Itadori's gaze remained fixed on the ground, his thoughts clouded by the weight of recent losses. He barely registered Kusakabe's approach until he heard his voice, pulling him back to the present.
"Are you ready? It's our turn now," Kusakabe asked, his voice steady but tinged with the gravity of the situation.
Higuruma placed a reassuring hand on Itadori's shoulder, offering silent support. Itadori looked up, meeting Kusakabe's gaze, and nodded firmly. Despite the pain and uncertainty he felt, he knew he couldn't falter now.
Kusakabe's next words carried a mix of resolve and somberness. "Yuta and Takaba have defeated Kenjaku. Now it's up to us. We will avenge them, Itadori."
Itadori took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come. He stood up, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. Choso moved to stand beside him, a look of determination on his face.
"Are you ready?" Choso asked, eyeing Itadori closely.
"I am," Itadori replied, his voice firm.
Choso cracked a small smile. "Good. Now, call me 'Oniichan,'" he said, half-jokingly.
Itadori couldn't help but let out a short, strained laugh at Choso's attempt to lighten the mood. "No way," he responded, managing a small smile despite the circumstances.
In that moment, despite the grief and the looming battle, there was a fleeting sense of camaraderie and even a hint of levity between them. It was these human moments, these brief connections, that reminded them of what they were fighting for.
Sukuna stood amidst the chaos of the battlefield, his gaze fixed on the debris that covered Hiro's body. A contemplative expression crossed his face as he pondered the drastic change in Hiro's strength. "Why did the brat become so weak?" he mused to himself. "Not long ago, he possessed significant power. It would have at least made things more entertaining."
He crossed his arms, lost in thought, trying to unravel the mystery of Hiro's sudden decline. "He didn't use any of his special attacks, and even his hand-to-hand combat skills deteriorated. What happened to him?"
Sukuna's eyes then lifted to the sky, his mind still working through the puzzle. "The Dark Portador... he has a Domain Expansion that can alter reality and bend it to his will, almost like a god. Maybe in his fight against this Portador, Hiro lost his memories."
The idea seemed to fit the pieces together in Sukuna's mind. The loss of memory could explain the drastic reduction in Hiro's abilities, his lack of confidence, and his failure to use his more powerful techniques. To Sukuna, it was a shame; a formidable opponent reduced to a shadow of his former self was not only a disappointment but also a loss of potential entertainment.
Sukuna's thoughts were interrupted as he sensed the approach of Itadori and the others. He turned away from the rubble, a smirk playing on his lips. "Well, no matter," he said to himself. "Let's see if these others can provide the entertainment I'm looking for."
Sukuna's attention was quickly drawn to the sky as Itadori and Higuruma descended rapidly towards him. His eyes narrowed, and a mocking smirk appeared on his face. "Didn't I say you bore me? EH, BRAT?" he taunted, directing his scornful gaze at Itadori.
Without a moment's hesitation, Higuruma acted. With a powerful and deliberate incantation, he declared, "Domain Expansion: Forced Suicide Penalty." The air around them shifted dramatically as his domain began to unfold.
The expansion of Higuruma's domain was a breathtaking spectacle. A vast, courtroom-like space materialized around them, ethereal and imposing. The walls and floor of the domain shimmered with an otherworldly light, creating an ambiance that was both solemn and foreboding.
At the center of this domain stood a towering shikigami, its form daunting and majestic. The shikigami exuded an aura of authority and judgment, its presence dominating the space. Its features were sharp and well-defined, with piercing eyes that seemed to look right through one's soul. It held a large, ancient-looking book in one hand and a massive, ornate hammer in the other, symbols of the judgment it was empowered to deliver.
The air within the domain felt heavy, charged with a sense of impending verdict. This was Higuruma's cursed technique brought to life, a domain where he could enforce his own brand of justice, unimpeded by external influences.
Sukuna, finding himself within Higuruma's domain, looked around with interest, his usual arrogance tempered by a hint of curiosity. He recognized the power and uniqueness of Higuruma's technique, and for a moment, a flicker of excitement crossed his face.
