Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Gojo Satoru leaned back in his chair, his trademark white hair seemingly defying gravity as he listened to the higher-ups discussing Augus' situation. Augus was a real enigma, and Gojo couldn't help but be intrigued by the boy's predicament. He ran his fingers through his hair, ruffling it as he processed the information.

"Either Augus has no idea about the curse spirit inhabiting him, or he's aware and is desperately searching for a way to separate himself from it," Gojo thought, his sapphire-blue eyes filled with an intense curiosity. 

Gojo was almost certain it was the latter. Augus seemed like the kind of guy who wouldn't sit idly by, especially if he knew something as dangerous as a curse spirit was lurking within him. But the fact that the spirit had managed to hide itself so effectively impressed Gojo. It had evaded even his keen senses, a rare feat indeed.

He glanced at the documents and reports scattered on his desk, filled with details of Augus' strange case. "This curse spirit is no ordinary one," Gojo muttered to himself, a hint of curiosity in his voice. He had encountered countless curses in his lifetime, but this one was different.

The higher-ups were calling for Augus' execution, and Gojo couldn't help but feel conflicted. A brief memory of his former friend, now deceased, flashed through his mind. They had been through thick and thin together, facing unimaginable challenges. Augus reminded him of his friend in many ways, and that made it even harder to accept his fate. 

How had they found out about Augus' secret? It was a no-brainer, really. Augus's rapid healing ability had raised eyebrows from the beginning. The Reverse Curse technique could mend many wounds, but it couldn't bring back the dead. Gojo had noticed it too. Augus's recovery was nothing short of miraculous.

And then there was the residue. Gojo had detected it weeks before, during an encounter with a particularly troublesome curse spirit. It was a residue of the same curse that now resided within Augus. They had tried to seal the spirit away, but instead, it had grown stronger. It was as if Augus had become a vessel for something truly bizarre.

Gojo sighed, realizing the complexity of the situation. Augus was no ordinary sorcerer, and his connection to this curse spirit went beyond the norm. He couldn't help but wonder what Augus knew, what secrets he held about the curse spirit within him.

As he continued to listen to the discussions of the higher-ups, Gojo couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Augus's story than met the eye. He would need to dig deeper, uncover the truth, and make a decision that would determine Augus's fate.

(***)

Gojo Satoru couldn't contain his curiosity any longer and finally spoke up. "So, the higher-ups are calling for Augus' execution. Is that really the best course of action?"

One of the council members, a stern man with glasses, responded firmly, "Gojo, you know as well as we do that this curse spirit within Augus poses a grave threat. We can't afford to let it run rampant."

Gojo smirked, his nonchalant demeanor contrasting sharply with the tension in the room. "You really think it's that easy? Killing Augus won't solve the problem. In fact, it might make it worse."

A council member, known for his impatience, growled, "The boy is a host to a curse spirit beyond our understanding. We can't take any chances."

Another member of the council spoke up. "It's powers are growing at an alarming rate. He's already a danger to himself and others. We can't afford to wait."

Gojo's jaw clenched slightly, but he remained composed. "I'm not saying we wait, but we need a plan. Augus already faced this thing before, he might hold the key to dealing with this curse spirit, and if we kill him, that knowledge dies with him. The fact that its even sealed inside him should already give you a hint that this thing ain't invincible."

The council members exchanged glances, torn between their duty to eliminate threats and Gojo's compelling argument. "Gojo, what do you suggest we do then?"

Gojo leaned forward again, a sly grin on his face. "We keep Augus alive, but under strict supervision. Study the curse spirit, find its vulnerabilities, and then deal with it accordingly. Killing Augus now would be premature."

The tension in the room thickened as the council members contemplated Gojo's proposal. It was a risky move, but it held the promise of unraveling the mysteries surrounding Augus and the curse spirit.

A younger council member, with a hint of skepticism in his voice, asked, "And what if Augus can't control the curse spirit within him? What if it breaks free?"

Gojo's grin widened, his confidence unwavering. "That's where I come in. I'll make sure Augus doesn't get out of line. I'll keep him in check."

The room fell silent, the weight of the decision hanging in the air. Augus's fate remained uncertain, and Gojo knew that he had a difficult path ahead of him. He was determined to uncover the truth, no matter where it led.

