"There was a time… long before Cursed Energy was ever utilized by Jujutsu Sorcerers… a different type of power, true magic. A power that defied the logic Cursed Energy is bound by. A power that made many humans come close to the title of 'god'. But it was lost… ages ago, nobody knows how. But the one thing they do know is that—"
"Hold it," Kakine interrupted, an irritated look twisting his features. "Are you kidding me?"
The knight, whose name was revealed to be Hayate, looked at Kakine with a bewildered and weary expression. "I'm… sorry?"
"I said, start from the beginning," Kakine snarled, his annoyance palpable. He glared down at Hayate, his eyes cold and unyielding. "What the hell is Cursed Energy? And what is a Jujutsu sorcerer? Explain!"
Hayate looked stunned, his mouth opening and closing as he tried to process the question. "But… why are you asking me that?" he muttered more to himself than to Kakine. "Aren't you a Sorcerer? You used Cursed Energy against us… You created those wings from Cursed Energy."
"I created my wings with my Dark Matter," Kakine corrected sharply, his tone brooking no argument. "And I'm the one asking questions here, bastard." His menacing glower made Hayate quiver in fear. "S-sorry!" the knight stammered.
"Continue!" Kakine harshly demanded.
"R-r-right!" Hayate stuttered, his voice trembling.
Index, who was seated on a boulder near Kakine, kicked her short legs in the air as she watched the scene with wide, curious eyes. The tension between Kakine and Hayate seemed almost tangible, a stark contrast to her childlike innocence.
"Cursed Energy is an energy that is created from negative emotions," Hayate began, his voice steadier now as he explained. "At some point in a person's life, they will experience negative emotions such as grief or anger. Cursed Energy exists in all human beings. Jujutsu Sorcerers are people who are capable of utilizing Cursed Energy and fighting Cursed Spirits."
"Cursed Spirits?" Kakine echoed, his brow furrowing in confusion.
"You… who are you?" Hayate looked up at him with wide, bewildered eyes. "How do you—"
BAM!!
The ground between Hayate's legs exploded into a small crater as Kakine's foot connected with the earth. "What did I just say?" Kakine glowered, his voice a dangerous growl. "I'm the one asking questions here."
With a gulp, the knight continued, his voice shaking. "C-cursed spirits are creatures that are subconsciously formed by the leaking Cursed Energy of untrained civilians. These spirits are manifestations of negative emotions and can be incredibly dangerous. They are drawn to areas with high levels of Cursed Energy, which is why Jujutsu Sorcerers are so important. They exorcise these spirits to protect ordinary people because ordinary people can't see Cursed Spirits since they don't have enough Cursed Energy to see them."
Kakine's eyes narrowed as he absorbed the information. "So, this village… the elder… they're all tied to this Cursed Energy and these spirits?"
Hayate nodded hesitantly. "Yes. The elder is a powerful Jujutsu Sorcerer. He's been using dark rituals and forbidden magic to try and harness more power. Index… she's somehow linked to this. The books inside her contain ancient knowledge, and forbidden spells the likes of which have never been heard of. The elder believes that by accessing them, he can obtain unimaginable power."
Kakine glanced at Index, who was still kicking her legs and watching them with innocent curiosity. The idea of someone experimenting on a child, trying to unlock dangerous knowledge from within her, regardless of the effects it may have on her— It made his blood boil, stirring up old memories he'd rather forget. But this wasn't Academy City, and the realization that had been lurking at the edge of his mind now became undeniable: he likely wasn't even in his own dimension anymore.
The reality of his situation settled over him like a heavy shroud. The air was different here, and the energy that hummed through the atmosphere was foreign. This world was bound by rules he didn't fully understand yet, and power structures like Cursed Energy and Jujutsu Sorcerers were unlike anything he had encountered before.
Kakine took a deep breath, trying to process everything. The fight with the knights had been easy, almost too easy, but the implications of their existence and the elder's dark ambitions were far more complicated. He had to tread carefully in this new world, where his own powers might not be as invincible as they were back home.