Itadori and Higuruma, standing side by side, faced Sukuna with a renewed sense of determination. They knew the odds were against them, but with Higuruma's domain now in play, they had a chance to turn the tide of the battle.
In the surreal courtroom of Higuruma's Domain Expansion, the shikigami, towering and authoritative, began to dictate the charges against Sukuna - the massacre in Shibuya, a heinous act that had caused untold suffering and chaos. The shikigami's voice boomed throughout the domain, echoing off the walls of the ethereal courtroom.
To everyone's surprise, Sukuna, with a wicked grin on his face, readily admitted his guilt. "Guilty as charged," he declared, his tone laced with a dark amusement. This unexpected admission shocked both Higuruma and Itadori, unsettling them with its straightforwardness.
As Sukuna confessed, the domain began to dissolve, its purpose fulfilled. In its wake, the shikigami handed Higuruma the Executioner's Sword – a weapon bestowed upon those who successfully bring a guilty verdict within his domain. The sword gleamed with a deadly light, its blade sharp and menacing.
Itadori, standing beside Higuruma, was wary. "What is Sukuna planning?" he wondered, sensing that the curse's easy admission of guilt was part of a larger, more sinister strategy.
With the Executioner's Sword in hand, Higuruma took a fighting stance, ready to confront Sukuna. Itadori, equally prepared, joined him. The two charged at Sukuna, determined to take advantage of the situation.
Higuruma swung the Executioner's Sword with precision and force, aiming to strike Sukuna down with its cursed power. Sukuna, however, moved with his usual exceptional speed and agility. He effortlessly dodged Higuruma's sword strikes, each movement a display of his mastery over cursed energy and combat.
Itadori, not missing a beat, launched a series of rapid punches and kicks at Sukuna, trying to catch him off guard. But Sukuna anticipated and countered each of Itadori's moves, parrying his attacks with ease.
The battle was intense, with Sukuna seemingly toying with his opponents. Higuruma and Itadori coordinated their attacks, trying to find a weakness in Sukuna's defense. But Sukuna was always one step ahead, his every dodge and counterattack a testament to his overwhelming power and skill.
As the fight progressed, it became increasingly clear that Sukuna was enjoying the challenge, his smirk never leaving his face. Higuruma and Itadori, despite their best efforts, were struggling to keep up with the powerful curse.
Sukuna's relentless assault continued, his every move calculated to inflict maximum damage. In a swift and brutal motion, he landed a severe blow to Higuruma's arm, leaving it badly injured. As Higuruma grappled with the pain, Sukuna taunted him. "You're a prodigy, right? Come on, learn to use the Reverse Cursed Technique. That's the difference between life and death."
Just as Sukuna finished his taunt, a sudden burst of blood struck him in the head. It was Choso, joining the fray with his Blood Manipulation Technique. His unexpected intervention caught Sukuna off guard, but only momentarily. Reacting with terrifying speed, Sukuna thrust his hand forward, piercing Choso's stomach with a lethal blow.
Itadori, seeing his comrades in peril, rushed in to assist. He launched an all-out attack on Sukuna, his fists flying in a flurry of punches. But Sukuna, with his exceptional combat skills, dodged every blow and managed to slice Itadori's abdomen with a quick, precise cut.
Meanwhile, Higuruma, to Sukuna's surprise, had quickly mastered the Reverse Cursed Technique and healed his injured arm. He swung the Executioner's Sword with renewed vigor, aiming to sever Sukuna's hand. Sukuna was momentarily taken aback by Higuruma's rapid adaptation, but he quickly regained his composure and delivered a critical blow to Higuruma.
As Higuruma staggered from the impact, with his last bit of strength, he threw the Executioner's Sword to Itadori. Itadori, having recovered from Sukuna's earlier attack, caught the sword and lunged at Sukuna, aiming to stab him.
But Sukuna, as if aided by some unseen force, dodged the attack with an almost supernatural grace. He then retaliated with a powerful blow that sent Itadori flying across the battlefield.
