Chapter Text
Later that evening, Yuta found Gojo in his office, a stack of papers scattered across his desk. "So, how did it go with Y/N?" Gojo asked, not looking up from his work. Yuta leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms. "It went... surprisingly well, actually. She's a natural, picks things up like a sponge." A wry grin touched his lips. "Though, her stamina's about as impressive as a wet noodle." Gojo chuckled, finally looking up from his paperwork. "That sounds about right for a first-timer. But give her time, Yuta. She'll get there." He paused, a thoughtful expression on his face. "You know, it's funny. She has a weapon, a scythe she can manifest from her cursed energy, but she hardly ever uses it. It's like she's forgotten it's even there. She hasn't used it since the night she went crazy."
Yuta frowned. "Really? That's odd."
Gojo shrugged. "Tell me about it. But Y/N's stubborn as a mule. She prefers to rely on her raw cursed energy, which, admittedly, is impressive. But if you're concerned, feel free to incorporate weapon training into her sessions." Yuta nodded, filing that information away for later. He hesitated for a moment, then decided to broach a more sensitive topic. "Gojo-sensei, there's something else I wanted to ask you. About Y/N's cursed technique..." Gojo's expression remained casual, but his eyes sharpened. "What about it?"
"It's... different," Yuta began, choosing his words carefully. "There's something... else there. Something... more." A knowing smile spread across Gojo's face. "I know," he said simply. "I've sensed it too. But it's elusive, like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands." Yuta's eyes widened in surprise. "You know? And you didn't tell me?"
Gojo chuckled. "Some things are best left for you to discover, my dear student. Besides, I trust your judgment. I'm sure you'll get to the bottom of it." He paused, then added, a hint of warning in his voice. "Just be careful, Yuta. Y/N's cursed technique is a Pandora's box, full of both wonder and danger. Tread carefully, and don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it." Yuta nodded, a sense of unease settling in his stomach. He had a lot to think about. "Oh, and one more thing, Gojo-sensei," Yuta said as he turned to leave. "I'll only be here for a couple more weeks before I head back to Africa." Gojo's carefree facade faltered for a moment, a flicker of concern crossing his usually playful features. "Two weeks?" he repeated, a hint of worry creeping into his voice. "That's not a lot of time, Yuta. Do you think it'll be enough for Y/N to get a handle on her...situation?"
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Yuta shrugged, a wry smile playing on his lips. "I'm just a student myself, Gojo-sensei. Barely older than Y/N, if we're being honest." He gestured vaguely with his hand, as if to emphasize his point. "I'm no miracle worker. But I'll do my best to point her in the right direction, give her some tools to work with. The rest is up to her." Gojo chuckled, his easygoing demeanor returning. "True, true. You're still wet behind the ears. But you've got a good head on your shoulders, and a kind heart to boot. I'm sure Y/N's in good hands." He paused, then added with a wink, "Besides, a little pressure never hurt anyone. Maybe a ticking clock will motivate her to learn faster." Yuta shook his head in amusem*nt. Only Gojo could find humor in such a situation. Still, he knew his sensei meant well, even if his methods were unorthodox. Before he could respond, however, the office door burst open with a resounding bang, revealing three familiar figures. "Yuta!!" Panda's booming voice filled the room as he barrelled towards Yuta, his giant panda paws outstretched. "You're back! It's been ages, buddy! We've missed you!" Maki and Toge followed close behind, Maki with her signature smirk and Toge with a curt nod. "Easy there, Panda," Yuta laughed, bracing himself for the inevitable bear hug. Panda enveloped him in a crushing embrace, nearly lifting him off his feet. "I bet you missed Maki, didn't ya?" Panda asked, his voice muffled against Yuta's shoulder. Maki rolled her eyes, but a faint blush crept onto her cheeks. "Don't be ridiculous," she retorted, though her tone lacked its usual bite. "I'm just glad you didn't get yourself killed in Africa."
