Capítulo 16: Naohiro vs. Gojo

[Author Note]

I can't believe I have to say this, but just because he adapted to slashing attacks doesn't make him 100% immune to them.

People are comparing Ogi's slashes to f*cking 15-finger Sukuna dismantle/cleave, like, bruh. Why do I even have to explain this?

Now, here is Naohiro vs Gojo.

__________

I stare him down, and while he's smiling, I see he will treat me seriously.

Then...

*Woosh*

Satoru might've seemed like he teleported to an average non-sorcerer, but a sorcerer could see that he simply used his raw physical strength to shoot off toward me.

When he reaches me, I raise my hand to block but get confused...

*Pap*

I caught his hand with great difficulty. However, I was able to touch him.

He isn't using Infinity? No, he wants to feel me out.

Even though he doesn't know this, I've got to adapt to his infinity quick to prevent future issues. Getting it done early will put me ahead.

Giving a smile of my own, I lock on his hand before attempting to throw him. He throws a kick to the side of my stomach, to which I bring my left hand down to block.

*BAM*

It's heavy!

I go flying, roll twice, and bounce back up. I feel my arm put itself back in place. For some reason, Falling Blossom Emotion didn't activate.

The thing about Satoru is that he can pump as much cursed energy as he wants into himself since he has a nigh-unlimited amount if it doesn't burn out.

I've never tried this before, but let's see how high I can go.

If I am not able to match him in close quarters with my current strength, let's make this more interesting.

*BOOM*

To anyone watching, they would see a massive amount of energy explode from my body.

I'll make myself able to match him in strength...shit, it hurts, however.

...

'clink'

Normally, one would need to take the steps required to improve their reinforcement slowly but with adaptation. I can skip that altogether.

It took Mei Mei many years to reach the 'peak' of cursed energy reinforcement, and I can force my way to the grade one level of reinforcement. Obviously, it's not as effective since my base strength hasn't reached that level quite yet, but it's a fantastic start.

This time, I rush towards him.

His eyes widen a little before sharpening, and he meets me in the middle of the arena. Our forearms clash, sending dust flying.

Suddenly, I feel my arm slowly get pushed back by an invisible force.

Satoru gave me his trademarked smile. He finally dropped his noble persona. "Thank you, I truly mean that. You are one of the people I can truly go all out on. Now, I wonder, can you understand me?"

I smile at him back but get somewhat confused at his last statement.

'clink'

Thanks, Satoru, that's one.

Satoru's smile drops before he reinforces himself further and sends me away. The force of Infinity slows me down, and his strength overpowers mine.

'Something is different; his cursed energy has changed,' Satoru thought as he narrowed his eyes.

He sends me away, but I quickly boost back towards him.

I plan on breaking that wall long before he figures out my technique! I give my own wicked smile as I get close to interacting with Infinity. However...

Satoru speaks softly, "[Cursed Technique Lapse: Blue]."

Suddenly, I am pulled and sent flying past him, crashing into the arena wall.

'clink'

That hurt bad, but I have one adaptation for Infinity and one for Blue.

My adaption heals my body faster than it has before.

My eyes widen, "No way, my adaptations can get stronger?"

Under normal circumstances, I would've encountered this before, but does it have something to do with fighting in real battles?

I get a surprised look from Satoru. "Is that reverse cursed technique? The flow of your body has been changing this whole time. I'm unfamiliar with positive energy, but your body does something completely different than normal reinforcement or resistance. It's odd since I've been trying to do it since I saw it and can't get close to completing it. It's surreal, me, of all people."

He smiles again, "Well, whatever, I'll figure it out eventually, and when I do, I'll win."

It makes sense; Satoru hasn't interacted with the reverse cursed technique yet, so he's wondering if he can replicate me. He was able to do it for Falling Blossom Emotion.

I can't help but snicker. "Well, Mr. I'll win. I'd like to see you try!"

I get back up and run towards him. However, after my adaptation, he has no intention of letting me get close again.

Once again, Satoru speaks. "[Cursed Technique Lapse: Blue]."

I get pulled, but...

'clink'

I stop getting flung towards him.

Satoru looks more surprised than he has before. "What!? You resisted blue?"

I laugh a bit. "Not exactly, but I'll give you points for trying."

Then, I took advantage of the 0.5-second stun he had to move my hand towards his face.

It slowed down and didn't reach him.

'clink'

That's two.

Since the only thing I decided to do was get close, I was left open to a punch to my face.

The punch was strong, but not stronger than the blue from earlier. His Infinity was still active...

'clink'

That's three.

One more before I adapt to his cursed technique and win this thing.

Using the momentum of getting hit, I spin for a kick, aiming at his head before he blocks it and gets sent flying. I notice something strange.

After tumbling a few times, he stood up with a trail of blood going down the side of his face.

He stopped using Infinity.

Satoru smiled. "I thought it was strange. Whenever you touched my barrier, your cursed energy shifted to match it, nullifying it."

Fuck, I needed one more.

He continued. "Now I know your whole gimmick; I'll end you before you get the chance to ignore my Infinity."

I quipped back. "You think you got me all figured out Blue-Eyes?"

He tilted his head to the side. "Probably not, but I always figure things out."

I give him a serious look. "It's time to end this thing."

Closing his eyes briefly, Satoru responds before snapping them back open. "You're right, I finally see. You might be the one who can understand me! LET'S FINISH THIS NAOHIRO ZENIN!"

Satoru maximizes his limitless technique, amping it to the point of a thin blue barrier surrounding him.

I pour more cursed energy into my body than I ever have, to the point where my skin starts to peel.

I screamed back. "IT'S TIME TO PUT YOU IN YOUR PLACE, SATORU GOJO!"

We rush at each other.

(A/N - "I'm going to take a 2-3 day break since I've uploaded 17 chapters in the span of 4 days. I'll stockpile chapters for Monday/Tuesday, so I'm not dropping or stopping writing.)