Becoming Sukuna

The Yukinoshita family home was located in the central district of Chiba.

Surprisingly, it was a traditional Japanese mansion, quite spacious for such a prime location. But then again, the Yukinoshitas were a prominent family in Chiba.

Yukino stood on the veranda, gazing at the sky, her long hair swaying in the breeze.

The weather wasn't great today. Dark clouds filled the sky, and the air was humid and oppressive.

It looked like it was going to rain soon.

Sukuna-kun, what are you doing now?*

It had been two weeks since she returned to the family home.

Sukuna was currently staying at her apartment. With the skills he had learned from her, he shouldn't starve.

But with his lazy personality…

"Oh? Yukino-chan?" An annoying voice interrupted her thoughts. "What are you looking at?"

Haruno came up behind her, following her gaze. "There's no Sukuna-kun in the sky, you know."

"Onee-chan..."

Yukino turned around, rolling her eyes at her sister's teasing smile.

"Come on, let's go inside. It's about to rain."

Haruno went back inside, and Yukino followed.

They found their mother gracefully preparing tea.

"Yukino, Haruno, you're here." She greeted them with a gentle smile, then continued her task.

She poured them each a cup of tea. "Have a seat."

Yukino sat down properly, while Haruno casually sat cross-legged.

"...Onee-chan!" Yukino hissed.

But Haruno ignored her, grinning. "What?"

Seeing her daughter's improper posture, Mrs. Yukinoshita frowned. "Haruno, sit properly."

See? Mom is angry.

"But I want to relax at home. There's no one else here."

But to Yukino's surprise, Haruno didn't correct her posture and even talked back to their mother!

"It doesn't matter if there are other people here or not. It's about developing good habits," Mrs. Yukinoshita said sternly. "It's not easy to correct bad habits once they're formed. I taught you this a long time ago."

"But it's tiring. I don't want to be tense even at home~" Haruno whined playfully.

Her voice was sweet and charming, but Yukino sensed something amiss.

Something's wrong. Haruno is acting strange.

"If I can't even relax at home, then I might just run away and never come back, like Yukino-chan."

Her seemingly playful words carried a subtle threat.

How dare you talk to Mom like that?!

Yukino was shocked.

Mom is definitely going to get angry now.

"Haruno!"

Mrs. Yukinoshita's voice rose in anger. Yukino flinched.

But Haruno ignored her and finished her tea.

Oh no, she's gone crazy.

Although Haruno was no match for her physically, Yukino couldn't help but feel scared.

"Attention! I have something to report!" Haruno suddenly raised her hand like an elementary school student. "Yukino wants to run away! She said she can't stand this house anymore and wants to go back to her apartment!"

"Onee-chan?!"

Yukino's eyes widened in disbelief.

You're slandering me!

But to their mother, her reaction seemed like confirmation.

"Yukino, is this true?" There was a hint of sadness in her eyes.

"No..." Yukino started to deny it, then hesitated. "I do want to go back, but it's not as bad as she said."

"Why? Do you also find my discipline too strict and annoying?"

Although her mother's voice was calm, it sounded like an interrogation to Yukino.

"No, I didn't…" Yukino mumbled, lowering her head and discreetly glaring at her sister.

Haruno, feigning ignorance, yawned dramatically. "I'm a bit sleepy. I'm going to take a nap." She got up. "Good afternoon, Mother."

Mrs. Yukinoshita watched her eldest daughter leave, a hint of sadness in her eyes. Once Haruno was gone, she sighed softly and resumed making tea.

"I-I'm going back to my room to read," Yukino said, feeling increasingly uncomfortable. She quickly excused herself and practically fled.

The long-awaited downpour finally arrived, starting with a few scattered drops, then quickly intensifying into a torrential rain. The rain blurred the outlines of the distant buildings, creating a curtain of white streaks.

Haruno looked up at the overcast sky, her gaze seemingly piercing through the thick clouds to the starry expanse beyond.

Yukino quickly caught up with Haruno.

Raindrops drifted through the corridor, landing on their faces.

Yukino slowed down, gazing at her sister's serene profile. A fleeting expression of melancholy crossed Haruno's face, then quickly vanished.

