Waking up early after a day of extreme mental and physical exhaustion is very difficult. These days the bed never felt so comfortable and going back to sleep was never so tempting, unfortunately I can't afford to continue, I have class and later I'll try to train with Sukuna. Things are going relatively well, however I can't forget that they only really start to go bad when the Shibuya mission begins.
In the meantime that I met the strongest sorcerer in the world, I understood a little more why people always feel safe around him, his fight against Jogo, showed me a lot how this works, however if I can't avoid him being sealed, everything will go to shit. I have to become strong to survive this, in addition to being able to protect others, the cursed womb mission showed me how insensitive, fearful and stupid I was for thinking about leaving behind someone I care about, I will no longer hesitate to protect them, even if it's very scared.
Before leaving my room and heading to the cafeteria, as it was almost seven in the morning I expected not to find anyone already awake besides me, but to my surprise I see Maki sitting down eating an apple and what I believe to be a yogurt with granola.
- Good morning. Nice to meet you, I'm Watanabe Hana, first year student. - I introduce myself when I get closer to my senior.
- Nice to meet you, I'm Maki. I heard what happened, my condolences. - She says a little uncertain.
- It's okay, it's not like you were to blame for his death. I hope you'll excuse me for not showing up for training yesterday, the death of my foster brother really hit me hard. - I say without looking at her, moving to cook.
- Oh! Yes... It must be quite complicated. - She mutters, making the mood even stranger.
- Did you wake up early to train? Because if so, then we had the same plan, and I would like to invite you to be my training partner. - I invite her, already starting to cook.
- Sure. Do you have any weapons? - She asks curiously.
- Yes two swords. I am a student of Kenjutsu, I have two swords that are a family heirloom. - I explain excitedly.
- Serious? Well, I heard about several Watanabes who contributed to Japan's history, but I didn't know that there were still descendants who still preserved the samurai heritage. - The senior speaks in surprise.
- Yes... In fact, in my family we take this very seriously, we know the samurai ideals, Bushido, since we were little, around the three years we started to be taught. Gi, having integrity and acting for the greater good, Yuuki, having courage, even when others don't, and Jin, having kindness and benevolence towards everyone - I explain with a small smile.
- Training since childhood to be a samurai, huh? How is the training? - Maki asks a little more interested.
- Well... From three to seven we begin to be literate and we can handle wooden weapons, from eight to eleven we learn to ride a horse, handle a bow and arrow and we begin to use a Bokken, from twelve upwards we learn to use oyumi on the horse and fighting with the katana. Of course, the whole time I had to undergo a lot of rigorous training to improve my body, unfortunately I was born with a lot of health problems, so I had to do almost twice as much as a normal person would. - I inform her, while I finish preparing the food, finally sitting down.
- I also had a training since I was little, however I wasn't so young and I was supposed to be a sorceress. - Zenin reveals. - I've finished eating, I'm going for a run and then I'll wait for you at the training place. - She says, leaving me alone.
I start eating and try to finish it as quickly as possible, without choking, after that I go back to my room, to do stretches and get my swords, I take advantage and put on my sword belt. With both katanas safely guarded, I go to Maki, on the court I come across her already starting her training with a long weapon similar to a stick, she gives powerful, however, agile blows in the air.
I confess that I always considered Maki one of my favorite characters from Jujutsu Kaisen, strong women are incredible. I shake my head, to remove these thoughts and I go towards her, so that we can finally train together, after determining the rules, we do a count from three to zero, and then we begin.
The senior quickly comes towards me, which forces me to grab the Higekiri sword, because I need to use a lot of strength to block the attack, I end up reinforcing my body in cursed energy. I take the opportunity to try to attack Maki with Muramasa, unfortunately as expected I couldn't be fast enough.
Without wasting time, I move forward and activate the Flowing Red Scale, as I am fully aware that my opponent physically surpasses me on many levels. Knowing full well that her weapon was long-range and mine was medium-range, I used that to my advantage and always stayed a little further back, even though this had made me quite difficult throughout the fight, I knew that in the end the result would make it worthwhile.
When I started to feel tired I made a small cut on my right hand, the one I hold the Muramasa katana, which made his technique activate and I felt completely renewed. Noticing the rest of the students arriving, to see our fight, I take advantage of this moment to counterattack, in an attack coming from above, I give the strongest kick I can, catching Maki off guard and throwing her weapon away, without wasting time I knock her down and I stick one of the swords in the ground beside her head.
