Becoming Sukuna

The wind whistled in her ears, but it couldn't drown out the frantic beating of her heart.

She had instinctively closed her eyes during the initial jump, but now she forced them open, unwilling to miss a single detail.

As the ground rushed closer, her heart pounded louder. Just when she thought she was about to crash, she felt solid ground beneath her feet, and they began to ascend rapidly. The thrill was far more intense than any roller coaster.

But even now, Haruno couldn't see anything besides the soft texture beneath her feet.

She was standing on the back of some invisible creature.

Sukuna suddenly released his hold on her waist. Haruno instinctively grabbed his arm, her chest pressing against him.

She blinked, marveling at the cityscape spread out below. Then, something miraculous happened: tufts of orange fur slowly materialized in her vision.

It was a giant owl.

And she was standing on its back with Sukuna.

"Eh! Sukuna-kun, I can see it! I can see it!" She shook his arm excitedly, like a child with a new toy. "It's such a big bird!"

"It's an owl shikigami, called Nue," Sukuna explained, then pulled her down to sit beside him.

"I see. Thank you for your hard work, Nue-chan." Haruno sat sideways, stroking the owl's soft feathers.

"Screech!" Nue responded with a sharp cry.

"So cute!" Perhaps because she couldn't see Nue's face, Haruno found it endearing.

"By the way, is it okay to have Nue-chan visible like this? Won't people see and take pictures?" she suddenly asked, concerned.

"It's fine. Ordinary people can't see cursed techniques. You can only see it temporarily," Sukuna explained.

"Oh, that's a shame."

Sukuna had Nue fly slowly for Haruno's sake. The cool night breeze brushed against her face, dispelling the summer heat. Her short hair fluttered gently, carrying a faint fragrance.

"Say, Sukuna-kun, can we fly higher?" Haruno suddenly asked.

Although the view of the city from above was nice, it wasn't that different from the view from her high-rise apartment.

She wanted to see the night sky.

Not through the window of an airplane, but freely, without any obstructions.

"As long as you don't mind the cold."

Sukuna patted Nue's back, signaling him to fly higher.

Nue flapped his powerful wings, ascending towards the sky.

The city below shrank, the colorful neon lights merging into a sea of stars. The highways, crisscrossing like arteries, pulsed with the flow of traffic, a symphony of light and shadows.

She could feel the city breathing, alive.

They soared through the thick clouds, emerging above the cloudscape.

It was nearly impossible to see stars in the city. Even in the countryside, the scattered clouds often obscured the view, and even with a telescope, the Milky Way was confined to a small lens.

But here, above the clouds, the view was unobstructed. Reflected in Haruno's clear eyes was the complete, breathtaking expanse of the Milky Way.

Each star was so bright, so unique. Even though they were light-years away, together, they outshone even the moon.

Only at this moment, in this vast expanse, could she truly feel the immensity of the world and the insignificance of humanity.

"So beautiful..."

Haruno whispered, mesmerized by the sight.

A feeling of being truly alive, yet strangely detached from reality, filled her heart. These contrasting emotions intertwined, blooming into a feeling she deeply longed for.

Freedom.

Free from the expectations of her family, the complexities of social obligations, the masks she had to wear. Just her true self, under this vast, real sky.

True self…

What is my true self?

…

Back at the Chiba Village summer camp…

Hachiman lay on his futon in the cabin, nervously watching Saika Totsuka sleeping peacefully beside him.

"Hachiman..." Saika murmured in his sleep.

How can I possibly sleep in this situation?

The dim light hid the blush on Hachiman's face. He decided to go outside for some air.

He carefully got up and left the cabin.

As he strolled aimlessly through the forest, his eyes caught a familiar figure standing amidst the trees.

Yukino Yukinoshita was gazing up at the night sky, her serene profile bathed in the moonlight. The scene was so picturesque that Hachiman hesitated to disturb it.

Just as he was about to sneak away, Yukino's voice, clear and ethereal, cut through the silence. "What are you up to, wandering around at night, Hikitani-kun?"

Tch, almost forgot. Yukinoshita-buchou's senses are way sharper than mine.

"You're here too," Hachiman retorted.

"Miura-san came to pick a fight with me." Yukino sighed. "It took me thirty minutes to shut her down, and then she started crying."

"So you left because it was awkward?"

"That's one reason."

The main reason Yukino had come out was because of a message from Ryōichi:

Want to grab some late-night snacks?

Although she wasn't in the habit of eating late at night, she decided to accompany him.

"I didn't expect her to cry, though. Anyway, Yuigahama is comforting her now."

