Subaru had always been the competitive one in class. "Great job, kid! First place again," they'd say. A star track runner and the most athletic kid in school, he was unbeatable in every race. But no matter how many victories he racked up, the compliments always carried the same undertone.
"Wow, kid, first place! Just like your father."
"You're amazing, Subaru! Even beating kids a grade up—just like your dad used to."
"Man, you're a chip off the old block! Your dad must be proud."
Subaru hated it. No matter how hard he worked, no matter how much he poured himself into every competition, it was never about him. It was always about his father. His wins weren't his; they were just an echo of someone else's glory. out
That's why Subaru pushed himself so hard. Why he had to be confident. Why he had to be the best. Not to prove something to others—but to himself. He wanted people to see him, not just as his fathers son. but as Natsuki Subaru.
And that relentless drive brought him to today, just before turning nine, standing on the school track just before a big race.
"Hey, everyone!" Subaru's voice rang out, loud and cocky, as he stepped forward with his trademark grin. "Wanna make things more interesting?"
The chatter of the kids on the grass quickly died down, all eyes turning to him. "Let's make a bet," Subaru continued, confidence emanating from his every word. "If I lose this race, you guys can give me one order—whatever you want. No limits."
The crowd quickly started whispering. Subaru never lost. Betting against him was just idiotic.
"And if I win?" he pointed his thumb at himself (bro thinks he's Vegita) "the same deal but in reverse. i give you an order."
silence followed, the kids exchanged glances, no one was dumb enough to take the deal right?
that was the thoughts running through the majority of the class, that was until one kid stepped forward and declared "You're on!" he was puffing out his chest, trying to match Subaru's confidence. not doing well at it.
this caused the rest of the class erupted into cheers and jeers, or just laughter. a few girls teasing him that he's so gonna lose, Subaru all but basked in the positive responses. of course he was going to win.
---
Subaru was shocked i... lost? Subaru was confused, lost even. How could I lose? I'm supposed to be the main character, right? I should've won... I should've won easily!
His hands trembled as he stared at them, his thoughts looping endlessly, replaying the race over and over, his failure over and over again.
then a quick slap on his back jolted him out of his trance. "You did such a good job, second place!" his father praised, his tone encouraging. unaware of subaru's inner turmoil. "It's impressive, considering you were racing against kids more than a year older than you. Good job, Natski." (its suppose to be a nick name ok. nat-ski)
subaru's gaze drifted upwards, locking onto his fathers face, he had a gleaming proud smile, patting on his head, ruffling it even.
it made him angry, it made his blood boil, he wanted to lash out, he really did. but in reality all he did was look down. like a dejected dog.
he was not even just as good as his father now, he was just worse...
---
natsuki had met up with his friends, this included the one who agreed to the bet. they were all kind of shocked, but even then they laughed at him, teased him. but Subaru wasn't reacting much, he felt slightly numb.
"Wow, Natsuki, you actually lost!"
"Never thought I'd see the day!"
Their teasing voices grated on Subaru's already raw nerves, but he didn't react. He felt numb, his thoughts still spiralling back to the race.
"stop it." his voice was sharp as he clenched his fist, looking down at the floor with hatred. "i'm going to win the next one, for sure" it silenced the crowed but then they quickly got over it.
giving one quick glance, before quickly converging into a little huddle, whispering to the person on what they were going to make Subaru do. then, after a few minutes, they decided to make him eat a bunch of nasty stuff they find. "stay here, we'll be right back" one said before they all dispersed to grab something for Subaru to eat.
subaru, still numb and reeling from the loss, just sat on a rock with a contemplating look, looking as depressed as one could be (im 9 and this is deep)
---
Haruto sprinted home, a mischievous grin plastered on his face, He already had the perfect thing in mind to make Subaru eat, a chewed-up piece of gum he had stuck under his bed ages ago. it was perfect.
but as he passed the edge of the forest something caught his attention. A strange feeling washed over him, making the hairs on the back of his neck stand up.
