Chapter 34 - Limits

The tension between Hiro and Yamada reached its peak as they locked eyes, each recognizing the inevitable conclusion of their confrontation. In a sudden burst of motion, Yamada lunged forward, his leg swinging in a powerful arc aimed at Hiro.

Hiro, reacting with lightning-fast reflexes, caught Yamada's leg mid-air. Using his momentum, he hurled Yamada through the glass façade of a nearby building. The sound of shattering glass filled the air as Yamada crashed into an office space.

Without hesitation, Hiro leaped after him, landing amidst the debris in the office. Papers fluttered in the air, and the glow of the city outside cast long shadows across the room. The office, once a place of order and business, now became the arena for their fierce showdown.

Yamada quickly recovered, flipping a desk towards Hiro as a makeshift weapon. Hiro deflected it with a burst of electric fire, the desk splintering upon impact. Sparks flew, igniting papers and creating a fiery chaos around them.

The two engaged in close combat, their fists and feet colliding with the remaining office furniture. Hiro kicked a swivel chair at Yamada, who dodged and countered by throwing a computer monitor. The monitor exploded upon impact, sending shards of glass and plastic in all directions.

They continued to trade blows, moving with incredible speed and agility. Hiro used a filing cabinet to block a dark energy blast from Yamada, the metal warping under the force. In turn, Yamada ripped a fluorescent light from the ceiling, swinging it like a staff, only for Hiro to shatter it with a charged punch.

The ferocious battle between Hiro and Yamada spilled over into another building, their relentless fight showing no signs of abating. As they crashed through a window, glass shards scattered around them, creating a cascade of sparkling debris in their tumultuous wake.

Inside the new building, an unfinished construction site, the surroundings provided a stark, industrial backdrop to their clash. Exposed steel beams and concrete pillars became part of their battleground as they continued their relentless exchange.

Hiro landed a solid punch on Yamada's jaw, the impact echoing through the empty space. The force was so great that it sent Yamada staggering backward, his footsteps leaving deep impressions in the dusty floor. Hiro's knuckles were bloodied, but his determination was unwavering.

Yamada recovered quickly, lunging forward with a roar. He swung a metal pipe he had ripped from the wall, aiming it at Hiro's head. Hiro ducked at the last moment, feeling the rush of air as the pipe whistled past him. He countered with an uppercut, his fist enveloped in crackling electricity, connecting with Yamada's stomach and lifting him off his feet.

The sound of their bones cracking under the immense pressure of their blows was grim evidence of the intensity of their fight. Grunts and shouts of pain and effort filled the air, punctuating each brutal strike.

Yamada, his face twisted in pain and anger, unleashed a wave of dark energy. Hiro narrowly avoided it, rolling away as the energy blasted a hole in the concrete wall behind him. He sprang to his feet, charging at Yamada with a fiery kick. The kick landed on Yamada's shoulder, the sound of dislocating bone resonating in the vast space.

As Hiro and Yamada's intense battle raged on within the skeletal frame of the unfinished building, Hiro began to gain the upper hand. He unleashed a rapid combination of strikes, each one meticulously aimed and executed with precision.

First, Hiro delivered a swift jab to Yamada's midsection, forcing him to double over. This was quickly followed by a powerful elbow strike to the back, sending a shudder through Yamada's frame. Hiro then grabbed Yamada's arm, twisting it behind his back in a fluid motion, further off-balancing him.

Capitalizing on Yamada's compromised position, Hiro spun around and executed a perfect roundhouse kick, landing squarely on Yamada's chest. The impact of the kick was so potent that it sent Yamada crashing through the wall of the building and out onto the street beyond.

As they landed amidst the rubble and dust, Yamada, now visibly weary and in pain, conceded through gritted teeth, "I admit it, Hiro... you're better in hand-to-hand combat."