(***)

The next day, as Augus walked alongside Gojo from Jujutsu High, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. His brow furrowed in deep thought; had they already uncovered the truth, that he and the Void Fiend were one and the same? The mere idea sent shivers down his spine. Augus hadn't fully mastered his curse form yet, and if they knew his secret, it would likely mean a death sentence issued by the Jujutsu council, with Gojo as his executioner. It was a grim prospect he wasn't ready to face.

As they walked, Gojo's piercing blue eyes flicked toward Augus, as if sensing his unease. Augus couldn't help but wonder if Gojo was privy to his inner turmoil. Finally, Gojo broke the silence, his voice casual, yet laced with curiosity.

"Why did you lie about your condition?" he asked, his tone as enigmatic as ever.

Augus hesitated for a moment, then replied honestly, "I'm not too keen on being executed, Gojo."

To his surprise, Gojo burst into laughter, his signature grin widening. "Ah, you catch on quickly, don't you? You're already one step ahead."

Augus blinked, baffled by Gojo's response. "One step ahead of what?"

Gojo's laughter subsided, replaced by a more serious expression. "You're not going to be killed, Augus. Not until we figure out exactly what that curse spirit inside you is."

The weight of Gojo's words hung heavily in the air. Augus couldn't help but ask, "What else is there to figure out? I've got an evil spirit dwelling inside me."

Gojo chuckled, a wicked glint in his eye. "Oh, it's no ordinary spirit. It's one that can't even be sealed away."

Augus frowned, realization dawning upon him. "So, you've already tried to seal me away with it?"

Gojo nodded, confirming Augus's suspicions. "Yep, but it didn't work. This curse spirit is...unique."

Though Augus felt a strange sense of relief that they hadn't managed to seal the him, he was still curious about their current location and purpose. They had ventured far from the school grounds, and it was clear that something was brewing. Augus couldn't help but voice his curiosity.

"Why are we so far from the school, Gojo-sensei? What's going on?"

Gojo's answer sent a chill down Augus's spine. "We're here to fight."

Augus blinked, his mind struggling to process Gojo's words. "Who am I supposed to fight?"

Gojo's grin widened, and he looked at Augus with a glint of mischief in his eyes. "You'll be fighting me, Augus."

The young man's heart skipped a beat. It was becoming increasingly apparent that everyone, including Gojo, believed that he and the Void Fiend were separate entities. Relief washed over him briefly before being replaced by a sense of dread. Fighting Gojo, the most powerful sorcerers in the world, was a daunting prospect.

Augus couldn't help but mutter under his breath, "Well... fuck me side ways."

Gojo, misunderstanding Augus's hesitation, flashed his signature confident grin and placed a reassuring hand on the young man's shoulder. "Don't worry, Augus. I'm the strongest, after all. You'll be just fine."

Augus couldn't help but hide a snort, remembering the infamous Chapter 236 and the controversies it had stirred within the fanbase. The author's apparent disdain for Gojo's overwhelming strength had become a running joke among fans. Still, he appreciated Gojo's attempt to ease his nerves.

Augus couldn't help but ask, "So, how long are we going to fight?"

Gojo flashed his confident grin. "Just one minute. That should be enough."

"So, just one minute, huh?" Augus said, his voice tinged with uncertainty. He knew he had to play his part well, but the tension in the air was palpable.

Gojo nodded, his confidence unwavering. "Yep, don't worry, I won't go too hard on you."

Augus forced a chuckle, trying to appear more composed than he felt. "Gee, thanks."

Gojo, noticing Augus's contemplative expression, raised an eyebrow. " Something on your mind?"

Augus pretended to hesitate before answering, "Well, I'm not sure if I can transform at will."

Gojo's expression shifted to one of concern. "That's unusual. I thought you had some control over it."

Without warning, he initiated his transformation. Gojo's eyes widened in genuine surprise as he watched Augus undergo a gruesome and violent change, emerging in his curse form. The shock on Gojo's face was unmistakable.

Even Augus was still not use to his violent transformation of his body exploding. Blood and guts scattered everywhere.