'No,' his thoughts were dragged to a certain red-eyed, white-haired Esper, someone who even he could not beat in any regard. That boy, the one who embodied destruction and chaos, who could manipulate vectors with such precision and power—it was a haunting memory that gnawed at the edges of Kakine's mind. That Esper was the ultimate reminder of his own limitations, a living embodiment of his greatest failures.
The image of the red-eyed Esper brought with it a flood of emotions that Kakine rarely allowed himself to feel: anger, frustration, and a deep, gnawing sense of inadequacy. He had always prided himself on his strength, his ability to control his Dark Matter and bend reality to his will. But against that boy, his powers had been rendered useless, his pride shattered. No matter how hard he had fought, no matter how many strategies he had devised, he could never surpass him.
"We need to keep moving… There's a lot more to uncover, and I have a feeling we're just scratching the surface."
Index nodded, her small hand slipping into his. Her touch was light, almost hesitant, but there was a trust there that Kakine couldn't ignore. She had been through so much, and yet she still held onto a sliver of hope. It was a fragile thing, and Kakine felt an unexpected urge to protect it.
He had tried to save someone, someone deemed unsavable by many, but he had failed. She had been a beacon of hope, a symbol of his determination to protect and save those who couldn't save themselves. But in the end, his efforts had fallen short, his promises broken. The weight of that failure pressed heavily on his shoulders, a constant reminder of his own humanity and the limits of his power.
Kakine's thoughts turned dark as he walked through the forest, Index's small hand clutched in his. The memories of his failures haunted his every step, casting long shadows over his resolve.
Index looked up at him with her one golden eye, her innocence a stark contrast to the turmoil in his heart. Her trust in him, despite everything, was both a balm and a burden. She didn't see him as a failure, didn't know the depths of his past mistakes. To her, he was a protector, someone who stood up and protected her when no one else would. The thought of letting her down, leading her down the same path of despair and defeat he had walked, was unbearable.
Her small hand gripped his more tightly. She didn't understand the weight of his words, but she trusted him, and that was enough. As they moved deeper into the forest, Kakine felt a renewed sense of purpose. He had a chance to make things right, to protect someone who needed him. He wouldn't let his past failures define him.
He wasn't Accelerator… but maybe, just this once, he could succeed where he had previously failed.
As they walked away from the scene of carnage, the forest around them seemed to close in, the shadows lengthening with the setting sun. Kakine's mind raced with thoughts of the elder and the village's dark secrets. He knew he had to be strategic, to uncover the truth piece by piece. The village wasn't just a physical place; it was a labyrinth of hidden agendas, ancient knowledge, and forbidden magic.
He glanced at Index again, her golden eye gleaming in the dim light. She was the key to all of this, he realized. The "bad books" inside her held secrets that the elder desperately wanted, and those secrets could potentially turn the tide in Kakine's favor. But first, he needed to understand what those books were, and why they were so valuable.
Maybe they could even give him a clue on how to get back to Academy City… after making sure Index was safe.
As they moved deeper into the forest, the air grew cooler, and the sounds of the village faded into the background. Kakine felt a strange sense of determination. He had been thrust into a world of unknowns, but he wasn't helpless.
He was far from helpless.
The night sky twinkled with stars, casting a silvery light over the forest. Behind them, the corpse of a knight lay forgotten, his once proud armor now tarnished and lifeless beside a large boulder.
"WHAT!!??"
The crash of shattering glass echoed through the grand hall as Kurosaki hurled a plate against the wall in a fit of rage. The servants and maids, already tense from the stormy atmosphere, flinched and cowered at the display of fury. Their muffled screams and cries filled the air, but none dared to move or speak, lest they draw the ire of the enraged elder.