Each blow Hiro had delivered was marked by the sound of fists against flesh, the crack of strained joints, and the whoosh of swift movements cutting through the air. His strikes were not just mere physical actions; they were the culmination of years of training and experience, honed through countless battles.

The sudden eruption of fire in the distance caught Hiro's attention, interrupting their intense showdown. "What's that?" Hiro asked, his gaze fixated on the fiery explosion illuminating the night sky.

Yamada laughed, a sinister sound amidst the chaos. "That must be Jogo, but who is he fighting against?" he mused with a cruel amusement.

Hiro, sensing a familiar and malevolent presence, felt a chill run down his spine. "Sukuna..." he murmured, the name carrying a weight of dread and urgency.

Yamada looked at Hiro, his interest piqued. "Really? Sukuna?" he asked, his expression turning serious.

Hiro nodded, his concern evident. "Something must have gone wrong. Itadori's in trouble. I need to go help him."

As Hiro turned to leave, Yamada swiftly blocked his path, his eyes hardening. "Where do you think you're going? Our fight isn't over yet," he said, his voice laced with threat.

Hiro, torn between his duty to his friends and the battle at hand, replied with a mix of frustration and determination, "I don't care. My friends need me."

Yamada's response was cold and manipulative. "Hold it right there, blond idiot. If you walk away from this fight, I'll go straight for Maki and kill her."

Hiro's expression turned to one of fury. "Damn you, Yamada..." he hissed, his fists clenching.

The tension between them was palpable, a tangible force in the air. Hiro's body was taut with conflict, torn between the need to protect his friends and the threat posed by Yamada. His eyes darted between the distant fire and Yamada, weighing his options.

Yamada stood firmly, a smug, menacing smile on his face, enjoying the dilemma he had imposed on Hiro. His stance was ready for any sudden moves, clearly intent on keeping Hiro engaged.

Yamada's revelation brought a new level of complexity to the already chaotic situation. "If Sukuna has been unleashed, it means they gave him all the fingers we had collected," he explained nonchalantly.

Hiro, turning sharply to face Yamada, demanded, "What do you mean by that?"

Yamada shrugged, "Long story short, the person who adopted me turned out to be an evil sorcerer, yada yada, something about sorcerers' supremacy, typical supervillain stuff from manga. Basically, we gathered Sukuna's fingers to release him and defeat Gojo Satoru in case our plan to seal him failed. But everything went smoothly, so I'm not sure what went wrong now. Anyway, focus on our fight."

Hiro's expression was grave. "Yamada, Sukuna is a threat we can't ignore, and you know it."

In a childish mimicry, Yamada mocked Hiro's concern. "I hate to burst your bubble, but if you go against Sukuna, he'll just kill you."

Yamada sized Hiro up with a critical eye. "To be honest, you possess power equivalent to about 14 of Sukuna's fingers. Right now, he must have 15, and his experience far exceeds yours."

Hiro's eyes narrowed as he processed Yamada's revelation. "And how many fingers are you equivalent to?" he asked, a hint of skepticism in his voice.

Yamada replied with unwavering confidence, "I am equivalent to 17 fingers. That's what Kenjaku said." His tone was one of absolute certainty.

Hiro's confusion deepened. "Kenjaku?" he echoed, trying to make sense of the information.

"Yeah, you know, the guy who adopted me, the evil sorcerer formerly known as Kaori... Forget it, will you? Let's get back to our fight," Yamada said, growing impatient.

But Hiro was still hesitant, processing the gravity of Yamada's words. Yamada sighed and elaborated, "Listen up, now that Gojo is sealed, your friends stand no chance against Kenjaku's curses. Without Yuta Okkotsu and Yuki Tsukumo, there are hardly any sorcerers who can stop us. For instance, Nanami-sensei and your dear Maki are probably facing Dagon right now. He's extremely powerful. They must be in danger."

Hiro's frustration and concern grew. Yamada continued, "The fact that Sukuna is going after Jogo actually makes things easier for you guys. So, if you want to save your precious friends, you'll have to defeat me."

