Chapter Text
Itadori Yuuji breathes, trying to get as much oxygen into his lungs except that it is not enough. It is never enough. His chest still feels tight. There are still dark spots in the fringes of his vision that never goes away ever since he is imprisoned in a small cell.
He is weak and lethargic. He can barely stay awake for more than an hour now. When he is, he stares at the powerful talismans that covers the whole room - from floor to the ceiling; feels the specially warded ropes that ties him to the ground; tries to distract himself with the flickering candles scattered in the room.
The atmosphere is heavy and so is his body but the heaviness of these two cannot be compared to the heaviness in his heart. It is heavy not with regrets but memories. Memories that have now become bittersweet but still gives him solace and comfort as his execution draws near.
This is his choice, he reminds himself. Do not waver. Do not falter. He has to fulfil his obligations as Sukuna’s vessel. This is his role in the sorcery world.
He saved many people by eating Sukuna’s fingers one after another. His death will save more including his friends. This is his decision. He will never regret. He will move forward even if that means leading himself to the execution block.
He raises his chin when someone- no, not just someone but his executioner- enters the room.
This is it. No regrets.
Grandpa, I helped a lot of people. Are you proud of me?
“The execution of Ryoumen Sukuna’s vessel known as Itadori Yuuji will be carried out immediately.”
He smiles, resigned but not defeated.
※ ※ ※
Nanami swings his blunt weapon to rid it from purplish blood just before the cursed spirit fell to the ground. He turns to his left at the sudden explosion of cursed energy and sees Kugisaki dealing with her own opponent. Her movements thrum with cruelty and her attacks with hatred - both emotions coming from anger and helplessness that fester within her since Itadori’s capture and subsequent imprisonment. Nanami knows without a doubt that more than anything it is not the cursed spirits she wants to deal with but those who took Itadori from them.
Few meters away from Kugisaki, Fushiguro fights too. His face is indifferent like always. His gaze analytical and calm but Nanami knows that if he looks closely, he will see madness and cold anger glinting in those eyes. Fushiguro attacks and deals with his opponent like a madman that has nothing to lose or even to gain. Even the shadows under his command emanate with the ferocity of a cornered animal.
Professionally, he knows he has to remind them that bringing emotions to the battlefield is dangerous. He will tell them later even though he understands those emotions that well up within them in and out of mission. He understands because he feels those emotions too except that his years of experience as a sorcerer taught him how to compartmentalize.
Seeing these two youngsters almost drowning in their helplessness reminds him of his own.
It has been three weeks since Itadori ate Sukuna’s last finger and his subsequent imprisonment. Nobody knows where he is being held. Nobody but Tengen and the higher-ups. Even Gojou who has the highest privileges afforded among sorcerers can not, even through mischief, cleverness and bribery, sneak into the cell Itadori is held.
Sometimes, in the silence of the night, he quietly wonders with a shaky voice whether Itadori’s secret execution has been carried out already and that they are just blindly hoping; trying their best to save a boy who has long been killed. The thought of Itadori being killed not only makes his heart ache but sparks anger and numbing grief similar to when Haibara died.
When his dark thoughts become unbearable, he wishes he has the strength to massacre those higher-ups and whoever colluded to Itadori’s execution. If only he can ask Gojou to do so but… he cannot lose Gojou’s humanity too.
※ ※ ※
Gojou lets out a frustrated noise when he reads a message from Mei Mei. Frustration is slowly morphing into desperation and irritation to anger.
Even though he has no proof, he knows without a doubt that Itadori is held in one of the many cells Master Tengen hides. Several times, he walked the path he once took during the Amanai mission and ended up in the same place where he started with nothing but his memory of what he lost and a reminder of what he is going to lose. That thought along with fear taunt him mercilessly.
He clucks his tongue, barely able to control that simmering anger boiling in the pit of his stomach.
What does being the strongest mean if he cannot even protect a single innocent life… if he can not keep the promises he made to Fushiguro, Nanami and most especially Itadori?
※ ※ ※
Gojou is whistling as he struts along the hallway that leads him to the school gym where an assembly is held. He knows he is few minutes late but does not give a care. It will be just another boring meeting where a representative of the higher-ups informs the student sorcerers and their faculty about the watered version of the current state of the sorcery world, the projected fluctuation of cursed spirits for the next quarter; reminds them of the rules and regulations that governs the sorcery world. At least, that is what he thinks so he is surprised when instead of the sorcery council representative on the stage, there are auxiliary managers fiddling with two large-screen display monitors.
