Chapter 16
The open training field at Jujutsu High was basking under the early noon sun, setting the stage for what was about to happen. Maki stood her ground, her eyes fixed on her twin sister, Mai, who was accompanied by a muscular young man with a peculiar bun-like hairdo. A sense of rivalry was in the air between the siblings, and their exchange of contemptuous glances spoke volumes. But for now, their attention shifted to Augus, who stood a bit further away, drawing their interest.
Augus, in turn, spotted the hulking young man with the bun hair and recognized him as Aoi Todo. A sly smile graced Augus's lips as he took in the scene. He couldn't help but be intrigued by the unfolding scenario. The energy in the air was undeniable, and Augus couldn't help but think that something interesting was about to kick off.
Mai's initial disdain slowly turned into a curious gaze. She had to grudgingly admit that Augus was a good-looking guy, which was an unfortunate fact considering the predicament he was in. She and her friend were on a mission to escort him back for a little chat, but there was no denying the intimidating aura of Augus's curse energy. It sent a shiver down her spine, and she couldn't quite figure out if he was holding back or just that powerful. The latter thought left her with an uneasy feeling.
Before she could fully dive into her train of thought, Augus was suddenly right in her personal space. She didn't even catch a glimpse of his movement. As for Aoi Todo, he was equally bewildered by the sheer swiftness of Augus's approach. Little did they know, Augus had tapped into his Time Skip power, which made the blink-of-an-eye journey possible.
With a devious smile, Augus leaned in close to Mai, cupping his chin in an exaggeratedly contemplative manner. He commenced with an inspection, starting from her chest, sweeping down to her hips. Mai, for a moment, was utterly frozen. It was a bold move on Augus's part, pushing boundaries like it was second nature.
And then, like a whirlwind, Augus reappeared right in front of Maki. The same process repeated itself, a scrutinizing gaze from chest to hips. Augus circled around Maki, who felt her left eye twitch in anger and annoyance. She saw right through Augus's blatant ogling, and she had half a mind to throw her staff like a missile to put a stop to it.
But Augus was relentless. He shifted his attention to Todo, meticulously inspecting him just as he had with the twins. Todo, in contrast, didn't seem to be fazed by Augus's behavior. Instead, he sported a wide grin and locked eyes with Augus. The clash of intense auras created a palpable tension in the air, and both of them bore those crazy grins like they were enjoying every bit of the madness.
Maki and Mai, however, shared a worried glance. A sudden realization crept over them, and it was something they couldn't ignore. They both had the same thought in their heads, and it sent shivers down their spines. These two meeting each other had the potential to become the catalyst for the world's undoing. It was a heavy thought to process, and they couldn't help but wonder about the consequences that might follow this unexpected encounter.
As Augus and Todo continued to size each other up, their smirks grew into wide grins. Todo placed his hands on his hips, flexing his muscles to make them bulge comically, like he was in the midst of a bodybuilding competition. Augus chuckled and slicked back his hair with his hand, striking a pose that said, "I've got this."
Maki and Mai couldn't deny it. Augus slicking back his hair made him look even more attractive, but it also gave them this vibe that he was a snake, someone who could manipulate others if he wanted to. They exchanged a quick, silent glance of concern.
Todo couldn't help but make a 'ho' sound as if he was impressed by Augus's sudden change in looks. He took a step back and got into a pose that showed off even more of his muscles. Augus, not one to back down from a challenge, posed in a way that emphasized his lean muscles, making his appearance all the more striking.
The tension in the air was thick, but it was more of a friendly rivalry at this point.
Todo: "Alright, pretty boy, you've got style. But let's see what else you've got."
Augus: "Oh, you haven't seen anything yet, muscle-man."
Maki and Mai exchanged another glance, but this time, it was tinged with concern. The growing camaraderie between Augus and Todo was a double-edged sword. It added a layer of comic relief to the situation, but it also had the potential to turn volatile.
The two young men took a deep breath in unison, and they spontaneously asked each other a question that no one saw coming.
Todo: "So, what kind of women do you like?"
Augus: "What sort of ladies catch your eye?"
Todo blinked in surprise at the synchrony, but then he burst into laughter, breaking the ice.
Todo: "I like women with big ass. Can't resist 'em."
Augus joined in the laughter and decided to reveal a bit more about his preferences.
Augus: "Well, I'm a pretty greedy man. I like women with wide hips, large chests, big butts, and a decent personality. Height doesn't matter to me; each has its benefits. If they're tall, I get to look at their 'twin mountains' without getting caught. If they're short, I have the excuse to carry them around."