"Aw, don't be like that, Maki-chan," Panda teased, nudging her playfully with his elbow. "I'm sure you were secretly pining away for Yuta's return." Maki swatted Panda's paw away, a scowl forming on her face. "Shut up, Panda." Yuta couldn't help but chuckle at their playful banter. It was good to be back among his friends, their familiar bickering a comforting reminder of home. "Toge," Yuta greeted, turning to the quietest member of their group. Toge nodded once more, a rare smile gracing his lips. "Salmon," he uttered, his voice low and gravelly. Yuta grinned. "Thanks, Toge. I missed your... unique way with words." Gojo watched the reunion with a satisfied smile. It was good to see his students so happy. He knew that Yuta's presence would be a boon to the school, not just for Y/N's training, but for the morale of everyone around him.
Yuta, Maki, Panda, and Toge had gathered around a low table, plates of snacks and drinks scattered about. The atmosphere was relaxed and jovial, a noticeable shift from the school's usual serious mood. "So, Yuta," Panda began, his voice booming through the room, "tell us everything about Africa! Did you fight any lions? Wrestle any crocodiles? Did you find a magical monkey staff that can grant wishes?" Maki rolled her eyes at Panda's outlandish questions, while Toge simply muttered, "Tuna mayo," his way of expressing skepticism. Yuta chuckled, shaking his head. "No lions, no crocodiles, and definitely no magical monkey staffs. But I did encounter some pretty interesting cursed spirits." He paused for dramatic effect, then added, "And I learned a few new tricks."
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Panda's eyes lit up like a child's on Christmas morning. "Ooh, do tell! Did you learn how to summon a giant scorpion? Or maybe you can control the weather now?"
Maki snorted. "Panda, you're being ridiculous. Yuta's not some kind of superhero."
"Well, he is pretty super," Panda countered, earning himself a playful shove from Maki. Yuta smiled, enjoying the friendly banter. "I wouldn't say I'm a superhero," he said modestly. "But I did learn some new cursed techniques. One of them allows me to create a barrier of cursed energy that can deflect attacks."
Toge's eyebrows shot up. "Okaka," he said, his voice filled with approval.
"Yeah, it's pretty handy," Yuta agreed. "And I also learned how to manipulate shadows to create illusions and traps."
Maki whistled. "That's impressive. Sounds like you've been busy."
Yuta shrugged. "I had a lot of time on my hands," he said. "And there were plenty of cursed spirits to practice on."
Panda leaned in, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "So, any juicy gossip from the African jujutsu scene? Any hot sorcerer babes you met?"
Maki groaned. "Panda, seriously?"
Yuta laughed. "No comment," he said, a sly grin on his face.
Maki rolled her eyes, but a playful smile tugged at her lips. "Okay, okay, enough about Africa. Let's talk about the real reason you're back." She leaned forward, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. "What's the scoop, Yuta? Did Gojo-sensei finally bribe you with all-you-can-eat sushi?"
"Or did he promise to let you borrow his limited edition sunglasses?" Panda chimed in, his voice full of mock seriousness. Toge simply raised an eyebrow, a single word escaping his lips: "Salmon?" Yuta chuckled, shaking his head. "Nope, none of the above. Although the sushi does sound tempting." He paused, a hint of seriousness creeping into his voice. "Actually, Gojo-sensei asked me to come back to help a new student." Yuta explained about Y/N, her uncontrolled cursed energy, and the looming threat of execution. As he spoke, the lighthearted mood in the room shifted, a sense of urgency replacing the playful banter. "That's heavy," Panda said, his voice unusually somber. "Sounds like she's in a tough spot." Maki nodded in agreement. "Yeah, but if anyone can help her, it's Yuta. He's practically a cursed energy whisperer." Toge simply uttered one word: "Okaka."