"Was that really necessary?" Gojo asked, his voice tinged with bewilderment.

Augus, now standing in his curse form, remained silent, playing his part to perfection. Gojo's Rikugan allowed him to sense the immense and unsettling surge of curse energy emanating from Augus. It was far more powerful and ominous than Gojo had anticipated.

Unable to contain his curiosity, Gojo questioned, "Augus, can you hear me? Are you in control?"

In response, Augus extended the chainsaw blades from his forearms, his eyes glowing with an eerie intensity. Gojo could feel the immense pressure and threat radiating from Augus, but he still couldn't quite grasp the true nature of the situation.

"Looks like I have to put this dog on a tighter leash." Gojo couldn't resist a chuckle, though there was a touch of uncertainty in it. "Going all out already, huh? Well, let's make this interesting."

He began to chant, his voice steady but tinged with a hint of excitement. "Nine Ropes. Polarized Light. Crow and Declaration. Between Front and Back."

Augus watched closely, recognizing the intricate hand movements that signaled Gojo's use of the Hollow Purple technique. He braced himself for the impending clash, his heart pounding with anticipation. The atmosphere crackled with tension as the battle between them loomed on the horizon.

As the orb of destructive energy, Hollow Purple, shot forth toward Augus, the Void Fiend within him responded with a swift and devastating attack. Augus raised his right arm, and the chainsaw blades came to life, slashing through the air with a savage ferocity. The collision of Hollow Purple and the Void Fiend's power created an explosion of immense proportions, a cataclysmic clash of forces that sent shockwaves rippling through the surroundings.

In that moment, as the powers collided and the very air trembled with the intensity of their confrontation, Gojo couldn't help but feel a surge of exhilaration. 

(***)

The explosion reverberated through the area, causing concern and confusion among Maki, Yuta, Panda, and Toge. They swiftly armed themselves, ready to face a potential threat. Their instincts kicked in, and they shared uneasy glances, wondering about the source of the massive blast.

However, before they could make any further moves, Principal Yaga appeared, intercepting them with a composed demeanor. He raised his hand to reassure them, saying, "There's no need to worry, my students. We're not under attack."

Yuta, fueled by curiosity, couldn't help but ask, "Then what caused the explosion, Principal Yaga?"

Yaga gave them a knowing smile. "It appears Gojo Satoru and Augus are simply sparring, testing their abilities."

Understanding the message, the four students nodded in unison and began to backtrack, putting their trust in their experienced mentors to handle the situation.

As they departed, Yaga turned his gaze toward the distant explosion, his words a quiet murmur. "I hope Gojo knows what he's doing."

***

Meanwhile, amidst the aftermath of the clash, Gojo surveyed the immense ravine they had created, his nonchalant whistle slicing through the tense air. His eyes settled on Augus, who remained silent but watchful, his curse form exuding a predatory aura.

"You've got quite the temper," Gojo remarked, his tone laced with a hint of amusement. "But it seems like you don't have any control."

Augus's crimson eyes bore into Gojo, a mixture of determination and frustration swirling within them. His chainsaw roared to life once more as he lunged toward Gojo, the cacophonous noise of the blades filling the air.

Gojo, unfazed, raised an eyebrow. "Eager, aren't we?"

But then, something changed. Augus brought the chainsaw down, and to his astonishment, it stopped just a foot away from Gojo's neck, suspended in mid-air. Gojo's eyes sparkled with amusement as he taunted the Void Fiend.

"You almost had me there," Gojo said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Not bad for a warm-up."

However, his amusement shifted to realization as he examined the chainsaw blades. "But something's not right here."

The tension in the air grew palpable as Gojo's expression turned serious. Augus, still in his curse form, clenched his bladed arms, determination written all over him.

Gojo couldn't resist a smirk as he continued, "Your blades seem to bypass my Infinity." With a swift motion, Gojo reached up and removed his blindfold, revealing his piercing blue eyes. His expression turned serious as he locked his gaze with Augus'.

Augus let out a deafening roar, the sound echoing through the ravine as his chainsaw blades buzzed with renewed intensity. His crimson eyes, remained locked onto Gojo, who had taken off his blindfold and was ready to face the full brunt of Augus's power.