Setting his doubts aside, Hiro readied himself, his resolve hardening. He took a fighting stance and said firmly, "Yamada..."

The air around them crackled with tension. Hiro knew the stakes were higher than ever. His friends were in danger, and the threat of Sukuna loomed large. But first, he had to get past Yamada, whose power was seemingly unparalleled.

With a deep breath, Hiro prepared to engage in what could be the most crucial fight of his life. The fate of his friends, and possibly the entire jujutsu world, depended on the outcome of this battle. Determination etched on his face, Hiro braced for Yamada's next move, ready to give everything he had to protect those he cared about.

___________

Lying on the cold, hard floor of the subway's underground, Maki Zenin grimaced in pain. The battle with Dagon had taken its toll, but it was the burns from Jogo's fire that caused her the most agony. As the last of the flames flickered out, a wave of searing pain washed over her, each movement an excruciating effort.

Her clothes were singed, her skin marked with painful, red welts from the fire. The once fierce and determined warrior now lay weakened, struggling to regain her strength. Her hair, which had always been a point of pride, was scorched and matted, a testament to the intensity of the battle.

In her mind, Maki's thoughts turned to Hiro. _"Hiro, where are you? We need you,"_ she thought desperately. _"You always manage to turn the tide in these fights. I just hope you're safe."_

Maki tried to push herself up, her arms shaking under the strain. "Come on, Maki, you've been through worse," she whispered to herself, trying to summon the strength to stand. "Hiro is counting on you... They all are."

The underground around her was a scene of devastation. The air was heavy with the scent of burnt materials, and the faint sound of distant battles echoed through the tunnels. Debris and rubble littered the area, a grim reminder of the fierce combat that had taken place.

Maki's body ached with every breath, the burns stinging sharply. But her spirit remained unbroken. Clenching her teeth, she slowly, painstakingly, got to her feet. Her eyes were set with determination, her resolve as strong as ever.

As Maki brushed off the dust and debris, she found herself grappling with a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. Pain wracked her body with each movement, but it was her mind that bore the heavier burden.

"How did I fall so far behind?" she pondered, wincing as she shifted her weight onto her injured leg. "I always knew Yuta and Hiro were in a league of their own, and Gojo Satoru... he's on another level entirely. I used to think they were just lucky or foolish. But now..."

Maki's thoughts trailed off as she recalled the recent battles. The pulpo curse that had nearly overwhelmed them, the terrifying curse that had burned her, and the unexpected appearance of Toji Zenin, who had effortlessly defeated the pulpo curse. Naobito had spoken of Toji with a mix of fear and respect, a testament to his formidable power.

"What's happening in Shibuya? Why are there such powerful beings here?" she mused, her brow furrowing in pain and confusion.

Her mind inevitably wandered to Hiro. "Is Hiro okay? He's strong, but these enemies... they're different. They're monstrous." The concern for her friend, who was more like family, gnawed at her.

As she tried to stand, her muscles screamed in protest, the burns on her skin flaring with fresh agony. "Damn it," she muttered, clenching her teeth. "I can't stay here feeling sorry for myself. Hiro, Yuta, Gojo... they've always pushed beyond their limits. It's time I did the same."

Maki's resolve hardened, her eyes glinting with a renewed sense of purpose despite the pain. She knew the odds were stacked against them, but she also knew that giving up was not an option. With every aching step, she pushed forward, determined to stand her ground and fight, not just for herself, but for Hiro, for her friends, and for the future of the jujutsu world.

In a haze of pain and exhaustion, Maki desperately scanned her surroundings for Nanami, hoping to find some sign of her teacher and ally. Her eyes, clouded with both physical pain and the worry for her friends, darted from one corner of the devastated underground to another. The dimly lit space, filled with debris and the aftermath of their intense battles, offered no clue to Nanami's whereabouts.

