[14] The Calm Before

The next morning found me back in the library, surrounded by stacks of books on cursed energy manipulation. My conversation with Fushiguro had only strengthened my resolve. I'd show him - show all of them - what I was capable of.

I flipped through page after page, my eyes scanning for anything that might give me an edge. A diagram caught my attention - a detailed illustration of cursed energy flowing through the body. 

"Interesting choice of reading material," a voice said from behind me.

I turned to see Gojo leaning against a bookshelf, his ever-present sunglasses hiding his eyes. 

"Just doing some research," I said, trying to keep my tone casual.

Gojo nodded, moving closer to examine the book I was reading. "Cursed energy flow, huh? Thinking of new ways to apply your technique?"

I hesitated, then decided to take a risk. "Actually, I was wondering... is it possible to use cursed energy as a kind of coating over the body?"

Gojo's eyebrows rose above his sunglasses. "Theoretically, yes. Why do you ask?"

I took a deep breath. "I was thinking... if cursed techniques have a reversal ability, the opposite of my ability would be decelerating, right? So if I used that, could it create something similar to your Infinity?"

For a moment, Gojo was silent. Then, to my surprise, he laughed. "You don't think small, do you, Akuma?"

"Is it that ridiculous of an idea?"

Gojo shook his head, his expression turning serious. "Not ridiculous. Ambitious. And potentially very dangerous."

"But is it possible?" I pressed.

Gojo sighed, removing his sunglasses to meet my gaze directly. His piercing blue eyes were intense, almost unsettling in their focus.

"Possible? Yes. Advisable? That's another question entirely." He paused, seeming to choose his next words carefully. "Akuma, the techniques you're talking about... they're not just powerful. They're fundamentally altering the way cursed energy interacts with reality."

I nodded, excitement building despite his cautionary tone. "Exactly. The potential applications are-"

"Vast," Gojo cut me off. "And vastly unpredictable. You're talking about bending the laws of physics, Akuma. That's not something to be taken lightly."

"I'm not taking it lightly. I'm trying to understand it, to push the boundaries of what's possible."

Gojo's expression softened slightly. "I get it. Believe me, I do. But there's a reason these techniques are considered advanced, even forbidden in some cases. The risks..."

"I can handle the risks," I said, more sharply than I intended.

Gojo was quiet for a long moment, his gaze searching. Finally, he spoke. "Okay. If you're serious about this, we'll explore it. But we do it my way. Slowly. Carefully. Deal?"

I nodded, trying to hide my excitement. "Deal."

As Gojo turned to leave, he paused, looking back at me. "One more thing, Akuma. Promise me you won't try any of this on your own. Not until we've worked through it together."

I hesitated, but the intensity in his eyes left no room for argument. "I promise."

Gojo nodded, seeming satisfied. As he walked away, I turned back to my books. I had no intention of breaking my promise to Gojo. But that didn't mean I couldn't keep researching, keep planning. After all, knowledge was power. And I intended to become very, very powerful indeed.

By the time evening rolled around, I was physically exhausted but mentally wired. Sleep felt like a distant impossibility.

I found myself wandering the grounds of Jujutsu Tech, the cool night air a welcome relief after the stuffy library. The moon hung low and heavy in the sky, casting everything in a silvery glow.

As I rounded a corner, I nearly collided with someone. Stepping back, I recognized Nobara, looking as surprised to see me as I was to see her.

"Kantaro," she said, nodding in acknowledgment. "Bit late for a stroll, isn't it?"

I shrugged. "Could say the same to you."

A ghost of a smile flickered across her face. "Touché."

I leaned against the wall, watching Nobara with a mix of curiosity and wariness. Her presence here, at this hour, was unexpected. But then again, so was mine.

"Couldn't relax?" I asked, breaking the silence.

She shrugged. "Too much on my mind. You?"

"Same," I admitted. No point in lying. 

Nobara's eyes narrowed, studying me. "You've been pushing yourself hard lately. In training, I mean."

I raised an eyebrow. "You noticed?"

"Hard not to," she said with a snort. "You're always the last one to come back to the dorms."

I didn't respond immediately. It was true, I had been pushing myself to the limit. The power I'd glimpsed in those ancient texts... it called to me. Demanded my attention.

"There's a lot to learn," I said finally. "And not much time to learn it."

Nobara nodded, her expression thoughtful. "True. But you know, there's such a thing as burnout. Even for jujutsu sorcerers."

I waved off her concern. "I can handle it."

"Can you?" she challenged, taking a step closer. "Because from where I'm standing, you look like you're about two seconds away from collapsing."

I bristled at her words, but before I could retort, she held up a hand.

"Look, I get it. We're all feeling the pressure. But running yourself into the ground isn't going to help anyone."

I wanted to argue, to tell her she didn't understand. But the truth was, exhaustion was creeping up on me. My limbs felt heavy, my mind foggy.

"What do you suggest? Take a vacation?"

Nobara rolled her eyes. "Don't be an idiot. I'm saying maybe take a breather once in a while. Do something that isn't training or studying."

I scoffed. "Like what?"

