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In a different part of the Tokyo Jujutsu High's goodwill event area:
Aoi Todo was having a brawl with Yuji Itadori.
The senior sorcerer was testing the younger one, and while Yuji showed plenty of promise, the overall technique he displayed left Todo somewhat disappointed.
After having a heart-to-heart with Todo, Yuji resolved to better himself.
As they were in the middle of their discussion, a loud explosion echoed through the forest.
Todo and Yuji looked in the direction of the attack.
"What was that?!"
Yuji asked in panic.
"Considering the scale of that attack, it has to be Okkotsu.....but why is he going that far?"
Todo muttered to himself. Yuta Okkotsu was strong, but he was not one to bully those weaker than him....or at least that's what Todo thought of him.
"Okkotsu-senpai?...Is there some trouble? We should go and check it!"
"...No!"
Todo stated firmly.
"Huh? What do you mean by no?"
"I am 90% sure that it must be Okkotsu, and if Okkotsu is going that far, then he must have encountered a strong enemy."
"Then we need to go and check if they are fine or not!... Now that I think about it, when did a curtain appear above us?"
Yuji asked and looked in the sky.
Todo looked at the curtain as well. It appeared a few minutes ago, though he thought that the teachers had put up the curtain to keep the damage within the area.
...But with the echoing boom, his assumption might be wrong.
"...Might be an outside enemy's doing."
"We need to go Todo! The others might really be in danger!"
"And what will you be able to do right now, brother?"
"What will I do? Help them!"
"Ask yourself this question and reply honestly. If it is a situation that even Okkotsu needs saving, then would you be able to handle it?"
Todo asked with a stern look on his face.
Yuji opened his mouth to speak up, but couldn't find words for his answer.
"Right now, you're still below what I consider the starting line for someone who wants to become strong. You need to first get on that line if you want to even think of yourself as someone who can help others."
Todo looked Yuji dead in his eyes.
It might be harsh, but if he, Yuji's best friend, didn't point that out, then he had no right to call him his friend.
Similarly, if Yuji is unable to recognise even that, then they might need to rethink their friendship.
"Show me your resolve, brother! Show me your hunger to be strong!"
Todo took a stance.
"Come at me and show me that you are someone worthy to become strong!"
Yuji gritted his teeth and clenched his fists.
He wanted to check on others and see if they were safe.
...But Todo's words struck him hard.
It was true that if people like Yuta were suffering, then he might actually be a liability there.
'...I need to get strong. I need to resolve myself!'
Yuji's expression hardened as he took a stance as well.
"Thanks for pointing out my weakness."
"Heh, that's what best friends are for. Hoping the best for their brother." Todo replied and resumed the brawl once again.
Yuji and Todo fought for a while, with Todo yelling and pointing out Yuji's mistakes wherever possible.
While they were starting to get on the good part, Todo noticed a few CE signatures coming towards them.
Grabbing Yuji's hand and tossing him to the side, Todo turned around and saw a few rabbits rushing towards them.
"Huh? Fushiguro's bunnies?"
The rabbits recognised Yuji and immediately moved towards him.
They couldn't speak, but they bit onto his uniform and pulled him, gesturing for him to come with them.
"Whoa, whoa, you want me to come with you? Is something wrong? Where's Fushiguro?"
The rabbits couldn't speak and simply pulled harder.
"Maybe they are an SOS signal. Fushiguro might be in danger or something."
Hearing Todo's conclusion, the rabbits immediately gave a nod.
Yuji's eyes widened in surprise.
'Even Fushiguro is in danger?'
"Nephew Fushiguro is in danger, and that explosive sound from before that most probably involved Yuta... it might really be an outsider enemy...a strong one at that."
Todo concluded and got serious.
"Huh? Fushiguro is your nephew!... Forget that! Todo! We hav-"
"No need to say that....we are going to see if your resolve is strong or not."
Todo looked at Yuji and smirked.
"My friend. You will be facing off against this enemy and will land a [Black Flash]."
Yuji's eyes widened.
Testing his resolve.
...Bring it on! He will show Todo that he could be strong.
In the heat of the situation, Yuji forgot to ask an important question.
...What is a [Black Flash]?