- I think I won. - I say confidently.
- It seems so, it was a good move, I was not expecting it. - She compliments, which only increases my smile.
- Thank you, you're a great fighting partner, however I'm still not at your level. I wish to one day defeat you without having to use a surprise attack. - I explain, while I extend my hand to her.
- You are also a great fighting partner. - The girl with green hair says, taking my hand. - And I would be honored to help you grow, start with that. - She complements, before pulling me down and kicking my legs.
Even surprised and slightly shaken by the movement, I don't stay behind and with my other hand I push the girl with glasses' shoulder, I fall behind her, do a somersault and get up.
- Thanks, but I think I already know that trick. - Zombo giving a wink.
We laugh a little and I help her up, this time it was without any tricks, the other teenagers and the panda who were watching us slowly walk towards us. I greet them, we introduce ourselves and I receive condolences, as I inform them that I would rather not bring the matter up, they are all completely understanding, which shows me what good people they are and relieves me that I don't have to lie.
- Fushiguro, Kigusaki, I wanted to apologize for not going to meet you yesterday. - I express embarrassed.
- There is no problem, it is completely understandable. - Megumi assures me.
- Yes, I don't see a problem. If it makes you feel better, we can arrange for you to cook for us one of these days, as payment. - Nobara says.
- Of course, I would be very happy to cook for you. - I agree fun.
- To cook? You guys are making me curious, is he good in the kitchen? - Panda asks.
- I cooked for them yesterday and they said they loved it! - I'll explain.
- Now I'm excited to see you cook, why don't you make something for lunch today Watanabe? - The cursed corpse speaks patting its belly.
- Of course, leave it to me. - I agree.
- Heyyyy, sorry to interrupt, but I need Hana-kun. - Satoru appears out of nowhere, surprising everyone.
- I? Uhhh what do you need from me? - I question confused with the situation.
- Remember how I said yesterday that before letting you train with the others I needed to know how much you know about cursed energy and that stuff? - The eldest asks, receiving a nod from me. - So... Me being a great teacher, who cares a lot about his students, I was very worried that you were never taught by anyone and I already got a mission to test you. - He reveals excited.
- Cool... When is the mission? - I ask worried.
- Now! - He says, making me even more surprised by his craziness. - Don't worry, I'll be there to observe you and I made sure to choose one that you could do alone. I already saw you defeating a grade two curse alone, so I took a semi grade one. - The blindfolded man reveals, to my despair.
- Is that... even allowed by the school?- I question, while trying to hide my fear.
- Yep! Come on, we don't have time to waste. - He claims, pulling me by the hand and leading me away from safety.
As we walk towards the train station Gojo explains to me that a few weeks ago a cursed spirit appeared shortly after another torrential rain that we had this year, this time seventy people died and several are missing. This year there were a lot of natural disasters, five in June alone, from tsunamis to earthquakes, which makes me wonder how this possibly also helped to create stronger curses, not just the fact that Sukuna came back.
Already on the train, my teacher explained to me all the information they had about this curse, apparently it has a cursed technique that releases acid rain. Obviously with this news I was apprehensive, however Satoru promised that I would be fine, since the cursed spirit was not that powerful and was only on that grade because of having a technique.
As soon as the train arrived at its stop, we walked for some time, until we reached an abandoned or evacuated area, bordered by police banners. I didn't even need to get too close, to feel the presence of the curse, it's frighteningly powerful, I tried to calm myself using the justification that that grade two curse I exorcised wasn't so complicated to fight, if I hadn't been hit by the tail, I would I would have been able to beat her easily, at least that's what I was trying to convince myself.
- All right, we're here. I'm going to create a curtain around here and then you can go fight. - He says smiling. - Oh! Before you go, I'd like to ask you to focus more on attacking with your cursed technique. - He asks.
- All right, I'll try... - I answer. - You'll be here if I need you, right? - I ask insecure.
- Of course! But don't worry, I'm sure you'll be fine. - He says confidently.
