Sake

The warm afternoon sun cast long shadows across the grounds of Tokyo Jujutsu High as Principal Yaga, Satoru Gojo, and Shoko Ieiri gathered in one of the school's many meeting rooms. The air was thick with tension and unspoken concerns, the weight of recent events hanging heavily over them all.

Yaga took a long sip from his steaming cup of tea, his weathered face creased with worry. Setting the cup down with a soft clink, he turned his gaze to Gojo. "So, Gojo," he began, his gruff voice breaking the silence, "have you found any way to break Okkotsu's curse?"

Gojo leaned back in his chair, his usual carefree demeanor somewhat subdued. "Not at all," he admitted, running a hand through his shock of white hair. "I have some theories, but it's difficult, you know? Don't keep pressuring me."

Yaga sighed heavily, his shoulders sagging slightly under the weight of his responsibilities. His gaze shifted to Shoko, who had been uncharacteristically quiet throughout the meeting. "And you, Shoko? Any ideas?"

Shoko merely shrugged, her usually bright eyes distant and troubled. The absence of her typical sharp wit was telling, a clear sign of the toll recent events had taken on her.

Suddenly, Gojo snapped his fingers, a spark of his usual energy returning to his eyes. "I've got it!" he exclaimed, sitting up straight. "I know someone who's an expert... or rather, could be an expert. He's very clever."

Shoko's eyes widened in realization. "You don't mean..."

"Who?" Yaga interjected, his curiosity piqued.

Gojo's grin widened. "Our dear friend, Yunichi."

Yaga nodded thoughtfully, stroking his chin. "Yuno always was outstanding in school," he mused. "And it wouldn't surprise me if he's learned all sorts of things on his travels."

Shoko's face darkened, a mix of emotions flashing across her features. "But he left nine years ago," she said, her voice tight with barely suppressed anger. "If he had wanted to come back, he would have done so by now."

Gojo raised an eyebrow at her tone but pressed on. "Yeah, but you know Yuno," he said, his voice softening slightly. "Maybe he didn't find Suguru or a cure for his eyes, and after so much time passed, he felt too embarrassed to come back."

Yaga shook his head, rising to his feet. "I doubt that's the case," he said firmly. "Either way, get in touch with Yuno and ask him to come take a look at Okkotsu."

"Understood, boss," Gojo replied with a mock salute.

As Yaga left the room, Gojo turned to Shoko, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Aren't you excited to see your dear Yunichi again?"

Shoko's eyes flashed dangerously. "The last person I want to see right now is Rentaro," she snapped.

Gojo's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Rentaro? Why are you calling him by his last name?"

"It's normal when you don't trust someone, isn't it?" Shoko retorted, her voice cold.

Gojo couldn't help but laugh, though there was a hint of concern beneath his amusement. "You two seem to have a lot to talk about," he observed, rising to his feet. "Well, time to get to work."

As Gojo left the room, Shoko remained seated, her hands clenched tightly in her lap. The setting sun cast a warm glow through the windows, but it did nothing to dispel the chill that had settled in her heart at the mention of Yuno's name.

Meanwhile, thousands of miles away in a bustling city in Nigeria, Yuno Rentaro sat at a weathered wooden table, sipping tea and observing the ebb and flow of life around him. His once-long chestnut hair was now cut shorter, framing his striking red eyes. The years had added height to his frame, and a quiet strength seemed to emanate from him.

At his side rested his katana, an ever-present companion on his long journey. Yuno closed his eyes briefly, allowing the sounds and scents of the African city to wash over him. In that moment of quiet contemplation, he sensed a familiar presence approaching.

Opening his eyes, Yuno found himself face to face with his old friend, Satoru Gojo. A small sigh escaped his lips as he regarded the white-haired jujutsu sorcerer. "How did you find me, Satoru?" he asked, his voice tinged with a mixture of resignation and curiosity.

Gojo's laugh rang out, bright and familiar. "I'm glad to see you too, Yunichi," he said, dropping into the seat across from Yuno without invitation.

Yuno leaned back in his chair, his red eyes studying Gojo intently. "Well?" he prompted. "I doubt you've traveled the world just to say hello."

Gojo's grin widened as he took in his old friend's appearance. "It's strange to see you without your glasses, Yunichi," he remarked. "What happened to them?"

Yuno shrugged, a hint of old pain flashing across his features. "Since I no longer have my power, I don't need them anymore," he explained. "I stopped wearing them years ago."

Gojo nodded, his expression sobering slightly. "Listen, Yunichi," he said, leaning forward. "I need a favor."

A ghost of a smile tugged at Yuno's lips. "I already told you years ago that I won't help you put a cow in Gakuganji's house."

Gojo burst out laughing, the sound drawing curious glances from nearby patrons. "Not that," he said, waving a hand dismissively. "Ijichi already did me that favor eight years ago... Well, I forced him to."

Yuno raised an eyebrow, waiting for Gojo to continue.

"There's a boy," Gojo explained, his voice growing serious. "Yuta Okkotsu. He's a cursed child, but what's peculiar is the curse that follows him. It's incredibly powerful. We've dubbed it the Queen of Curses."