His pace slowed as his gaze drifted toward the trees, where he spotted a . . . shrine?
The small structure looked ancient, like something straight out of the Edo period. Despite being tucked away in the woods, it emanated an creepy almost evil aura that made Haruto instinctively want to step back.
but despite that, his childish curiosity punted his fear of the structure "woah, sick" he muttered under his breath, before sharply turning, approaching the shrine with excitement
The closer he got, the stronger the chills became. His skin prickled, and his instincts screamed at him to turn around. Yet he ignored them, like the dumb child he was. . . the saying "curiosity killed the cat." fitting him well.
When he finally reached the shrine, he peered inside. There, on a wooden altar was a wooden box with an interesting kanji on top. yet, there was a thickness around it, an aura of disgust that would make anyone turn tail to their mommy. . . except Haruto. of course
"Cool!" he exclaimed, quickly snatching the box without a second thought. His grin widened as he clutched it in his hands. I'll make Subaru eat whatever's inside this! he thought with a giggle, before turning on his heel and dashing back to where subaru was.
unaware that his action has attracted creatures invisible to the normal eye. now steadily stalking him.
---
Subaru sat slumped on the rock, still drowning in the aftermath of his loss. The weight of failure pressed down on him and his thoughts going through an endless cycle of self-reincarnation. (does that make sense. idk, fuck it. fancy words go)
His brooding was interrupted by the sound of shouting and giggling. Looking up, he saw his three friends sprinting toward him, each clutching an "ingredient" for their punishment.
"Subaru, we're back!" Hitomi called out, grinning from ear to ear.
Subaru rolled his eyes, his gaze drifting to the items they held. When his eyes landed on the first, his face immediately scrunched up in disgust. "Ew, is that... snake skin!?" he exclaimed, recoiling slightly.
Hitomi held it up proudly, the skin shedded from his pet anaconda dangling in his grasp. "yup, it is," he grinned at his disgusted reaction.
subaru groaned. "That's disgusting."
With his mood already sour, his attention shifted to the next item, a handful of wet, dirty, mud. "Mud? Seriously?" Subaru muttered, putting a hand to his head with a shake "Okay, not as bad as snake skin, but still gross."
Daizen crossed his arms, looking offended. "Hey! My mom's a clean freak, okay? This is all I could find." He huffed, turning his face and pouted like a child (wait...)
Subaru let out a sigh, his gaze finally falling on Haruto, who held... a box? where'd he get that? "Wait... is that a box?" he asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion. "i can't eat a box."
Haruto smirked, clearly pleased that his item was the best. "I know that, genius. I found it at some old shrine in the forest. I figured I'd just feed you whatever's inside."
Subaru groaned, already regretting this entire ordeal. "Ugh, I hope it's not worse than the snake skin." His eyes darted between the three items before narrowing. "So, what's the plan? You guys just gonna shove them all in my mouth at once?"
Hitomi grinned mischievously, holding up the snake skin like his most prized possession. (my precious) "Nah, we'll be benevolent and let you choose the order you eat them in."
Subaru rolled his eyes, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Wow, thanks soooo much."
"your welcome" Hitomi teased. making subaru's scowl deepened.
he let the scowl stay for a second before sighing. "Fine. Mud first, the box second, and then... ugh, snake skin last." he really was dreading eating the snake skin.
Daizen stepped forward, holding out the mud with an exaggerated flourish like it was a gourmet dish. now in his hands he eyed the mud before shoving it down his throat quickly.
"Bleh!" Subaru gagged, his face contorting as he struggled to swallow the earthy mess.
The trio instantly erupted into laughter, practically doubling over at his reaction. like the supportive friends they are.
"Your face!" Haruto cried out, wiping tears from his eyes.
"You look like you're gonna hurl!" Daizen added, clutching his stomach from laughing so hard.
Hitomi smirked. "And that's only the appetizer."