"Ah, it's Yukino-chan." Haruno regained her composure and turned to her sister with a perfect smile.

"Onee-chan..." Yukino began, "why did you lie to Mom about me?"

"Well, I didn't want to get scolded~" Haruno grinned playfully. "Besides, it wasn't entirely a lie, was it? You practically admitted it yourself."

"But you exaggerated!" Yukino's voice rose in indignation.

"Sorry, sorry." Haruno clasped her hands together, trying to look cute.

"Whatever. I actually wanted to ask you something else." Yukino hesitated, then asked, "Are you in charge of the fireworks festival this year?"

"Eh? Well, most likely." Haruno blinked, surprised by the question. "Why? Do you want to help?"

Then, as if realizing something, her smile faltered. "But Mom probably won't let you get involved. If you have any ideas, you can tell me, though."

"No, I actually wanted to ask you to help me pick out a gift."

Haruno's melancholy instantly vanished, replaced by intense curiosity. "For Sukuna-kun? Are you planning to confess to him at the fireworks festival?"

"C-confess?! Onee-chan!" Yukino blushed. "I just want to thank him for everything, that's all!"

Haruno stared at her sister, trying to see through her facade. Yukino met her gaze without flinching.

After a moment, Haruno looked away, disappointed. "How boring."

They went to Yukino's room. Haruno flopped onto the bed. "So, you want me to help you pick out a gift?"

"I already know what I want to get him, but I haven't decided on the specifics."

"What are you planning to get him?"

"A yukata."

"See? You do have feelings for him!"

Haruno sat up, energized.

In Japan, a woman gifting a man a yukata was a significant gesture, implying a deep connection and a promise of commitment.

"I didn't know Yukino-chan was so bold~"

Yukino realized she needed to clarify. "A woman's yukata."

"Eh?" Haruno blinked, confused.

"I'm going to get him a woman's yukata. A white one."

"Did Sukuna-kun do something to upset you? A good yukata isn't cheap. Are you going to spend a fortune just to humiliate him?"

Haruno tried to dissuade her.

"That's not what I… Just look at this."

Yukino showed her a picture she had taken during the summer camp. It was Sukuna in the Yuki-Onna yukata, standing in front of the shrine.

"What, what? Let me see."

Haruno took the phone and was instantly captivated by the image.

A young man in a light blue yukata stood in the serene forest, moonlight casting a soft glow on him.

His posture was elegant, like a bamboo swaying in the wind.

His eyes, like red agates, shone brightly in the darkness.

"I never thought I'd see a man who looks better in a woman's yukata than I do… I think I understand what you mean now," Haruno murmured, a mix of emotions swirling within her.

She swiped to the next photo, then nearly dropped the phone in shock.

It was still Sukuna , but his appearance was drastically different: a towering figure with four eyes, four arms, black markings, and a terrifying grin.

"Is… is this Sukuna-kun's true form?"

Haruno had finally gotten used to Sukuna's personality, but this photo shattered her understanding of him.

Have I been too casual around him?

"He said it was his second stage," Yukino replied.

"Does he have a third stage too?" Haruno asked, alarmed.

If his second stage is like this, how terrifying would his third stage be?

"I don't know, but he used this form to scare the kids during the test of courage."

"..."

Haruno was speechless, then realized that her fear was probably unwarranted.

"Okay, I understand. Let's go pick out a yukata together. We can go to the shop where we usually get our kimonos made." Then, she giggled. "We'll have to keep this from Mom, though. If she finds out you're buying a yukata for a guy, she'll explode."

"That would be interesting, shouldn't we tell her?" Yukino teased.

"Onee-chan!"

"Just kidding, Yukino-chan~"

...

"Whew, finally finished with my summer homework~!"

Komachi emerged from her room, stretching dramatically in front of Hachiman.

"Good job, good job," Hachiman praised absentmindedly.

"Then I deserve a reward for studying so hard!" Komachi declared, stepping on Hachiman's stomach with her bare foot.

"Oof!" Hachiman's eyes widened as his game console slipped from his grasp. "What kind of reward do you want? Nothing too expensive, I only have 400 yen left..."