With the barrier formed, I enter the place, going with my guard up and making as little noise as possible. I take advantage of the calm to amplify my physical abilities as much as possible, also surrounding myself with some cursed energy, as if it were some kind of armor. It doesn't take long for me to see the traces of cursed energy, I follow them cautiously, they lead me to a very muddy area, with several destroyed houses.
The curse floats a few meters from the ground, it looks like a big cloud, it has a light gray hue, below it a rain constantly falls, making the ground even more muddy, when touching the concrete it dissolves it in a few minutes. Its shape is not fixed and it is constantly changing, the only thing that remains is its cloud aspect, there are times when I can swear I saw suffering faces coming out of its interior, a true nightmare.
Realizing that the best course of action would be to attack it from above, I decide to see if I can separate the water from the earth and use it to attack the creature. Unsuccessful, I decide not to spend all my energy on it and continue looking for another nearby water source, while following, at a safe distance, the curse.
Realizing I had no other option, I carefully reopened the cut from my fight with Maki, extracting just enough blood for a Slicing Exorcism, a long-range disk-shaped attack that allows me to slice up the opponent. To my surprise the attack went straight through and the curse didn't seem to have suffered any damage, it was like it really was a cloud.
If the situation wasn't bad enough, the cursed spirit noticed my location, which made me run away in despair. While I was running I made sure to recover the lost blood, use Convergence compressing and condensing the blood to its limit, and then cast a Piercing Blood in one of the houses, shooting a long range blood beam, in an attempt to create enough air, to dissipate the cloud, and smoke, to camouflage me and manage to hide.
I managed to find shelter in a fallen building, I entered through the broken window and was in complete silence, I was going to leave, believing I had waited long enough, but I heard the noise of something corroding and went back to hiding. I could see the curse passing by my hiding place, I was so nervous that I felt I was on the verge of a heart attack, luckily it didn't happen and I wasn't found either.
Still in a panic, I waited some more time, trying to create a strategy, unfortunately nothing came to my mind, because all my attacks are for physical things and none creates wind alone, my best chance would be to find something that could help me or discover some ultimate power of protagonist. Until I remembered the attacks of pure cursed energy that the special grade curse, maybe if I created a wave of pure cursed energy, I could make the curse dissipate.
Feeling more confident, I ran to a high place with a good view, located my enemy and shouted, calling his attention, knowing that the more disadvantage I have, the more powerful I will be, I stayed in the place where I couldn't hide, gathered as much as possible cursed energy I got without hurting myself and when the cloud got close I threw everything in its direction. My attack created a "wall" that managed to dissipate the cursed spirit.
I felt so excited and happy for having managed to defeat a curse of this level that I start to celebrate, I scream loudly and do a shameful victory dance, when I calm down a little, I leave where I am and start heading towards where I believe Satoru is . However, before I can go very far, a gust of wind starts and I feel an extreme burning sensation as I am drenched in water.
Without even fully understanding the situation, I run to the nearest shelter, which was where I had previously hidden. Still in a lot of pain, I turn around to analyze my situation and see the skin on my right arm melting, I panic and with my left hand I start to take the water, which leaves my hand in a state like my arm.
I start crying in panic and the thoughts that I'm going to die begin. I try to shout for my teacher, but with the wind this strong, I doubt he heard anything. I peek outside only to notice that my death is assured, the curse has grown massive, covering the entire "sky" of the curtain, even if I stay here it's only a matter of time before the walls deteriorate and melt.
As if the universe were listening to my thoughts, I see a part of the ceiling fall down and acidic drips appear next to me, with one arm and one hand completely useless, I run away, feeling immeasurable pain, yet determined to survive. I've been through so much, I've come close to dying multiple times, I can't accept dying now and for a minor curse like that.
I manage to run into what I believe is a small, partially buried market, I know that if I don't get medical help I will soon die, so I try to calm down and remember everything I know about reverse cursed energy. Knowing I don't have much time because not only are the walls protecting me going to be completely eroded at some point, but also that the acidic water is starting to flood, I start experimenting as fast as I can.
Theoretically, it's just multiplying the cursed energy with itself, since less with less is more, however... I HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO MULTIPLY CURSED ENERGY! Maybe fill the wound with it and then add more? It just doesn't make sense, but if I don't try, or get it soon, I'm going to die! I'm already starting to feel dizzy and I know I'm just waking up from the adrenaline.
