Tonight we can take turns sleeping!
The patients aren't too complicated."
"Sounds good," I smiled at Fernanda's energy—my shift partner.
"I don't have any 2 a.m. meds, so I'll go first," said Cecilia, another coworker.
"Me neither. I can go in the first round," I replied, though I didn't like going first.
Between 3 and 6 a.m., I always felt a strange anxiety when I was awake watching over my patients.
Even after six months on the night shift, it still felt strange being away from home.
But then again, I'd spent years gaming and staying up late watching anime, so in a way, it came naturally.
After setting up the beds where we'd sleep, we lay down.
To help myself fall asleep, I played some relaxing music and opened Webnovel, as usual, to start writing.
But as always, I only wrote the first few lines of the next chapter…
As expected, I blinked—and when I looked around, I was in the room I'd imagined for Kuroha:
a clean, tidy desk, folded and perfumed clothes, spotless sneakers, and a small white cap.
"Wow… Yamikiri has never done anything like this,"
my mother's voice sounded worried on the other end of the line.
It was what snapped me back into awareness.
But as expected, my body reacted on its own.
I didn't have to do anything else—I just let the story carry me.
"I know. The master never told me about this kind of behavior."
It was comforting to talk to her, even if only by phone.
For Mom, Yamikiri's reaction to seeing Sukuna's vessel was also a surprise… but not entirely unexpected.
"We mustn't underestimate that warning.
Be very careful.
We don't know when he'll lose control.
That's why you must never be apart from her."
"Yes…"
"Changing the subject, the photos you took are beautiful,"
I could almost picture her smile.
"Who's the boy with the blindfold? He's very handsome."
"He's my teacher, Satoru Gojo."
"From the Gojo clan?
I think I was just starting talks to become the lady of the Mizuki clan when he was born.
He's grown so much… and now he's a very handsome young man."
I loved hearing her like that, with a lively voice.
But something made me uneasy.
"What were those famous talks about?"
"Well… they were to learn the family customs.
What I was supposed to do once I gave birth to the firstborn."
— And what were those customs?.— I knew that if I mentioned what I'd discovered, she'd get upset.
So I decided to test the waters.
— Your father told me I should avoid going out for a while. After having you, he asked me to stay in a room apart from the main building, to protect you. But then I got sick… and ended up isolated for my own health.
To some extent, it made sense. According to the records and what the Rift Master said, the strongest heirs of the clans were hidden. Large rewards were offered for them.
— Did they mention anything about faking your death?
— My death? No… I don't remember anything like that. Why?
— Well, in the Gojo clan, they do that.— I played a hidden card.
— Wow… no doubt that clan is more extreme.— I heard someone enter her room and ask for the phone.—Of course. Sweetheart, I have to hang up. They came for the phone.
— Yes, Mom. Take care.
The call ended. I sighed. Now I had more questions than answers.
It was hard to tell the difference between my own thoughts and Kuroha's. But what can you do? For now, I'll enjoy this new way of seeing my stories.
I wonder… Will I be able to dream of the other stories I once wrote? Looked at Yamikiri, resting against the nightstand. She was still radiating that chilling aura.
— Come, Yamikiri— I reached out to touch her— but she rejected me with a jolt of electricity. — Ouch… I see. You're still angry.
She didn't want to return to me.So I lay down on the bed and tried to sleep.
I was afraid of where they'd let me sleep,
but I was in a building separate from the others.
It didn't take long for me to drift off.
I found myself in a place too dark to see past the tip of my nose. At my feet, something wet and viscous reached up to my knees. I lowered my hand, touched it… and when I smelled it, I recognized the scent of blood. I froze. It was too vivid to be a dream.
— Eh…?
— Does a place like this scare you?.— A voice behind me made my skin crawl.
I turned slowly. In front of me, seated on a throne made of corpses, staring at me with contempt… was Sukuna.
—!!!— stepped back, trying to suppress the scream rising in my throat.
— Mizuki rat. You dared to threaten me… but you flinch when you see me face to face.
— …— I couldn't respond. Despair took hold of me, and I clenched my teeth.
He stepped down from his throne and approached. In appearance, he looked very much like Itadori… but he lacked the innocent, youthful aura of the boy I'd met.
— Hmm… They've sent someone quite interesting.— he whispered with a twisted smile.
My legs gave out. I fell to my knees before him.