Yuno took another sip of his tea, his mind already working through the problem. "Is she Sukuna's girlfriend?" he asked dryly.

Gojo chuckled, shaking his head. "No, they knew each other since childhood. They promised to marry, but Rika died in a car accident. Since then, she's always been by his side."

"Did Okkotsu witness the accident?" Yuno asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Gojo nodded, watching his friend's face intently. "That's right."

"Then it was Okkotsu himself who placed the curse, not Rika," Yuno concluded, his voice quiet but certain.

"Explain," Gojo prompted, leaning forward with interest.

Yuno set down his cup, his fingers tracing the rim absently as he spoke. "Sorcerers turn into curses when they die if they're not finished off with cursed energy," he began. "Plus, they need to die with a certain resentment or sense of duty. She was a child, so she wouldn't have had any of that. On the other hand, Yuta probably didn't want her to die, and he likely ended up cursing her unintentionally."

Gojo's eyes widened behind his dark glasses. "You know all this from the little I told you?" he asked, impressed. "You really are a genius, Yunichi. Can the curse be broken?"

Yuno nodded, his hand moving to rest on the hilt of his katana. "It can be done with my katana."

"Oh, your strange katana that cuts everything?" Gojo asked, his voice a mixture of curiosity and excitement. "Even curses?"

"Years ago, I discovered that it can literally cut anything," Yuno explained, his voice low. "Curses, cursed energy, spells, reality, time, existence itself... Though that last one is just a theory. Even your Limitless."

Gojo clapped his hands together, his face lit up with genuine admiration. "You're amazing, Yunichi."

Yuno's expression remained neutral, but there was a hint of warmth in his eyes at his old friend's praise. "Of course, it's not that simple," he cautioned. "But I suppose I can cut Okkotsu's curse and free Rika."

"Great!" Gojo exclaimed, already rising to his feet. "Then let's head back to Tokyo."

Yuno nodded slowly, a hint of hesitation in his movements. "I suppose I can come for a while," he agreed.

As they began to gather their things, Gojo's curiosity got the better of him. "What were you doing here in Africa, anyway?"

Yuno's eyes grew distant, memories of his long journey flashing through his mind. "Years ago, I found Suguru," he admitted quietly. "But he wouldn't listen. So I focused on finding a cure to regain my power. I've traveled the world, and I heard about a village here in Africa that's very skilled. In fact, I heard Suguru had been here recently."

Gojo's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "That's strange," he mused. "Well, tell me more on the plane."

As they made their way through the bustling streets of the Nigerian city, the sun began to set, painting the sky in vibrant hues of orange and pink. The two old friends walked side by side, their contrasting appearances drawing curious glances from passersby.

Yuno's mind raced with thoughts of returning to Tokyo, to the world he had left behind nine years ago. He wondered how much had changed, how his old friends and colleagues had fared in his absence. And beneath it all, a quiet anxiety simmered at the thought of seeing Shoko again after all this time.

As they boarded the plane that would carry them back to Japan, Yuno settled into his seat, his katana carefully stowed overhead. Gojo, never one for silence, immediately launched into a series of questions about Yuno's travels and discoveries.

"So, Yunichi," Gojo began, his voice brimming with excitement, "tell me everything. What's the most incredible thing you've seen on your travels?"

Yuno closed his eyes for a moment, sifting through the myriad experiences of the past nine years. "It's hard to choose just one," he admitted. "I've seen ancient temples hidden deep in jungles, witnessed cursed techniques that defy explanation, and met people with abilities that push the boundaries of what we thought possible."

Gojo leaned forward, hanging on every word. "And Suguru? You said you found him?"

A shadow passed over Yuno's face at the mention of their old friend. "Yes," he said quietly. "It was about five years ago, in a remote village in the Himalayas. He was... different. Harder. More convinced than ever of his ideologies."

"Did you fight?" Gojo asked, his voice uncharacteristically serious.

Yuno shook his head. "No. We talked. Or rather, I tried to talk. He wouldn't listen. In the end, he left, and I... I let him go."

A heavy silence fell between them, broken only by the hum of the plane's engines. After a moment, Gojo spoke again, his voice softer. "You did what you could, Yunichi. We all did."

Yuno nodded, though the weight of guilt still hung heavily on his shoulders. "And what about you, Satoru?" he asked, changing the subject. "How have things been at Jujutsu High?"

...

As Yuno and Gojo stepped onto the grounds of Tokyo Jujutsu High, a wave of nostalgia washed over Yuno. The ancient trees, the traditional buildings, and the faint hum of cursed energy in the air – it all felt eerily familiar, as if he had never left.

"It hasn't changed much," Yuno observed, his red eyes scanning the surroundings with a mixture of fondness and apprehension.

Gojo chuckled, his white hair catching the sunlight as he turned to his friend. "That's because they like to keep things traditional here," he explained, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Some things never change, Yunichi."

As they walked through the grounds, the sounds of training reached their ears. Gojo's face lit up with enthusiasm. "Oh, you've got to see this," he said, grabbing Yuno's arm and steering him towards the training area.

