two curses

"Now that you've decided let's get your belongings and head to Jujutsu High," Gojo said.

"Uhh... I can't move..." Azure said as he was still bound to the chair.

"Ah, you're right," Gojo clapped his hands together unbinding Azure easily.

'How did he...' Azure thought.

"Let's go!" Gojo smiled as the two left to get his stuff.

********

*Tokyo, Japan

Azure stepped out of the train terminal, the sprawling city of Tokyo stretching out before him like an endless maze of towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and neon lights.

It was his first time in the city, and the sheer scale of it was overwhelming. He clutched the scraps of his backpack tightly, trying to steady his nerves. Beside him, Gojo, with his usual casual demeanor, walked ahead, his white hair practically glowing in the afternoon sun.

Gojo glanced back at Azure, noticing his unease.

"First time in Tokyo, huh?" Gojo smiled.

Azure nodded, taking in everything at once–– the cacophony of voices, the scent of street food, the flashing advertisements.

Gojo chuckled, a carefree sound that contrasted sharply with the tension Azure felt.

"You'll get used to it."

They walked through the crowded streets, Gojo leading the way with easy confidence. As they moved farther from the train, the modern, polished building gave way to older, more traditional structures.

The city seemed to shift around them, revealing different facets with every step.

After navigating through a series of winding streets, they arrived at a quieter neighborhood. Gojo stopped in front of a small, unassuming park, its entrance marked by a few cherry blossom trees and a bench that looked like it had seen better days.

Azure looked around, confused.

"What are we doing here?" He asked.

Gojo turned to him, a playful smile on his lips.

"We're meeting up with another new student. I figured this would be a nice, quiet place for introductions."

Azure's curiosity piqued, but before he could ask more, he heard footsteps approaching.

From around the corner, a figure emerged–– a boy about his age, with spiky pink hair and a bright expression. He was wearing a simple school uniform and carried a duffel bag slung over one shoulder. Despite his cheerful appearance, there was something in his eyes–– a depth, a hint of something darker.

Gojo waved the newcomer over.

"Ah, here he is. Azure, this is Itadori Fuji. Yuji meet Azure."

Yuji approached with a wide grin and extended his hand. "Nice to meet you, Azure!"

Azure hesitated for a moment before shaking Yuji's hand. "Nice to meet you too..."

As Yuji grabbed Azure's hand he felt an immensive, overwhelming dangerous aura making him take his hand back quickly.

"Ah... sorry..." Yuji told Azure.

"It's alright," Azure said in confusion.

Gojo clapped his hands together, breaking the moment.

"Alright, now that you two are acquainted, let's get going. We've got a small journey ahead of us, and I want to get to the school before dark."

The three of them set off down the road, heading towards a more secluded part of the city. The buildings grew sparser, and soon they found themselves walking along a path lined with red poles and trees.

The sounds of the city faded into the background, replaced by the rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds.

As they walked, Gojo kept up a steady stream of chatter, pointing out various landmarks and telling stories about his previous students.

Yuji listened attentively, and laughed at Gojo's jokes, while Azure remained silent just listening.

After what felt like hours, they arrived at a large, ancient-looking gate. The gate was adorned with intricate carvings and symbols that Azure didn't recognize, but they pulsed with a faint energy that made his skin tingle.

Beyond the gate, He could see stairs on a mountain leading to the school building.

"Whoa! it's in the mountains? Is this really Tokyo?" Yuji asked making Azure look in his direction.

"This isn't actually out of the ordinary for a Tokyo suburb," Gojo said.

"What about fushiguro?"

"He's fast asleep after receiving jutsu treatment."

Azure didn't know what they were talking about, so he followed quietly.

Even after graduation, many Jujutsu Sorcerers use the facility as a home base. It's a cornerstone that not only serves as a place for mediation for missions and general support for the jujutsu community.

"First things first, Yuji, Azure, you've got an interview with the principal. If you mess up, you might get rejected for admission, so stay frost, okay?" Gojo said.

"What?! Does that mean I get executed right away?!" Yuji exclaimed.

"What a disappointment... I thought you were the leader..." Azure heard a deeper voice coming from Yuji making him look to see a mouth on his cheek.

Azure stopped dead in his tracks, staring at the horrifying sight. He never heard of curses until the other day, and seeing one manifest like that was a different experience altogether. The sheer malevolence in the voice was palpable.

"A hierarchy not based purely. on strength, it's boring, if you ask me," The mouth said.

*SLAP

Yuji hit his cheek making the mouth go away.

"What was that...?" Azure asked.

"Ah that's Sukuna, a special class curse, Yuji is its vessel," Gojo said.

"Sorry, he comes out sometimes, he's being a bit chatty today..."

"What an Interesting body you have," Gojo smiled.

"Chatty?" Sukuna's voice oozed malice. "you think you can keep me locked away, forever, boy? It's only a matter of time before I take control again. And when I do, I'll slaughter everything in my path," Sukuna smiled evilly.

Yuji gritted his teeth, trying to suppress Sukuna. 

"Shut up. You're not taking over."

Sukuna's laughter was cold and taunting.

"You're weal, Yuji. Pathetic. And your little friends here? They'll be the first to die when im free. Especially you Gojo!!"

"Me, a target of the great sukuna? what an honor!"

Before Yuji could respond, another presence made itself known. Azure felt a sudden, intense warmth in his chest, followed by a sharp burning sensation. His breath caught as something within him stirred–– something ancient, powerful, and protective.

Out of nowhere, a small, black, purple dragon emerged from Azure's chest, where his heart was, spiraling into the air.

"Hohh..." Gojo smiled looking at what was occurring.

The dragon landed gracefully on Azure's shoulder. it was no bigger than a large cat, with sleek scales that shimmered in the light and glowing purple eyes that seemed to pierce through the darkness.

This was Kuro, the being that had bound itself to Azure, and this was the first time Kuro had shown himself fully.

"What..?!" Many of the sorcerers exclaimed as they felt an overwhelming power coming from the entrance making them run out preparing for battle.

Kuro's eyes locked onto Sukuna's mouth, and a loud rumbling noise emanated from the dragon's throat.

"SCREEEE"

The air around Azure crackled with energy as Kuro's presence filled the space, asserting itself against Sukuna.

Sukuna's grin faltered, at the sight of Kuro. "What is this?" He hissed with irritation in his voice.

"A pathetic little dragon? Do you think this creature can stand against me, the king of curses?"

Kuro didn't flinch. His voice, though small, was filled with deadly confidence. 

"You may be a king, but I'm the Emperor, threaten my vessel again, and you'll see just how much power a 'pathetic' dragon holds."

Azure watched the exchange in stunned silence, feeling the heat of Kuro's power radiating through him. 

Gojo, who had been watching the entire exchange with a bemused expression finally spoke up, breaking the tension.

"Well, this is getting interesting. Two powerful entities share space with their vessels. We're going to have our hands full, aren't we?"

Yujo who had been struggling to contain Sukuna, finally managed to push him back, the mouth on his cheek disappearing as quickly as it had appeared. He let out a shaky breath.

"Sorry about that," He said, embarrassed.

"It's... alright," Azure said as he looked at the dragon on his shoulder.

"I guess he doesn't want to go back yet," Gojo laughed looking as well.