"How could an entire group of well-skilled men lose to some no-named sorcerer!?" Kurosaki roared, his face contorted with anger, veins bulging prominently on his forehead and neck. His eyes, wild and bloodshot, scanned the room, searching for someone to unleash his wrath upon. The staff, trembling in fear, kept their heads down, praying silently that his rage would pass quickly.
"Elder," a smooth, velvet voice called out from the shadows, cutting through the tension like a knife.
All eyes turned to the source of the voice as a woman, dressed in an elegant kimono, stepped gracefully into the light. Her long black hair flowed like a river of midnight silk, and her cherry-red cheeks glowed with a serene confidence. She moved with an air of calm authority, her presence commanding attention and respect.
Ivona, his most trusted companion and his most ardent fanatic, approached him with measured steps. Her eyes sparkled with a manic devotion, a fervor that bordered on madness. "Allow me to handle this matter," she spoke, her voice steady and unwavering despite the chaotic energy radiating from her. Her dark eyes locked onto his, garnering his full attention.
Kurosaki's rage began to subside as he focused on her. His breathing slowed, and the wild look in his eyes was replaced with a calculating gleam. "Yes," he whispered, assurance creeping into his tone. "Yes! Yes! My Ivona!" His gaze grew intense, almost deranged, as he looked at her with a twisted sort of affection. "If it's you… you'll kill yourself to assist in achieving my goals, won't you?"
Ivona allowed a small, gentle smile to slip onto her face. It was a smile that belied her true nature, a smile that held both warmth and cold calculation. "Of course I will," she replied, her voice soft yet filled with unwavering conviction. Slowly, she lifted her face to meet his eyes, her expression one of devotion and determination. "After all… you are my god."
Kurosaki's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he took in her words. He reached out and gently cupped her face, his touch surprisingly tender. "Then go, Ivona," he commanded, his voice now calm but laden with authority. "Retrieve the child and bring her to me. Do whatever it takes."
Ivona bowed her head slightly, acknowledging his order. "I will not fail you," she promised, her voice a whisper that seemed to carry the weight of an unbreakable vow.
As Ivona turned to leave, the servants and maids watched her with a mixture of awe and fear. She moved with a purpose, her steps silent and precise. The air seemed to grow colder in her wake, the atmosphere heavy with the anticipation of the impending confrontation.
Kurosaki watched her go, a sinister smile playing on his lips. He knew that with Ivona handling the situation, the child would be in his grasp soon enough. And once he had her, the secrets she held would be his to exploit. He would unlock the power of the Grimoires within her, and nothing would stand in his way.
The servants, still trembling from the earlier outburst, began to quietly clean up the shattered glass and fallen plate. The tension in the room remained thick, but there was an undercurrent of relief. For now, at least, the storm had passed. But they all knew that the real battle was yet to come, and the stakes were higher than they could possibly imagine.
Ivona's steps were quick and deliberate as she made her way through the darkened corridors of the manor. Her heart raced with excitement, the thrill of serving her god fueling her every move. She was more than willing to lay down her life for Kurosaki's ambitions, to spill blood in his name, to ensure that his vision became reality. In her mind, there was no greater purpose, no higher calling than to serve and worship him.
She would retrieve the child. She would face whatever dangers lay ahead. And she would do it all with a smile on her face, knowing that she was fulfilling her divine duty to the man she adored beyond all reason.
"YAWN!! What a total drag!" Satoru Gojo moaned in an exaggerated manner, stretching his arms dramatically as he slouched in the passenger seat. His trademark blindfold was pulled up, revealing his piercing blue eyes that shimmered with a mischievous glint. "Seriously, can't those rotting farts just waste their own time? I have students to teach, ya know!"