They came upon a group of students engaged in various exercises. Yuno's gaze was immediately drawn to a young woman with glasses and green hair tied back in a ponytail. She moved with a fluid grace, her movements precise and powerful as she wielded a staff against an unseen opponent.

"That's Maki Zenin," Gojo said, noticing Yuno's interest. "Impressive, isn't she?"

Yuno nodded, his eyes still following Maki's movements. "She has excellent form," he commented.

Gojo's grin widened. "Oh? Did she catch your eye, Yunichi?"

Yuno shot him a withering look. "Don't make it sound weird, Satoru."

Laughing, Gojo held up his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. But you should know, she's a Zenin, and she has a Heavenly Restriction."

Yuno's eyebrows rose in surprise. "A Heavenly Restriction? Is she Toji's daughter?"

Gojo's laughter rang out once more. "No, no. She's his niece. His son, on the other hand, I'm looking after."

Yuno turned to face Gojo fully, his expression a mixture of curiosity and concern. "You're looking after Toji Fushiguro's son? How did that come about?"

Gojo's face grew serious for a moment. "If I didn't, the Zenin clan would have bought him," he explained. "Couldn't let that happen."

Yuno nodded slowly, his gaze drifting back to the training students. "Well, the sins of the father are not the sins of the son," he mused quietly.

After a moment, Gojo clapped his hands together. "Well, let's introduce you to the students, shall we?"

As they approached, the students paused in their training, their curious gazes fixed on Yuno. Gojo, ever the showman, swept his arm out dramatically.

"Everyone, I'd like you to meet Yuno Rentaro, an old friend and exceptional sorcerer," he announced. "Yunichi, these are our first-year students: Maki Zenin, Yuta Okkotsu, Panda, and Toge Inumaki."

Yuno bowed slightly, his expression neutral but not unkind. "It's a pleasure to meet you all," he said.

Gojo turned to Maki, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Maki-chan, Yunichi here is exceptionally skilled with weapons. Perhaps he could give you some pointers?"

Maki's eyes narrowed behind her glasses, her posture stiffening slightly. "I'm not interested," she said curtly, turning back to her training.

If Yuno was offended by her brusque response, he didn't show it. Instead, his gaze shifted to Yuta, the cursed boy Gojo had told him about. Even without his former ability to see the future, Yuno could sense the immense cursed energy surrounding the young man.

"Okkotsu-kun," Yuno said, his voice gentle but firm. "Gojo has told me about your situation. I believe I can break the curse, but I'll need some time to prepare for the technique."

Yuta's eyes widened, a mix of hope and fear flashing across his face. "You... you can break it?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Yuno nodded solemnly. "I believe so, yes. But it won't be easy, and we'll need to proceed with caution."

Gojo clapped his hands together, breaking the tension that had settled over the group. "Well, that's settled then! Yunichi, why don't we go say hello to Shoko? I'm sure she's dying to see you."

As they walked away from the training grounds, Yuno couldn't help but notice the slight tension in Gojo's shoulders, belying his cheerful tone. The mention of Shoko had brought a flood of memories and emotions that Yuno had been trying to keep at bay.

They made their way to the infirmary in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. As they approached the door, Yuno took a deep breath, steeling himself for the reunion he had both longed for and dreaded for nine long years.

Gojo pushed open the door without knocking, his usual exuberance on full display. "Shoko-chan! Look who I found wandering around Africa!"

Yuno stepped into the infirmary, his eyes immediately finding Shoko. She stood by a desk, her short hair framing a face that was both achingly familiar and subtly changed by the passing years. Her eyes widened slightly at the sight of him, a flicker of emotion crossing her features before her expression settled into a neutral mask.

"Hello, Ieiri," Yuno said softly, his voice carrying a wealth of unspoken words.

Shoko's gaze met his, her eyes unreadable. "Hello, Rentaro," she replied, her tone cool and professional.

The use of his family name didn't escape Yuno's notice. It was a stark reminder of the distance that had grown between them, a chasm of his own making. The nickname she had once used so affectionately – Yunichi – was conspicuously absent, and its loss felt like a physical ache in Yuno's chest.

An awkward silence fell over the room, thick with tension and unspoken feelings. Gojo, sensing the atmosphere, cleared his throat. "Well, I'll just leave you two to catch up, shall I? Yunichi, come find me when you're ready to discuss Okkotsu's situation further."

With that, he slipped out of the infirmary, leaving Yuno and Shoko alone.

Yuno shifted his weight, suddenly feeling every one of his thirty years. "You look well, Ieiri," he said, attempting to break the ice.

Shoko's expression remained impassive. "Thank you," she replied. "You've changed your hair."

Yuno ran a hand through his shorter locks, a small, rueful smile tugging at his lips. "Ah, yes. It was more practical for traveling."

Another silence fell, heavy with the weight of nine years of absence and unspoken words. Yuno's mind raced, searching for something to say that could bridge the gulf between them.

"Ieiri, I—" he began, but Shoko cut him off.