Gojou takes a seat next to Nanami’s and gives him a toothy grin. “And here I thought the boring talk started already.”
Nanami sends him a warning look before replying, “There seems to be some technical issues connecting with Kyoto school.”
Gojou leans further back on his seat and let his right ankle rest on his opposite knee in a wide four while his left arm settles on the back of Nanami’s seat, fingers lazily and subtly brushing his partner’s shoulder. “I’m quite surprised these old geezers are into digitalizing things.”
Before Nanami can say anything, one monitor screen blinks to life and shows a view of Kyoto’s school gymnasium where the students are also gathered.
After a quick exchange from the Kyoto and Tokyo auxiliary managers in charge of the assembly, the other remaining monitor comes to life, showing a room that is covered in talismans and lit by hundreds of candle lights.
That view alone changes the atmosphere. Silence suddenly fell on both Kyoto and Tokyo school gymnasiums. Gojou straightens on his seat while Nanami, Fushiguro and Kugisaki freeze in theirs.
Eyes of all occupants glued to the monitor especially when Itadori comes into view.
Fushiguro stares at Itadori’s face and notices the dark shadows in his eyes, the sheen of sweat on his forehead and the dryness of his lips. He looks frail and exhausted… suffering. He grits his teeth.
Kugisaki’s eyes narrowed upon seeing her friend’s face. It is obvious that he is in pain… so much pain. Her hands itches to touch him; to comfort him; to help him carry his burdens.
Itadori’s voice comes through the speakers as he greets them with his usual cheerfulness and boyish grin.
“Hi, everyone! It’s been awhile isn’t? How’s everyone doing?”
You haven’t changed at all. You’re still worrying about others, Nanami thinks. He notices the timestamp of the video. It was taken three days before. Please… please… his heart start begging. Icy fingers of his helplessness slithers around his soul once more.
“Imagine my surprise when they heed my request of sending you guys a video message. They aren’t cold-hearted after all. I mean-” Here, Itadori chuckles briefly.
Gojou knows better. The higher-ups are cold-hearted and always have an ulterior motive. He notices the timestamp of the video. Despair starts clawing at the back of his mind and loss slowly settling in. Slowly. Heavily.
“Anyway, please know and understand that all the things that happened and will happen is because of my decision - from consuming Sukuna’s finger back then all the way to what happens soon… or shortly,” Itadori shrugs.
(No… don’t… )
“There were only two things I aimed for since gramps passed away - to choose how I die and to be surrounded by friends when I die.” Itadori blinks several times as if he is trying to fight back his tears. He takes a deep breath. Melancholy and sadness colors his visage that no candlelight ever can. “Obviously, I won’t be surrounded by my friends because -”, he glances around the room. “- I’m here… wherever ‘here’ is but my memories of everyone are enough though. And I can’t choose how to die but I can choose when to die. Because, c’mon, being dead today or a week later doesn’t make a difference, does it?” He looks straight into the camera - expression so serious and continues in a voice that carries a commanding and pleading tone at the same time. “So please, please don’t do anything stupid for my sake. Instead, live a long life, yeah?” Then he huffs, his expression once more soft and boyish as if he isn’t holding the king of curses nor is he isolated, waiting for his execution. He smiles warmly, charmingly.
Then the video ends and the monitor once more black. The gymnasium in both areas remained quiet while its occupants try to digest what happened.
A council representative stands up from his seat and briskly walk to the center of the stage. Completely dismissing the heavy atmosphere, he withdraws a letter from his suit pocket, unfolds it and in a businesslike tone, started reading from it, addressing not only the Tokyo students but also those in Kyoto.
“The esteemed members of the Sorcery council hereby declared that Ryoumen Sukuna was successfully exorcised at 14:50 on September 27th this year. It is all thanks to the efforts of all members in the sorcery world that we prevailed over the King of Curses.”
While the representative continued droning on the achievements and strength of the sorcery as an organization, Gojou is vibrating with anger especially with how they dehumanize Itadori. He raised his hand towards the stage, ready to twist the man into something unidentifiable.
“Gojou,” Nanami warns and wraps his trembling hand around Gojou’s raised one. “Satoru,” he whispers, hoping that by using his first name, it will snap him out from his rage. Before he can continue, two things happened at the same time.