"So even the mighty Yukinoshita-buchou is helpless against tears," Hachiman teased.

I wonder if Sukuna-sama would go easy on me if I cried… No, that's impossible.

As they chatted, a large shadow suddenly loomed over them, blocking out the moonlight.

Yukino looked up and froze.

"Yahallo~! Yukino-chan!"

Haruno Yukinoshita waved with a cheerful smile, perched on the back of a giant owl shikigami.

The moonlight bathed the forest in a silvery glow, casting an ethereal light on a majestic owl shikigami.

Haruno Yukinoshita, with a radiant smile, waved at her younger sister, who stood there, dumbfounded.

"Sister?" Yukino's eyes widened in surprise. "Why are you here?"

"Of course, I came for a late-night snack," Haruno replied playfully, enjoying her sister's bewildered expression.

Yukino turned to Sukuna, her gaze filled with silent inquiry.

Sukuna pretended not to notice her questioning look and greeted them both. "Come on, let's go grab a bite to eat."

Hachiman, who was about to sneak away, was caught in the spotlight. He yawned and feigned drowsiness, "Nah, I'm going to bed."

With that, he turned and headed towards the cabin.

Sukuna shrugged and extended a hand towards Yukino.

Yukino glanced at Haruno, who was still clinging to Sukuna's waist, and then took his hand, allowing him to pull her onto the owl's back.

"Why didn't you sit behind?" Haruno pouted, feigning disappointment.

Yukino ignored her sister's antics and took a seat beside her.

Haruno wrapped her arms around Sukuna, pulling him closer. Yukino, feeling a pang of annoyance, squeezed her sister's cheek.

Haruno, instead of retaliating, simply smiled and tightened her grip on Sukuna.

Yukino sighed, a hint of frustration in her voice. "Stop it, Haruno."

Sukuna sighed and patted the owl's head.

The owl, sensing its master's command, spread its wings and took off, soaring through the night sky.

The sudden acceleration caused Yukino and Haruno to cling to Sukuna tightly. When they finally opened their eyes, they found themselves high above the clouds, the city lights twinkling like stars below.

Yukino was mesmerized by the breathtaking view. She had never seen anything like it before.

But Haruno has already seen this…

A hint of jealousy pricked at her. She glanced at Haruno, who was sprawled out on the owl's back, gazing at the stars with a peaceful smile.

But Yukino noticed a hint of melancholy in her sister's eyes.

Haruno can also have that kind of expression...

A wave of complex emotions washed over Yukino, and the jealousy she had felt earlier melted away....

"Sukuna-kun, is this what you meant by 'late-night snacks'?"

Standing in front of a ramen shop, Haruno's smile faltered. "Don't tell me you've been infected by Shizuka's ramen virus?"

"It's delicious," Sukuna said simply, entering the shop.

Yukino and Haruno exchanged a glance and followed him inside.

The warm atmosphere and the delicious aroma of ramen filled the air.

They took their seats.

"Two large bowls of tonkotsu ramen," Sukuna ordered, pushing the menu towards them.

"Shouldn't that be three?" Haruno asked.

"I'll have two," Sukuna replied.

"I'll have the same." Haruno giggled.

Yukino, who had been about to look at the menu, quickly pushed it aside. "Me too."

"Alright, four large bowls of tonkotsu ramen coming right up!"

The chef gave Sukuna an impressed look before returning to the kitchen.

Sukuna ignored him and started browsing on his phone, seemingly oblivious to the two beautiful girls sitting across from him.

Yukino was used to this, but her thoughts were racing.

What is my sister doing?!

Haruno was staring intently at Sukuna with a playful smile.

"Sukuna-kun, you're so mean," she said, her voice sweet as honey. "Dragging me out here without warning, showing me that breathtaking view, making me feel all emotional, and then bringing me to a ramen shop. You're so unpredictable!"

What's wrong with a ramen shop?!

The owner glared at them from the kitchen window.

"I can be even meaner, you know," Sukuna retorted with a smirk, putting down his phone.

"Oh? Do tell," Haruno said, intrigued.

"You're paying for your own ramen later," he declared.

Haruno pouted.

Yukino, noticing her sister's expression, turned away, trying to stifle her laughter.

After finishing their ramen, Sukuna took Yukino back to the camp first. Nue, back to his normal size, flew low among the trees. Yukino jumped off, nearly making Haruno scream.

She breathed a sigh of relief as Yukino landed gracefully and waved goodbye.

Nue circled back and headed towards Tokyo.