"You can't buy anything with 400 yen, can you?" After her usual retort, Komachi's voice turned sweet. "All I want is to spend some quality time with my dear brother~"

"So, on the day of the fireworks festival, you're coming with me to watch it!"

"Fireworks festival? Sure, no problem."

Hachiman agreed without thinking.

The moment he did, Komachi's expression turned serious. She pulled out her phone and said excitedly, "Did you hear that, Yui-san? Onii-chan agreed!"

"Eh?!" Hachiman sat up abruptly, staring at Komachi in disbelief.

What did she just say?

Yui is coming too?

I've been tricked again!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

August 8th, Shinjuku, Tokyo.

Two large curtains suddenly appeared, and numerous curses emerged, including two special grade curses.

Casualties and missing persons: 786.

Injured: 2489.

Sorcerer deaths: 12.

One special grade sorcerer dead, one missing.

This incident was suspected to be another Hyakki Yagyō, similar to the one caused by the special grade curse user, Suguru Geto.

Jujutsu High's barrier was breached, and several cursed objects were stolen, including six of Sukuna's fingers and the Nine Divine Generals....

Sukuna was sprawled on the sofa in Yukino's apartment, playing video games.

Playing games alone is boring.

He had asked Hachiman to play some online games with him, but Hachiman had declined.

I'll ask Yukinoshita to play with me when she gets back.

But before Yukino returned, he received a call from her.

"What's up?"

"Um, what are you doing?"

"Being bored."

"Want to go to the fireworks festival together?"

Sukuna readily agreed. "Sure, where are you? I'll come get you."

"Let's meet at the station."

Sukuna chuckled. "Sense of ritual, huh? Okay, I got it."

After setting a time, Sukuna changed and headed to the station. To respect Yukino's "sense of ritual," he decided to walk, enjoying the scenery along the way....

"Why do we have to meet at the station? We could just meet there directly," Hachiman grumbled as he waited alone at the train station.

His listless eyes scanned the crowd, his posture making him look suspicious. Several girls even eyed him warily, their hands reaching for their phones, ready to call security.

Komachi had bailed on him at the last minute, using studying as an excuse.

He sighed.

After a while, he heard footsteps approaching.

He looked up and saw a familiar shade of pink, then a bright yellow yukata.

"Sorry, sorry! I was running late."

Yui Yuigahama rushed towards Hachiman, her sandals clattering on the pavement. "Did you wait long?" she asked, a playful smile on her face.

"Oh, um... not really," Hachiman stammered, feeling his cheeks heat up as he met her gaze. He quickly looked away.

That was close. If I were a normal boy, I would have fallen for her.

"That's good, ehehe..." Yui straightened up, fidgeting with her yukata sleeves. "So, how do I look?"

"Ah... Your yukata looks nice." Hachiman quickly changed the subject. "Since you're here, shall we go?"

"Yes!"

They were about to head towards the platform when a familiar voice made Hachiman freeze.

"Well, well, if it isn't dead fish-eyes."

Hachiman turned stiffly to see Sukuna's face.

Why do I keep running into Sukuna-sama everywhere?!

He forced a smile. "Sukuna-sensei, what are you doing here?"

"I'm meeting Yukinoshita to watch the fireworks," Sukuna explained, glancing at Yui. "Looks like you are too."

"Hello, Sukuna-sensei." Yui greeted him politely.

"Hello," Sukunasmiled. "No need to be so formal."

Don't fall for it, that's a trap! Hachiman thought frantically.

"Since we're all going, wait with me. You're not in a hurry, are you?" Sukuna asked.

"N-no!" Yui blushed. 

"It's more fun with more people!"

"The festival is already crowded enough," Hachiman grumbled.

I want to go home.

Yukino soon arrived, her appearance a stark contrast to her usual attire.

Her long black hair was styled in an elegant updo, and she wore light makeup.

Her blue yukata was adorned with white gardenia patterns, and her feet were clad in sandals.

She looked stunning.

"Wow! Yukino, you look so beautiful!" Yui exclaimed.

"Hikigaya-kun, Yuigahama-san..."

Yukino blinked in surprise, then looked at Sukuna.

"I ran into them," Sukuna explained.

