Talking curses? Part 2

Renji raised a hand, and the void trembled. The stars spiraling within the abyss began to collapse inward, each one feeding into a growing singularity at the heart of the domain. The oppressive gravity surged, pulling Jogo toward the center. The cursed spirit writhed, molten energy flaring as he fought against the inevitability of the collapse.

"You've overstepped," Renji said, his voice cold. "This ends now."

But before the singularity could reach critical mass, a familiar voice cut through the chaos, casual yet commanding.

"Hey, Renji. Let him go," Gojo Satoru said, standing just outside the boundaries of the domain. His tone was light, but there was a glimmer of curiosity in his words.

Renji's eyes flickered, his concentration unbroken as he glanced at Gojo. "Why?" he asked, his voice sharp. "He attacked unprovoked. He deserves this."

Gojo chuckled, tilting his head. "Sure, he deserves it. But letting him off with a warning might be more... interesting. I want to see what he and his little friends do next. Call it professional curiosity."

The singularity wavered as Renji hesitated, the swirling cosmos around them dimming slightly. His jaw tightened, frustration flashing in his eyes. "This isn't a game, Satoru. You don't just let curses like this walk away."

Gojo shrugged, his blindfold hiding his gaze but not the amusement in his voice. "Maybe not. But sometimes, giving them a little rope to hang themselves makes for a better outcome. Trust me."

Renji exhaled sharply, his irritation palpable, but he lowered his hand. The singularity dissipated, and the domain unraveled around them. The infinite expanse of stars and fractured space collapsed into nothingness, returning them to the ruined battlefield.

Jogo staggered, disoriented and weak, but still alive. Renji's gaze hardened as he stepped forward, closing the distance between them in an instant. "Don't think this is mercy," he said coldly. Then, with a swift, effortless motion, he delivered a devastating kick to Jogo's head, sending it flying clean off his body.

The cursed spirit's headless form crumpled to the ground, and his head bounced several feet away before landing with a dull thud.

Renji adjusted his glasses, his violet eyes glowing faintly. "You're lucky he's curious," he muttered, turning his back on the fallen curse.

Gojo chuckled, clearly amused. "That's Renji for you—always leaving a lasting impression."

Meanwhile, Yuji was still wide-eyed, his mind spinning from the sheer magnitude of what he'd just witnessed. "That was insane! Renji, you just... brought us into space!"

Renji slid his glasses back on, his tone calm. "Not quite space, but close. I mean, it looks like space. That's the inner world of my technique. That right there is what you would theoretically see right before entering a black hole."

Gojo patted Yuji's shoulder, laughing. "That was a pretty cool domain. You never cease to amaze me Renji."

Just as the mood began to lighten, Renji stiffened, his gaze shifting to the surrounding forest. His expression turned serious. "There's cursed energy nearby... but it's not that volcano idiot. It feels... calmer. Like nature itself."

Gojo's smile faded as he, too, sensed it. "Yeah, I feel it. Strange. And just like that..." He paused as the subtle cursed signatures vanished as quickly as they'd appeared. "...it's gone."

Renji folded his arms, his eyes scanning the shadows. "What do you make of it?"

Gojo tilted his head thoughtfully. "Seems like the curses are working together. Probably with a curse user pulling the strings."

Renji nodded, his voice grim. "That would explain a lot. If they're organized, it's only going to get worse from here."

Gojo smirked, his usual confidence returning. "Then we'll just have to deal with them. One way or another."

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

Gojo and Renji stood before Principal Yaga in his office, the dim light casting long shadows across the stacks of paperwork and various cursed objects that lined the shelves. The room carried an air of authority, amplified by Yaga's stern expression as he listened to their account.

"Talking curses, huh?" Yaga repeated, leaning back in his chair and folding his arms across his chest.

Renji gave a sharp nod. "Yeah. They weren't just talking—they felt... coordinated. This isn't some random incident."

Gojo leaned casually against the wall, his blindfold slightly askew, revealing a glimmer of his piercing gaze. "What do you think, Yaga? Should we handle this proactively? You know me—I'm always ready to stir the pot."

Yaga sighed, clearly weighing his response. He rubbed his temples before answering. "For now, we do nothing."

Renji furrowed his brow, taken aback. "Nothing? With all due respect, Principal Yaga, they're organizing. That's not something we can just sit on."

Yaga met his gaze, his tone firm. "And if you act rashly, you'll only play into their hands. We don't know enough yet. If they're working with a curse user, they'll be expecting retaliation. The best thing we can do now is observe and gather more information."