-----
Todo and Yuji followed the rabbits and headed to where Megumi was.
As they arrived, they noticed a Domain Barrier being deployed.
"A domain, huh? It really is a strong enemy."
Todo immediately narrowed his eyes.
Yuji, on the other hand, got even more worried. He had encountered the domain situation back when he fought the patch face curse with Nanami.
Nanami wasn't injured because the patchface curse's technique worked on the soul, and he somehow pissed off Sukuna, but the same couldn't be said about the other enemies. Nanami had specifically warned him against doing a stunt like that again.
As they got closer to the barrier, Todo and Yuji immediately jumped on the barrier.
In case of [Domain Expansions], the outside of the barrier is weaker than the inside, but even on the outside, the top part of the barrier was more fragile because the barrier mostly closes at the top.
Todo knew that.
Yuji didn't know, but he punched through Mahito's barrier by punching it from the top.
"You know what to do, right, brother?" Todo asked and cracked his knuckles.
"Yeah!"
Yuji replied with a smile and raised his fist.
Both of them smirked at each other before they started raining down their fists on the barrier.
While they were punching, Todo's head was working rapidly.
'Since they have a domain active, the threat at the very least is a Grade 1. The domain might also have a strong Sure-hit effect as well. The moment we get inside, we will be exposed to the sure hit effect as well. I can activate my simple domain to keep myself safe, but my brother will still be in danger. It is also highly possible that the people inside don't have any anti-domain technique and are currently at a severe disadvantage.'
Todo's fist smashed through the barrier first.
Yuji saw that and punched the space beside Todo's hand.
The barrier's top shattered like glass, and the two of them found themselves falling inside the domain.
"Don't worry! You ask why? Because we are here!!!!" Todo declared with an excited smile on his face.
"You fool!!! It is a domain!!! You will get hit by the sure hi-"
Mai was yelling something. Todo completely ignored whatever she was yelling.
"As taught by my Big Brother! The best way to fight a domain is a domain! Brother! Watch and learn!"
Todo declared out loud and made a heart with his hands.
[Domain Expansion-]
But Todo's brain got into overdrive once again.
-----
Inside Todo's head:
"Are you sure that opening a domain right now is the right move?"
Takada-chan, the famous idol, asked Aoi Todo this question in an isolated classroom.
"It's big brother's method. The best way to counter a domain is with another domain, right?"
"That is true, when YOU are fighting, that is the best way," Takada told Todo with a smile.
"Ye-"
Todo froze at his spot.
That was the best way when he was fighting....but right now it wasn't his fight. It was his Best Friend's fight. A fight to showcase his resolve and prove to everyone that he was worthy of being called his best friend.
If Todo opened a domain right now, there would be a Domain Clash, and then it would turn into his battle rather than Yuji's.
"Fufu, it seems you got your answer~" Takada gave him a mischievous smile.
"Yes. Thank you, as always, Takada-chan." Todo replied gratefully.
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{A/N: What? You guys thought you would be witnessing the Goat's Domain?}
Back to reality, Todo stopped his domain activation and looked above at the crack in the barrier through which they entered.
Todo pointed his fist towards the crack and fired a bullet from his cursed tool gauntlets.
Once the bullet got outside the domain's barrier, Todo clapped his hands.
*CLAP!*
Hanami, who was present inside the beautiful domain, found themselves suddenly returned to the real world.
'Huh...'
The entire thing confused them; however, that was just the beginning of their suffering.
Since the anchor of the domain, its caster, was suddenly not present inside, the domain world started to crack, and within seconds, the domain shattered.
Hanami, who was outside, suddenly realised what had happened, though now it was too late; they were already facing a burnout.
As the domain collapsed, the people who were trapped inside widened their eyes in surprise.
Aoi Todo, effortlessly, turned the tide of the battle.
They looked at Todo, who was falling with his arms crossed.... in style.
"Now then, brother... time to show the world your resolve!"
Todo smirked at Yuji.
"You got it!"
Yuji clenched his fists tight, and the moment he landed on the ground, he rushed towards Hanami.
Todo landed and looked at Yuji go.
He was not going to interfere at all until Yuji landed a [Black Flash].