"Why are you here, Rentaro?" she asked, her voice sharp. "After nine years of silence, why come back now?"

The hurt and anger in her tone was palpable, and Yuno flinched slightly. "Gojo asked for my help with Okkotsu's curse," he explained. "I... I didn't know if I would be welcome otherwise."

Shoko's eyes flashed. "Welcome? You didn't even say goodbye when you left, Rentaro. You just disappeared. Do you have any idea what that did to us? To me?"

The pain in her voice cut through Yuno like a knife. He took a step forward, his hand reaching out instinctively before he caught himself and let it fall back to his side.

"I'm sorry," he said softly. "I thought... I thought it would be easier that way. For everyone."

Shoko laughed bitterly. "Easier? Is that what you told yourself to justify running away?"

Yuno flinched at her words, but he couldn't deny the truth in them. "I was wrong," he admitted. "I was... I was lost, Ieiri. After losing my power, after failing to stop Suguru... I didn't know who I was anymore."

Shoko's expression softened slightly, a flicker of the old warmth showing through her anger. "And did you find yourself out there, Rentaro?"

Yuno was silent for a moment, considering her question. "I'm not sure," he said finally. "But I think... I think I'm ready to try again. To be here, to help if I can."

Shoko studied him for a long moment, her gaze searching. Finally, she sighed, some of the tension leaving her shoulders. "It won't be easy, you know. Coming back after so long. There's a lot that's changed."

Yuno nodded, a small, hopeful smile tugging at his lips. "I know. But I'm willing to try, if you'll let me."

Shoko's expression remained guarded, but there was a softening around her eyes. "We'll see," she said. "For now, let's focus on helping Okkotsu-kun. That's why you're here, after all."

Yuno nodded, grateful for the shift to a more neutral topic. "Of course. What can you tell me about his condition?"

As Shoko began to outline Okkotsu's case, Yuno felt a small glimmer of hope. It wasn't forgiveness, not yet, but it was a start. A chance to rebuild what he had broken all those years ago.

As Yuno and Shoko settled into a tentative peace, discussing Okkotsu's case with professional detachment, the door to the infirmary burst open once more. Gojo strode in, his boundless energy filling the room like a whirlwind.

"Alright, you two!" he exclaimed, clapping his hands together. "Enough shop talk. We need to celebrate Yunichi's long-awaited return!"

Yuno raised an eyebrow, his expression a mixture of amusement and exasperation. "Long-awaited, Satoru? I hardly think—"

But Gojo was already waving away his protests. "Nonsense! We're going out for drinks. Nanami, Mei Mei, and Utahime are coming too. It'll be just like old times!"

Shoko's eyes narrowed slightly at the mention of Utahime, a flicker of something unreadable passing across her face. "How exactly did you find Rentaro, Gojo?" she asked, her tone casual but her gaze sharp.

Gojo's grin widened, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Oh, it was easy," he said, leaning against the doorframe with exaggerated nonchalance. "Yunichi had to maintain contact with a jujutsu school to keep his status as a sorcerer. He chose Kyoto, specifically Utahime."

Before Gojo could continue, Yuno's hand shot out, connecting with the back of his head with a resounding thwack. Gojo yelped, more in surprise than pain, while Yuno glared at him, a faint blush coloring his cheeks.

"Satoru," Yuno growled, his voice low and warning.

Shoko, however, seemed unperturbed by this display. "Hmm, Utahime," she mused, her tone deceptively light. "I didn't know you were still in contact with her. Before me, even."

The atmosphere in the room shifted, a subtle tension crackling in the air. Yuno's eyes darted between Shoko and Gojo, a mixture of guilt and frustration evident in his expression.

"It wasn't like that," he began, but Shoko cut him off with a wave of her hand.

"It doesn't matter," she said, her voice carefully neutral. "As you said, you needed to maintain your status. Utahime was a logical choice."

Gojo, sensing the undercurrents of emotion swirling through the room, clapped his hands together once more. "Well!" he exclaimed, his voice overly bright. "Shall we head out? The night is young, and we have a lot of catching up to do!"

As they made their way out of the infirmary and through the school grounds, Yuno found himself lost in thought. The familiar paths and buildings stirred up memories of his youth – of laughter shared with friends, of grueling training sessions, of that last, bittersweet goodbye with Shoko. He remembered the promise he'd made to return soon, a promise that had stretched from months into years. The guilt of that broken promise weighed heavily on him as they stepped out into the bustling streets of Tokyo.

The cool evening air nipped at their skin as they walked. The city had changed in the nine years since Yuno had left, new skyscrapers reaching towards the heavens, neon signs painting the night in a riot of colors. And yet, beneath the modern veneer, the ancient pulse of the city – and the curses that lurked in its shadows – remained unchanged.

They made their way to a small izakaya tucked away in a narrow alley, the kind of place that catered to jujutsu sorcerers and those in the know. As they stepped inside, the warm glow of lanterns and the rich aroma of grilled meat enveloped them.