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Yuta smiled, touched by their confidence in him. "Thanks, guys," he said. "I'm not sure if I'm up to the task, but I'll do my best." Panda reached over and clapped Yuta on the back. "Don't worry, buddy. You've got this. And if you need any help, we're here for you." Maki and Toge nodded in agreement, their expressions unwavering. A sudden creak of the door hinge broke the chit-chat, drawing everyone's attention. Y/N stood in the doorway, her eyes wide like a startled deer caught in headlights. She hadn't expected to find the entire second-year class assembled in the commons area. A flush of embarrassment crept up her neck as she realized she'd interrupted their gathering. "Oh, hey, Y/N," Yuta's voice, warm and welcoming, broke the awkward silence. "Come join us. We were just talking about my time in Africa." He scooted over, making space for her at the table. Y/N hesitated, glancing between the curious faces of the second-years and Yuta's inviting smile. After a moment, she slowly made her way towards the table, a shy smile gracing her lips. "Thanks," she mumbled, taking the offered seat.
Panda, ever the social butterfly, wasted no time in making her feel welcome. "Hey there, new kid! I'm Panda, the life of the party. And this grumpy stick in the mud is Maki." He gestured towards Maki, who merely raised an eyebrow in response. "We've already met her before, remember? At that stupid get-together?" Maki replied evenly, her gaze flickering briefly towards Y/N. Y/N's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of crimson as she recalled the disastrous mixer. "Oh, right," she mumbled, wishing she could disappear into the floor. Panda, oblivious to the awkwardness, continued his enthusiastic introduction. "And that silent ninja over there is Toge. He only speaks in rice ball ingredients, but don't let that fool you. He's a total badass." Toge simply nodded in acknowledgement, a small smile playing on his lips. "Salmon," he muttered, his voice a low rumble.
"Ignore him," Maki said, rolling her eyes. "He's just trying to impress you."
"Hey, I am impressive!" Panda protested, puffing out his chest. Y/N giggled, the tension easing slightly. It was hard to feel self-conscious with Panda's boisterous personality filling the room. "So, Y/N," Panda began, leaning forward with an eager grin. "We hear you've got quite the reputation. Rumor has it the higher-ups want you dead. That's pretty hardcore for a first-year, don't you think?" Maki groaned and facepalmed. "Panda, for the love of all that is holy, can you please not scare the poor girl?" She turned to Y/N, a apologetic look on her face. "Sorry about him. He has the tact of a bull in a china shop." Y/N laughed nervously, unsure of how to respond. "It's okay," she said, trying to sound casual. "I'm used to it."
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"Used to what?" Panda asked, his curiosity piqued. "People wanting you dead?"
Maki shot Panda a glare that could have melted steel. "Panda, seriously?"
Panda held up his paws in surrender. "Alright, alright, I'll lay off. But seriously, Y/N, if you ever need anything, just ask. We second-years have got your back." In the background, a familiar squabble was unfolding. Maki's voice rose in a crescendo of exasperation, chastising Panda for his tactless remark. "Honestly, Panda, sometimes I wonder if you have a single brain cell rattling around in that fuzzy skull of yours!" Panda, undeterred, retorted with a playful growl. "Hey, I was just trying to make conversation! Besides, a little danger never hurt anyone." Toge, seated between the bickering duo, observed the exchange with amusem*nt. "Tuna," he mumbled, a wry grin on his face. It was clear he was enjoying the show. Yuta chuckled, shaking his head at the familiar dynamic. He turned back to Y/N, his expression softening. "So, how are you feeling after our training session earlier?" he asked, his voice gentle. "I imagine it must have been exhausting." Y/N nodded, a hint of weariness in her eyes. "Yeah, it took a lot out of me," she admitted. "But it was also exciting." Yuta smiled, crinkling the corners of his eyes. "That's the power of cursed energy for you. It can be a double-edged sword, but when you learn to wield it, it's an incredible feeling." He paused, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "Speaking of which, Gojo-sensei mentioned that you have a weapon, right?"
Y/N blinked, her brow furrowing in confusion. "A weapon? Not that I know of," she said, then paused, a look of dawning realization spreading across her face. "Wait... do you mean my scythe?"