"Nanami-sensei!" she called out, her voice hoarse and weak. There was no response, only the eerie echo of her own voice reverberating through the desolate subway tunnels. The realization that she was alone, and possibly the last line of defense, weighed heavily on her.

Maki tried to move, to continue her search, but her body protested vehemently. Every muscle screamed in pain, and the burns on her skin felt like they were on fire. She stumbled forward, each step more laborious than the last, driven by sheer willpower and the determination not to fail those who depended on her.

But her injuries were too severe, her body too worn from the relentless fighting. Finally, her strength gave out. With a final, desperate glance around the dimly lit tunnel, hoping to catch a glimpse of Nanami or any of her comrades, Maki succumbed to her injuries and exhaustion.

She collapsed to the ground, her consciousness slipping away as the darkness of unconsciousness enveloped her. In her last moments of awareness, her thoughts were of Hiro, of the others, and of the hope that they were still fighting, still standing. With that final thought, Maki's world turned black, her body lying motionless among the ruins of what had once been a battleground of hope and despair.

______________

The fierce battle between Hiro and Yamada had escalated to a breathtaking intensity. Their figures blurred into a whirlwind of motion amidst the shattered landscape of Shibuya.

Yamada launched a ferocious series of punches, each blow resonating with dark energy. Hiro, wrapped in his own aura of electric fire, met each attack with equal ferocity. Their fists collided with a thunderous sound that echoed through the empty streets, a testament to their immense power.

Hiro ducked under a wide swing from Yamada, countering with a swift uppercut. The impact sent a jolt through Yamada's body, a thin trail of blood escaping his lips. But Yamada, undeterred, spun around with a backhand strike that caught Hiro off-guard, the crack of bone audible as Hiro staggered back, his cheekbone fractured.

Despite the pain, Hiro's eyes blazed with determination. He lunged forward, driving a fiery knee into Yamada's midsection. Yamada grunted, his breath knocked out, but he managed to grab Hiro's leg and twist, forcing Hiro to the ground with a thud.

As they both regained their footing, there was a brief moment where their eyes locked - a moment of mutual recognition of the other's strength and resolve. Then, without a word, they charged at each other once more.

Yamada's attacks were relentless, a flurry of dark, shadowy strikes that Hiro narrowly evaded or blocked. Hiro responded with his own rapid succession of electrified punches and kicks, each one aiming to incapacitate or disarm.

The sound of their battle was a symphony of violence - the crack of bone, the thud of flesh, and the hiss of singed clothing. Blood stained their faces and clothes, but neither showed any sign of slowing down. They were both exhilarated by the challenge, driven by a deep-seated need to prove their strength and resolve.

Yamada, with a malevolent grin, conjured a dark, pixelated orb in his hand, ominous and pulsating with an unnatural energy. "Reality Erasure," he announced menacingly.

Hiro, realizing the grave danger of the orb, moved with lightning speed. As Yamada lunged forward, attempting to strike him with the orb, Hiro deftly dodged the attack, countering with a swift kick to Yamada's leg. However, in a split second, Yamada managed to make contact with Hiro's arm using the sinister sphere. There was a brief, intense moment of distortion, and then Hiro's arm vanished, as if it had never existed.

Yamada let out a triumphant laugh, mocking Hiro's predicament. But his laughter was short-lived. Hiro, with remarkable composure, focused his energy, and to Yamada's astonishment, used his reverse curse technique to regenerate a new arm. Muscle and sinew knit together in a display of Hiro's incredible power and control over his curse energy.

Yamada's eyes widened in disbelief. "When did you learn to do that?" he demanded.

Hiro, flexing his newly formed arm, replied calmly, "In the Temple of Buddha." His voice held a hint of pride, a testament to the grueling training and enlightenment he had undergone.

In a climactic moment, both Hiro and Yamada prepared to unleash their ultimate techniques. "Domain Expansion!" they both roared in unison, their voices echoing through the desolate streets of Shibuya.

