"So what on earth is going on?"
The moment the door shut, Junpei's voice turned frantic; something felt wrong.
His gut told him it wasn't Itadori trying to hurt them—then who was it?
"Calm down, calm down. Your mom's fine now."
Itadori hurried to reassure him, pulling out the finger and showing it to Junpei.
"Since you already know about Curses, I'll be straight: this thing attracts them. Suk— I suddenly sensed a Curse inside your house and ran back. Made it just in time…"
He gave a quick summary, then asked,
"You didn't notice anything else at the cinema? Like someone with stitch lines on their face—that's the guy I sensed planting this at your place…"
"Impossible!"
Junpei cut Itadori off, but his widened eyes and the terror in them betrayed him.
Why would Mr. Mahito do something like that? If he wanted to harm him, why teach him jujutsu in the first place?
He was his benefactor, his teacher—
Then an image flashed through his mind—
In that gloomy sewer, Mr. Mahito twisting countless humans into grotesque shapes—
Because it hadn't been him, he'd felt nothing; hatred for humanity made it seem acceptable.
But… switch those people with himself… with his mother?
Trembling, Junpei sank to the floor, hands clutching his head in a silent scream.
Who else besides Mr. Mahito could do such a thing—use a Cursed object to draw in Curses and effortlessly destroy his home?
It was a game of Curses, and he was the toy.
He could still vividly recall the undisguised disgust and mockery Mahito showed whenever humans were mentioned.
Disdain aimed at humans—why not at him too? His breathing shook as he tried to banish the thought… what if… what if he was overthinking?
Was there any other possibility… someone else… Sukuna couldn't sit still watching Junpei's reaction.
That face says something definitely happened!
[Crap, don't tell me the kid really saw Stitch-Face? Came to shut him up?]
[If so, should we tip off Nanami and Ijichi? Key witness needs protection.]
Itadori kept calming Junpei, worried the same thing.
"Junpei, that stitch-faced Curse is dangerous—already killed several people. If you saw him at the cinema, can you tell me? I'm afraid he'll come after you and your mom. If we don't find him soon, everyone's at risk."
Junpei's hands trembled—not Itadori.
Years of experience had left him hypersensitive to people's emotions.
He could easily tell if someone genuinely cared or secretly meant harm.
Itadori's concern for him and his mom was sincere.
The one trying to hurt them couldn't be Itadori.
Of everyone he knew who could touch Curses, only… Mr. Mahito… His fingers clenched white.
Wide eyes, pupils quivering—and… he suddenly remembered what Itadori had said.
Just… "several people"?
It had to be over a hundred… Junpei drew a slow breath, steadying himself, and rose.
Deep-green eyes locked onto Itadori.
"Can you be sure? The Curse with stitch lines planted that thing at my house?"
Slightly startled, Itadori straightened and answered at once,
"Absolutely, one-hundred percent certain!"
He trusted everything Sukuna told him without a shred of doubt.
Junpei's body quivered again, but not as violently.
He lowered his head, silent for a moment.
Then looked up and said,
"I… did see him."
But I need to confirm it one last time."
Can you… wait until I come back before I tell you everything?"
He had to check one final time; if the truth matched Itadori's words, then every shred of trust and respect he held for Mr. Mahito would crumble before the threat to his mother's life.
He'd rather never have met Mahito or gained power—anything but seeing his mother hurt.
Not even the tiniest bit.
Watching Junpei's anguish, Itadori grasped his shoulders, squeezing firmly.
In his light-brown eyes shone unwavering resolve.
"You are absolutely not going alone! If it wants you dead, what happens to Ms. Yoshino?"
If we go, we go together."
Junpei's body jolted.
Meeting Itadori's sincere gaze, his olive-green eyes stung, tears spilling in big drops.
It had been ages since anyone besides his mother cared for him without reservation.
The feeling left his chest swollen, aching.
"Huh? Wha—?"
Seeing Junpei cry, Itadori panicked.
"No, I mean… Junpei, that's not what I—"
He flailed, trying to comfort him.
If you really have to go, I'll tail you secretly… I swear I won't move unless you're in danger, okay? Please don't cry…"
Sukuna, loving the chaos, laughed loud inside his head.
[Pfft—hahaha, made him cry—tch, let's see you fix this. Better hope Mama Yoshino doesn't kick you out for bullying her boy~]
Itadori felt drained listening to Sukuna's laughter—what had he even said wrong? Nothing weird, right?
Junpei quickly wiped his tears, embarrassed, looking away.
Then gave a small nod.
Itadori exhaled in relief.
He added, "Later tonight my supervisor will come and arrange protection for Ms. Yoshino, then I'll go with you—deal?"
Junpei hesitated, then slowly nodded.
Itadori's supervisor… probably not a bad guy… judging by how Itadori mentioned him, he should be reasonable—Soon he met the legendary superior—
…and if "bad" was the opposite, he'd never met anyone this gentle in his life—
—the great Mr. Ijichi!
His heart settled at once.
Surely someone as kind as Itadori would surround himself with good people… right?
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