A mischievous glint appeared in her eye. "Well, since we're both up... how about a little adventure?"

I eyed her warily. "What kind of adventure?"

Nobara grinned. "There's this place in Shibuya I've been wanting to check out. Supposed to be a hotspot for curse activity."

"And you want to go there in the middle of the night?" I asked, incredulous.

She shrugged. "Why not? We're jujutsu sorcerers, aren't we? Besides, it'll be good practice."

I hesitated. It was reckless, potentially dangerous. But the idea of action, of doing something other than poring over dusty tomes, was tempting.

"Alright," I said finally. "But if Yaga finds out-"

"He won't," Nobara interrupted, her grin widening. "Unless you plan on telling him?"

I shook my head, a reluctant smile tugging at my lips. "Let's go."

We navigated the quiet streets of Tokyo, Nobara leading the way with confidence. I kept my senses alert, scanning for any hint of cursed energy.

"So," Nobara said as we walked, "what's really driving you? All this extra training, I mean."

I glanced at her, considering my words carefully. "I need to get stronger. Fast."

"We all do," she countered. "But you're taking it to another level. Why?"

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "You wouldn't understand."

Nobara stopped walking, turning to face me with a fierce expression. "Try me."

I met her gaze. For a moment, I was tempted to brush her off, to keep my motivations to myself. But something in her eyes made me reconsider.

"I made a deal," I said finally. "With Gojo. He helps the orphanage where I grew up, and in return..."

"You become a jujutsu sorcerer," Nobara finished, understanding dawning on her face.

I nodded. "But it's more than that. I have to surpass him. Become stronger than the strongest."

Nobara whistled low. "That's... ambitious."

"It's necessary," I said firmly. "For the kids at the orphanage. For... for me."

She studied me for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Then, to my surprise, she punched me lightly on the arm.

"Idiot," she said, but her tone was almost fond. "You could have just said that from the beginning."

I blinked, caught off guard by her reaction. "What?"

Nobara rolled her eyes. "Look, I get it. You've got your reasons for pushing yourself. But you don't have to do it alone, you know?"

I opened my mouth to respond, but she cut me off.

"We're a team now, whether you like it or not. So next time you're feeling overwhelmed, just... talk to us, okay? Me, Yuji, even that stick-in-the-mud Fushiguro. We've got your back."

Her words hit me harder than I expected. The idea of relying on others, of not carrying this burden alone... it was foreign. Uncomfortable. But not entirely unwelcome.

"I'll... think about it," I said finally.

Nobara grinned. "That's all I ask. Now come on, we've got some curses to hunt."

As we continued our trek through the city, I found myself stealing glances at Nobara. Maybe I had underestimated her. Underestimated all of them.

I stepped out of the train station, the cool Shibuya air hitting my face. Something was off.

Nobara bounded past me, her eyes wide as she took in the bustling streets and towering buildings. "This is amazing! Look at all these people!"

I scanned the area, my senses on high alert. No massive amount of cursed energy. Strange for a place usually crawling with spirits.

"You feeling okay, city boy?" Nobara elbowed me, grinning. "Don't tell me you're overwhelmed by your own turf."

I raised an eyebrow. "Hardly. Just surprised at how... quiet it is."

"Quiet?" She laughed. "Are we in the same place? This is the loudest thing I've ever seen!"

"Not that kind of quiet." I lowered my voice. "There's barely any cursed energy. At all."

Her smile faltered for a second before brightening again. "Oh, that! Well, maybe we just got lucky. No reason to waste a perfectly good day in the city, right?"

I studied her face. The slight flush in her cheeks, the way her eyes darted around a bit too quickly. She was lying. Badly.

"Nobara," I said, crossing my arms. "Did you drag me out here under false pretenses?"

She huffed, crossing her arms right back at me. "And what if I did? Is it so wrong to want to hang out with a friend without some life-or-death situation breathing down our necks?"

"Friend?"

"Don't let it go to your head," she said, rolling her eyes. "Now, are you going to be a proper host and show me around, or what?"

"Fine," I said, uncrossing my arms. "But next time, just ask. No need for elaborate schemes."

"Where's the fun in that?" She grinned, linking her arm through mine. "Now, show me the sights, city boy. I want to see everything!"

I shook my head, but couldn't quite suppress a smile. "Alright, country girl. Let's start with Scramble Crossing. Try not to get trampled."

We made our way through the sea of people, Nobara's eyes darting everywhere, trying to take it all in at once. I found myself seeing the familiar sights through new eyes, noticing details I'd long since stopped paying attention to.

"How do you not get lost here?" Nobara asked as we navigated another crowded street. "Everything looks the same!"

I smirked. "It's all about landmarks. See that building with the giant screen? That's your north star. Always know where it is, and you'll never get lost."

She nodded, her brow furrowed in concentration. "Got it. Giant screen equals not lost. What's next on the tour?"

"Hungry?" I asked, already knowing the answer. Nobara was always hungry. "I know a place nearby that does amazing takoyaki."

Her eyes lit up. "Lead the way!"