Todo was left stunned by Augus's response. He couldn't believe what he just heard, and tears dripped down his eyes as he tried to process it all. Meanwhile, Maki and Mai stared at Augus in complete disgust, seeing him as a menace to all women.
Todo had to collect himself before he could respond to Augus's outrageous preferences.
Todo: "You're one greedy dude, alright. But I guess it takes all kinds to make the world."
Augus couldn't help but give a wicked grin in response.
Augus: "That's right! Variety is the spice of life."
As Todo and Augus continued their friendly banter, Maki and Mai grew increasingly concerned. The developing camaraderie between the two was becoming a dangerous recipe. It was as if the world was teetering on the edge of chaos.
Todo suddenly had what appeared to be a vivid (and completely fabricated) memory of him and Augus as childhood friends. He started recounting this memory, his eyes welling up with tears.
Todo: "We used to catch grasshoppers together, sneak looks at those dirty magazines, and even take on gangs like a dynamic duo."
The memory ended with Todo still crying, tears streaming down his face as he sobbed about finding his long-lost little brother.
Augus couldn't help but point out the obvious.
Augus: "Dude, we just met..."
But Todo was having none of it. He was fully immersed in this new memory.
Todo: "Brotherhood transcends blood relationships, man."
Augus couldn't help but actually feel a bit weirded out by Todo's words but hey brotherhood was brotherhood, especially for men with culture. So he raised his arms with a wide grin, mirroring Todo's enthusiasm. They both yelled 'brother' to each other in a sudden burst of camaraderie.
As they were about to embrace each other, their smiles intact, the two suddenly sucker-punched each other in the face. It was a wild and unexpected turn of events, but their grins remained, as if they were just playing around.
Maki and Mai, on the other hand, looked at each other, their expressions now a mix of disbelief and resignation. Augus and Todo's newfound friendship was evolving into something utterly chaotic and potentially catastrophic. They couldn't help but wonder if the world was ready for this unpredictable duo.
The battle between Todo and Augus raged on, a furious dance of fists and curses in the open training field at Jujutsu High. The sun hung high in the sky, casting long shadows with every powerful strike.
As the two young men continued to exchange blows, their camaraderie grew more apparent. Todo couldn't help but revel in the exhilaration of the fight. He was genuinely impressed by Augus's resilience, having taken one of Todo's devastating punches and still standing his ground.
Todo: "You've got some guts, pretty boy! Not everyone takes a punch like that and comes back for more."
Augus, despite the aching in his bones, grinned with a certain madness in his eyes. He grinned, rubbing his jaw as he replied.
Augus: "Well, I'm not one to back down from a challenge, am I?"
Maki and Mai, watching from the sidelines, couldn't help but share a glance of disbelief. The situation had taken an unexpected turn. It was supposed to be a confrontation, but somehow, it was evolving into a bizarre friendship.
The next exchange of blows was fierce. Todo threw a series of quick jabs, testing Augus's reflexes. Augus, while not a trained fighter, displayed remarkable agility as he dodged and parried with a blend of instinct and the subtle use of his curse technique.
Todo: "Not bad! You're quick on your feet!"
Augus: "I try my best! You're not half bad yourself!"
They shared a brief laugh, and the tension in the air momentarily dissipated. At that moment, it was as if they were old friends engaged in a friendly sparring match rather than sworn enemies.
However, Todo was far from done. He intensified his attacks, throwing powerful hooks that Augus had to block with his forearms. The impact reverberated through Augus's bones, but he stood his ground.
Todo: "I can do this all day, brother!"
Augus: "Same here!"
Their relentless exchange continued each punch and kick delivered with full force. It was as if they were locked in a battle of pure endurance and willpower. Augus took another hit to the gut, making him wince in pain, but he didn't back down.
Todo couldn't help but admire Augus's resilience. He had rarely met anyone who could withstand his relentless blows with such determination. Augus's curse technique was also becoming more evident, as he seemed to anticipate Todo's moves before they even happened.
Todo: "You clever bastard."
Augus: "Clever and good-looking. A winning combo!"
The banter continued, their laughter intermingled with grunts of exertion. They were two sides of the same coin, different in their strengths and abilities but bound by an inexplicable connection.
Their grins faded for a moment as Todo managed to grab Augus's arm and deliver a powerful uppercut that sent him flying into the air. Augus was momentarily airborne before he managed to right himself and land on his feet.
Augus: "Not bad, not bad at all!"
Todo: "You're pretty good yourself, for a guy with no formal training."