I take a deep breath and try to keep adding energy to my wound, which does nothing but increase the already extreme pain and discomfort. In desperation I stop trying to recover with reverse energy and try to remember anything that can help me, at that moment a memory comes to mind, something that my biology teacher explained in my past life, it is a memory so random that even I understand how I still have it, but I obviously don't complain.
I remember that blood is composed of many cells, one of them being platelets, which stimulate tissue growth, cell division and vessel proliferation, if I can centrifuge my blood and control those cells I will have a way to regenerate myself. With that in mind I use all I can of cursed energy to do this process and to my surprise it starts working, it's not as fast as I would like, however I'm recovering.
Unfortunately I'm using a lot of blood for this, so I try to copy what Choso was able to do, create blood from cursed energy. Using the surplus energy that is outside my body, I start trying to compress and condense it, trying to make it as solid as possible. It's extremely complicated, especially with me controlling my blood to heal myself, but I don't give up, because giving up means dying. Again I try to change the technique, instead of starting to try to transform it directly into blood, first I try to create water, when I managed I cried with joy, but I didn't stop continuing, I move on to the second part which is to transform water into blood.
For me "waterbending" was much easier than manipulating blood, but when I learned that both follow the same principle, I managed to control both with ease. The difference with blood is that not only is it made up of many different things, it's denser and hotter, so if I understand creating water, turning it into blood isn't that difficult, more or less, it was a mixture of both liquids, but it was enough for now.
My joy is quickly ruined when acidic water starts to seep in where I was standing, I more confidently create a "bloody water" bubble around myself, harden it and run outside. The flood level must be at least two meters, while I'm looking around I hear someone calling my name.
- HANA-KUN WHERE ARE YOU??? - Satoru shouts looking for me worriedly.
- HERE!!! - I answer by making my "shield" smaller and only cover above me.
- You gave sensei a real fright.- He informs me. - The curse is stronger than I predicted, let me take care of it.
- Wait! - I interrupt. - Let me try one more time, after all it's a test for me, isn't it? - I ask playfully.
- Go ahead. - The teacher says opening a smile.
I flash my own confident smile and prepare to attack. I do what I swore I would never do again, absorb in my body all the cursed energy I have, even though it hurts a lot, making me feel like I'm going to explode, I continue. I shudder with effort, but I don't think for a second of giving up, with everything contained, I transform as much as possible into that liquid that is not exactly water, nor blood, I use Convergence and throw towards at the curse with a Blood Meteorite, at the moment the cursed spirit dissipates, I create a barrier around it with "watery blood" squeezing it until it explodes.
My body chooses that moment to think I had crossed the limit and I end up passing out, my last vision is of acidic water flying everywhere and Gojo approaching me, after that things became dark and confusing.
~~~~~
Urgh... I feel exhausted, my whole body hurts, I can feel my cursed energy quite accumulated in my body, I must have been struggling before I passed out... What happened? Okay, yesterday there was the special grade curse mission, today I trained with Maki and then... I went on a mission with Gojo-sensei! Right, there was that cursed spirit from semi grade one, he was so strong, I almost died...
For a second I had really given up hope... I don't want to have to go through that again, I need to get stronger quickly, otherwise I'm going to die as soon as the Shibuya incident starts. I need to train my physique even more, control cursed energy, be able to create blood and water separately, get a better bow than what I have at home, learn reverse cursed energy, Domain Expansion, Extension Technique, Maximum Output, Maximum Technique and an Anti-Domain Technique.
The things I already know, but I have to improve, are easy to complete, since the ones I need to learn I would need the help of an experienced sorcerer, that is Sukuna or Satoru. Maybe the ones involving my cursed technique I can find out more, I could talk to Noritoshi, he will come during the goodwill event, this is the best option if I don't want to get involved with the Kamo clan.
When I hear a noise, I snap out of my thoughts and finally open my eyes... I'm at Ieiri's infirmary again, I've already noticed that I'll be coming here several times, I wouldn't be surprised if we became friends. I sit on the bed and notice that I'm alone, the noise I heard seems to have come from some papers that fell, I get up and put them back on the table, because I'm feeling better I decide to leave and go look for Yuji, not without letting them know,I leave a note explaining that I was feeling fine.