Driving with a weary expression, Kiyotaka Ijichi whimpered slightly as he cast a cautious side-eye at the insufferably arrogant sorcerer beside him. The monotony of the road and the tension of their assignment weighed heavily on him. "It's because the situation is rather unknown, Gojo-san, that's why it was thought best to send you," he explained, trying to maintain a level of professionalism despite his frustration. "It's the first time we've ever heard of something like this—a village that appears and disappears on sight…"
Satoru smirked; his interest piqued despite his earlier complaints. "Yeah, that is rather interesting, I'll admit I'm intrigued," he said, leaning back in his seat with a casual air. "But I have a feeling those old codgers were hiding something."
Ijichi looked bewildered, his eyebrows knitting together in confusion. "What? How do you know that?"
Satoru was silent for a moment, his playful demeanor giving way to a more contemplative expression. "Because… they'd have usually 'summoned' me," he said, making air quotes with his fingers to emphasize his point, "personally to their sacred saggy skin grounds." His tone was laced with amusement rather than annoyance, as if he found the whole situation more entertaining than serious.
Ijichi didn't even flinch at Gojo's blatant disrespect towards the leading figures of the Jujutsu world. He was used to the sorcerer's antics by now. "As a means of their sad attempt at showing dominance over me," Satoru continued, his voice carefree, as if he were discussing the funniest thing in the world.
"I'd have smelt the lies and deceits right away, right in front of them otherwise," Gojo added, his expression turning serious for just a split second before his usual smirk returned. "Not to mention… Tengen himself is involved… I can't help but wonder why."
Ijichi nodded slowly, digesting Gojo's words. The elder sorcerers were known for their secrecy and intricate power plays, always trying to keep the most powerful Jujutsu Sorcerer under their thumb, even if it was a futile effort. Sending Gojo on this mission, with such vague information, was indeed suspicious.
The car continued to move along the winding road, the dense forest on either side casting long shadows as the sun began to set. The air grew cooler, and an eerie silence seemed to blanket the surroundings, amplifying the tension in the car.
Gojo's mind raced with possibilities. A village that appeared and disappeared at will was no ordinary phenomenon. It suggested powerful magic, perhaps something even beyond the usual scope of Cursed Energy. His curiosity was genuinely piqued now, and a part of him was eager to uncover whatever secrets lay hidden in this enigmatic village.
"We're close," Ijichi said, breaking the silence. He glanced at the GPS, then at the narrowing road ahead. "The reports indicated that the village's location was just a few kilometers from here."
Satoru's smirk widened. "Well, let's see what kind of fun we can stir up, shall we?"
Kakine watched with quiet focus, his eyes scanning the scene before him. The elder's house was much more heavily guarded than when he had first seen it. Men armed with katana, swords, and pickaxes marched in unison around the house, leaving no openings for anyone to sneak through. The disciplined, rhythmic movements of the guards created an almost impenetrable barrier.
Kakine smirked, but he wasn't just anyone. His abilities allowed him to bypass such mundane defenses with ease, but he had more than just himself to think about. He felt Index's small hand clutching his shirt tightly, and it made his smirk fade. 'First things first, I've got to stash the kid somewhere safe… The best option would be to get her to Tokyo since it's not that far off but…'
He glanced at the fragile child beside him. Index had her eyes trained on the familiar house, her single golden eye wide with terror. It was clear she knew exactly who lived there and what horrors the place held. Kakine could see the fear etched on her young face. She had likely never been around people before, isolated for a good part of her life, leaving her ignorant of society outside this cursed village.
Leaving her on her own in Tokyo, regardless of her age, would spell trouble. She was just a child, and a particularly vulnerable one at that. Kakine didn't know much about this world's governing force. For all he knew, they could be just as corrupt and dangerous as Academy City's own ruling entities. He couldn't risk exposing her to potential danger without understanding the full scope of this world's politics and power structures.
Attacking or making any move of the sort would be reckless while she was by his side. While he had no doubt he could protect her while simultaneously dealing with the enemies, despite their numbers, he would much rather not risk it. The last thing he wanted was to put her in harm's way. The stakes were too high, and the consequences of failure too dire.