Subaru shot them a glare, wiping his mouth with his sleeve. "You guys suck."
Haruto walked over and dramatically went on one knee "for you good sir" he presented the box like the finessed meal in the land "the best dish i could find"
"oh hush" Subaru snapped, snatching the box out of his hands.
he turned it over, inspecting the box in detail, but despite the box having a sleek wood as its material. the only thing of note is some writing on top that neither of the children knew to read
"Well? Open it!" Hitomi urged, clearly excited to see what was inside.
Subaru hesitated for a moment before prying the lid open. The hinges creaked faintly as the box revealed its contents, an object shaped unmistakably like a human finger.
Before he could fully process what he was looking at, an overwhelming wave of malevolent energy burst out of the box. The force of it sent all four children sprawling to the ground, their laughter replaced by panicked gasps.
Around them, the trees groaned and swayed as if something enormous were moving through the forest, bending the trunks like bamboo under its weight.
Subaru's heart pounded in his chest as he struggled to his knees, his wide, terrified eyes locking on the swaying trees behind them. His trembling hand shot out, pointing at the ominous occurrence
"Wha-wha-what is—what is that? L-LOOK!" he stammered, his voice cracking as he screamed.
Hitomi started "look, the-" but never got to finish as he was cut off, his entire upper body being blown off with a sickening crunch, leaving a gory mess behind. his lower half being dragged away, like a lion taking back its hunt
The remaining three children screamed in unison, the horrific sight paralyzing them with fear.
Haruto and Daizen froze, their wide eyes darting around desperately, unable to see what had attacked their friend.
Subaru, however, saw everything. The creatures were every where, all attracted to something, something in his hand. like vultures to a decayed corpse
His breath hitched, his mind racing in terror as his gaze dropped to the box in his hands. he snatched the finger shaped objection that was wrapped in some sort of ancient paper seal. Without thinking, he ripped the paper away, revealing the finger in its full decayed, grotesque glory. (mmmm yum)
Subaru's panicked mind made a single connection: They're after this. Whatever it is, this is what they want.
"You—" Subaru's voice broke as he clutched the finger tightly. "You can't have it!" he shouted, the only thing driving him now was his battered pride, as he threw the finger down his throat. gulping it down. swallowing it whole.
The moment it landed in his stomach, agony exploded through out his body. He dropped to the ground, clutching his stomach as he screamed like death had come to reap his soul. It felt like every cell in his body was being ripped apart, set aflame by an inferno of pain.
"Subaru!" Haruto shouted, but his voice wavered with fear. Daizen grabbed his arm, pulling him back.
"Forget him!" Daizen yelled, tears streaming down his face. "We have to get out of here!"
The two boys got to there, their fears overtaking any sense of loyalty as they bolted, their shouts of a fake "Sorry!" echoing behind them as they disappeared into the forest, leaving Subaru writhing on the ground. (when in doubt, if you are in danger, these are the friends you need)
The creatures drew closer, their dark forms looming over him. Subaru's vision blurred, his senses overwhelmed by the searing pain radiating through every fibber of his being.
thankfully, it was dimming out, as his senses slowly left his grasp, the clutches of sleep clawing at his body, before he finally relented and passed out.
.
.
.
Black markings snaked across Subaru's skin, jagged and alive, spreading rapidly over his body, the blank ink like tattoo's covering mostly every inch of his body. his face gaining another set of eyes, as they shot open. his facial expression was more mature, adult like, and drastically different than before. this... was no longer subaru. no
it was the king of curses
"A new vessel" the sound of a neck cracking shot out as the spirits froze. a deep voice echoed as he clenched his fist and re-opened it.
Sukuna Ryomen was Reborn.
A/N - how do you like this past/pro-louge, is it good? is it bad? do you not give a shit and want action? let me know.
also don't complain about my () because I will add my premium input wither you like it or not
this is also only part 1 of the prologue but I could make part 2 shorter if you just want their asses to get yeeted to lugunica already.
bye bye