"I didn't expect to actually encounter one, a Cursed Spirit of Grade 1 or higher."
A drop of cold sweat slid down Nanami's forehead as he reached for the equipment Eichi had given them with his left hand.
'Chances of winning... I don't know.'
This was Nanami's first time facing a Grade 1 Cursed Spirit. He had no idea how it would go.
'But with this equipment, I should at least be able to protect myself.'
However, to Nanami's shock—
The Utusunagami Cursed Spirit's fist slammed into the ground.
Rumble.
A wall of earth rose up, cutting off Haibara's escape route.
"Damn it."
The moment Nanami turned his attention to Haibara, the Cursed Spirit was already launching another attack at him.
A massive, stone-like fist came crashing toward his head.
Nanami only had time to raise his blunt sword horizontally.
Bang.
The Cursed Spirit's fist struck the sword with full force.
"Nanami!"
Seeing Nanami sent flying, Haibara immediately rushed over.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Haibara pulled the revolver from his waist as he ran.
It was modeled after the M500, the most powerful mass-produced handgun available.
With its high caliber and immense stopping power, it was commonly known as a "hand cannon."
It suited Jujutsu Sorcerers well. Strengthened by Cursed Energy, they didn't have to worry about the recoil breaking their wrists.
The Cursed Spirit's body was extremely durable, and they were close enough that all three bullets hit.
"Hehehe..."
That eerie laugh echoed once more.
The Utusunagami turned toward Haibara.
Rumble rumble.
Like a mythological giant, the stone-like Cursed Spirit charged forward, its presence heavy and oppressive.
"Nanami, damn it."
Seeing Nanami still close to the spirit, Haibara changed direction and ran deeper into the mountain.
He was trying to lure the Cursed Spirit away and clear a path for Nanami to escape.
Boom, bang bang.
"Hehehe..."
The Cursed Spirit's massive fists crashed down one after another around Haibara.
With his life on the line, Haibara's instincts kicked in.
The uneven terrain felt just like the ever-changing obstacle courses they had trained on.
Each strike, powerful enough to kill him, reminded him of Toji's punches—so painful, no one ever wanted to take a second one.
Bang bang!
Two more shots slammed into the Cursed Spirit's head.
Its laughter was now tinged with fury.
This little bug was getting on its nerves.
Every time it was about to catch him, that strange stick in his hand would make it flinch.
The Cursed Spirit raised both fists, then smashed them into the ground.
Rumble rumble rumble.
Its Technique activated, and the ground rippled like water.
Haibara stumbled and fell.
A massive shadow loomed overhead.
Looking up, he saw the Cursed Spirit right in front of him, its mouth wide open.
"Damn it, I'm terrified, but..."
Hands trembling, Haibara reached for the belt around his waist.
Inside were his last weapons—grenades Eichi had given them, powerful enough to injure a Grade 1.
With three grenades in hand, Haibara lunged at the spirit's gaping mouth.
'Dad, Mom, please don't let my sister become a Jujutsu Sorcerer. Nanami, live a long life.'
"Ahhh!"
"You idiot! It's not time to give up yet!"
Nanami's roar snapped Haibara out of his desperate haze.
Gripping his sword with both hands, Nanami struck with all his might at the Cursed Spirit's head.
Pshh.
Ten-Line Cursed Technique: Ratio.
Nanami's Technique divided an object into ten segments, creating a guaranteed weak point at a 7:3 ratio.
A hit on that weak point resulted in massive, critical damage.
His full-powered strike landed cleanly, cutting into the spirit's head and leaving a deep wound.
"Listen, Haibara, we're not out of options. I'll open a gap. You land the final blow."
With that, he tossed over a handgun identical to Haibara's, along with a bundle of grenades.
"But..."
Haibara was about to argue when he saw Nanami's right hand—wrapped tightly with torn clothing.
Even though Nanami's blunt sword was wider, it wasn't long enough to completely block the Cursed Spirit's massive fists.
His right hand was already twisted out of shape, pain radiating through every nerve.
Though not as badly injured, his left hand was also numb with pain.
He couldn't fight with a sword anymore.
So he had bound his right hand to the sword just to keep holding it.
"My life's in your hands."
With that, Nanami charged at the raging Cursed Spirit.
"L-leave it to me!"
Haibara bit his lip hard and forced the words out.
He understood. Nanami could no longer shoot. He was doing this for him.
Wiping away his tears, Haibara threw aside his empty revolver and picked up Nanami's.
Grenades in his left hand. Gun raised in his right.
His bloodshot eyes locked onto the Cursed Spirit's every move.
At this range, and after so much target practice avoiding Satoru, Haibara was sure he wouldn't hit Nanami by mistake.
Bang bang bang!
Head. Arms. Legs.
The Cursed Spirit's body was much larger, so it wasn't hard to land accurate shots while avoiding Nanami.
Bang!
A bullet struck the spirit's vacant eye.
It recoiled instinctively.
"Hmph!"
Nanami seized the opening.
Leaping high, he fought through the pain in both hands and drove the blunt sword into its remaining eye.
The spirit, howling in agony, swung a massive arm and sent Nanami flying.
Haibara heard the sound of bones breaking.
He pulled the pins from the grenades.
No screams. No final words.
Just pure resolve.
He threw six grenades into the gaping mouth of the Cursed Spirit.
The spirit reflexively clamped its mouth shut and tried to spit them out.
But it was too late.
Boom.
A thunderous explosion blew off its head. The shockwave tore through its neck and chest, leaving nothing behind.
Haibara dragged Nanami behind a tree and shielded him.
The explosion faded.
The Grade 1 Utusunagami Cursed Spirit had been exorcised.
(To be continued.)
◇◇◇
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)