CHAPTER 28: OATH OF EXECUTION

The dim light of the underground subway flickered above Itadori and Choso as they sat near the cracked staircase—both silent, both broken.

Yuji's voice was barely above a whisper.

"I should've died a long time ago…"

Choso put a hand on his shoulder.

"You're still breathing. That means there's something left for you to do."

A cold breeze rushed through the corridor.

Footsteps echoed.

Then came a figure—graceful but sharp. A katana sheathed at his side. Calm eyes, yet brimming with storm.

Yuta Okkotsu.

Yuji stood up slowly, confused by the presence of the stranger.

"Who… are you?"

Yuta's answer was immediate.

"You're dead."

The words hit like a blade. No hesitation. No emotion.

Before Yuta could draw his katana, Choso stepped forward, arms outstretched, shielding Yuji.

"You'll have to go through me first."

Yuta didn't argue.

With a flick of his wrist, his katana unsheathed—fluid, precise.

Choso's blood surged as he formed crimson spears, launching them toward Yuta.

But Yuta weaved through them effortlessly.

Every movement from him was honed, refined, lethal.

Choso tried to counter with his Piercing Blood, but Yuta vanished from sight.

WHAM!

A kick landed squarely in Choso's ribs, sending him flying into a wall.

Yuta stood over him as the older brother groaned, barely conscious.

"That wasn't personal," Yuta said coldly, "but I won't let you interfere."

He turned to Yuji.

The subway lights buzzed above them.

Yuji stared, his fists tightening.

"Why… are you trying to kill me?"

Yuta's expression didn't waver.

"Because you let Sukuna out. Because Shibuya burned. Because Satoru Gojo is sealed—and you're the trigger."

Yuji's eyes shook.

"I didn't—!"

"No more excuses," Yuta interrupted. He took a step forward. "When the hell are you going to fight back? Or are you just going to collapse and let that demon take over again?"

Yuji didn't speak.

He just stared.

Yuta raised his blade.

"Answer me, Itadori Yuji. Are you going to fight?"

Silence.

Then—

Yuji clenched his fists.

And took one step forward.