Haruno, instead of looking at the starry sky, gazed at Ryōichi's back.

She leaned closer.

Her warm breath tickled his neck, and her hair brushed against his skin.

"Sukuna-kun, you're so mean."

You showed me that breathtakingly real sky, making me realize how fake I am.

"What's wrong?" Sukuna asked.

"Nothing, just thinking..." Haruno said softly. "Wouldn't it be a waste to give you to Yukino?"

"Hey, wake up, Hachiman!"

A gentle voice roused Hachiman from his sleep.

He opened his eyes blearily and saw a lovely face with a faint blush. "Totsuka?"

His eyes widened in disbelief.

Could it be… the morning after?!

"You're finally awake!"

Saika beamed.

Is it really the morning after?!

"Everyone's gone. Hurry up, or you'll miss breakfast."

Hachiman's shock instantly evaporated.

Ah, that's right.

"Your sleep schedule must be messed up."

"Not at all, I exercise every morning."

I didn't want to seem too enthusiastic.

Hachiman chatted with Saika and even made plans to play tennis.

He even got Saika's contact information.

I'm so happy!

After getting ready, they headed to the dining hall.

Hachiman froze as he entered.

Komachi was shaking Yukino's arm. "Yukino-nee-san! We have a problem!"

She pointed towards a table. Underneath it, a grotesque head with large eyes was peeking out.

A curse?

Hachiman's eyes widened. But before he could fully process the situation, Yukino flicked her wrist, and the curse's head was severed.

Oh, it's just a weakling.

Hachiman breathed a sigh of relief.

"I almost thought we were suddenly switching genres, from slice-of-life to supernatural battle," Hachiman thought as he and Saika sat down for breakfast.

Hiratsuka, having recovered from her drunken stupor, appeared and announced the day's task.

"Alright, here's the plan for today. We're having a test of courage and a bonfire tonight. The elementary school students have free time during the day, so use that time to prepare."

"A test of courage, huh..." Hachiman's mind drifted to a rather embarrassing memory, but he quickly pushed it aside.

Can't let my cursed energy fluctuate from reminiscing about my dark past. Yukinoshita-buchou will notice.

I thought I could control my cursed energy even when my emotions are unstable, but it seems I can't.

Oh well.

Lost in thought, he poked at the grilled fish on his plate.

"Hikigaya, your eyes are dead again," Hiratsuka's voice snapped him out of his daze. "Well, I guess that look is perfect for playing a ghost."

"So we're in charge of scaring the kids?"

"I think they have some costumes here. You guys can figure it out yourselves."

"Okay."

...

The first task was to build the bonfire.

Naturally, the boys were in charge of the heavy lifting. Hachiman built the bonfire alone under the scorching summer sun.

Thanks to his daily exercise, he didn't get too tired, but he was still sweating.

"It's so hot..."

He wandered into the forest, looking for a place to cool off.

"Hmm?"

He heard faint voices and stopped, looking towards the source.

"Rumi Tsurumi?"

"Looks like she's making her move."

Yukino and Yui walked over, followed by Sukuna.

So Sukuna-sama is still here.

I thought he left with Yukinoshita-buchou's sister last night.

Wait, if he's here, he could be the ghost for the test of courage. That would be terrifying.

As Hachiman was thinking this, the three of them had reached him, also looking at the two elementary school girls through the trees.

"Why did you call me over here?" one of the girls, with brown bobbed hair, asked Rumi impatiently.

"Um, I wanted to apologize to Yuka-chan," Rumi mumbled, her head lowered.

"Ha! You think I'll talk to you just because you apologized?" Yuka scoffed.

Rumi was silent for a moment, her hands clenching into fists.

Then, she raised her head, looked Yuka in the eyes, and said, "No, I just wanted to apologize for ostracizing you before. That's all."

"I'm sorry. What we did was stupid."

"I'll apologize to the others too."

Rumi bowed slightly. Yuka looked flustered but still tried to maintain an air of arrogance.

"That's all I wanted to say. Goodbye."

Rumi turned and left without waiting for a response, as if she truly didn't care.

The four onlookers followed her as she apologized to each of the girls she had bullied.

"Is this the solution Yukino was talking about?" Yui wondered. "But if they don't forgive Rumi-chan, then the problem isn't solved, right?"

"That's not how it works." Hachiman, understanding dawning on him, explained to the confused Yui, "As long as the one who brought up the problem no longer sees it as a problem, then the problem ceases to exist."

"Eh? Why are you suddenly talking in riddles?"

"..."

Hachiman stared at Yui, speechless.