Secrets

[Third Person's PoV]

"It's not just our enemies who've grown stronger," Gojo stated, leaning back in his seat. "Ash, Okkotsu, even your student Todou—their powers have skyrocketed in recent years. Last year's clash with Geto Suguru, and now, the emergence of Sukuna's host."

"What are you trying to convey?" inquired the Principal, casting a piercing glance.

"Because of your outdated rules and traditions, the accumulated power is now escalating uncontrollably," Gojo clarified with a smirk.

"'High-grade' won't cut it for the next generation. If you think I'm the only one ready to show my true power, get ready for a rude awakening, old man!" Gojo declared boldly.

"You talk too much," the Principal responded flatly, opening one eye.

Unfazed, Gojo replied, "Oh, that's terrifying. Well, I've said my piece, so I'll be on my way."

As Gojo headed for the door, he paused and waved back, "Oh, by the way, Principal Yaga will drop in around 2 hours. See ya!"

Miwa was taken aback, thinking, 'Two hours!'

...

Todou and Megumi could be seen face to face Todo with no hands and Megumi with broken hands and arms twisting the wrong way with blood dripping from his mouth.

They were both panting heavily and were about to engage at each other once again but Ash put a stop to it.

"You two can stop now, I think you already fought enough, if you want to determine the winner between the two of you it's best that you do it during the Goodwill event"

Todo and Megumi nodded at each other, then took hesitant steps towards Ash. Standing before him, they wore shy expressions while awaiting for him to do his thing.

Confused by their actions, Ash looked at them and asked, "What's up?"

Caught off guard by his reaction, they stood there in shock, unsure of what to say. Seeing their bewilderment, Ash couldn't resist teasing them. "Just kidding!" With a wave of his hand, he conjured flames that enveloped both of their bodies, healing them from their previous injuries.

Relieved after being healed, they exhaled deeply. Todo then presented two tickets for his favorite idol's handshake event to Ash, pouting and acting cutesy as he asked, "Want to go with me? I got another ticket just for you."

Everyone just looked at Todo in disgust, Ash even more so since Todo was asking him to begin with.

"Uhhh, sorry, I'm actually quite busy at the moment and have something planned in a few minutes," Ash awkwardly replied.

"Awww, that's a shame. Well then, let's go, Mai. I won't waste the other ticket," Todo said, disappointed, as he turned to Mai.

Mai looked at him with a raised brow and asked, "Why would I go with you?"

"Since you came with me, we are going together, and I don't want to waste the tickets. You're going to have fun in there, I just know it," said Todo as he tried to convince Mai to join him.

Letting out a long-winded sigh, Mai finally said, "Fineeeeeee, I don't have anything planned anyway."

After Mai bid her goodbyes, they soon left. As they departed, Ash gave Maki a kiss on the cheek. "I really do have something to do at the moment. I wasn't lying when I said that. I'll see you later."

Confusion flashed across Maki's face as she asked, "And what's that?"

Ash put a finger to his lips and said, "Sorry, I can't tell you that. It's a secret. It's supposed to be a surprise."

Maki lifted a brow at that. "Since when have you been so secretive?"

Smirking, Ash replied, "Since now, but don't worry, I'm not doing anything shocking."

Though still confused, Maki nodded her head. She grabbed him by the middle of his shirt and pulled him into a long kiss, saying, "Then I'll see you later."

Ash nodded as he left their group as well. He conjured a portal and entered it.

...

As he exited the portal, Ash simply asked, "Are you ready, Yuji?"

Yuji, who had been waiting for him on the couch, rose with a heavy sigh and nodded silently. Ever since he had begun training with Ash, he dreaded the days when Ash would come to take him out for more training

"Today, we're moving towards a field test, gaining experience from real combat and dealing with curses," Ash announced as he created another portal by burning a hole between himself and their destination.

As Ash walked through the portal, Yuji followed closely behind. When they exited the portal, Yuji found himself standing in front of an abandoned mansion that looked like it would collapse at any moment.

"It took me a while to find this, so I hope you appreciate it. I'm not going inside with you because that would defeat the purpose of this exercise. This place is infested with curses, so it's a good training ground," Ash explained.

He slapped Yuji on the back and pushed him forward. "Enjoy yourself now."

Yuji sighed, nodded, and entered the mansion. As he stepped inside, a creepy and eerie feeling washed over him.

Meanwhile, outside, Ash set up a barrier and chanted, "Emerge from the darkness, blacker than darkness. Purify that which is impure."

A curtain materialized around the mansion, enclosing it. Inside, Yuji was suddenly attacked by a curse with multiple limbs.

Reacting swiftly, Yuji managed to dodge the assault, yet due to the curse's numerous limbs, it still landed a blow on him. Luckily, Yuji's durability rendered the attack ineffective.

Infusing his fist with cursed energy, Yuji attempted to strike the curse in the face. However, the curse adeptly used its multiple limbs to block the attack.

With Yuji's incredible strength, the curse was forcefully propelled backward, crashing through a door and hurtling into a room, causing it to shatter upon impact.

The curse, now within the room, staggered to regain its balance. Yuji, determined to end the confrontation, followed swiftly into the room. The curse, sensing Yuji's approach, lunged forward with a series of rapid strikes using its multiple limbs.

Dodging and weaving through the barrage, Yuji managed to evade most of the attacks. With a calculated move, he concentrated cursed energy into both his fists, intensifying his next strike.

In a decisive motion, Yuji lunged forward, aiming a powerful punch directly at the core of the curse. The impact resonated throughout the room as the curse let out a guttural screech, dissipating into a dark mist.

The atmosphere inside the mansion shifted, the ominous aura gradually fading away. Yuji caught his breath, feeling a sense of accomplishment for banishing the curse. However, he knew there might be more lurking within the mansion's confines.