บท 9: Toji Fushiguro
The early morning sun streamed through the windows of the hotel room, casting a warm glow over the sleeping figures scattered across the floor and beds. Yuno Rentaro was the first to stir, his crimson eyes blinking open as he slowly sat up, careful not to disturb his companions. With silent steps, he made his way to the balcony, sliding the door open and stepping out into the fresh ocean air.
The view that greeted him was breathtaking. The sun, just beginning its ascent, painted the sky in hues of pink and orange, its light glittering off the calm surface of the ocean. Yuno leaned against the railing, his normally stoic expression softening as he took in the peaceful scene before him.
He was so lost in thought that he didn't notice Suguru Geto joining him until his friend spoke. "Beautiful, isn't it?" Geto said softly, coming to stand beside Yuno.
Yuno nodded, his gaze still fixed on the horizon. "It is," he agreed, his voice barely above a whisper.
They stood in companionable silence for a few moments before Geto spoke again. "You seem troubled, Yunichi. What's on your mind?"
Yuno sighed, running a hand through his tousled hair. "I'm... not sure if what we're doing is right," he admitted, his voice heavy with uncertainty.
Geto raised an eyebrow, turning to face his friend. "You mean taking Riko to Master Tengen?"
Yuno nodded, his brow furrowing. "It's her destiny, I know. But..." he trailed off, struggling to put his feelings into words.
"But it doesn't feel right," Geto finished for him, understanding in his eyes.
Before Yuno could respond, they heard the balcony door slide open again. Satoru Gojo stepped out, yawning dramatically. "What are you two brooding about so early in the morning?" he asked, his voice still rough with sleep.
Geto shot Gojo a warning look, but Yuno shook his head. "It's alright," he said. "I was just expressing my doubts about our mission."
Gojo's usually carefree expression turned serious. "You mean about Riko?"
Yuno nodded, turning back to look at the ocean. "I know what's supposed to happen. I've seen it. But now... I'm not so sure it's the right path."
Gojo leaned against the railing, his blue eyes unusually thoughtful. "You know, Yunichi," he said after a moment, "we've always followed your lead. If you think there's a better way, a way to change things... we're with you."
Geto nodded in agreement. "Gojo's right. We'll do whatever you think is best, Yunichi."
Yuno felt a warmth spread through his chest at his friends' words. A small, rare smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Thank you," he said softly, genuine gratitude in his voice.
Their moment of camaraderie was interrupted by the sound of the balcony door sliding open once more. Riko Amanai stepped out, her hair mussed from sleep and her eyes still heavy-lidded. "Good morning," she mumbled, stifling a yawn. "What's everyone doing out here?"
Gojo grinned, his usual mischievous demeanor returning. "Just enjoying the view," he said with a wink. "Though I'm sure Yunichi here was enjoying a different kind of view last night."
Riko's cheeks flushed pink, but before she could respond, her stomach growled loudly. "Um," she said, looking embarrassed, "I'm kind of hungry."
Gojo laughed, shaking his head. "You're such a spoiled brat," he teased. "Always thinking about food. No wonder you're not married yet."
Riko's embarrassment quickly turned to indignation. "Oh, like you're one to talk!" she shot back. "I bet you've never even had a girlfriend!"
Gojo clutched his chest in mock offense. "I'll have you know I'm quite popular with the ladies," he declared. "Unlike you, who probably hasn't even held hands with a boy."
A mischievous glint appeared in Riko's eyes. "For your information," she said smugly, "I've done more than just hold hands. I've even had my first kiss."
Gojo burst out laughing. "Oh really?" he said between chuckles. "Let me guess, you kissed Misato on the cheek and now you think you're all grown up."
Riko's smug expression grew. "Actually," she said, her voice dripping with satisfaction, "I kissed Yuno. On the lips."
The balcony fell silent, all eyes turning to Yuno, who remained impassive.
Riko, emboldened by the reaction, decided to push further. "In fact," she continued, her voice taking on a dramatic tone, "we've been kissing every night. And now... I'm pregnant!"