"That's right, your scythe," Yuta confirmed. "He said you used it in your last fight, before... you know." He trailed off, not wanting to upset her by bringing up the incident where she'd apparently gone haywire. Y/N's expression darkened slightly. "Oh, that," she murmured, a hint of unease in her voice. "Yeah, I used it then, but that was the last time. I haven't touched it since." Yuta raised an eyebrow. "Why not? It sounds like a powerful weapon." Panda, who had momentarily paused his squabble with Maki, chimed in with his usual enthusiasm. "Yeah, a scythe! That's awesome! Like a grim reaper! Do you use it to chop down cursed spirits?" Maki rolled her eyes, but even she couldn't deny a flicker of interest in her gaze. "Panda, for once, can you let someone finish their sentence before you start bombarding them with questions?" Y/N chuckled softly, appreciating Maki's intervention. "It's okay," she reassured them. "It's just... I don't really remember much about that night. Gojo-sensei said I went a little crazy after I passed out fighting a grade one cursed spirit. Apparently, I nearly destroyed a whole section of the forest." She rubbed the back of her head sheepishly. "I guess I hit my head pretty hard during the fight. But I'm feeling better now."
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Yuta's expression turned serious. "That's pretty intense. Are you sure you're okay now?"
Y/N nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine. No headaches or anything." She paused, a thoughtful look crossing her face. "Actually, after that incident, Gojo-sensei started asking me weird questions about spatial manipulation. I have no idea what he's talking about, but I think that's what sparked his interest in training me." Yuta leaned forward, intrigued. "Spatial manipulation? That's interesting. Does your cursed technique have anything to do with that?" Y/N shook her head. "Not that I know of. But Gojo-sensei seems convinced that I have two separate techniques. One is the technique that I used earlier using spatial manipulation, and the other has to do with Koe."
"Spatial manipulation, huh?" Yuta mused, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "That's a pretty rare and powerful ability. It's no wonder Gojo-sensei is interested." He paused, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Maybe he's hoping you can teleport him to the nearest all-you-can-eat mochi buffet." Panda let out a booming laugh, slapping his knee. "Now that's a technique I could get behind!" Maki rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at her lips. "Don't encourage him, Yuta. You know how Panda gets when it comes to food." Y/N giggled, a lighthearted laugh that seemed to dispel some of the lingering tension in the air. "Honestly," she admitted, "I wouldn't be surprised. Sensei seems to have an insatiable sweet tooth. I bet he'd spend hours stuffing his face with mochi if he could."
"You're telling me," Maki chimed in, a hint of exasperation in her voice. "I swear, that man could sniff out a hidden stash of sugar from a mile away. It's like he has a sixth sense for it."
"Salmon roe," Toge added, nodding in agreement.
Panda chuckled. "Hey, at least he shares his sweet treats with us. Remember that time he brought back a whole box of mochi ice cream from his mission?" The group erupted in laughter, reminiscing about Gojo's sugary escapades. As the laughter subsided, Yuta steered the conversation back to the topic at hand. "But seriously, this spatial manipulation thing is pretty intriguing," he said, his curiosity piqued. "I've only ever met one other person who could manipulate space like that."
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"Gojo-sensei, right?" Maki asked, a thoughtful look on her face. "Do you think there's a connection? Maybe Y/N is related to him somehow?" All eyes turned to Y/N, who shrugged, a puzzled expression on her face. "I... I don't know," she stammered. "I'm...adopted." Panda's eyes widened, his excitement bubbling over. "Whoa, wait a minute! Are you saying you could be Gojo-sensei's long-lost sister? Or maybe his secret love child? This is juicy stuff!" Maki threw a crumpled napkin at Panda's head. "Don't be ridiculous, Panda," she scolded. "Gojo-sensei would never keep something like that a secret. He's way too much of a show-off." Y/N laughed, a wave of relief washing over her. The thought of being related to Gojo was both exciting and terrifying. She didn't know if she was ready for that kind of family drama. "It's probably just a coincidence," she said, trying to dismiss the idea. But deep down, she couldn't help wondering if there was some truth to it.