Nanami, Mei Mei, and Utahime were already seated at a large table in the corner, an array of dishes and drinks spread out before them. Nanami, his blonde hair neatly combed and his suit as impeccable as ever, raised an eyebrow at their arrival.

"So, the wanderer returns," he said, his dry tone belying the warmth in his eyes as he stood to greet Yuno.

Mei Mei, elegant and composed as always, merely nodded in acknowledgment, her calculating gaze sweeping over Yuno as if assessing his worth. Utahime, however, rose from her seat, a genuine smile lighting up her face and a slight flush to her cheeks that suggested she had already partaken in a few beers.

"Yuno!" she exclaimed warmly, stepping forward to embrace him tightly. "It's so good to see you in person after all this time."

Yuno returned the embrace somewhat awkwardly, acutely aware of Shoko's gaze boring into his back. "It's good to see you too, Utahime," he replied, his voice soft.

As they all settled around the table, a slightly uncomfortable silence fell over the group. It was Gojo who broke it, raising his glass of non-alcoholic beverage with a flourish.

"To Yunichi's return!" he proclaimed. "May his second stint at Tokyo Jujutsu High be less dramatic than the first!"

The others raised their glasses, a chorus of "Kanpai!" ringing out. As they drank, Yuno couldn't help but notice the varying expressions on his old friends' faces. Nanami's stoic facade had softened slightly, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. Mei Mei watched him with cool interest, no doubt already calculating how his return might benefit her. Utahime's smile was warm and genuine, her gaze lingering on Yuno perhaps a moment longer than necessary. And Shoko...

Shoko's face was a carefully constructed mask of neutrality, but Yuno could see the storm of emotions raging behind her eyes. Guilt twisted in his gut as he realized the full extent of the pain his prolonged absence had caused.

As the night wore on and the drinks flowed freely (save for Gojo, who stuck to his non-alcoholic beverages), the initial tension began to ease. Stories were shared, laughter rang out, and for brief moments, it almost felt like no time had passed at all.

Nanami, his cheeks slightly flushed from the sake, leaned across the table towards Yuno. "So, Rentaro," he said, his usually crisp diction slightly slurred, "what was the most interesting thing you encountered on your travels?"

Yuno considered the question for a moment, taking a sip of his own drink. "There were many fascinating things," he began, his red eyes growing distant with memory. "But perhaps the most intriguing was a small village in the mountains of Tibet. They had developed a unique form of cursed energy manipulation that allowed them to commune with the spirits of the mountains themselves."

Utahime leaned forward, her eyes alight with interest and her cheeks flushed from the numerous beers she had consumed. "Really?" she asked, her words slightly slurred. "How did it work? Did you learn it? Can you show us?"

As Yuno launched into an explanation of the Tibetan technique, he found himself relaxing for the first time since his return. The familiar rhythm of discussing jujutsu theory, of bouncing ideas off his peers, felt like slipping on a well-worn glove.

Mei Mei, who had been quietly observing until now, spoke up. "And did you find what you were looking for, Rentaro?" she asked, her tone casual but her eyes sharp.

The table fell silent, all eyes turning to Yuno. He met Mei Mei's gaze steadily, aware of the weight of expectation hanging in the air.

"Not entirely," he admitted after a moment. "I learned a great deal, about jujutsu and about myself. But some questions... some questions remain unanswered."

Gojo, sensing the heaviness that had settled over the group, clapped his hands together. "Well, that's what second chances are for, right?" he said brightly. "Yunichi's back now, and we've got a whole new set of challenges ahead of us. Speaking of which, Nanami, have you heard about our latest first-year student?"

As Gojo launched into a slightly embellished account of Yuta Okkotsu's abilities, Yuno felt a light touch on his arm. He turned to find Shoko looking at him, her expression softer than it had been all evening.

"Rentaro," she said quietly, her voice barely audible over the buzz of conversation around them. "Can we talk? Outside?"

Yuno nodded, his heart racing as he followed Shoko out of the izakaya and into the cool night air. They walked in silence for a few moments, the sounds of the city a muted backdrop to the tension between them.

Finally, Shoko spoke, her voice low and controlled. "You said you wouldn't be gone long."

Yuno's steps faltered, the weight of his broken promise hanging heavily between them. He took a deep breath, searching for the right words.

"I know," he said softly. "I'm sorry, Ieiri. I truly didn't intend to be away for so long. But one lead led to another, and before I knew it..."

"Nine years had passed," Shoko finished for him, her voice tinged with a mixture of hurt and resignation.

Yuno nodded, unable to meet her gaze. "I should have come back sooner," he admitted. "I just... I kept thinking that the next discovery, the next technique I learned, might be the one to restore my power. And then I could return as..."

"As what?" Shoko asked, her voice sharp. "As the man you were before? Did you think that's what I wanted?"

Yuno flinched at her words, finally raising his eyes to meet hers. "No," he said softly. "I realize now how foolish that was. I was so focused on regaining what I'd lost that I didn't see what I was giving up in the process."

Shoko sighed, some of the anger draining from her posture. "We said goodbye, Yuno," she said, her voice softer now. "I understood why you needed to go. But I never thought... I never imagined it would be for so long."