Yuno, who had been silent throughout the exchange, finally spoke up. He gently tapped Riko on the head, his expression a mix of exasperation and amusement. "Don't exaggerate things," he said calmly. "Besides, that's not how pregnancy works."
Gojo's eyes widened with curiosity. "Oh? Then how does it work, Yunichi?" he asked, a teasing lilt in his voice.
Before Yuno could respond, Geto chimed in, a sly smile on his face. "More importantly," he said, "how do you think Shoko will react when she finds out you've been kissing someone else?"
Yuno froze, a look of genuine concern crossing his face for a brief moment. In his mind, he could already picture Shoko's reaction. 'She'll hang me,' he thought grimly.
Gojo, sensing Yuno's discomfort, burst out laughing. "Oh man, she's definitely going to hang you, Yunichi!"
Riko, who had been watching the exchange with growing confusion, finally spoke up. "Who's Shoko?" she asked, a hint of jealousy in her voice.
The question hung in the air for a moment, the atmosphere on the balcony suddenly charged with unspoken tension. Yuno, ever the diplomat, was about to respond when Gojo's stomach let out a loud growl, breaking the tension.
"Well," Gojo said, stretching dramatically, "as fascinating as this conversation is, I think it's time we got some breakfast. What do you say we hit the hotel buffet?"
The suggestion was met with enthusiastic agreement from all parties, and soon they were making their way down to the hotel restaurant, the earlier tension forgotten in the face of promised food.
As they ate, the conversation flowed easily, punctuated by Gojo's jokes and Riko's laughter. Yuno, however, remained quieter than usual, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of the future and the difficult decisions that lay ahead.
The rest of their time in Okinawa passed in a blur of beach activities, sightseeing, and moments of unexpected joy. Despite the weight of their mission, Yuno found himself relaxing more than he had in years, allowing himself to enjoy the company of his friends and the simple pleasures of a seaside vacation.
All too soon, it was time to return to Tokyo. As they boarded the plane, Yuno found himself seated next to Riko, with Gojo and Geto across the aisle. The plane took off, leaving behind the turquoise waters and golden beaches of Okinawa.
As they reached cruising altitude, Riko turned to Yuno, her expression a mix of nervousness and determination. "Yuno," she said softly, "can I ask you something?"
Yuno nodded, his crimson eyes meeting hers. "Of course," he replied, his voice gentle.
Riko took a deep breath, steeling herself. "What happens now?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "When we get back to Tokyo, I mean."
Yuno was silent for a moment, considering his words carefully. "I'm not sure," he admitted finally. "But I promise you, Riko, I'll do everything in my power to protect you."
Riko's eyes widened slightly at his words, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. Hesitantly, she reached out, taking Yuno's hand in hers. To her surprise and delight, he didn't pull away.
Across the aisle, Gojo noticed the interaction, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. With lightning-quick reflexes, he pulled out his phone and snapped a picture of Yuno and Riko's intertwined hands.
"Hey, Yunichi," Gojo called out, his voice filled with glee, "smile! I just sent this lovely photo to Shoko!"
Yuno's head snapped up, his eyes widening in alarm. Before he could respond, his phone began to vibrate in his pocket. With a sense of dread, he pulled it out to see Shoko's name flashing on the screen.
Taking a deep breath, Yuno answered the call. "Hello, Shoko," he said, his voice carefully neutral.
"Oh, Yunichi," Shoko's voice came through the speaker, dripping with sarcasm. "I didn't know you had a girlfriend. Congratulations!"
Yuno winced at her tone. "It's not what you think, Shoko," he began, but she cut him off.
"Oh, I'm sure it's not," Shoko continued, her voice a mix of hurt and anger poorly disguised as nonchalance. "I mean, it's perfectly normal to hold hands with the girl you're supposed to be protecting, right? Just part of the job, I suppose."
Yuno sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Shoko, please. Let me explain."
"Oh, there's no need to explain, Yunichi," Shoko said, her voice suddenly tired. "I get it. Really, I do. Just... be careful, okay? And when you get back, we need to talk."