— You have potential. Handling Yamikiri at that level is impressive. So when she awakens fully…
He leaned in. Took my chin between two fingers, forcing me to look at him.
— You'll have to entertain me.
— AAAH!!
I woke up with a jolt. I grabbed Yamikiri and pointed her in front of me, as if he were still there.
Sweat ran down my forehead. The pressure in my chest remained, as if something invisible were crushing my soul.
— Was this what you wanted to show me…?
I looked toward the window. It was already morning. Sunlight poured through the curtainless glass. The clock read 6:30 a.m. Outside, birds sang as if nothing had happened.
I stood up and began getting dressed for school. When I finished, I tried to call Yamikiri to rest… but she still refused to obey me.
I picked her up and strapped her to my back.
Luckily, she wasn't as heavy as she looked.
As I walked toward the building's exit, the clinking of her chains felt… comforting.
Just as I turned the corner, I ran into Itadori.
We stared at each other in silence. The boy in front of me didn't seem nearly as terrifying as he had in my dream.
—Uh… hi.— he said, trying to break the silence.
— H-hi. I'm sorry about yesterday.— I gripped Yamikiri's belt tightly.
— Heading to school?
— Yes. You too?
— Yeah. Shall we?
— Sure…
We walked together. The silence was awkward, especially after what I'd dreamed. Curiously, Yamikiri was unusually calm—even this close to him.
— What about the others?— I asked.
— They were called early for a mission.
— I see…
What was I supposed to do in situations like this? No one had taught me how to interact with people my age. It was harder than facing a curse.
— Gojo-sensei told me that when I saw you, I should let you know we're going on a mission too. But first, we have to go to school.
— All right.— I replied, a bit embarrassed.
After that, we didn't speak again until we arrived at the school. I sighed with relief as we entered the classroom. Gojo-sensei was waiting, seated at his desk.
— I'm glad to see you two getting along.— he said with a smile.
Getting along? Just because we arrived together… I don't think that means anything. Itadori smiled shyly and looked down. I, unintentionally, glared at Gojo-sensei. But he seemed to ignore it.
— All right, come closer. Let's go over the details.— he said, showing us the papers in his hands.— This mission is basically for the two of you. They say high-level curses are emerging in this cemetery. They believe it's because one of Sukuna's fingers is there.— He smiled with a malice that chilled me to the bone. We both froze.
— Looks like the higher-ups want to tempt fate. They want to see how much he can endure without losing control… now that we have the support of Yamikiri and the Mizuki family. Once it's secured, Itadori must eat it. And you, Kuroha… you'll have to watch him. And depending on the situation…
— I'll act accordingly.— I said, feeling a lump in my throat.
— Got it!.— Itadori replied beside me.
I looked at him, stunned. They were giving him a suicide mission. If he lost control… And yet, he accepted it with a smile.
Gojo-sensei stood up. Though he seemed carefree, his fists were clenched.
— All right, let's go, kids.
We descended in sepulchral silence to the car. They were already waiting for us.
During the ride, I kept glancing at the boy beside me. He looked far too calm—like we were heading to a school trip… not his own grave. I, on the other hand, had sweaty, trembling hands.
Itadori exchanged jokes with Gojo-sensei.
It felt like I was the only one truly worried.
I clenched my fist tightly, trying to hide my feelings.
We arrived faster than I expected. All around us, men in black suits and ties were running in every direction.
— We're here.
We got out of the car. Among them, one figure stood out—slightly taller than the rest. Not just because of his white suit, which looked expensive, but because of the overwhelming cursed energy radiating from him.
— Nanamin!.— Itadori called out cheerfully.
The blond man, perfectly groomed and serious in demeanor, turned to us.
— Welcome.— he said in a deep voice.
— Wow, I didn't expect to see you here.— we approached him.
—There are several problems with this place. That's why so many sorcerers have gathered…— He noticed me.— Hello, Kuroha. It's been a while.
—…?
Maybe I'd seen him on a mission before, but I didn't remember clearly. I decided to copy the name Itadori had used.
— Hi, Nanamin.
He seemed surprised by how I addressed him, but said nothing.
— It's good to have you here. Let me explain the situation.
We approached the large veil rising before us. Several people were struggling to keep it active.