Kusakabe, his expression etched with frustration and urgency, swiftly moved to Choso's side. He hoisted the injured sorcerer onto his shoulders, grimacing at the gravity of their situation. "Damn it, looks like the plan failed," Kusakabe muttered. "Our only hope now is to wait for Okkotsu's help."
Meanwhile, Sukuna's gaze fell upon Itadori, who was lying wounded at a distance. With a sneer, he addressed the fallen sorcerer, his voice dripping with contempt. "Don't you get it, brat? You're boring, uninteresting. When will you understand? It's your ideals that keep you standing, so I guess I'll have to crush them myself."
As Sukuna reveled in his dominance, he noticed something out of the corner of his eye. Ui Ui and Hoshi were carefully moving Higuruma's injured body, utilizing Ui Ui's teleportation ability to transport them to safety, where Shoko could attend to their wounds.
Sukuna's smirk widened as he realized the implications. "So that's why Satoru Gojo's body disappeared," he mused aloud. "But it's pointless. I doubt even Shoko has the skill to restore him, let alone Hiro. Both of them are already dead; it's impossible to bring them back now."
As Sukuna raised his hand to deliver the final blow to Itadori, the air suddenly shifted with the arrival of a new presence. Yuta Okkotsu, accompanied by the spirit of Rika, appeared on the battlefield, their arrival a beacon of hope in the midst of despair.
"I'm sorry for the delay," Yuta said, his eyes fixed on Sukuna. There was a calm determination in his voice, a stark contrast to the chaos around them.
Rika, manifesting beside Yuta in her formidable spectral form, surveyed the scene. "Is this your enemy, Yuta?" she asked, her voice resonating with power.
"Okkotsu Senpai!" Itadori exclaimed, a wave of relief washing over him at the sight of his senior.
Without wasting a moment, Rika lunged at Sukuna, her ethereal form moving with incredible speed and force. She struck Sukuna with a powerful blow, sending him reeling back several meters. The impact of the hit was a testament to her strength, momentarily catching Sukuna off guard.
Sukuna steadied himself, a look of surprise momentarily crossing his face as he took in this new challenger. The arrival of Yuta and Rika had changed the dynamics of the battlefield, introducing a powerful force that even Sukuna had to acknowledge.
Yuta stood ready, his eyes never leaving Sukuna. With Rika by his side, he presented a formidable front. He was a well-known and powerful jujutsu sorcerer, and his bond with Rika made him an unpredictable and dangerous opponent.
The battlefield, shrouded in despair and smoke, was suddenly pierced by an extraordinary occurrence. From the heart of destruction, amidst the scattered debris and rubble, a remarkable transformation was unfolding. An intense, fiery aura, crackling with bolts of lightning, began to rise, casting a glow that cut through the haze.
Sukuna, momentarily distracted by Yuta and Rika's appearance, turned his head sharply toward the source of this unexpected phenomenon. His eyes widened in disbelief as the fiery aura grew more intense, illuminating the devastated landscape. "Seriously?" he muttered, a rare hint of surprise in his voice.
From within the heart of this blazing energy, a figure emerged, revitalized and emanating an overwhelming power. It was Hiro, his presence now marked by an aura of fire and lightning, symbolizing his incredible recovery and newfound strength.
"Seriously, seriously," Hiro confirmed with a light tap to his head, as if reassuring himself of the reality of his return. The smile on his face was not just one of triumph, but also of defiance—a clear message to Sukuna that he was not yet defeated.
Sukuna's gaze shifted to Hiro's abdomen, where the once fatal wound had now vanished, and to Hiro's arm, which was regenerating before his eyes. The miraculous reversal of his injuries was a testament to Hiro's mastery of the Reverse Cursed Technique, a feat that defied the expectations of all who witnessed it.
"HIRO!" Yuta's voice rang out across the battlefield, laden with a mixture of joy and astonishment.
"SENPAI!" Itadori joined in, his voice echoing Yuta's sentiment. The relief and excitement in their voices were palpable, fueling the renewed hope among their ranks.
Kusakabe, watching the scene unfold, couldn't help but let out a wry chuckle. "Damn it, kid, you really know how to give us a scare," he said, his smile reflecting both admiration and relief at Hiro's unexpected comeback.