The village around them was eerily quiet, the only sounds being the distant murmurs of the guards and the rustling of leaves in the wind. The sun had set, casting long shadows that danced ominously across the ground. Kakine could feel the weight of Index's fear and the burden of his own responsibility pressing down on him.
'Tch,' he cursed to himself, 'I'll have to get the kid someplace safe first.'
He stood up straight, alerting the child next to him, and prepared to move into the forest when instinct kicked in. Years of experience honed his reflexes, and in one swift motion, he grabbed Index and moved, dodging multiple kunai that exploded the minute they hit the ground.
"You are much more skilled than I had originally anticipated," a smooth, velvet voice spoke. The moon's still-rising light revealed a young woman in a modified kimono, tailored for ease of movement.
Her black hair swayed in the cool breeze, glistening like spiderwebs under the moonlight. Kakine smirked, his four white wings unfurled to protect both him and Index from the explosion's shockwave. The ethereal glow of the wings cast a stark contrast against the night, highlighting the tension between them.
"Trust me…" Kakine peered down at her menacingly, his wings bristling with latent energy. "…you haven't seen anything yet."
Ivona smirked, her eyes gleaming with a mixture of excitement and fanaticism. "So, you must be the sorcerer who's been causing all this trouble," she said, her voice carrying an unsettling calm. "I've been looking forward to meeting you."
Kakine's mind raced. He needed to assess the situation quickly. This woman was clearly skilled, and she had the advantage of knowing the terrain and likely had more tricks up her sleeve. He glanced at Index, whose wide eyes reflected the moonlight, filled with both fear and trust.
Ivona's gaze shifted to Index, her expression softening for a brief moment before hardening with determination. "The child… she's important. Hand her over, and I might let you live."
Kakine let out a dry laugh. "You think you can threaten me?" His wings flared, creating a barrier between Ivona and Index. "Sorry but I already have my own plans with the kid", he jeered, "If you want her, you'll have to beat me first."
The tension in the air was palpable. Ivona's smirk widened, her hands subtly moving to draw the katana strapped to her back. The blade glinted menacingly in the moonlight. "Very well," she said, her voice dripping with anticipation. "Let's see what you're really made of."
Without another word, she lunged at him, her movements fluid and precise. Kakine's wings moved instinctively, deflecting her initial strike. The clash of her katana against his Dark Matter sent a shockwave through the clearing, rustling the leaves and causing the ground to tremble.
'Oh, not bad,' Kakine smirked, a hint of surprise in his eyes. 'My wings are capable of taking one of Railgun's attacks head-on, and yet...' He glanced at Ivona's katana, which appeared no different from any other normal blade. However, Kakine could sense an unfamiliar energy radiating from it. 'So, this is Cursed Energy.'
The realization struck him with a mix of intrigue and caution. This energy, unlike anything he had encountered in Academy City, held a unique, almost malevolent quality. He couldn't afford to underestimate it—or her.
Index clung to Kakine's side, her small hands gripping his shirt tightly. The girl's fear was palpable, but her trust in him gave Kakine a renewed sense of purpose. He couldn't afford to lose this fight. Not now. Not with her life on the line.
Ivona, noticing his brief moment of contemplation, seized the opportunity. She surged forward with renewed vigor, her katana slicing through the air with deadly precision. Kakine's wings responded in kind, deflecting her strikes with bursts of Dark Matter. The two energies clashed in a dazzling display, lighting up the dark forest.
"You're more than I expected," Ivona admitted, her voice steady despite the exertion. "But I won't let you stand in the way of our mission."
Kakine's smirk widened. "You talk too much." With a swift motion, he unleashed a barrage of Dark Matter shards, forcing Ivona to leap back. He used the momentary respite to glance at Index, who was huddled behind the protective barrier of his wings. Her golden eye reflected a mixture of awe and fear, reminding him of the stakes.
"Stay close," he muttered to her. "This is going to get rough."
