukuna-san and Gojo-sensei are together, nothing good ever happens.

But it turned out his worries were unfounded.

"Welcome, welcome~"

As they got out of the car, Gojo Satoru greeted them enthusiastically.

"Onii-chan, that person is wearing a blindfold. Can he even see?" Komachi whispered, tugging on Hachiman's sleeve.

"Don't ask me. I've only met Gojo-sensei once before… But I guess he can see if he's doing that," Hachiman whispered back.

"Yo, long time no see, Sukuna-san. Or rather, it's our first meeting, isn't it?" Gojo smiled, extending a hand towards Sukuna. "How's the new body treating you?"

"My own body is definitely treating me well," Sukuna chuckled.

"That's good."

Gojo's smile didn't falter, but his bright blue eyes, hidden behind the blindfold, were fixed on Sukuna.

He's hiding his presence well. He's different from when he was in Yukinoshita's body...

Sukuna was an enigma, and Gojo hadn't given up on observing and analyzing him.

Not only was his method of obtaining a body unheard of, but his multiple cursed techniques were also a cause for concern.

More importantly, there was his overwhelming strength and his unreadable intentions.

But for now, they were on friendly terms.

After all, Sukuna was technically a teacher at Jujutsu High and had even mentored Yuji. He couldn't be too antagonistic.

"Well then, please follow me! Allow me to be your guide and show you around our school of jujutsu sorcery," Gojo declared with a flourish, his smile bright.

"Then, I'll be taking my leave. I hope you all have a pleasant day." Ijichi bowed and excused himself, driving away.

Although he was just an assistant supervisor, his work kept him busy!

Of course, the main reason was that he didn't want to get caught in the crossfire between Sukuna and Gojo.

After seeing Ijichi off, Gojo turned back to the group.

"Now, now, please follow me!"

"Jujutsu High actually consists of two schools: Tokyo Jujutsu High and Kyoto Jujutsu High," Gojo Satoru explained as he led the group through the expansive campus.

Tokyo Jujutsu High was built amidst a wooded hillside, with many traditional wooden buildings.

"The relationship between the two schools is... well, let's just say it's complicated."

"Hmm? Aren't they sister schools?" Hachiman asked, confused.

"They are, but the principal of Kyoto Jujutsu High... he's not very bright." Gojo tapped his forehead.

He recalled the old man who was still playing rock music at his age and couldn't help but grimace.

"I really hope that geezer gets buried soon," Gojo said bluntly.

Is that something you should be saying in front of outsiders? the three juniors thought in unison.

Sukuna chuckled. "It seems you have your own problems within the jujutsu world. How amusing."

"Indeed. If I could, I'd kill all those stubborn and conservative higher-ups," Gojo said with a shrug.

"Good idea. Just kill them off and replace them with your own people," Sukuna said with admiration.

Yukino, Hachiman, and Komachi exchanged uneasy glances. These two were casually discussing overthrowing the top brass of the jujutsu world.

And the worst part was, they were completely capable of doing it.

"Onii-chan, are all jujutsu sorcerers like this?" Komachi whispered to Hachiman.

"...Probably just these two," Hachiman mumbled, unsure how to explain this to his sister.

"Unfortunately, we don't have anyone like that at the moment," Gojo sighed. "So I'm planning to train a new generation myself."

His expression softened as he spoke of his students, his voice filled with pride. "They are the future of the jujutsu world."

"So, where are these students of yours?" Sukuna asked.

"They're probably training on the field. They're all working hard to prepare for the Kyoto Goodwill Event," Gojo replied with a smirk.

"Kyoto Goodwill Event?" Yukino perked up, intrigued.

"It's a competition between the students of the two schools. You could think of it as a sports festival," Gojo explained.

"I'm guessing the events are a bit different from a normal school's sports festival," Hachiman commented with a deadpan expression.

"What else would jujutsu sorcerers compete in besides combat?" Gojo chuckled.

Then, as if struck by a sudden idea, he raised a finger excitedly. "Oh, since Sukuna is a teacher at Tokyo Jujutsu High, you two are technically students there too. How about it? Interested in participating?"

