SO guys this one is my second chapter and i
Am only writting this because of fun and to increase word count đ .
ENJOY
---
Chapter 2: Echoes of Fear
The abandoned hospital loomed like a forgotten graveyard, each hallway stretching into darkness. Mitsuo led Yuji, Nobara, and Megumi, his pulse quickening. He'd read the manga, seen the storiesâbut this wasn't just ink on paper anymore. Mahito was real, and Mitsuo knew just how much damage he could do.
The silence was suffocating, broken only by the steady thump of Yuji's footsteps behind him.
"Mitsuo, you're a little tense," Yuji whispered, grinning as if they were just out on another training exercise.
Mitsuo forced a smile. If only you knew what we're up against. "Just... stay close. And whatever happens, trust me."
They moved deeper, but the weight in Mitsuo's chest only grew. He wasn't just worried for himself; he was terrified for his friends, who had no idea the monster waiting for them.
Then, like an eerie whisper, laughter echoed through the halls.
Out of the shadows stepped Mahito, his grin stretching too wide, his eyes glinting with cruel delight. "Well, well," he drawled, his voice thick with amusement. "Gojo's little brats have come out to play."
"Who is this guy?" Yuji asked, brow furrowed.
Mahito's face twisted, feigning offense. "I'm hurt, truly. But no worriesâyou'll get to know me... intimately."
"Enough!" Mitsuo's voice was sharper than he intended. He couldn't let them know everything, but he had to protect them. "Yuji, don't let him get close. Megumi, call your shikigami. Nobara, keep your distance and aim to distract."
The others looked at him, puzzled by his urgency, but they followed his lead without question. Mitsuo took a steadying breath. He had to get this right.
Mahito chuckled, glancing at Mitsuo with a look that sent ice down his spine. "Oh? Someone's done his homework. Very interesting."
Before anyone could react, Mahito's arm elongated, transforming into a grotesque claw that shot toward Yuji.
"Yuji, move!" Mitsuo yelled, his heart pounding.
Yuji barely ducked in time, his eyes widening as the claw scraped past him, gouging deep grooves into the wall. "What... what kind of curse is this?"
"Watch him!" Mitsuo shouted, hoping they didn't hear the fear in his voice. "He's not like the others!"
Yuji steadied himself and launched forward, fist glowing with cursed energy. "Then let's find out what he's made of!"
His punch was fastâMitsuo could barely follow itâbut Mahito was faster, his body twisting, bending like liquid around Yuji's fist. Mahito's face broke into a wide grin. "Is that all?"
Mitsuo watched, his heart sinking. Mahito was playing with them.
"Megumi, now!" he yelled.
Megumi's shikigami, the massive black wolf, lunged at Mahito, teeth snapping at his legs. For a moment, Mahito was distracted, allowing Nobara to hurl a cursed nail directly at him. The nail struck, emitting a burst of energy that caused Mahito to wince.
"Got him!" Nobara exclaimed.
But Mahito only smirked, twisting his shoulder in a grotesque ripple, dislodging the nail as if it were nothing. He glanced at Nobara, his expression darkening. "You'll have to do better than that, little girl."
Nobara's eyes narrowed, and Mitsuo could see the frustration in her face. He wanted to say something, to reassure her, but there was no time. Mahito's attention had shiftedâto Mitsuo.
"So, you know my tricks, do you?" Mahito asked, stepping toward him, voice dripping with amusement. "I wonder... are you as clever as you seem, or just lucky?"
Mitsuo's blood ran cold. He knew what Mahito was capable of, knew that one touch could twist his soul into something unrecognizable. But he couldn't show fearânot now.
"Back off," Mitsuo said, summoning his cursed energy. Shadows swirled around his hands, forming jagged blades.
Mahito laughed, taking another step closer. "Oh, this is going to be fun."
Yuji darted in, his fist flying toward Mahito's face. But Mahito simply tilted his head, letting Yuji's fist sail harmlessly past. In one swift motion, he twisted his arm toward Yuji's exposed side.
"Yuji, watch out!" Mitsuo's voice cracked with desperation. "Don't let him touch you!"
Yuji managed to pull back just in time, his eyes filled with confusion. "Mitsuo, what's going on?"
"Just... trust me." Mitsuo could barely breathe. He was walking a tightrope, trying to keep his friends safe without revealing how he knew so much.
"Enough games," Mahito said, his voice dropping. He raised his hand, energy pulsing from his fingertips. The air grew heavy, pressing down on them like an invisible weight.
Nobara's face twisted in pain. "How... strong is he?"
Mitsuo clenched his fists, the shadow blades forming again. He glanced at each of themâYuji, Nobara, Megumiâand felt a surge of determination. They're counting on me.
"Yuji, Nobara, Megumiâwe can do this," he said, his voice steady. "Just keep your distance and stay alert."
Mahito's grin widened. "A little pep talk won't save you, boy."
In an instant, he lunged at Mitsuo, his fingers reaching out with deadly intent. Mitsuo's instincts kicked in. "Cursed Technique: Shadow Surge!"
A wave of dark energy burst from his hands, creating a barrier between him and Mahito. The impact sent Mahito stumbling back, his expression briefly faltering.
Mahito looked at him, genuinely intrigued. "Well, well... you're full of surprises."
"You have no idea," Mitsuo shot back, his heart pounding. He glanced at his friends, each one battered but still standing. They weren't just friendsâthey were family.
Mahito's face twisted in annoyance. "You think you've won something? I'm only getting started."
But before he could attack again, a faint chuckle echoed through the hallway. "Well, look who's in a bind."
Everyone turned to see Gojo standing casually at the entrance, his expression as relaxed as ever. Mitsuo's heart leaped with relief.
"Mahito, you're out of your depth," Gojo said, his smile never faltering. "Leave my students alone."
Mahito glared at him, frustration boiling beneath his calm facade. "We'll finish this later," he growled, melting into the shadows.
As Mahito's presence faded, Mitsuo felt the tension in his chest loosen. His friends looked at him, each one exhausted but alive.
Yuji clapped him on the shoulder. "Mitsuo, you're something else, you know that?"
Mitsuo forced a smile, trying to ignore the lingering fear. "I just didn't want any of you getting hurt."
Nobara punched him lightly on the arm. "Well, next time, let's skip the haunted house."
Mitsuo laughed, the sound shaky but real. He glanced at his friends, his heart swelling with a mix of relief and gratitude. They'd made it through this time. But he knew Mahito would be back.
And when he returned, Mitsuo would be ready.