𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗧𝗟𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗞 𝗔𝗚𝗘

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐘-𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐄 - HYPOTHETICALLY

"I was... just giving myself homework." As the pencil rolled from the desk onto the floor I reached for, grabbing it just before it hit the wooden surface of the ground.

"Sounds boring... sorry, but have you made any progress on your technique?" Asking with as much hope as I wished for Yuuta took the spot closest to me. From my knowledge, actual classes were going to start, instead of just warm ups and fighting we'd be instructed about the multitude of outcomes of missions and how to handle them. Realistically, this class was fairly important and something I paid attention to — improvements were greatly needed in my eyes.

"Uh... sort of." My tone was lighter yet still unsure and I set the pencil down after twirling it a few times. "I'm sure it eventually surface... is there anything you know of that I can help with?" I hummed in uncertainty to his question, my eyes wandering elsewhere for a minute. "Do you know anything about the Limitless cursed technique...?" I asked hopefully, though my tone still wavered with the boredom that drained me.

"Nope."

"Oh."

"Sorry."

"It's fine..." I mumbled leaning my head on my arms with fleeting hope. Looking back at the pencil I let out a sigh, dismayed. "If you need any help — or maybe just encouragement I'll be willing to help." He offered with a small smile.

"Thank you, I'll probably hold you for that offer considering how little I'm progressing." I mumbled slouching in my chair a little further, I was starting to despair reined as my thoughts grew away from a conclusion. "Well... don't loose hope, you'd be the only one. Most everyone trusts you know what you need to figure it out." I lifted my hand to flick at the pencil subconsciously— something I did out of disinterest. I lacked enthusiasm and confidence when it came to the repeating words of hope and trust. The narratives went on with how others had pride in what I could do — but I couldn't do anything, honestly.

Slowly the pencil returned to my hand, lagging as it neared my skin. "There's a lot of people who honestly believe in you."

————

An ability to slow time within a given radius.

That's only a hypothetical idea but if there's a possibility that it exists — that it is the ability that I hold — if could expand the barrier between me and everything else to capture a
more than just myself, I've basically won the fight.

If I were to strengthen my reflexes and accompany that with a time slowing ability, I wouldn't need my incredulity. Obviously there are tougher spirits and shamans that won't so easily be set-back so I shouldn't either, right? I'm on the verge of discovering my own capabilities — and for many long weeks I've lived in doubt of what I was really able to do. I subconsciously vowed myself not to give up, I've tried stepping out of my own comfort zone even when it's failed before. I'm sure it hasn't been obvious but I do want to try. I've made mistakes, I've created my own fears, and I want to get past them because I know it won't be good for anyone.

It's a struggle, I'm aware, and I know I'll be on the verge of giving up many more times than before — but I know that won't do me any good. Not with the real word or the jujutsu world.

I'm standing in the direct center of a dark line and I need to lift one foot up to completely step onto one side of the line and hopefully with confidence. I know I'm not able to take myself away from the world of jujutsu, consequences came with that, so I'm going to have to let go of the other side I lived on for all of my years. Normality must be forgotten, for the better of both sides. No matter my reluctance I'll have to understand most things weren't normal, and I was one of those things.

Abnormal and lost, it wasn't uncommon but it was unsettling. I was never comfortable but I wanted to try to fit in.

"In deep thought again? Does this mean you're actually listening to me?" Maki interrupted my thoughts with a teased remark. "I listen to you most of the time..."