Chapter 16: The Deal
As I stood near the alley, I carefully examined the box I had found. It was plain but had an eerie aura about it. With a cautious grip, I opened it to reveal the cursed finger inside. Its dark, malevolent energy radiated even more strongly than before.
I opened it and I took it out of the box and stared at it, feeling an unsettling sensation wash over me.
A finger??..
Suddenly, a voice echoed in my mind. It was as if the finger was speaking directly to me.
You want power? You want to be stronger?"
I blinked, trying to make sense of it. Was this some sort of cursed trick? But the temptation was strong. The fight earlier had shown me how powerful curses could be, and the promise of increased strength was alluring.
"Yes," I said aloud, unable to resist the temptation. "I want to be stronger."
The voice seemed to chuckle. "Good. Eat the finger."
Without thinking, I took the finger and consumed it. Almost immediately, a searing pain coursed through me as dark, swirling markings spread across my body. The pain was intense but short-lived, quickly fading away.
As the markings disappeared
I felt a surge of power unlike anything I had experienced before. My curse energy had nearly doubled, and a sense of elation filled me. I couldn't help but smile feeling invincible.
"Thank you" I muttered, still unaware of the true nature of what I had just done.
The voice returned, this time with a more insidious tone. You'll gain even more power if you help me. Collect more of my fingers, and do a favor for me.
I hesitated, the request sounding increasingly suspicious. "What do you want?"
A pause, then the voice answered with a hint of sadness. I just want my power to be gone. If my fingers remain I can't move on to another world. I've been trapped here for thousands of years. Help me, and you will become stronger.
The plea struck a chord, and I believed it, seeing it as an opportunity to do something good while gaining power. "Alright" I agreed. "I'll help. But what do you want me to do?"
The voice's tone shifted to one of dark amusement. "Just keep collecting my fingers and aiding me in freeing myself. As for the details, you'll learn them in time. For now, focus on your growing strength.
Feeling reassured, I made my way back home, my mind abuzz with excitement and newfound strength. I began to formulate a plan, convinced that if I collected all of fingers, I would be immensely powerful.
As I walked, I thought aloud, "So if I eat all your fingers, I become the strongest, and you get to pass away. Sounds like a deal to me."
A sinister smirk curled at the corners of Sukuna's invisible lips. He relished the manipulation, knowing that his plans were falling into place.
**Sukuna's Perspective**
From the inside, I had watched Kaito's struggle against the semi-grade 2 curse. The boy was competent, but Sukuna's disdain for his performance was clear. The fight didn't impress me much. However, something else caught his attention.While returning home
I had the power to manipulate Kaito's mind from afar, As the boy prepared to leave, Sukuna took control subtly. "Stop the car," he commanded through a mental push.
The vehicle came to a halt, and Kaito was guided by my influence to a nearby alley where he discovered the sealed box. I seized this chance to test his control. With a dark grin, i reached out with his cursed energy, implanting the idea into Kaito's mind. "Want power? Want to be stronger?"
Kaito's desire for strength was palpable, and I skillfully manipulated his thoughts. The boy's growing ambition made him more susceptible to my influence. Eager for more power, Kaito eagerly accepted the temptation to consume the cursed finger.
As Kaito ate the finger, ichanneled a portion of my cursed energy into him. The dark markings spread across Kaito's body, creating an illusion of power. My energy made it appear as though Kaito had gained immense strength.This was a crucial step—i was enhancing the boy's power to ensure he would be more effective in his mission because it was my body to after all.
After all how would have he goten his curse power to slow down time without me. I originally just planned to give my eyes to this body to just don't look completely useless.But after knowing I got cursed technique I way more happy.
Kaito reveled in his newfound strength, his confidence soaring. He thanked the finger, unaware of the true source of his power. I influence whispered in his mind, "You will gain even more power if you collect more of my fingers. Just help me, and you will become stronger."
The boy's curiosity and eagerness made him an easy target for Sukuna's manipulations. Sukuna could alter his approach to match his needs, and for now, playing along with Kaito's ambitions suited his plans.
As Kaito walked away, fueled by the illusion of increased power, Sukuna's grin widened. The plan was unfolding perfectly. Each finger collected would strengthen Kaito and bring Sukuna closer to complete Soon, Sukuna would reveal himself and fully dominate For now, he was content with the progress made. The boy's unwitting aid was a crucial part of his strategy, and Sukuna was poised to take full advantage of it.
If I take over the body right now, it will be too noticeable. My aura and curse energy alone would reveal that I am not who I claim to be. It's better to proceed slowly and carefully.