Suddenly, Todo unleashed a flurry of blows, attempting to catch Augus off guard. Augus dodged most of the punches, but one landed square on his jaw. The impact was thunderous, and for a moment, it looked like Augus might be knocked down.
Todo couldn't help but feel a bit silly for the accident.
Todo: "Oops, didn't mean to hit you that hard."
Augus, his vision a bit blurry, chuckled before headbutting Todo. The muscular teen grunted from the pain as Augus wiped off the blood from his nostrils and spat out a tooth.
Augus: "Haha, you pack a punch; don't worry. It's alright, big guy. That's what friends are for. Now let me try something."
Todo couldn't hide his own amusement.
Todo: "And you've got a thick skull, pretty boy!"
Augus, now fired up, launched a series of punches in return, some of which caught Todo by surprise. He had underestimated Augus's fighting instincts, and the young man was adapting to the battle.
Todo: "Not bad! You're getting better!"
Augus: "Thanks! You're a great teacher, brother!"
Their laughter echoed through the field as they fought—a strange blend of camaraderie and competition. Their friendship was growing with each punch and every exchange of words.
But Todo, ever the observant one, had noticed something peculiar about Augus's curse technique. It was as if Augus had the ability to predict his movements before they even happened. Todo pondered this as they continued to trade blows.
Todo: "Your curse technique, it's...strange. It's like you can see into the future; no, that's not it..."
Augus, couldn't help but chuckle.
Augus: "Well, I've got a few tricks up my sleeve."
Todo: "You sly bastard. What are you really up to?"
Augus: "Just trying to keep up with you, brother."
As they continued their intense battle, Todo's grin widened. He had cracked the code behind Augus's ability, and he was ready to test his theory. He had a hunch that Augus's curse technique was tied to the manipulation of time itself.
Todo predicted Augus's next attack, a powerful knee strike aimed at his chest. With a burst of power, Todo managed to block it, his sheer strength proving to be a formidable defense.
The reality around Augus seemed to crack and shatter, as if it couldn't keep up with the sudden shift in the battle. Augus's knee struck Todo's elbow, and he was left bewildered, unable to comprehend what had just transpired.
Todo's knowing smile grew wider, creating a sense of triumph in his eyes.
Todo: "I've got you now, Augus."
Augus, still reeling from the revelation, couldn't help but show his surprise. Todo just pulled a Goku on him and Augus knew this was no mere luck. In short, Todo blocked way too early. Augus looked at him with a knowing smile.
Augus: "So you figured it out..."
Todo, still grinning, stepped back and raised his hand.
Todo: "It's simple, really. You're manipulating time, right? And now that I know, I can predict your next move."
Todo, his grin never fading, decided to offer some feedback to Augus. He called him 'my little brother' with a hint of affection.
Todo: "My brother, I've got to say, your ability to control time is magnificent. But the way you're using it, it's a bit too predictable and easy to read. Any opponent worth their salt would figure out your curse technique in mere seconds."
Augus blinked, absorbing Todo's words. It was a moment of realization. He had been too stuck in his ways, relying on the same techniques without exploring the full potential of his curse. He had a wide array of skills at his disposal, but he had been neglecting them.
Todo shook his head but offered a compliment at the same time.
Todo: "But don't get me wrong, your curse technique has incredible potential. With some fine-tuning, you could become a special-grade sorcerer, no doubt about it."
Augus let out a sigh of frustration at his own oversight. He was beginning to see the missed opportunities in his approach.
Augus: "You're right, Todo. I've been stuck in a rut, using the same old tricks. I've got all these skills, and I'm not using them to their full potential."
Todo saw the contemplative expression on Augus's face and couldn't help but let out a pleased smile. It seemed his 'little brother' had a good head on his shoulders.
Todo: "Don't worry, little brother. I'll help you get stronger."
With a bit of hair-ruffling for emphasis, Todo expressed his willingness to assist Augus in unlocking his true potential.
Just as they were getting into the groove of their friendly discussion,
Mai intervened, reminding Todo of their mission.
Mai: "Hey, don't forget that we need to bring him in for questioning."
Todo laughed, shaking his head.
Todo: "I totally forgot about that! My bad."
Todo turned to Augus, a hint of seriousness in his tone as he inquired.
Todo: "So, are you going to come with us without any resistance?"
Augus responded nonchalantly, shrugging his shoulders as if it were no big deal.
Augus: "Sure, lead the way, Aniki."
Todo laughed proudly at the title and, with a grin, slung an arm over Augus's shoulders, reassuring him that everyone just wanted to ask him some questions about the incident.
Todo: "That's the spirit, little brother. Let's go, and we'll get this sorted out."