From Hiro, a surge of electric fire burst forth, expanding rapidly to form a sphere around him. Simultaneously, Yamada's domain materialized, a dark and foreboding space, pulsating with malevolent energy. The two domains collided with a thunderous crash, creating a maelstrom of light and darkness that threatened to consume everything around them.

For a moment, the two domains seemed to struggle against each other, vying for dominance. Then, with a deafening explosion, they dissipated, leaving Hiro and Yamada facing each other in the aftermath, the air around them charged with residual cursed energy.

Yamada, his eyes narrowed, questioned Hiro, "When did you learn to do that?"

Hiro, catching his breath from the exertion, replied with a hint of respect in his voice, "Gojo Sensei taught me."

Yamada's expression shifted to one of surprise and then understanding. "I see," he said, a grudging acknowledgment of Hiro's growth and the formidable teacher who had guided him.

Hiro continued, "Sensei believed in pushing our limits. He prepared us for moments like this."

Yamada chuckled dryly. "Always the teacher's pet, weren't you, Hiro? But let's see if your training holds up against the real thing."

____________

Kento Nanami, once a picture of composure and precision, now trudged through the dark, foreboding tunnels of the Shibuya subway system, his body and spirit pushed to their limits. The left side of his face and body bore the horrific marks of Jogo's devastating fire, the charred skin a stark reminder of the close brush with death he had just endured.

Every step was an agony. Pain shot through his body with each movement, yet he pressed on, driven by an unyielding sense of duty and a deep-rooted will to protect his students. His breaths were labored, each inhale a battle against the pain that threatened to overwhelm him.

Around him, curses lurked in the shadows, drawn to his weakened state. But even in his battered condition, Nanami fought back with the resilience and skill that had always defined him. He wielded his cursed energy with dwindling strength, dispatching each curse that dared approach, his every move a testament to his unwavering commitment to his duty as a jujutsu sorcerer and a teacher.

In his mind, Nanami's thoughts drifted to a place far from the chaos and violence surrounding him. He imagined a peaceful beach in Malaysia, the warm sun on his skin, the sound of waves gently crashing on the shore – a stark contrast to the harsh reality of the battle he was entrenched in. He longed for that tranquility, for a moment of respite from the never-ending fight against curses.

Yet, despite his exhaustion and the allure of such peaceful thoughts, Nanami knew he couldn't give in. "I have to stand strong... for them," he murmured to himself, thinking of Maki, Itadori, Fushiguro, and all the students who had come to rely on him. They were his responsibility, and he would not fail them.

As he continued his slow, painful journey through the subway, Nanami's resolve only strengthened. Each step was a defiance of his injuries, a refusal to succumb to the darkness. In the midst of chaos and destruction, Kento Nanami stood as a beacon of hope and resilience, a teacher to the very end, fighting not just for his own survival, but for the future of those he had sworn to protect.

As Nanami felt the chilling touch on his back, a sense of finality washed over him. He didn't need to look to know who it was – Mahito, the embodiment of his worst fears for his students, stood right behind him.

Mahito's voice, casual yet filled with malice, broke the tense silence. "Let's have a little chat," he said, but Nanami knew there was no conversation to be had. A touch from Mahito was a death sentence, his cursed technique twisting and reshaping human souls with a mere contact.

A few meters away, Yuji Itadori watched the scene unfold, horror and helplessness etched on his face. "Nanami..." he whispered, his voice barely audible, a mixture of disbelief and despair.

Nanami, despite the dire situation, remained composed. He knew his next words were crucial – they could either burden Itadori with a curse of guilt or free him to continue the fight. With a voice steady and calm, carrying a sense of peace and acceptance, Nanami turned to Itadori and said, "Itadori... I leave the rest to you."

As he spoke those final words, Mahito's cursed technique activated. Nanami's torso exploded in a gruesome display of Mahito's power, leaving nothing but a haunting silence in its wake.