The two large display monitors, podium and microphone exploded, raining metals, fiber glasses plastics and wood on the representative who immediately covers himself while the gymnasium floor is flooded with ankle-deep shadows.
Maki, Inumaki and Panda are all in a defensive mode at the sudden burst of cursed energy from the two first-graders - Fushiguro who is clenching his jaws and gripping the edge of his chair so tight, his knuckles turned white and Kugisaki who is holding her arms, her nails digging into her skin, trying to hold herself back from screaming.
Inumaki, protective of his underclassmen and knowing he has to do something before the two will be punished for insulting a council representative, relaxes his stance and slowly unzips his high collar. Quietly, like a lullaby, he whispers “Sleep.”
The two slump in their seats, asleep. Dreamless.
※ ※ ※
When Kugisaki and Fushiguro wake up from the sleep Inumaki put them into, they are not surprised to find each other in front of Itadori’s room. They step in together and look around, trying to bask from whatever presence their friend left in his room.
Kugisaki brushes her fingers against a half-read manga, numbly arranges the pens haphazardly lying on his desks. She picks up a shirt he commandeered from Fushiguro on the floor and drapes it on his study chair.
Fushiguro, on the other hand, just stands in the center of the room, taking everything in. He commits everything in his memory because he knows it will not be long before someone will come in and clean everything up and this time, not even Gojou can intervene. This room will be empty, leaving nothing but memories of its occupant in its corners and edges like dusts and cobwebs. With eyes closed, he can pretend that Itadori is still with them, moving around, talking about random things, laughing and arguing with Kugisaki.
“Fushiguro, let’s watch some of his favorite movies,” his teammate suggests. He nods and helps her set things up for their sorrowful movie night.
They remain quiet and almost blindly staring at the screen while the first movie plays. It is halfway in the second movie when Kugisaki, with a trembling voice, comments, “He loves this part. He remembers this scene so well. He even remembers the characters script by heart. Such a nerd.” She rests her forehead on her knees then slowly moves her head upward to press her eyes against her knees.
Fushiguro stares at her and her trembling shoulders. He knows, without a doubt that she is trying to stifle her sobs. Awkwardly, he slowly places a comforting hand on her shoulder.
“That idiot,” she snarls and shakes his hand off from her.
Fushiguro blinks at the harshness of her tone but empathizes with her. He puts his hand back on his lap and let her be. He understands that the only comfort she wants is for him is to let her cry.
Out of consideration, he increased the volume of the movie to drown out her cries.
By the end of the fourth movie, Fushiguro notices that Nobara has fallen asleep, slump against the bed frame and with her head pillowed by her elbows. He moves her on Itadori’s bed and covers her with Itadori’s blanket. He does a quick clean up of the room and quietly, like a thief, leaves the room. He climbs the stairs that leads to the building rooftop.
He inhales the crisp dawn air, letting it fill his lungs. He massages his chest as if that movement will alleviate the pain deeply lodge in there. He leans on the railing and glances at the potted plants Itadori insisted they grow because it’s nice to have seasonal flowers here, Fushiguro.
He tears his gaze away from them and focuses on the midnight sky. How many times had he watched this sky together with him - their shoulders touching, his fingers fiddling with Itadori’s as they share their thoughts in quiet whispers between kisses?
He grips the metal beneath his hands, grits his teeth and screams. The shadows under his feet ripples. He screams until tears run down his face and his knees buckle.
Damn you, Yuuji.
He is overwhelmed by his grief that he does not notice the figure who stands by the door and pitifully stares at him. Gojou’s lips thins. He turns around to give his ward a time to grieve.
Nanami massages his temples to chase a low-level headache when Gojou joins him in the students dormitory common room. He raises an eyebrow, obviously surprised that his talk with his first-year students ended quickly.
Gojou waves his hand dismissively. He slouches on the sofa with his head on the back of the sofa, mirroring Nanami’s position. “Nobara’s asleep on Yuuji’s room.”
He remembers her tear-stained cheeks. It is obvious that she cried herself to sleep and he does not have the heart to wake her up. Seeing her all curled up with her hands clutching the top of Itadori’s blanket, Gojou is reminded how young she is. How young they all are to experience to such loss. “And Megumi… Megumi is still processing. He won’t like it if I approach him now,” He sighs. “I’ll try talking to them tomorrow.” He looks at Nanami and asks, “The others?”