"Todo-senpai!"
Arata ran up to Todo, followed by the rest of them.
"Hm? You guys look messed up?"
"Haha, well, the curse was super strong....if not for Miwa..."
The other gave a nod and looked towards Miwa, who was sleeping peacefully in Mechamaru's arms.
Her body would have been in pain, so Arata used his technique on her to suspend that pain for the time being.
"Anyway, now that the curse's domain is used up, we can exorcise it quite easi-" Yuta spoke up.
But Todo raised his hand before Yuta could finish.
"Let my brother cook for now. Right now, it is his turn to show off."
"Huh?"
Yuta was confused by Todo's words.
The curse was a special grade; Yuji might have been strong, but a special grade curse was still out of his league.
"Todo-san le-"
"Okkotsu, I will not stand by if you interfere right now...the same goes for you guys." Todo glared at everyone.
The moment he glared, the Kyoto sudenets immediately gave up. They knew Todo better than the Tokyo kids and didn't want to be on the receiving end of his displeasure.
The Tokyo kids were about to complain, but stopped once they heard a loud booming noise echo.
[Black Flash!]
A black spark spread out, surprising everyone.
Itadori Yuji just landed a [Black Flash] on the special grade cursed spirit.
The attack visibly damaged the curse, and that momentarily stunned the Tokyo students.
"...So this is the [Black Flash]..." Yuji mumbled, CE coursing through his body.
The CE, for the first time, felt....close. The sensation he just felt. It was as if he saw the CE with a whole new filter.
From the sides, Todo smirked and walked up.
"Congratulations, Brother. Right now, in this moment, you proved to everyone that you have what it takes to be strong." Todo smiled and gave a respectful bow to Yuji.
"Todo...."
"Save your thanks for later....right now, we will continue our bonding by exorcising that curse together."
Todo walked up to Yuji and stood beside him.
"Are you ready, my Best Friend?!"
"I am always ready! My Best Friend!!!"
Driven by the emotions, Yuji joined in with Todo's antics.
Todo smirked and was about to fight, but looked behind him.
Yuta and the others were still present.
They will definitely interfere with their bonding moment.
Todo made a heart with his hands.
{A/N: What? You think I will leave you guys hanging?}
[Domain Expansion: Treasure Castle of Love and Passion]
The domain's barrier spread outwards at a rapid speed and pulled in everyone who was nearby inside.
-----
A moment later, the scenery changed once again.
For the second time today, the students found themselves inside a domain.
However, this domain looked way more horrifying than Hanami's domain. More so for the Kyoto students. Just being inside made their skin crawl.
Why, you ask?
Because right now they were standing inside a giant concert arena, packed with an audience made up entirely of Aoi Todos.
An entire arena jam-packed with an army of Aoi Todos.
"Everyone~ Are you ready~"
In the sky, there was a stage, and the giant screens that were mounted in various places showed what was going on that stage.
On the stage was a popular idol, Nobuko Takada, who seemed to be going to perform right now.
"OHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! TAKADA-CHAN!!!!!!"
The entire army of Todos screamed with all their might.
They had glowsticks in their hands, and they were as bare-chested as the original Todo was.
Seeing the entire army of overexcited Todo was a nightmare for all the Kyoto students. They didn't know what crimes they had committed to be made to see this.
"WHY? WHY? WHY? GET ME OUT!!!" Mai screamed in horror.
The rest of them looked at Mai with pity; they understood what she was thinking, but right now, they couldn't do anything.
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In the middle of the concert hall was an army of Todos and Yuji, currently engaged in beating the crap out of Hanami.
"Oh! Takada-chan's concert is about to start! Brother! Let's get this party even more heated up!"
"Leave that to me, brother!"
Yuji and the Todos were constantly hitting Hanami.
The moment Hanami were to be sent flying, a Todo would use [Boogie Woogie] and bring them back to the horde.
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[Domain Expansion: Treasure Castle of Love and Passion]
Aoi Todo's innate technique's domain.
As one might expect, thanks to his deep-rooted obsessions, the domain took the form of the concert hall of his dreams, where Takada-chan sings with all her heart.