Kento Nanami, a teacher who fought tirelessly to the end, who protected his students against all odds, who always put their lives above his own, had fallen. His last act was one of selfless sacrifice, entrusting the future to Itadori and imparting a final lesson of courage and duty.

Itadori, witnessing the tragic end of his mentor, felt a surge of emotions overwhelm him. Grief, rage, and a deep sense of loss consumed him. Nanami's death was not just the loss of a teacher but the loss of a guiding light, a symbol of strength and integrity in a world fraught with darkness and danger.

Itadori's anguish and fury erupted in a single, explosive outburst. "WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING? MAHITOOOO???" His shout reverberated through the subway tunnels, a raw expression of his grief and anger.

Mahito, with a twisted grin on his face, turned leisurely to face Itadori, unfazed by the outburst. His voice, dripping with condescension, responded, "THERE'S NO NEED TO YELL, I CAN HEAR YOU JUST FINE, ITADORI YUJI."

Without a moment's hesitation, Itadori launched himself at Mahito. His movements were a blur, driven by a surge of emotions – each punch and kick a manifestation of his sorrow and rage over Nanami's death.

Mahito, reveling in the chaos he had caused, met Itadori's attacks with his own cruel precision. The two engaged in a fierce and rapid exchange of blows, their fists and feet striking with lethal intent. Itadori's attacks were relentless, each one fueled by the burning desire to avenge Nanami.

Mahito, for his part, seemed almost to dance around Itadori's attacks, his cursed technique allowing him to contort and reshape his body to evade the blows. He countered with sinister glee, enjoying the emotional turmoil he had inflicted on Itadori.

The sound of their fight echoed through the underground, a cacophony of violence that resonated with the pain and rage in Itadori's heart. Each strike he delivered was charged with a mixture of grief and determination, a desperate attempt to make Mahito pay for the irreparable loss he had caused.

As the battle raged on, Itadori's resolve only hardened. He fought with the memory of Nanami fueling his every move, determined to honor his teacher's last request and carry on the fight, no matter the cost.

_____________

The battle between Hiro and Yamada reached epic proportions, their colossal struggle playing out amidst the towering skyscrapers of Shibuya. Each clash of their titanic powers sent shockwaves through the city, toppling buildings and shattering glass in a spectacular display of their might.

Hiro, wreathed in crackling electricity, launched himself at Yamada with a ferocious battle cry. His fists, charged with cursed energy, swung with lethal precision. Yamada, shrouded in a dark aura, met Hiro's onslaught with his own devastating counterattacks, his movements a blur of speed and deadly intent.

Yamada's first strike aimed for Hiro's head, but Hiro ducked just in time, feeling the whoosh of air as the punch narrowly missed. In a swift response, Hiro delivered a powerful uppercut, connecting solidly with Yamada's jaw and sending him reeling backwards.

Not to be outdone, Yamada regained his balance quickly and spun around, his foot arcing towards Hiro in a vicious roundhouse kick. Hiro raised his arms to block, but the force of the kick sent him crashing into the side of a nearby building, creating a spiderweb of cracks in the concrete.

Hiro pushed off from the building, propelling himself back towards Yamada. Their fists collided mid-air with a thunderous boom, each blow a testament to their incredible strength and skill. Hiro's next punch found its mark, landing squarely on Yamada's chest and knocking the wind out of him.

Yamada, gasping for air, unleashed a flurry of punches, each one infused with his dark energy. Hiro parried and dodged, but one punch broke through his defenses, striking him in the ribs. A sharp pain shot through Hiro's body, and he could feel at least one rib crack under the impact.

Undeterred, Hiro retaliated with a barrage of electrified strikes, aiming to overwhelm Yamada with sheer speed and power. Yamada deflected most, but a few slipped through, scorching his skin with burns.

The two combatants were like forces of nature, their battle a whirlwind of destruction. With each exchange, more buildings crumbled around them, dust and debris filling the air. The night sky was illuminated by their clashing energies, a dramatic backdrop to their fierce duel.