"Sorry, but I'm not strong enough for that kind of event," Hachiman immediately declined.

"No worries, you're just a bonus anyway," Gojo dismissed him with a wave.

...I'm starting to understand why Sukuna-sama dislikes this guy.

Hachiman twitched, silently complaining.

"What about you, Yukinoshita?" Gojo turned to Yukino.

Yukino didn't answer right away. She looked at Sukuna.

 Sukuna glared at Gojo. "Trying to use my people again? Don't get too cocky, you damn white-haired bastard."

"Now, now, don't be so mean. We're colleagues now. Let's get along, shall we?" Gojo said with a placating smile.

"No, you're not being sincere." Sukuna refused flatly.

"Then I must also decline, Gojo-sensei," Yukino followed suit.

Gojo sighed dramatically. "Oh well, that's a shame. I was hoping to use you to scare those old geezers."

"Another potential Sukuna vessel has appeared, and she even has his Cleave technique. If those old fogies knew about you, they'd be scared to death." He sounded genuinely disappointed.

As they chatted, the atmosphere between Sukuna and Gojo oscillated between lighthearted banter and thinly veiled hostility. Yukino, familiar with Sukuna's personality and knowing he was just messing around, remained calm. But Hachiman and Komachi were on edge, worried that a fight might break out at any moment.

Fortunately, they reached the training grounds without incident.

From a distance, they saw a girl with a high ponytail sparring with Megumi Fushiguro, while the others watched from the sidelines.

"Everyone~ Look over here!" Gojo cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted. "I brought some friends!"

Yuji was the first to turn around. Seeing Sukuna and Yukino, he jumped up, waving excitedly. "Oh! It's Sukuna-sensei and Yukinoshita-senpai!"

"Who?" Nobara Kugisaki asked, turning around. "Yukinoshita? That name sounds familiar..."

"She was the backup at the juvenile detention center!" Yuji reminded her.

"Oh! I remember now! The other vessel, the one Fushiguro said was a beauty." Nobara's eyes widened in recognition.

She had been injured and left early during that mission, so she hadn't met Yukino or Sukuna, who had only obtained his body later.

As they spoke, Sukuna and the others approached. Megumi and the ponytail girl stopped their training and joined the group.

"Alright, allow me to introduce our first and second-year students!"

Gojo stepped forward and began the introductions.

"Yuji Itadori! Sukuna's vessel! I'm sure Sukuna and Yukinoshita are already familiar with him."

"Yo! I'm Yuji Itadori! Nice to meet you!" Yuji grinned.

Gojo then dragged Megumi over, who was glaring at him for being unceremoniously pulled by the collar.

"Megumi Fushiguro! A Grade 2 sorcerer. His strength is exceptional, even among the second-years!"

"Hello," Megumi said with a reluctant nod.

"Nobara Kugisaki! The only girl in the first-year class. Her personality and strength are both outstanding!"

"Yo! Nice to meet you all," Nobara greeted them confidently.

"Maki Zenin! A second-year cursed tool user. She's a Grade 4 sorcerer, but don't underestimate her." Gojo patted the girl with the high ponytail who had been sparring with Megumi.

"Are these guys new first-years?" Maki looked them over with a critical eye.

"Toge Inumaki! A cursed speech user. He's a semi-Grade 1 sorcerer. Due to the nature of his technique, he can't speak normally, so he uses rice ball ingredients as substitutes!"

"Kelp," the silver-haired boy nodded.

"And finally, Panda!" Gojo spread his arms wide, gesturing to the only non-human in the group. "As you can see, he's a panda!"

A panda can be a jujutsu sorcerer?

Hachiman and Komachi were both bewildered. This trip was full of surprises.

Since seeing the Jujutsu High students, Yukino's eyes had been glued to Panda. She was clearly trying to suppress some strong urge.

"Nice to meet you all," Panda said, raising a paw in greeting.

Yukino, Hachiman, and Komachi's jaws dropped.

The panda just spoke!.