Before Yuno could respond, the line went dead. He stared at his phone for a moment, a mix of emotions swirling in his chest.
Riko, who had been watching the one-sided conversation with growing concern, gently squeezed Yuno's hand. "Is everything okay?" she asked softly.
Yuno turned to her, his expression unreadable. "It's... complicated," he said finally.
Gojo, sensing the tension, leaned across the aisle. "Don't worry, Yunichi," he said, his voice unusually sincere. "Shoko cares about you. She'll understand once you explain everything."
Yuno nodded, but remained silent, his mind racing. He knew that his relationship with Shoko was complex. They had been friends for years, and he suspected that her feelings for him went beyond friendship. But he had always kept her at arm's length, focused on his duties as a jujutsu sorcerer.
Now, with Riko's hand still in his and the memory of their shared moment on the beach still fresh in his mind, Yuno found himself questioning everything. He wasn't in a relationship with Riko, nor with Shoko, nor with Utahime, who had also shown interest in him. But he couldn't deny that his feelings for all of them were more complicated than he had ever allowed himself to admit.
As the plane continued its journey back to Tokyo, Yuno gazed out the window, watching the clouds drift by. He knew that when they landed, he would have to face not only the challenges of their mission but also the tangled web of emotions he had been trying so hard to ignore.
For now, though, he allowed himself to find comfort in the warmth of Riko's hand in his, in the steady presence of his friends nearby, and in the knowledge that whatever lay ahead, he wouldn't have to face it alone.
The rest of the flight passed in relative silence, each passenger lost in their own thoughts. As the plane began its descent into Tokyo, Yuno gently disentangled his hand from Riko's, offering her a small, reassuring smile.
"We're almost home," he said softly, his voice carrying a weight of unspoken emotions.
Riko nodded, her eyes searching his face. "Yuno," she began, her voice hesitant, "whatever happens next... thank you. For everything."
Yuno felt a tightness in his chest at her words. He wanted to promise her that everything would be okay, that he would find a way to change her fate. But he knew better than to make promises he wasn't sure he could keep.
Instead, he simply nodded, his crimson eyes meeting hers with an intensity that spoke volumes. In that moment, a silent understanding passed between them – whatever the future held, they would face it together.
As the plane touched down on the runway, Yuno steeled himself for the challenges that lay ahead. He knew that difficult conversations and even more difficult decisions awaited him. But as he looked at Riko's determined face, at Gojo and Geto's supportive smiles, he felt a surge of resolve.
The future was not set in stone, he reminded himself. And with his friends by his side, he was ready to fight for a better outcome – for Riko, for himself, and for all those whose lives hung in the balance of the choices they would make.
With that thought firmly in mind, Yuno stood, ready to face whatever Tokyo – and fate itself – had in store for them.
The group walked briskly through the bustling streets of Tokyo, the familiar sights and sounds of the city a stark contrast to the peaceful beaches of Okinawa they had left behind. Yuno Rentaro led the way, his crimson eyes scanning their surroundings with a vigilance that belied his calm exterior. Riko Amanai stayed close to his side, her steps quick and nervous, while Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto followed close behind, their casual banter masking their own heightened alertness.
Suddenly, Yuno came to an abrupt halt, causing the others to stumble slightly as they tried to avoid bumping into him. His brow furrowed in deep concentration, and when he spoke, his voice was low and resolute.
"I've made a decision," Yuno announced, turning to face his companions. "I'm not going to hand Riko over to Master Tengen."
The declaration hung in the air for a moment, heavy with implications. Riko's eyes widened in surprise, a hopeful smile spreading across her face. Gojo and Geto exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of shock and curiosity.
Yuno continued, his voice steady but tinged with a hint of uncertainty. "Satoru, Suguru, I won't ask you to come with me. This decision... it could have serious consequences. I understand if you don't want to be involved."
Before Yuno could finish his thought, Gojo stepped forward, a broad grin on his face. "What are you talking about, Yunichi?" he exclaimed, slapping Yuno on the back. "We'd follow you to the ends of the earth. You should know that by now."
