Chapter 83: Wasn't Planning to
[Third Person's PoV]
Yuji kept delving into the abandoned mansion, encountering various curses. Despite his ability to detect most attacks, a curse specializing in speed caught him off guard, moving faster than his perception could track.
Yuji staggered backward, the impact sending him crashing through the wall, debris scattering around him. As he rose, coughing and brushing off the dust, the curse attacked once more. Yuji, expecting the assault, crossed his arms defensively, though the force still pushed him back.
The curse's flurry of attacks intensified, leaving afterimages and assaulting Yuji relentlessly. He raised his arms to shield his face, focusing on predicting the curse's movements through the pattern of strikes and assaults.
Yuji enhanced his fist with curse energy and waited for a few seconds...'NOW!' He thought as he swung his fist. He expected to hit the curse and send it back flying and start crashing into walls but instead Yuji's fist tore a hole right through the curses stomach.
The curse then started to slowly disintegrate as he let out a final roar in reluctance. Yuji just looked at his fist in shock "Wasn't that too easy? Maybe it had a low defense for it's fast speed, kinda like a video game."
Yuji then started going room after room clearing them all from any curses he could find. That is until he came across what appeared to be the largest curse spirit he encountered in this mansion.
"So is this like the boss of the mansion level" said Yuji seeing this more and more like a video game.
The curse presented itself as a massive, bloated blob with layers upon layers of fat. As it caught sight of Yuji, it began burping incessantly. Despite his initial shock, Yuji understood what needed to be done.
He dashed towards the curse, aiming his enhanced fist at its stomach. Instead of piercing through, his force dispersed throughout the blob's entire body. It rippled from the stomach to its arm, which the curse redirected back at Yuji, striking him squarely on the head.
The immense force of his own punch sent Yuji crashing through the floor, shattering it entirely as he plummeted down to the first level. Lying on the ground, he looked up to witness the curse leaping through the hole it had created, descending straight towards him. Reacting swiftly, Yuji sprang to his feet and fled.
The curse's impact upon landing shook the mansion violently, causing the floor behind it to crack and collapse under the weight and force it exerted.
Yuji attempted to steady himself amidst the shaking, feeling an unexpected dizziness that forced him down onto one knee. Sensing something wet, he touched his head and discovered blood dripping down his face, causing him to express frustration. "Damnit," he muttered, shaking his head to dispel the dizziness just as the approaching curse began its lumbering charge, emitting loud noises due to its size.
As the curse unleashed its stomach acid, Yuji deftly evaded, the corrosive liquid melting through the floor upon impact. Utilizing his enhanced abilities, Yuji conceived a strategy, enhancing himself further and sprinting towards the curse. Dodging the incoming acid, he unleashed a flurry of punches, his fists blurring almost to the point of leaving afterimages.
Gathering his energy, Yuji seized the curse's skin, vaulting onto its massive body. He relentlessly battered it, causing the force to surge throughout its frame. Reacting defensively, the curse hurled both its fists at Yuji. In a swift move, Yuji used the curse's head as a platform, executing a perfect backward jump and evading the fists. The curse, unable to halt its momentum, inadvertently struck itself in the head, triggering an explosive release of accumulated force.
The curse's head obliterated, it commenced disintegrating slowly. Yuji, upon landing, panted heavily from the strenuous exertion of exorcising numerous curses and expending an immense amount of curse energy.
As the curse dissipated entirely, the curtain parted, and Ash strolled casually towards Yuji.
Ash swiftly directed a burst of healing flames towards Yuji, a gesture of appreciation for his efforts. "Good work out there," he commended, simultaneously sending Yuji a paycheck through his phone. "Remember, this is a job, and you should be compensated for it. Even if it's training, your life's at stake. Never do it for free. Consider this your first paycheck from me."
Yuji's excitement was palpable as he pumped his fist, visibly thrilled at the idea of being paid. Amused by Yuji's reaction, Ash chuckled and opened a portal. "Go take a rest, you've earned it," he encouraged, watching Yuji enter the portal with a wide smile.
Meanwhile, Ash emerged from another portal right beside Maki, who was engrossed in practicing with a bokken. Surprised by his swift return, she inquired, "What brings you back so soon? Didn't you say you had something to do?"
Acknowledging her question, Ash affirmed, "I did have something to take care of, and it's done. How about going out on a date? It's been a while."
After considering for a moment, Maki nodded in agreement. "You're right, it has been a while. Let me just get ready."
Maki hurried off to prepare while Ash patiently waited at the entrance for her, ready for their long-overdue date.
Maki arrived, and as customary, Ash couldn't resist complimenting her. "Do I ever mention how beautiful you look?" he praised.
Maki, sporting a smirk, playfully responded, "Yeah, all the time."
"Want me to stop?" Ash asked teasingly.
With a smile, Maki wrapped her arms around his, drawing him in for a kiss and whispered softly, "Never."
Returning her affection, Ash reciprocated, "Good, because I wasn't planning to," prompting laughter from both of them. Hand in hand, they set off for their date, strolling along in a blissful state of togetherness.
...
Ash and Maki were enjoying their sushi together when Maki, between bites, inquired, "So, what was the secret you've been keeping?"
"Really? Was it that obvious?" Ash replied, slightly surprised.
"Not really, but I know you well enough to realize you wouldn't want to discuss it with everyone around. I figured you'd tell me when we were alone," Maki explained.
Chuckling softly, Ash responded, "Heh, I see. But it's nothing major; it's just that Yuji, the first-year who 'died,' is actually alive and receiving training from me and Gojo."
Maki's eyes widened in shock, her sushi roll hovering near her mouth as she whispered-yelled, "What!" She then swatted his arm. "Why would you keep such a big secret? They were devastated when they thought he was dead!"
"Two words," Ash raised two fingers, "higher-ups."
Understanding the implication, Maki nodded. "Ah, I see. So, is he strong? I've heard he was a perfect vessel for Sukuna."
"He's got insane potential," Ash remarked.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone