A curse in human flesh

Chapter 5

In the bustling streets of Vale, Sukuna, now a 16-year-old navigating the intricacies of a world reborn, strolled with an air of indifference, his steps unhurried and contemplative. The city's pulse echoed through the urban landscape, blending with the distant hum of conversations and the rhythmic footfalls that marked his solitary journey.

As Sukuna ambled through the crowded streets, his gaze flickered casually over the diverse tapestry of the city's inhabitants—each one absorbed in their own stories, their own struggles. The vibrant energy of Vale enveloped him, a mosaic of life playing out in the daily hustle and bustle.

Amidst the ebb and flow of the crowd, Sukuna's attention was drawn to a gathering of Faunus, their voices rising in unison, echoing a shared plea for recognition and rights. A makeshift protest unfolded before him, banners unfurled, voices raised in defiance against the shadows of discrimination that lingered.

While Sukuna didn't share the fervor for their cause, a subtle acknowledgment flashed in his eyes—a recognition of the importance of standing up against injustice. The mistreatment faced by Faunus had carved scars across the pages of history, and though he walked his own path, Sukuna harbored a disdain for those who perpetuated cruelty based on race or heritage.

He continued his leisurely stroll, weaving through the dynamic tapestry of the protest, indifferent to the specific cause but appreciating the resilience displayed by those who chose to voice their grievances. The air crackled with passion, and the banners held high bore witness to the unyielding spirit of those who sought change.

As Sukuna sauntered along, a certain defiance simmered beneath his composed exterior. The mistreatment of any group struck a chord within him, a testament to his centuries-old soul that had witnessed the ebb and flow of societal struggles. His own experiences, though distinct, fueled a quiet determination not to be a passive observer in the face of injustice.

Within the confines of their home in Vale, a subtle transformation was underway—a metamorphosis marked by the collective efforts of a family striving to mend the fractures of their shared history. Taiyang, once a seasoned Huntsman, had chosen to retire from the frontlines of battle, redirecting his focus towards a different kind of warfare—one waged within the intimate confines of family.

The retired Huntsman endeavored to be a better version of himself, a father figure who could navigate the complexities of parenthood with newfound understanding. The decision to step back from the relentless pursuit of external threats signified a commitment to internal healing, a choice to invest in the well-being of Ruby and Yang, and by extension, himself.

Ruby, the growing child that she is, navigated the delicate dance between adolescence and the challenges of a life now bereft of Summer's guiding presence. The void left by her mother's disappearance echoed in the quiet corners of their home. Yet, despite the uncertainty that lingered, Ruby grappled with the journey of embracing a semblance of normalcy.

In the midst of this familial recalibration, Sukuna stood as an enigmatic figure—a guardian whose ancient soul bore witness to the complexities of human existence. Despite the aura of strength and ruthlessness that surrounded him, there existed a softer facet, a vulnerability that revealed itself in the presence of the youngest member of the household.

Ruby, in her own unique way, looked up to Sukuna, not merely as a powerful entity but as a complex figure who embodied strength, wisdom, and an unexpected tenderness. The paradoxical nature of Sukuna's character was not lost on Ruby—the dichotomy between a feared sorcerer and a compassionate sibling, the embodiment of resilience and a protector with depths that transcended the tales of ancient curses.

In those quiet moments within their familial haven, Sukuna became an unwitting role model for Ruby, offering an unconventional blend of strength and empathy. He became a living testament that power need not extinguish compassion and that even the mightiest souls harbored vulnerabilities beneath their formidable exteriors.