Geto nodded in agreement, a small smile playing on his lips. "Gojo's right," he said softly. "We're in this together, no matter what."
Yuno felt a warmth spread through his chest at his friends' unwavering support. A rare, genuine smile graced his features as he nodded in acknowledgment. "Thank you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Alright then, listen carefully. We need to be prepared for what's coming."
His expression turned serious as he continued, "Right now, Toji Zenin should be near the school, planning to kill Riko and defeat us in the process."
Geto's brow furrowed in confusion. "Toji Zenin? Who is that? And how did he get past the school's barrier?"
Yuno took a deep breath, organizing his thoughts before explaining. "At first, it was difficult. I couldn't see him in my visions - it was as if he was invisible. But then I realized something crucial: he must have a Heavenly Restriction. He has no cursed energy at all, which is why he didn't appear in my visions."
He paused, making sure his friends were following his train of thought. "After some investigation, I discovered Toji Zenin - the only person in the world with that specific type of Heavenly Restriction. He's incredibly dangerous, possibly more so than any cursed spirit we've faced."
Gojo whistled low, impressed by Yuno's deductive skills. "So, what's the plan, Yunichi?" he asked, his blue eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Yuno's gaze swept over his companions, his voice firm as he outlined his strategy. "For now, we need to hide until tomorrow, when the full moon passes. Once that happens, Tengen won't be able to merge with Riko, and the organizations that want her dead will lose interest. After that, I'll find a way to convince the higher-ups that the merger isn't necessary."
Gojo tilted his head, curiosity evident in his voice. "How do you know all this, Yunichi? About the merger and Tengen?"
Yuno's lips quirked in a slight smile. "It's my theory," he explained. "Consciousness doesn't transcend, or at least, it shouldn't. I doubt Tengen would experience a change in mentality through the merger."
Gojo shook his head, a bemused smile on his face. "I don't understand half of what you just said, Yunichi, but I trust you."
Yuno nodded, appreciating his friend's faith. "The important thing now is to find a safe place to hide," he concluded.
Geto stepped forward, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I know a place," he said. "Follow me."
As the group began to move, following Geto's lead, Riko gently took Yuno's hand. Her voice was soft, filled with gratitude as she whispered, "Thank you, Yuno."
Yuno gave her hand a gentle squeeze, his voice low and reassuring. "Don't worry," he said. "Leave everything to me."
A blush crept across Riko's cheeks as she gathered her courage to ask, "When this is all over... do you think we could go out? You know, on a date?"
Yuno felt his own cheeks warm slightly at her bold question. He cleared his throat, suddenly feeling uncharacteristically flustered. "We'll... we'll talk about it later," he managed to say, his usual composure slipping for a moment.
Riko couldn't help but giggle at his reaction. "You know, for someone who doesn't seem shy, you're actually quite adorable when you're flustered," she teased gently.
As they continued walking, Yuno's mind began to race, analyzing and reanalyzing their situation. Something felt off, and a nagging suspicion began to form in the back of his mind. 'Everything has changed,' he thought. 'If my theory is correct, someone must be actively altering the future.'
Yuno came to a sudden stop, his brow furrowed in deep concentration. The others turned to look at him, concern evident on their faces.
Misato, ever attentive, stepped closer. "Mr. Rentaro," she said softly, "are you alright?"
Yuno barely heard her, lost in his thoughts. 'Whoever is doing this must be incredibly intelligent,' he reasoned. 'They'd have to anticipate that I would change my plans based on my visions. They probably know about the hideout Geto is leading us to. It's all too predictable.'
His mind raced through possibilities, trying to outthink their unseen opponent. 'They'd expect me to avoid the school,' he realized. 'So the safest place... might actually be the most dangerous.'
Taking a deep breath, Yuno looked up at his companions. "Change of plans," he announced, his voice steady and determined. "I believe it's safer for us to go to the school."
Geto's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Are you sure, Yunichi?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.
Yuno nodded firmly. "Yes, I'm sure."