"I see." Yukino nodded, then handed him a gift bag.

"What's this?"

"A gift," Yukino smiled faintly. "To thank you."

"I'll gladly accept it." Sukuna opened the bag and found a white yukata inside.

He chuckled. "You're giving me a yukata?"

"You want me to wear this?"

Yukino blushed and nodded.

"...Wearing a yukata is troublesome."

"I can help you," Yukino blurted out.

"...Bold~" Yui whispered.

Yukino blushed. "That's not..."

"Okay, wait here."

Sukuna went to the restroom.

A while later, he returned, dressed in the white yukata.

The yukata fit him perfectly.

"Let's go," Sukuna smiled.

Yukino adjusted his collar. "The white one suits you."

They boarded the train.

"It's 7:30. Should we go home?" Hachiman asked.

"No way! And Komachi sent me a list of things she wants!" Yui retorted.

She opened the email.

What an embarrassing request! Hachiman thought.

"Then let's walk around. What do you think, Sukuna-sensei, Yukinoshita-buchou?"

But they had disappeared.

Hachiman was relieved.

"Did we get separated?" Yui blinked, then turned to Hachiman with a shy smile.

"Okay."

The riverbank was bustling with activity.

Sukuna and Yukino strolled through the crowd, each holding a popsicle.

"It's crowded. Don't get lost," Sukuna said.

It had been a long time since he had experienced such a lively atmosphere.

A man bumped into Sukuna.

Before Yukino could get swept away, Sukuna grabbed her hand.

Sukuna shrugged. "See? I told you."

"Stay close," he said, holding her hand.

"Okay." Yukino nodded, blushing.

Sukuna bought two candied apples. "I've only seen these in anime before."

"You've never had one?"

"Nope." He took a bite.

"Not bad."

They passed a goldfish scooping stall.

Sukuna paid, and Yukino received a net.

She tried to catch a fish, but it escaped.

She tried again, but it failed again.

Sukuna couldn't watch anymore. He used his cursed energy to cheat and caught a fish.

The owner stared in disbelief.

He handed the fish to Yukino, but she refused it.

"That was cheating," Yukino said.

"Did you catch it or not?"

"Why lose when I can win?"

They bickered as the sky darkened.

It was almost time for the fireworks.

They reached the riverbank.

"Let's contact Yuigahama and the others," Yukino said.

"No need, they're over there," Sukuna pointed. Hachiman and Yui were standing in the crowd.

"Then let's head over."

This time, it was Yukino who took Sukuna's hand and led him forward. When they reached Hachiman and Yui, she released his hand and clasped her hands behind her back.

"Ah, Yukino! We were wondering where you went. I was about to call you," Yui said, her face breaking into a bright smile.

"It's almost time. I'll take you to the paid area," Yukino said.

"P-paid area?"

"Don't worry, it's free for us. My father is a prefectural assemblyman," Yukino explained calmly.

"Wow, high society..." Yui was impressed.

Yukino simply smiled faintly.

They reached the paid area, which was noticeably less crowded. There were even seats and food carts.

"Oh, this is more lively than I expected~!"

Haruno's voice came from behind them. She waved a fan as she approached. Her eyes lit up as she saw Sukuna in the yukata. She circled him, admiring his appearance. "Indeed, seeing it in person is much better than in photos."

"It suits you perfectly! Yukino-chan put a lot of effort into choosing it."

"Onee-chan!" Yukino glared at her. "Shouldn't you be attending to the guests?"

"Oh, just let me take a break. I've been working hard all day."

Yukino sighed; there was no point arguing with her sister. Besides, the situation had already gone beyond her expectations. Having Haruno join them wasn't a big deal at this point.

They sat on a bench, gazing at the Hanagawa River.

Suddenly, a firework shot up into the sky, exploding in a burst of color.

It was like a signal. Fireworks erupted all along the riverbank, their bright lights painting the night sky.

The colorful display illuminated the cheering crowd below. Yukino subtly leaned closer to Sukuna, watching the spectacle reflected in his eyes.

The cheers and explosions filled the air, a farewell to summer.

Suddenly, Sukuna's phone vibrated.

It was a call from Ijichi Kiyotaka.