Index nodded, her small hand gripping the fabric of his shirt even tighter. Kakine turned his attention back to Ivona, who had regained her stance, her katana gleaming ominously in the moonlight.
Ivona's eyes narrowed as she studied him. "You're not just any sorcerer, are you? Your power... it's different."
Kakine chuckled darkly. "You have no idea." He focused, channeling his Dark Matter into a concentrated form. The air around them seemed to vibrate with the intensity of his power.
Ivona's grip on her katana tightened, her expression one of fierce determination. "Let's see if your power can stand against mine."
She charged at him, her movements fluid and precise. Kakine met her head-on, his wings creating a shield that absorbed the impact of her strikes. The force of their clash sent shockwaves rippling through the forest, the ground beneath them cracking from the intensity.
As they battled, Kakine couldn't help but analyze her techniques. Ivona's mastery of Cursed Energy was impressive, but he could see the patterns in her movements, the subtle tells that hinted at her next attack. He adapted, his wings moving with calculated precision to counter her strikes.
But Ivona wasn't just skilled; she was relentless. Her strikes came faster, each one infused with the malevolent energy of her katana.
The clash of energies reached a fever pitch, the forest around them trembling under the force of their battle. Kakine's wings flared with dark energy, pushing Ivona back. She staggered, but her eyes blazed with unyielding resolve.
"You're strong," she admitted, her voice strained. "But I won't let you win."
Kakine's smirk returned, more determined than ever. "You're welcome to try." With a surge of power, he unleashed pure, unadulterated energy that incinerated everything it came into contact with. Trees disintegrated, the ground charred, and the very air seemed to sizzle from the intensity of his attack.
Ivona's eyes widened in shock. She leapt back, narrowly avoiding the blast. The sheer range and power of the attack forced her several feet away from Kakine, bringing her dangerously close to the elder's house. Her heart pounded in her chest as she took in the destruction left in his wake.
"What the hell was that?" she muttered, feeling nervous sweat slide down her face. The scene before her was like something out of a nightmare. It was no wonder the shinobi squad of the village had been annihilated so quickly and effortlessly by this seemingly unsuspecting boy. "Just what the hell kind of technique is this?"
She lifted her head, spotting movement in the sky. Kakine floated above on his four wings, Index clutched protectively in his arms. The sight was almost divine, his figure silhouetted against the moonlit sky. It made Ivona feel even more intimidated, a shiver running down her spine.
"This kid..." she muttered aloud, "...he's on the same level as Satoru Gojo."
Kakine stared her down with a look of indifference. His eyes were cold, calculating, as if weighing her worth. "How the hell did a sorcerer of such power go unnoticed for so long?"
Ivona's mind raced. She had to think quickly, had to find a way to turn the tide. The power Kakine wielded was unlike anything she had ever seen, and it terrified her. But she couldn't let that fear control her. She had a mission to complete, a promise to fulfill to Kurosaki.
Drawing in a deep breath, she steadied her trembling hands and tightened her grip on her katana. "You're not invincible," she called out, trying to sound more confident than she felt. "Every power has its limits, and I will find yours."
Kakine's smirk widened, a dark glint in his eyes. "You're welcome to try," he repeated, his voice dripping with challenge.
Ivona grit her teeth in frustration.
"Satoru-san," Ijichi called out in a hesitant tone, "we've been here for almost three hours."
Satoru Gojo continued to pace, his black bandana pulled down completely as he silently stared into the empty space before him. His usually vibrant and carefree demeanor was replaced by an unsettling stillness. The air around him felt charged, as if he was sensing something beyond the ordinary.
"Maybe it's time we head back," Ijichi suggested cautiously. He had never seen the obnoxious and eccentric sorcerer so... quiet before. It unnerved him. "If you're still unsure, then… we can station a few sorcerers here for a while until the higher-ups are satisfied."
Gojo finally stopped pacing and turned to face Ijichi, his piercing blue eyes shimmering with an intensity that made the younger man shiver. "It's not that simple," Gojo said, his voice unusually serious. "There's something off about this place. I can feel it, but I can't pinpoint what it is."