“The two are with Panda. Panda says he’ll look after them.” Nanami is not absolutely sure if agreeing with Panda is the right call but Panda is… Panda. While he is far from being a human, he understands humans and their confusing and overwhelming emotions. Panda can help them process their emotions in a calm, collected manner - something which Nanami - if he is being honest, cannot do right now. However, before he left them, he reminded them that he is always available for them.
The two fall in silence. Each stewing in anger and grief and trying to cope with their loss in such a short time. This recent loss reminds them of their losses that are scattered throughout their careers as sorcerers. There are so many but there are some that stands out sharper than the rest - like a blade that never gets dull regardless of time.
Three, Gojou thinks. He failed three person too many. First it was Amanai, then Geto and now, Itadori. Gojou looks at Nanami and amends that, no, he failed four persons. Or five, if he counts Fushiguro.
He removes his blindfold, places a hand on Nanami’s cheek to get his attention. He looks him in the eye and says, “I’m sorry, Kento. I said I’ll save him but in the end, I didn’t… couldn’t.” He will never forgive himself for this failure but as long as Nanami will, he can still move on. He can still pick up pieces of himself and glue them back together.
Nanami gives him a hollow smile and replies, “It’s not your fault. It will never be your fault despite what you think, Satoru.” He briefly leans against the hand on his cheek, enjoying the warmth emanating from it. Then he continues in a harsh tone, “If anything, it’s those bastards’ fault. If only —” He chokes and avoids Gojou’s gaze.
“Tell me,” Gojou says and Nanami looks at him again, meeting his gaze but he remains quiet. He looks pained and a bit guilty. “Say it,” he insists while brushing his cheek. He knows what Nanami wants to say but he wants to hear it. He wants to assure himself that they both feel this feral rage. “Say it,” he repeats and this time, there is an urgency in his voice, “say it and I will. And when I do it, I’ll not feel anything - no hesitation nor regret… not after what they did to our Yuuji.”
Nanami sighs and recognizes the ferocity glinting on those beautiful eyes; can feel the need for vengeance vibrating from his tall frame. “I know and that’s why I can’t ask that from you no matter how much we want it.” He holds Gojou’s wrist and presses a kiss there. “I can’t especially when our Yuuji won’t approve it.”
Gojou huffs, his killing intent hidden once more by his stark grief. “‘Don’t do anything stupid and live a long life’, eh?”
Nanami just nods affirmatively. Without meaning to, Itadori has cursed them all.
※ ※ ※
The news of Ryoumen Sukuna’s exorcism (to those who views Itadori as a vessel and nothing more) and Itadori Yuuji’s death (to Itadori's friends) spread within the sorcery world like ripples in a calm water.
※ ※ ※
Todo happens to be next in line in Takada’s meet and greet event when he receives notifications from his school (Rejoice! Ryoumen Sukuna was exorcised.) and from his friends (Itadori was executed three days ago. I'm sorry.). When he stands in front of his beloved idol, big fat tears streak on his face while he clutches his smartphone with his left hand.
At first, Takada assumes that he is so moved and ecstatic with their meeting that he starts crying but when she looks closely and feels the grief that rolls off from him in waves, she knew otherwise.
“Are you all right?” she asked softly and in concern.
Todo sniffles and said, “My brother died.”
“Oh.” Feeling sorry and completely breaking her security protocol, she takes out her handkerchief and wipes his tears. “I’m sorry for your loss.” Then she takes both of his hands in hers and gently says, “But that means you got another angel to look over you, yes?” And she, not as Takada the idol but as a compassionate human, gives him a dazzling smile.
Todo just nods and walks away. Burdened with sorrow, it never registers in his mind that Takada just did something out of ordinary.
※ ※ ※
In the spacious room where its opulence speaks about its occupants - the rich and powerful citizens in Japan, sits Kenjaku who is physically known as Geto Suguru. He is barely listening to the Minister of the Economy as he drones on and on about his political projects.
Unlike everyone who are sitting attentively with their back straight, he has his legs crossed, right elbow propped on the arm of his seat, his fingers curled beneath his chin. As if his nonchalant insolence is not enough to irk the people around him, he slides his phone out from his pocket when it vibrates, announcing an important message. He ignores the glares and looks of disapproval sent his way.
Ryoumen Sukuna was exorcised, says one notification.
Itadaori Yuji was executed, another one says.
Reading the messages, something bubbles from the pit of his stomach until it comes out from him as laughter. He laughs and laughs.