Gojo shrugged, a grin spreading across his face. "Well, if Yunichi says so, that's good enough for me," he declared. "Let's go!"
Geto nodded in agreement, a small smile playing on his lips. "You're right," he said. "Yunichi's never steered us wrong before."
With their new destination decided, the group changed course, heading towards the Jujutsu Tech campus. As they approached the familiar grounds, Yuno felt a mix of anticipation and dread building in his chest. He knew they were walking into danger, but he also believed it was their best chance.
As they climbed the steps leading to the school, Yuno turned to Gojo. "Satoru," he said, his voice low and serious, "don't deactivate your Limitless technique, no matter what happens. We might need it."
Gojo nodded, his usual carefree demeanor replaced by a focused intensity. "Got it, Yunichi," he replied.
They made their way across the courtyard, the familiar surroundings doing little to ease the tension that hung in the air. Gojo, never one for prolonged silence, let out an exaggerated sigh.
"Man, this is exhausting," he complained, stretching his arms above his head. "This is the last time I play babysitter for such an annoying brat."
The words had barely left his mouth when a flash of metal caught Yuno's eye. Before he could shout a warning, a dagger plunged into Gojo's stomach, the blade gleaming wickedly in the fading sunlight.
"Satoru!" Geto cried out, his eyes wide with shock and concern.
Gojo looked down at the blade protruding from his body, his expression more surprised than pained. "I'm fine," he said, his voice strained but steady. "It's just a scratch."
The dagger was suddenly yanked back, pulled by a chain that stretched across the courtyard. As one, the group turned to face their attacker.
Standing before them was a man of imposing stature, his muscular frame radiating deadly intent. Yuno's eyes narrowed as he recognized the figure from his research.
"Toji Zenin," Yuno said, his voice calm despite the gravity of the situation.
The man's lips curled into a sardonic smile. "Well, well," he drawled, his voice rough and menacing. "I didn't realize I was so famous. But it's Fushiguro now, kid."
Yuno's mind raced, analyzing the situation. 'That dagger,' he thought, 'it pierced through Gojo's Infinity. It must have the ability to nullify or bypass cursed techniques. Why didn't I consider that possibility?'
Gojo stepped forward, his hand pressed against his wound but his stance defiant. "You guys go," he said, his voice firm. "I can handle this guy."
Yuno hesitated, torn between the need to protect Riko and his concern for his friend. "Satoru," he began, his voice tinged with worry, "you can't—"
Gojo cut him off, a cocky grin spreading across his face. "Eh? What are you talking about, Yunichi? Did you forget I'm the strongest? I've got this."
Yuno met Gojo's gaze, seeing the determination burning in his friend's eyes. After a moment, he nodded. "Be careful," he warned. "He's cunning."
Gojo's grin widened. "Aren't I always?" he quipped.
With a last nod to his friend, Yuno turned to the others. He reached out, grasping Riko's hand firmly in his own. "Let's go," he said, his voice urgent but controlled.
As they began to run, Yuno's mind was already working on their next move. He knew that leaving Gojo behind was a risk, but he trusted in his friend's strength. Right now, his priority had to be keeping Riko safe and unraveling the mystery of who was manipulating their future.
As Yuno and his companions raced through the dimly lit corridors of Jujutsu Tech, their footsteps echoing off the ancient stone walls, a plan began to crystallize in Yuno's mind. His crimson eyes narrowed in concentration as he processed the rapidly unfolding events.
"I have a plan," Yuno announced suddenly, his voice cutting through the tension-filled air. "We need to head to the main temple, as if we're going to meet Tengen."
Geto, his long hair flowing behind him as he ran, nodded in agreement. "That's a bold move, Yunichi," he remarked, a hint of admiration in his voice. "But if you think it's the right call, I'm with you."
As they altered their course, heading deeper into the labyrinthine structure of the school, Yuno's mind raced with questions. 'What's really going on here?' he pondered, his brow furrowing in concentration. 'Was Toji watching us this whole time? No, that can't be right. Even without cursed energy, Satoru's Six Eyes should have detected him. There's something we're missing...'