It must be around five o'clock as the sun is still quite bright, but it's obviously past noon, which is just what I want, since I don't have any classes at that time. As I head towards the school exit, I take the opportunity to grab some snacks from a vending machine, the hiding place Itadori is in is not that far from the school, however it takes a while to reach on foot. Fortunately, during the entire journey I don't come across any curses or students, just so they don't worry, I send a message to Gojo, letting him know that I'm going to see my brother.
It's strange to think that my mother actually adopted him, I already knew that Wasuke-san had left in his will that she would be Yuji's legal guardian, but... I guess I just had the idea that I would never see "Yuu" again after he joined the sorcerers. Damn, that nickname reminds me of the real first time we met.
To thinking that our mothers would be friends, I'm very happy that mine was forced to move to Tokyo for a few years, I don't want to think about what Kenjako could do, he always looked at me with that weird smile of his, it was disturbing. At the time I still thought I was in a coma or an ultra realistic dream, but now it makes me wonder if he knows I've been reincarnated...
- Gojo-sensei? - I question as I approach the secret house.
- In flesh and blood! - He agrees. - I was teaching things to Yuji-kun, you can have fun, he's done enough today. - Satoru informs.
- OK thank you. - I speak awkwardly.
- You are welcome. Oh! And how are you feeling? - He asks.
- I'm fine, I think I just tried too hard. - I confess embarrassed.
- I see... Well, we'll talk more about this mission tomorrow. - The strongest announces when leaving.
I keep looking at him until he's too far away for my field of vision and finally I head down to the basement. Itadori is tired, with some bruises from punchs, the credits of a movie are on TV, I open a smile with the funny scene and finally confirm my presence.
- Hey Hana, how was your day? - The teenager asks.
- Eh, I had another mission, it was to test my knowledge, I ended up exhausting myself to the point of fainting. - I explain with disinterest.
- Damn... You need to pay more attention to your health. - The one with light hair declares.
- Look who's talking... - I mock.
- Humph! - He lets out indignantly. - Hey Hana... I wanted to ask you something, YOU DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER! However... I would be happy if you did. - He says nervously, making me slightly worried.
- Of course man, you can ask anything. - I agree.
- What did you think when you saw me for the first time? Back at school, during the duo project. - Yuji questions.
- Well... It was the moment I realized what universe I was in, I was in despair and wanted to get away from you completely, because walking a path with you would mean several deaths and desperate situations, several times I was tempted to ask to change schools, but the more time we spent together, the more attached to you I became. - I explain with disgust for my old self. - I confess that in the week when everything was going to happen, I thought about running away, the idea of what was coming was scary, but I'm such an idiot that I can't leave my younger brother alone.
- I don't think you're an idiot! - He disagrees quickly. - ... The first time we saw each other, I had the feeling that I already knew you, it seemed so natural to have you by my side, I know it's strange, but I felt like this... I'm sorry to drag you into this mess.
- No problem, I would probably run into the sorcerers at some point, so it's not your fault. - I acknowledge.
We stayed in a pleasant silence, before a post-credits scene started and scared us, after that it was just laughter and normal everyday conversation. One of the moments that I feel like a teenager again, each time this happens more rarely, however they make me very happy, this is really a second chance, if I was in a normal universe I could be very successful...
- Yuji... Would you mind if I trained a little with Sukuna today? - I question uncertain.
- Huh... All right. - He agrees. - I'll swap with him, so you can talk, I'll be watching. - Itadori says before changing with the curse, I can feel the different cursed energy taking over his body.
- Let's go. - Ryomen demands, getting up from the couch and going out of the basement.
- WAIT! I don't know if we can get out of here, especially since... - I comment, unsure of how to finish the sentence.
- Urgh! I'll create a curtain, are you happy? - He asks with a roll of his eyes.
- Yes, thank you. - I thank.
- Before I can teach you anything I need you to explain more about your cursed energy, how it feels, if you always had it, that kind of thing. - The king orders, as we leave for the forest.