— This veil prevents the curses from escaping. But as you can see, it's hard to maintain. If one manages to get out… it could cause a catastrophe. Inside, it's a real hell. Enter carefully.— We remained silent.
— We'll be waiting.— Gojo-sensei smiled, gesturing for us to go in.
We nodded and crossed the veil at the same time. The moment I stepped inside, a curse lunged at me. But Itadori intercepted it with a punch that disintegrated it.
— ?!— I froze. How could I not react? I'd forgotten a basic principle.
— Are you okay?.— The boy in front of me looked genuinely concerned. I barely managed to nod.— Kuroha…
— Yes?
— Don't worry about me. I'll keep him from taking control of my body. I want to live in peace.
— …
The boy who seemed naïve…
was more prepared for what was coming than I was— even though I'd trained my whole life for this moment.
— All right.
I unbound Yamikiri. The weapon glowed intensely, as if responding to the new conviction growing in my heart.
We launched into the attack. The curses were powerful, but I was surprised by Itadori's fighting style. He didn't use weapons, but his punches were precise— as if he'd been secretly training.
— I didn't think you could fight this well!
— Thanks!
But there were too many enemies to face alone.
— Yamikiri: Umbra!.— The weapon split into two small blades. — Careful, Itadori.
Realizing what I was about to do, he moved closer to me.
— Umbra: Dance of the Dead!.— The blades expanded. When I threw them, they created a dark tornado that lifted all the surrounding curses… and sliced them to pieces.
—Wooooaaaaah!! That saved us a ton of time.— he grinned.
— Right?
Now that we'd talked… it was easier to get along.
— Now… where would that thing be?
He scratched his head. The area was too wide, and the cursed presences made it hard to pinpoint. The tombs didn't help either.
I pulled one of Yamikiri's crystals and tossed it into the air. The small fragment began to move in a specific direction. We followed it to an old tomb, worn down by time. The crystal fell onto it, as if marking the spot.
— It's here.— I said, picking it up.
— How are we supposed to open this? It looks way too— Before he could finish, I had already raised Yamikiri and brought her down hard on the gravestone. He stared at me, surprised.
—Like this.— I murmured.
— Be careful. Cover yourself with this.
I handed him a small cloth handkerchief I always carried. He took it and placed it over his mouth and nose.
As he opened the coffin, a cloud of dust rose.
Inside, a modified corpse was clutching an old wooden box.
— I've got it…— he said, struggling to pull it free. — Come on, give it to me—ah, finally.
He climbed out of the grave and handed it to me. But before I could open it…
— S-sir…?
We both stared at the corpse. Its eyes had opened.
— Eh…?— we said at the same time.
The corpse slowly sat up. Its bloodshot eyes studied us carefully. It raised its hand and unleashed a gust of air that sent me flying, making me crash onto my left arm.
— Kuroha!
— S-sir… has returned.— the mummy's raspy voice was terrifying.
— Ugh…
I got up with effort. It had only thrown me, which was a small mercy. Itadori rushed to help me, while the mummy chased him. With each step, its body twisted and grew.
— Sir… I've waited so long for you.
— What is it talking about?.— Itadori growled.
— I think it's reacting to the finger you carry inside you…— Something clicked in my mind.— How many do you have with you?
— Uh… two.
— I see. That's why it senses your presence so strongly.
He helped me to my feet. I moved my arm.
— Agh, I think I broke it…— I whispered, clutching it.
— Allow me to rid you of this unworthy human before you.
It raised its hand toward me. But with a swift motion from Yamikiri, I severed its arm.
— Ah…?
— This thing must be the curse that was gathering the others. I'll finish it.
With its arm falling uselessly to the ground,
I lunged toward its head.
— Yamikiri, Lullaby!
From the slash, a moon emerged— then shifted into a crescent. It sliced the creature into two perfect halves.
But I hadn't counted on it regenerating.
— Filthy plague…
Its palm morphed into a massive blade.
It brought it down on me with terrifying speed. I raised Yamikiri to block the attack—
but before it could reach me, Itadori shoved me aside… and took the blow himself.
— Idiot! I could've blocked it!.— I ran to him. He'd lost his foot, and blood was pouring out.— Shit… shit…
I tore the sleeve of my blouse and tied it as a tourniquet.
— Are… you okay?
Even with his face twisted in pain, he was still worried about me.
— Idiot… don't throw yourself in like that. I was fine.— I tapped his forehead. He smiled warmly.