The domain also showcased the hall to be jam-packed with Aoi Todo as the audience, and each Aoi Todo was the exact copy of the original one, in terms of strength, brains, technique, and appearance. Everything was the same.
Unlike most modern domains, Aoi Todo chose not to have a sure-hit effect; in return for that sacrifice, the concert became Aoi Todo's personal dream show. He was here to enjoy a fight while being engrossed in Takada-chan's melodies.
The Takada-chan that was there in the sky stage sang any song from her track list, and depending on how much Todo liked a particular song, his output increased by 30%-50%.
------
Takada-chan smiled and started to sing her song.
"OHHHHH!!!!!!!!!"
Every Todo in the hall screamed in excitement. Just hearing Takada's voice made them feel like they were bursting with energy..... well, they were.
The song that Takada started with was from her debut album and one of Aoi Todo's top favourite tracks.
Because of that, Todo's output increased by 50%.
"Haha, rejoice curse! You are experiencing the greatest joy there is in this world."
Hanami had already recovered its technique and was now fighting back with its technique as well.
A wave of roots launched towards the incoming horde of musclemen.
*CLAP!*
The roots vanished, and a new Todo appeared and punched Hanami straight in the face.
'What is wrong with these children...every single one of th-'
[Black Flash!]
Yuji, who suddenly appeared above Hanami, landed the accursed Black Spark attack.
"Nice going, brother!"
The Todo horde complimented Yuji as a few of them jumped on Hanami and each sent him flying around like a ball.
"Takada-chan's live performance and my brother's support. What is this bliss?"
Takada continued to sing for a while before the song came to an end.
"Did you guys like that~"
"HELL YES!!!!!!"
"Yay~ I am so glad~"
"Takada-chan~!!!!!!"
The atmosphere in the concert kept getting heated up.
"I have an amazing gift for you all!"
The Todos waited intently. A gift from Takada. What could it be? Doesn't matter. They will like it no matter what it was.
"As a way to make things even more enjoyable for you all! I have a friend who will be entertaining you as well~"
Takada declared with a smile.
A friend? Maybe someone from her idol group.
Sure, it would probably be nice. But nobody could possibly top Takada-
"Please welcome on stage, your beloved, Naoya Zenin!!!!!!!"
"..."
The entire hall turned silent and motionless.
...Before all hell broke loose.
"HELLLL F*CKKKKING YEAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! BIG BROTHER & TAKADA-CHAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Every Todo in the arena practically jumped up with a totally newfound power within them.
-----
Because of Todo's deep-rooted beliefs, a concept that even he didn't know about occurred in his domain.
There was some chance that his Big Brother might give a special performance along with Takada-chan.
While the two were performing, every Todo's output is boosted by a guaranteed 80%.
-----
Maki, Mai, Megumi and the rest of the group saw Naoya's figure standing on the stage as well.
The situation was so bizarre that they didn't know what to even say.
"Well then. Let's start!"
Naoya and Takada high-fived and got ready to sing together.
It should be noted that Naoya sang quite well and was no way worse than a professional like Takada. {A/N: Unlike a certain Estate Developer}
Naoya and Takada took a deep breath, and Naoya started the song.
The background music started playing, and Naoya started tapping his feet.
"We're no strangers to love
You know the rules, and so do I
A full commitment's what I'm thinking of
You wouldn't get this from any other guy
I just wanna tell you how I'm feeling
Gotta make you understand"
Every Todo was standing still, seeing the legendary performance right in front of them.
"...It's like witnessing the Mona Lisa being painted....." Todo mumbled.
"Never gonna give you up~"
Hanami, seeing that the Todos weren't attacking, took this as a chance to attack back.
Yuji was landing black flashes, and they needed to escape from this domain as soon as possible. For that, they need to deal with the muscle man.
Hanami, a sea of plants, grew out and launched towards the Todo army.
*CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAP*
However, the plants suddenly vanished, and four Todos surrounded Hanami.
[Black Flash!] x 4
All of them punched Hanami simultaneously, and the sparks of black flowed once again.
"...So beautiful..." tears came out of Todo's eyes as he saw the performance.
Without even realising it, Todo had entered the Zone.
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Do tell if you liked the domain.
Stone the fic.