"I'm sorry," Yuno repeated, the words feeling woefully inadequate. "I know it doesn't change anything, but I truly am sorry for the pain I've caused you."

For a long moment, Shoko simply looked at him, her gaze searching. Then, slowly, she nodded. "It's a start," she said. "We have a lot of work to do, Rentaro. Not just with Okkotsu's case, but with... everything."

"I know," Yuno replied, a small, tentative smile tugging at his lips. "And I'm willing to put in the effort, if you are."

Shoko's answering smile was equally cautious, but it was there. "We'll see," she said. "For now, let's get back to the others before Utahime drinks the izakaya dry."

As they made their way back to the izakaya, walking side by side but not quite touching, Yuno felt a glimmer of hope bloom in his chest. The road ahead would be long and difficult, fraught with old wounds and new challenges. But for the first time in nine years, he felt like he was exactly where he needed to be.

They stepped back into the warm, noisy atmosphere of the izakaya to find Utahime standing on her chair, beer in hand, regaling the group with an off-key rendition of an old jujutsu training song. Nanami was attempting to coax her down, while Mei Mei watched with barely concealed amusement. Gojo, of course, was egging Utahime on, his laughter ringing out above the din.

As Yuno and Shoko took their seats, Utahime's gaze locked onto Yuno, her eyes bright with alcohol and something deeper, more vulnerable. "Yuno!" she called out, nearly losing her balance on the chair. "You're back! I wrote you so many letters, you know. So many..."

Nanami finally managed to guide Utahime back into her seat, shooting Yuno an apologetic look. Yuno felt a twinge of guilt, remembering the stack of unopened letters from Utahime that had accumulated over the years. He had always known of her feelings for him, but had never quite known how to address them.

As the night wore on and the conversation flowed as freely as the drinks, Yuno found himself caught between the comfort of familiar faces and the weight of unresolved emotions. Shoko's presence beside him was both a balm and a reminder of what he had left behind. Utahime's longing glances and Gojo's knowing smirks added layers of complexity to an already complicated situation.

But as he looked around the table at his friends – older now, perhaps a bit wiser, but still the same at their core – Yuno felt a sense of belonging that had eluded him for nine long years. The challenges ahead were daunting, the wounds of the past still raw, but in that moment, surrounded by laughter and the warmth of old friendships, Yuno allowed himself to believe that coming home hadn't been a mistake after all.

As the night wore on, the izakaya grew increasingly boisterous. Utahime, her cheeks flushed a deep red from the countless beers she had consumed, was regaling the group with increasingly outlandish tales of her exploits at Kyoto Jujutsu High. Her words slurred together, punctuated by occasional hiccups and bouts of uncontrollable laughter.

Nanami, ever the voice of reason, glanced at his watch and cleared his throat. "I think it's about time we called it a night," he said, his tone firm but gentle. "Some of us have work tomorrow, and Utahime-san is in no state to make it home on her own."

Gojo's eyes lit up with mischief. "Oh? And who will be the lucky escort for our dear Utahime-chan?" he asked, a sly grin spreading across his face.

Mei Mei, her expression impassive, produced a set of chopsticks from her sleeve. "We'll draw lots," she declared, breaking the chopsticks into uneven lengths. "Shortest stick takes Utahime home."

As the chopsticks were passed around, tension filled the air. Each person drew their stick with trepidation, knowing the responsibility that came with the shortest one. When all was said and done, Yuno stared at the stub of wood in his hand with a mixture of resignation and apprehension.

"Well, well," Gojo chuckled, slapping Yuno on the back. "Looks like fate has spoken, Yunichi!"

Yuno sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Utahime lives in Kyoto," he pointed out, hoping for a reprieve.

Nanami shook his head. "It's Friday. She can stay in Tokyo for the night. There are guest rooms at the school, or..."

"Or you could take her to a love hotel!" Gojo interjected, waggling his eyebrows suggestively.

Without missing a beat, Yuno's hand connected with the back of Gojo's head in a sharp slap. "Satoru," he growled, his tone warning.

Shoko, who had been quietly observing the exchange, spoke up. "I'm sure Rentaro would love that idea," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "It would certainly make Utahime's night, wouldn't it?"

Utahime, who had been swaying gently in her seat, perked up at the mention of her name. "Yes!" she exclaimed, pumping her fist in the air. "Let's go, Yuno-kun! To the love hotel!"

Yuno's face flushed a deep crimson as he gently but firmly tapped Utahime on the head. "We're not going to a love hotel," he said firmly. "I have an apartment here in Tokyo. We'll go there."

Nanami raised an eyebrow. "You've already set up residence here? That was fast."

Yuno shrugged, a hint of embarrassment coloring his features. "I've had the place for a while," he admitted. "My mentor has been looking after it for me. I always knew I'd come back someday."

The group fell silent for a moment, the weight of Yuno's words hanging in the air. It was Gojo who finally broke the tension, clapping his hands together with exaggerated enthusiasm.

"Well then!" he exclaimed. "Let's get our lovebirds on their way, shall we?"