— The blood… my lord's blood…
The curse knelt down and began licking the blood from the wound.
— Ah… of all things, it had to be a blood-drinking curse.
— W-what do you mean?
— If it drinks the blood of someone stronger, it absorbs their power… and it drank yours.— As soon as it finished licking the blood and devouring the foot, it began to deform.
— I have to act before it absorbs him completely.
I drove Yamikiri into the ground before me. A moon formed around us.
— Domain… Blood Moon.
Everything turned black. Yamikiri transformed into a cherry blossom tree. But its petals were blood red. Behind us, a massive moon rose— deep and pulsing like a beating heart.
— B-beautiful…— the curse whispered.
As if summoned, the petals danced toward him, carried by an invisible breeze. When they touched him, he too turned into cherry blossom petals…
and vanished.
— That's enough.— I said, turning to Itadori.— I…
— Don't worry, look.— he showed me with a smile—his foot had grown back.
— Ah…?.— I blinked, surprised.
— Sukuna… well, one of his abilities is regeneration.
— Even so, prioritize your life. I was fine. Nothing would've happened to me.
— All right, all right… I'll keep that in mind.
I scanned the ground for the small box we'd dropped. I picked it up and handed it to him so he could open it. Resting on a red silk cushion was one of Sukuna's fingers.
— Well… bon appétit.
He took it without hesitation and popped it into his mouth.
— Ugh…
I grimaced. Eating someone else's finger couldn't be pleasant. I tried not to think about it too much.
We stared at each other in silence.
— Are you…?
He interrupted me. Raised his hand— and grabbed me by the neck.
— …?
— Hello, girl. We meet again.
The boy in front of me had changed. His eyes, once warm, now gleamed with coldness. His sweet smile… had twisted into something cruel.
— Ugh…
I tried to break free, but he'd lifted me off the ground. Without meaning to, I dropped Yamikiri, who pulsed wildly.
— I told you—next time, you'd better entertain me.
He looked around. Then let me fall and sat on a nearby tomb.
— Itadori?
— He's fighting inside me. Every time this happens, he tries to come back before I can enjoy the company of a lady.— he shrugged.
— …— I looked at Yamikiri, lying nearby. Slowly, I reached out to grab her.
— Don't move.— Just by saying it, I was frozen in place.— Come here.
— …
He smiled and beckoned me closer. I stood up and walked toward him.
— Attack me.— he said with a twisted grin.
— I-I can't.— I stammered.
— Why not?
— Itadori… I'd hurt him.— I said, clenching my fists.
— In a situation like this, you're thinking about your friend? Hahaha… you people really are amusing. But I won't show mercy.
Before he could grab me, i dodged out of reach and ran toward Yamikiri.
— Hmm…
He lunged at me, but this time I managed to block him with the blade and slashed, trying to gain space.
How long would I have to fight him?
— Itadori!.— I shouted.— You said you wouldn't let him take over— that you wanted to live in peace!
He grinned wickedly. Laughed out loud as he launched relentless attacks at me. He was insanely fast— I could barely deflect his strikes. And with only one arm, it was nearly impossible.
— Live in peace? He thinks he'll get that peace he longs for?
One day I'll take over his body… and I'll come for you, girl.
But before he could say anything else,
his attacks stopped. His face softened.
Itadori was back. I ran to him before he collapsed.
— Itadori?
— Sorry… did I take too long?
His weight pulled me down, and we both fell to the ground.
— Too long. But I'm glad you're back.— said, patting his back.
— Let's go… I don't want to stay here any longer.— he whispered, standing up.
— Are you sure?
— Yes. Once we get home… I'll be able to rest.
— …
He helped me up. I was still unsteady, so I slipped his arm over my shoulder, and we walked together.
Outside, everyone was waiting for us. More people had gathered— even some wearing the same uniform as us.
— Well?.— Nanamin asked in a serious tone.
— The finger is secured and…— I chose my words carefully.— He was able to assimilate it without losing control.
Inside me, Yamikiri pulsed violently. I knew she'd make me pay for lying. I tried to ignore the pain.
Itadori looked at me, confused. But with a glance, I asked him not to say anything. It would be a small secret between us.
"She lied to protect him. He stayed silent to protect her. The moon bore witness… and it will demand its price beneath its final phase."