Gojo chuckled, pushing off the wall. "I get it. You're saying we should play the long game. But you do realize patience isn't exactly my strong suit."

Yaga shot him a pointed look. "That's why I'm telling you now, Gojo. Stay put. Don't act on your own. And that goes for you too, Renji."

Renji frowned but didn't argue, understanding the logic behind Yaga's caution. "Fine. But if they make another move, we can't sit idly by."

Yaga nodded. "Agreed. Until then, I'll work on getting some intel. Gojo, focus on your students—and don't let them catch wind of this. The last thing we need is unnecessary panic."

Gojo sighed dramatically. "Guess we're on babysitting duty for a little longer." He flashed a grin. "But don't worry, Yaga. If something does go down, you know we'll be ready."

Renji gave a curt nod before following Gojo out of the office, the weight of Yaga's words settling in his mind.

As Gojo and Renji walked through the quiet halls of Jujutsu High, the tension from their meeting with Yaga began to ease. The soft glow of the overhead lights reflected off the polished floors, their footsteps echoing faintly.

Renji glanced at Gojo, breaking the silence. "We should probably let Principal Gakuganji know about the talking curses, too. He might not be the most approachable guy, but he needs to hear this."

Gojo smirked, slipping his hands into his pockets. "You're right. As much as the old man and I don't see eye to eye, he's still part of the big picture. Let's head over there tomorrow. But..." He paused, turning his head slightly toward Renji. "Let's leave out the part about Yuji being alive again. No need to add more drama to the mix."

Renji nodded in agreement. "Yeah, no point in stirring that pot until it's absolutely necessary. The fewer people who know, the better."

The pair reached the point where their paths diverged. Renji stopped, turning to Gojo. "Goodnight, Satoru. And... thanks for the McDonald's earlier."

Gojo chuckled, giving him a playful wave. "Don't mention it, kid. I know how to keep my apprentices fueled. Sweet dreams."

Renji smirked faintly before heading off to his room, the lingering weight of their discoveries tempered by the promise of rest. Gojo watched him disappear down the hall before continuing his leisurely stroll, his thoughts already racing ahead to what tomorrow would bring.

The next morning, Principal Gakuganji was reclining in the common room, an air of calm surrounding him as he sipped tea and strummed his shamisen leisurely. The sunlight filtered through the room's paper windows, casting warm patterns on the floor.

The peace was broken when Gojo and Renji walked in, their presence filling the room with a sense of purpose. Following them was Miwa Kasumi, who paused at the entrance and assumed her position as a guard, her usual polite demeanor stiffened by duty.

"Good morning, Gakuganji-sensei," Gojo greeted with his trademark grin as he sat down across from the elder sorcerer. Renji followed suit, a quiet acknowledgment in his tone as he also offered his greetings.

Gakuganji opened one eye, his fingers stopping mid-strum. "What brings the two of you here? It's not often I see you willingly seek me out."

Renji, ignoring the remark, casually pulled a hair tie from his pocket. As he began to tie his hair properly, he replied, "We have information. Thought you'd want to hear it in person."

Gojo leaned back lazily in his seat, adding, "Yeah, and it's not the kind of thing that can wait. Let's just say, things are stirring, and you're going to want to be in the loop."

Gakuganji set his shamisen aside, his expression turning serious. "I'm listening. Speak."

Renji and Gojo exchanged a quick glance, silently deciding who would start. Renji nodded, ready to explain the strange events that had unfolded.

Renji glanced at Gakuganji, his voice cold and unwavering. "First of all, let's stop pretending we don't know what happened. You sent Yuji to his death, Gakuganji. As head of the conservatives, you had a say in that decision."

Gakuganji's eyes narrowed, his tone sharp. "What exactly are you implying, Renji? Do you have no respect for your elders?"

Renji crossed his arms, his violet eyes gleaming with disdain. "I don't have respect for people like you."

The air grew heavy with tension. Miwa, standing guard at the entrance, stiffened and took a step forward. "Renji-san, your behavior is completely out of line!" she protested, her voice trembling slightly as she faced the intimidating sorcerer.

Renji turned his glare on her, his sharp gaze cutting through her protest. Miwa froze mid-step, her words catching in her throat. Slowly, she stepped back into her position, avoiding his eyes.

But in her mind, it was a different story. He looked at me! Renji-kun looked right at me! And Gojo-sensei is here too—this is amazing! she thought, her inner fangirl screaming.

Gojo waved a hand to defuse the tension. "Alright, let's not turn this into a shouting match," he said casually, though his smirk suggested he was enjoying the show. "We're here for a reason."

Renji let out a huff but stepped back, letting Gojo take the lead.