Despite the exhaustion and pain, neither Hiro nor Yamada showed any sign of backing down. Their fight was more than a physical contest; it was a clash of wills, a battle of resolve where only the strongest could emerge victorious.

As the battle reached its zenith, Yamada summoned a massive, ominous dark orb, swirling with malevolent energy. It grew larger and darker, absorbing the light around it, until it became a terrifying spectacle of raw power. With a malevolent grin, Yamada hurled the orb towards Hiro with devastating force.

In response, Hiro called upon his most powerful allies. With a thunderous roar, the Dragon of Lightning and the Dragon of Fire materialized beside him, their majestic and fearsome forms dominating the skyline of Shibuya. The dragons, embodiments of Hiro's immense cursed energy, reared back, their eyes glowing with fierce determination.

The Dragon of Lightning crackled with intense, electric energy, while the Dragon of Fire blazed with an inferno that seemed to set the very air alight. Together, in perfect unison, they unleashed a cataclysmic beam of cursed energy, a fusion of lightning and fire that lit up the night sky.

The two dragons' combined attack collided with Yamada's dark orb in a spectacular explosion of light and darkness. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the city, shattering windows and shaking the ground. The skies above Shibuya were illuminated by the brilliant display, a testament to the colossal power being wielded.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still as the two forces battled for supremacy. The dragons' beam of energy pushed against the dark orb, each struggling to overpower the other. The air crackled with electricity, the heat from the fire dragon's breath warping the space around it, while the dark orb pulsated with a sinister energy that threatened to engulf everything.

Then, with a deafening explosion that echoed across the city, the orb shattered, dispersing into a million fragments of darkness that faded into the night. The dragons' beam had triumphed, but the effort had taken its toll on Hiro. He staggered, feeling the drain of his energy, but his eyes remained fixed on Yamada, ready for whatever came next.

The remnants of their clash dissipated, leaving a stunned silence in its wake. The epic battle between Hiro and Yamada had reached a climax, each demonstrating power beyond comprehension, a display of jujutsu mastery that would be remembered as one of the most extraordinary battles in the history of cursed energy.

As Hiro felt the last reserves of his energy waning, he reached up and touched his earrings – a tangible link to the power bestowed upon him by Buddha. The realization dawned on him that he had exhausted the extra energy reserve. "I've used up all the backup energy Buddha gave me," he murmured, a hint of concern in his voice.

From the debris of their cataclysmic clash, Yamada emerged, his face horrifically split down the middle. But with an eerie calmness, he activated his reverse cursed technique, and his face began to knit back together, healing rapidly until it was as if it had never been damaged. A wide, unsettling smile spread across his restored face. "The fun is just beginning," he declared, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Hiro, sensing the escalation, whispered to himself, "I'll have to use my own energy then." He knew what was coming next, the ultimate showdown of their cursed techniques.

In a moment of intense determination, both Hiro and Yamada shouted in unison, "Domain Expansion!" The air around them crackled with the surge of their unleashed power.

Hiro's domain began to materialize, a realm of crackling lightning and roaring flames, reflecting the ferocity and resilience of his spirit. Simultaneously, Yamada's domain unfolded, a dark and twisted space that seemed to warp the very fabric of reality, embodying the depth of his cursed energy.

The two domains collided, struggling for dominance in a spectacular display of jujutsu mastery. The very ground beneath them trembled as their powers clashed, each trying to envelop the other.

This was more than a battle of strength; it was a clash of ideologies, of paths taken and choices made. Hiro, with his unwavering will to protect and his dedication to his friends and teacher, stood against Yamada, whose path had led him down a road of darkness and destruction.

As their domains battled for supremacy, Hiro and Yamada prepared for what could be the final phase of their epic confrontation. The outcome of this clash would not only determine the victor but also the fate of Shibuya and all those caught in the crossfire of their monumental battle.