CHAPTER 14: TWO SOULS, ONE FURY

The concrete walls of the subway trembled under the weight of cursed energy.

Mahito moved with smug precision, his palm reaching for Itadori. "Let's see how your soul tastes, Sukuna's vessel—"

The moment his hand touched Itadori's chest—

His own body froze.

His fingers trembled.

A black void opened behind his eyes.

The world vanished around him.

Mahito was no longer in the subway.

He was in a chamber.

Massive. Cold. Ancient. A sea of ribbed darkness, bloodlike fog swirling under a vast throne.

And upon that throne—

Sat Ryomen Sukuna.

Eyes bored. Chin resting lazily on his palm. Legs crossed like a monarch unimpressed by a jester's show.

"Who the hell do you think you are, eh?" Sukuna asked, voice deep and cruel, lips curling upward. "You think you can touch my soul?"

Mahito's body stiffened. The pressure in the air was suffocating. He wanted to respond—but Sukuna lifted a single finger and Mahito's tongue turned to stone.

"But… do whatever you want. I don't care about you. Just remember—"

Sukuna's smile turned venomous.

"Try that again… and you'll be dead before you blink."

Mahito's soul was kicked out like an intruder from a god's palace.

Back in the real world—

He staggered.

And that hesitation was all Itadori needed.

With every ounce of rage still boiling inside him, Itadori punched Mahito square in the jaw—

Sending the cursed spirit skidding across the concrete floor.

"JUNPEI WAS MY FRIEND!!" Itadori roared, sprinting forward, fist ready for another strike.

Mahito recovered quickly, chuckling through broken teeth. "So that's what it takes to bring out your true potential…"

And just then—

Nanami Kento appeared behind Itadori, adjusting his tie mid-run, expression cold and composed.

"You're late," Itadori snapped.

Nanami responded coolly, "I was caught in traffic."

Together, without a word more, they rushed Mahito.

A blur of coordinated strikes—cursed energy lashing the air.

Mahito's smirk faded.

He stopped playing.

"Then I guess… I'll show you why I'm called special grade."

Mahito raised both hands—and unleashed his Ryoiki Tenkai.

A cursed cocoon engulfed the area. Within its flesh-like walls, Nanami stood alone. Mahito's eyes glowed with glee. "I can now touch your soul freely, sorcerer."

But Mahito had made a fatal mistake.

From outside the domain—Itadori broke in.

The barrier cracked like glass under Itadori's pure fury.

He stormed in, screaming Junpei's name, and landed a powerful strike on Mahito's blind side.

Before he could finish him—Mahito vanished.

Gone in smoke. Retreating into the shadows of the tunnel like a rat slipping into its hole.

Silence returned.

Breathing heavy, fists still trembling, Itadori looked to the ceiling and let out a guttural cry:

"COWARD!!"

The echo of rage lingered far longer than the cursed spirit did.