Gojo leaned forward slightly, his tone shifting to something more serious. "We were attacked last night," he said. "An unregistered special grade cursed spirit came after us. Of course, it was easy to deal with."

"But," Renji interjected, his tone grim, "another one showed up immediately after to save it. The second one didn't attack, but it was powerful, and its cursed energy was... different. Calmer, like nature itself."

Gojo nodded. "These curses are working together. And if that's not bad enough, they're speaking Japanese. That means we're likely dealing with a curse user too—someone orchestrating all of this."

Gakuganji furrowed his brow, his expression unreadable.

Renji wasn't finished. "And let's not ignore the bigger picture. In recent years, we've seen more powerful curses and sorcerers appearing. I'm living proof of that. The power that you and the higher-ups have been trying to suppress with your outdated traditions is catching up to you."

Gojo's smirk widened. "Renji's right. This coming generation of sorcerers—starting with him—can't even be classified as 'special grade' at their peak. You're dealing with something beyond your system now."

Gakuganji slammed a hand on the armrest of his chair. "Enough. I've heard enough from both of you. Leave."

Renji shrugged, unimpressed. "You're not scary, old man."

Gojo chuckled as he stood, gesturing for Renji to follow. "Well, that's our cue. Come on, Renji. Let's leave Gakuganji to his tea and traditions."

The two sorcerers turned and headed for the door, leaving Gakuganji silently fuming in their wake.

As the door closed behind Renji and Gojo, Gakuganji turned to Miwa. "Kasumi, go buy more tea."

Miwa nodded. "Yes, sir." She quickly left the room, but as the door clicked shut, her serious demeanor melted away. If I hurry, I can catch up with them and maybe get a picture! she thought excitedly, her pace quickening as she dashed down the hallway.

She eventually spotted them further down the corridor. "Gojo-sensei! Renji-kun!" she called out, catching their attention.

Gojo turned and grinned. "Oh, it's the 'behave yourself' girl."

Miwa chuckled nervously. "Well, I had to keep up appearances in front of Gakuganji-sama."

Renji scoffed, his hands in his pockets. "Typical."

"Chill out, Renji," Gojo said, clapping a hand on his shoulder. "Not everyone has to brood like you."

Miwa cleared her throat, trying to mask her fangirl excitement. "Actually, I was wondering... Can I get a picture with you two?"

"Of course!" Gojo said enthusiastically, striking a pose. "We've got to give the people what they want."

Renji, however, frowned. "No."

Gojo rolled his eyes. "Come on, Renji. Chill out and take the damn picture."

After a moment of hesitation, Renji begrudgingly stepped into frame, muttering under his breath. Miwa held up her phone, her heart pounding with excitement, and snapped the photo.

Gojo leaned over to look at the picture, then burst out laughing. "Wow, Renji, you look so emo in this. Lighten up, man."

Renji glared at him. "Do you want to die?"

Miwa couldn't help but laugh at their banter. "Thank you both so much!" she said, beaming as she skipped away, clutching her phone like it was a treasure.

Gojo shook his head, still chuckling. "She's a funny one."

Renji sighed. "Let's just go."

A week later, the sun shone brightly over the Jujutsu High campus. Renji strolled into the garden, enjoying the fresh air. As he approached, he spotted Nobara and Megumi chatting with the second-year students—Maki, Panda, and Toge.

Renji raised a hand in greeting. "Yo."

"Renji!" they chorused, turning to acknowledge him.

Maki stepped forward, a grin on her face. "Took you long enough to show up."

Renji smirked and wrapped her in a quick, friendly hug. "Good to see you, Maki."

Next, he offered a bro handshake to Panda, who returned it enthusiastically. "Renji! Been a while."

"Yeah, too long," Renji replied.

Finally, he turned to Toge, who nodded in acknowledgment and fist-bumped him. "Salmon," Toge said with his usual cryptic charm.

Renji chuckled. "Good to see you too, man."

Nobara watched the interactions with a sly smile. "So, Renji, are you and Maki dating or something?"

Before Renji could respond, Megumi groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "They're not dating, Nobara."

Maki rolled her eyes but crossed her arms with a smirk. "You jealous or something, Kugisaki?"

"Of course not!" Nobara shot back, flustered.

Renji laughed at the exchange, shaking his head. "You guys never change, huh?"

Panda chimed in with a mischievous grin. "Come on, Renji, spill. You sure you're not holding back on us?"

Renji sighed dramatically. "Panda, you too? I thought we were better than this."

The group dissolved into laughter, enjoying the easy camaraderie under the bright, sunny sky.