Ijichi swallowed nervously. "What do you mean, Satoru-san?"
Gojo ran a hand through his white hair, frustration evident on his face. "The energy here... it's different. It's not just cursed energy. There's something else mixed in, something I've never encountered before." He looked back at the empty space, his eyes narrowing. "It's almost like this place exists on the edge of reality, flickering between dimensions."
Ijichi's eyes widened. "Dimensions? Are you saying there's a rift here?"
Gojo nodded slowly. "Something like that. But it's more than just a simple rift. It's like a veil, hiding something or someone. And whatever it is, it's powerful enough to evade my Six Eyes."
Ijichi stared at him in shock. "Powerful enough to… evade the Six Eyes," he muttered aloud, a dazed expression on his face. His eyes darted nervously around the area, searching for any hidden threat.
The Six Eyes was a technique revered by the entire Jujutsu Society, a testament to Satoru Gojo's unparalleled abilities. It was an ability that granted him near-omniscient perception, allowing him to see and analyze all forms of energy. The fact that there was something that could deflect its power was deeply unsettling. Ijichi's mind raced as he tried to process the implications.
He had only ever heard of one instance where the Six Eyes had been evaded, and that was during Gojo's legendary battle against the infamous Sorcerer Killer. The tale of that confrontation was whispered in hushed tones among the sorcerers, a dark chapter that showcased the terrifying potential of an adversary who could momentarily slip past Gojo's defenses. Yet even then, Gojo had emerged victorious, his skill and sheer willpower overcoming the odds.
Ijichi swallowed hard, his voice trembling slightly. "So, what do we do, Satoru-san?"
Gojo's expression remained intense, his eyes narrowing as he surveyed the surroundings. The usually carefree and arrogant demeanor was replaced by a focused seriousness that unnerved Ijichi.
"Leave."
"What!?" Ijichi looked surprised, almost offended by the abrupt command.
"Not me," Satoru corrected, "you!" he said, not even turning to look at Ijichi behind him. "Leave."
Before Ijichi could say anything more, Satoru continued, "I have no idea what's going on here, but whatever it is… I have a feeling it's not going to be the usual run-of-the-mill curses we're used to." The empty space that Ijichi perceived was far from empty in Gojo's eyes. What he saw was a chaotic mixture of cursed energy and a foreign energy that he'd never encountered before.
The air crackled with an eerie resonance, a subtle hum that only someone with Gojo's heightened senses could detect. It was like a discordant symphony, each note clashing with the next, creating an atmosphere thick with tension. The foreign energy felt ancient and malevolent, intertwining with the cursed energy in a way that suggested a deeper, more sinister connection.
"You staying here will just get in my way," Gojo said, his voice devoid of its usual arrogance. This was a simple, unembellished truth. There was no insult intended, and Ijichi felt none. It was a pragmatic assessment of their situation. Gojo was the strongest sorcerer in the world, and any distraction, no matter how well-intentioned, could prove fatal in an encounter of this magnitude.
Ijichi nodded, swallowing his pride. "I understand, Gojo-san. I'll head back and coordinate with the higher-ups. We'll send reinforcements as soon as possible."
"Don't bother", Gojo answered, his arrogance coming back, "I'll have this wrapped up in no time".
Ijichi, despite wanting to say more, simply let out a sigh, having long since given up on the eccentric man's exorbitant behavior. As Ijichi turned to leave, Gojo's eyes returned to the invisible barrier. The strange energy seemed to pulse, almost as if it were aware of his scrutiny. He couldn't shake the feeling that something big was happening from beyond the veil.
The village, hidden beneath this powerful barrier, held secrets that defied comprehension. Gojo's Six Eyes, renowned for their unparalleled perception, struggled to penetrate the shroud of energy. It was an indication to the formidable nature of whatever force lay within.