As we walked, I found myself relaxing, the constant vigilance I usually maintained easing just a fraction. It was... nice, I realized with some surprise. Just being a normal teenager for once, showing a friend around the city.

We reached the takoyaki stand, a small, unassuming place tucked away in a side street. The smell of grilling octopus and spices filled the air.

"Two orders," I told the vendor, pulling out my wallet.

Nobara tried to protest, but I waved her off. "My treat. Consider it payment for your elaborate ruse to get me out here."

She stuck her tongue out at me but didn't argue further. We found a nearby bench and sat down to eat.

"Oh my god," Nobara moaned around a mouthful of takoyaki. "This is amazing. How is this so good?"

I grinned, popping one into my own mouth. The familiar burst of flavors – savory octopus, crispy batter, tangy sauce – was as good as I remembered. "Told you. Best in Shibuya."

"Best in Tokyo, you mean," she corrected, already reaching for another. "Maybe even all of Japan."

We ate in companionable silence for a few minutes, people-watching as the crowds flowed around us. It was strange, I realized, how easily we'd fallen into this. No cursed spirits, no life-or-death battles. Just two friends enjoying a nice evening.

"So," Nobara said, licking sauce off her fingers. "What's next on our grand tour?"

I considered for a moment. "How do you feel about heights?"

Her eyes narrowed. "Why?"

"There's an observation deck nearby. Best view of the city you'll ever see."

She hesitated, then nodded. "Alright, let's do it. But if I puke, I'm aiming for your shoes."

I laughed, standing up and offering her a hand. "Duly noted. Come on, it's this way."

As we walked, Nobara peppered me with questions about the city, about growing up here, about my life before Jujutsu Tech. I found myself answering more honestly than I usually would, caught up in the easy rhythm of our conversation.

"What about you?" I asked as we waited for the elevator to the observation deck. "What was it like growing up in the countryside?"

She shrugged, a shadow passing over her face. "Boring. Suffocating. Everyone knows everyone else's business. No privacy, no room to breathe."

I nodded, understanding more than I let on. Even in a city as big as Tokyo, I'd often felt trapped, hemmed in by expectations and obligations.

The elevator dinged, and we stepped inside. Nobara's hand tightened on the railing as we started to ascend, her knuckles turning white.

"You okay?" 

She nodded tightly. "Fine. Just... not a huge fan of heights."

I raised an eyebrow. "And you agreed to come up here anyway?"

"Shut up," she muttered. "I'm expanding my horizons."

The doors opened, and we stepped out onto the observation deck. Nobara's eyes went wide as she took in the view, momentarily forgetting her fear.

"Holy shit," she breathed.

I had to agree. The city spread out before us, a sea of lights stretching as far as the eye could see. 

"It's incredible," Nobara said, her voice soft with awe. "I've never seen anything like it."

I nodded, leaning against the railing. "Yeah, it's pretty spectacular."

We stood there in silence for a while, just taking it all in. I found myself sneaking glances at Nobara, watching the play of emotions across her face as she gazed out at the city.

"Thanks," she said suddenly, not looking at me. "For doing this. For going along with my stupid plan."

I shrugged, feeling awkward. "It's fine. I... I'm having fun, actually."

She turned to me then, a sly grin on her face. "Don't sound so surprised. I'll have you know I'm excellent company."

I rolled my eyes, but couldn't help smiling back. "Whatever you say, country girl."

We spent another hour up there, Nobara asking questions about different landmarks, me doing my best to answer. 

"So," I said as we emerged from the building. "What's the verdict? How does Shibuya stack up to the countryside?"

Nobara considered for a moment. "It's... different. Louder, faster. But also kind of exciting. I can see why you like it here."

I nodded, surprised by how pleased I felt at her approval. "It grows on you."

We started walking again, no particular destination in mind. "You know," Nobara said, her voice casual. "We should do this again sometime. Maybe check out some of those other places you mentioned."

I glanced at her. "Yeah?"

She nodded, not quite meeting my eyes. "Yeah. I mean, if you want to. No pressure or anything."

I considered for a moment. The responsible thing would be to say no, to focus on our training, on the very real dangers we faced every day. But looking at Nobara, seeing the hopeful look she was trying so hard to hide, I found myself nodding.

"Sure," I said. "Why not? Someone's got to make sure you don't get lost in the big city."

She punched my arm, but she was grinning. "Jerk. I'll have you know I have an excellent sense of direction."

"Uh-huh," I said, unconvinced. "Is that why you almost walked into traffic three times today?"

"That was... intentional," she said, her cheeks flushing. "I was testing your reflexes."

I laughed, shaking my head. "Whatever you say, Nobara."

…

July 3rd, 2020

West Tokyo City

Eishuu Juvenile Detention Center

A tremor rippled through the unseen world. Within the walls of Eishuu, something stirred –  two curse wombs witnessed by several civilians. Whispers reached Jujutsu Tech of an apparition with immense power... two potential Special Grade threats had been born.

No time for deliberation. Four Jujutsu Tech first-years received their orders – an urgent deployment, the harsh reality of their chosen path thrust upon them. Itadori, Kugisaki, Fushiguro... and Kantaro.  And of these four, one would not return.