𝐓𝐨𝐣𝐢 𝐱 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫: 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐲

Guilty

Toji Fushiguro stood before the mirror, his reflection morphing as he peeled away the illusion that had disguised him as Yamamoto Kenji. With meticulous precision, he shed the facade, revealing his true form beneath. As the transformation spell dissipated, Toji couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction mingled with a hint of amusement.

In the dimly lit room, his good friend and confidant, Shiu Kong, lounged on the couch, his eyes fixed on Toji with a mixture of curiosity and anticipation. "So, how did it go?" Shiu inquired, his voice laced with intrigue.

Toji's lips curled into a smug smirk as he recounted the events of the previous night. "Flawlessly. Y/N fell for it completely. She never suspected a thing."

Shiu arched an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "And did you manage to extract the information you needed?"

Toji nodded, a sense of triumph coursing through him. "Oh, I got more than just information. Y/N is a fascinating subject. That bitch even gave me her number."

Shiu chuckled, a knowing glint in his eyes. "You always did have a way with the ladies, Toji."

Toji's smirk widened, but beneath the surface, a pang of uncertainty gnawed at him. "This one is different, though," he admitted, his tone betraying a hint of introspection. "There's something about her that intrigues me. She was blessed with such a powerful cursed technique. That whore is lucky."

Shiu observed his friend's demeanor with keen interest. "Perhaps you're more attracted to her than you realize."

Toji's initial reaction was one of dismissiveness, but deep down, he couldn't shake the nagging sense of unease that accompanied Shiu's words. "Nonsense," he scoffed, though the denial rang hollow even to his own ears. "She's just an obstacle in my way. Didn't I tell you, that I don't like relationship-stuff? I want her dead."

Shiu regarded Toji with a knowing look, his expression tinged with a mixture of amusement and concern. "Whatever you say, heartless Toji. But remember, curiosity has a way of leading us down unexpected paths."

Toji grunted in acknowledgment, his mind already drifting to thoughts of his next encounter with Y/N.

"Just shut up, Shiu. You're getting on my nerves."

"Tsk."

As a response to that, Shiu began laughing.
"Speaking of relationships, how's Megumi doing?"

Toji's demeanor shifted subtly at the mention of his son's name, a flicker of emotion crossing his features before he schooled his expression into one of nonchalance. "Megumi?" he repeated, his tone casual. "Oh, my son. Right. Last time I heard from him, he was doing fine. He's five years old, why would he not be okay? He's probably playing with his dinosaur toy I gifted him a few weeks ago as we speak."

Shiu raised an eyebrow, sensing the underlying tension in Toji's response. "You don't keep in touch with him much, do you?"

Toji's jaw tightened imperceptibly, his gaze hardening. "Pfft, I try to. Life's though."

Shiu nodded, though the sympathy in his eyes was evident. "Fair enough. Just remember, he's still your son, Toji. Whether you like it or not."

Toji's expression darkened at the reminder, a flash of resentment flickering in his eyes before he masked it with a dismissive shrug. "Yeah, made the right decision by selling him off to the Zen'in clan."

Shiu watched Toji carefully, a sense of sadness tugging at his heart. Despite his friend's tough exterior, Shiu knew that there was a deep well of pain and regret hidden beneath the surface. But as much as he wanted to reach out and offer comfort, he knew that Toji was not one to easily accept such gestures. So instead, he simply nodded in understanding, letting the conversation drift to safer topics.

...

Shiu had offered his comrade to stay over and Toji hadn't rejected that offer. Of course he hadn't.

After having a midnight meal with Shiu, Toji decided that it was time to sleep. He said good night to his buddy and headed to the living room, where he would sleep on the couch.
But, Toji couldn't sleep. His thoughts prevented him from closing his eyes.

Despite Toji's protests earlier, while talking to Shiu Kong, he couldn't deny the pull Y/N exerted over him, nor the allure of the mysteries she embodied. Toji was getting angry at himself.

"Why do I keep thinking about her? She's just a fucking woman, get your shit together."

For now, he would push aside such distractions and focus on the task at hand. After all, emotions were a luxury he couldn't afford, and Toji Fushiguro was nothing if not pragmatic.