Utusunagami is a type of land deity in Japan.
There are usually two types of Utusunagami: one is the ancestor of the local residents, and the other is a guardian deity worshipped and offered sacrifices by villagers.
However, as science has advanced and people's understanding of the world has grown, their faith in deities has become increasingly diluted.
The Utusunagami, once revered and honored by countless worshippers, had been abandoned by the villagers.
Some even blamed the village's stagnation on the Utusunagami's failure to protect them.
A surge of negative emotions flooded the dilapidated shrine, eventually giving birth to a malevolent deity that devoured all outsiders.
"Good morning, Nanami."
Waiting by the car, Haibara greeted him enthusiastically the moment he arrived.
"Good morning. Have you been waiting long?"
"No, I just got here too."
Haibara smiled brightly.
After the two got into the car, the Assistant Supervisor started the sedan smoothly and began briefing them on the mission.
"According to our observations, a Grade 2 Cursed Spirit has appeared in a village..."
Haibara and Nanami listened carefully to the information being relayed.
"Understood. Leave it to us."
Haibara patted his chest confidently.
"Haibara, don't be careless. A Grade 2 Cursed Spirit is still dangerous for us."
Though Nanami shared the same level of confidence, he reminded Haibara to stay cautious.
"Don't worry, Nanami. After going through hellish training with our seniors, I feel a lot stronger. I can even handle a Grade 2 on my own now, so you don't need to worry."
Haibara had clearly misunderstood.
"I just wanted to remind you to be careful."
"Oh, that's what you meant? Hahaha..."
Realizing his mistake, Haibara scratched his head awkwardly.
"Hell training, huh..."
If Nanami had to pick the most memorable part of that training, it would definitely be their butts.
First, Eichi released the Shikigami, Tiger Funeral, to chase and bite them in the rear.
Then there were Toji's attacks—so painful that no one wanted to get hit a second time.
The worst part was that Toji, whether on purpose or not, would often kick them in the butt if they slowed down during combat.
And finally, there was Satoru.
That wiggling backside of his, taunting yet impossible to land a hit on, was infuriating.
Even someone as composed as Nanami couldn't help but want to ambush Satoru and knock him flat.
Several hours later, the three arrived at a rural shrine.
"This is the location?"
"Yes. According to the report, the target is inside the shrine on the mountain."
"Leave the Cursed Spirit to us. We'll trouble you with the Curtain."
The Assistant Supervisor nodded repeatedly.
Jujutsu Sorcerers often had unpredictable personalities. Courteous and polite ones like Nanami and Haibara were truly rare.
"Emerge from the darkness, blacker than darkness. Purify that which is impure."
The Curtain descended, concealing the area, and the figures of Nanami and Haibara disappeared from view.
'Please return safely.'
The Assistant Supervisor offered a silent prayer.
"Do we really need this gear just to deal with a Grade 2? Why do we always carry it?"
Haibara glanced at the equipment strapped to his waist.
This was what Eichi had given them after training, with the instruction to use it only against Grade 1 or higher.
"We have no reason to reject a senior's goodwill. Besides, it doesn't hinder combat."
Even Nanami was a bit puzzled.
Usually, he and Haibara handled Grade 3 and Grade 2 Cursed Spirits.
They'd tackle Grade 3 targets solo, and work together for Grade 2.
Missions involving semi-Grade 1 or higher were assigned to Eichi's team by Headquarters.
He and Haibara had never encountered a Grade 1 before.
But Eichi was adamant they carry the gear.
He had warned them that Cursed Spirit activity was at a seasonal peak and anything could happen.
As they spoke, the two followed the mountain path, passed through a weathered torii gate, and arrived at the old, decaying shrine.
Inside sat a massive, ominous figure.
Its appearance was eerily similar to the broken Utusunagami statue beside it.
"Target confirmed. Beginning exorcism."
Nanami drew his blunt sword, wrapped in ofuda, and began to assess his approach.
"Leave it to me."
Haibara had already charged forward.
He believed he could finish off a Grade 2 without Nanami's help.
With fingerless gloves on, he surged ahead, his fist cloaked in Cursed Energy.
The towering Utusunagami Cursed Spirit stirred, finally aware of their presence.
The kind smile that once defined the land deity twisted into something hideous.
Bang.
Haibara's punch landed squarely on its stomach.
"Ouch!"
Pain exploded through his fist, making him instinctively pull back.
"No, get back!"
Nanami immediately sensed something was wrong.
The moment Haibara made contact, he felt it.
'The aura's off. This isn't a Grade 2.'
Nanami rushed forward.
The Cursed Spirit's huge fist, crackling with strength, crashed into Haibara.
"Pfft."
Haibara was sent flying.
"Haibara!"
Nanami reversed his grip, opened his arms, and caught him before he hit the wall.
Without that, Haibara would've suffered further injury.
Thanks to Nanami cushioning the blow, he managed to land safely.
"Tha-thanks, Nanami..."
Blood ran from the corner of Haibara's mouth as he stared at the Cursed Spirit.
"Haibara, we need to retreat."
Nanami's voice trembled slightly.
"Huh?"
Haibara blinked in surprise.
"This is a Grade 1. We can't handle this. The right move is to retreat immediately and report the situation."
He grabbed Haibara and turned to run.
"Hehehe..."
A chilling laugh echoed behind them.
The Utusunagami surged forward, impossibly fast.
"You go ahead. I'll be right behind you."
Nanami yanked Haibara's arm and hurled him out of the shrine's main chamber.
Then, with a swing of his blunt sword, he intercepted the incoming attack.
Clang. Bang.
His blade bit into the Cursed Spirit's fist, but it got lodged.
With a sudden jolt, the spirit flung Nanami aside.
'Haibara's almost out. But just to be safe, I need to buy him more time.'
Glancing at the staggering Haibara making his way to the exit, Nanami made a decision.
"I didn't expect to actually run into one... a Grade 1 Cursed Spirit."
(To be continued.)