Meanwhile, in a secluded corner of the school grounds, hidden beneath the sprawling branches of an ancient oak tree, a figure lounged casually against the trunk. Rin, his eyes gleaming with amusement, lazily licked at an ice pop, a self-satisfied smirk playing on his lips.
"Well, well, Yuno," he mused aloud, his voice dripping with condescension. "I bet you're wracking that brilliant brain of yours right now, aren't you? Wondering where your perfect logic failed you?"
He chuckled, taking another long lick of his ice pop before continuing his soliloquy. "It's quite simple, really. I knew it was only a matter of time before you realized someone else was manipulating the future. So, I fed false information to the Q organization, ensuring they couldn't find you. That boy on the bicycle? Just a pawn I paid off."
Rin's smirk widened as he detailed his machinations. "All those events that did and didn't happen? They were designed to plant seeds of doubt in your mind. You thought everything was changing, didn't you? I knew you'd think changing hideouts was a good plan, but I also anticipated that you'd realize that's what I wanted you to think. So, I planted the idea that I knew your every move, driving you to be unpredictable – which, ironically, made you entirely predictable. I knew you'd come to the school."
He paused, savoring both his ice pop and his perceived victory. "And since the Q organization didn't attack Gojo or the other sorcerers, he wouldn't be worn down. So, I tipped off Toji to use his dagger from the start. How did I convince him, you ask? Simple. I just told him which boat would win in that ridiculous gambling game of his. Sometimes, it's so easy being a god."
Back in the depths of the school, Yuno and his companions found themselves racing through a long, dark tunnel. The oppressive darkness pressed in around them, broken only by the occasional flickering torch that cast eerie, dancing shadows on the rough-hewn walls.
As they ran, Yuno's tactical mind was working overtime. 'If I want any chance against Toji,' he reasoned, 'this confined space might give me an edge.'
Suddenly, Yuno skidded to a halt, his hand raised to signal the others to stop. They gathered around him, their faces etched with concern and curiosity.
"Listen carefully," Yuno said, his voice low and serious. "Suguru, I'm going to stay here and try to delay Toji."
Geto's eyes widened in alarm. "Wait, Yunichi, that's too risky!" he protested, reaching out to grasp Yuno's shoulder.
Yuno shook his head, his expression resolute. "Hear me out," he insisted. "This temple is like a maze. You need to hide. Satoru will be defeated, but he'll come back stronger. When he does, he'll wipe the floor with Toji. Until then, we need to buy time and stay hidden."
Geto's brow furrowed in concern. "But why does it have to be you who stays behind?" he questioned, his voice tight with worry.
In response, Yuno unsheathed his katana, the blade gleaming wickedly in the dim torchlight. "Because I know how to make time," he said simply, his crimson eyes filled with determination.
Geto searched Yuno's face, conflict evident in his expression. "You promise you'll be okay?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Yuno nodded, a small, reassuring smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Don't worry," he said confidently. "If things get too dicey, I'll escape. Toji's working against the clock, so he'll go straight for Riko once he realizes I'm just stalling."
Riko, who had been listening intently to the exchange, stepped forward. Her eyes, wide with a mixture of fear and admiration, locked onto Yuno's face. "You'll really be alright?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Yuno's expression softened as he turned to face her. He knelt down, bringing himself to her eye level, and gently took her hand in his. "I promise," he said softly, his voice filled with a warmth that surprised even him. "I'm going to change the future, Riko. For all of us."
Riko's face lit up with a radiant smile. Without warning, she leaned forward and pressed a quick, soft kiss to Yuno's lips. As she pulled back, her cheeks flushed pink, she whispered, "I can't wait for tomorrow, then."
Yuno, momentarily stunned by the unexpected display of affection, simply nodded, a faint blush coloring his own cheeks.
Geto, watching the tender moment unfold, cleared his throat. "We're counting on you, Yunichi," he said, his voice filled with a mixture of concern and trust.
