The Waning (GojoHime) - Part 2

A New Strong(est) Duo? (Part I)

The moment they entered Michizane Sugawara's shrine together, Utahime felt the surge of malevolent energy that attempted to break free like a fist to the stomach.

Several things happened after that in quick succession.

First, as Utahime caught the fleeting glimpse of pure agony etched across Gojo's face before he swiftly concealed it, a pang of realization pierced her heart. It was the first time she had to admit that she may have made a capital mistake last year. She had forced the Strongest's hand because she had arrogantly assumed to know what was best for the world, and that it, by extension, was also best for him. She had wanted Gojo to be invulnerable due to the blessing of his Ancestor, only that she had never considered how high the price was going to be that he would have to pay.

Second, as she felt the familiar, threatening presence of the ancient spirit again, it dawned on her that her part in his story was bigger than she had wanted to admit. Much bigger. Their destinies were entangled, the threads of their lives intricately connected. He called to her through the fabric of time, trying to ensnare her soul for reasons she did not yet understand. The key to disentangle herself also seemed to be in Michizane's past. Hence her offering to him earlier: Her notes about Mai's history assignment about the strained relationship between the Gojo and the Zen'in Clans since the Heian Era.

Third, Gojo, sounding rather desperate, said: "Let's make a binding vow. You and I."

Nobody with a sane mind would refuse to enter a binding vow with someone of his stature. Moreover, they would wait to hear and then accept any terms stated without hesitation too because he had so much more to offer than any other living Sorcerer. Perhaps her mind wasn't entirely sane at that moment? Or perhaps it had never been saner.

"You," Utahime stepped up to him and took his hand, her heart pounding in sudden agitation. "Are such an idiot. I accept."

Without losing a second, she began to assert the terms of their agreement before he could seize control of the situation. Was she a bad person for doing this? It was a daring move, one driven by cunning and audacity and a dose of desperation, leveraging his current vulnerability to ensure her own interests were safeguarded.

Her voice did not waver. She did not allow herself to feel fear or uncertainty. She spoke the terms for Gojo so that it was either take it or leave it with no further negotiations. It was a gamble, but what important things in life weren't? She knew he was prone to jealousy - use that. She knew he had issues trusting her - use that. She knew he had removed her parents and his grandma from the country in anticipation of them being too vulnerable - use that. She knew he meant to protect her against the Zen'ins - use that. She also knew what she wanted: To live - free and without fear.

"Do you accept?" Confident of victory, Utahime extended her second hand towards him, her first already held in his vice-like grip.

"Yes," he looked stunned even with his blindfold on. Oh, she had made the terms very favorable for him, of course she had. He had to be wondering why. Not enough to refuse though. Good.

The force of his cursed energy snaking up her arm like an electric current was so painful she almost cried out. Gritting her teeth and pushing against it with her own powers, they sealed the deal. A tingling sensation crept along her skin, a subtle yet undeniable sign that the vow was beginning to weave itself into their souls, tying the firmest knots the Jujutsu world knew.

She had mere seconds to do her worst.

After all, there was a third party in the room, one she feared and needed to control before he managed to do even more damage.

What both these men, one living and one long since dead, didn't know was that the Iori family's cursed technique extended to a well kept secret. Alongside the ritual dance to enhance cursed abilities and a captivating voice capable of bringing temporary peace and ensnaring attention, there was an additional, closely guarded power she called her own: the ability to speak a lie so convincing it became indistinguishable from the truth.