Ignoring Gojo's comment, Yuno stood and carefully helped Utahime to her feet. She swayed dangerously, giggling as she leaned heavily against him. "My hero," she slurred, batting her eyelashes at him.

With a sigh, Yuno scooped Utahime into his arms, her slight frame surprisingly light. She nestled against his chest, a contented sigh escaping her lips. "Goodbye, everyone," Yuno said, nodding to his friends. "We'll... talk more tomorrow."

As Yuno carried Utahime out of the izakaya, he couldn't help but notice the mix of emotions playing across Shoko's face. Concern, irritation, and something deeper, more complex, flashed in her eyes before she turned away. The guilt that had been simmering in Yuno's chest all evening threatened to bubble over, but he pushed it down. He had a responsibility to get Utahime home safely, and that had to be his priority for now.

The cool night air hit them as they stepped outside, causing Utahime to shiver and burrow closer to Yuno's warmth. He flagged down a taxi, carefully maneuvering Utahime into the back seat before sliding in beside her. As he gave the driver his address, Utahime's head lolled onto his shoulder, her breath warm against his neck.

The city lights blurred past the window as the taxi wound its way through Tokyo's bustling streets. Yuno found himself acutely aware of Utahime's presence beside him – the soft weight of her body against his, the faint scent of beer and cherry blossoms that clung to her hair. He swallowed hard, memories of their shared past flickering through his mind.

When they finally arrived at Yuno's apartment building, he thanked the driver and once again gathered Utahime into his arms. She mumbled something incoherent, her arms wrapping around his neck as he carried her to the elevator.

The apartment was dark and slightly musty when they entered, testament to its long disuse. Yuno navigated through the shadowy rooms with care, finally reaching the bedroom. He gently laid Utahime down on the bed, intending to retreat to the living room couch for the night.

But as he turned to leave, Utahime's hand shot out, grasping his wrist with surprising strength. "Yuno," she murmured, her eyes fluttering open. In the dim light filtering through the curtains, her gaze was surprisingly lucid.

Before Yuno could react, Utahime pulled him down, her lips meeting his in a desperate, alcohol-tinged kiss. For a moment, Yuno froze, caught off guard by the sudden intensity of her actions. Then, gently but firmly, he pulled away.

"Utahime," he said softly, his voice tinged with regret. "You're drunk. You need to think about this clearly."

Utahime's eyes filled with tears, her lower lip trembling slightly. "I have thought about it," she whispered. "For nine years, Yuno. I've thought about nothing else."

The raw emotion in her voice made Yuno's heart clench. He opened his mouth to respond, to offer some words of comfort or reason, but before he could speak, Utahime tugged him onto the bed beside her.

"Please," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just for tonight, can we not think about anything else? Can it just be us, here, now?"

Yuno hesitated, a war raging within him. On one hand, he knew this was wrong – Utahime was drunk, emotional, and in no state to make this kind of decision. On the other, the loneliness of the past nine years weighed heavily on him, and the warmth of Utahime's body next to his was achingly tempting.

"Utahime," he began, his voice strained. "We can't—"

But Utahime silenced him with another kiss, this one softer, more tender than the first. "Please, Yuno," she murmured against his lips. "I've waited so long. Just give me this one night."

In that moment, Yuno's resolve crumbled. With a soft groan, he pulled Utahime closer, returning her kiss with a passion that surprised even him. Years of pent-up emotion and desire poured out as they clung to each other in the darkness.

As clothes were shed and hands explored familiar yet changed territories, Yuno tried to silence the voice in the back of his mind that whispered of consequences and regrets. For now, he would allow himself this moment of connection, this brief respite from the weight of his past and the uncertainties of his future.

In the soft glow of the city lights filtering through the curtains, Yuno and Utahime moved together, their bodies speaking the words their hearts had held back for so long. It was a dance of longing and reunion, of passion and tender rediscovery.

Afterward, as they lay tangled in the sheets, Utahime's head resting on Yuno's chest, a comfortable silence settled over them. Yuno absently stroked Utahime's hair, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.

"Yuno," Utahime murmured, her voice heavy with approaching sleep. "Promise me you won't disappear again."

Yuno's hand stilled for a moment before resuming its gentle caress. "I promise," he said softly, knowing even as the words left his lips that the situation was far more complicated than a simple promise could encompass.

As Utahime's breathing evened out into the rhythm of deep sleep, Yuno stared at the ceiling, wide awake. The events of the day played through his mind on a loop – his return to Tokyo, the reunion with his old friends, the tension with Shoko, and now this unexpected turn with Utahime.

The gentle lapping of waves against the shore filled the air as Yuno and Riko walked hand in hand along the moonlit beach of Okinawa. The soft sand shifted beneath their feet, and a cool breeze carried the salty scent of the ocean. Riko's long hair fluttered in the wind, her eyes shimmering with reflected starlight as she gazed up at Yuno.

They came to a stop, turning to face each other. Yuno's heart raced as he leaned down, his lips meeting Riko's in a tender kiss. For a moment, the world seemed to fall away, leaving only the two of them in this perfect, moonlit moment.