Yuno stood, his expression once again serious and determined. "Leave it to me," he assured them.
As his companions disappeared into the darkness of the tunnel, Yuno took a deep breath, centering himself. He closed his eyes, focusing his senses, preparing for the battle to come.
Minutes ticked by, each second feeling like an eternity as Yuno waited in the oppressive silence of the tunnel. Then, finally, he heard it – the soft, almost imperceptible sound of footsteps approaching.
Opening his eyes, Yuno found himself face to face with Toji Fushiguro. The assassin's imposing figure seemed to fill the narrow tunnel, his presence radiating deadly intent.
Yuno shifted into a defensive stance, his katana held at the ready. "You won't get past me," he declared, his voice steady and resolute.
Toji's lips curled into a predatory smile, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Well, well," he drawled, his gravelly voice echoing off the stone walls. "I didn't know four-eyes could fight. You're full of surprises, aren't you, kid?"
A small, confident smile played on Yuno's lips. "Don't underestimate me," he warned. "I may not have the Six Eyes or be a Special Grade, but when it comes to swordplay, I'm unmatched. Not even you can best me in that arena."
Toji's grin widened, revealing teeth that seemed unnaturally sharp in the flickering torchlight. "Interesting," he chuckled, the sound sending a chill down Yuno's spine. "I think I'll play with you for a bit, then."
With a fluid motion, Toji drew his own blade. Yuno's eyes widened slightly as he recognized the weapon – the infamous Slpit Soul katana, a cursed tool known for its ability to sever souls.
'I can't let him land a serious blow with that,' Yuno thought, his mind racing. 'Even Shoko's healing techniques would be useless against a wound from that blade.'
Taking a deep breath, Yuno decided to make the first move. "Domain Expansion," he called out, his voice ringing with power. "Cherry Blossom Field!"
The narrow tunnel suddenly exploded with color and light. Delicate pink petals swirled through the air, creating a mesmerizing dance of light and shadow. The stone walls seemed to melt away, replaced by an endless expanse of cherry trees in full bloom.
Toji's eyes widened in surprise, clearly not expecting such a technique from his young opponent. "Well, well," he mused, his voice tinged with genuine interest. "You're just full of surprises, aren't you, kid?"
Yuno stood firm, his katana held at the ready. "In this domain," he explained, his voice calm and controlled, "my swordsmanship is enhanced tenfold. Every petal is an extension of my blade. You won't find it so easy to dodge in here."
Toji's surprise quickly morphed into excitement. "Now this," he said, his voice dripping with anticipation, "is going to be fun."
Without warning, Toji lunged forward, his cursed blade whistling through the air. Yuno reacted with lightning speed, bringing his katana up to parry the blow. The clash of steel on steel rang out, echoing through the ethereal cherry blossom landscape.
As they exchanged blows, Yuno found himself marveling at Toji's skill. Despite lacking cursed energy, the man's physical abilities were beyond anything Yuno had ever encountered. Each strike was precise, powerful, and blindingly fast.
"Not bad, four-eyes," Toji grunted as he deflected another of Yuno's attacks. "But you'll have to do better than that if you want to stop me."
Yuno didn't waste breath on a reply, instead focusing all his concentration on the fight. He knew that every second he could keep Toji occupied was another second his friends had to escape and hide.
As the battle raged on, cherry blossoms swirled around them, responding to Yuno's will. He used them to obscure Toji's vision, to redirect his attacks, to create openings for his own strikes. It was a deadly dance, beautiful and terrifying in equal measure.
"You know," Toji said as he narrowly avoided a slash that would have opened his throat, "I'm starting to see why they call you a prodigy. But prodigies can still bleed."
With a sudden burst of speed that caught Yuno off guard, Toji changed the rhythm of his attacks. His blade became a blur of motion, forcing Yuno onto the defensive. It was all the young sorcerer could do to parry and dodge the relentless onslaught.
"Getting tired, kid?" Toji taunted, his breath coming in controlled, even bursts despite the intensity of their fight. "Don't worry, I'll end this quick."
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