- Well... My cursed energy appeared seconds after I left my mother's belly, it literally entered my body, it was like a tsunami of power and energy throughout my body, it was a horrible feeling, it hurt a lot. I hadn't managed to fully absorb it yet, however it was already a part of me, when I got used to it surrounding myself. When I was six years old, it was the first time I used it, to use some of my techniques I can only use it with the energy inside my body, it's rare that I don't need to absorb it. Around the age of twelve I managed to confine everything inside my body, it was for a short time and I thought I was going to explode with so much power, it was on that day that I learned to "expel" the rest of cursed energy into the air, in a way as if it were stored and I just need to get it back to use. Even thoug that leaves a more visible trail, it attracts less curses and makes me appear weaker. - I explain in as much detail as I can.
- I see... So that's how it works. Are you sure the feeling was that it was being forced on your body? - He asks more seriously.
- One hundred percent sure! - I agree.
- It just makes me create more theories, some I really don't like... Anyway, what do you want to learn? What are your goals with this training? - He asks, trying to change the subject.
- If possible I would like to learn about Domain Expansion. - I inform determined.
- Good! Having high goals is good. - He agrees. - Let's start with the basics, it uses a barrier to create a separate space where innate dominance is built by cursed energy and imbued with the user's innate technique. The Innate Domain is a metaphysical space that reflects your mind and soul. - Sukuna explains.
- I understand, but how do I create a barrier? And how can I know what my Innate Domain looks like? - I ask curious.
- You don't even know how to make a barrier? - He asks incredulously.
- No? I mean, I was never taught and the anime was never very clear on how to create one, so... - I try to justify.
- STOP! I get it, this might take longer than I expected, however if you don't learn it I wouldn't be surprised if you die. - The curse complains shaking its head. - Is there anything else you haven't learned? - He asks indignantly.
- Extension Technique, Maximum Technique, Reverse Cursed Technique and Anti-Domain Technique. - I report nervous for how he might react.
- Obvious that you don't know about these things... - Sukuna says with disappointment. - We have a lot of things to work on, let's continue with the Domain Expansion for today, after that we'll move on to the Reverse Cursed Technique. - He advertises.
- In fact, I already learned how to heal myself, only using Blood Manipulation. - I reveal uncertain. - Today fighting against the curse I had seriously hurt myself, I was desperate when I remember how blood is responsible for healing.
- That's... I've never heard of a sorcerer from the Kamo family doing that before... That's impressive! Show me how you do it. - Ryomen demands.
- All right, just give me a few seconds. - I agreed.
For a few seconds I thought about how I could make a cut, but then I remembered that I could only heal a punch or something, so with a lot of strength and cursed energy, I went to punch my right arm, however I was stopped by Sukuna holding my wrist .
- What the fuck do you think you're doing?!? - He questions indignantly.
- I'm going to hurt myself, and then heal it! - I explain confused.
He lets out a sigh and with a simple movement of his hand a small cut appears on my arm, I thank him and control the blood to accelerate regeneration, in a matter of about twenty seconds the cut was closed. I look at the curse in front of me and I open a big and proud smile, unfortunately it seems that I couldn't impress him.
- It's still very slow, you'll have to train to heal faster. Keep healing your wounds continuously and you will likely get better. Don't be stupid like before and don't hurt yourself carelessly. - He orders, receiving an "okay" from me. - Well, let's go back to Domain Expansion, when you build your barrier, imbue it with your cursed technique. For a barrier you just need to surround the area you want with cursed energy and make it as physical as possible. - Sukuna guides me.
- All right, I'll try! - I agree determinedly.
I take a deep breath, close my eyes and without difficulty, to my surprise, I start to form a barrier, the trick was imbuing the technique. With the utmost care I continue, the process was as complicated as leaving water and blood apart, but I didn't give up, after all I want to survive and protect those I care about, for that I need to be strong.
At first nothing happened, however almost instinctively I could feel my hands moving and I shouted "Domain Expansion: Valley of Memories" when I open my eyes I see myself on a floating island made of blood, looking around, I can notice another island, which has some object on top. I did it... I DID IT!!! Unfortunately, because my cursed energy is already low, I am unable to maintain the Domain for very long.
- It's not the best and it's incomplete, but it should do. - Ryomen devalues my Domain. - You will need to refine your technique and energy much more.
- Thanks... I'm feeling kinda tired, can we continue things tomorrow? - I ask dizzy.
- I was already going to suggest this, since launching the domain expansion will cause the innate technique to become unstable for a short period of time. - He reveals, what I had no idea.
- Serious? - I question.
- Serious. - Sukuna says.
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𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐔𝐄𝐃---->