The conversation kept going for a while, like a big, messy mix of funny stories, dumb jokes, and Maki getting annoyed at Panda. But as it got later and later, Y/N started to feel really tired. The training session with Yuta had kicked her butt, and all the crazy stuff that had happened that day had just been too much. "I think I'm going to call it a night," she announced, stifling a yawn. "Thanks for the company, guys. It was really nice getting to chat with you." Yuta nodded, a hint of concern in his eyes. "Of course, Y/N. Get some rest. But don't forget," he added with a playful wink, "we're back at it bright and early tomorrow morning. Even weekends don't get you out of training with me." A chorus of groans erupted from the group. "Aw, man!" Panda wailed, his voice as melodramatic as a Shakespearean tragedy. "But it's the weekend! Can't Y/N have just one day off to recharge her battery?"
Maki scoffed, her tone a mix of amusem*nt and exasperation. "Panda, you're such a lazy bum. Training never stops, especially for someone with as much potential as Y/N." She turned to Y/N, her expression softening. "Besides, Yuta's only here for two weeks and is only training you. You need to make the most of his expertise while you can." Panda's ears drooped, his enthusiasm deflating like a punctured balloon. "Two weeks?" he whined. "That's barely enough time to try all the ramen shops in Tokyo! Can't you stay longer, Yuta? Pretty please, with a cherry on top?" Yuta chuckled, shaking his head. "Sorry, Panda. My time here is limited. I've got other responsibilities to attend to." Panda let out a dramatic sigh, flopping back in his chair with a theatrical groan. "Fine," he grumbled. "But you better promise to bring back souvenirs from your next adventure. I want something exotic, like a shrunken head or a pygmy hippopotamus."
Maki rolled her eyes so hard, they practically did a 360. "Panda, sometimes I wonder if you were dropped on your head as a cub," she muttered. Toge, who had been silently observing the exchange, simply offered a single word of advice: "Okaka."
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Y/N laughed, finding Panda's antics both amusing and endearing. She left feeling a little lighter, despite the exhaustion that weighed heavy on her bones. A hot bath and a good night's sleep were calling her name, and she was determined to answer that siren song. As she trudged down the corridor, lost in thought, she didn't see the figure approaching from the opposite direction until it was too late. She collided into a firm, solid form, nearly toppling backwards but strong hands grasped her shoulders, steadying her. Embarrassment flooded her cheeks, her gaze lowering to the floor as she mumbled an apology. "I'm sorry. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going."
A warm chuckle filled the air, a sound that Y/N instantly recognized as belonging to Itadori. "Hey, no worries," he said, his voice laced with amusem*nt. "I wasn't exactly looking where I was going either." Y/N finally dared to raise her gaze, meeting Itadori's friendly eyes. The sight of him, with his goofy grin and tousled pink hair, brought a smile to her own lips. "Oh, hey, Itadori," she greeted him, relieved that she hadn't bumped into someone more... intimidating. "Where are you coming from?" Itadori asked, tilting his head to the side.
"Just hanging out with the second years," Y/N replied, a hint of pride in her voice. A fleeting shadow of jealousy flickered across Itadori's face, but it was quickly masked by his usual carefree grin. He couldn't help but feel a pang of envy, imagining Y/N laughing and chatting with Yuta, the mysterious new student who seemed to have captured her attention. But he quickly pushed those thoughts aside, reminding himself that Y/N was her own person and free to spend time with whoever she wanted.
"Sounds fun," Itadori said, trying to sound nonchalant. "Did you learn anything interesting?" Y/N's eyes lit up. "Oh, tons! Yuta told us all about his training in Africa. He learned some amazing new techniques, like creating barriers of cursed energy and manipulating shadows." Itadori's interest was piqued. "Wow, that's awesome," he said, trying to hide the twinge of insecurity he felt. He was still struggling to master his own cursed energy, and here was Y/N, already learning tons from a second-year prodigy. "Yeah," Y/N agreed, her voice filled with excitement. "Yuta is pretty amazing. I'm really lucky to have him as a mentor." Itadori forced a smile, his heart sinking a little further. He wanted to be the one Y/N looked up to, the one she turned to for guidance and support. But it seemed like Yuta had already filled that role. "Well, I'm glad you're learning a lot," Itadori said, his voice a little strained. "Just don't forget about us first-years, okay?"