As Hiro confidently strode towards Yuta, the atmosphere was thick with anticipation. Reaching him, Hiro made a simple but significant request. "Hey, could I borrow two of your katanas, please?" he asked.
Yuta nodded without hesitation, understanding the gravity of the moment. Rika, in sync with Yuta's thoughts, opened her spectral form, revealing the space where Yuta stored his arsenal of weapons. She carefully handed two katanas to Hiro.
"Thanks," Hiro said, gratefully accepting the swords. Then, to the astonishment of those watching, he began to absorb the cursed energy imbued within the katanas. The blades glowed faintly as their energy was drawn into him, enhancing his power.
Yuta's eyes widened in realization. "Hiro... Did you?" he started, his voice filled with a mixture of surprise and awe.
Hiro simply smiled, a knowing look in his eyes. "Yes, I've regained my memories," he confirmed, his voice steady and confident.
Yuta's smile broadened, reflecting his relief and happiness. "How did you do it?" he asked, curious about Hiro's remarkable recovery.
From a distance, Sukuna, who had been observing the exchange, called out with a mixture of curiosity and impatience. "Go on, brat, tell us. I'm intrigued," he said, his voice carrying across the battlefield.
Hiro turned to face Sukuna, the katanas in his hands now radiating with power. The revelation of his regained memories added a new layer of depth to the unfolding battle. Hiro's recovery was not just physical; it was a restoration of his identity, his skills, and his past - a return to his full strength.
Hiro's tone was light, almost playful, as he began to unravel the mystery of his dramatic comeback. He casually tossed the katanas aside and said, "Well, I'll tell you, since you're all dying to hear my lovely voice."
There was a brief pause as everyone's attention focused on Hiro. He continued, "Yesterday, Gojo sensei came into the bathroom while I was... well, you know. He told me he had found a way for me to get my memories back."
The listeners were hanging on his every word, a mix of curiosity and surprise on their faces. Hiro went on, "It was through a Binding Vow. He said I should only use it as a last resort because the price to pay is too high. So, when I was on the brink of death, I managed to regain my memories. Based on that, I started working. Just like I can accelerate the metabolism and processes of my body, I can also slow them down. I slowed them to buy myself some time to recover. After that, I just used my cursed technique."
Hiro's explanation brought a sense of awe to those listening. The revelation of such a powerful and dangerous method demonstrated not only Gojo's ingenuity but also Hiro's determination and resilience. The ability to manipulate his body's processes to such an extent was a testament to his mastery of cursed energy.
As the realization of Hiro's newfound strength settled in, the group's morale lifted. Hiro, now fully recovered and with his memories intact, was a significant asset in their battle against Sukuna.
Yuta, Itadori, and the others looked at Hiro with a newfound respect and admiration. The battle was far from over, but Hiro's return had given them a renewed sense of hope and determination. Together, they prepared to face Sukuna once more, united in their resolve to defeat the powerful curse that threatened them all.
Emboldened by his regained memories and mastery of cursed energy, Hiro launched himself at Sukuna with a newfound ferocity. His movements were a blur, a testament to his speed and skill, honed through countless battles and now amplified by his complete recollection of his abilities.
Hiro's first strike was a powerful punch aimed directly at Sukuna's face. The impact resonated with a thunderous crack, as Sukuna's head snapped back from the force. Blood spurted from Sukuna's nose, a rare sight that indicated the strength behind Hiro's blow.
Without pausing, Hiro followed up with a swift and precise kick to Sukuna's midsection, causing the curse to double over. Hiro then unleashed a barrage of punches, each one landing with devastating accuracy. His fists moved so fast they were almost invisible, raining down on Sukuna with a fury that left the curse reeling.
Sukuna, caught off guard by the intensity and power of Hiro's assault, tried to counterattack. However, Hiro anticipated his moves, dodging with ease and responding with a vicious elbow strike to Sukuna's jaw. The sound of bone cracking was audible as Sukuna stumbled backward, spitting out blood.
