11) Not-so Perfect Preparation

Around 5 days later, I visited my old workplace that I…well destroyed almost completely. My district manager was no where to be seen and it seems that there was some pipes needing to be replaced. Business is running smoothly though, so that's good.

But that also reminds me.

Since the incident happened, I haven't tried using my cursed energy to corrode physical and tangible objects. I have been strictly corroding cursed energy-based things…

"I'll have to experiment when I get back to JJT."

I walked in the store to poke my head around. Honestly I'm glad the manager wasn't here or that could've been…problematic to say the least. I scanned the shelves for the absolute perfection of crayfish potato chips but had no luck in finding any. How upsetting.

Then, a quiet chime and vibration came from my phone. While I walked up to the counter to check out my snack, I read the message from the first-year groupchat.

>Yuta: They want us to spar @Furō. Wya?

>Furō: at the convience store rn. what time do i gotta be there?

>Maki: Come. NOW.

>Furō: omw…

>Toge: 😹

Well whatever, I guess I'll be moving then. I got my chips and called up an Uber to take me back to a relative location by JJT, since I appreciated the view.

Also, I wanted to enjoy my chips while I could..

But eventually, I made it back to headquarters. I saw Maki, Yuta, and Toge all standing at the entrance waiting for me. Maki did not look happy

At ALL.

When I approached her, "Have I done something wrong?" in an innocent manner.

She walked behind me, grabbed my collar, and dragged me up the steps to the courtyard.

"What's the big deal?? Not even a 'hello!' or 'goodmorning!'??" I exclaimed while my ass bumped against every step.

"She's a bit upset that me and you are sparring with CE and she can't participate." Yuta said while picking up my legs to stop me from bumping so hard.

"Shake sushi, tuna."

I can't even pretend like I understand what he meant by that.

"Oh by the way, where's Panda at?" I asked.

"He's with Principal Yaga right now. Getting his…cores looked at? I think that's what he said.."

We soon reached the top of the stairs and Maki tossed me over, making me land on my butt again. She angrily stomped her way back to the dorms.

"Damn, what's her problem.." I asked

"Takana."

Well, whatever all that was about. On another note, me, Yuta, and Toge entered the field where Gojo stood in the center holding my oar, menacingly as always.

"My beloved students, good morning! I'm sure you all know what's up so let's get straight into the meat and cheese,"

Gojo handed me Onamazu

"Yuta, Furō. Fight each other with your current arsenals. No killing allowed. Most important of all, have fun!"

Oh, just like that? Fine by me.

___________________________

Yuta and I stood on opposite ends of the circle centered in the middle of the field. Our CE began to rise adjacent to each other and my excitement rose with it.

"Don't hold back, 'kay? 'Cuz I surely won't be." I spun the oar around and assumed a battle stance.

"I'll try not to!" Yuta rolled up his sleeves and Rika partially manifested her giant pale arms. His katana beamed with energy.

In a few short moments, we both charged at each other with unrelenting speeds, and clashed our weapons together, creating a loud "CHING!" I noticed Rika's arms about to slam down from above me so I jumped back quickly. 'Close one!' I thought to myself. Yuta blitzed me in less than a second, forcing me to go on the defensive. He sent a barrage of powerful attacks with the blunt side sword, pushing me further and further down the field.

"RRRGGHHH GET BACK!!" I yelled as I maneuvered his blade down the side of Onamazu and jump-kicked him in the chest. Damn, I thought I could do more damage but all I did was end up pushing him back some.

"Quite a kick Furō, got more where that came came from?" He taunted me. Shocking coming from Yuta…

"Heh, whatever."

Another exchange of blows were given between us, and we ended up fighting for nearly 7 minutes. But I also noticed something strange. Yuta's cursed energy was draining faster than mine, but he wasn't taking any significant damage.

"Are you…cheating?? REVERSE CURSED TECHNIQUE REALLY?!" I yelled at him because OBVIOUSLY that wasn't fair.

"Didn't Gojo say use our CURRENT arsenals? I'm just doing what I was told.."

"Whatever, you cheater!"

I rushed at him but instead of rushing back, Yuta held up his hand and murmured to it. It was very difficult to hear over my yelling voice. I stopped in my tracks when Rika manifested almost an entire body. 'What the hell is this..'

His cursed energy started to swell up again aswell, which was AWFULLY concerning for me, who also started to bottom out. My reserves might be slightly larger but his lack of cursed technique options allows him to out-stamina me by a noticeable margin. I must depend on my property to corrode his CE and hope I don't run out before I can beat him.

But then Yuta removed his hand from in front of his mouth and revealed…

SNAKE EYES AND FANGS????

My instant reaction was to cover my ears but I was already too late.

He shouted "STOP MOVING!" and my body froze completely still. I couldn't even blink after he said the command. Then he and Rika run up to my quickly.

'Aw shit.'

My final thought before Yuta threw a haymaker straight to my face, knocking me out cold.