Chapter 5: Into the Abyss of Power
The training grounds lay quiet, shrouded in the golden light of dawn, casting long shadows as Kazumi prepared himself. Today, he had resolved to make an impact, to close the insurmountable gap that stretched between himself and the most powerful sorcerer in the world, Satoru Gojo.
As he stepped onto the grounds, he found Gojo already waiting. The usually lighthearted grin was still there, but something in Gojo's posture felt different—a seriousness Kazumi had rarely witnessed. This wasn't going to be an ordinary training session. Today, Gojo wanted him to give everything.
"Alright, Kazumi," Gojo called, his tone carrying both warmth and challenge. "No more holding back. Show me the best you've got."
Kazumi inhaled deeply, the crisp air filling his lungs as he braced himself. "This time, I won't hold back either, Gojo-sensei."
The moment the words left his lips, Kazumi surged forward, every ounce of his cursed energy crackling around him like bolts of electricity. Each step left a small crater as his feet pounded against the ground, propelling him toward Gojo with blinding speed. He threw a punch, his cursed energy amplifying the force behind it, the air around his fist distorting under the sheer power.
But Gojo's form blurred, sidestepping his attack with a casual grace that bordered on arrogance. Kazumi's fist struck only air, the momentum nearly throwing him off balance as he stumbled forward.
"You're fast," Gojo remarked, his tone casual but with an edge of critique. "But speed alone doesn't mean much without control."
Kazumi's frustration mounted, the familiar ache of inadequacy clawing at him. Gritting his teeth, he steadied himself, fists clenched tight. This time, he pivoted, launching a barrage of strikes in rapid succession. Each punch, each kick, carried every bit of his cursed energy, the ground beneath them cracking under the relentless onslaught.
But it was no use.
Gojo moved like water, flowing around each attack, his form a mirage of untouchable strength. With a flick of his wrist, Gojo countered Kazumi's final strike, deflecting it effortlessly and sending Kazumi staggering backward. The force rattled through his bones, leaving his arm numb and his spirit bruised.
"Come on, Kazumi." Gojo's voice was almost taunting. "If this is all you have, you'll never close the gap."
Kazumi's chest tightened, frustration giving way to a simmering anger. He could feel his cursed energy building, responding to his emotions, but it wasn't enough. Gojo was still beyond his reach, a mountain too high to climb, no matter how much power he summoned.
"You'll need more than raw strength if you want to challenge me," Gojo continued, his tone calm but cutting. "If you want to surpass your limits, you'll need to understand your cursed energy on a different level. Push beyond what you know."
The words struck him, an electric spark jolting through his mind. Gojo's advice was as infuriating as it was insightful. There was something deeper in his cursed energy—something he hadn't fully grasped, hadn't yet unlocked.
The memories flooded his mind then, blurring together like a violent storm—the echoes of another life, his previous knowledge of Jujutsu Kaisen, glimpses of battles yet to come. They ignited a powerful feeling within him, one that stirred his soul in a way he hadn't felt before.
His mind went blank, and in that emptiness, he felt a resonance deep within—a force, raw and untamed, waiting to be unleashed. Kazumi's heartbeat slowed, each beat ringing in his ears like a war drum as he stepped forward, his cursed energy shifting, twisting into something darker, something more potent.
It was as if his very soul had awakened, and his cursed energy transformed, intensifying into a lethal aura that crackled with malevolent strength. He could feel everything—the weight of his past, the responsibilities of his present, and the shadow of a future he could change.
He called it: "Fury of the Forsaken."
With a deep, guttural roar, Kazumi unleashed the technique, his cursed energy expanding outward in a fiery blaze. The once calm, restrained force within him now erupted into a maelstrom of pure, chaotic power. A crimson aura enveloped him, his cursed energy taking form around him, laced with shadow-like wisps that moved as if alive. He felt invincible, an unstoppable force born from both his knowledge and his desire to protect the people he'd come to care about.
The ground cracked beneath him as he charged forward, his new technique pushing his cursed energy to its limits. He didn't hold back this time—every punch, every movement, was fueled by an all-consuming rage. The sky itself seemed to darken as he attacked with relentless fury, each strike carving through the air with a sound like thunder.
But Gojo remained calm, his blindfolded gaze unyielding as he watched Kazumi's technique unfold. For the first time, Gojo shifted into a defensive stance, his Infinity flickering as Kazumi's attacks came dangerously close. He could feel the strain of Kazumi's cursed energy, the raw power behind each strike. Yet, no matter how much Kazumi poured into his attacks, Gojo evaded them, slipping through his strikes with fluid precision.
Kazumi's frustration reached a boiling point, his energy spiking dangerously high. He pushed his technique to its absolute limit, his vision blurring as he went deeper into his berserk state, his cursed energy surging out like a tidal wave. For a moment, he thought he saw Gojo falter, a split second where he believed he could break through.
But then, in a blur of movement, Gojo countered, his hand reaching forward and stopping Kazumi's fist mid-swing. The impact jolted through Kazumi's entire body, freezing him in place. Despite everything, despite his newfound power, he couldn't break past Gojo's Infinity.
Kazumi's cursed energy flickered, his strength wavering as exhaustion set in. His body trembled, his breath heavy, and he finally collapsed to his knees, his vision darkening as his technique faded.
Gojo crouched down before him, his voice low and steady. "Kazumi, you've taken a step forward—a big one. But remember, power isn't just about raw energy or rage. True strength is knowing when and how to use it."
Kazumi looked up, feeling a mixture of frustration and pride. Gojo's words echoed in his mind, settling deep within him. He had unlocked something today, a power he didn't fully understand but could now harness, something he knew would change the way he fought.
Gojo smiled, his hand resting on Kazumi's shoulder. "You're growing, Kazumi. Today, you faced your own limits and shattered them. But there's still a long way to go." His tone softened, carrying a rare sincerity. "You're on the right path, and you'll only get stronger from here. Just remember that the greatest sorcerers don't fight for themselves. They fight for those they care about."
A new resolve blossomed in Kazumi's chest, his exhaustion fading in the warmth of Gojo's words. He knew now that Fury of the Forsaken was more than just a technique; it was a reflection of his determination, his will to protect.