"Yunichi..."

The soft, hurt voice cut through the night like a knife. Yuno broke away from the kiss, his eyes wide as he turned to see a young Shoko standing a few feet away. Her short hair framed a face etched with pain and betrayal.

"Shoko, I can explain—" Yuno began, his voice desperate.

But before he could finish, a searing pain erupted in his chest. He looked down in shock to see the tip of a blade protruding from his sternum, gleaming red with his blood. With growing horror, Yuno turned his head to look over his shoulder.

There stood Toji Fushiguro, a wicked grin spread across his face. His eyes glinted with malice as he twisted the blade, sending waves of agony through Yuno's body.

Yuno's eyes snapped open, a gasp tearing from his throat as he bolted upright in bed. His heart pounded furiously in his chest, and a cold sweat clung to his skin. He blinked rapidly, disoriented, as the familiar surroundings of his Tokyo apartment came into focus.

Beside him, Utahime stirred slightly but didn't wake, her face peaceful in the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. The events of the previous night came rushing back to Yuno, adding another layer of complexity to his already tumultuous emotions.

Yuno ran a trembling hand through his hair, trying to shake off the lingering tendrils of the nightmare. The image of Riko's smile, Shoko's hurt expression, and Toji's malevolent grin seemed burned into his retinas. He took a deep breath, attempting to center himself.

Just as his heartbeat began to slow to a more normal rhythm, the shrill ring of his cellphone shattered the morning quiet. Yuno fumbled for the device on the nightstand, squinting at the screen. Gojo's name flashed up at him, along with a ridiculous selfie his friend had apparently set as the contact photo.

For a moment, Yuno considered ignoring the call. But knowing Gojo, that would only result in more persistent attempts to reach him. With a resigned sigh, Yuno swiped to answer the call.

"Satoru," he said, his voice still rough with sleep. "Do you have any idea what time it is?"

Gojo's cheerful voice boomed through the speaker, far too energetic for the early hour. "Rise and shine, Yunichi! I hope I'm not interrupting anything... steamy."

Yuno could practically hear the eyebrow waggle in Gojo's tone. He pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling a headache building. "What do you want, Satoru?"

"Aww, don't be like that," Gojo whined. "I just wanted to check in on my two favorite lovebirds. How's Utahime this morning? Still sleeping off her sake-induced adventures?"

Yuno glanced at Utahime's sleeping form, a pang of guilt twisting in his gut. "She's fine," he said curtly. "Is that all?"

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line, and when Gojo spoke again, his voice had lost some of its teasing edge. "Actually, Yunichi, there is something else. We've got a situation developing with Okkotsu-kun. I think we're going to need your expertise sooner rather than later."

The seriousness in Gojo's tone immediately put Yuno on alert. He swung his legs over the side of the bed, careful not to disturb Utahime. "What kind of situation?" he asked, already mentally preparing himself for whatever crisis had arisen.

"It's... complicated," Gojo said, uncharacteristically hesitant. "I'd rather not get into it over the phone. Can you meet me at the school in an hour?"

Yuno glanced at the clock, then back at Utahime. He'd have to leave her a note, he realized with a twinge of regret. "I'll be there," he promised.

"Great!" Gojo's cheerfulness returned full force. "Oh, and Yunichi? You might want to bring that special katana of yours. Just in case."

Before Yuno could respond, the line went dead. He stared at the phone for a moment, a sense of foreboding settling over him. Whatever was happening with Okkotsu, it was clearly serious enough to have Gojo concerned.

With a heavy sigh, Yuno pushed himself to his feet. He moved quietly around the room, gathering his clothes and scribbling a quick note for Utahime. As he dressed, his mind raced with possibilities. What could have happened with Okkotsu? And why did Gojo think his katana might be necessary?

As Yuno prepared to leave, he paused by the bed, looking down at Utahime's sleeping form. Guilt and affection warred within him as he gently brushed a strand of hair from her face. He knew they would need to have a serious conversation about what had happened between them, but for now, that would have to wait.

Grabbing his katana from where it leaned against the wall, Yuno took one last look around the apartment. The normalcy of the scene – the rumpled bed sheets, the faint smell of last night's sake still lingering in the air – seemed at odds with the urgency of Gojo's call.

As he stepped out into the crisp morning air, Yuno couldn't shake the feeling that his life was about to become far more complicated than he had anticipated. The memory of his nightmare still clung to him, mixing with his anxiety about the situation with Okkotsu and his conflicted feelings about Utahime and Shoko.

With a deep breath, Yuno set off towards Jujutsu High, his katana a comforting weight at his side. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he would face them head-on. After all, that's what it meant to be a jujutsu sorcerer – to stand between the world of curses and the innocent, no matter the personal cost.

As the morning sun climbed higher in the sky, casting long shadows across Tokyo's bustling streets, Yuno Rentaro strode forward, ready to confront whatever new trials awaited him at the school. The past might haunt his dreams, but it was the future – uncertain and fraught with danger – that now demanded his full attention.