For a moment, Sukuna looked genuinely surprised, a rare expression for the usually confident and composed curse. In his mind, he acknowledged Hiro's significant increase in strength. "This brat... he's become much stronger," Sukuna thought, reassessing his opponent.
Hiro didn't let up. He continued his aggressive onslaught, delivering a spinning back kick that connected squarely with Sukuna's chest. The force of the impact sent Sukuna flying back, crashing into a nearby wall with such force that it crumbled upon impact.
As dust and debris settled around the fallen curse, Hiro stood ready, his breathing steady and his focus unwavering. His eyes burned with determination, a clear indication that he was not going to back down.
Sukuna slowly picked himself up from the rubble, wiping the blood from his face. He fixed his gaze on Hiro, a newfound respect mixed with his usual arrogance. The battle had taken an unexpected turn with Hiro's return to full strength, and Sukuna realized he was now facing a truly formidable opponent.
The battlefield was already a spectacle of chaos and power, but Hiro's next move escalated it to an awe-inspiring level. He raised his arms, summoning his most formidable techniques. From the tumultuous sky above, two massive dragons materialized – one wreathed in roaring flames, the other crackling with intense electricity. Their majestic forms dominated the sky, and their roars echoed through the air, a primal display of their immense power.
The fire dragon, a beast of searing heat and light, and its counterpart, the electric dragon, pulsing with raw energy, dove towards Sukuna in a coordinated assault. As they descended, their elemental energies intermingled, creating a dazzling and fearsome spectacle.
Upon reaching Sukuna, the dragons collided with him in a massive explosion. The impact was monumental, sending a shockwave that rippled through the battlefield. A blinding light engulfed the area, accompanied by the roar of fire and the crackling of lightning. Debris flew in all directions, and a cloud of dust and smoke billowed up, obscuring the site of the collision.
As the smoke began to clear, Hiro turned to Yuta and the others. His voice was firm and resolute, "Leave Sukuna to me. As you can see, if I use my techniques, you could get caught in the crossfire."
Yuta nodded in understanding, his expression serious yet trusting. "If you're in trouble, I'll come to back you up," he promised.
Hiro smiled confidently, his eyes still on the dissipating cloud of smoke where Sukuna had been. "I doubt that'll be necessary," he replied, his confidence not arrogance but a reflection of his newfound strength and resolve.
The other sorcerers stepped back, recognizing Hiro's intent and respecting his decision to take on Sukuna solo. The battle had taken a dramatic turn with Hiro's return to full power and the summoning of his dragons. Now, with the others at a safe distance, Hiro prepared for the next phase of his confrontation with Sukuna, ready to utilize the full extent of his abilities in this climactic showdown.
Emerging from the wreckage, Sukuna presented a formidable sight. His body, though battered, was rapidly regenerating, showcasing the immense resilience and cursed energy that he possessed. "Alright, Hiro," he declared, his voice laced with a mix of amusement and respect, "you'll have the honor of seeing me fight seriously."
Hiro, undeterred by Sukuna's menacing presence, responded coolly, "Do what you want. The outcome of this battle has already been decided."
Sukuna let out a laugh, one that resonated with arrogance and confidence. "Let me guess, you're going to kill me?" he taunted, a smirk playing on his lips.
Hiro's reply was calm yet firm, carrying a depth of resolve that was unmistakable. "No, I'm going to rescue Megumi," he said, revealing his true intent and the underlying motivation driving him forward.
The air between them crackled with tension and anticipation. Sukuna's amusement gave way to a more focused demeanor, recognizing the seriousness and determination in Hiro's words. This was more than just a battle of strength; it was a clash of wills, each fighter driven by their own convictions and goals.
The ensuing confrontation was charged with the intensity of their opposing forces. Hiro, empowered by his recovered memories and mastery of his techniques, faced off against Sukuna, a curse of unparalleled strength and cunning. The stakes were high, and the weight of their respective missions hung heavy in the air.
As they prepared to engage in what promised to be an epic and decisive battle, the others watched from a distance, aware of the significance of this moment. This was a pivotal point in the fight against Sukuna, a battle that could shape the future of the jujutsu world and the fate of those entwined within it.