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Y/N chuckled, reaching out to playfully nudge his arm. "Of course not. I wouldn't trade you for anything." Itadori's heart skipped a beat at her words, a warmth spreading through his chest. Maybe he was worrying for nothing. An awkward silence fell between them, punctuated only by the rhythmic hum of the school's fluorescent lights. Y/N fidgeted, suddenly hyper-aware of Itadori's presence, the way his gaze seemed to linger on her face. "Well," she said, breaking the silence, "I should probably head to bed. I'm exhausted." She turned to leave, but Itadori reached out, his fingers gently brushing against her wrist. The touch sparked a jolt of surprise that danced down Y/N's spine.
"Y/N, wait," Itadori said, his voice soft and hesitant. Y/N turned back to face him, her heart pounding in her chest.
"I... I missed you today," he confessed, his eyes searching hers. Y/N's breath hitched. The confession, unexpected and vulnerable, hung in the air between them like a fragile soap bubble. "I...missed you too," she admitted, her voice barely audible. Itadori's hand tightened around her wrist, his grip gentle but firm. He stepped closer, closing the distance between them until their bodies were almost touching. Y/N could feel the heat radiating from him, the intensity of his gaze making her breath catch in her throat. For a moment, time froze like a dropped ice cream cone in the cafeteria freezer. The world around them faded away, like the blurry background in a shoujo manga panel. Itadori's heart thumped in his chest; his brain scrambled like an egg on a hot griddle. 'Should I kiss her? We've already kissed, but...'
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He peeked down at Y/N's lips. They were pink and pouty, like a pack of cherry Lip Smackers that had just been opened. Man, they looked kissable. He could practically feel the softness of them against his own, the warmth of her breath tickling his cheek. Y/N's eyes fluttered closed, her heart pounding in unison with his. She was a symphony of nerves, anticipation thrumming through her veins like a live wire. She wouldn't push him away, wouldn't dare break the spell that had woven itself around them. Itadori leaned in, slow as molasses in January, careful not to startle her. The air between them crackled with a nervous energy that made his palms sweat. It was thick and almost tasted like the tang of a spilled can of Surge soda. He closed the remaining distance, his lips brushing against Y/N's in a tender, hesitant kiss. It was a fleeting touch, a whisper of warmth that sent a shockwave through both of them.
Y/N's eyes fluttered open, surprise and longing mingling in their depths. She leaned into the kiss, her fingers tentatively reaching up to touch his face. Itadori's heart soared like a freshman finally acing his organic chemistry exam after weeks of pulling all-nighters at the library fueled by nothing but instant ramen and desperation. He deepened the kiss, his lips moving against hers with the kind of confidence you only get after conquering a video game you thought was impossible to beat. It was a mix of fire, like that time he accidentally ate a ghost pepper thinking it was a red bell pepper, and ice, like the feeling of finally understanding a complex mathematical equation. Somehow, it all worked together, like a perfectly brewed cup of coffee that kicked you awake and made you feel invincible. As the kiss ended, they broke apart, their chests heaving, their eyes locked in a silent conversation. A shy smile blossomed on Y/N's face, a blush staining her cheeks. "I should really get to bed," she murmured, her voice husky with emotion.
Itadori really wanted to hug her again, like, really badly. He missed the feeling of her close to him, the way her hair smelled like sunshine and shampoo. Every part of him wanted more than just a kiss, a repeat of what they'd already done together. But he stopped himself, like slamming on the brakes on his bike. He didn't want to freak her out by coming on too strong. They were still figuring things out, like two lost puppies trying to find their way home. "Night, Y/N," he said, his voice gruff. He watched her walk away, a pretty picture disappearing around the corner. As soon as she was out of sight, Y/N pressed a hand to her chest, feeling the wild thumping of her heart. It felt like a hummingbird trapped in a cage, desperate to escape. She took a shaky breath, trying to calm her racing pulse. With one last peek down the hallway to make sure the coast was clear, Y/N turned and continued towards her dorm room. The kiss replayed on loop in her mind, Itadori's touch a firebrand scorching its way into her memory. Every step she took felt like she was floating on air. She didn't know what the future held, but one thing was certain: she was falling, and falling fast.
