Beyond the Veil | Yuji

12

┏━°⌜ 呪術廻戦 ⌟°━┓
CHAPTER 12
VESSEL
┗━°⌜ 呪術廻戦 ⌟°━┛

The air crackles with residual energy as my katana slices cleanly through the curse, its form dissipating into the ether with a final, echoing shriek. I stand there for a moment, panting lightly, feeling the adrenaline ebb away. I take a deep breath, savoring the sharp, metallic tang in the air that signifies another victory.

I turn towards Gojo, who is seated on a nearby rock, looking as if he hasn't a care in the world. His posture is relaxed, legs stretched out, and his hands delicately maneuvering a mochi into his mouth. His blindfold, a signature piece of his attire, hides his eyes, but I can almost feel the amusement radiating from him. The nonchalance with which he surveys the scene, as if this were a mere picnic rather than a battle against a curse, irritates me.

"Seriously?" I groan, trudging towards him, my limbs heavy with exertion. "You asked me to tag along yesterday, and now you let me do all the work while you sit here eating mochis?"

Gojo tilts his head slightly, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Well, you looked like you could use the exercise," he says, his voice light and teasing. He reaches into a small bag beside him and pulls out a mochi, extending it towards me. "Here, have a mochi. You've earned it."

I snatch the mochi from his hand, my expression a mix of frustration and reluctant gratitude. Despite my annoyance, the sweet, chewy treat is a welcome reward. I take a bite, savoring the sweet bean paste filling that momentarily distracts me from my irritation.

"You know," I say between bites, "a little help now and then wouldn't hurt. Or at least some actual training pointers instead of just sitting there."

Gojo leans back, a relaxed chuckle escaping him. "You're doing great, Little Firecracker. Besides, real experience is the best teacher. And don't worry, I'm keeping an eye on everything. If things got too rough, I'd step in."

I roll my eyes both for his nickname and his attitude, though a small part of me appreciates his confidence in my abilities. "Still, you could at least pretend to be more involved."

Gojo's grin widens. "You want me to cheer you on? Maybe do a little dance or sing a song like a cheerleader?"

I can't help but laugh at the image that conjures up. "No, thanks. Just try to be a little more... present."

As I finish the last bite of my mochi, Gojo's phone starts ringing. The sound cuts through the calm, immediately pulling my attention. I see the name "Megumi" flashing on the screen. Worry rushes through me. Did something happen?

Gojo answers the call with his usual nonchalant air, but his expression becomes more focused as he listens. He remains silent for most of the conversation, occasionally nodding or giving a brief "Mm-hmm" in response. I try to read his body language, searching for any signs of distress or urgency. My heart beats faster with each passing second.

"Stay there until you find the finger," Gojo finally says before hanging up.

I look at him questioningly, my concern evident. "Is everything fine?" I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.

Gojo turns towards me, his usual cheerful smile back in place. "Everything's fine," he says with a casual wave of his hand. "Megumi's just giving me an update. He's handling it well."

I'm not entirely convinced. The way Gojo shifts back into his relaxed demeanor feels almost too seamless. But I trust him, and I know he wouldn't downplay something serious. I let out a sigh, trying to push the worry from my mind. "Okay," I say, though my voice is softer, less sure.